Evince Magazine September 2015 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

Evince Magazine Page 1

Meg Stevens Inviting All to AUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homecoming Page 3

Dipal Pandya

Planning a Traditional Wedding Page 6

September 2015

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

Page 2

Editor’s Note

“Look in your own backyard,” says Meg Stevens, Averett’s Athletic Director, referring to the diversity of cultures found on the AU campus. She’s pictured on the cover and her story, Inviting All to Averett’s Homecoming, is on page 3. I took her advice and attended the wedding of Dipal Pandya and Rahul Karamchandani also pictured on the cover. Read Planning a Traditional Wedding on pages 6 and 7 for a glimpse into the celebration of a traditional Hindu wedding in Danville. Another multi-cultural story is told on page 22, Ellie Honea: Communicating with Words and Notes. She alternates between living in Danville and Japan. On page 28, Linda Lemery writes about a visit with relatives in Denmark and a surprising discovery that involved crawling into a hole in the side of a hill to meet her ancestors! Kim Clifton will probably never leave the country again after a noteworthy encounter with airport security. Read Flying by the Seat of My Pants on page 9. Stephanie Ferrugia completes her international assignment by ﬁnding healthy food at San Marcos Mexican Restaurant (page 12). Dave Slayton sips a little sake from Japan in Wine Spot on page 25 and Annelle Williams has a recipe for Vietnamese Chicken Salad on page 29. Book reviewer, Diane Atkins knows that no matter where you reside, it’s important to Love Where You Live. Read her comments on page 24 and then visit with the author of the book on September 22 (See ad page 5). Be sure to attend some of the activities listed in Calendar Clips and in Let the Seasons Begin, because they are all just a few minutes away in your own backyard.

September Contents

Editor’s Note

Meg Stevens / Inviting All to AU’s Homecoming by Cecilia Yeager

She Said He Said / Go Boomers Go by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham

Dipal Pandya / Planning a Traditional Wedding by Joyce Wilburn

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Leisa Royster

Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com

Second Thoughts / Flying by the Seat of My Pants by Kim Clifton

Associate Editors Larry G. Aaron (434.792.8695) larry.aaron@gmail.com

President Director of Sales & Marketing Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com

Jeanette Taylor Contributing Writers

12 Food for Thought by Stephanie Ferrugia 13 Cycling on Danville’s Art Trail (Part II) by Liz Sater 15 Change Starts Within / Get It Done! by Ciji Moore 16 Calendar Clips 20 Let the Seasons Begin 22 Ellie Honea / Communicating with Words and Notes by Joyce Wilburn 24 Book Clubbing / Love Where You Live a review by Diane Adkins

Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont)

26 They’re Back by Mack Williams

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

27 What’s Happening in the PCP Libraries 28 Reﬂecting Forward / Meet Your Ancestors! by Linda Lemery

Deadline for submission of October stories, articles, and ads is 5 p.m. on Monday, September 21. Submit stories and articles to: joycewilburn@gmail.com. Submit calendar items by Tuesday, September 15, at 5 p.m. to www.showcasemagazine.com for Evince and Showcase. For ad information contact a sales associate or sales manager above.

29 Around the Table Midtown Market Chicken Salad by Annelle Williams 30 Photo Finish

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

Marketing Consultants Kim Demont (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net Lee Vogler (434.548.5335) lee@showcasemagazine.com

25 Wine Spot / Sake: Is It Wine? Beer? by Dave Slayton

Photo of Meg Stevens by Michelle Dalton Photography

Diane Adkins, Wayne Alan, Cara Burton, Kim Clifton, Cathy Cole, Ina Dixon, Stephanie Ferrugia, Mary Franklin, Adam Goebel, Gary Grant, Cherie Guerrant, Kendra Hardy, Dena Hill, Judy Hunter, Ann Kirby, Clarissa Knight, Sarah Latham, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Ciji Moore, Larry Oldham, Susan Paynter, Janet Roberson, Leisa Royster, Liz Sater, Dave Slayton, Gary Sullivan, Trena Taylor, Emily Tomlinson, Melanie Vaughan, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams, Mack Williams, Cecilia Yeager

Business Manager Paul Seiple(1.877.638.8685) paul@evincemagazine.com

18 Calendar

Photo of Rahul Karamchandani and Dipal Pandya by KG Photographics, Inc.

INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks

10 Tough / Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg

On the Cover:

THE

Editorial Policies:

Brewster Walk

Uptown Martinsville See page 20 See page 14

Meet Some of Our Contributors

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

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Clarissa Knight is chair of the 150th Anniversary of High Street Baptist Church.

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Cecilia Yeager is a Galileo alumna and currently a junior at Old Dominion University. She is a hopeful communications major, studying to become a journalist.

Trena Taylor is the acquisitions/reference librarian at Danville Public Library, and a 14-year participant in National Novel Writing Month.

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Evince Magazine Page 3 turnout of over 3,000 people at last year’s homecoming has Meg excited about what it will be like this year. “Get here early,” she advises, “and support your hometown university.” October 2-3 is a great time to follow Meg’s suggestion and see what’s in your own backyard.

Meg Stevens

Inviting All to AU’s Homecoming by Cecilia Yeager AU Athletic Director, Meg Stevens, and Emma Olsson, graduate assistant to the Director of Activities, sort through homecoming paraphernalia. Olsson is a native of Sweden. Photos by Michelle Dalton Photography.

ave you ever thought of Danville as a tiny melting pot? Sometimes assumptions are made that a city with a small population equals less diversity. Meg Stevens, Averett University’s Athletic Director disagrees. “Come and see what’s in your own backyard,” she enthusiastically encourages anyone who will listen. Averett has approximately 43 international students from all around the world and many are recruited to play on athletic teams at Averett including men’s and women’s soccer, tennis, basketball, and golf. “There’s a great mix of students coming from Europe, South America, and other foreign countries to live and study here,” Meg says. About half of the international students play sports and each one brings diversity and “something unique not only to campus, but to athletics.” Meg is excited to see students from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds learn from one another and work together as a team. When asked

how the Averett student body responds to incoming international students, Meg replies, “It’s nothing new for us. It’s so much a part of our culture, we don’t think about it. It’s part of who we are.” The New York native has been a part of the AU family since 2013. She grew up playing multiple sports including soccer, track, and lacrosse, but it was while she was an undergraduate at Cortland State and a graduate student at Buffalo State that her passion for lacrosse grew. That led to a 12year collegiate coaching position. She went on to work as a student athlete for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and later received an internship at the Women’s Sports Foundation. “It was experience after experience that put me in a really good position to ﬁgure out where I wanted to be, what that next step would be and where I’d be happy and feel like I was making a difference,” she says. That was her goal when she moved to Danville and started working at Averett. “It’s the perfect place and the right time. Averett is the right ﬁt for me,” she adds.

As October approaches, Meg can be found prepping for several events that will happen during Averett’s homecoming weekend. Family-friendly festivities will run throughout the week prior to the football game on Saturday and are open to the public. The large

• AU international students come from Colombia, Dominican Republic, England, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, Haiti, Iraq, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Sweden and others. • For more information, visit www.averett.edu or call 434.791.5600. For up-tothe-minute homecoming information, visit www. facebook.com – Averett University Alumni – Danville Chapter or www.averett.edu/ homecoming. • Friday, October 2: 6:30 p.m. Homecoming Hometown Party at the Danville Community Market. $25 ticket includes dinner, beverages and the music of Smoke ‘n Guns. Skip the dinner and enter after 8:00 p.m. for $15. • Saturday, October 3: 2:00 p.m. Tailgate Alley (North Campus off Mt. Cross Road). Arrive early and arrive together to park near each other. Preferred parking can be reserved at www.averett.edu/Homecoming. If the parking lot is full, ride the shuttle from the Danville Mall starting at 3:00 p.m. • Saturday, October 3: 5:00 p.m. AU vs. LaGrange Tickets are $5 at the gate.

Meg Stevens takes a minute to watch the AU football team practice.

Page 4

September 2015

SHE SAID

HE SAID

by Dena Hill

by Larry Oldham

Go Boomers Go Last month in Time magazine, there was an article about a big box store that was doing away with gender signs. In other words, there won’t be any more signs that say certain toys are for boys and other toys are for girls. I agree with that. But I draw the line when there is talk about single-stall bathrooms with Unisex on the door instead Women or Men. I have enough trouble keeping our bathrooms clean. I sure don’t want to take on the entire male population.

Good observation and I agree with you whole heartedly. I will now give you my opinion about the future of the world. It stinks. Here is the way I see it. Our children are all grown. You and I have lived through the most changes in technology, music, climate, politics, terrorist attacks, the stock market, education, and more. We survived.

Our children are now adults with children of their own and they have a responsibility to teach their children to become the future leaders of the world. All of this Hopefully, political you and I correctness have instilled is sort of in them the getting out of beauty of hand, don’t life, honesty, you think? My integrity, daughter can love, reading, play basketball writing, as well as any choosing man. Although their own a one-on-one religion and with Michael how to make Jordan might the right Photo by prove to be Michelle Dalton Photography. decisions difﬁcult, she in most can take on situations. any street Are they going to fail sometimes? player and probably beat him. Does Yes. That’s called the school of this make her a man? No. Does this hard knocks and it’s valuable. We make her want to wear brogans and can’t control them and we can’t chew tobacco? I don’t think so. She control the future of the world. can be a lady and still do some of So if our grandchildren or great the things that her brothers do. grandchildren use the same bathroom, start a new political party Your son likes to cook (traditionally or quit work and turn out to be lazy, a female role) and is good at it, there is nothing that you nor I can but he still plays drums in a rock do about it. All we can do is what band (traditionally a male role.) we have already done and hope for I think we should stop trying to the best. satisfy everyone by integrating all

She said He Said

children into one person; it seems challenging at most and deﬁnitely confusing to them. Why not teach the boys to cook and the girls to play sports, and let them work out who they want to be and what they want to do?

There is one more choice though. We can come back to haunt them and make their lives miserable. Wait a minute. Maybe that has already happened and that’s why the world is traveling in the wrong direction. Aren’t you glad that we were both born when we were? Go boomers go is what I say.

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

Evince Magazine Page 5

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September 2015

The groom, Rahul Karamchandani, arrives a their happiness and acceptance of the bride. Photo by KD Photographics, Inc.

magine a traditional wedding in Danville. Do you see a groom riding a decorated white horse? the bride dressed in red and gold? Probably not. However, add the word Hindu to that ﬁrst sentence and the vision becomes clearer of what happened on a recent, hot, humid Saturday at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. A few days before Dipal Pandya’s wedding, the Danville native takes time to explain the symbolic rituals of the Hindu wedding ceremony and the events that precede it. “The wedding is usually a three-day event. It’s all about getting people together and receiving blessings from your family and friends,” she says, noting that the groom’s relatives would be traveling from Michigan and other guests were coming from as far away as India, Canada, and England. Dipal’s marriage to Rahul Karamchandani is seen as a spiritual union of two people in addition to the joining of two families so it’s important for the extended family to attend. The females in the family gather two days before the wedding for a mendhi, where henna is applied

Dipal Pandya

Planning a Traditional Wedding by Joyce Wilburn in intricate designs to their hands and to Dipal’s feet and arms. “It’s like a bridal shower because the women are getting together to do the henna,” she says, adding that it will stay on for ﬁve to ten days. “It

will take about four to six hours for it to be applied to me, so I’m lucky to have Rahul there to pamper and feed me,” she says, smiling. (Maybe his name is hidden in the decorative pattern?)

Rahul is escorted by the parents of the bride, Dr. Bhushan and Mrs. Rashmi Pandya. Photo by KD Photographics, Inc.

The day before the ceremony, family members gather at the bride’s home to say prayers asking for blessings on the couple and for the removal of any obstacles to their marriage. That is followed by a pithi ceremony. “A paste of rose water and other special ingredients is put on me by my family and girl friends. It’s like when women have facials. In India they might not have the money to do that, so they obtain the wedding glow by using this paste. It’s another way of giving their blessings to the bride,” says Dipal. A reception with music and traditional dancing follows in the evening. “My dad has an amazing voice and he’s going to sing,” she says with excited anticipation. The party for 300 could continue until midnight but the celebration is just beginning. The next day, family and friends gather to watch a romantic story unfold that begins when Rahul rides in on a white horse to meet the bride’s parents, Dr. Bhushan and Mrs. Rashmi Pandya. After Rahul is escorted inside, the wedding begins. The ceremony is ﬁlled with symbolism, rituals, tidbits of comedy and active participation by guests. The sacredness of the event is highlighted by the father of the

Evince Magazine Page 7

The atrium at the Institute for Advance Learning and Research is transformed for the wedding with seating for 450 guests. Chairs for the bride and groom and their parents are in the mandap (wedding altar) which represents the Universe. Each of the four pillars of the mandap signiﬁes one of the four purposes of life: prosperity, spiritual way of living, pleasure and duty, and enlightenment. Photos by Tony Watts Photography.

bride when he comments, “I am reminded of something Helen Keller said, ‘The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot

be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.’ The newlyweds, our friends and family felt this event with their hearts. Many of our Christian and Jewish friends point out the similarities between this wedding and Christian and Jewish rituals-- especially the vows and commitment that both the bride and the groom make with love as partners and equals.” These snapshots tell the rest of the story. Congratulations to Dipal and Rahul on their traditional Hindu wedding in Danville, Virginia.

The groom, Rahul Karamchandani, arrives at the Institute on a horse accompanied by his family and friends. Photo by Tony Watts Photography.

Rahul and Dipal sit in the mandap. Dipal’s parents show honor and acceptance by washing Rahul’s feet and offering him a blend of yogurt and honey. Rahul’s shoes are playfully stolen and he can’t leave until he finds them. Photo by Tony Watts Photography. Before the newly married couple were showered with flower petals, several rituals were performed: Dipal’s parents joined their hands; a colorful cotton thread was offered around the neck joining them; the priest tied a knot in a piece of cloth connecting Dipal and Rahul; the couple walked around the sacred fire seven times signifying different aspects of their lives together; they took seven symbolic steps together representing the promises they made to each other; they fed sweets to one another; Rabul placed a gold-and-black bead necklace around Dipal’s neck as a gesture of his love; they exchanged rings; Rahul placed orange/red powder in the center part of Dipel’s hair symbolizing her as a married woman. Photo by Tony Watts Photography.

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September 2015

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Evince and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce want to encourage and recognize exception customer service. When someone gives you exceptional service, please let us know. In 300 words or less, tell us what happened. Email your story to joycewilburn@gmail.com or chamber@dpchamber.org. It’s a nice way to show appreciation for a job well done. We look forward to hearing from you. by Leisa Royster As owner of Main Street Coffee Emporium, I spend a lot of time at our local Sam’s Club. Most trips are routine—grab a flatbed cart, fill it to overflowing, check out, and zoom straight back to work. One recent visit was anything but ordinary. About two-thirds of the way through shopping, I was surprised by the announcement coming over the p.a. system. They described a vehicle, gave the license plate number and parking location, and informed listeners that the vehicle had a flat tire. It was mine. I grabbed the last few items on my list, paid for my cart full of things and headed out to the parking lot, unsure of how I would get myself and all my stuff back to work. To my absolute shock, Ben Jackson, tire technician from the tire department, had heard the same announcement. He was kneeling beside the back tire, filling it with a portable air tank. He said he would finish filling it, if I would drive over to an open garage bay. I was able to return to work promptly and without incident thanks to Ben’s quick thinking and willingness to go above and beyond. Later in the week, my husband returned to purchase tires from Ben and the great crew in the service department at Sam’s Club. Ben Jackson definitely exemplifies exceptional customer service and deserves the Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Award.

Evince Magazine Page 9 without any kind of modesty cloth. My sister, Diane, was so stunned by the sight that she missed the last step off the porch and tore her rotator cuff. While I stood in the lobby ﬂat broke, she was down on the sidewalk, ﬂat and broken. Turns out that wasn’t going to be the lowest part of our journey.

Robert and Kim look relaxed before going through airport security.

Flying by the Seat of My Pants “If I ever get back to Georgia, I’m gonna nail my feet to the ground,” said comedian Lewis Grizzard. I never met him, but I suspect we could have been fast friends. He knew what it felt like to be a stranger in a strange land and so do I. I’m no jetsetter, having only been to a foreign place one time; well, two times if you count Canada. Actually, make that three. There was that afternoon I wandered all over Hobby Lobby trying to ﬁnd chevron ribbon for a friend. Turns out it has nothing to do with gas stations. Getting into another country isn’t hard. Getting out of it is, especially the tiny island of St. Lucia. I know this from experience. Lucia’s not as popular as her sainted brothers, Thomas, John, and Martin, but she’s got lots of appeal. Not only have two Nobel prize winners and Oprah Winfrey called her home, it was here that Dr. Dolittle ﬁrst talked to the animals back in 1967. The mountaintop views are so breathtaking you’ll never

want to leave. And for a while, it looked like we couldn’t. It’s been nearly a decade since my family, friends, and I visited, but there’s something about being mistaken for a drug dealer and a terrorist that’s hard to forget. Forgive me if you’ve heard these stories before, but Evince is international this month, so I thought they might bear repeating. I’d never fully understood the politics of this nation, but it didn’t really matter, because I was more controlled by Murphy’s Law than theirs. Our problems began at checkout... when we discovered we couldn’t. Since there were more bars on the resort property than on our cell phones, MasterCard had been unable to call to let us know our account was being locked due to suspicious activity traced to the Caribbean. The good news is that they thought they were protecting us. The bad news...I’d been signing room charges all week like Kim Kardashian instead of Kim Clifton. The pool deck could have been dubbed St. Leche as mothers that morning were openly nursing

Going through airport security is thorough enough, but going through customs is brutal. Here’s my new rule when it comes to packing: Always let them see you sweat. There’s something about white powder on a crisp navy uniform that makes federal agents lose their sense of humor. I’d forgotten to tighten the tops of all my toiletries, especially the baby powder. When the inside of your suitcase looks like you’re either trafﬁcking in cocaine or rolling out biscuits, they pull you aside. They also call over the dogs to sniff more than just your armpits. As bad as that was, it only got worse when the mufﬂed sound of a ticking clock was detected. In my defense, this was long before iPhones had been invented and I’d been told that our electrical appliances wouldn’t work. I’d remembered to put the batteries in

my alarm clock; I’d just forgotten to take them out. At this point, I was completely surrounded by authorities hoping they’d blown the whistle on me before I blew up the joint on them. I’d already called out to my husband, Robert, for rescue when I realized he was trying to avoid problems of his own. He’d stuffed the former home of a sea snail into his carry-on bag despite regulations forbidding it. Life can be so unfair. He got away scot-free with breaking the law and I got in trouble for practicing good hygiene and trying to be punctual. I wanted to crawl in my shell and he wanted to leave with one. As we ﬁnally made our way to the gate, I overheard Diane crying from the pain of her injury and the news that no return ﬂight ticket had been reserved with her name. She was sobbing and so was I. I knew I was really going to miss her. Evince is going global this month. Even with our mishaps, I’m still all for it. International sounds great to me, as long as we’re talking about the House of Pancakes.

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September 2015

“H

ow long we got?” Mean Keisha yells out, tapping her right foot; she’s popping her neck and cracking the knuckles of her left hand with her right fist. For once, she’s not holding baby Kwon who is pulling on her leg trying desperately to get back into her arms. He’s squalling hiccup- sobs. “Listen,” Mrs. Crandle says, “ladies, listen.” But she doesn’t follow up with anything after that, like even she can’t come up with some lie that will be believed or some truth that isn’t too sad to bear. The silence is long and damp with sorrow until Mean Keisha fills it with her fury. “Look,” Mean Keisha says, now trying to pull the still squalling Kwon from her feet to her arms, “me and my baby gone ta be all right, but (and she glares straight at Mrs. Crandle like she’s personally putting us out) why don’t you talk straight?” Mrs. Crandle doesn’t look at Mean Keisha but to all of us, or rather over our heads. Out of the ten of us who stay here permanently, five or six of us are huddled in this living room: Mama propped up against the couch, me, Mandy Blue Eyes, and Mean Keisha and baby Kwon, still howling. The others huddle

got?” Mean Keisha is still yelling, only add now she’s shaking, and Kwon even though he’s now in her arms, has not quieted down. “The funding fell through...” Mrs. Crandle begins again and she looks so much older now. All her extra hours here, the clothes she gets for us, the rides she gives, the endless worry. This is her life as much as ours. “How long!” Mean Keisha growls. She’s nineteen, dark, too skinny, with a baby she wouldn’t trust anyone but herself to hold. Her terror is something we can taste and smell. “The shelter may not close if funding ...,” Mrs. Crandle calls out.

Tough ﬁction ﬁction by by Telisha Telisha Moore Moore Leigg Leigg

in the doorway. “We will work very hard to ﬁnd places for everyone.” Mrs. Crandle begins unsurely, her voice shaky and her eyes not meeting anyone’s. “What you mean is that we all got to go.” So I says again, “Woman. How long we got?” Mean Keisha is screaming now, matching Kwon’s volume. “Keisha, stop screaming,” Mrs. Crandle says back louder than she wants to speak. “I said we would work

with everyone. We will try so hard to keep everyone together but...” I was startled as Mrs. Crandle looks to me and my dying mother like we a special case she can’t ﬁgure out. Like she’s saying that for me at 14, I can stay with Mama as long as she’s alive but when she goes I will be a dandelion in the wind. I swallow, but I look right back at her. Mean Keisha’s still going off and Baby Kwon still howling. “How long we

Mean Keisha walks up to her with tears in her eyes; they streaming down her black cheeks; they are racing and pooling under her chin. “Lady, how long I got?” And now we all want to hear, have wanted to hear all along, feel bad that we used Mean Keisha’s anger to pull us to force the issue. “Lease runs up in two months. It will not be renewed.” Mean Keisha is quiet now. Baby Kwon is solemn. The room is quiet. “That’s what you should have said in the ﬁrst damn place,” Mean Keisha says as she walks out tough, tough as scraped wire. So why is she outside crying?

Evince Magazine Page 11

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Page 12

September 2015

Get Fit Dan River Region wants you to think about whether or not what you eat when you dine out is healthy. Each month, Stephanie is going to report on local menu selections that are delicious and good for you. Although Mexican cuisine is considered international, it’s all but that in the Dan River Region. Our local love of south-of-theborder fare is no secret, and customers are ﬁercely loyal to their favorite Mexican restaurant. San Marcos, 165 Holt Garrison Parkway, has become a favorite birthday celebration spot for my friends and family. In anticipation of having a sweet treat at the end of the meal, I try to keep the main course in caloric check. The Ceviche De Cameron ($11.50 also known as shrimp ceviche) strikes a healthy balance for a festive occasion. Not only is it easy on the eyes with natural vibrant color, but it is loaded with nutrient-rich red and yellow diced peppers, fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapenos (if you are not a fan of heat, hold these peppers) and a beautifully fanned avocado on top. The dish comes with

corn tostadas for a starch, but rather than indulging in all three tostadas, reduce calories and fat by eating only one or two. Our server, Joshua, gave me the background on ceviche: it’s ﬁsh cured in lemon and lime juice. I’ve enjoyed this delicious and nutritious dish for years and had no idea the shrimp was raw. Never fear! The lemon and lime juice eliminate bacteria. The shrimp packs in lean protein and the fresh veggies and cilantro jazz up this best-dressed dish.

Food for Thought

San Marcos Brings the Party with Taste, Tradition and Nutrition by Stephanie Ferrugia Program Director, Get Fit Dan River Region The key ingredient in this dish is avocado. Full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, this dynamic fruit is also considered a superfood and makes us beautiful from the inside out. The oils are excellent for replenishing dry skin and hair, treating sunburn and reducing wrinkles. While high in fat-1/2 of an avocado is about 150 calories and 10 grams of fat--it’s the good kind of heart-healthy fat.

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If you can’t talk yourself out of the traditional burrito, taco or quesadilla, try ordering the cheese on the side so you can manage how much goes into the dish. Often times, we simply eat what is put in front of us and pay little mind to the quantity of those fat-packing toppings that we otherwise could control. Also, ﬂavoring your dish with the housemade salsa is always a winning strategy. Fresh cilantro stirs up the ﬂavor in any Mexican dish – be bold and ask for a little extra of this guilt-free seasoning. Birthday cake or cheese dip? I’m going with the cake!

Evince Magazine Page 13 Who has not heard of the Tour de France, the bicycle race that winds throughout the French countryside ending in Paris? Those bikers travel at such amazing speeds that they don’t have time to notice the gorgeous scenery or the historic architecture all around them. This summer, inspired by Evince’s Photo Finish in July, I devised my very own, modest-paced bike tour in order to view the sculptures on Danville’s Art Trail as well as other points of interest along the way. Although I started out ambitious, I was unable to visit all of the sites mentioned in the inspirational piece on the ﬁrst leg. Within a couple of weeks, I set out again, this time joined and encouraged by a like-minded friend. We found that early Saturday morning was an excellent time to navigate the roads without too much interference from four-wheeled vehicles and harried commuters. Beginning at Magruder’s Alley behind the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, we perused Learn, Explore, Enjoy – the informational signs that inform visitors about things to see and do in the region, and noticed one of the 26 brass, tobacco-leaf trail markers that have been embedded in the sidewalks throughout the

Cycling on Danville’s Art Trail (Part II) by Liz Sater historic district. Just across the wellkept lawn, we found the sculpture, Mixed Emotions, and very nearby, the Confederate memorial. Continuing up Main Street, we turned onto Broad Street and coasted downhill toward Sacred Heart School and into the back parking lot for a close-up of the school’s mural. This impressive outdoor artwork, crafted by Amy Whichard, depicts a classroom scene from Danville’s ﬁrst nonpublic school founded in 1953 and honors the school’s recognition as a 2006 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School.

From Sacred Heart, we approached Central Boulevard and crossed with the light to Randolph Street. Our next stop was to be the bell and trough, two artifacts in Ballou Park that recall the tobacco industry. However, this leg of the tour proved a bit too challenging for our, ahem, equipment, and we were reduced to pushing our bikes up Randolph towards Main Street. There was an upside to this development, however, in that the neighborhood has many charming homes with lovely, shaded yards that we enjoyed as we sauntered up the street. After reaching Main, we turned left towards downtown, stopping at the last site

on our tour, the WWI memorial cannon at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Montague Street. Recently refurbished, the cannon was installed on a treelined avenue honoring all veterans. My friend and I returned to the DMFAH to catch our breaths for a few moments before I headed back toward the Riverwalk Trail and home. As I coasted down Main Street, I almost felt like one of the Tour de France racers, gathering speed and praying that my brakes were in good shape. Speeding past Union Street, I remembered to steal a glance toward the Municipal Building and give a nod to the statue of Mayor Harry Wooding, another point of interest on this adventure. Our tour had taken only about 30 minutes and we had seen many things that we regularly drive past without a second glance. And exactly like the racers in France, we had enjoyed the outdoors, the exercise and the camaraderie. • To read Part I of Cycling on Danville’s Art Trail, August 2015, visit www.evincemagazine.com. • To learn about Danville’s outdoor art and oddities, read Photo Finish, page 30-31, July 2015 at www.evincemagazine.com.

Page 14

September 2015

Evince Magazine Page 15

Samuel, Molly and Brittany prepare to zip-line.

Change Starts Within...

Get It Done! by Ciji Moore

“It’s not about the number on the scale, it’s about being happy and healthy,” says Brittany Dietrich, when I asked how she lost 50 pounds in the last two years. The mother of three was diagnosed by her physician as being borderline diabetic. At that moment, she realized she had to make changes in her lifestyle if she wanted to be healthy. The ﬁrst thing Brittany did was change her eating habits. She stocked the house with more fruits, vegetables and turkey and cut back on the soft drinks. She researched different ways to stay physically active and settled on walking once or twice a week for 30 minutes each time and eventually worked up to three times a week for 30 to 45 minutes. Brittany calls her two children, Molly and Samuel, her minicoaches because they have tons of energy and keep her in

line when it comes to physical activity. Together they laugh and have fun with Just Dance on the Wii, hiking at state parks, swimming at the pool and practicing yoga. Note to those reading this: always find something that brings you laughter and fun. You’ll enjoy doing more of it! Over time, Brittany has built up the confidence to try things she never thought she’d do and is grateful that she took that first step. She has no regrets about her happiness, health and new outlook on life. Even with her mini coaches going back to school, Mom knew she couldn’t let them down and fall short with the physical activity. She bought a resistant band and started doing upper body movements in the morning while the mini coaches waited for the school bus. They take it easy on her, but they make sure she gets it done! That’s what it’s all about--getting it done.

Page 16

September 2015

Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.

For more activities, see the calendar on page 18.

Tuesday, September 1 – Sunday, October 11 The Soul of America

Sherman Watkins’ oil painting exhibit is on display at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street. The Danville native has an inspiring story— orphaned at a young age he began drawing to manage feelings of stress and depression. At age 15, Watkins began painting for the ﬁrst time. Now at 72, Watkins has amassed 17 medals for his artwork. He’s also a serviceman, having spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. His newest piece, The Village, earned him the title of national winner at the 2013 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Watkins’ work features varied subjects from depictions of African-American history to portrayals of famous Americans to scenic renderings of nature. For more information, call 434.793.5644 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org. (submitted by Cara Burton)

Thursday, September 10 Suicide Prevention Day

Meet at Ballou Park, 760 West Main Street, at 7:00 p.m. to observe Suicide Prevention Day. This event is a partnership of Danville Pittsylvania Community Services Board, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Danville Community Out of the Darkness Walk and will help promote suicide awareness and prevention. It offers a time of remembrance for those lost to suicide. A candlelight vigil starts at 8:00 p.m. Candles will be provided. The Out of the Darkness Walk will be held on Saturday, October 24. For more information, contact danville.outofthedarkness@yahoo.com or call/text LeAnne Hardy at 434.688.1636. (submitted by Kendra Hardy)

Saturday, September 12

Broadway Comes to High Street

High Street Baptist Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary with several events in September and October. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. a dinner theatre featuring former Broadway star, Brad Bass, will be held at 630 High Street. Cost is $5. Brad will be singing several Broadway favorites, tunes from the 1960s and sacred renditions. The public is invited. For more information and reservations, call 434.251.2047 or email clarissa.knight@pcs.k12.va.us. (submitted by Clarissa Knight)

Sunday, September 13 Art Exhibit Opening at The Prizery

Parsons-Bruce Art Association and The Prizery announce the opening of an exhibit by Sharon Saseen, an artist from Savannah, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Prizery, 700 Bruce Street, South Boston. Saseen will give a PowerPoint presentation at 2:30 p.m. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Master of Art Education, a

graduate of Syracuse University with a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration, and has received numerous awards and honors. For the past 30 years, lovely homes and vibrant gardens have graced her easel as she records the unique architecture of the South. She has been honored as Savannah’s Best Artist in 1995 and was named Best Local Artist by Creative Loaﬁng in 2001. In 2008, she was commissioned by the City of Savannah to produce a print entitled “Beauty on the Bay” to be the ofﬁcial gift for visiting dignitaries. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Sharon wrote and illustrated, Patience and the Flower Girl. (submitted by Cathy Cole)

Tuesday, September 15

Healthy Mouth/Healthy Body and The Vaccine Against HPV That Will Save Lives

This free program from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Ballou Recreation Center, 760 West Main Street, features Donna F. Helton, DDS, owner of Comprehensive Family Dentistry in Danville and Iain Morgan, PhD, Director of VCU Philips Institute for Oral Health Research. Did you know that your mouth, teeth and gums can offer clues about your overall health? or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Do you know what the HPV virus is? Did you know a vaccine is available and recommended by the Virginia Department of Health? This program is sponsored by the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia/Danville in partnership with Danville Parks & Recreation. Bring a lunch. Drinks and dessert are provided. Boxed lunches can be ordered in advance for $6.50. Call to make a reservation, 434.421.3060, or email cllitzenberg@vcu.edu. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)

Thursday, September 17

Throw Paint at Cancer

This free, peerto-peer support program helps cancer patients and survivors express themselves through art. The eight-week sessions, taught by Cynthia Hubbard, are held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street. No previous art experience is required. There is no cost and all supplies are provided. The participants in previous sessions had an exhibition at the Sutherlin Art & Wine Show (see picture). For more information, call the Cancer Research and Resource Center 434.421.3060 or email cllitzenberg@vcu.edu. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)

Friday, September 18 and Sunday, September 20 Hooray For Hollywood

This performance of movie songs will be presented by Christ Episcopal Church and Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street. Conceived, staged and directed by Gary J. Sullivan, the cast includes Camron Beal, Chelsea Lavinder, Isabella Lynn, Susanne Martin, Kevin Miller, M.J. Shipman, Carolyn Smith, Gary Sullivan, Caroline Tucker, Tatyanna Walker and Whit Whitfield accompanied by Robert Sutter. Among the songs presented will be Hooray for Hollywood, Grand Night for Singing, That’s Entertainment, Music of the Night, Climb Every Mountain, Old Man River, Goldfinger, On the Good Ship Lollipop and a tribute to Disney, Doris Day, and Mario Lanza. Tickets are $10.00. Proceeds will benefit both churches. For more information call 434.792.1456. (submitted by Gary Sullivan)

Evince Magazine Page 17 Monday, September 21 – Thursday, September 24 Writers Workshop

This four-part creative writing course will teach basic strategies of the writing process at the Danville Public Library, 511 Patton Street. Create new ideas for writing using brainstorming techniques; tailor your writing to your target audience; engage in small-group prooﬁng and editing exercises; maximize the odds of being published. In-class readings, writing and revising will culminate in the digital publication of written works. Times vary. Seating is limited. Registration required. Ages 18+. For more information, call 434.799.5195, ext. 3 or visit www.readdanvilleva.gov. (submitted by Trena Taylor)

Saturday, September 26-Sunday, September 27 Old 97 Rail Days

Attention train buffs! Enjoy N-scale model trains as they travel through tiny towns and rural areas courtesy of numerous Nscale clubs at the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street. Trains run and weave along multilayer tracks crossing artistic landscapes of mountains, valleys and rivers. Also, visit the Science Center’s fully restored 1948 Norfolk & Western caboose. Check out a miniature version of the Old 97 wreck scene in the historic train station and see the model train gallery, featuring the Jack Estlow train layout. Hours are Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. DSC members are admitted free; non-members, ask about discounted admission, Saturday only. For more information, call 434.791.5160 or visit www.dsc.smv.org. (submitted by Adam Goebel))

Saturday, September, 26 Chalk It Up

From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Danville by Choice and Danville Parks & Recreation will be hosting a community chalk event at the Main Street Plaza by the JTI Fountain. Three prizes will be given to the most creative chalk art that shows how much the participant loves Danville. This event is free and open to the public. Danvillians of all ages are welcome to join. (submitted by Ina Dixon)

Saturday, September 26

Crucial Conversations: They Begin with Nurses

Barb Bancroft, a nationally known speaker, will discuss HPV/related cancers in men and women at this free program at the New College Institute, Martinsville. Nurses can receive 4.5 CEUs; the general public is welcome. Continental breakfast and lunch provided at no charge. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for check- in and breakfast; the panel discussion concludes at 1:30 p.m. Registration is required at 434.799.3705. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)

Wednesday, September 30 – Thursday, October 1

77th Annual Garden Club of Virginia Rose Show

The Gabriella Garden Club of Danville will host this event sanctioned by the American Rose Society on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to1:00 p.m. It will be held at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, 105 Slayton Avenue. The show is free and open to the public. Entries will be accepted on Tuesday September 29, from noon until 6:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, September 30, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. David Pike of Witherspoon Roses will present a program on garden design and bed preparation Anne Vanderwarker will present a program on artistic floral designs. She produces Fearless Flowers, the first website dedicated to flower arranging. A box lunch will follow at 1:00 p.m. The registration deadline is Monday, September 21. The cost is $25 per person and includes the box lunch and the presentations. Make checks payable to Gabriella Garden Club; mail to Pat Harper, 262 Shoreham Drive, Danville, Va. 24541. For more information visit www.gcvirginia.org, click Flower Shows/rose or email roseshowgcva.gabriella@gmail.com. (submitted by Judy Hunter)

Upcoming Friday, October 2

The 150 Year History of High Street Church

Beginning at 7:00 p.m., this dramatization produced and directed by Fred Motley will honor the oldest African-American church in Danville and celebrate its 150 years of history. Fred’s story will take the audience from the beginning of High Street Baptist Church at First Baptist Church on Main Street to its present location at 630 High Street near downtown Danville. Included will be High Street’s prominence in the civil rights movement when Martin Luther King spoke there in 1963 and the signiﬁcance of the pipe organ which was destroyed by a wind storm in 1995 and rebuilt using several parts from the original Hook and Hastings organ. The church is led today by many descendents of the original families. The public is invited to this free event. For more information, call 434.251.2047 or email clarissa.knight@pcs.k12.va.us. (submitted by Clarissa Knight))

Saturday, October 3 Community Health Fair

This free and open to the public event offers a variety of free screenings including dental and oral health, eye, colorectal, cholesterol, breast, and blood pressure. Receive free ﬂu shot, tests for lung, circulation, and body mass. Educational information on nutrition and HPV will be provided. Outreach specialists will be available to help uninsured citizens in health care plans. It’s from 9:00 a.m. to noon at DCC Foundation Hall on South Main Street. Call to pre-register, 800.424.3627. Ask about scheduling free lab work September 28October 1 and review the lab results with physicians at the Health Fair. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)

Sunday, October 4

CROP Hunger Walk

This 8th annual event will start at 3:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 2:30 p.m. The walk will feature 1-mile and 5K routes and bring awareness to hunger and poverty issues in our community and around the world. Funds raised will beneﬁt God’s Storehouse and Church World Service. The Walk begins in the parking lot of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main St., Danville. For more information and to become involved, call 434.793.6824. (submitted by Cherie Guerrant)

Page 18

September 2015

September Calendar Ongoing

Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row & Holbrook Street. $8; free for children 12 & younger. www.danvillehistory.org. 434.770.1974. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH) self-guided audio-visual tours. Estlow’s Trains Exhibit. See page 17. Pittsylvania County Public Library Events. See page 27. Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West – Experience the danger and beauty of the unknown West as it unfolded before the eyes of explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, in this National Geographic production narrated by Jeff Bridges. It was the dawn of a nation-- a time before the American West became known as the frontier and little was known about the land beyond St. Louis, Missouri. Two captains, courageous in spirit and unyielding in their dedication to their mission, led 31 people to the Paciﬁc Ocean and back. Danville Science Center Digital Dome Theater. 434.791.5160. www.dsc.smv.org, Bingo – Bring a gift to exchange and have blood pressure and body index checked. Location/ times vary. 434.799.5216. Tai-Chi Day Classes - Increase strength, balance, ﬂexibility and progress at your own pace. M 11:15am-12:15pm; W 3:304:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Let’s Dance – Learn new dances, make new friends and have loads of fun. Veteran dance instructor, Donna Robbins, teaches a variety of dances in a fun atmosphere. A partner is not necessary.Adults 18+. Tues. 7-8:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with acrylic, oil or watercolor. M/TU - Times vary. Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216. Ladies, It’s Time to Work It Out. MW 8:30-10am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Kuumba African Dance – Providing a great workout and cultural awareness with live drumming and energetic dancing. Kids M 6-6:30pm; Adults M 67:30pm. Stonewall Youth Center. 434.797.8848. Prime Time Fitness - Low-impact aerobics workout with a mix of various fun dance steps. Tu/Th 9:30-11am or 5:30-7pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848.

Get Moving with Chair Exercises – Low-impact class ideal for adults 50+. Tu/Th 11:30am-12:30pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Zumba Classes - Hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves create a one-of-a-kind interval training ﬁtness program with fun routines that tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. W 5:15-6pm/TH 5:30-6:30pm Pepsi Building. TH 7-8pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. W 9:30-11:30am, Glenwood Community Center; 6-8pm, Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216. African Cardio Blast - A unique workout that includes dance movements from various regions of the African continent. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. African Rhythms by Nguzo Saba – Learn West African dance to live drumming. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Cardio Step Class – Uptempo, high energy class. Tu/Th 8:30-9:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Baby Boomer Style Work Out – Walking, cardio activity & weight training designed for older adults. Tu/Th 9-10:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Ballou Jammers - Acoustic musical jamboree. Bring a stringed instrument or just listen. TH 3-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Ballou Book Swap - Take a book or two to read and leave a book or two to share. Fri. 9am-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Friday Night Fun and Dance – Enjoy a night of dancing with live music by City Limits Band or Country Pride Band. Ages 50+. F 7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

September 2 (thru 30)

September 1 (thru October 11)

Broadway Comes to High Street. See page 16. Community Fall Festival & Health Fair - Fairview United Methodist Church, 1013 Westover Drive Danville, 10a.m. - 2 p.m. Kids Play zone, a country store, great food, free health and safety checks including hands-only CPR,

DMFA&H Exhibit – Danville Daily: 1950s Through the Lens of John Tate. 434.793.5644.

September 1 & 15

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

September 1 (thru October 11)

The Soul of American exhibit. See page 16.

Martinsville Farmer’s Market W and SAT. 7am-12pm. Martinsville, VA. Danville Farmers’ Market (W) 3-6pm, (SAT) 7:30am-12pm. Danville Community Market. 434.797.8961.

September 3

Wreck of the Old 97. See page 20. Job Corps Information Session - Learn a career, earn a high school diploma, gain the real world skills needed to succeed. 10:30am-12:30pm. Workforce Development Center. 434.455.2521.

September 4, 5 & 6

NASA Eastern States Championships - Virginia International Raceway. 434.822.7700.

September 5

Artfelt Expressions of Bob Ross – A certiﬁed Bob Ross instructor, will help you complete a painting in one day. Bring a roll of paper towels and a 16x20 canvas. All other supplies are included. Adults 18+ 10:30am3:30pm. Ballou Annex Building. 434.799.5216.

September 5 (thru 30)

Exploring Virginia - Exhibit featuring many specimens and artifacts of Virginia’s past. VMNH. Martinsville. 276.634.4141.

September 10

Suicide Prevention Day. See page 16. Deco Mesh Wreath Making 3-5pm, 6-8pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

September 10 & 24

Fall Kayak Trip - Trips are limited to ten participants.6-8pm. Abreu-Grogan Park.

September 12

September 2015 S

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

T 1 8 15 22 29

W 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24

F 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

bike safety, a tour of a ﬁre truck, the blood mobile, dental info and more. Free document shredding 434 251-6107 or via email director.fumc@comcast.net Covers at the Crossing Concert - Dave Matthews Tribute Band. 6:30-11pm. Carrington Pavilion. 434.793.4636. Breakfast with the Farmers Sign up to have a breakfast made from locally grown foods and prepared by a local chef. The menu will be comprised almost entirely of local ingredients available at the Market including eggs, sausage, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, bread and more. Tickets are $6 each and include a meal and beverage. 8am. Danville Community Market. 434.797.8961. Bean Supper - pinto and other beans, slaw, cornbread, drink, and dessert. 5-7pm.Riverbend Volunteer Fire Department. 434.79792.2312. Martinsville Culture Crawl Visit Martinsville’s museums, art studios, shops and restaurants from 4pm-8pm. Live music and community theatre will take place at select venues. 4-8pm. Uptown Martinsville. Bassett Heritage Festival - The festival is held rain or shine. The Historic Train Depot and Greater Bassett’s Community Market will be open. Purchase local produce, canned goods, homemade goodies and handmade crafts. Historic exhibits can be seen in the old train depot. Displays include Native-American artifacts, photography, historic displays and more. Downtown Bassett. 276.647.3404. Virginia Fusion 6.0 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament - It is one of the largest ultimate frisbee tournaments in the country, bringing 900+ athletes from all over the U.S. and Canada. The elite club division is expected to be even more competitive than last year, The regular and college club divisions will continue to build. Smith River Sports Complex. 276.638.5200.

September 13

Sharon Saseen Lecture & Reception. See page 16.

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

Evince Magazine Page 19 September 14

Mystery Trip Express - We never disclose where we might be going. Trips are kept to an hour and a half max. Wear comfortable shoes.11am-12pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

September 15

Danville Memory Café - This is a place for relaxed conversation and interaction for persons who are diagnosed with early stage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or other related memory disorders. Care partners/family are invited to this social opportunity, too. 11am-12pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Keeping Well in Mind, Body & Spirit – Healthy Mouth Healthy Body and The Vaccine Against HPV See page 16.

September 17

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding - 6-8pm. Abreu-Grogan Park. 434.799.5215. Garden Basics - Fall lawn care. Registration required. 12-1:30pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848. Social Security: Your Questions Answered - Topics covered include: when to start taking beneﬁts, how your taxes will be affected and how Social Security ﬁts into your retirement income plans.6-7:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Throw Paint at Cancer. See page 16.

September 18

COAY Country & Western Dance - Join the Council on Aging Youthfully for a Friday night dance featuring music, dancing and refreshments.7:3010:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Hooray for Hollywood. See page 16. TGIF Concert Series - Buckshot. 6-10pm. Broad Street parking lot. Enjoy art, food, music, and fun along Martinsville’s historic streets. 5-7pm. Uptown Martinsville.

September 18 & 19

Little Theater- Hee Haw. 68pm. Kirby Cultural Arts Complex. Roxboro. 336.583.4230. Stargazing Paddle - The Town of Halifax is partnering with Staunton River State Park to bring you a chance to see the stars under a truly dark sky. Staunton River State Park, located just 20 minutes from the Town of Halifax was recently designated the 25th Dark Sky Park in the world by the International Dark Sky Authority. The Banister Stargazing Paddle kicks off the 2015 Wild Blue River Festival. 6pm.Banister Lake Landing. Halifax.

September 19

16th Annual Altavista Harvest Jubilee and Wine Festival.

12-6pm. Avoca Museum. Altavista. www.avocamuseum.org. Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Visit www.alz.org/walk to learn more or sign up your team today. 8am. Ballou Park. 434.792.3700 x 224.

September 19 & 20

CCS Fall CycleFest of Speed Motorcycle and road racing’s best teams and riders are on the track. All day. VIR. 434.822.7700 x 117. The Wild Blue River Festival 8am-12pm - Vendors and activities. 9am- kayak race. 9:30am - canoe race. 10am12pm -open paddle. Kings Bridge Landing. Halifax.

September 21 & 22

Hunter Safety Education - This class covers safe hunting and gun handling practices and also meets requirements for a concealed weapons permit. Register by September 11 with the Department of Game and Island Fisheries at 1-888-516-0844 or at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Ages 12adult.6-9:30pm.

September 21 (thru 24)

Writers Workshop. See page 17.

September 22

You and Your Health - Hill Chiropractic - Danville Parks and Recreation and local organizations will offer seminars to educate and raise awareness about health and wellness issues affecting the community. 11am12pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

September 22 (thru October 15)

Swimming for Beginners Youth will learn basic strokes, fun water games and water safety. Ages 6-12. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. T-Th 4-5pm. 434.792.5215.

September 23

Melinda Doolittle - Melinda Doolittle has established herself as a brilliant singer with powerhouse vocals and personal charm since her appearance on American Idol in 2007, where she came in third. She will be joined by her trio for an afternoon of Gospel and R&B. 2:30pm. The Prizery. 434.572.8339.

September 25, 26 & 27

Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Races - Each year on Saturday the gates are also opened to car enthusiasts to be a part of the happenings by participating in the Gold Cup Car Show. Foreign, domestic, new and old are welcome to attend. All day. VIR. 434.822.7700 x117.

September 25

Savory September - Celebrate the ﬂavors of Latin America. This tasty fundraiser for the arts features signature dishes whipped up by local cooks and a cash

bar with beer, wine and Latin libations. 7-10pm. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

September 26 & 27

Old 97 Rail Days. See page 17. Bark in the Park - Participate in this year’s annual dog and owner play day in the park sponsored by Leggett Town & Country, featuring canine disc Hyperﬂite, bobbing for hotdogs, best dressed pup and owner-dog look-alike contests. Immediately following the Mutt Strut at Anglers Park. All competitions are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. 10am-1pm. 434.799.5215.

September 26

South Boston Harvest Festival - There is something for everyone, young and old alike. Live continuous music ﬁlls the air from two stages. Bring the family and paint a pumpkin, try your hand at making your own scarecrow, have the kids’ faces painted and enjoy the clowns and magicians. When you get hungry there will be food in every block. All day. Downtown South Boston. Chalk It Up. See page 17. Crucial Conversations: They Begin with Nurses. See page 17.

September 28

Step by Step Through Life with the Get Fit Team - Let’s ﬁght cancer together. There

are many things we can do to prevent cancer or the recurrence of cancer. Join us for nutrition tips, ways to put fun into ﬁtness, and ideas for relieving stress. 4-5pm. Cancer Research and Resource Center at Kennedy Hall. 434.421.3060.

September 30 & October 1

77th Annual Garden Club of Virginia Rose Club. See page 17.

Upcoming October 2

Averett University Hometown Homecoming Party. See page 3. The 150 Year History of High Street Church. See page 17.

October 3

Averett University Homecoming Football Game. See page 3. Health Fair. See page 17.

October 4

CROP Walk. See page 17.

October 8 (thru 11)

Uncle Jake’s Return – Stage play written and produced by Joan Daniel Whitlock. $20 @door. $15 for groups of 10 or more. Children $10. 7:30pm on Oct. 8-10; 3:30pm on Oct. 11. The Historic North Theatre. 434.709.7505. See ad page 10.

October 9

DCCEF Golf Tournament. See ad page 14.

Page 20

September 2015

Calendar Clips Special Edition

Let the Seasons Begin!

September is the traditional beginning of the season for plays, concerts, lectures, and special events. These are just the highlights for the next few months. All events are open to the public. Read future issues of Evince for more details and other events.

Averett University

434.791.5600 • www.averett.edu • September 24-26 You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Averett’s Theatre for Young People Series. Pritchett Auditorium Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students/senior citizens; 434.791.5867 or at the door • September 24-November 8 The Trail of Maud Gatewood Mary B. Blount Library. Maud Gatewood, a native of Yanceyville, North Carolina, was a former art professor at Averett (1975-1997). This art show coincides with a larger exhibit of her work at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Maud Gatewood Studio Arts Center. Art professors Diane Kendrick and Robert Marsh will be discussing Gatewood’s artwork during an 1859-Coffeehouse Lecture on October 13. •October 1, 7:00 p.m. Spoken Word Program Be the Change in the Student Center Plaza. Josephus Thompson and The Poetry Project Dan River Region, which includes students from Averett, Danville Community College and Piedmont Community College, will give a spoken word performance. This performance will provide an opportunity for students to address community issues through poetry. Come listen and learn how you too can Be the Change. •October 22-November 19 Spotlight Show Mary B. Blount Library & Jut’s Café A selection of student art work from both art majors and minors will be on display. •November 19-21 7:30 p.m. Averett Theatre Department presents To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday Pritchett Auditorium Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students/senior citizens; 434.791.5867, or at the door • November 30 7:30 p.m. Pianist Andreas Klein Pritchett Auditorium Tickets: $5 at the door • December 1 7:30 p.m. Averett Celebrates Christmas West Main Baptist Church • December 8 7 p.m. Student Center Multipurpose Room Linda Lemery presents The Dr. Betty Heard Christmas Readings (ages 4-9) (submitted by Emily Tomlinson)

Cancer Research & Resource Center

434.421.3060 • Kennedy Hall • 103 South Main Street, Danville • September 15 Healthy Mouth/Healthy Body; Vaccine Against HPV See page 16. • September 17 Throw Paint at Cancer See page 16. • September 26 Crucial Conversations: They Begin with Nurses See page 17. • September 28 Step by Step Through Life with Get Fit! Nutrition and Fitness Tips • October 13 Keeping Well Series program, Sleep and Your Health • October 26 Step by Step Through Life with Get Fit! • November 30 Step by Step Through Life with Get Fit! • December 3 Throw Paint at Cancer 8-week session begins. • December 28 Step by Step Through Life with Get Fit! (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)

Caswell Youth Series

336.694.4591 • Caswell County Civic Center • www.ccfta.org. Intersection of NC 62 & US 158 in Yanceyville, North Carolina Grades Pre-K – 5, Tickets $7.00 students and $10 all others • October 8, 10:00 am & 12:30 pm, Dogs Love Books Louise Yates’ New York Times best seller comes to life in ArtsPower’s newest musical about the irresistible dog who loves everything about books. This delightful musical celebrates the power of imagination and the satisfaction that comes when you share books with others. Recommended for Grades K-2. • November 3, 10:00 am & 12:30 pm, Miss Nelson is Missing Lighthearted musical from Two Beans Productions reminds us all to show appreciation to those we value. Recommended for Grades K-5. • December 2, 10:00 am & 12:30 pm, ‘Twas the Night Before....

This holiday-themed show from Charlotte Children’s Theatre celebrates the season with three stories that weave together the spirit and tradition of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza. Recommended for Grades K-5. (submitted by Ann Kirby)

Chatham Concert Series

A chamber concert series sponsored by Chatham First with venue donated by Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street • kstrings1@hotmail.com • October 25 Musical Souvenirs begins at 3:00 p.m. and features popular classical works by pianist Harold Brown from the artist’s new CD. • December 6 Christmas Favorites featuring The Rainier Trio & soprano Leslie Mabe begins at 3:00 p.m. (submitted by Susan Paynter) (submitted by Susan Paynter)

Danville Area Veterans’ Council

• November 9 Veterans Parade This annual parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Broad and Main Streets and end near Ridge Street. For information about being in the parade, call 434.836.0745. (submitted by Janet Roberson, Commander)

Danville Art League

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History • 975 Main Street • September 24 Come Join Us Membership Meeting 7:00 p.m. Information for joining is available on the DAL Facebook page. Just post a request for membership information or information about exhibiting in the fall show. • October 25-January 3 Juried Exhibition on display • October 25 Awards Reception 2:30 p.m. to 5:00p.m. (submitted by Mary Franklin)

Danville Concert Association

434.792.9242 • George Washington High School • www.danvilleconcert.org Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. • Tickets are $25 adult; $10 student • September 25 Compania Flamenca Jose Porcel Flamenco Fire classic choreography, eye-popping costumes and beguiling, seductive music—in the tradition of José Greco. • November 15 Raleigh Ringers Sixteen ringers play their astonishing bells, cutting loose with Boots’ Randolph’s Yakety Sax, and ringing out the ﬁnale to Stravinsky’s Firebird. (submitted by Gary Grant)

Danville Historical Society

434.799.2323 • www.danvillehistory.org • September 3 The Wreck of the Old 97 Commemorate this famous train wreck with an evening reminiscent of a trip to the movie theater in the 1950s. The famous 1903 Danville train wreck will be highlighted in short subjects, a cartoon, and of course the feature—a 30 minute, 1952 old-time-radio drama starring Frank Lovejoy as Joe Broady, engineer of the ill-fated train. If you remember the 1950s, then travel back in time with us. If you are younger, then ﬁnd out why they call it the good old days. The fun starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Ballou Recreation Center. • September 20 General Membership Meeting 3:00 p.m. at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street. Annual awards will be presented. The curatorial team for DHS’ exhibit “Danville Daily: 1950s Through the Lens of John Tate” at the DMFAH will brieﬂy discuss the process of creating the exhibit. Guests can view the exhibit. • October 29 Scalawag: an evening with author and activist Ed Peeples 7:00 p.m. at High Street Baptist Church. • November 12 Rosenwald Schools: a talk by Preservation Virginia’s Sonja Ingram at 6:00 p.m. at Ballou Park Recreation Center. Learn more about these early 20-century schools, funded by Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, who was inspired by Booker T. Washington to provide education for African-American children. • December 14 & 15 Danville Historical Society’s 43rd Annual Holiday Tour 1-5 PM each day. (submitted by Sarah Latham)

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

975 Main Street • 434.793.5644 • www.danvillemuseum.org • September 1- October 11 The Soul of America See page 16. • September 1- October 11 Danville Daily: 1950s Through the Lens of John Tate • September 13 - November 1 Photo Exhibit of the Holbrook Ross

Evince Magazine Page 21 Historic District See & Do Room; photos taken by students of Well Works Visual Arts. • September 25 Canvas & Cabernet • October 23 Canvas & Cabernet • October 25 – January 3 Danville Art League Juried Show

Danville Parks & Recreation

434.793.4636 • www.playdanvilleva.com • October 10 Children’s Festival at the Carrington Pavilion 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • October 16 & 17 River District Festival www.riverdistrictfestival.org • November 22 Holiday Bazaar at the Community Market 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. • December 5 Holiday Market at the Farmers’ Market 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. • December 6 Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade 3:00 p.m. Christmas Magic. Application deadline is November 25. • December 12-27 Community Holiday Light Show in Ballou Park

Danville Science Center

434.791.5160 • 677 Craghead Street • www.dsc.smv.org • Open through January 10th How People Make Things. Inspired by Mr. Rogers Neighborhood factory tours; Explore the science and technology behind the manufacturing and production of everyday household items. • Digital Dome Theater. Show times daily. Choose from Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West, Magic Tree House: Space Mission, Wildest Weather in the Solar System, Sea Monsters and more. • September 26 & 27 Old 97 Rail Days N-Scale Model Train Show See page 14. • October 3 Dan River Clean-Up. 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Join the Stewardship Virginia Campaign and partner up with the DSC staff to clean the banks of the Dan River between the MLK Bridge and Dan Daniel Memorial Park. Participants will receive a signed letter of appreciation from the governor of Virginia. This program supports some Girl Scout and Cub Scout badge requirements. • October 11 Imagine Children’s Festival; Butterfly Station and Garden: Farewell for the Season. . • January 15, 6:30-9:30 p.m. 2015 Corks & Forks . Heavy hors d’oeuvres, fine wines and specialty beers are the fare for an evening of culinary delights. Proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Science Center. Call for tickets Ages 21+. (submitted by Adam Goebel)

Danville Symphony Orchestra

24th Season • Peter Perret, Conductor• www.danvillesymphony.net GW High School Auditorium • 701 Broad Street Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Concerts start at 8 p.m. • October 24 Tchaikovsky Extravaganza. The Greensboro Philharmonia will join the DSO to present: Serenade for Strings, Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy; and Symphony No. 5 in E Minor • December 5th Holiday Celebration - This concert features the Danville Area Choral Arts Society and the Twin Springs Children’s Chorus. (submitted by Mary Franklin)

The Historic North Theatre

629 North Main Street • 434.793.SHOW (7469) • www.TheNorthTheatre.com • October 9-30 - Houdini’s Haunted House in the theatre basement. Fridays & Saturdays. Times vary. • October 17 & 24 - Halloween Magic Stage Show 8 p.m. • October 30 & 31 - Houdini Festival Close-up Magic Show, lectures, demonstrations, Houdini Movies, Haunted House and more. • December 5, 12, 19, 26-29 - The Magic of Christmas Stage Spectacular with World Champion Illusionist Wayne Alan. Days and times vary. (submitted by Wayne Alan)

Little Theatre of Danville

Mount Herman Courtyard • 2725 Franklin Turnpike www.danvillelittletheatre.org • October 16, 17 & 18 Rumors by Neil Simon. 10/16-17, 7:30 p.m.; 10/18 3:00 p.m.

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September 2015

“My parents (Robert and Glenda Honea) loved living in Japan and I grew up hearing about Japanese culture and food. My dad always assured me that I’d visit there one day,” says the 2011 music graduate of Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. Ellie remembers the deﬁning moment at college when the path she chose would lead her back to the country where she was born. “I needed an elective course and saw that international music was being taught by guest professors, Robert and Abi Lowther, who had been living in Japan. He

that brief period, we played music at the Yamaha Studio in downtown Tokyo, two preschools, and once in a highpedestrian area on the street. After the concerts, we’d pass out ﬂyers with information about other concerts we’d be playing later in the week. For the ﬁrst time, people were coming to the churches,” she says, highlighting the evangelization goal of CAT.

Ellie Honea

Communicating with Words and Notes by Joyce Wilburn

was a professional organist from Juilliard and she was a professional pianist.” Ellie immediately enrolled. At the end of the course, the couple invited a dozen students to accompany them to Tokyo for two weeks. “It was the ﬁrst time

I saw music used by Christians not solely for leading worship on a Sunday morning but in the community as a ministry,” she says, referring to the bridgebuilding between church and community that is the focus of Community Arts Tokyo (CAT) founded by the Lowthers. “During

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�� WE’RE SELLING HOUSESSM

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

llie Honea speaks three languages—English, Japanese, and the international language of music. Born of American parents in Yokosuka, Japan, while dad was stationed there with the U.S. Navy, Ellie heard both English and Japanese for the ﬁrst ten months of her life before the family moved to Danville, Virginia. “My story of living in Japan started before I was even aware of it,” quips the musician who alternates between living in Danville and Tokyo.

That experience of living in Japan and playing music as a ministry inspired Ellie to move to Japan in the summer of 2012 where she stayed until the end of the summer in 2014. “I’ve spent the last year traveling around the U.S. sharing my story and raising support for a return trip,” she says, explaining that her work in Japan is on a volunteer basis with Mission to the World and the next trip will be for a four-year stint starting in early 2016. Asked what she likes about living in Japan, the reasons come quickly: “It’s easy to get around; it’s clean, it has a very low crime rate; the food is great; the people are hospitable, but most importantly, the music ministry has changed my life and the lives of people around me.” Learning the Japanese language might be an obstacle for some, but not Ellie, and that’s where being a musician helped. “One of my primary ministries was to play the piano on Sundays and for gospel choirs, so I was constantly looking up the lyrics to see what they meant so I’d know what was going on and could worship with the group. I think having the words put to melodies helped the vocabulary stick in my mind.” However, if there is a time when she can’t recall the right Japanese word and English isn’t appropriate, Ellie can rely on her third language, music. “Sometimes, it’s easier to communicate with notes than words,” she says with a convincing smile. • To learn more about Community Arts Tokyo and Mission for the World, visit ellieintokyo.blogspot.com/ • To schedule a speaking engagement or a piano performance, send an email to ellie. communityarts@gmail.com.

Evince Magazine Page 23

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Page 24

September 2015

Book Clubbing A review by Diane Adkins Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System

Love Where You Live: Creating Emotionally Engaging Places by Peter Kageyama

“Danville: Just an hour away from someplace good.” I was recently in a long-range planning meeting, discussing how to make our region a community of choice, when participants suddenly started generating random slogans for T-shirts. They were mostly similar to this one above—not at all flattering. Is the Dan River Region feeling our love? In this most recent book by Peter Kageyama, he walks us through how other localities found a way to love where they live. It’s chock full of inspirational stories of how cities have harnessed the abilities and insights of those he calls “co-creators.” These people challenge the status quo and don’t pay much attention to the way things have always been. They are willing to try new things, cross traditional boundaries for new partnerships, and generally are engaged with ways, big and small, to change the narrative about their places. In fact, Kageyama’s starting point is for those in charge of local government to find these co-creators, bring them together, ask for their help, and then bend the rules and get out of their way. Kageyama is a fan of the small things that make us fall in love with our places--things that surprise and delight us. He advocates forming “giving circles” that make small grants to support what sometimes seem to be crazy projects—gigantic swings in Tampa Bay, for example, or the tiny bronze mice that dot downtown Greenville, South Carolina. These types of things embrace the “fun factor” and help people see their communities in a different light. Having a new vision of where we live can lead to transformation, both of the place’s problems and of ourselves. It’s important to find things that enhance our emotional engagement with our community and create memorable experiences that help us love our place. One of the best things about the book is reading all the creative ways other communities have made this happen. They have found their signature events and grown them. Part of the key to realizing that goal is making sure everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. Our area has struggled for a decade and a half. Our people have been beaten up and beaten down by the economic realities that have swamped us. Kageyama reminds us that new initiatives don’t need to be grandiose in order to help us reframe our place. New businesses don’t have to employ thousands in order to have an impact. It’s the little things—and some of those are already in place-- that will help us fall in love with our region again. Once we do, could someone design a new T-shirt, please? Peter Kageyama will visit Danville on Tuesday, September 22, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. For more information, visit www.dpchamber.org or see ad page 5. Send information about what you or your book club is reading to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

Evince Magazine Page 25 When you hear the word sake, what comes to mind? Rice wine at a sushi restaurant served in small ceramic cups? That was my initial reaction. Allow me to correct any misconceptions. Wine is a fermented beverage where yeast converts fruit sugar into alcohol. Beer requires an additional step where the grain starches are ﬁrst broken down into fermentable sugar which allows fermentation. Sake is made from rice, rice that has had a portion of its outer shell removed. Unlike grapes or some grains, it does not have a needed enzyme that can break down the starch into fermentable sugars. An enzyme has to be added before the fermentation dance can begin. Introducing koji-kin--without it, this party is not happening. This is what makes sake unique. Sake is not wine, nor is it beer, it is... sake. I know this is not as easy as saying rice wine, but it begins to describe a very complex process that sake-brewing technicians spend years learning.

The Wine Spot Sake: Is It Wine? Beer? by Dave Slayton

Those small ceramic cups that are often used to serve sake are called ochoko and it is not mandatory to use them to drink sake. You can use wine glasses if you wish. Really, it’s OK. On the decorative side, the ochoko reminds you that pottery and porcelain are some of Japan’s oldest art forms and that sake plays an important role in one Japanese religion, Shinto. Practically speaking, ochoko helps maintain the hot/warm serving temperature of the sake. Some varieties are meant to be served warm, others cool and still others either hot or cold. The label on your sake bottle will probably recommend the ideal serving temperature. Do not think sake only pairs with sushi, tempura and other traditional Japanese dishes. Sake has a wide range of ﬂavors; there are many different types of sake, such as Junmai, Nigori, Koshu, Honjozo, Ginjo and more. Each can have a number of different food pairings. So go forth, experiment and enjoy the adventure!

Page 26

September 2015

oltergeists sometimes make bumping sounds; then there is the cicada’s ratcheting racket. Just the other day at Midtown Market, cashier Janice Johnson remarked on the volume of this summer’s cicadas. She said when friends visit from other parts of the country and hear the insects for the ﬁrst time, they often exclaim, “What’s that sound?” She thinks we are so accustomed to their singing, that we don’t notice. Well, we do. I ﬁrst heard that cacophony outside my bedroom window in the 1950s. Without air conditioning, we used a big window fan. Even on high, the cicadas could be heard above it; probably because even at full force, the fan’s whir was a lyric baritone, while the cicada’s song was a most troublesome treble. As a boy, I sometimes collected cicada sheddings. I would remove the abandoned exoskeletons gently from the tree bark because the claws would still be dug into the tree. I put about 50 of them in one of my father’s Tampa Nugget cigar boxes. The lidded box that aided

They’re B-a-a-ck

by Mack Williams Natural History Educator Danville Science Center the cigars’ freshness kept my collection fresh, too. Recently, on the steps of the historic train station/Science Station at the Danville Science Center there lay a dying cicada. The sporadic noise coming from the insect was not quite as loud

as that during its life. It seemed as if the bug were running on an AA battery that was soon to expire. The almost alien appearance made me think of Martian machines that crashed to the ground at the conclusion of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds.

Whenever I hear the cicadas, I am reminded of the astronomers who used great radio telescopes to discover the low-level background radiation of the universe’s initial Big Bang. However, the much louder “background radiation of the Southeast” can be heard unaided on summer nights. Note: Cicadas sing most actively in hot weather and do their most spirited singing during the hotter hours of a summer day. Only males produce the cicadas’ distinctive sound. They disable their own tympana (the equivalent of ears) while calling, thereby preventing damage to their hearing; this is necessary partly because some cicadas produce sounds up to 120 decibels, among the loudest of all insect-produced sounds. Their song is loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss in humans should the cicada sing just outside the listener’s ear. Sounds over 80 decibels can cause damage. (wikipedia.org)

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What’s Happening in the Pittsylvania Co. Public Libraries Our Civil Rights: A Local and National Story ﬁlm and discussion series: Tuesday, September 29, 6:45-8:30 p.m., History Research Center and Library meeting room, Chatham. This month’s focus will be on two ﬁlms, The Barber of Birmingham, and Race 2012. The discussion will be led by Dr. Andrew Canady, assistant professor of history, Averett University and other community voices. The series is made possible by a grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, and is presented in partnership with History United, an initiative of the Danville Regional Foundation. Refreshments are provided by Chatham First.

Poetry Project Workshop:

Thursdays, 4-6 p.m., Gretna. This six-week program is geared toward middle-and-high-school students. Led by Josephus III, the host of 90.1 FM’s Poetry Café. His workshops show students the importance and fun of writing poetry, relating it to daily life. Registration required. Call 434.656.2579.

Art & Craft Programs:

• Re-Use It Tuesday Craft Night: September 1, 5 p.m., Gretna. Button and Ribbon Bookmarks. Registration required. • Make and Take Craft: Tuesday, September 8, 3-4:45 p.m., Chatham. • Make & Take Craft: Thursday, September 10, 4 p.m., Mt. Hermon. Theme: Grandparents. • Second Saturday Quilt Club: September 12, 10 a.m. until noon, History Research Center and Library, Chatham. • Talk Like a Pirate Day!: Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Chatham. Make an eye patch • Knitting & Amigurumi Crochet Groups: Monday, September 21, 6:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon. All skill levels are welcome. • Art Class: Tuesdays, September 22 and 29, 4 p.m., Chatham

Reading/Learning Programs:

Game Programs & Activities:

• Wednesdays for Wees: 10 a.m. Chatham, Gretna, Mt. Hermon. (No W4W on September 9). Children ages newborn to 5. Presented in partnership with Smart Beginnings Danville Pittsylvania County. • Mother Goose on the Loose: Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Hermon; Mondays, 11 a.m., Chatham. • Read with Maggie and Friends: Wednesdays, 4 p.m., Chatham. Kids, practice your reading skills by reading to Maggie, our favorite dog. She loves to listen!

• Bingo: Thursday, September 3, 4 p.m., Chatham. • LEGO Fun Day: Saturday, September 12, 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon. • Senior Game Day: Mondays, September 21 and 28, 2 p.m., Gretna. Board games and cards. • Book Bingo: Tuesday, September 22, 5 p.m., Gretna. Family fun and prizes • LEGO Play: Thursday, September 24, 4-4:45 p.m., Chatham.

Discussions:

Movies:

• Homeschool Connection: Tuesday, September 22, 11 a.m., Gretna. Learn what the library has to offer homeschoolers and network with other parents while children enjoy crafts, activities, and special presentations. Register at 434.656.2579. • Senior Social Hour and Discussion Group: Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, at 2 p.m., Gretna. Join in the lively discussion on the topic of the day. All ages are welcome. • Second Tuesday Recipe Club: September 8, 5 p.m., Gretna. Apples. Call for information and to register, 434.656.2579. • Teen Book Club: Thursday, September 17, 6:-7 p.m., Chatham. Theme is Origami.

Wellness:

• Group Fitness: Mondays, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Gretna. Thursdays, 10 a.m. Join us as we exercise and get ﬁt together. Ages 18+ • Senior Exercise: Tuesdays and Fridays at 2 p.m., Gretna. chair exercises, meditation, yoga tips and techniques, ﬁnger exercises for arthritis relief. • Learn What to Expect at a Doctor’s Visit: Saturday, September 26, 10:30-noon, Chatham.

• Classic Movie Matinee: Monday, September 14, 2 p.m., Gretna. Mr. and Mrs. Smith,1941 version. • Talk Like a Pirate Day movie: Saturday, September 19, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Hermon. Hook. • Afternoon Toons: Fridays, 4 p.m., Mt. Hermon. All libraries closed Saturday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free. For more information, contact Gretna Library, 207 A Coffey Street, 434.656.2579; Mt. Hermon Library, 2725 Franklin Turnpike, 434.835.0326; History Research Center and Library, 340 Whitehead Street, Chatham; 434.432.8931; PCP Main Library, 24 Military Drive, Chatham, 434.432.3271; Brosville Library, 11948 Martinsville Highway 434.685.1285 or visit www.pcplib.org.

Page 28

September 2015

ost of my relatives live in Denmark. When we visit them, they plan our itinerary. This has led to experiences such as tent camping with a wake-up shot of Gammel Dansk instead of coffee administered by a cousin who wore metal shot glasses on her belt; canoeing in Sweden; raising a ﬂagpole; buying counted cross stitch from a Danish thrift store; painting a farm playhouse; and visiting unusual sites. Cousin Lisbeth is married to Jesper (pronounced Yesper), a retired veterinarian and parasitologist, who formerly taught veterinary science at the University of Copenhagen. Jesper has a twinkle in his eyes, speaks excellent English, and is curious about everything. He was determined that he would show us, his American guests, whatever he could. One Sunday, Jesper drove us to a tiny countryside church surrounded by a large cemetery with ornate individual plots. Gas costs about $8 per gallon, therefore, many Danes drive small cars. Because my husband, our son, and I were traveling together, there was only room for the three of us and Jesper in the car, so Lisbeth stayed home to make dinner.

Reﬂecting Forward Meet Your Ancestors! by Linda Lemery Jesper thought we would return by mid-afternoon, but he sometimes forgets the passage of time. The church service was in Danish. Jesper thrust hymnals into our hands and pointed. “Sing,” he said.

We sang the hymns phonetically, lagging behind the beat with no idea of what the words meant, which was strangely fulﬁlling. Did I mention none of us Americans spoke Danish? After the service, we admired the cemetery plots – each a complete and unique microgarden -- until Jesper got a manic light in his eyes and hustled us back to the car. We drove past unfamiliar, rolling farmland. Steve inquired as to when we’d be home. “We’re not going home. I’m taking you to meet your ancestors,” Jesper said in a voice as sepulchral as one would expect to hear in the cemetery we’d just left. It was a line straight out of The Godfather. Sitting in the back seat, we wondered what that meant and where we were. There wasn’t a highway sign in sight. Eventually, on a lane in the middle of nowhere, we rolled to a stop and parked. “Time to get out,” said Jesper, sounding to my untrained ear like a Danish mobster setting up a hit. He strode into a large, mowed area and headed for a little hill in the distance. There was still not a stick of signage announcing where we were or why we were there. All we could do was follow. When we reached the little hill, un-mown and overgrown from the direction of our approach, Jesper led us around the back (see photo). Faint trails led through tall grass to low round dark openings on each side. It was completely black inside. “Climb in there,” said Jesper. “I’ll come in last.” Good grief, he’s serious, I thought, and

imagined him cackling behind me. Did I mention I was wearing a dress and sandals and I would have to get down on my hands and knees to crawl through that hole? Sometimes we just have to trust. When Jesper crawled in behind us, he switched on a flashlight. The four of us stood up as best we could and Jesper said with a flourish, “Meet your ancestors!” We were in a Bronze Age burial mound that dated back to 3000 to 4000 BC, which meant that we were actually standing almost upright inside a 5,000- to 6,000-year-old structure. Whoa, baby! No artifacts remained but the construction itself. The walls were built with layered rock, soil, timbers, and waterproofing that had been engineered into a dome shape that was covered with sod to such a depth that the sod on the outside absorbed the rain while the inside stayed perfectly dry. We had to crawl back outside in order to creep into the second chamber. This two-chambered burial mound was probably used for ordinary people. Both sides were fascinating. Needless to say, we were late for dinner. Jesper told Lisbeth where we’d been and she said, “Of course, you took them to meet their ancestors,” as if it were the most natural thing in the world. But to us, the experience was uniquely Danish and conferred yet another indescribable and potent sense of family. We are so grateful. About the Author: When she’s not visiting her ancestors, Linda Lemery llemery@averett.edu is Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B Blount Library in Danville. She thanks her Danish cousin Nina for her assistance.

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Midtown Market Chicken Salad by Annelle Williams If you have a relative who’s been trying to give you their special recipe for an old family favorite, I think this story will make you pay closer attention. Some years ago, Mr. B. C. Grant, Jr., the second owner of Midtown Market, did listen. Now, their chicken salad recipe has gained national acclaim. That’s no surprise to the residents of Danville and surrounding area. Shoppers have been enjoying their delicious chicken salad for years, sometimes even taking personal credit for making it, if serving to people from out of the area who wouldn’t know our secret. Yesterday, I made my first visit to Midtown Market at 7 Chambers Street. I had no idea what a treat was in store. Driving up, it reminded me of a small market I would insist on perusing while exploring a little Italian village. It’s old, (quaint certainly applies) on a narrow street and a little hard to find. It has been standing in the same spot since it began with its first owner in 1921. Judging from photographs and from the history being explained by Gary Grant, the brother of the present owner, Jan Harris, the store really hasn’t changed. A meat counter was added in the 1930s. It remains today one of the things that distinguishes it from many other grocers and makes it a must destination for many shoppers. Where else can you still have your butcher cut premium quality Black Canyon Angus Beef to order? The shelves are stocked with all the necessities--brands you know and love, but not so many that the choices are hard. I really like that. There is wonderful fresh produce, some local as the season permits, and a great deli case featuring Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, plus dairy with Homestead Creamery ice cream. Finally, I come to the piece de resistance, the refrigerated case holding the homemade goods. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting some of their delicious cakes before, one came

as a Christmas gift, and the other was for a birthday celebration. Yesterday, there was a chocolate chess pie I couldn’t resist. There’s also homemade chili, ham salad, meatloaf, pimento cheese, and last but not least, their chicken salad. When I asked Gary how Cooking with Paula Deen learned about Midtown’s chicken salad, he said he asked them the same question. Her staff told him they were planning an article about chicken salad in the South and when they typed chicken salad and Virginia into a computer search engine, Midtown Market in Danville came up over and over again, so they had to try it! I think the real reason goes much deeper. This is a special place. They stock the best products for their customers, some who are third generation. Can you imagine shopping at the same grocer as your grandparents or even great-grandparents? And they don’t take short cuts. When their chicken salad reaches your table, it has been prepared with pride in the same way it was originally made—by hand—300-400 pounds a day. After cooking, the chicken is hand-chopped, along with the other ingredients, mixed, and then carefully hand- packaged. If you ask a group of people in Danville about chicken salad, I’ll guarantee you someone is going to tell you about the chicken salad from Midtown Market, and how good it is. It’s mentioned over and over, even ﬁnding its way into Beth Macy’s Factory Town on page 401, because it’s delicious, and it’s delicious because the people at Midtown Market really care. I asked Gary if they had ever thought of marketing it to a grocery chain, and he said, “No. No, we wouldn’t do that. It would never be the same. You know what I mean.” And I do. The TLC and pride would be lost if someone else took this wonderful recipe and produced it large scale in a manufacturing kitchen. That’s why Midtown Market’s Chicken Salad was noticed and talked about on a national level. Drop by and pay them a visit if you haven’t already. I promise you will be greeted with smiles from everyone and leave with some really good groceries and a better attitude. Because the nationally acclaimed recipe for Midtown Market’s chicken salad is a family secret, I’m sharing a recipe for an entirely different kind of chicken salad with an international ﬂair.

Vietnamese Chicken Salad adapted from Epicurious; 8 servings 1 whole cooked rotisserie chicken, bones and skin discarded, and chicken shredded (or you can cook you own, seasoning the cooking liquid with ingredients from the dressing) Dressing 1/3 cup Asian ﬁsh sauce 1⁄4 cup packed brown sugar 1⁄2 small mild chili pepper, seeded, chopped 1 inch peeled ginger, ﬁnely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 5 T fresh lime juice

Salad 4 T fresh lime juice 2 garlic cloves, grated 2 inches peeled ginger, grated 1 tsp. mild chili pepper, ﬁnely chopped (or less according to your taste) 2 T brown sugar 1 small napa cabbage, shredded 2 cups shredded carrots Garnish 2/3 cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts 1⁄2 cup packed torn basil 1⁄2 cup packed torn mint leaves

Heat ﬁsh sauce over low heat and add brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add remaining dressing ingredients. When sauce is cooled, blend until smooth. Pour half the dressing over shredded chicken, tossing to coat, and set aside while making salad. Combine cabbage, carrots and red pepper in large serving bowl. In separate bowl, stir together lime juice, garlic, ginger, chili pepper and sugar. Pour over vegetables and toss. Add chicken to top of vegetables with a slotted spoon. Garnish with shredded basil, mint and chopped peanuts. Pass remaining dressing and lime wedges. Questions or comments? Email me: AnnelleWilliams@comcast.net I look forward to hearing from you!

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September 2015

Photo Finish On August 15, a group of tourtakers boarded a Danville Parks & Recreation van and went on a History United South Boston Hometown Tour. Von Wellington also hopped aboard to capture the fun that can be had on a day trip to a nearby destination. The next Hometown Tour is September 12 to Yanceyville, North Carolina. To register, call 434.799.5216 or email Karen Hibbard hibbakm@danvilleva.gov.

For more info about Von Wellington Photography, visit www.vonwellingtonphotography.com or call 434.770.3553. See more pictures on Facebook.

The L.E. Coleman African American Museum, 3011 Mountain Road, Halifax, was originally known as Mountain Road School #1. It was built in 1919 for African American students. The Museum captures the experiences of AfricanAmericans, particularly those whose roots were in and around Halifax County, Virginia.

The Crossing of the Dan exhibit includes this likeness of General Nathanael Greene and Colonel Edward Carrington making plans to frustrate Earl Cornwallis’ British army by winning the Race to the Dan in South Boston.

Bill and Debbie Torok admire the quilt displayed at the L.E. Coleman African American Museum. Historians believe that slaves used a quilt code to navigate the Underground Railroad. For example, if a quilt or a block of a quilt showing a log cabin was hung on the clothesline, that meant the home was a safe house for escaping slaves.

Alison Streeter, Managing Director of the Prizery, looks at a current Evince with Barbara Bass, President of the Halifax County Historical Society, and Karen Hibbert, leader of the Hometown Tours Program and Ballou Recreation Center Coordinator.

The group listens and learns about Nathanael Greene’s crossing of the Dan River during the Revolutionary War. The permanent exhibit inside The Prizery tells the story of the event that accelerated the British surrender at Yorktown.

The Prizery, 700 Bruce Street, is a cultural and performing arts center in the South Boston Historic Tobacco Warehouse District that includes a welcome center, a performing arts theatre, an art gallery, classrooms, and a large space for community functions. This likeness of historian and author, Carroll Headspeth, painted on a ﬁre hydrant is one of the 17 stops on the South Boston Fire Hydrant Walking Tour. The whimsical and amusing public art on the 1.54 mile walk teaches visitors about some of South Boston’s historical characters. Pick up a guide at Southern Plenty, 206 Main Street, South Boston.

The 250-seat Chastain Theatre at the Prizery plays host to performers from around the world. Visit www.prizery. com for more information.

Evince Magazine Page 31 The South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History, 1540 Wilborn Avenue in South Boston, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Tourists Evelyn Riley and Amy Farinelli listen to Linda Mercer, Vice-President of the South Boston Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History, explain that the buggy was used by a Singer Sewing Machine sales representative. A well-dressed lady sits outside one of the Main Street shops in historic South Boston.

Photo by William H. McCaleb

A likeness of Virginia Governor Bill Tuck (1946-1950) in his ofﬁce is an interesting stop at the South Boston-Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History. Governor Tuck was born in nearby Virgilina, Virginia. Pictures and informational signs tell of his relationships with world leaders when he was in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1953-1969.

The Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center, is located on a former plantation estate in the heart of historic South Boston. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The back lawn of The Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center is framed by one of its many magnificent windows. A fitness center, sauna, spa, indoor pool, tennis court, fishing pond, basketball court, and hiking trails are nearby.

A magniﬁcent carved mahogany horseshoe staircase graces the entrance hall of The Berry Hill Resort and Conference Center, 3105 River Road, South Boston.

The front parlor of the Berry Hill mansion welcomes guests to a world-class resort.

The Hometown Tour group enjoyed the 5-hour tour ending at Berry Hill Resort & Conference Center: Starting at the top of the staircase: Karen Hibbard, Amy Farinelli, Evelyn Riley, Dolly Supernault, Nancy Moore, Debbie Torok. The men from the top are: Kevin Zalaya, Justin Meeks, Jonathan DeMott, Bill Torok.

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September 2015