Showcase Magazine July 2010 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

Danville Regional Medical Center C.A.R.E.S

Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC) began more than 126 years ago with 28 women and a vision. Wanting to make a difference in the community and caring about the needs of others, the Ladies Benevolent Society established a “home for the sick” that was based on providing compassionate, quality care in an attentive and respectful environment. What these 28 ladies started in 1884 continues today. Over the years, DRMC has grown steadily to ensure that residents of the Dan River Region can experience excellent care close to home. With the help of dedicated physicians, associates, volunteers, chaplains and board members, and the community’s support, DRMC’s goal of delivering the best healthcare possible is as strong as ever. Just ask the 1,200 associates, who recently celebrated “DRMC Pride Day” which highlighted many of the positive things happening in and around DRMC, including: • DRMC’s recent Gold Seal of Approval Joint Commission Accreditation demonstrating the hospital’s devotion to providing high-quality healthcare. • Millions of dollars invested in the cardiac catheterization laboratory and new urological surgery suite. • The launch of a new medical residency program, in partnership with the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) that will provide numerous beneﬁts to our community. In addition to those listed above, there was one more reason to celebrate “DRMC Pride Day”: the hospital launched its renewed C.A.R.E. Values Statement: C – Customer is Always First – Few understand that statement more than Olive Olenick. As a customer liaison in the Emergency Department, Olive was recently honored with the Mercy Award by LifePoint Hospitals. Olive has worked at Danville Regional for more than 20 years. Though working in an Emergency Room can be stressful, Olive is widely respected for her calm, gentle and friendly

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demeanor. She demonstrates genuine kindness and care for everyone she meets. Olive says when you love what you do; it makes it easy to care for those around you. A – Actions Speak Louder Than Words – It’s easy to say you’ll make a difference, but more difﬁcult to actually do it. Licensed Practical Nurse Andy Toler not only provides great care to patients at Danville Regional, but he actually took his commitment to caring to Haiti, along with a team of healthcare professionals from LifePoint Hospitals, and helped care for those in need. It had an obvious impact on his life, and he plans to return someday soon to continue helping those in need. R – Respect = The Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have those do unto you. You probably learned that lesson as a child. Danville Regional Patient Advocate Chenise Blackwell knows that respect is earned when you treat others as you want to be treated. She works tirelessly to ensure that patients and their families get the care they deserve. Chenise has been with Danville Regional for more than 10 years and feels blessed to work in an environment where helping those in need takes place each and every day. E – Excellence Is Our Standard – As the Director of Environmental Services, and a DRMC employee for 42 years, Joan Yeatts knows that patients and their families expect their hospital to be clean and inviting. Joan and her team take pride in keeping it that way. CEO Eric Deaton said, “We are here because we CARE about our patients, our physicians, our co-workers and our community. We have created and committed ourselves to live up to our Values Statement each and every day.” More than 126 years later and the initial vision of providing compassionate, quality care in an attentive and respectful environment continue to be honored and celebrated by all of those associated with Danville Regional Medical Center.

“Providing Healthcare Excellence Close to Home”

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THANK YOU to the ADVERTISERS who make this publication possible. Please be generous in supporting our local businesses.

16 12 Features Mountain Biking A Passion for Mountain Bike Riding 12 Transforms the Lives of Many BY ROCKY WOMACK

A.A.F. Tank Museum Where Your Journey into Military History Begins BY MATT CHARLES

C ONTENTS

6 The Origin Of: 8 Cooking with Chef Paul 22 Train With Dave “The Early Bird Catches the Worm”

Hot Dog Chili

Lose Weight and Overcome Life’s Obstacles Successfully!

23 Building Your Life House 24 Seth Bradley Freedom

American Grafﬁti

A LSO I NSIDE 6 10 26 27 27 28 31 34

Editor’s Letter He Said She Said Fun & Games Paws for the Cause Ponderings Area Events Guide Wayback When Mystiﬁed

Cover Photo: Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association (SVMBA) president Chris Tompkins rides the trails at Anglers’ Park. Cover photo by Michelle Dalton Photography.

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Danville Regional Medical Center Danville Regional Medical Center Danville Paint & Supply Danville Pittsylvania County Welcome & Relocation Guide 5 Tokyo Grill 7 Cindy Zook-Prudential Real Estate 7 Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism 7 Goodwill Industries 7 The Market 8 Danville Urological Clinic 8 URW Community Federal Credit Union 9 Stratford House 9 Kyle Buckner Designs 9 The Prizery 10 M&M Furniture 11 David D. Childress, DDS 11 Medo’s II Pizzeria 11 Riverside Health & Rehabilitation Center 15 Yates Home Sales 15 McDarmont Web Design 15 Spin Bicycle Shop 15 Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism 16 Bicycle Medic 16 Karen’s Hallmark Shop 16 DMR Adventures 21 TekaByte 21 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. 21 Rosen Aesthetics Center 22 Bridal Showcase & Wedding Expo 22 Danville Historical Society 22 Michelle Dalton Photography 22 ShoLogo.com 25 Zinc Total Salon 27 Blackwell Dodge, Kia, Chrysler, Jeep 30 Woodlawn Academy 30 Dan River Business Development Center 33 The Tabernacle Learning Center 33 Danville ENT Hearing Center 33 OBGYN Associates of Danville, Inc. 33 Fast Teks On-Site Computer Services 35 The Ambidextrous Handyman 35 Victoria Catherine Consignment Boutique 35 Medtronics BK ShoLogo.com

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F ROM

THE

Greek philosopher Plato once said, “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” I can spend hours sitting and reading quotes from authors and philosophers. The wisdoms these sayings hold are truly remarkable. With July upon us, the heat index pushes the limits of our comfortably and in some cases our sanity. It’s much easier to sit in our recliners sipping iced-tea while the air-conditioner fans us. To my knowledge they have not made an air-conditioner that can feed us grapes yet, but I’m sure with the rapid advancements in technology, that’s right around the corner. But the one thing air-conditioners will never replace is good old fresh air.

The Origin Of:

The Early Bird Catches the Worm We’ve all heard the phrase when our parents have tried to stir us from a sleep on a Saturday morning. “The Early Bird Catches the Worm” means that with preparation and hard work, success is attainable. But who discovered that this early bird catches the worm? The first recorded use of the phrase “The Early Bird Catches the Worm” can be found in John Ray’s A Collection of English Proverbs. In the collection, published in 1670, Ray writes “The early bird catcheth the worm.” An English naturalist, John Ray has been referred to as the father of English natural history. Ray was also the first to give the term “species” a biological definition. With published works in subject matter such as botany and zoology, Ray would have definitely known if the early bird truly did catch the worm.

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E DITOR For many, summer brings on a case of “reverse hibernation.” You spend the entire summer cooped up in the conﬁnes of your cool house while the heat beats down around you. By the time fall arrives you’ve added a few extra pounds and this presents a different form of discomfort. In this issue of Showcase Magazine, we give you alternatives to “reverse hibernation.” Take a trip with Rocky Womack as he introduces you to the world of mountain biking via the Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association. Mountain biking is a fantastic form of exercise as well as a captivating way to experience nature. With hard work and long hours, members of the SVMBA have created amazing trails for riders of all levels to enjoy. Matt Charles takes a look into the wonders of AAF Tank Museum. The Museum provides an informative course through military history. So, let’s not let the heat win this July. Sure, you’ll have to brave the oven-like temperatures and you will probably sweat. But in the long run your body and your mind will thank you. And Plato would approve.

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CREATIVE DESIGNER Kim Demont, Vaden & Associates kim@evincemagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michell Dalton Photography

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www.showcasemagazine.com for exclusive online content. Also, look for an exciting contest that will improve your mind, body, and soul just in time for the holidays to be announced in the upcoming weeks only at www.showcasemagazine.com.

See the July issue of EVINCE magazine featuring Michelle Dalton: It’s All about the Love

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bill@showcasemagazine.com 434.251.0308

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C O O K I N G

W I T H

Chef Paul

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Hot Do

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For a fun, informative talk on hospitality, at your next meeting or function, contact Chef Paul at 276.732.2089(C) or 276-957-3210(H).

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H E

S A I D ,

S H E

S A I D

He Said... For me, the month of July usually means food at mom’s house, watermelon, homemade ice cream,

She Said...

You are full of it! If I had any idea that I’ve been dragging you kicking and screaming to ﬁreworks displays, I’d have left you at home.

hot dogs, the American Flag, and sometimes patriotic speeches. For you, it only means one thing. The height of your year means fireworks on the fourth of July...all night long. You want to leave one display and hit the road searching for another barrage of color in the night sky. I love you and all that. I would do anything for you and you must admit I usually do. As you know, I always go to the fireworks displays, just to please you. Just so you know...I never enjoy them. I remember last year I took a book and a flashlight. What do you get out of it? It is loud. It makes you crank your neck all night and I keep hearing the same thing, “That one is pretty. This one was not as pretty as the last one. Oh, did you see how spectacular that one was? Oh, I just loved that one.” How am I supposed to read my book with you asking or telling me a play-by-play of the fireworks?

The Big Bang Theory Larry Oldham & Dena Hill

I personally think fireworks are too expensive, offer no socialredeeming value, and the noise renders my hearing mute for two days. The people beside us are always talking too loud, oohing and ahhing all night long, their dog is barking, their children are crying, screaming, or asking for something to drink. I am as patriotic as the next guy, but this year instead of going to see the fireworks, let’s go bowling. If there is going to be noise, it might as well be those bowling pins crashing down. At least there we can hear loud noises while sitting in an air-conditioned lounge. We can wear those patriotic t-shirts you bought us last year and play patriotic country songs on the jukebox. I know these words are futile. I know we don’t bowl. I know I will be sitting on a blanket on some dark hill, cranking my neck, shooing away flies, sweat pouring down my face, my rear end completely numb, my throat parched, my eardrums ringing, and my head throbbing. Oh well, when you turn to me and ask, “Are you having fun?” I will just smile at you and say, “Oh, did you see how pretty that one was?”

You‘re a people person and can’t wait to mix with the crowd just for the social aspects. Half of the time you don’t even know there are fireworks going on because I can’t hear them over the sound of your voice talking with the person beside you. For argument’s sake, let’s just say you do know it’s July 4th. I really don’t think our forefathers were focused on hot dogs, ice cream, watermelon, or mosquitos. They had more important events planned. I’m having a hard time picturing Abraham Lincoln complaining about no air-conditioning while swatting flies that are consuming his hot dog! We’re talking about a man who was for the most part self-educated by light from a fireplace. He had several failed jobs before entering the political arena, but he pursued his dream of making the world a better place for future generations. So for July 4th, why not thank our forefathers for leading us to where we are today instead of whining about a little noise that comes from a few fireworks. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Be sure to read She Said He Said in Evince.

Send comments to: Larry@showcasemagazine.com | Visit the He Said She Said Blog at www.oldhamhill.blogspot.com

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RIVERSIDE REHABILITATION CORNER Total knee and total hip replacements are on the rise and chances are you or someone you know has undergone one of these surgical procedures. Having surgery itself can be a daunting experience; the recovery process can be just as scary. At Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center we focus on the individual needs of the patient. Our goal is to get you back to all the daily activities you enjoyed before by following the Lifeworks rehab program The Lifeworks process always starts with an extensive evaluation that examines all aspects of your condition including your presurgery and post-surgery abilities and pain levels. We then develop a personalized plan that addresses your needs and goals. The ďŹ rst few days after surgery, we focus on getting you moving again. We use concentrated physical therapy to build strength, control, endurance, and mobility so you can move safely on your own. At the same time we use occupational therapy to help you perform the activities of daily living so you can achieve the goal of your hip or knee replacement -- returning to a more mobile, functional life without pain. Your physical therapist will begin by getting your leg bending and moving again. From there strengthening exercises will be incorporated along with walking instruction. RHRC offers state of the art equipment to include a gait trainer/treadmill, balance machine, recumbent steppers and weight machines. Your occupational therapist will train you in adaptive equipment to help you perform bathing, dressing and daily needs. We also have a full size kitchen for those patients who would like to return to cooking before they go home. Whether returning to the golf course, back to work, being able to comfortably walk in heels again or just walking around your yard is your goal. We have a therapy plan to help you achieve that.

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When you talk with mountain bicycle riders, the immediate thing you notice is the passion they have for their sport. They speak of it as if their lives revolve around the sport on a 24-hour basis. Is it an obsession? Perhaps. Is it addictive? Definitely. Is it fun? You bet. Is it good exercise? Without a doubt. Is it getting back to nature? For sure. For the president of the Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association (SVMBA) in Danville, Va., mountain bike riding and the trails in the city’s Anglers’ Park are all those things and more. “It’s important to me to do something that I can enjoy; that my kids can enjoy; that my friends can enjoy and their kids can enjoy,” says Chris Tompkins. “I love mountain biking. I’m passionate about it. I love bikes; I love riding bikes. I can’t imagine getting sick of bikes. “I love riding by myself,” he continues. “I love riding with my friends. I love riding in the snow. I love riding in the rain. I love riding in the heat. I love riding in the cold. The first ride I ever did, I got hooked. You get out on the trail; it’s just a great place to find peace.

Mountain Biking

A Passion for Mountain Bike Riding Transforms the Lives of Many By Rocky Womack 12 SHOWCASE Magazine

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“You can make it about fun. You can make it about ﬁtness. You can make it about pushing yourself,” Tompkins says. “I love pushing myself and getting stronger. What fuels me to do what I do is my passion for the sport, to share that with as many people as I possibly can and to see the transformative effect. It’s been transformative for me personally, and it’s something I want to pass on to my family, friends, and kids. It’s something that I enjoy doing more than just about anything else as a hobby.” Tompkins, 38, is an airline pilot. He is married to his wife, Denise, and they have three boys with a girl on the way. He envisions all of them riding the bike trails and maybe competing as racers. The volunteer work he does for the association helps his children and other families and helps promote the sport. His drive and passion and that of other SVMBA volunteers have helped build an extensive network of trails in Anglers’ Park on the eastern end of the Riverwalk Trail in Danville.

Club Beginnings The SVMBA ﬁrst started in early 2002 with six bike enthusiasts who were interested in mountain biking. Shortly afterward in June 2002, Tompkins met Karen Cross, director of outdoor recreation with Danville Parks, Recreation and Tourism. He asked Cross about building some riding trails. She told him that the city had the land available, but she wanted him to become afﬁliated with the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) so he could form a local, serious bicycle organization that would eventually expand and sustain itself, as well as build more trails in the future. In 2002, with Cross’ promise in mind, Tompkins attended a Trail Care Crew workshop in Roanoke. He says the IMBA crew travels across the United States teaching people how to build sustainable bike trails that are resistant to erosion and constant riding,” Tompkins attended the workshop to educate himself and share that newfound knowledge with his fellow SVMBA members upon his return to Danville. “I went up there

by myself, and said, ‘OK, I’m going to learn how to build trails,’” he says. “‘If I’m going to start this organization and be president and all this stuff, I need to know what I’m doing.’”

Building Trails He left the workshop motivated. With his energy and the enthusiasm of the other six start-up leaders, they began building bike trails at Anglers’ Park on the eastern end of the Riverwalk Trail. “In the ﬁrst year of ’02, we built maybe, at most, a mile of trail and utilized the other gravel roads around the park which eventually became Anglers’ Ridge Trail System.” Tompkins says. By year’s end, they had built a mile and a quarter of trail. Membership also increased. By the end of 2003, Tompkins says membership rose to about 15, and the hand-built trail stretched to about three miles. By 2004, the trail increased to about six miles. In that year, the SVMBA hosted its own two-day IMBA Trail Care Crew. “That got a lot of our members motivated,” Tompkins says, “and I taught them Continued to Page 14

L to R: Daniel Sheets, Tyler King, Robbie Morris, William Kirchner and Chris Tompkins www.showcasemagazine.com

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everything I had learned in June 2002. They carried over that momentum from the 2004 Trail Care Crew workshop into the next year. “We probably cracked the 10-to 12-mile mark,” Tompkins says. “We went crazy with trail building that year.”

Biker Fulﬁlls a Dream On March 1, 2010, Jerry Henley realized his dream of 20 years to open his own bicycle shop. He named it Spin Bike Shop at 531 Main St., in Danville, Va. He located downtown, where he believes a “bike shop needs to be because of the rich character of all the old buildings,” he says. “It just puts off a really cool vibe.” He also is near the bike trails at Anglers’ Park. Since opening, Henley says business has been good from two different types of customers. “I’ve got the avid cyclist whether they ride road, mountain or BMX [racing events],” he says. “Then I’ve got the average, everyday rider that enjoys the Riverwalk Trail just cruising around.” Henley, who is a Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association (SVMBA) member, has been riding since he was three years old. He has raced in BMX events, just loves the sport and works to promote it. “Anyway that I can help promote and stand behind an organization like the SVMBA, I’m all for it. I’m all for getting people who don’t ride, to get them riding. “I feel like I can promote healthy living,” Henley adds, “and hopefully not only promote healthy living but reduce the carbon footprint in the world.” The Spin Bike Shop, located at 531 Main St., sells, services and custombuilds bicycles. The shop also rents and stores bikes. Hours for the shop are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and by appointment on Sunday.

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Under the supervision of Trail Boss Berndie Lunsford, the association does most of its trail building in late fall (mid-October) through winter and then into early spring (first weeks in April) while the tree and vegetative foliage is down. Tompkins says that is the best time to build a trail, because poison oak, insects, and snakes are less bothersome. SVMBA members try to build new trails and improve and maintain existing ones at least one Saturday out of each month. By the end of 2006, the Anglers’ Park Trail System had grown to about 16 miles, and in 2007 and 2008 it increased to approximately 20 miles. Today, the trail is about 24 miles. Tompkins estimates they had built about $300,000 worth of bike trails for riders to enjoy. Practicing better fitness is a side benefit for many mountain bike riders. When Tompkins started riding, he weighed about 205 pounds. Today, he weighs about 157. Local rider and bike shop owner Robbie Morris also saw a similar weight loss. He has lost 43 pounds. “I love to mountain bike,” says Morris, who operates Bicycle Medic at 2022a Riverside Drive in Danville, “and I love the people that ride them. It’s such an addictive sport.” Morris believes the mountain bike trails at Anglers’ Park are the largest and best around within a 100-mile radius. He says riders come from the North Carolina cities of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.

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C O N T I N U E D

He appreciates the SVMBA for its competitive atmosphere. “Out there on the trail, I’m just like any other mountain bike member,” Morris says. On June 13, 2010, Morris participated in the SVMBA’s 3rd annual Shootout on Anglers’ Ridge. The race started back in 2008 and has grown to be a duel series event, bringing together the North Carolina Southern Classic Series and the Virginia Off-Road Series. The association awarded $8,000 in cash and prizes to the winners. Bike racer Jerry Henley knows exactly how Morris feels about the SVMBA and loves the competition himself. At the start line of a race, Henley doesn’t really get nervous. Instead, he goes through a thought process. “I like to play through a scenario as to my start and ﬁnish,” says Henley, who is owner of the Spin Bike Shop at 531 Main St. in Danville.” I really don’t pay attention to the front, behind, and side. I just try to visualize. Usually when I’m done, I take a little time to go back to see what I could have done differently on the course, and just again, play back through it to see if there are any changes that I could make for the better.”

Membership and Sponsors Tompkins says the SVMBA has membership of young children to elderly adults. Total membership in early June was slightly more than 60, consisting of males and females. Regular sponsors of the association include: • Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs • Terry Blakely State Farm Insurance • Danville Orthopedic Clinic • Commonwealth Physical Therapy & Rehab • O.F. Newman & Co. • Bicycle Medic • Spin Bike Shop • Arthur Silver General Dentistry • Lowe’s • Danville Orthopedic & Athletic Rehab Continued to Page 17

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J U LY F E AT U R E C O N T I N U E D • Fire Safe Extinguisher Services • Roots & Shoots Landscaping • Sign Center • Danville Parks & Recreation Tourism • Karen’s Hallmark Shop • Bearclaw Coffee Co.

Future Goals Tompkins likes to set goals and achieve them. For the SVMBA, he envisions more trails. “Our future goal—and we really believe this is attainable—as we progress toward the bypass is to go under the bypass with a connector trail,” he says. “We’re going to revive the trails at Dan Daniel Park, and then work our way up in and around the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. We think we can have 50 miles of natural surface [dirt] trail in and around the Institute, Dan Daniel Park, Anglers’ Park, and outer boundaries of the airport certainly within the next 10 years. Our goal is ﬁve to eight years. We’re the fourth highest ranked trail system in the state, and I believe if you’ve got 50 miles of trail to choose from people will be coming from far and wide to take part in that.” To learn more about the Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association or to become a member or sponsor, go to www.SVMBA.org or e-mail Tompkins at svmbainfo@comcast.net.

The Love of Repairing Bicycles Leads to a Full-time Opportunity Looking for a body repair? Just call the doctor—the Bicycle Medic that is. Robbie Morris doesn’t mind. He just loves working on bicycles at 2022a Riverside Drive in Danville, Va. This mountain bike, rode bike and BMX rider and racer opened his shop part time on Nov. 1, 2009, working into the late afternoons and early evenings, after working his day job of driving a truck for Abercrombie Oil in Danville, Va. On March 1, 2010, he opened the bike shop full time because he believed the area needed an ace bike mechanic. To learn more about his craft of servicing and maintaining high-end bikes, Morris attended the Barnett Bicycle Institute in Colorado Springs, Colo., while he was working part time. Most attendees work at a bike shop or plan to open one, and Morris says for him it was an educational experience he couldn’t pass up, because he believed it was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.

whenever biking slows down. Not many places afford you that opportunity. I think it’s one thing that makes me so much more relaxed and fun here is the fact that if it doesn’t work out I’ve got a job sitting there waiting for me. That was one of the things that had me dragging my feet about opening this was the fact I’ve got such a good job, why would I risk it?” The risk has paid off, despite the long days. Morris says he is tired when he goes home but looks forward to returning to the shop the next day. Patrons of his shop are as excited about biking as Morris. He says most people start out riding a department store bike costing about $300 or so and get hooked on the sport. Within about ﬁve months, they come into his shop looking for a bike upgrade, one costing about $1,200 or so. He says what starts out as a goal of exercising more, ends up becoming a bicyclist who just wants to have fun.

Since attending the Institute, he has beneﬁtted from a brisk business. Morris, a member of the Southern Virginia Mountain Bike Association (SVMBA), owes a lot to his fellow bike riders. “If it weren’t for the mountain bike club and some of the road bike riders too, I would not be here right now,” he says. “I’d still be working out of my basement. The reality is that the mountain bike trails will exist without bike shops. The bike shops will not exist without the mountain bike trails.

Even fun, though, turns into reality no matter where a person buys a bicycle. Bikes will break down and need repair. “I don’t care where you buy your bike, you’ve got to ﬁnd somebody to ﬁx it,” Morris says, “and luckily, I enjoy working on them just as much as I do riding them. I guess it’s like anything else, whatever you’re passionate about that’s what you enjoy doing, and I’ve been real fortunate and blessed that I’ve been able to keep the lights on here and make enough money to eat a burger every now and then.”

“I’ve really, really been fortunate that the oil company has allowed me to do this during the summer months or warm weather,” Morris continues. “In the wintertime, Abercrombie lets me come back there and drive the truck, and I’ll go back to working in the evening time

The Bicycle Medic, located at 2022a Riverside Drive, repairs, maintains and sells bicycles. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

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A.A.F. Tank Museum: Where Your Journey into Military History Begins! By Matt Charles William Gasser loves military history, in particular anything that pertains to cavalries. In respect to Gasser’s true feelings regarding military history I need to rephrase my previous statement using his own words upon my introduction to him, “I’m going to preface this interview by stating that I’m crazy. Some people might put it delicately by using the word eccentric, but let me tell you, the right word is crazy. You’d have to be at least a little crazy to undertake something of this magnitude,” Gasser laughs as he raises his arms toward the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. (A.A.F.) Tank Museum ceiling.

Craziness Can Take You a Long Way

The sheer scope and scale of the A.A.F. Tank Museum is absolutely mind-boggling. Gasser owns over 300,000 square feet of space at the former Disston manufacturing facility on 29 North just over

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JULY 2010

the Pittsylvania County line. “Most people burn out before making it all of the way through the exhibits,” says Gasser. “But this is actually only part of my collection. I would need about one million square feet of space to properly catalogue and showcase everything. Fortunately and unfortunately for me, the history of the cavalry is both ancient and not speciﬁc to one nation.” The annals of the cavalry date back most likely to times before written history was recorded. While Assyrians and Babylonians employed cavalries during battles, trained cavalries with mounted troops were probably an invention of ancient Egyptians during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II around 1286 BCE. However, there are some scholars who assert that the Chinese developed the ﬁrst cavalry in 2637 BCE. While no artifacts have been found backing this claim,

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the Goei-leaotse, the fifth book of the Veuking, which is a kind of military code dating from the reign of Emperor Hoang-Ti, depicts a cavalry on the flanks of a Chinese army in this time period. The cavalry has remained a constant throughout military history, permeating centuries of defense of our nation. Our cavalry first existed as armed riders on horseback, developing today into land and air cavalries within the U.S. Army. Tanks comprise the land force, while helicopters represent the air cavalry. This brief synopsis of cavalry origins and designation within the United States military proves that Gasser has his hands full. More importantly, it vividly illustrates that this one man possesses a deep-seeded love, and maybe compulsion, to will this gargantuan framework of a museum in his mind into a reality.

Gasser points to a small collection of soldier ﬁgurines. “You see that, right there. That is where it all began, this entire collection.” Gasser elaborates, “I have sold my collection before and then reacquired it. It’s just part of me. I always tell people that it’s got to be easier to kick drugs than to stop collecting. There is a certain rush, satisfaction, kick, need or whatever you want to call the feeling that goes with it. There is also the historical heritage of this collection that is important to pass on to the people. I will do whatever it takes to make sure that this survives.” Luckily, his wife of 34 years, Karen, their two sons, and other family members, share William’s desire as they also work in various capacities at the Museum.

A History of the A.A.F Tank Museum

In 1981 the American Armoured Foundation, Inc., was born in Long Island, New York’s community of Mattituck as a non-proﬁt charitable organization per designation under Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) regulations. The Gassers moved the Tank Museum to Danville about ten years ago, when the Disston plant became available.

Museum that transports observers to different periods of time. One minute you may feel as if you are riding horseback with a knight in 1509, the next examining the genuine uniform of one, if not the only, Major General to serve during the Indian Wars. You will even ﬁnd yourself watching “Desert Fox” German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel journey across the North African desert.

Items on Display at the A.A.F Tank Museum

There are a plethora of artifacts, photographs, and biographical information on display at the Museum. If you take your time, studying each piece, it could easily take days to go through this masterpiece of military history. For summary sake, here is a brief overview of what the viewer will experience at the American Armoured Foundation Tank Museum. •117 tanks and artillery pieces •Over 1500 international Tank and Cavalry uniforms, including helmets and hats dating to 1509 •150 mid-size weapons, including rocket launchers, mortars, and machine guns •62 international children’s uniforms shown in the “Sandbox

Soldiers Exhibit” •Uniforms, artifacts, and descriptions of 220 Tank and Cavalry generals housed in the “International Hall of Tank & Cavalry Exhibit Hall” •An “International Rifle Exhibit” holding over 50 common to extremely rare military rifles, with origins ranging from the 1880’s until the present •Commonwealth of Virginia Standards of Learning based curriculum titled “Preserving the Memories” for students •A “Tank Toy Exhibit” with over 300 toys, some being very rare •Over 10,000 patches, pins, medals, and presentation pieces •A 6,000 square foot battlefield used for Radio Control Tank battles in 1/6th scale •Museum rooms and facilities include: sewing and cryogenics rooms, preservation laboratory, research library and reading room, PX gift shop, cafeteria, and numerous Tank Restoration Shops •NEW: “Women in Uniform” display presenting women’s garments from the Armed Forces, Police, Fire, and Life Saving fields Continued to Page 20

William comments, “I guess you can say one American icon is our tanks are able to take over a facility dedicated to another American icon in the Disston handsaw. There’s got to be something poetic there.” Literature from the A.A.F. states “The Tank Museum is the most comprehensive combined TankCalvary and Ordinance War Memorial Museum in America whose purpose is to educate the general public as to the sacriﬁces made by so many men and women through the illustrations of war and its weapons.” Full of staged and interactive exhibits with murals providing the museum visitor a visceral experience of how the tanks were used and soldiers wore their uniforms, A.A.F. is a “Living” www.showcasemagazine.com

| JULY 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 19

J U L Y

F E A T U R E

Future Plans for the Museum

Besides the new “Women in Uniform” exhibit to help diversify the Museum visitor demographic, there is a “Tank Museum Military Extravaganza” planned for April 23 and 24 of 2011. Included activities are radio control tank battles, an airsoft shooting range, a military model show, and militaria and modeling vendors. There will also be a “Talk to a Tanker” exhibition where people can learn military history firsthand from veterans. For those into crashes and fire, the Gassers are providing a flamethrower demonstration and tank crushing car demonstration in addition to tank and weapon presentations. William Gasser currently has an $8 million fundraising effort underway. “I’ve done the calculations and with about $8 million, I could renovate this area to the necessary specifications,” comments William. “Over the years, I’ve learned how to do most of the work to the building myself, however things like solar panel for power and driveway work, I can’t do and would sub out to a contractor.” The A.A.F. Tank Museum owner pauses and laughs, “Even for a guy like me, I know my limits, Matt.”

C O N T I N U E D plan to have the power system operated by solar energy.” Even though William would like to stay in Danville, he does not feel compelled to do so as he says that he does not receive much, if any help at all from the City of Danville or Pittsylvania County in terms of grant assistance or economic incentives. “My electricity is now $27 per hour, so I definitely need to do something. I’m vigorously exploring all alternatives that come my way or that I find myself,” states William. “Of course, I would prefer to stay here in Danville, but if I were able to find a partnering university or college, or even a theme park that wanted to add the Tank Museum as a supplemental educational facility, I would do so. My primary goal and focus is to ensure the survival of this place. I’ve lived my life by the mantra that nothing is impossible. It may be painful, uneasy, and just plain difficult, but you can do anything if you think hard enough. I may not have a direct plan of how things are going to unfold in the future, but I do know I will pass the Tank Museum on to the proper custodian. That is for certain. I can’t tell you how, I just know it,” William Gasser blinks

William Gasser’s ideas are the cutting edge in green technology when it comes to redeveloping his property. “I want to have a freestanding railroad type building and cover it under a mound of seven feet of dirt,” he explains. “That way there is no real risk of ﬂooding, since the facility is not underground and you do not have to worry about heating and air conditioning since the building is temperature sensitive. You can also keep staff very low, as you would need one person to supervise the one line of site. You could even have skylights on top, coming out of the dirt to minimize electrical needs. One other thing is that I

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with a toothy smile. The A.A.F. Tank Museum is located at 3401 U.S. Highway 29 S in Danville, Virginia. To set up a visit for your family or a ﬁeld trip for students, call 434.836.5323 or email at aaftank@gamewood. net. You can also visit the Tank Museum’s website at www. aaftankmuseum.com. The Museum’s hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM and is closed on Sundays and Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Admission is $10 for adults and $9.50 for children under 12 and people of 60 years of age or over. Memberships are available and tax-deductible donations are accepted. Motorcoach parking is accessible and the InnkeeperNorth Hotel (434.836.1700) is a partner of the A.A.F. Tank Museum.

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| JULY 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 21

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| JULY 2010 | www.showcasemagazine.com

B U I L D I N G

Y O U R

L I F E

H O U S E

Freedom by Larry Oldham When I think about July, I think of the word FREEDOM. There are many words to describe freedom. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of expression, freedom to bear arms, and financial freedom, there are many phrases associated with the word freedom. What does freedom mean to individuals? Certainly in our lives we have felt or been a part of some of the above-listed freedoms. How do we define freedom? How do you define freedom? I think the definition of freedom differs depending on the person and the situation. For me, freedom is the capacity to exercise choice. I have the right to determine the fate of my life every single day. You have the right to decide your life’s directive as well. How we choose and what we choose can be as different as night and day. The most important aspect of freedom is that we can make our choices. We have people around us that might be affected by our decisions. We must remember the choices that we make may have an impact of the lives of others. The most important thing that we have is free will to determine our own destination. We can control our thoughts. We can choose to grow in wisdom or be docile. The freedom to be an individual offers us a

world from which we can choose and allows us to succeed or fail based on our own accord. Think about this...Everyone wants to gain or lose something. Some people want a new car, a new job, a new spouse, another child, more money, recognition, etc. The list can go on forever. People want to lose weight, change their hair color, or maybe move to a new town. Everyone has the ability and the freedom to exercise free will, but most people are unable to achieve their independence by changing their lives for one main reason. They do not want to move out of their comfort zone. It is too easy to hang on to your life “as is” instead of making another choice. Sometimes there are other circumstances like money, sickness, or loyalty, but mostly plain old fear of the unknown can stop us. As Kris Kristofferson wrote in his famous song “Me and Bobby McGee” as sung by Janis Joplin, “Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose, and nothin’ ain’t worth nothin’, but it’s free.” So, freedom is not only free, but it also gives us a choice. We can focus on the things we can control to get the things we want, or achieve reachable goals. Put aside your fears, face your difﬁculties, overcome all discomforts which are

normally only temporary anyway, and make the correct decision. This will allow you to put the image in your mind of the positive aspects of what you want to experience in your life. Appreciate your personal autonomy to become an individual by exercising your freedom to make good decisions. Take the high road less traveled. Get out of your comfort zone. Think outside of the box. Make new choices to change the way you live and always remember my favorite adage, “You can’t always change the world, but you can always change your world.” Thank your lucky stars that you were born in a country that gives us the freedom to decide our own fate. Give freedom another chance...Make a difference in your life today by choosing to use the freedom that our forefathers left to us. But alas, that is another kind of freedom that we celebrate in the month of July. So, as I said in the beginning, there are many freedoms in the world. What I did not say is that we have too many. “Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ to lose, and nothin’ ain’t worth nothin’, but it’s free,” said my friend Bobby McGee. Be sure to use your freedom this year. It won’t cost you a thing and it may change your life.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| JULY 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 23

A New Article by Personal Trainer, Dave Gluhareff We all have problems and obstacles we feel we just cannot overcome. Many times life throws stress at us which we feel is overwhelming and too much to handle. Many times we cave-in and just let these rough times trample all over us and we take a beating. Well enough is enough! We are in charge of us and we are in charge of our health! We have to take a stand and tackle any issue we face without hesitating and worrying how tough the road ahead may be. Our health is always an issue. We almost all have some sort of health problem, disability, body image issue, etc, which can take over our emotions and control us. We have to be strong and do something about this! We have to take care of

Lose Weight and Overcome Life’s Obstacles Successfully!

ourselves and our bodies! We are responsible for the body we have and we are responsible for the consequences from our bodies when we let our health go down the tubes! I love what I do in ﬁtness and have been a personal trainer and health and ﬁtness writer for nearly 14 years! I have the pleasure of owning a few Personal Training/Bootcamp facilities, one in Danville and one in South Boston, VA. In South Boston my studio is a supporter of the Prizery performing arts center. Of the many shows we go to see there (Sandi Patti concert, jazz, rock

Walk llenge S al Cha ’s d with M e Capit n se th o o r s n li fo g A ia in d a is s tr e a th re to w I He inly d well to clerosis. fall, ma sponde ultiple S ve last little C for M s who re with Da e D n y – very g n o d in to y o in k g b c in y n tra f the lu ve re of m in Wash o a a D lk e “I bega c n a h g o it w s in w k wa tak d -day, 50 training while I wasn’t MS , a 2 ngth an ntinued go and ertainly rns. I co al of stre ons, I c years a e e ti tt 5 d a t a st ic a p o d gre ep alm ing me ining a stent sle -modify inconsi s far, ga disease nds thu iet, and u d o r p o 0 o 5 e, p e that ve lost exercis and ha rd to giv e walk d it’s ha ay. n ow as a w , n e t se after th h th lo g rig for me d like to l ce alon I’ n t le h ra a u ig sc d e “norma e w en shop in er on th ch more e able to e numb th ow mu g th h h t in it e u e w o m b b e sk ng ings, lik much a s. often a ven flirti not as mple th ost day , and e People use it’s oing m o. The si irplane a g d a c e e n n b a a m r c in I p traint e ly a e e b k h th a answe w rt to in n nd rs g comfo I feel a otivatio by othe es, sittin nville ough m it is how unded for cloth p) in Da m surro than en s I’ m , re re a d o o st tc te m o a v o re ti B a o k sized” ia v m 5 in n a ss g e ery mp (Vir has be running a little le Bootca istakes. g. Dave feeling idea of ss in e m o I’ tn g fi a n p e m ke m ee s whe when I on or th ed to k st ilt e ge a o u n n On day B g I a e h th st u c th the boo io in So ing on pletely y d e m u la o m st t c s u g e o th in n s. is to ith y giv eral mo ging it s me w ir energ last sev challen allenge e h w c and the th o r h e e h s ov ow ive and r helpful ave kn support alled fo en very l story, D layed c has be ersona p e v is ti h c rtrole I p e fo p e m rs From th o e c d p n s is a S” a , and th ave felt of “SUD lifestyle en with uldn’t h uction ave. Ev at I wo ’s prod D th LT h y it C H sa w ly g in -care in te d o e lu d so rm n m b o e o self tly perf I’ve be . I can a away fr r e rk c o fa n w le I recen ra so e b on e th ndu omforta ad gon een for bit of e h d feel c atre, I h it not b n e quite a vel. Wit d a th a le h d rm ss n e rfo the role ance, a and fitn lt to pe d , g u h c c lt in fi si is a if u able in e ra d d ll h in m ch more and fun y overa ground alk. For een mu de in m training a back in the w have b up our I’ve ma s te ld g a u in in o a ip p g w ic m t rt n ra ain. a e is p c /m that it lk re to :/ a r e at http e MS w in orde hout th te th 0 it si r .0 w b 0 fo e e 0 g 5 w m ’s $1 sta our tea st raise ur team r here, ber mu n visit o summe m mem you ca a t, n te e h v c e gs Ea ut this efforts. weddin on abo rovita . ents like formati /goto/p vate ev ri rg p more in .o k ty o bo lmssocie .” usually nationa h Music nd we Main a d Beac n N a , th o 6 c is d D lle , a n c w ’re oto nd! We ostly M Our Ba e do m isers. W ra d n fu and ave! thing, D r every fo s k n Tha

nial: testimo

-Alison

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concerts, musicals, ballet, classical, theatre) one in particular was so gratifying: the Halifax County Little Theater’s production of SUDS! One of my personal training clients from South Boston Fitness was one of the stars of the high-energy musical that night. She has been training with us (South Boston Fitness & Virginia Bootcamp) since last fall and has made great strides in overcoming many of life’s obstacles. I am so proud of her! ••••••• Read her story to the left. You see, Alison stopped making excuses for staying unhealthy and she took action and took back her life! She has overcome so many obstacles this past year that she now has a new lease on life. She is back in charge of her life and her health! I would love for us to take all the credit as personal trainers, but I have to say that Alison took charge and made the decision to make herself healthier. If she had not made up her mind to get serious and take action then she would not have gotten so far and accomplished so much. Her endurance performing with her band and on-stage with theatrical productions would be suffering and she would not be the high-energy, positive fire-cracker she is on stage now! We all get hit by different aches and pains such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high sugar/diabetes, acid reflux, osteoporosis, arthritis, back pains, knee pains, migraines, MS, cancers, etc, but how we fight back defines us as a person! With regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest we can all take better care of ourselves and lead a healthier and more positive life! We can lose weight and overcome life’s obstacles successfully with exercise, nutrition, and rest and by taking action!

“Our Lives Hinge On Our Health!” Dave P.S. – Summer Musical Theater is at the Prizery in South Boston, VA from June 24th – August 7th! Dames at Sea, All Night Strut, and Annie! My Personal Training Studio South Boston Fitness is supporting the cast and crew for this spectacular local summer event containing talented actors from around the country! Please come out and support the Prizery, support the local arts community, and enjoy some wonderful, locally produced shows, only a stone’s throw away!

www.showcasemagazine.com

| JULY 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 25

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 32.

by Paulette Dean Executive Director, Danville Humane Society

City Squirrels City squirrels are wonderful creatures. As they live on the fringes of human society, they eat at our bird feeders, live in our trees, and scurry around our yards. Unfortunately, they are like most wild animals, and they do not live long lives. The bodies of squirrels are frequently seen in the middle of or on the sides of streets. Until a few years ago, I had always assumed that they had become reckless and had been hit by a car while running across the street. But, on a cold, dark winter’s evening, squirrels made an important principle come alive for me. I was driving home from work, and to my horror, saw a squirrel fall from a telephone wire that spanned the width of the street. The squirrel’s back must have been broken, because he tried in vain to get up and run. I knew I had to do something, but a car was behind me. The only thing I could do was turn onto the next street and turn around to drive back to the squirrels, praying the entire time that death would come quickly and painlessly for him. As I approached, another car hit the squirrel and killed him. I began to notice squirrel bodies more, even though I wanted to avoid the gruesome sight. The vast majority of the time, the bodies lay underneath power or telephone lines. City squirrels realize the dangers cars can pose to them. That’s why they run so rapidly across the street. But, when they cross the width of streets on the wires above the streets, they believe they are above danger. They become careless, and they fall. How like squirrels we are at times! We believe we are above learning anything new, or we believe we are better than other people. With our pride telling us we are above other people, or even above living by the simple principles of decency or honor, we become careless in our daily lives, and we become perilously close to falling. Sometimes, we tragically do fall.

The Zac Brown Band is coming to Danville, VA Thursday July 22, 2010 to perform at the Carrington Pavilion. What a treat this is for Danville. People who don’t like country like the soulfulness of the Zac Brown Band. I’ve been touched by their down to earth style and promotions like the “Letters for Lyrics” campaign.

dealerships.

Ponderings by Torrey Blackwel

“The Dealer for the People” Torrey Blackwell is a Christian businessman and consumer advocate. He has spent his life ﬁghting the negative stigma that plagues car dealers around the world. He does this by ﬁghting for the consumer as a car dealer that advises people and helps them get the quality vehicle they want and deserve in a positive and safe environment.

The “Letters for Lyrics” program is a partnership between the Ram Truck brand and the Zac Brown Band that aims to collect 1 million letters to send to U.S. troops deployed around the world. Locally, my dealership, Blackwell Chrysler Jeep Dodge, is collecting letters at 4874 Riverside Dr. and giving each letter writer a Breaking Southern Ground CD. The CD features three all-new songs from Zac Brown Band, and music from Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan and Levi Lowrey. The compilation CD is not sold in stores and is exclusively available at Ram Truck

After writing his letter to a soldier, my 11-year-old son Noah has decided that he likes the Zac Brown Band. His iPod now has songs like “Toes and Chicken Fried” and he sings out loud while listening in the backseat of the car.

Personally, I would like to challenge our community to write 160 letters before the concert as our part of the “Letters for Lyrics” campaign. Bring your letter of encouragement and thanks to a soldier to Blackwell Chrysler Jeep Dodge and receive the CD Breaking Southern Ground while supplies last. My dealership will also show its support to the troops by offering an additional $500 cash allowance to all qualiﬁed enlisted military personnel and veterans toward the purchase of new 2010 Ram, Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep vehicle.

Celia

The picture is of a 2-3 year-old spayed female terrier mix named Celia. She is a wonderful, wonderful dog who is housebroken, and would do will in an active family as well as in a quiet home. For more information, please contact Danville Humane Society, 434.799.0843 www.showcasemagazine.com

| JULY 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 27

NORTH CAROLINA

Danville

17 – YMCA Crab Feast: Danville Community Market: 4:30-8:30pm: 434.792.0621.

Martinsville

SALEM

•

12,13 – Tie Dyeing for Kids: Piedmont Arts: Ages 9-14: 9-11am: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org.

South Boston

8-16 – All Night Strut: The Prizery: Times Vary: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com.

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AreaEVENTSGuide

DANVILLE Arts/Exhibits

Class: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: Ages 7-12. 9am-12pm: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org.

Thru August 22 – Danville Museum Exhibits: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org. Thru Sept. 6– Science Center Exhibits: Hatching the Past & Birds of the Riverwalk: Danville Science Center: Free/$6/$5: M-S 9:30am–5pm: Sun 1–5pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. Thru Oct 16– Butterﬂy Station & Garden: Danville Science Center: Free/$6/$5: M-S 9:30am–5pm: Sun 1–5pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. 1,8,15,22 – All Media Studio Class: Ballou Park Annex Building: 9-11am or 6-8pm: $65: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 3 – Bob Ross Painting Class: Ballou Park Annex Building: 10:30am-3:30pm: $65: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 12-16 – Elements of Art Class: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: Ages 7-12. 10am-1pm: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org. 20-23 – Oodles of Doodles Art Class: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: Ages 4-6. 10am-1pm: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org. 20-24 – Life Drawing Class: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: 6:30-8:30pm: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org. 26-30 – Mornings with the Masters

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Kids/Family

1-31 – Swimming Lessons: YMCA: Ages/Times Vary: 434.792.0621. 1-31 – Summer Sports Camps: YMCA: Ages 6-14: Soccer, Basketball, Running: 9am-12pm: 434.792.0621. 5-28 – Better Health for Pre-Teens: YWCA: M/W: 434.792.1522. 10 - Little Miss Danville Pageant: 434.251.8553 or 434.548.2809. 12-29 – STEMulating Summer Camps: Institute for Advanced Learning & Research: Topics/Ages/Times Vary: 434.766-6725: www.ialr.org. 12-Aug. 6 – Outdoor Adventure Camp: Ballou Park: Ages 9-14: 9am-5pm: 434.799.5215: www.playdanvilleva.com. 21 – Summer Camp Play Day: Crossing at the Dan: 10am-3pm: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 12-16 – Water, Water, Everywhere Camp: Danville Science Center: Ages 3–5, 9:30am-12pm; Ages 5–7, 1:30–4pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. 19-23 – Things that Move You Camp: Danville Science Center: Ages 8-13: 1–4pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. 19-23 – Creepy Crawlies Camp: Danville Science Center: Ages 3–5, 9:30am-12pm; Ages 5–7, 1:30–4pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. 26-30 – Science on the Ground: Danville

| JULY 2010 | www.showcasemagazine.com

Science Center: Ages 3–5, 9:30am-12pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. 26-30 – Earth Gone Wild Camp: Danville Science Center: Ages 5–7, 1:30– 4pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. 26-30 – Amusement Park Science Camp: Danville Science Center: Ages 8-13: 1–4pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org. 27,28,29 – Outdoor Specialty Camp: Ballou Park: Ages 9-14: 434.799.5215: www.playdanvilleva.com.

Entertainment

1,8,15,22,29 – 57 Express Bluegrass Concert: Community Center, Chatham: 7pm: 434.432.3115: www.chathamcares.org. 1-31 – Live Bands & DJ Music: Back to Bogies: Wed-Sat. Times Vary: 434.791.3444. 2 - Fridays at the Crossing: Crossing at the Dan: 6pm: 434.793.4636: www.visitdanville.com. 3 - Gretna Bluegrass Festival: Elba Park - Gretna: 4-10pm: 434.656.6572. 7,14,21,28 –Metropolitan Opera Summer Encore Series: Danville Stadium Cinemas: 7/7 Eugene Onegin, 7/14 La Boheme, 7/21 Turandot, 7/28 Carmen: 6:30pm: 434. 792.9885: www.georgiatheatrecompany.com. 9 – Jazz on the Patio:YWCA: 6:30-8:30pm: $15: 434.792.1522. 9,23 – Summer Movies in the Park: Ballou Park: 8:30-10:30pm: 434.799.5216: www.playdanvilleva.com. 15 - Enchanted Evenings in The Park: Ballou Park: 6:30-8pm: www.playdanvilleva.com.

16,17 – Truck & Tractor Pull: Danville Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds: 434.822.6850. 17 – YMCA Crab Feast: Danville Community Market: 4:30-8:30pm: 434.792.0621. 22 - Zac Brown Band Concert: Carrington Pavilion: 6pm: 434.793.4636: www.visitdanville.com.

Lifestyle/Lectures

9 – Fundraiser Dinner: American Legion Post 1097: 5:30pm: 434.793.7531. 12-Aug. 16 – Financial Freedom Class: YWCA: 5:30-7:30pm: 434.792.1522. 13 – Memory Walk Kick-off Party: The Brown Bean. 434.973.6122. 15,16,17 – Annie: Carrington Pavilion: 7:30pm: DMR Adventures: 434.791.4091. 16 – Just Everyday Women, Walking by Faith: Mary’s Diner: 11am–1pm: 434.793.8140. 17 – Dog Wash: Danville Farmers’ Market: 9am-12pm: 434.799.0843. 18 – Avant-Garde Writers: Averett University Library: 2pm: 434.251.1062. 20 – Alzheimer’s Presentation: Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: 12-1pm: 434.792.3700 x30. 29 – Girls Meet Women: Community Center, Chatham: 9-11am: 434.432.3115: www.chathamcares.org.

Hobbies/Sports

1,8,15,22,29 – Aquacize:YWCA: 8:15am: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov. 1-25 – Danville Braves Baseball: Dan Daniel Memorial Park: 7pm/4pm: 434.797-3792: www.dbraves.com. 1-31 – Fitness Classes:YMCA: Spin, Zumba, Aerobics, Plyometrics, Pilates,Yoga and Strength: 9am-12pm: 434.792.0621. 2 – July Fourth Dance: Ballou Rec. Center: 7:30-10:30pm: 434.799.5216: www.playdanvilleva.com. 7,14,21,28 – Guitar Basics Class: City Auditorium:Youth/Teens-5pm, Adult-5:30pm: Free: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 3 – Patriot Challenge 5K & 10K: Anglers Park: 7-11:30am: 434.793.4636. 3 – DRBA’s First Saturday Outing: Talbott Reservoir in Upper Dan Valley: 10am: 336.337.8843: www.danriver.org. 3 – Fourth of July Celebration: Crossing at the Dan: 4-10pm: 434.793.463: www.playdanvilleva.com. 5 – Acting Classes: Acting Up, Act I & Act II for Kids & Teens: DMR Adventures: 434.791.4091. 5-28 – Aikido:YWCA: M/W 6-8pm: 434.792.1522. 6,13,20,27 – African Dance Ensemble: Pepsi Building: 6-7:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov. 6-Aug. 10 – Belly Dancing & Zumba Classes:YWCA: Tues: Belly Dancing 5:306:30pm. Zumba 6:45-:745pm: 434.792.1522. 7 – Senior Bowling Tournament:

Riverside Lanes: 10am-12pm: 434.791.2695: www.playdanvilleva.com. 8 – Walk the Labyrinth:YWCA: 6-8pm: 434.792.1522. 9,23 – Danville Shag Club Dance: The Dance Space: 8-11pm: www.visitdanville.com. 12,19,26 – Boogie Monday: Rhumba: Ballou Rec. Center: 7–8:30pm: $3/$15: 434.799.5216: www.playdanvilleva.com. 13,20,27 – West African Dance & Drumming Class: City Auditorium: 4:30-6pm: Free: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 13-Aug. 21 – Zumba Fitness: Coates Rec Center, Tues 6:30pm: Pepsi Building, Wed 6:30pm/Sat 10am: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 15 – Kayak Dan River Trip: Dan Daniel to Anglers Park: 6-8pm: 434.799.5215: www.playdanvilleva.com. 15-Aug. 23 – Zumba Revolution: City Auditorium: Th/M 5:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 17 – Biscuit Bolt 5K Run/Walk: Crossing at the Dan, Pepsi Building: 8-11:30pm: 434.799.5215: www.playdanvilleva.com. 19-23 – Civil War Camp: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: 9am-12pm: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org. 24 – Blistering Heat Bowl: Ballou Park: 9am-2pm: 434.799.5215: www.playdanvilleva.com. 24 – Chatham Cruise In: Main Street: 5-9pm: 434.548.3233 or 434.489.6082. 26-30 – Belly Dance Classes: Pepsi Building: Intermediate, 5:30pm; Beginning, 6:45pm: 434.797.8848: www.playdanvilleva.com. 31-Aug. 1 – World Karting Association / Woodbridge Kart Club National GoKart Races:VIRginia International Raceway: 434.822.7700: www.virnow.com.

MARTINSVILLE Arts/Exhbits

Thru Sept, 18 – Messages from the Mesozoic Exhibit:Virginia Museum of Natural History: 276.634.4141: www.vmnh.net. 2 – First Friday Art Walk: Studio 107: 5:307:30pm: 276.638.2107: www.piedmontarts.org. 5,12,19,26 – Oil Painting Class: SpencerPenn Centre: 6:30-8:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 7,14,21,28 – Floyd Figures Art Group: The Sun Music Hall: Wed. 1:30–4:30pm: 540.745.7880: www.thesunmusichall.com. 8 – Bob Ross Painting Workshop: Piedmont Arts: 10am-3:30pm: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org. 10,17,24 – Stained & Fused Glass Classes: Piedmont Arts: 10am-12pm: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org. 10-Aug. 28 – PAA Exhibit: Piedmont Arts: Homelands: Portraits of Ireland and Israel: 7/9 Members Reception & Artist Talk, 5:30pm:

Area EVENTS Guide 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org. 12-16 – Stained & Fused Glass Classes: Piedmont Arts: 10am-12pm: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org. 17 – Third Saturday Stroll: Studio 107: 3-7pm: 276.638.2107: www.piedmontarts.org.

Kids/Family

Thru August 6 – Summer Camps for Kids: Spencer-Penn Centre: Ages: 6-early teens: 9am-12pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 1-30 – VMNH Summer Camps: Topics/ Times/Ages Vary: Virginia Museum of Natural History: 276.634.4185: www.vmnh.net. 5-28– Family Aerobics: Spencer-Penn Centre: MW 6:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 10 – Family Park Days: 10am-12pm: Virginia Museum of Natural History: 276.634.4185: www.vmnh.net. 12,13 – Tie Dyeing for Kids: Piedmont Arts: Ages 9-14: 9-11am: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org. 17 – Young Friends of VMNH: Virginia Museum of Natural History: 2-8pm: 276.634.4185: www.vmnh.net. 24 – Reptile Day Family Festival:Virginia Museum of Natural History: 10 am-4pm: 276.634.4185: www.vmnh.net.

Entertainment

2-30 – Friday Night Jamboree: Floyd Country Store: Fridays, 6:30pm: $3: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com. 4,11,18,25 – Traditional Bluegrass/ Mountain Music Jam: Floyd Country Store: Sunday, 2-5pm: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com. 9 – Music Night: Dusty Ridge, Sue Nester & Friends, Lone Ivy String Band: SpencerPenn Centre: 6:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 16 – Music & Wine Night: Binding Time Café: 5:30pm: 276.656.3800: www.binding-time.com. 20 – Concert: Wayne Henderson & Jeff Little: Spencer-Penn Centre: 7pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 23,30 – TGIF: 7/23 - Backstreet Band. 7/30 - Casper Band: Uptown Farmer’s Market: 7-10:30pm: 276.632.5688: www.martinsvilleuptown.com. 24 – Old Time Country Dancet: Floyd Country Store: 7:30pm: $8: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com.

Lifestyle/Lecture

1-29 – Seniors In The Know: Spencer-Penn Centre: Th 10am 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

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Area EVENTS Guide 7,14,21,28 – Produce Tailgate Sale: Spencer-Penn Centre: 3-6pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 12 – SPSPO Meeting: SpencerPenn Centre: 7pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 13 – Patriots Party Meeting: SpencerPenn Centre: 7-8;30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 22 – Book Signing: Martha Scott: Binding Time Café: 4-6pm: 276.656.3800: www.binding-time.com.

Hobbies/Sports

LYNCHBURG Arts/Exhbits

1 – Photography Club Meeting: SpencerPenn Centre: 6:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 1-29 – Chair Aerobics: Spencer-Penn Centre: M/Th 11:30am: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 1-29 – Zumba: Spencer-Penn Centre: Tu/Th 6:30-7:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 1-29 – Open Computer Lab: Spencer-Penn Centre: M/Th 10am-8pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 15 – Photography Classes: Spencer-Penn

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Centre: 6-8pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 16 – Golf for the Arts: Chatmoss Country Club: 9am & 1:30pm: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org. 17 – Basketmaking Class: Spencer-Penn Centre: 9:30am-12pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com. 17 – Cruise In: Uptown Martinsville, Church St.: 5-8pm: 276.632.5688: www.martinsvilleuptown.com. 30 – Bingo: Spencer-Penn Centre: 6pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

12-Aug. 2 – Kiln Fired Glass Intro: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 6:30-9pm: 434.528.3256: www.academyﬁnearts.com. 15-Aug. 5 – Jewelry Sampler: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 6:30-8:30pm: $140: 434.528.3256: www.academyﬁnearts.com.

Kids/Family

5-9 – Down on the Farm: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 9:30am-12:30pm: Ages 5-8: 434.528.3256: www.academyﬁnearts.com. 5-9 – Teen Drawing, Painting & Printmaking: Academy of Fine Arts

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Studio: 1:30-3pm: Ages 11-15: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com. 12-16 – Under the Big Top: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 9:30am-12:30pm: Ages 5-8: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com. 12-16 – Under Sea Color in Glass & Mosaics: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 2-4:30pm: Ages 11-15: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com. 14-Aug. 11 – Irish Stepdance: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: Times/Ages Vary: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com. 19-23 – Black & White Photography: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 1-3:30pm: Ages 12-18: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com. 26-30 – Adventures in Neverland: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 10am-12pm: Ages 3-5: $85: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com. 26-30 – Young Artists: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 1:30-3pm: Ages 7-10: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com. 26-30 – Amazing Clay & Sculpture: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 2-4:30pm: Ages 11-15:434.528.3256:www.academyfinearts.com.

Entertainment

9,10,11 – Annie: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 7:30/2pm: 434.846.8499: www.academyﬁnearts.com.

19-23 – Discover Lynchburg Summer Camp: Lynchburg Museum: 9am-3pm: 434.455.4424: www.lynchburgmuseum.org. 24 – Alice in Wonderland: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 10:30am/1:30pm: 434.846.8499: www.academyﬁnearts.com. 24 – The Chickenhead Blues Band Concert: The Ellington: 8:30pm: $10: 434.845.2162: www.theellington.org.

6,13,20,27 - Tasty Tuesdays: Bedford Farmers Market: 3-7pm: 540.586.2148: www.centertownbedford.com. 7 - Wildlife Wednesday Cruises: 540.297.7100: www.vadarecruises.com. 14,21,28 - Little Rangers: Discovery Center: Smith Mountain Lake State Park: 10:30-11:30am: 540.297.5998: www.visitbedford.com.

SMITH MT. LAKE/ BEDFORD

Hobbies/Sports

Thru July 10 - More than a Mountain Exhibit: Bower Center & Bedford Area Welcome Center: 540.586.4235: www.morethanamountain.com. 14-27 - Quilt Show: Bedford Central Library: 540.977.3029: www.visitbedford.com.

ROANOKE

Arts/Exhbits

Entertainment

2,3 - Fourth of July Activities: Smith Mountain Lake State Park: 540.297.5998: www.visitbedford.com. 3 - Fireworks: Parkway Marina, SML: www.smlﬁreworks.org. 3 - Virginia Carolina in Concert: Peaks of Otter Winer: 7-9pm: 540.586.3707: www.peaksofotterwinery.com. 3,4 - Red, White and You: Peaks of Otter Winer: 12-5pm: 540.586.3707: www.peaksofotterwinery.com. 4 - Celebrate Independence Day: D-Day Memorial: 540.586.3329: www.dday.org. 4 - July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Finale: Mariners Landing: 5-10pm: 540.297.4900: www.marinerslanding.com. 4 - Ranger Led Hike: Peaks of Otter Winer: 7pm: 540.586.3707: www.peaksofotterwinery.com. 9 - 2nd Friday in Centertown: Centertown Bedford: 5-8pm: 540.586.2148: www.centertownbedford.com. 10 - Horse and Hound Wine Festival: Peaks of Otter Winer: 11am-6pm: 540.586.3707: www.peaksofotterwinery.com. 10 - Sedalia Blues Festival: Sedalia Center: 12-11pm: 434.299.5080: www.sedaliacenter.org. 10 - The McMaken Brothers Concert: Bedford Public Library: 7:30pm: 540.586.8911: www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org. 17 - Family Day: D-Day Memorial: 10am: 540.586.3329: www.dday.org. 24 - SML Music in the Park: Smith Mountain Lake State Park: 8-10pm: 540.297.6066: www.visitbedford.com.

Lifestyle/Lecture

Thru Aug. 6 - Jr. Rangers: Discovery Center: Smith Mountain Lake State Park: 10am-12pm: 540.297.5998: www.visitbedford.com. 2-31 - Kid’s Club: Mariners Landing: Fri 3-8:30pm; Sat. 11am-6pm: 540.297.4900: www.marinerslanding.com.

10 - Mariners Cup Sailing Race: Mariners Landing: 540.297.4900: www.marinerslanding.com.

Area EVENTS Guide

10 – Saturday Morning Art Workshop: Taubman Museum of Art: Ages 10+: 10am-1pm: www.taubmanmuseum.org. 12-16 – Zany Zebras and Happy Hippos Summer Camp: Taubman Museum of Art: Ages 5-7: 9am-3pm: www.taubmanmuseum.org. 26-30 – Beautiful Bugs and Icky Insects Summer Camp: Taubman Museum of Art: Ages 8-10: 9am-3pm: www.taubmanmuseum.org.

Entertainment

Kids & Family

1-11 – Salem Fair: Salem Civil Center: 4pm/ 12pm: 540.375.3004: www.salemfair.com. 5-9 – Aquatic Adventures Summer Camp: Taubman Museum of Art: Ages 5-7: 9am-3pm: www.taubmanmuseum.org.

1,8 – Party in the Park: Elmwood Park: 6-8:30pm: www.EventZone.org. 11 – Down By The River Concert: Jefferson Center: 12pm: 540.345.2550: www.jeffcenter.org.

Wayback When July 25, 1980 On this day, rock heavyweights ACDC released Back In Black. Just ﬁve months after Bon Scott’s untimely passing, ACDC returned with a new lead singer and ten bone-shaking new songs. The end result was Back In Black, an album that went on to become the second best-selling album worldwide, only surpassed by Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Behind the vocals of Brian Johnson, the guitar of Angus Young, and catchy songs like “You Shook Me All Night Long,” Back in Black has sold an estimated 49 million copies worldwide. In December of 2007, the record was recognized for selling 22 million units in the United States. Although Back in Black never reached number one on the Billboard charts, the album stayed on the charts for 131 weeks. And with 22 million copies sold, Back in Black has earned the title of fourth highest selling album in the United States. Proving that people still like to be shook all night long, Back In Black reentered the Billboard charts in April 2010 nearly thirty years after its initial release.

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Area EVENTS Guide 17 – Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival: Elmwood Park: 11:30am: 540.529.8502: www.blueridgeblues.org. 24 – Michael Waltrip’s Comedy Garage: Roanoke Civic Center: 877.482.8496: www.roanokeciviccenter.com. 29 – TNA Wrestling: Salem Civic Center: 540.375.3004: www.salemciviccenter.com.

Hobbies/Sports

14 – Kazane Racing Series: Roanoke Civic Center: 877.482.8496: www.roanokeciviccenter.com. 16 – Virginia Amateur Sports Commonwealth Games: Roanoke Civic Center: 7:30pm: 877.482.8496: www.roanokeciviccenter.com. 17,18 – Salem Gun and Knife Traders Show: Salem Civic Center: Times Vary: 540.375.3004: www.salemciviccenter.com. 23,24,25 – Antique Expo: Roanoke Civic Center: Times Vary: 877.482.8496: www.roanokeciviccenter.com.

NORTH CAROLINA Arts/Exhbits

8 – Fish Platter Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 6-7:30pm: $28: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 10 – Classic Toad House Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 10am-12pm: $28: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 10 – Block-a-Month Quilting: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 9:30-11:30am: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

15 – Pearl Necklace Classes: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 6-8pm: $34: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 15 – Mosaic Stepping Stone Classes: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 5:30-8pm: $35: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 17 – Little Clay Lady Lamp Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 9:30am-12pm: $35: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 22 – Clay Wine Chiller Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 6-7:30pm: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 22 – Crafts for Kids Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 3:15-4:15pm: $12: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 24 – Beaded Bowl Basket Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 9am-12pm: $40: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 24 – Garden Ladies Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 10am-12pm: $32: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com. 29 – Hanging Cone Platter or Vase Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 6-8pm: $28: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

Entertainment

1-29 – Acoustic GuitarThursday Nights with Tony: Backstreet Buzz Coffee House: 6–8pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com. 2 – Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration: Person High School, Roxboro: 9pm: 336.597.1755: www.visitroxboronc.com. 2-30 – Veronica Jones Music: Cafe 99: Reidsville: Wed & Fri, 12:15–1:15pm & 7-10pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com. 2-30 – DownHome Place Country Music & Dance: Jefferson Penn Masonic Lodge, Reidsville: Fri., 7–10pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com. 3-31– Live Music: Backstreet Buzz Coffee House:7–9pm:www.downtownreidsvillenc.com.

FUN & GAMES SOLUTIONS

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6,13,20,27 – Bluegrass Jamboree: Downtown Reidsville Exhibit Center: 7–9pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com. 9,23– Open Jam Night: Backstreet Buzz Coffee House: 7–9pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com. 10 – Fourth of July Parade: Uptown Roxboro: 10am: 336.599.8317: www.visitroxboronc.com.

Hobbies/Sports

2 – Community CampFires: Mayo Lake, Roxboro: 7-9pm: 336.597.7806: www.visitroxboronc.com. 2 – Cruz-In: Roxboro Commons: 6:30pm: 336.364.2760: www.visitroxboronc.com. 9 – Downtown Cruise-In: Downtown Reidsville: 6–9pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com.

SOUTH BOSTON Kids/Family

12-16 – Classes For Kids: The Prizery: Little Chefs (ages 4-7) & Painting: Masters Of The Renaissance (ages 9-12): 9 am: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com.

Entertainment

1,2,3 – Dames at Sea: The Prizery: Times Vary: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com. 8-16 – All Night Strut: The Prizery: Times Vary: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com. 22-Aug. 7 – Annie: The Prizery: Times Vary: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com.

Hobbies/Sports

2,17,24,31 – Auto Racing: South Boston Speedway: 877.440.1540: www.southbostonspeedway.com.

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Sweet Land of Liberty Summer is in full swing! Time for vacations, pools, and parties. Summer means freedom for some, especially students, no school, no bedtimes, extra time with friends, video games, and midweek sleepovers. For parents, it’s the same ole grind. Unless you are a school teacher then you have the summer to play as well. I for one am exhausted from the past school year. Whew! From ﬁeld trips to activities to practices to rehearsals, the rush was constant. So to keep it going even after all the disarray ended I went on a ﬁeld trip of my own...to New York City! I love the hectic streets, the scurrying of people, the chaos, struggles, and the clutter. It’s like my own life! It’s amazing. If you’ve never been to NYC let me sum it up for you. The locals walk around like they are surrounded by people taking leisure strolls and are just in their way. And they are. They are, expressionless, sidewalk staring, iPod listening, backpack wearing people. It doesn’t take long to realize that they aren’t going to make eye contact, smile at you, hold a door for you,

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or let you merge into traffic. But that’s OK. It must be a tough life dealing with the thousands upon thousands of visitors at once, at any given moment of any given day. The tourists, on the other hand, are completely unaffected by the locals. They are minding their own business as they read every sign they pass, refer to their maps, and talk amongst their group about where to go next. They aren’t listening to iPods. There are no barriers between tourist and city. Oh, and these people are taking pictures like they work for Facebook. It’s really awesome how one city houses so many businesses, accommodates so many people, and entertains them all in so many ways. There is so much to see, from the shopping, the local delis, the souvenir shops, the restaurants, the shows, the parks, and the bridges. Not to mention the history in this city. This would make a GREAT field trip for 4th graders! From a Wells Fargo vessel. Not only am I reminded of the history each time I go, but I learn something new each time as well. From this trip I learned... • I can ride the subway and live to tell about it. • I’m a size 2 at Old Navy and a size 10 at H & M. • One bag of M&M’s cost $3. • The flashing hand signal at the cross

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•

• •

• • • •

walk means RUN. (The locals taught me that.) It’s fashionably unacceptable to not wear a scarf, no matter what the weather. There is a Duane Reade and Starbucks on every block. The strawberry and mango fruit smoothies made right in front of you on the streets are the best in the world (I’m assuming). Your car will not leave the same color if you park it in a parking garage. The extra money it costs to skip the line to the top of the Empire State Building is so worth it. The roast beef sandwich at the Carnegie Deli is 11 inches tall. The city never sleeps because the sirens are so loud. A single hot dog with nothing on it costs $4. And it’s not even bun length. I want to adopt a 55-year-old homeless man.

The moral of my lessons is- it’s great to have the freedom to experience the different wonders of this great country. And yes, New York City is somewhat of a wonder to me. It’s place where nationalities, lifestyles, opinions, and views from all over the world are in one place with one mission. That mission might only be to get from point A to point B, but nonetheless, all walks of life walk the same streets simply because they can.

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