Evince April 07

April 2007

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Looking at the Big Picture

by Kathryn Davis 6th Annual Danville Wine Festival

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Believe

by Liz Sater

4

Charlie Adams – The Memory Maker at Belmont Estate

by Joyce Wilburn Enjoy Saturday at the Lake Country Wine Festival

5

Second Thoughts

by Kim Clifton

6

Points North

by Jerry Meadors Butterfly Station Opens for the Season

by Nancy Tait

7

Arlene Creasy: Profile in Courage

by Laurie Moran

9

Spring Brings Garden Tour to Danville

by Pat Harper

10 14

Calendar of EVINCE Around the Table A Taste of Spring

by Annelle Williams The Sinking of the Titanic Remembered

by Pat Maurakis

15

Laughing with the Legends Music, Memories, Merriment from the 50s

by Russ Carter

16

Warning – You Might Go Home Tango Crazy

by Kathleen O’Hare

by Kathryn Davis My family and I will be heading to Northern Virginia this month for a family reunion. For many, such an event would be something to look forward to, and it is for me, although I must admit the excitement is accompanied by a bit of anxiety.

You see, we just had one of these reunions in November when my Aunt Bethania Iwilda (we call her Aunt Tay) celebrated her 90th birthday. Uncle Bub, Aunt Tay’s husband, insisted on holding the event at a local restaurant, the Country Buffet. It was a nice enough atmosphere with fairly good food, but the 30 or so of us who attended were crammed into a 20x20 foot room with scarcely enough room to sit at our own table and talk to the people we came with.

This time, my sister, Barbara, who lives in Montana, will be making her annual visit to Virginia, so the family wants to get together again. Barbara, not wanting to miss out on a single relative, has reached out to an uncle in Myrtle Beach whom we haven’t seen in at least 10 years, and cousins in Maryland that we haven’t seen in closer to 20 – and did I mention

So You’ve Written A Book 13 Annual Spring Fling in Providence

by Ruby Hovatter

19

Joe & Mimma’s Restaurant Celebrates 30 Years

by Russ Carter

20

Bobby Carlsen – Capturing a Moment in Time

by Joyce Wilburn

21

Chatham’s House Tour: Four Houses and a Church

22

Making Tires Safer

by Deborah Morehead

23

Sacred Painting Dramatized in Clarksville

by Nancy Barden From the Desk of Christopher Russell

On the Cover: Debbie Wilson Roberts watches guests gather on the front lawn of Belmont Estate for the Bridal Open House Part I. See story on page 4.

Photo by Bobby Carlsen. See story on page 20.

FOR SUBSCRIPTION: Mail your name, address, phone number, and a check for $15 (12 issues) to EVINCE Managing Editor, Evince Subscription, P.O. Box 2396, Danville, VA 24541.

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He Said She Said

by Larry Oldham & Dena Hill

There is no better way to spend a Saturday than forgetting about work and having fun. Throw in a little wine tasting, listening to live music, eating good food, and spending time with friends--and an ordinary day turns into a perfect day.

Those are the plans for the 6th Annual Danville Wine Festival sponsored by the local Knights of Columbus at the Community Market on Craghead Street. Nine Virginia wineries will be featured during the 8-hour event: Chateau Morrisette, Tomahawk Mill Winery, Horton Cellars Winery, Hickory Hill Vineyards, Peaks of Otter Winery, Gabriele Rausse Winery, Rockbridge Vineyard, Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard and Winery, and Cooper Vineyards. Beer will also be available.

The eclectic music of Flipside will entertain while participants visit food and craft vendors. The fun starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, and continues until 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 at Southern Gourmet, The Gingerbread House, In Good Taste, and at the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce or $12 at the door. For more information or phone orders call 434.797.1147.

EVINCERE, INC. P.O. Box 2396 • Danville, Virginia 24541 © 2007 by EVINCERE, Inc.

DSO Gives Regards to Broadway

by Julienne Parker

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6th Annual Danville Wine Festival Scheduled for April

Deadline for submission of May stories, articles, ads, and calendar items is 5pm on Friday, April 20.

Poet’s View: Photographs

By Barry Koplen

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the two that we just found out we had two years ago? Now we’re looking at closer to 60 people in that 20x20 foot room. Hence, the anxiety.

It’s not that I don’t want to see my relatives. I would love to have a nice long chat with each one of them. But that won’t happen in such cramped quarters and limited time.

Still, I am reminded that my family, with all its quirks and eccentricities, is just a smaller version of God’s family.

Ultimately, we have all descended from the same Father, whose fondest desire is that we love each other. It doesn’t matter how different we are from one another, or that we have opposite lifestyles or different values, or different complexions. God loves each and every one of us unconditionally, and He wants us to at least care about each other.

So in a few weeks when I meet my relatives, some of whom I wouldn’t even be able to pick out of a crowd, I’m going to make a real effort to talk to as many as I can. I’ll get reacquainted with the cousins who were such an important part of my childhood, and try to get to know the ones who have joined the clan more recently.

After all, as a child of God, my family IS God’s family, too. And if my Father loves them, so will I, even if we are stuck elbow to elbow in that crowded room.

April 2007

Publisher

Sales Manager Cathy Farley (434.793.7767) Sales@starmark.net

Contributing Writers Nancy Barden, Kim Clifton, Kathryn Davis, Pat Harper, Dena Hill, Ruby Hovatter, Pat Maurakis, Jerry Meadors, Deborah Morehead, Laurie Moran, Kathleen O’Hare, Larry Oldham, Julienne Parker, Christopher Russell, Liz Sater, Nancy Tait, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams Averett University Intern

Sales Associate Christi Ingram (434.836.1319) ChristiIngram@starmark.net

Robert M. Sexton Publisher@starmark.net (804.285.0645)

Russ Carter

Editor Emyl Jenkins Editor@starmark.net (804.285.0644) Managing Editor Joyce Wilburn ManagingEditor@starmark.net (434.799.3160) Associate Editor Larry G. Aaron Art & Production Director Vaden & Associates (Dan Vaden) Graphic Designer Kim Demont

Printer McCain Printing Company, Inc. EVINCE is a member of the Virginia Press Association, first place winner of the prestiguous PIVA award in its category for five straight years, and winner of Virginia Press Association awards for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and Virginia Press Women’s Competition Awards for 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Editorial Policies:

EVINCE is a monthly news magazine covering the arts, entertainment, education, economic development, and lifestyle in Danville and the surrounding areas. We print and distribute EVINCE free of charge due entirely to the generosity of our advertisers. In our pages appear views from across the social spectrum. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers.

We reserve the right to accept, reject, and edit all submissions and advertisements.

evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly: reveal syn see SHOW MISSION STATEMENT EVINCE is a monthly publication, which focuses on arts & entertainment in the surrounding area through an array of features, articles, columns, and photographic essays. Its primary objective is to inform and educate the community of opportunities, organizations, and events in all areas of the arts. In addition, it is the vision of EVINCE to enrich the cultural awareness and develop support for the arts in the entire community.

How to submit information to EVINCE: Please send all information in electronic form to e-mail address evince@starmark. net. For calendar information, please submit e-mail to evincedates@starmark.net. To submit information, please copy and paste the text information into the body of the e-mail. We do not accept any e-mail attachments due to the very real danger of Microsoft-supported computer viruses.

April 2007

It is with a great deal of optimism and excitement that I begin a new column for Evince – BELIEVE! – and a new position with the City of Danville. If you are a regular EVINCE reader, you know that for the past 3 years, I have written a monthly column designed to keep you informed about the revitalization of Downtown Danville. Now the coverage will include the Historic Tobacco Warehouse District.

Since 2000, downtown’s special events, rehabilitation projects, restored facades and other improvements have followed the Main Street Four Point™ approach to revitalization designed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. More that 1400 communities across the nation have found success with this plan of action.

Now we’re seeing the results.

People are coming downtown for special events. The streetscape is looking better with 48 storefronts as proof of what over $5.5M of public and private improvements can do.

Combined with other amenities such as the Riverwalk Trail, the museums, recreational activities, and historic resources, Danville has caught the eye of out-of-town

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Believe...

In the redevelopment of Danville’s Historic Downtown and the Tobacco Warehouse Districts

by Liz Sater, Re-Development Coordinator

developers and investors, as well as people who are looking to relocate for a better quality of life and more reasonable cost of living.

The Gateway welcomes people into the district and the improved transportation hub is providing easy access to the city’s bus system. There’s safe, free public parking and our murals provide beautiful, panoramic history lessons to one and all. And the crime rate in the central business district is lower than in any other shopping venue in the city.

Yet, some of the citizens of Danville remain reluctant to come downtown to shop, dine, or do business. As a result, there is still not a critical mass of complementary businesses downtown to have the impact we are looking to create.

That’s why the City of Danville’s newly formed Office of Redevelopment will be working with both the Department of Community Development and the Office of Economic Development to focus on bringing still more new business and enterprises into the downtown and tobacco warehouse districts.

To this end, Anne Moore, the City’s Community Development Coordinator for the Downtown and Tobacco Warehouse District, and I will be working closely together to create a more vibrant city center.

A vibrant downtown benefits the entire community in numerous ways. Large companies looking to relocate or expand their operations often use the central business district as a barometer

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for the city’s economy. A shabby, neglected downtown sends a warning sign, while a vibrant downtown is a positive indicator of a healthy community--as is a city’s strong sense of heritage.

Danville is fortunate to have a wonderful inventory of historic buildings from which we have grown and evolved. Many of these located in the central business district provide the perfect fit for the independent business owner. They make it possible for the business owner to own the building in which he/she operates. Inventory and hours of operation are then at the owner’s discretion, insuring that unique businesses will be drawn to the district bringing customers downtown to buy what they can’t find elsewhere.

Anne Moore and I have rolled up our sleeves and are busy with several new projects. Soon the entire community will Believe in the redevelopment efforts and the possibilities available in the Downtown and Tobacco Warehouse Districts.

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April 2007

Charlie Adams -The Memory Maker at Belmont Estate

by Joyce Wilburn

DCA

Charlie Adams still has a tinge of disbelief in his voice when speaking about his childhood dream come true. "Growing up as a sharecropper In Java and Spring Garden, I saw stately properties and dwellings from a distance and never thought that one day I’d carry the key to one in my pocket," says the 60-year-old former Dan River Mills employee and current Danville Community College professor who purchased Belmont Estate in Reidsville, North Carolina in 1996.

The estate originally consisted of 1,200 acres, but today the property is a more manageable 9 acres of manicured lawn bordered by trees and a small creek frequented by wildlife. Its elegant 1912 mansion with Greek Revival columns, granite steps, and wide wrap-around porch has become a popular location for weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, club and church picnics and dinners, and other events that require a beautiful setting. The west wing gazebo and bricked courtyard offer lavish views of the estate and are perfect for outdoor events.

But it hasn’t always been so glorious. The estate Adams first saw while on a Mother’s Day drive from Danville almost 11 years ago was in disrepair. On that fateful day Adams decided he wanted to see, first-hand, the estate he knew through pictures from the Danville Historical Society.

Fortunately, when Adams arrived, the grounds keeper offered to show him the interior of the mansion. Two weeks later Adams met the owner and from that moment on, Adams’ and Belmont’s fates were sealed.

Two years of repair, renovation, and landscaping followed, but it was the yard work that left indelible marks on Adams’ memory. "It was so unsightly.

The grass was cut using a tractor with a hay-cutting blade," he remembers with a chuckle. And the interior?

Like the gardens, it too has changed for the better and today is filled with antiques chosen and purchased by Adams. "It has been fun. I always knew this is what I wanted to do," he says with a note of satisfaction.

Not only does Adams enjoy his home, but he finds pleasure in allowing others to use it. For example, on Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29th, Barbara Raskin from Making Memories will participate in the Belmont Bridal Open House Part II from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Raskin will bring 100 designer wedding gowns that have been donated by boutiques and stores in New York and from across the country for brides-tobe to try on and purchase. All profits from the event are donated to the Making Memories Foundation which grants the wishes of brides-to-be whose family members are struggling

Michelle Crabtree and Josh Walcott were married June 24, 2006.

Photo was taken at Belmont Estate by Garrett Studios.

with cancer. Cost is $15 which is a tax-deductible gift to the Making Memories Foundation.

"Belmont means beautiful view, Adams reminds visitors, "and seeing these brides become beautiful on this most special day of their lives is probably one of the greatest memories and treasures any man could have—not just the groom and father of the bride."

Those words come naturally to Charlie Adams for he has devoted his life to making his own dreams come true...and now he’s helping others to do the same.

For more information call 336.634.1700 or visit www.belmontevents.com and www.makingmemories.org.

Enjoy A Saturday At The Lake Country Wine Festival In Clarksville Think about spending the last Saturday afternoon in April sipping on Virginia wines, listening to live music, eating delicious food, shopping for great bargains, and leaving work far behind… interested?

If you are, just drive 56 miles from Danville on Route 58 East to the Lake Country Wine Festival in downtown Clarksville, which is within walking distance of Buggs Island Lake. Ten Virginia wineries plan to bring nearly 80 different wines for tasting between noon and 5 p.m on April 28: West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery, Max Meadows; Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery, Moneta; Blue Ridge Vineyard, Eagle Rock; Johnson’s

Orchards and Peaks of Otter Winery, Bedford; Fincastle Vineyard and Winery, REBEC Vineyards, Amherst; Piedmont Vineyards and Winery, Middleburg; Virginia Mountain Vineyards, Fincastle; Bright Meadows Farm, Nathalie; and Tomahawk Mill Winery, Chatham.

Local merchants will offer shopping and dining specials along the quaint streets surrounding the festival. Wellknown musicians Meadows and Taylor will perform throughout the event.

Tickets are $20 and include a festival souvenir wine glass. For more information call the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce at 1.800.557.5582 or visit www.clarksvilleva.com.

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Bag Ladies All my bags are packed. I’m ready to go.

When Peter, Paul and Mary sang about suitcases and jet planes, they were all living in a simpler world. When you boarded, your luggage got on with you. When you landed, it was spinning on the baggage claim carousel.

Back then, no one gave a hoot about your overnight case, but today they do. To keep you from blowing up the airplane with a tube of Crest, your carry-on is only allowed three ounces of anything that you can fit into a quart-sized baggy.

This ratio of what you need vs. what you can have is the flying equivalent of one bite per bowl on a buffet line. It’s not enough for anybody.

You can however, take as much as you’d like in your checked bags.

So, it comes down to zipping your suitcases and hoping they make it.

For someone who routinely pays extra for same day dry-cleaning, leaving my belongings on the curb causes separation anxiety.

At least I no longer have to imagine how awful it must be to lose luggage. I now know. When I landed in Orlando last month, I was left in the terminal…not holding the bag.

This was a nightmare to me, but just another day at the office to them. I was amazed by such

an elaborate lost-and-found Needing new stuff was a blessing department complete with slick in disguise. It gave my mother, my brochures and a fancy web site. I sister and me a legitimate reason to was more surprised to hear the power shop. Scouting the outlets, attendant’s response when asked we found so many bargains we had how they could lose a bag on a to buy extra suitcases to get it all home. direct 90-minute flight.

“Oh, but ma’am, you must So when my prodigal case finally understand,” the clerk began her returned in tatters from a wild explanation. “We don’t always keep night in Key West, I found myself the luggage on the same plane going from famine-to-feast…now having exact replicas of what I was with the passenger,” she added… without even blinking. missing earlier. I had doubles of all You have to admire that kind of my outfits, quarts of Listerine and honesty. enough Q-Tips to last me a lifetime.

Checking into the hotel with There was a time when you only the clothes on my back was a couldn’t get me in an airport. Now you can’t keep me out of one. And first for me. Shopping Walgreens at midnight for lingerie, toiletries, even though I’ve flown eight times and drugs was another. I was in a year, I keep packing as if I’m driving…worrying only that the bag relieved to also find something for day and evening wear: A Florida will close. Which brings me back to t-shirt with multi-colored dolphins the airport and my trip home. embroidered across the front.

“You’re too heavy,” the airline I wore it to breakfast the next associate commented as he stapled morning, even though it looked my boarding pass into a folder. like I had slept in it. This was no “You’re telling me. I had to use pliers to zip my jeans this morning,” ordinary souvenir. This was my allporpoise top.

I readily agreed.

General Assembly Chorus

“No, I mean your luggage has eight pounds too much in it,” he explained.

If only the same could be said for my pants.

They say you lose your modesty in the delivery room, but I’d also include airports. Rather than pay the $25.00 fine, I opened six suitcases to balance the loads…in front of God and everybody.

My slip wasn’t the only thing showing.

Using the same care you’d give to pitching rocks in a wheelbarrow, I divided up the loot until we were all within the limits. The good news is we avoided the fine. The bad news is the delay caused us to miss our flight…costing us $75.00 for new tickets.

When we finally got to Raleigh, almost a day late and more than a dollar short, we anxiously counted the suitcases circling the conveyor belt. Five were okay. One was riding in a busboy’s tub and bobbing in a pool of crimson.

Turns out we’d forgotten to cushion my sister’s bottle of cranberry juice.

Peter, Paul and Mary can harmonize all they want about flying, but there wasn’t a song in our hearts that afternoon. We were just three weary women ambling to a car with two bags a piece.

Well, two more…if you count the ones under our eyes.

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April 2007

Butterfly Station Opens for the Season

by Nancy Tait

POINTS NORTH views from the hill

by Jerry Meadors It’s spring and we’re all acting like April’s fools wanting to be frisky and out and about after the chills of winter—the Dan River region and in particular North Main Hill is just the place to be.

If you are taking part in the Euro Film Survey showing at the North Theatre Arts Complex, you’ll be back for Jean Renoir’s classic, La Grande Illusion, on Tuesday, April 3, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available one hour before show times. This is the last of the Renoir films (this one has English subtitles) and the last night to catch the French specials at Intermission Café the theatre’s on-premises place for candlelight dining. On Tuesday, May 1, the German films start with Volker Schlondorff’s Oscar winning, Die Blechtrommel about a child born with exceptional powers.

On April 7, local Christian music legend Ray Jackson brings a gospel play, The Truth About Some Church Folks, to the stage at the North Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Check the North Theatre website: www.norththeatre. com, or call the playhouse at 434.792.1933 for ticket information.

Other events at the North Theatre during April are The Danville Concert Association’s Quintango and The Langhorne House’s commemoration of the sinking of the Titanic featured in separate articles in this month’s Evince.

Another active spot on North Main Hill is The Muse just across the street from the North Theatre.

It is Danville’s only nighttime hang-out for coffee and tea and an open stage for all talents. It’s open every Thursday night from 8:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

Michael Leonhardt will be back on stage on Friday, April 13, making magic on the keyboard. But the big event this month at The Muse is the reunion of the now-defunct downtown Temple Rock Club featuring Voxal rock scene era favorites like Craptain Jack, Dead Kings and a resurrected ATD. Can these bands still be around? If you have a passion for the past, this is your night. For all Muse events visit: www.myspace.com/museva.

Take pictures of a flurry of color as this year’s first butterflies are released into their new home at the Butterfly Station and Garden at the Danville Science Center. Keep an eye out for those butterflies as you walk through a garden packed with plants to meet the small creatures’ every need. “The opening is always a special time of year,” says Danville Science Center Director Jeff Liverman and especially this spring. “Several butterflies are being released in memory of loved ones with long-term relationships to the garden,” he explains.

“We also have two more areas ready to enjoy,” continues Liverman. “Take a stroll through the Westbrook Garden to see plants that attract hummingbirds and visit the Three Sisters Garden which features corn, beans and squash. This garden honors the native people who were here 400 years ago when Jamestown was first settled.”

After visiting with the butterflies, visitors can enjoy hands-on activities under the canopy behind the Science Center. Children can build paper caterpillars and play a match game to learn which caterpillar turns into which butterfly. After examining different colors and patterns of butterflies a chromatography butterfly can be created to take home as a souvenir of the day.

The grand opening of the Butterfly Station and Garden at the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street, will be on Saturday, April 21, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The butterfly release is at noon. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

Group guided tours may be arranged for a small fee. The Butterfly Station and Garden is open until Sunday, October 14. For more information call 434.791.5160 or visit www.dsc.smv.org.

April 2007

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Arlene Creasy:

Profile in Courage

by Laurie Moran

Arlene Creasy, an icon of community service in Danville and Pittsylvania County, will be toasted and roasted at the annual Downtown Danville Association TA-DA Celebration in May. Creasy is more than an outgoing, humorous, and caring leader. When there’s a need in our area, she’s one of the first to respond. "She’s everywhere and into everything" is a comment often used to describe this vibrant Danvillian. And while those who know her best would tell you that she is a hard worker with a strong will, her inner strength recently endured the toughest test of her life.

In March, 2006, when a sore in her mouth would not heal, Creasy received the dreaded news that would change her life and test her spirit—she was diagnosed with cancer. While surgery successfully removed the cancer, this lady who is known for emceeing pageants, country music shows, and retirement parties faced radiation treatments and a slight speech impediment.

Though thankful to be alive and cancer-free, still Creasy admits, “I do worry about whether people can understand me when I talk."

However, she has found a therapy that she’s adhered to since the earliest days of her life–staying busy and working hard. "I’m getting over my fear of people understanding me by getting out again. I’m getting less and less shy," adds the vivacious woman.

That’s welcomed news, for Creasy’s list of accomplishments reads like the area’s "green book" of organizations that make a difference in our community. Currently, she is President of Goodwill Industries, President of the Board of Pittsylvania County Social Services, President of Pittsylvania County Crimestoppers, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Danville YMCA, Treasurer of Pittsylvania County Economic Development, Membership Chair and a member of the Board of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, and a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Selective Services Board.

She is a Past President of the Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, Gretna Junction

Lions Club, and Dan-Pitts American Business Women’s Association, and a former member of the DanvillePittsylvania County Mental Health and Downtown Danville Association, to name a few.

And if that weren’t enough, Creasy has been named to the citizens’ committee that was formed by Danville City Council to look into issues surrounding the hospital.

Creasy’s community involvement ranges back so far that she has to pause to remember how she originally became interested in public service. "One thing led to another. I wanted to be involved and saw the great work that was being done by these organizations," Creasy reminisces.

"It’s not easy for me to say ‘no’ to public service," she adds.

One of her earliest venues came through her involvement in forming the Dan-Pitts Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. Realizing there were limited leadership opportunities for women at the time, she also helped organize the Gretna Lioness Club (now the Gretna Junction Lions), the Gretna Clowns, the Gretna Pace Club, and Pittsylvania County Crimestoppers – organizations where she usually held the office as charter president.

Creasy’s professional career has also spanned an extensive and colorful history. She retired

as district manager from the Social Security Administration in May 2006, capping a 41year career which started as a receptionist. The lack of a formal college education didn’t deter Creasy from setting her sights on the Administration’s top position. When the manager interviewing her for her original job in 1965 asked her about her career goals, "I looked him in the eye and told him I wanted to occupy his seat," she says with her trademark laugh. In the ensuing years, through hard work and a customerfocused attitude Creasy worked her way up from receptionist to a service representative, claims representative, field representative, operations supervisor, and branch manager before being selected as district manager.

But that’s what you’d expect from this woman who laughs as she recalls her first job at a drug store in Lynchburg. "I never could remember who ordered what.

They made me clean out the refrigerator one day, and midway through cleaning I decided I didn’t graduate from high school to clean refrigerators. I walked out and never went back. I’ve always been a workaholic," admits Creasy, who was headed to work one day in 1969 when she decided she better head to the hospital instead to give birth to her son, Christopher. She returned to work when he was only 4 weeks old.

Reflecting over the past and the hardships she’s endured this past year, Creasy says, "I’ve been blessed with good friends and great family." In addition to her brothers and sisters and son Christopher, she has found strength in the unfaltering love of her high school sweetheart and husband Wayne, and she is forever indebted to Sue Quinn, a former co-worker and cancer survivor, and Mark Stegall of Goodwill Industries who called Creasy daily to pray for her and with her.

After a tough year, Creasy is thrilled to be back in the midst of working to make our community a better place. And for all those who have been blessed to know Arlene Creasy over the years, her greatest legacy may still be yet to come. Community leader, public servant, friend, and survivor— she’s our inspiration.

Arlene Creasy will be the honored guest at Downtown Danville Association’s annual Ta-Da celebration on Saturday, May 4, at Stratford Courtyard Conference Center, 149 Old Piney Forest Road. Tickets are $40. For more information or tickets, contact the DDA office at 434.791.4470. Deadline for reservations is Friday, April 20.

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April 2007

April 2007 There are 3 major signs that spring has arrived in Danville: birds chirping outside your window, flowers pushing their way through the soil, and volunteers preparing for Danville’s participation in Virginia’s Historic Garden Week April 21-28.

With thousands of ticket holders from near and far visiting more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes, and historic landmarks, this annual event is billed as America’s largest open house. The Gabriella Garden Club and the Garden Club of Danville are hosting four Danville homes and three historic sites on Thursday, April 26, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The 1932 colonial white frame home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Greene Lea at 1 Creekside Drive is surrounded by deep, broad lawns and graceful trees. The chinoiserie wallpaper made especially for the entrance hall is a fitting introduction to the house. The living room, painted a pale yellow to complement the Kirman rug, holds cherished antiques and porcelain from two generations including Herend china and Boehm birds. The comfortable den opens into a spacious sun porch accented by porcelain rabbits and monkeys among the potted plants. A built-in bar is just beyond the raised-hearth fireplace, and an elegant small elevator is conveniently situated on the far wall.

In the dining room, handpainted wallpaper, an English inlaid sideboard, a formal banquet table, and a rare Chippendale tea table are eye-catchers. Aqua glass tiles add new life to the kitchen, and the black-and-green powder room is a mirrored gem. Upstairs, the walls of the master bedroom and bath are decorated with South Boston artist Phil Ramsey’s handpainted flowers--an appropriate touch for this charming home.

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Blankenship’s one-story 1940 brick home at 1 Hemlock Lane in Pinetag has 6 fireplaces, a dream kitchen, and a putting green in the basement.

The formal entrance hall is defined by its burnished floor of randomwidth oak boards with black walnut

1 Hemlock Lane

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1 Creekside Drive

Spring Brings Garden Tour to Danville

by Pat Harper

plugs. The focal point of the living room is a marble fireplace above which hangs a portrait of the owners’ young sons, Chandler and Christian. Beyond are the sons’ rooms (one with a pet lizard, the other with a tank of tropical fish) and the spacious master suite complete with fireplace and bathroom with sunken tub.

In the dining room, the mahogany furnishings are complemented by elaborate moldings and lighted recessed shelving and the Dutch doors in the state-of-the-art kitchen opens to a screened seating area with a view of the guest house.

Opposite the Dutch door, the kitchen opens into a black walnut paneled billiard room with access to the porch behind the living room. In the extensive basement, in addition to the putting green, areas are provided for a children’s playroom, laundry, workshop, and greenhouse.

The white-bricked blackshuttered home of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Bunch at 309 Dogwood Drive

is surrounded by a white picket fence on the corner lot atop a hill. The interior is flooded with sunlight through walls of windows that allow for pretty views from every spacious room. The home tour begins in the sunroom, which leads into an open-floor plan flowing through the kitchen, dining room, and music areas.

From there, tour-goers take a step down to the sunken gathering room with marble fireplace. All of these areas have floor-to-ceiling windows facing a pool, patio, and expansive landscaped yard.

The house is filled with antiques including 18th century Chippendale and Federal dining room pieces, and in the music area, a 1926 player piano from Europe. The hallway from the music area displays West Point memorabilia including a pencil-and-charcoal drawing of the owner when he was a West Point cadet. The two children’s suites contain Enesco Girls Growing-Up collections in the themed play areas of each suite. The guest room features a beautiful armoire from England with hand-painted panels.

The new owners of 7 Country Club Drive, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tillett, renovated the modern, one-story brick home with pool and pool house to incorporate Hawaiian and Asian cultures in their relaxed, contemporary lifestyle. Built in 1955-56 the house boasts three additional building updates before 1965. The entrance foyer’s soft brown walls with cream molding flow into the gathering room and dining area. One of the Tillett daughters is the artist of the large

painting over the fireplace as well as other works of art throughout the home. From this spacious area, floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the pool, pool house, sun porch, and landscaped patio. The eat-in kitchen features updated maple cabinets, granite counters, as well as a 1950s Formica kitchen table. Attached to the kitchen is the sun porch with a covered walkway to the pool house.

The bedroom area includes a master suite, grandchildren’s Western-themed bedroom and two additional bedrooms as well as an office paneled in bookmatched Philippine mahogany.

The beauty, comfort, and ease of movement in this home offer a relaxed feeling to all who enter.

Also on the tour will be three historic sites, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History at 975 Main Street; the Langhorne House at 117 Broad Street; and the Danville Science Center at 677 Craghead Street.

Tickets for adults and children 13 and older are $20 to visit all sites. Children ages 6 through 12 are $10. Single house admission is $8. Tickets may be purchased on tour day at any of the houses listed. Houses need not be visited in the order listed. Advance tickets are available at The Ginger Bread House & Garden Center, 1799 Memorial Drive; Main Street Coffee Emporium, 547 Main Street; Southern Gourmet, 220 Mount Cross Road; and from Foxglove, 1011 West Main Street.

For more information visit www.VAGardenweek.org

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• calendar of evince • Support the Tank Museum 434.836.5323 • www.aaftankmuseum.com

April

Averett Women’s Tennis vs. Salem.

4 pm. Averett University - 434.791.5600.

Through April 15

April 4 (thru 8)

Averett Student Art Show. Main campus - 434.791.5600.

April 5

Through April 20

PAA Exhibits - Bob Jones. Piedmont Arts Association, Martinsville 276.632.3221.

Through April 22

Speed Exhibit - Dig into the physics and mathematics that make an impact on speed in real situations. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Through April 25

Danville Art League Exhibition - Caswell County Civic Center 336.694.4591.

Through May 1

Writing Your Life Story - Find out how to organize your memories and how to begin the actual writing process.

Tuesdays 2-3 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History - 434.793.5644.

April 1

Averett Men’s Tennis vs. Piedmont College. 9 am. Averett University - 434.791.5600.

Goody’s 500, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Martinsville Speedway - 1.877.722.3849.

April 1 & 3

The Last Supper. See page 23.

April 2

African Dance by Nguza Saba - Learn the beautiful art of African dance.

Mondays 6-7:30 pm. City Auditorium.

434.797.8848.

April 2 (thru 30)

Boogie Mondays - Cha-cha lessons.

7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216.

April 3

Job Fair - 10 am. Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville - 276.656.5483.

Averett Softball vs. Bridgewater College. 3 pm. Averett University - 434.791.5600.

European Film Masters -See page 6.

Averett Lacrosse vs. North Carolina Wesleyan. 4:30 pm. Averett University - 434.791.5600.

EBay II - For experienced users who want to sell on the Internet. 6:309:30 p.m. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - 434.766.6700.

The Julian and Elnora Light Memorial Concert - featuring Katherine Meadows and Sheryl Lee, pianists. 7:30 pm. Pritchett Auditorium. Averett University 434.791.5600. See page 7.

April 3 (thru 24)

Yoga - Tuesdays 5:30 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

April 4

Senior Bowling Tournament. 10 am.

Riverside Lanes - 434.791.2695.

Fetch! Lab - Help paint the new Fetch! carts designed by YOU! Then you sort through the choices and decide on activities to feature on the carts. Ages 7-11. 3:45-4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Fun Fair - Liberty Fair Mall, Martinsville. 540.965.4553.

Living Last Supper - Drama - 7:30 pm.

Grace Design UMC - 434.836.4545.

April 5 (thru 26)

Open Stage at The Muse. See page 6.

Beginner & Advanced Line Dance Classes. 6:30-7:30 pm and 7:30-8:30 pm.

Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216.

April 6 (thru June 17)

The Great Dinosaurs of China Exhibit.

Virginia Museum of Natural History - 276.666.8600.

April 7

First Saturdays in Altavista - Find that one-of-a-kind item: clothing, tools, antiques. Trade Lot, Altavista - 434.944.5530 or 434.369.6665.

Kite Flying Extravaganza - Explore the history of kites and learn kite safety as you design and build a colorful and durable paper kite. Ages 6-11. 10 am-12 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Canoe Angler’s Park to Milton NC. 10 am -4 pm. Outdoor Rec - 434.797.8848.

DRBA’s First Saturday Outing Paddle 2 1/2 miles on the Smith River or walk 2 miles alongside the Smith.

10 am. Jeff Johnston - 336.344.1188.

Bob Ross Painting Class. 10:30 am3:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex Building - 434.797.8848.

DCC Baseball vs. Rappahannock CC. 1 pm. Dan Daniel Park. 434.797.2222.

Averett Lacrosse vs. Frostburg State. 1 pm. Averett University 434.791.5600.

Easter Eggstravaganza - Eggciting free activities for the kids. 1 pm.

Downtown South Boston. 434.575.6246.

Chinqua Penn Plantation Easter Egg Hunt See ad page 22.

Kuumba-West African Dance Company - Traditional West African dance and drumming classes. Weds 4:30-6 pm; Sats 10:30 am-12 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

The Truth About Some Church Folks -See page 6.

April 7 (thru 28)

Live Music - Small Town Orchestra.

Saturdays 8-11 pm. Stratford Inn 434.799.2500.

April 8

Brunch With the Easter Bunny. Berry Hill. See page 23 and 24.

Easter Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt.

12 pm and 1:30 pm. Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern, Clarksville - 434.374.2866.

April 9

Averett Lacrosse vs. Sweet Briar. 4 pm.

Averett University - 434.791.5600.

Mariachi Band. 6:30-9:30 pm. Los Tres Magueyes Mexican Restaurant - 434.792.0601.

April 10

DCC Baseball vs. Newport News Apprentice. 1 pm. Dan Daniel Park.

434.797.2222.

Photography Club 6:30 pm. Ballou Annex Building. 434.797.8848.

April 11

Lighten Up for Life. 9 a.m. Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216.

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Focus on spring and the freshness of the new life it brings. Ages 3-4 1-2 pm; Ages 5-6 3:45-4:45 p.m. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

April 13

Racin’ and Tastin’ - The barbecue lover’s answer to Shrimp Fest. Special live entertainment. 5:30-10 pm.

Danville Community Market.

434.793.4636.

Barbecue Dinner. 5:30-8:00 pm.

American Legion Post 1097. Robert Rossman - egor1@comcast.net.

Michael Leonhardt at The Muse. See page 6.

April 13 (thru May 25)

Poet’s View: Photographs by Barry Koplen See page 16.

April 14

The Danville Museum’s Volunteer Guild Attic Sale. 8 am-2 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History - 434.793.5644.

Outdoor Photography Trip - Pilot Mountain State Park, and Mount Airy. 8 am-6 pm. Outdoor Rec 434.797.8848.

April 2007 APRIL 2007 S 1 8 15 22 29

M T W T F S 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30

Car Show. 9 am. Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville.

276.656.0292.

Country Gold & Top Notch Bluegrass Show - Featuring: J.D. Higgins, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and Gene Watson.

1 pm & 8 pm. GWHS Auditorium.

434.724.3668.

Barrel Tasting - Live entertainment, refreshments and tasting. 12-4 pm.

Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery - 434.432.1063.

Illusions of The King Live! The Gretna Theatre - 434.656.3377.

Auto Racing - USAR Hooter’s Pro Cup 250 / Late Model 110. South Boston Speedway - 1.877.440.1540.

Laws of Motion and Mousetrap Finals. 10:30 am-3 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

The Sinking of the Titanic Remembered See page 14.

April 15

Re-enactor’s History on the Lawn.

1-5 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History - 434.793.5644.

April 15 & 16

Bye, Bye Birdie Auditions. 4/15 1-4 pm; 4/16 7 pm. Clarksville Community Players - 434.374.0058.

April 16

Senior Fishing Trip. 7 am-5 pm.

Ballou Recreation Center 434.799.5216.

April 16 (thru May 21)

Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class.

Mondays - 5:30 pm or 6:45 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

Forms in Clay - Adult pottery class for the experienced or beginner. Learn a variety of pottery techniques with flexibility to go at your own pace, in your own direction. Mondays, 6-9 pm.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History - 434.793.5644.

April 16 (thru May 26)

Clay for All. 5-6 pm. Ages 4-6, Tues; Ages 7-9, Weds; Ages 10-12, Thurs; Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History - 434.793.5644.

April 18

DCC Baseball vs. Patrick Henry CC. 2 pm. Dan Daniel Park. 434.797.2222.

Fetch! Lab - Construct a boat from tinfoil and find out how much weight it will hold before it sinks. Ages 7-11.

3:45-4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

April 19

Beginners Cross Stitch Class. 1-2 or 7-8 pm. Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216.

Project Literacy JeapardBee - A mix of Jeopardy and a pinch of spelling bee. 5:45 pm. Galileo Magnet High School. Project Literacy - 434.773.8181, x224.

Gardening Series - Woody perennials. 6:30-8 pm. Danville Public Library. 434.797.8848.

Sky Watchers - Observe the constellation Virgo and the planets Venus and Saturn. Begins at dark, weather permitting. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

April 20

Women Of Faith, Walking By Faith of Danville. 11 am-1 pm. The Colonnade Room. 434.793.8140 or 434.836.2660.

April 2007 Sustaining Dinner & Casino Night.

YMCA - Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. - 434.792.0621.

Ta-Da - deadline for making reservations. See page 7.

April 21

Branford Marsalis Quartet See ad page 12.

Chinqua Penn Wine Tasting Room Opens See page 22.

Healthy Hiking Series - Hanging Rock State Park. 8:30 am-5 pm. Outdoor Rec - 434.797.8848.

How to Get Published -See page 17.

Instant Piano - Learn enough to give you years of musical enjoyment in just half a day. 9 am-12 pm. Ballou Annex Building. 434.797.8848.

Danville Wine Festival See page 2.

DCC Baseball vs. Southside CC. 1 pm.

Dan Daniel Park. 434.797.2222.

Auto Racing - Late Model / Limited / Pure Stock / Legends / SV Modifieds. South Boston Speedway - 1.877.440.1540.

April 21 &22

Bug Daze. Virginia Museum of Natural History - 276.666.8659.

Quintango. Danville Concert Association -See page 16.

April 21 (thru 28) Historic Garden Week

April 21 (thru Mid October) Butterfly Station and Garden Open -See page 6.

April 22

VXCS Cross Country Race. Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park - 276.650.1158.

Chatham Garden Tour -See page 21.

Organist Jeffrey Wood Recital -See page 17.

Averett University Singers and Handbell Choir Spring Concert.

4:30 p.m. West Main Baptist Church.

434.791.5600. See page 7.

April 22 (thru August 19)

Danville and the Culture of Tobacco Exhibit Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Opening Reception 2:00-4:00 pm on 4/22 There will be a showing of Jim Crawford’s Down in the Old Belt: From Jamestown to the Buyout beginning at 3:30p.m. with opening remarks by Mr. Crawford. There is no charge. 434.793.5644.

April 24

DCC Baseball vs. VA State University.

2 pm. Dan Daniel Park. 434.797.2222.

Genealogy Study Using the Internet - Discover the basic information and tools essential to starting your family history research. 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - 434.766.6700.

April 24 & 26

Boating Safety Education Mandatory class for operation of personal watercraft. 6-9 pm. Outdoor Rec - 434.797.8848.

April 25

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Learn to name the different parts of a tree and think of its many different uses. Ages 3-4 1-2 pm; Ages 5-6 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Caswell Student Art Show Entry Deadline. Grades K-12. Caswell County Civic Center - 336.694.4591.

April 26

Danville Garden Tour - See page 9.

Bow Making Class. 1-2 or 7-8 pm.

Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216.

Using Digital Cameras - Learn the basic parts of a digital camera, practice taking digital pictures, downloading and work with basic image editing and printing. 5:30 - 8:30 pm. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - 434.766.6700.

Gardening Series - Annual and perennials. 6:30-8 pm. Danville Public Library. 434.797.8848.

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Laughing With The Legends See page 15 and 16.

April 27

Friday’s at the Crossing. B2B: Bars 2 Beaches - Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band. 6-9 pm. Carrington Pavilion.

434.793.4636.

TGIF Outdoor Concert - Music

by Paradox, food & beverages.

7-10:30 pm. Uptown Martinsville - 276.632.5688.

VIPER Grand Opening. See pg. 21.

April 27 (thru 29)

VIR 400 Grand American Series/Moto ST Series. VIR - 434.822.7700.

ATVA GNC Motocross National. Birch Creek Motorsports Park - 434.836.7629.

April 27 (thru May 12)

The Tempest - Times vary. Halifax County Little Theatre - 434.576.6291.

See page 18.

April 28

Introduction to Birding - Identify songbirds, waterfowl and raptors.

Learn about feeding, nesting behaviors and more. 7-9 am. Dan Daniel Park. - 434.797.8848.

Beginner Rock Climbing - Pilot Mountain State Park N.C. 8 am-6 pm.

Outdoor Rec - 434.797.8848.

Geology of Pittsylvania County Field Trip. 9 am-3 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Averett University Graduation.

10:30am. North Campus - 434.791.5600.

Lake Country Wine Festival - See pg. 4.

Pinhole Photography Day Workshop - Create your own pinhole camera, make an image and develop your photograph.

Ages 12+. 2-5 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Auto Racing - Late Model/Limited /Pure Stock/Legends/SV Modifieds.

South Boston Speedway 1.877.440.1540.

AARA MoonLight Series Stadium Cross. Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park - 276.650.1158.

DSO Spring Pops Concert – See pg. 16.

April 28 & 29

Tank Museum Military Extravaganza - Radio Controlled Tank Battle. 10 am.

AAF Tank Museum - 434.836.5323. See page 5.

Providence Spring Fling – See page 17.

Belmont Bridal Open House - See page 4.

April 29

DCC Baseball vs. Southwest VA CC. 1 pm. Dan Daniel Park. 434.797.2222.

May Day - Young ladies ages 5 to10 are invited to dress up in their finery and dance around the Maypole, make a nosegay, and learn about May Day traditions. 1:30-3 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History - 434.793.5644.

April 29 (thru May 30)

Caswell County Student Art Show.

Opening reception 4/29, 2-4 pm.

Caswell County Civic Center 336.694.4591.

April 30

Caswell Youth Series - Ramona Quimby. 10 am & 12:30 pm. Caswell County Civic Center - 336.694.4591.

Upcoming Events

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Ta-Da Celebration See page 7.

May 4 (thru 6)

Driving Miss Daisy. 5/4 & 5 - 7:30 pm; 5/6 -2 pm. North Theatre. www.danvillelittletheatre.org.

Halifax County Heritage and Antique Machinery Festival. 434.572.6879.

May 5

Art on the Lawn. 10 am-5 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History - 434.793.5644.

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Specializing in FineFood Since 1921 •

Full Service Meat Department •

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40 Years of Making Your Dreams Come True

“The Action People” 470 Piney Forest Road

www.simpsonrealtyco.com

793-6222

Toll Free 1-800-296-1049

evince •

April 2007

Asparagus Salad with Mushroom Vinaigrette

Around theTable

by Annelle Williams

A Taste of Spring I’ll soon have some of the best salads in town, or at least I should.

Six bags of top soil, a load of fertilizer, a variety of lettuce seeds, fencing wire, stakes, and a brand new gate will all add up to a superb fresh green salad. That’s what spring does to me--my good sense leaves, and I’ll do most anything to nurture new plants into adulthood.

After my husband worked all afternoon installing a fence to protect the tender baby lettuce working its way out of that extremely rich soil, he assured me that cost isn’t what it’s all about.

Thank goodness we agree.

Fortunately, the produce section at the grocery store with its strawberries, fresh greens, and asparagus is also looking better everyday. Have you ever seen white asparagus? I first encountered the albino variety during a visit to Germany. The Germans prepare the vegetable in every conceivable way, and I made up for a lifetime of white asparagus deprivation in one short trip. Driving through the German countryside, I learned the mystery behind the unusual color. There were rows and rows of mounded beds protecting the young spears from the sun—no sun, no chlorophyll, no green color.

Strawberries, on the other hand, have never been a mystery to me.

Even when we didn’t grow our own strawberries, there were pick-yourown fields that offered all the delights of beautiful fresh berries without any of the hard work. If you have the urge to plant a strawberry pot, the trick is to bore random holes in a piece of PVC pipe and place it in the center of your pot. Then you can water evenly through the pipe.

Whether from your own garden or the shelves of your grocery store, enjoy all the fresh spring fruits and vegetables. If a real garden is too much of a chore, try to plant an herb garden--even if it’s in your window box. Fresh herbs make a huge difference in all courses from appetizer to dessert.

4 cups baby arugula 4 Italian tomatoes, sliced 16 spears of fresh asparagus, parboiled for 2-3 minutes in salted water, cooled immediately in ice water and dried 2 T extra virgin olive oil 1 cup thinly sliced baby cremini mushrooms 1 garlic clove, chopped salt and pepper to taste 1 T fresh tarragon, chopped 1 T lemon juice zest of one lemon Parmesan cheese shaved with a vegetable peeler for garnish Arrange arugula on a serving platter. Top with tomato slices and asparagus. Heat olive oil in small nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Add sliced mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms begin to become tender, about 2 minutes. Add tarragon, lemon juice, and zest and stir just until combined. Pour warm mushroom vinaigrette over asparagus. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Fruit Salad with Fresh Baby Lettuce and Strawberry Vinaigrette 4 cups fresh baby lettuce 1 cup strawberries, sliced 1 cup peeled orange slices, diced 1 cup seedless grapes, green or purple, halved ½ cup Strawberry Vinaigrette* 1/4 cup sliced almonds ¼ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese Toss strawberries, orange pieces, and grapes with the dressing. Place baby greens on a platter. Top with fruit. Garnish with almonds and gorgonzola.

*Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing 1 cup strawberries, sliced 1 T balsamic vinegar 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper 1/2 tsp. sugar Pinch of salt 2 T canola oil (use almond oil if you have it) Put strawberries, vinegar, pepper, sugar, and salt in a food processor and pulse until mixed. Add oil and process until smooth.

The Sinking of the Titanic Remembered

by Pat Maurakis

The 95th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic will be commemorated with a reception and a special viewing of a 1953 movie at the North Theatre on Saturday, April 14.

It was in 1912 that the most magnificent luxury liner of its day set sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, headed for the United States.

Aboard were 892 crewmen and 1,324 passengers from different socio-economic groups ranging from America’s wealthiest citizens to several hundred European immigrants seeking a better life in the New World. Billed as unsinkable, the HMS Titanic, with all its glamour and promise, met an unexpected fate when she struck an iceberg and sank.

This special commemorative evening will begin at 7 p.m. in the Carrington Gallery of The North Theatre with a bon voyage reception catered by Intermission.

Among the attendees will be actors portraying famous people who were aboard the Titanic the night of the disaster: Captain Smith, Mr. and Mrs. John Jacob Astor IV, Mrs. Molly (Unsinkable) Brown, and Mr. and Mrs. Isador Straus. Pictures, commemorative items, mementos, and replicas of china from the Titanic will be on display. Following the reception, the 1953 movie Titanic, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb will be shown.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at In Good Taste, 443 Main Street, or phone 434.791.2256. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the historic Langhorne House,117 Broad Street, Danville, the childhood home of Irene Langhorne Gibson, the Gibson Girl, (1873-1956) and the birthplace of Nancy Langhorne Astor (1879-1964).

Lady Astor was the first woman to serve in the British Parliament.

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HOW FAST IS FAST? Ready. Set. Go! Challenge a friend to a drag race.

Design, build and race cars.

How much horsepower can you create on a bike?

Think fast with Speed!

Speed dashes away April 22!

Don't get left in the dust!

Sponsored by:

Laughing With the Legends Music, Memories, and Merriment from the Fabulous 50s

by Russ Carter

“We’ve had people come up to us afterwards and tell us how much their cheeks hurt from laughing so much,” says Joey Gurl, the female half of the husbandand-wife theatrical team of Gurl and Girl Productions. “That’s what makes this show so memorable.

It’s a good show for grandparents to take their grandkids, so they can see what it was like back then,” adds the energetic woman who is also the costume designer of Laughing with the Legends, the last event in the Danville Area Association for the Arts and Humanities season.

Laughing with the Legends is a one-of-a-kind production about the 1950s songs and personalities from the movies, Broadway, pop culture, and television, presented

by Joey and Brian Gurl who will impersonate over a dozen characters ranging from Lucille Ball to Liberace.

“This show is a whole lot of fun,” says Brian Gurl who also arranged the music for the show.

“It’s high energy and engages the audience,” he adds, referring to the singing, dancing, costume changes, impersonations, and requests for volunteers from the audience to participate.

Throughout the show, there are numerous quick changes. At one

point, Brian goes from playing a classical piece as Liberace to ripping off his costume and revealing the character of Jerry Lee Lewis underneath.

Legends was written by the duo with the help of their acting coach/director, former Broadway actress, Karen Shepard. Although the team has a collection of four shows, Legends is the most popular. “This is our main show,” says Joey who started her career with Brian almost 20 years ago by opening a 300-seat theatre in Vermont where they wrote and produced shows for 8 years.

There are lots of benefits to working together for the last two decades. “We switch from scene to scene really quickly,” says Brian.

“We cover for each other; while I’m changing for a scene, Joey is performing one and vice-versa.

Within 10 minutes the audience is looking at a completely different scene with different characters.”

The 2-hour show ends with a jitterbug number performed by two nerdy teenagers transformed into some cool cats with some swinging moves caused by the “Love Potion Number 9.”

Laughing With the Legends will be presented on Thursday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the George Washington High School Auditorium on Broad Street. For more information and tickets call Danville Arts and Humanities at 434.792.6965 or visit www.gurlandgirl.com.

Speed was developed by COSI Columbus with support from the National Science Foundation and in cooperation with the Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative.

677 CRAGHEAD ST. DANVILLE, VA (434) 791-5160 dsc.smv.org

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April 2007

Warning—You Might Go Home Tango Crazy!

by Kathleen O’Hare After seeing QuinTango, a touring quintet of 2 violins, cello, bass, and piano, some people have become tango crazy. The Danville Concert Association hopes you will, too, after the group’s performance when they bring a century’s worth of tango repertoire to the North Theatre the third weekend in April.

Winner of two consecutive WAMMIES, QuinTango is the only tango music group to have given a command performance at the White House. They have been heard on NPR’s Morning Edition, CNN, and network television in both the USA and Costa Rica.

QuinTango plays to sell-out crowds both at home and abroad.

They performed at the 9th and 12th International Music Festivals in Costa Rica and made their European debut in 2002 with 5 performances in Normandy, France. A highlight of QuinTango’s domestic schedule is their annual performances at Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Their 2003 residency marked the fourth year that, according to Spoleto critic Robert Jones, “....their concerts packed the place and sent the customers home tango crazy.” Other festival performances in this country include the Kennedy Center Open House Festival, Wolf Trap’s Theatre-inthe-Woods Children’s Festival and the Virginia Highlands Festival.

With sizzling energy and contagious passion, QuinTango gave 60 concerts last year in venues ranging from an elementary school in eastern North Carolina to the 1000-seat 19th century Teatro Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica. It is this devotion to bringing the music of tango to new audiences that prompted The Washington Post to proclaim QuinTango “one of Washington’s musical treasures.”

There will be 2 Danville performances at the North Theatre, 629 North Main Street: Saturday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 22, at 3:00 p.m. Tickets range from $10-$25. For more information and tickets, call 434.792.9242 and visit www.quintango.com.

Poet’s View: Photographs

by Barry Koplen For more than 40 years, Danvillian Barry Koplen has been perfecting his skill as a photographer. Like many who have pursued that craft for such a long time, he has found his photographic “voice”. Thanks to Bill West, an internationally acclaimed photographer and longtime mentoring friend, Koplen learned about photography as both of them scoured Cade’s Cove in the Smoky Mountain National Park with their cameras looking for wildflowers and wild animals.

His prize-winning photos in this exhibit include Two Boys and Wine?

The public is invited to a meetthe-artist reception in the Boatwight Gallery on Friday, April 13, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information contact the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street, 434.793.5644.

DSO Gives Regards to Broadway

by Julienne B. Parker

Broadway music spanning almost 60 years will be featured in the Danville Symphony Orchestra’s spring pops concert, Broadway Bash, conducted by Charles Ellis, on Saturday, April 28th.

Expect to hear favorites such as “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” from South Pacific (1949), “Getting to Know You” from King and I (1951), and “Do-ReMi” from The Sound of Music (1959).

The Symphony’s reminiscent tour through Broadway’s history will also include music from Guys and Dolls (1950), My Fair Lady (1956), Fiddler on the Roof (1964), and The Producers (2001).

April 2007 The Symphony proudly welcomes Kara Mikula, sister of one of DSO’s first violinists, to the Danville concert stage. Mikula, a graduate of Pittsburgh’s Point Park University, has performed in an array of productions including Grease, Fiddler on the Roof and Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! The addition of her theatrical voice and style will make the orchestral arrangements even more enjoyable.

Broadway Bash will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28,

in the George Washington High School Auditorium, 701 Broad Street. Admission is free.

For more information visit www.danvillesymphony.net.

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So You’ve Written a Book

Perhaps you have an idea for a book, or, better yet, after years of talking about it and years more spent writing it, you’ve finally written that book that was whirling around in your head. But what's next?

On Saturday, April 21, Chatham Books in conjunction with Shadetree Rare Books will host “How to Get Published,” a panel discussion organized and moderated by NCSU professor and author Stacey Cochran (The Colorado Sequence). To help walk you through the process there will be a panel of three self-published authors, Scott Foran (Recently Wise), Gene Curtis (The Seventh Mountain) and D. S. Curtis (2007 Poetry Journal). Among the topics they will discuss are: what it takes to get published free, procedures and benefits of selfpublishing, cover art, distribution and marketing on a budget.

Following the panel discussion, the group and a representative from Lulu (Lulu.com), the world’s fastestgrowing provider of print-on-demand books will be available to answer questions. The authors will be available for book signings following the panel discussion event.

This free event is open to the public and begins with a Meet the Panel reception from 9-10 a.m. at Chatham Books, 10 North Main Street. The panel discussion will take place at Shadetree Rare Books, 26 South Main Street, from 10:15 -11:15 a.m.

For more information call 434.432.2488.

13th Annual Spring Fling in Providence

by Ruby Hovatter

Organist Jeffrey Wood will present a recital of eclectic organ music on Sunday, April 22 at 4 p.m. at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street. Winner of the 2005 American Guild of Organists/Quimby Regional Young Artists Competition and the 2004 Augustana Arts National Undergraduate Competition, Jeffrey Wood is one of the rising stars of today’s organ world. As an undergraduate, he performed numerous times in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The concert is free and open to the public.

A reception with the artist will follow the program.

Page 17

The 13th Annual Providence Fire and Rescue Spring Fling will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th. The 10 a.m. opening ceremonies, featuring the George Washington High School Chorus, Bartlett Yancey High School and Dillard Middle School bands along with BYNJROTC, will be followed by a parade at 10:30 a.m.

At noon everyone can enjoy the first of three sets by Al Batten and the Blue Grass Reunion while enjoying rides, crafts, and great BBQ. The lawn and garden tractor pull begins 1 p.m. At 4 p.m. the country rock band, Thunder, will perform followed at 6 p.m. by Matt Boswell and the Hillbilly Blues Band. They will also play for the evening dance at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, Backstreet plays at 1 p.m. with the headline act, The Kentucky Headhunters, at 4 p.m.

More rides, crafts, and great BBQ will be available.

All events take place at 6655 Old Highway 86 North, in Providence, North Carolina. For more information contact chairperson Ruby Hovatter at 336.388.2495.

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April 2007

He Said

She Said

He Said

She Said

by Larry Oldham

by Dena Hill

As I might have mentioned in an earlier column, I’m not really big on sports. A great weekend trip for me would be going to New York to see a play, doing a little shopping, dining in a couple of fine restaurants. So you can guess how excited I was when my fiancée suggested that we go to New York for the weekend.

I dashed to my computer to search for hotels, Broadway shows, favorite restaurants. I was like a kid with a new toy. Then she dropped the bomb. “Oh, we’re going to New York all right, but not to Manhattan.

We’re going to Cazenovia, New York.” This is about 20 miles from Syracuse and guess what folks. We are going skiing!

Mr. Coordinated, Mr. Big Time Sports Guy, Mr. “I Wish I Was At The Mall” is going to demonstrate for the world how to break his neck!

“No, No,” she says, “not on a slope...we’re going cross country skiing for the exercise.”

“Well that’s different. Why didn’t you say so in the first place? You know how much I like to exercise!

You can look at my physique and tell that.

We flew out of Greensboro at 6:30 a.m., leaving Danville at 3:30 a.m. Fortunately in New York, we stayed with relatives, which was great. (Thanks Bill and Betsy for your hospitality!) By the way, the airline lost our luggage for the whole weekend so we had to ski naked...OK, I made that naked part up, but it would have been cool. (No pun intended.) All was not in vain though, because while she was skiing, I was on the snowmobile looking for a shopping mall. I didn’t find one, but I did find a nice little Italian restaurant that helped a little, PLUS I lived to tell this story.

MEN! Either put up or shut up.

Two weeks ago he wanted to go out-of-town to a play at the Prizery followed by dinner at the Molasses Grill (which was delicious, I might add) and so we did. Did I complain?

No. We met some of our friends and had an enjoyable time. But now for something different.....

I suggested that we go to see my cousin in New York because they had 5 feet of snow. We could ski, snowmobile, and maybe even ice fish. It was my turn to look forward to a great weekend. We flew up, rented a car, and met my cousin on Friday afternoon. Mr. Sports Guy didn’t want to cross country ski...too boring...too cold...too tiring.

Mr. Whiner wanted to sit by the fireplace and watch it snow while looking in the paper for what was on sale at the malls.

Bill finally enticed him out to the garage where he met the snowmobile. End of story. One trip flying around the trail and we couldn’t get him back in the house.

What a speed demon! He rode that snowmobile for 2 days straight while I tried to keep my skis on.

I spent a lot of time falling and he spent lot of time picking me up—but not from a ski tumble. He turned the snowmobile over twice.

Cazenovia is a beautiful, quaint little village that we love to visit every summer and go boating on the lake. Well, this time of year, the lake is frozen with a foot of ice. I actually drilled a hole and measured it. After 2 hours of begging, I finally got my star snowmobile athlete to walk out on the lake and ice fish. The Brave One didn’t stay long though because he didn’t catch a fish and he whined about how cold it was.

From my perspective, it gave a whole new meaning to his superiority complex and the probability that one day he could walk on water. This week he finally did... too bad it was frozen!

April 2007

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Page 19

Joe & Mimma’s Restaurant Celebrates 30 Years in Danville

by Russ Carter

Mimma Brooks knows the secret to success. Simple, says the head chef of Joe and Mimma’s Italian Restaurant’s 30-year success.

Love your work and surround yourself with faithful customers and employees.

"People from Danville and surrounding communities have been loyal to us since we started," says the energetic owner of the Riverside Shopping Center restaurant whose customers return thanks to the unbeatable combination of delicious authentic Italian food and good service.

Mindful of all the hard work that makes a meal a memorable occasion Mimma adds, "With any success, you need good people behind you. This has been a very successful business because of the help of my husband, Randy, and great employees, some who have been working here since we opened the restaurant."

Opening a restaurant in Southern Virginia was not on Mimma’s agenda when she traveled from Sicily, Italy, to the coast of Virginia for her brother’s wedding three decades ago. When the family returned to Italy after the wedding, Mimma stayed behind. But her cousins, who owned restaurants in Newport News and in Yorktown, had located a good spot in Danville for a third restaurant. The Riverside Shopping Center building was perfect because it had formerly been used as a restaurant and was ready for occupancy. So eventually, Mimma bought out her cousin’s and her brother Joe’s share of the business and now Randy and Mimma are its sole owners.

Although a native of Italy, Mimma thinks of Danville as her home. "I consider myself to be a part of this community," says the mother of three children who range in age from junior high to college, "and most of my best friends are from here." With a compliment to her adopted town she adds, "Many foreigners have a tough time in new places, but I have always been welcomed in this town."

Mimma’s outgoing personality and the savory dishes she creates for her friends and customers probably help bridge any communication or cultural differences. "I have a love for food and cooking," she admits. "I am very dedicated to my profession, and with any profession you get better through experience."

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���� ���������� ������ Mimma Brooks Experience plus the right fresh ingredients produce wonderful culinary delights at the 125-seat restaurant. Mimma makes all the dishes on the premises from scratch and buys all fresh produce, which incidentally she buys locally.

Considering herself a Danvillian, Brooks does what she can to be involved in the community, and for her that includes shopping. "I like being a part of Danville," she says.

"Every summer I try to buy all of my fresh produce at the Farmers’ Market because I want to support the farmers in this area." Thinking about the past 30 years, Mimma continues, "The people here are important to me. We have loyal customers, many who have turned into friends."

As for the future after so long a past? Mimma plans to continue preparing delicious food for her friends at one of Danville’s best restaurants, being a part of the community, and helping however she can. "We like being a part of peoples’ lives," she says and then tells a heart-warming story.

"We have even had people propose in our restaurant. They have brought us the (engagement) ring and asked us to present it with the food; we are always happy to help," she says, maybe remembering that wedding 30-some years ago that brought her to America and a new successful career.

Joe & Mimma’s Italian Restaurant is located at 3336 Riverside Drive in the Riverside Shopping Center. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. For more information call 434.799.5763.

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April 2007

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Bobby Carlsen - Capturing A Moment in Time

by Joyce Wilburn

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With a slight smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, photographer Bobby Carlsen admits, "I enjoy making young mothers cry!"

As harsh as that sounds, there is a reasonable explanation. Carlsen tells parents upfront, "I’m going to make you cry. I’m going to take wonderful images of your children and when you look at them, you are going to cry."

The father of two young girls isn’t being boastful, just truthful. "I’m serious. Nine times out of ten, if I’ve taken pictures of a child under the age of 10, the mother will cry when she sees the portraits, and I love it," he adds, referring to the overwhelming joy he sees in the tears of happiness that fill the viewer’s eyes.

Carlsen, who refers to his work as "capturing a moment in time," doesn’t rely on props or posing to create his works of art. "I see expressions on the faces of my own children and hear questions they ask, and I know they will never do that again," the soft-spoken Danville resident says, referring to his children, 6 year-old Summer and 2 year-old Savannah.

"Those moments I will never have again unless I photograph them," he adds, "and only then will I always have that memory and the story that surrounds it."

The seed for Carlsen’s interest in photography was planted when he was a teenager and worked on the yearbook staff at Roxboro Christian Academy in the late 1980s. The interest wasn’t nurtured until almost a decade later when his wife Angie gave birth to their first child.

Using his Ph.D. in psychology and a camera, Carlsen quickly decides how to bring out his subject’s personality and to create a photographic portrait.

“Almost anyone can pick up a camera and snap a photograph, but a portrait is an interpretation of someone, something born out of creativity and attention to the person being photographed. That is the difference between a photograph and a portrait-a portrait will give a sense of what that person’s personality is like," he adds.

Carlsen has a proven method of producing portraits instead of

photographs. Uncovering a personality involves listening for the subject’s anxieties and trying to neutralize them, watching the interactions between the person being photographed and their family or friends, and catching the subject relaxed.

Finding the perfect relaxing location for the 1-to-2 hour photo sessions hasn’t been difficult.

"If a client doesn’t want a ‘green setting’ but is interested in an urban setting, I like to take them downtown," he says, "because we have a beautiful downtown area that is under-appreciated." Within a 2block radius of the Danville Science Center, Carlsen has found four-to-five hundred places to use as backdrops for his portraits. He looks for unique architecture and different textures found in the bricks, rocks, pebbles, and cobblestones near the old train station and tracks.

Whether clients choose a country garden or a city street for their session, they obviously are happy with the results, because since its beginning in December 2005, Bobby Carlsen Photography has become very popular, especially among high school seniors, and parents of infants and small children.

Wanting to give back to the community, Carlsen is a member of "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" a non-profit organization dedicated to infant bereavement photography. By providing photographs at no charge to grieving parents, Carlsen hopes to give them something that will help with the healing process of dealing with the death of an infant or child.

Depending on the situation, Carlsen’s portraits might generate tears either of joy or sadness, but in either case, Carlsen will capture the moment. Because when the moment is captured, the memory is secure.

Bobby Carlsen Photography is frequently seen on the cover of EVINCE. For more information, visit www.bobbycarlsen.com or phone 434.836.6042. Also visit www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.

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Chatham’s House Tour: Four Houses and a Church

Chatham will have 4 houses and a church open for Virginia Historic Garden Week on Sunday, April 22, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The 1890s home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Camp, 131 North Main Street, is a lovely example of Queen Anne-style architecture set on more than two acres and is surrounded by shady trees and a stately black wrought-iron fence.

Inside, vibrant colors complement the owners’ antiques, family heirlooms, and new furnishings.

Architecturally, an original plaster medallion of corn, sunflowers, and shells adorns the foyer ceiling. A cloak closet contains an etched glass window, bearing the first owner’s initials – W.B.S. The front staircase landing features an unusual window with blue embossed glass of florals and butterflies and another large window accents the rear staircase landing and offers an expansive view of the lush backyard. Upstairs, the lovely front bedrooms have spectacular views of the town’s church steeples.

Maplewood, home of Mr. & Mrs. Harold Griffith, 3968 Spring Garden Road, is named for the 50-year-old sprawling box elder maples shading the front and side yards. The elegant country house was built in 1920 for C. D. Bryant, Sr., a prominent tobacco farmer and merchant. Of particular appeal are the home’s 2 private bedroom balconies and its large, arched, columned porch.

The grand foyer with its impressive walnut staircase is enhanced by exquisite molding, and throughout the house there are French and pocket doors and unusual coffered ceilings. The house is furnished and decorated in styles appropriate to the 1920s, including an old oak desk from an area tobacco warehouse, a Charles Eastlake walnut secretary and bedroom suit, and a beautiful 160-year-old Victorian sofa.

Purchased in 2003 by its current owners, Maplewood Manor has been extensively renovated to preserve its distinctive architectural features and historical significance, while graciously bringing it into the 21st century.

The 1972 two-story, white-frame Colonial home of Alvin Oakes and Dr. Lisa Shorter, 220 Fairview North, is surrounded by luxuriant landscaping, a freshly mown pasture, and grazing Saddlebred horses.

Striking boxwoods, maturing Bradford pear trees, the remains of an 18th-century stagecoach road and historic Little Cherrystone add interest to the approach.

The front entrance is a handsome cross-and-bible, heart-of-pine door flanked by paned sidelights. The center foyer, featuring the new addition of a beautiful heart-ofpine staircase with wrought-iron

pickets, is just one of many notable renovations. In the kitchen is a photograph of the 5-time world champion horse, Wing Commander, grandfather to the owner’s former show horse. An accomplished equestrienne, Dr. Lisa Shorter and her children demonstrate their love of horses in the portraits seen around the home.

Little Cherrystone, also at 220 Fairview North, was built by Thomas Hill Wooding in the early part of the 19th century. A prominent Pittsylvania County citizen, Mr. Wooding was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1799 until 1821, a Justice of the Peace, and Commander of the Pittsylvania Militia.

According to a survey by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Mr. Wooding’s brick mansion contains “one of the most elaborate interiors in Southern Virginia,” especially the hand-carved woodwork in the parlor. The mantel features sunbursts, fans and columns and the marbleized wainscoting is cut from a single pine tree and topped with a wide band of reeding.

Pediments over the parlor door and window frames are decorated in scrolls. The exterior of the house is equally elegant with its Federal-style façade and arched doorways topped

by Adam-style fanlights.

Refreshments will be served at the Spring Garden Community Church at 4045 Spring Garden Road. The white-steepled building has provided a tranquil place to worship while also serving as a valuable link to the community’s past since 1891. In 1953, ten Gothic-style stained-glass windows were installed and lantern-style light fixtures were added in 1970.

Original to the sanctuary are the ceiling, wainscoting, rock foundation, weather boarding, and window casings. A Swiss-made bell, dating to 1845, hangs in the belfry. Originally located at the Presbyterian Church of Pittsylvania Court House, the bell was used during the Civil War to call out the home guards to protect Pittsylvania Court House, the name of the town of Chatham at that time.

Tickets for to visit all locations are $8.

Single house admission is $4. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event at any of the houses on the tour. Houses need not be visited in the order in which they are listed. Tickets may be purchased in advance for an additional charge by visiting www.VAGardenweek.org. For more information call 434. 432.1011.

Danville Academy of Dance Pictured is the Senior Pointe Class in “Magical Waltz” from Danville Academy of Dance’s upcoming recital, Dance Magic, May 10-12, sponsored by the Danville Kiwanis Club.

All seats reserved. Call 434-792-9106.

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Making Tires Safer

by Deborah Morehead

Since 2000, more than 200 people have died in accidents attributed to tread separation in steel-belted radial tires. This shocking statistic (and proximity to a major tire manufacturer) got scientists at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) thinking about how their research might someday result in a commercially viable tire that warn motorists of impending blowouts due to tread separation.

The research team (members of IALR’s Advanced and Applied Polymer Processing Institute [AAPPI] and several scientists from Virginia Tech) knew that tread separation increased with the popularity of steel-belted radial tires because it is difficult to adhere steel to rubber. They knew that tread separation is worse in hot weather and at high speeds, and both design flaws and manufacturing defects cause tread separation. What they didn’t know was how to address the problem.

Then they had an idea.

Scientists have spent part of the last 2 years investigating a system that would alert drivers when tread separation on a particular tire is about to happen.

As researcher Wei Zhang, Ph.D., commented, “Maybe lives would be saved if people could be warned that a tire needed to be replaced.” The young chemical engineer added, “Maybe it could even be programmed to tell the

Researcher Wei Zhang.

April 2007 driver approximately how many miles could be driven before the separation occurs…like the indicator now in many cars that informs drivers how far they can drive with the low fuel light on.”

The idea -- to imbed a sensor into the tire that would signal imminent tread separation -- is simple. Getting the concept to work is not so simple. Finding the right sensor is only part of the problem; imbedding it between the tread layers is the other. This has proven to be tricky. The tread layers not only have to stay together, but the sensor also has to work and not itself be a potential cause of separation--and then there is the issue of connecting the sensor to the vehicle’s display panel to alert the driver.

To accommodate the sensor under simulated road conditions Virginia Tech’s Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering will utilize their structural test equipment and computer systems.

The University’s Computer Science Department will also play a key role in readying the system for public use because signal analysis work will be required to connect the sensor data to the control panel in the vehicle.

This project is one of many being conducted at IALR that will benefit industry and the public. According to AAPPI Director Dr. Ron Moffitt, “NASA has given us grant money to work on this idea. They are interested in its application for truck and aircraft tires. We’re going to keep researching this because it would be a good thing for the public, too.”

John M. Kennedy, newlyappointed Senior Director of Research and Innovation at IALR, agrees, noting, “This tire sensor project is another example of the extreme value of fundamental research tied to applied research.

The impact of this research will add another layer of safety to highway transportation-our most dangerous mode of transportation.”

April 2007

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Sacred Painting Dramatized in Clarksville

by Nancy Barden

Twenty-five years ago the late Francis Decker brought the dramatization of Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” by Ernest K. Emurian to Clarksville from Trinity United Methodist Church in McClean, Virginia. An overflow crowd came to see the production, not fully understanding what they were about to see. Since 1982 there have been nine productions in Clarksville of this beloved dramatization. The tenth will be held April 1 and April 3, at 8 p.m. in the Clarksville Fine Arts Center.

The audience of 25 years ago was delighted and moved by the unusual theatrical presentation which was not a new artistic expression, but rather one that they had not seen before. As described in Helen Hoover Santmyer’s book And Ladies of the Club, the “tableau” was a popular entertainment in the late 19th century. Famous paintings were studied. Costumes were made to copy those shown in the painting, props gathered, and individuals chosen whose features resembled those in the painting. Even a frame was made to enhance the scene. Music was added to the program as was poetry reading.

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In 1954 the Reverend Emurian, at that time pastor of the Elm Avenue Methodist Church in Portsmouth, heard of “A Living Picture of The Last Supper” presented by a group of local churchmen. Building on the tradition of the tableaux Emurian “studied Leonardo and his painting for some time before writing the soliloquies for the apostles as they might have expressed themselves after Jesus said, ‘One of you will betray me!’”

The pose of the picture is broken only when, one by one each disciple answers the question, “Lord, is it I?” After each disciple speaks, he immediately resumes his pose as still another disciple begins his soliloquy.

To add to the reverence and drama of the scene, Emurian specified a choir provide musical interludes.

The April 1st and 3rd performances will also be the 10th time that Charlie Simmons has directed “The Last Supper.” He is joined this year by Chris Jones, Executive Director of the Prizery in South Boston, who will conduct the music. In 1985 “The Last Supper” was moved to the Clarksville Fine Arts Center, 914 Virginia Avenue, when it came under the auspices of the Clarksville Community Players.

This is a free production and tickets are not required. Doors will open one hour before each performance. For more information, call 434.374.0058.

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The Meredith Gravely School of Dance will present its annual production, “And the Beat Goes On” at 7:30pm May 3rd, 4th and 5th at the George Washington High School Auditorium. Pictured is the school’s senior pointe class featured in “Espana.” Pictured L to R Row 1: Stacey Elliott,Mackenzie Shelton, Lindsay Powell, Jessie Kate Cutts, Row 2: Rebecca Bagby, Rebecca Dey, Hannah Rice, Page Harris, Marissa Hardison, Row 3: Rachel Nanney, Stacie Wilson, Megan Moorefield, Kasey Roach, Meredith Spivey, Emalee Burnette, Row 4: Brittney Wilson, Carla Porterfield, Leah Daniel, Olivia Pruitt, and Bethany Royster. All seats are reserved. Tickets may be purchased by calling 434.432.0449 or treynolds@westoverministries.org.

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Christopher Russell at The Inn at Berry Hill The Easter bunny originates from tales dating back to the ancient world when the rabbit was known as the most fertile of animals and became a symbol of new life. The bunny as an Easter symbol is believed to have originated in Germany in the 1500s and came to America with the German settlers during the 1700s. The first pastry and sugar Easter bunnies also came from Germany in the early 1800s. The use of elaborate Easter baskets evolved when the Easter Bunny tradition

spread throughout the country.

Start a new family tradition by coming to Berry Hill on Easter Sunday and participating in our Second Annual Brunch With the Easter Bunny and the traditional Easter egg hunt that follows.

We have two Easter egg hunts on April 8th.

Our Junior Hunt is for children up to age 5 and our Senior Hunt is for ages 6-12.

For more information call 434.517.7004 or visit www.berryhillinn.com.

Complimentary Glass of Champagne or Cider Salad Bar Extravaganza with Homemade Salads to include: Chicken, Shrimp, Crab, Three Bean, Ham, Broccoli and More New England Clam Chowder Soup Carved Prime Rib of Beef AuJus with Horseradish Sauce Sliced Virginia Baked Ham with Cider Mustard Sauce Carved Leg of Lamb with Mint Jelly • Seafood Newburg with Milan Rice Smoked Gouda Potatoes Casserole Whole Fresh Poached Salmon with Lemon Dill Capers Amaretta Carrots • Fresh Green Beans Grilled Asparagus with Raspberry Shrimp Sauce Corn O’Brian • Peas and Pearl Onions • Spoon Bread Beverage ( coffee or Tea) DESSERTS Chocolate Fudge Cake • Sweet Potato Eclair Cake Strawberry Shortcake Fruit Cobbler • Rice Pudding • Jelly Bean Cake

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����������������������������� ����������������������������������� GALLERY RESTAURANT • 2500 RIVERSIDE DR. • 434.793.2500

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April 2007