Evince June 07

June 2007

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Table of Contents 2

Looking at the Big Picture

by Kathryn Davis

3

Believe

by Liz Sater

4

He Said She Said

by Larry Oldham and Dena Hill

5

Second Thoughts Chewing the Fat

by Kim Clifton

6

VIR Celebrates 50th Anniversary

by John Gardner

7

Flipping Out with Flipside – Fridays at the Crossing

by Gordon Bendall

8

Points North views from the hill

by Jerry Meadors Hats Are Off to Rippe’s Choral Service Concludes Arts Series Register for Summer Youth Drama Camp

9

JR’s Outdoor Gear: The Adventures Start Here

by Gordon Bendall

10

Calendar of Evince

12

Around the Table It’s the Season for Weddings and a Time for Love

by Annelle Williams Festival Honors Charlie Poole Legend

by M.S. Aiken

13

South Boston Lands an Art Detective

by Margaret Covington

14

DRITA Students Demonstrate Computer Skills

by Deborah Morehead Around Downtown South Boston

by Jerry Van Eimeren

15

C Is For Chef

by Joyce Wilburn

On the Cover: Photo taken by Victor Newman

by Kathryn Davis Have you ever considered the positive power of a smile? As I was looking back over my life recently, I realized that there have been quite a few times when a simple smile has meant so much.

I remember a day when I was a teenager, back in the late 1960s. I was driving to see my childhood friend who lived about an hour away. My mom and I had had some sort of disagreement and I was sitting at the stoplight with one of those “Don’t even think about speaking to me” frowns on my face. A young hippie-type fellow pulled up in the car next to me. He flashed me a warm smile and told me that I should try smiling because it would make me feel better. Oddly enough, his smile made me smile, and I was suddenly in a much better mood. It was such a good mood, that I felt like passing it on, so I picked up a hitchhiker (remember it was the 60s when such a gesture was much safer). It turned out that the young man, whose car had broken down, was on his way to teach a class at a nearby prison, and my ride got him there just in time.

Another memorable smile came my way from a long-time member

of First Baptist Church. I had come forward to join the church, and as I waited for the pastor to introduce me and ask the church to accept me, this woman’s face fairly shone with the most welcoming smile I’d ever seen. I knew immediately that I would be happy there, and I have been for more than 35 years.

Not long after, I began to notice the beautiful smile of a woman in our church choir. Her smile seemed to express such a joy for singing that it was a pleasure to watch her each Sunday. She also inspired me to start my own “smile ministry” years later when I joined the same choir. Now as I sit in the choir loft and look out over the congregation, I make a conscious effort to smile often throughout the service to show appreciation for an inspiring piece of music or to let someone know I’m glad to see them. Any number of people have told me that they truly miss my smiles when I’m not there.

But as you might imagine, the greatest of all smiles these days comes from my precious grandson, Elijah. At 14 months, he can easily melt my heart with a grin that says, “I’m glad to see you,” “I love you,” or even “That’s fun; let’s do it again!”

A smile may be a small gesture, but it’s pretty amazing what a big difference it can make. Maybe today’s the day you can change someone’s life, or at least their attitude, with a smile. I dare you to try it.

June 2007

Summit Meeting Called for June 5th First it was Dan River Mills, then it was Dimon. Now Danville’s landmarks—from the Schoolfield Recreation Center to the Worsham Street Bridge to the Long Mill—are falling one by one.

State and National agencies are as concerned about the future of our city’s character as are her citizens. The entire City of Danville was recently designated a Most Endangered Historic Site by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. In addition, the Department of Historic Resources and the United States’ National Trust have stepped up to assist the Danville Historical Society and other groups in fighting to preserve further demolition and destruction of the City’s unique character.

Join with other concerned Danvillians to preserve our City’s heritage and historic resources.

For more information on how you can help, contact Gary Grant 434.799.3379.

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.

June 2007 It’s human nature to miss the very thing that’s right before our eyes. Like my husband, when I brought home a can of aluminum paint to use on the chain link fence that runs around our back yard, who asked, “What’s wrong with the fence?”.

How could the man who passes by that fence with the lawnmower at least twice a week not notice how rusty it was?

Easy. He just didn’t look. That could explain why many of our downtown redevelopment projects are being instigated by out-oftowners. Some locals have just stopped looking.

When Greg Gillies saw the VC Restaurant on Lynn Street advertised for sale, the veteran restaurateur from Lovington, Virginia, was intrigued. In short order, he and Laurie McCallum traveled to Danville, visited the restaurant, and decided that this was an opportunity they could not pass up.

Both Greg and Laurie are admitted "foodies." Their television is always set to the Food Network and each recalls a childhood full of fond culinary memories.

Greg remembers helping with Thanksgiving dinner at age nine.

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Believe...

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

by Liz Sater, Re-Development Coordinator

Food is fun for this couple and that bodes well for both the restaurant and for Danville.

With so few alterations needed, the plans are to open the restaurant for breakfast and lunch on June 4th. When Mary Vardavas was running this same kitchen (as she did for more years than she may like to admit) it was known as the Virginia-Carolina Restaurant, or VC Restaurant for short. Gillies says the name will remain the same – standing now for Very Close, Very Casual and Very Cool. Incidentally, to lend a lovely element of continuity, Mrs. Vardavas plans to be on hand regularly to greet customers and extend her special style and hospitality to the establishment.

Recognizing that Danville is a market that loves anything auto, Greg’s theme will be reminiscent

of the restaurant he owned in Sperryville, Virginia, for 13 years – the Appetite Repair Shop. With hubcaps for dinner plates and a daily "Tail Light Special" you can see how it was known for having "good food, fast service, free estimates and expert sandwich mechanics."

Greg and Laurie join a growing list of entrepreneurs who believe in the redevelopment of the downtown and tobacco warehouse districts. Other new businesses: Rick Doss recently opened Downtown Choppers on Craghead Street with all things necessary for customizing motorcycles. Dr. Clark Cobble bought a downtown building where he relocated his ophthalmology practice. The Logo Shoppe moved in with Piedmont Printing and Graphics on Monroe Street, and Glen and Donna Warmack moved McLauchlin House

Page 3 custom frame shop from their home into a retail space within Marie Farris’ Photography Studio on Main Street. Steve and Judy Salamon will open their new bakery and deli, Bronx Boy Bagels in June (more on that project next month).

In reporting Danville’s redevelopment projects, we cannot minimize the ongoing investment of those forwardthinking, pioneering investors who have already established businesses in the downtown district. Many venerable local store owners have been believers all along, keeping the district vital over the years, and are largely responsible for drawing new investors into the district.

The moral of this story?

Once my husband recognized that the old fence around our yard was desperately in need of a coat of paint, he picked up a brush and, in true Tom Sawyer fashion, finished the job I had started.

So, when you look around at the redevelopment in the downtown and tobacco warehouse districts and you want to get in on the fun and excitement, call me at 434.799.5261. I have a brush with your name on it.

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June 2007

He Said

She Said

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DCA

by Larry Oldham

by Dena Hill

There’s one word we don’t use much around our house, because not only is it off limits, it is also taboo. Now I know what you are thinking--money, sex, ex-wives....

Nope. Nothing that trite. We are talking about the big word. DIET. I personally don’t see anything wrong with the word. I occasionally use it myself, usually in a sentence like: “I don’t do diets," or, "I don’t believe in diets."

Now don’t get me wrong. I believe in good health, quality of life and so on and so on. Heck, I even watch those cute girls doing Pilates on TV, and you know I don’t do much TV. But when it comes to diets...there are just too many of them out there: Atkins, Weight Watchers, L.A. something or other, Weight Off Forever (or whenever you run out of money), Nutri Systems-- The list goes on forever. I mean if one of them really works, why don’t all of you get on that one?

Let’s say all of you did get on the one that works and lost a few pounds. That means new clothes, new house, new car, and probably a new spouse.

Why not do what I did when my doctor told me I was getting fat? I just cut back on my sweets, sodas, hot dogs, potato chips, milkshakes, biscuits, butter and jelly. In a few weeks I had lost a few pounds, without eating foreign foods or taking exercise classes and best of all, not having to pay someone to tell me I had gained a few pounds or lost a few pounds during the week.

Yep, my plan works so well for me that maybe I will become one of those diet guru people. I’ll gather up a few of those BEFORE pictures back when I was fat and take some pictures of me AFTER losing a few pounds. Next I’ll write a diet book on how I did it and come up with a fad diet name— something like MAC-THIN, or SLIM-MART, or MAXI-THIN—then I’ll share my big diet plan with the rest of the world.

But first I think I will have some ice cream and take a nap.

The only 4-letter word not spoken around our house isn’t diet—it’s STOP. Stop bringing those 42 bags of Easter candy, 21 bags of Valentine candy, and 34 bags of Christmas candy to my house that you bought on sale for 1\2 off at some drug store after each and every holiday. Keep it stashed at your house instead of mine and then we’ll see how well the world’s most famous couch potato keeps the pounds off.

You, a diet guru?

You could be the poster boy for all of the diet plans...but only the BEFORE pictures. You’re like most men. You eat everything you want and then throw it up to us ladies that dieting is a farce all because you can quit eating sugar, sodas, bread, etc., for a few days and lose weight.

Men and women have a different metabolism. We’re already not eating all of that garbage that you enjoy so much, so we don’t have much to give up without starving ourselves to death.

When we do find a dieting program that works, you’re much too busy making fun of fad diets to lend support and encouragement to our diet program. The diet word is not really taboo around the house. I just don’t like to talk about it ‘cause I know I’m going to hear ridicule or sarcasm about my diet.

Maybe you should try to appreciate the fact that I am trying to look slimmer and thinner to please you.

Instead of looking at the girls doing Pilates on TV in their size 3 bathing suits, maybe I would like for you to compliment me on my appearance. At the very least, I would like to think that when you’re talking eye candy, I’m somewhere in that equation.

Otherwise I can only think that I am losing weight just in case Dr. McDreamy should happen to come to town again.

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Chewing the Fat Celebrities are really getting larger than life these days. Seems more and more of them are calling Jenny Craig, opting to pick up a phone instead of a fork.

Getting too big for her britches was a great career move for Kirstie Alley. Now her bank account is fatter than she is.

Joining her is Valerie Bertinelli.

After she discovered that living one day a time isn’t like it was in the ‘70s, she ballooned to a size 12…and put Jenny’s number on speed dial. Only the paparazzi would call a size 12 “ballooning.”

Going from feast to famine, we saw the other extreme during Madrid’s Fashion Week. Models wearing a size zero were banned.

Officials hoped it would not only discourage women from starving themselves to death, but it would also spread the word that weighing so little is dangerous.

They’re absolutely right. Sashay around me in that size and I’d probably snap you like a twig.

I miss the good old days when famous people who overindulged ran quietly to Betty Ford or ducked

into fat farm. Now they put it out there for God and everybody to see…and make money doing it.

Especially people like Anna Nicole Smith, although I don’t intend to speak ill of the dead.

It’s just that in her younger days, she was a Playboy bunny. But after tasting too much of the good life, she found herself modeling lingerie for Lane Bryant instead of Victoria Secret.

There’s some comfort in knowing that the Royals struggle with diets, too. Even with all the king’s horses and all the king’s men, the Duchess of York lost the battle of the bulge…until she joined Weight Watchers.

The spoon in your mouth doesn’t have to be silver to make you famous. Regular people

like Jared Fogle have become household names. After losing 245 pounds in one year, he singlehandedly sent sandwich sales soaring through the roof.

Until I heard about him, I ate in a Subway about as often as I rode in one.

I miss the days when South Beach was an exotic resort, not a weight-loss plan. I miss the days when you could eat anything you wanted without having to carb your appetite.

In 1988, Oprah came on stage wearing size 10 jeans and pulling a wagon loaded with 67 pounds of fat. Half of the room cheered and the other half probably hoped she’d gain it all back.

That’s really how it goes, if we’re honest. Seems the only thing

worse than needing to lose weight is to be around someone who has.

Maureen McCormick recently agreed to appear on the show, The Celebrity Fit Club. Seeing Marcia Brady step onto those scales made me a little sad…although it was nice to finally identify with someone in that bunch.

When it comes down to it, celebrity endorsements are just hype. It’s up to us to make a change. Suzanne Somers squeezing a Thighmaster is painful to watch, but not nearly as painful as watching me squeeze my thighs into a bathing suit.

The difference between us and them is simple. We are fat and they are fat cats. So, even if I walked a thin line, I could never be Kirstie Alley. For her hips are hip and big-bones mean big money.

Nice to know that for some people, flab is worth its weight in gold.

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June 2007

VIR Celebrates 50th Anniversary

by John Gardner

T

he old saying goes that automobile racing began just a couple of hours after the second car was built. In fact, the first automobile race took place in France in 1894, from Paris to Rouen, and the first American race took place the following year, a round-trip race between Chicago and Evanston, Illinois.

In the early 1900s, road racing in America was staged on public roads following the trend established in Europe at the turn of the century.

The Vanderbilt Cup and the American Grand Prize were the two premier events of the time, and the most famous races were held in Long Island, New York; Savannah, Georgia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Santa Monica, California.

Soon road racing became overshadowed by oval-track racing with the Milwaukee Mile (1903) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (1911) paving the way. It wasn’t until after World War II that organized road racing would really take hold.

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was founded in Boston in 1944, an outgrowth of the pre-war Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) that existed from 1934 to 1941 and dissolved with the outbreak of hostilities. Following WWII, the SCCA’s first big event was run on the streets of Watkins Glen, New York in 1948. Thanks to America’s post-war prosperity and enthusiasm, as well as the influx of sporting automobiles from Europe such as MG, Jaguar, Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo, the sport quickly gained popularity and momentum.

Following the success of Watkins Glen, similar events sprang up in Bridgehampton, New York in 1949, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin; Palm Beach Shores, Florida; and Pebble Beach, California in 1950.

Unfortunately, spectator injuries and fatalities led to the end of public road racing in 1952 and the trend moved toward races on airport circuits and permanent road circuits. The first of these was in Watkins Glen in 1952, followed by Elkhart Lake in 1955.

In that same year, four North Carolina sports car enthusiasts, Ed Welch, Ed Alexander, George Arnold, and Hooper Johnson, formed Sports Car Enterprises, Inc. with the idea of building their own racetrack. They found a suitable location just over the state line near Danville, Virginia—a 1200-acre plot that had served as a farm for the Foote family. The four were joined

by Ed Kemm in 1956 and, with an influx of cash from Kemm, were able to complete their project.

Virginia International Raceway opened in August, 1957, hosting an

SCCA race that attracted such stars of the sport as Carroll Shelby, Carl Haas, Bob Holbert, Augie Pabst, Bob Grossman, John Yenko, Dr. Dick Thompson, Walt Hansgen, and Bruce Jennings. Shelby, who would later achieve worldwide fame by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 and creating the iconic Cobra sports cars in the early 1960s, won that first feature race in a Maserati 450S. The laconic Texan’s memorable words, “One lap at VIR is like a hundred at Watkins Glen,” sealed VIR’s place in racing history.

As one of the first permanent American road racing tracks, VIR became a fixture on the SCCA circuit and a favorite among racers due to its high-speed straights, challenging turns, and dramatic elevation changes. But its location in the heart of stock car racing country prevented it from attracting big crowds like those enjoyed by Watkins Glen and Elkhart Lake.

As a result, in 1959 Sports Car Enterprises was forced to relinquish its lease on the Foote family’s property. Danville’s Col. Paul Rembold took over the lease and the track fell under the auspices of the Civil Air Patrol. Col. Rembold and track manager Henry Wallace successfully operated the track through the 1960s, attracting thousands of fans to sports car, motorcycle and kart races.

Among the highlights were the fourth-ever SCCA Trans-Am race in 1966, won by Tom Yeager and Bob

Johnson in a Ford Mustang over a field that included NASCAR stars Richard Petty, David Pearson, Curtis Turner, and Wendell Scott; the first-ever IMSA GT race in 1971, won by Peter Gregg and Hurley Haywood in a Porsche 914-6 GT; and a return engagement by IMSA in 1972, also won by Gregg and Haywood in a Porsche 911S. But in the early ‘70s, the track fell on hard times. That, combined with the fuel crisis of 1973, spelled the end for VIR. The track was shuttered following an SCCA enduro on October 13, 1974.

The Foote property reverted to farmland for 25 years, until Harvey Siegel, a New York real estate developer and vintage sports car racer leased and revived the property in 1998. Siegel’s vision for VIR was more expansive than anyone could have imagined, and the facility reopened in 2000, transformed into a world-class road racing circuit—repaved and widened, following the original track’s center line.

Within two years, VIR began hosting the top professional sports car and motorcycle racing series in America, as well as welcoming back the amateur racers of the SCCA, whose North Carolina Region was thrilled to have their “home track” back.

Under the guiding hands of Siegel and his partner Connie Nyholm, the future looks bright for VIR. The facility has received international acclaim as one of the world’s most beautiful and challenging circuits, and it

June 2007 continues to push the envelope of what a racetrack can be.

Today, VIR’s 3.27-mile circuit is exactly like it was in 1957, only widened just a bit with lots of safe run-off room and world-class facilities and amenities. The track now has two crossovers that allow simultaneous events on the North (2.25-mile) and South (1.65-mile) courses. The 1.1-mile Patriot Course was constructed in 2003 by combining the two cross-overs, and can be used as a stand-alone circuit or combined with the full circuit to create a myriad of configurations, the longest of which is 4.2 miles.

The original Foote family home, an 1840s-era plantation house, has been restored for use as the Plantation Clubhouse, the centerpiece of the VIR Club, whose membership is continually growing.

The track is booked nearly year-round for racing, testing, schools, television productions and corporate events.

The VIR campus also includes the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; Plantation Valley Kart Track, a 5/8-mile paved karting circuit; The Lodge at VIR; the VIR Paddock Suites and Garages; the new Villas at South Bend; Camp Motorsport, a motorsports-themed summer

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camp for young people aged 10-16; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a fullservice restaurant located within the Plantation Clubhouse.

This year, VIR is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in style, and the centerpiece of the celebration will be the Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Races, scheduled for the weekend of June 8-10. Carroll Shelby will be on hand to serve as Grand Marshal, along with other legendary racers from days gone by. A number of very historic VIR-history racing cars will be present to create a must-attend event.

None of the men who first brought VIR to life, nor the racers and fans who frequented the track in the early days, could have imagined the kind of showplace that exists on the site today. In the words of actor Paul Newman, who has raced in both amateur and professional competition since the 1970s, “If there’s a heaven on Earth, it’s VIR.” Hopefully that sentiment now will be shared by racers and fans alike for generations to come.

For more information pick up an Evince Racing magazine, visit www.virclub.com, or call 434.822.7700.

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Flipping Out with Flipside - Fridays at the Crossing

by Gordon Bendall Flipside founders Van Widdiefield and Joe Cash respect all kinds of musical talent and styles and that makes their music perfect for this month’s Fridays at the Crossing concert. Their sets are mixes of anything that gets people moving. Whether it’s rocking, rolling, shaking or rattling, Flipside plays the role of dance band well.

They formed a couple of years ago when Van (vocals and guitar) and Joe (rhythm guitar) set out to put together a band that played a variety of music everyone could enjoy and dance to. “We play anything that anyone wants to hear,” Cash says during a recent telephone interview. “We enjoy ourselves and we like what we’re doing.”

The band has four members from Danville, one from South Boston and one from Callands. They’ve played Festival in the Park for the past 3 years and kick it up regularly at the 5th Quarter, the Warehouse, and many charity events, including benefit concerts for the Danville Life Saving Crew.

Their website at myspace.com/ flipsidedanville reads, “Finding a group of musicians who loved the music and were willing to make a commitment to make it unique took some time. But with the addition of Perry Newcomb (guitar & vocals), Steve Counts (drums), Mary Beth Hylton (vocals), and Harry Lee Reynolds (bass), everything fell into place. The band is continuing to evolve and add new music. Flipside prides itself in maintaining a unique sound and repertoire that includes all genres of music from current billboard hits to classic hits from country, Southern rock, beach, blues and R & B.” There you have it. Flipside is all over the web. There’s a Flipside band from Greensboro, North Carolina, and another from England. There’s flipside this and flipside that, but only one Flipsidedanville.

A large crowd is expected for this fourth event in the Fridays at the Crossing Concert Series at the Carrington Pavilion on Craghead Street.

Gates open at 6pm on Friday, June 8.

Tickets are $3. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult.

Wanna dance? Okay. Catch you on the flipside.

Greenville

Greenville

Greenville

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POINTS NORTH views from the hill

by Jerry Meadors

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Inland Empire, the latest film from internationally recognized 4-time Oscar nominated American master filmmaker, David Lynch (Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, Dune, The Straight Story, Wild At Heart, Mulholland Drive) plays on the North Theatre screen June 1, 2 and 3. This is the first feature-length film to be shot by Lynch with a digital camera rather than on 35mm film. It will be presented from a 35mm print. Danville is one of two cities in Virginia to show this film which is in limited release across the nation. It stars Laura Dern with Jeremy Irons and Justin Theroux and is rated R for mature audiences.

The North Theatre is framing and hanging a personal letter sent

to the theatre’s dual projectionists, Danville natives Chris Foster and North Theatre production and technical manager, Jeremy Flora.

The letter was signed by David Lynch, which makes it a real collectable. Incidentally, before we could get to a UPS delivery of the theatrical poster and the trailer for the film, the trailer had been stolen from its shipping box--probably on its way to e-Bay thanks to the big market for Lynch memorabilia. ★★★★★ Mark your calendars for the Bindlestiff Family Circus and Magic Hat Summer Variety Show for ages 13 and up on Friday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. No promises yet, but if all goes well, the show will include a live on-stage acrobatics

Choral Service Concludes Arts Series

Register for Summer Youth Drama Camp

The Aldersgate Choir will present Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, accompanied by organ, strings, horns, and harp as the concluding event in the Sunday Afternoons at Mount Vernon Arts Series on Sunday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street.

Fauré composed his Requiem in D minor, Op. 48 between 1877 and 1890. This choral-orchestral setting of the Roman Catholic Mass for the Dead is the best known of his large works. Instead of a traditional service with readings and a sermon, worship will revolve around the performance of Fauré’s masterpiece. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 434.793.6824.

All local elementary and middle school students are invited to the Third Annual Summer Youth Drama Camp at Galileo Magnet High School, Monday through Thursday, June 25-28, from 9 a.m. until noon with a public performance on Thursday evening. Students will develop speaking skills and participate in acting workshops and group theatre games. Cost is $50 and enrollment is limited.

For more information contact Rhonda Johnson at rjohnson@mail.dps.k12.va.us or 434.773.8186.

June 2007 performance in the air. Advance tickets are $10 each. Send tickets requests and a check to the North Theatre.* Tickets can be picked up at the box office one hour before show time. ★★★★★ Bluegrass and/or country musicians, singers, songwriters, dancers, country comics, and performers in the folk genre, are invited to an open-call audition for an upcoming original production with the working title Hoe Down. If interested, send a head-shot photo and resume to the North Theatre.* You could be called for an audition. We are already in talks with established New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville talent managers and those selected for the production will be brought to the attention of these enterta inment professionals. Some may be selected for private meetings with management concerns. *629 North Main Street Danville Virginia 24540

Hats Are Off To Rippe’s …But Shoes Are On Mayor Wayne Williams, Rippe’s President Ben Rippe, and Councilwoman Ruby Archie prepare to snip the ribbon at the grand opening of Rippe’s Shoes at 559 Main Street.

Williams congratulated the 100-year-old family business for this latest $500,000 investment in the Downtown District. In his congratulatory speech, Williams stated that the city’s positive economic development can only continue if there is a viable Downtown District. Ray Estes, Design Partner of New Era Shoe Store Design in Durham (and designer of Rippe’s Shoes) stated that this was the nicest shoe store of its size in the Carolinas and Virginia.

June 2007

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JR’s Outdoor Gear:

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Danville Laser Aesthetics and Spa

The Adventures Start Here

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by Gordon Bendall

JR’s is moving uptown baby!

“I always knew Danville could support a store like this,” says Paul Burnette, the Carroll County native who has owned and operated the quality outdoor gear store since 1994. “We’ll have more exposure up there and people will be able to get in and out better,” he adds.

JR’s Outdoor Gear is now located at the corner of Mount Cross Road and Old Riverside Drive. Its mid-August move will take it uphill to Piedmont Crossing, a new commercial strip located behind Rock-Ola Cafe.

JR’s caters to hikers, bikers, climbers, paddlers and campers. But it also has a great selection of apparel for runners, travelers, and all-around outdoorsy folks who enjoy quality hiking boots, comfy sport sandals, earth-tone high-tech clothing, travel packs, and durable wristwatches. JR’s also has sun-protective clothing for landscapers, golfers, gardeners and anyone out on an adventurous date with Mother Nature.

From Main Street to Mount Everest, JR’s has the ticket. They carry the gamut of North Face and Mountain Hardwear gear and other brand names that make die-hards salivate: Old Town canoes, Ocean Kayak watercraft for lakes, rivers and surf, Hornytoad apparel, Life is Good tshirts, Smartwool socks, Barmah hats, Camelbak hydration backpacks and footwear by Lowa, Keen and Vasque.

In other words--forget going online for hiking maps of the Appalachian Trail.

JR’s has them all.

Can you believe it? They’ve even got shirts, hats and scarves made with special insect-repellent cloth.

It’s called Buzz-Off, manufactured and marketed by the global

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company Exofficio. It gets its final high-tech treatment at a facility right down the road in Greensboro.

But not so fast…AT-TEN-TION! The Boy Scout department at JR’s Outdoor Gear has scout uniforms and camping equipment including sleeping bags and backpacks.

Although the store has a hold on his heart, Burnette’s first love is mountain sports. His fondness for the great outdoors began when he was growing up near Fries, Virginia.

From there, he hiked and climbed and paddled his way all around Virginia. He knows his stuff and has fulfilled a life-long dream of being in the sporting goods business, but like a true athlete, he is not resting.

“With Coleman Marketplace scheduled to open next year,” Burnette says, “JR’s will be where all the action is and better able to take on the competition.”

With the current success of JR’s Outdoor Gear and the upcoming move, it sounds like Burnette’s greatest adventure is perhaps straight ahead.

JR’s Outdoor Gear is open from 10 a.m.

-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information visit Paul Burnette at the store, call 434.799.0900, or email him at jrsoutdoorgear@gamewood.net.

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40 Years of Making Your Dreams Come True

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Toll Free 1-800-296-1049

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470 Piney Forest Road

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A-Mazing Sea May 19–Sept. 3, 2007

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of an undersea environment. Climb into sea turtle shells and through a whale’s mouth. Solve riddles to complete your

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Rachel Kilgore, a graduate of Sacred Heart School and a rising junior at George Washington High School, who won the high school division of the 3rd Annual Writing Gallery Competition at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. Rachel viewed the painting “Cape Cod, Massachusetts”

by Hayley Lever from the exhibit Progress on the Land: Industry and the American Landscape Tradition 18301930 and used it as a stimulus for her poem.

There were 199 poetry and prose entries from third graders to adults.

The event was sponsored in part by the Lucy Pannill Sale Foundation and judged by librarians from the Danville Public Library. Awards included cash, a 1-year membership to the Museum, and a basket of reading-related items from the library.

Other first-place winners were: Joelle Bray, Sacred Heart

A-Mazing passport.

Summer Science Day Camps and Adventures

Elementary School; Erica Dixon, O.T. Bonner Middle School; and adult Mertice M. Epps.

Writers are encouraged to make plans for the next competition that begins on September 9, 2007, in conjunction with the exhibit Confederate Currency: The Color of Money. The artwork of John W. Johns explores the depictions of slavery in Confederate and Southern State currency. For more information visit www.colorsofmoney.com.

Activities and fun for ages 3–13 • June–August Call (434) 791-5160 for information and to register.

VISIT THE

Butterfly Station and Garden Meet beautiful butterflies and the fascinating plants they need to survive.

Now through mid

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

October. Free!

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

June

Through June 17

The Great Dinosaurs of China Exhibit -Virginia Museum of Natural History - 276.666.8600.

Through June 22

Expressions 2007 Exhibit - Works by regional artists. Piedmont Arts Association, Martinsville - 276.632.3221.

Through August 12

Prizery Exhibit - Artisans & Craftspersons In The Dan River Region. Commissioned works of jewelry, pottery, woodworking, ceramics, tinsel painting, basket weaving, and rug hooking. Open Saturdays and Sundays 2-4:00pm The Prizery,South Boston. 434.572.8339.

Through August 19

Danville and the Culture of Tobacco Exhibit - Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644.

Through September 3

Amazing Sea Exhibit - Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

June 1

Awaken the Spanish Within - A one-day language and cultural adventure. 9:30 am4:30 pm. Institute For Advanced Learning and Research. 434.797.8848.

Relay for Life - Danville Community Market. - 434.793.1334.

Jazz on the Patio - A little jazz, wine tasting, great food, friends and fun.

5:30–8 pm. South Union Street. Downtown Danville Association - 434.791.4470

Hot Air Balloon Glow - 8:30 pm.

GW High School. 434.799.5110.

June 1 & 2

Uncle Billy’s Day - Car show, arts and crafts, children’s rides, food, flea market & fireworks. English Park, Altavista.

434.944.5530 or 434.369.5001.

June 1 (thru 3)

Inland Empire -North Theater – See pg. 8.

June 2

First Saturdays in Altavista - One-of-a-kind items from clothing and tools to antiques.

Trade Lot, Altavista. 434.944.5530.

DRBA’s First Saturday Outing - Five-mile flatwater paddle on Philpott Lake. 10 am.

276.647.4448.

Kuumba-West African Dance Company - Traditional West African dance and drumming classes. Times vary. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

Bob Ross Painting Class - Blue Ridge Sunset.

10:30 am–3:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex Building - 434.797.8848.

Cedar Haven on the Dan Open House - A 53-acre non-denominational spiritual sanctuary and retreat. Door prizes, refreshments, music. Explore miles of scenic hiking trails. Help create a 7circuit labyrinth, a prayer & meditation walkway found in Christian and Native American spiritualities. 12 pm. 336.314.0503.

Bird Basics -. Ages 6–10. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Auto Race - NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series. South Boston Speedway - 1.877.440.1540.

Gospel Bluegrass Festival - 5–10 pm.

Riceville-Java Ball Field. 434.432.4601.

June 2 & 3

Southside SkyFest Air and Car Show Danville Regional Airport - 434.799.5110.

June 3

Sunday Afternoons at Mount Vernon Arts Series -. Mt Vernon United Methodist Church – See page 8.

Musical Performance – Pianist, Konstantin Soukhovetski. Reception to follow performance. 4 pm. The Prizery– 434.572.8339.

Confederate Memorial Service – Guest speaker and reenactors. 5 pm. Green Hill Cemetery. 434.822.7948.

June 3 (thru 5)

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball - 7:20 pm Hooker Field. Martinsville Mustangs - 276.632.9913.

June 4

Fitness for Older Adults - Tues/Thur 9–11 am. City Armory. 434.797.8848.

Ladies Fitness - Tues/Thur 10 am– 12 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848.

Legs & Lower Body Instruction 5:30 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848.

Yoga - Tuesdays 5:30 pm. Pepsi Building.

434.797.8848.

Middle Eastern Belly Dance Classes Mondays. intermediate 5:30 pm; beginning 6:45 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

African Dance by Nguza Saba – Learn the beautiful art of African dance. Mondays 6-7:30 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

June 4 (thru 25)

Boogie Mondays - East Coast Swing.

Mondays 7–8:30 pm. $3 each class.

June 5

The Art of Not Fighting - A self defense class designed for women, men, families.

Tues/Thur 6-7 pm. City Auditorium.

434.797.8848.

June 6

Senior Bowling Tournament -10 am-12 pm.

Riverside Lanes. 434.797.8848.

Business Planning - Food-Based Business Workshop. 10 am–3 pm. West Piedmont Business Development Center (WPBDC), Martinsville. 434.766.6793.

Fetch! Lab - Make ice cream in a baggie.

Ages 7–11. 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

June 7

Stepping Stones Class -1-2:30 or 7-8:30 pm. 434.799.5216.

Alive After Five Summer Concert Series – Featured entertainment, Burning Bridges.

6 pm. Constitution Square, South Boston.

434.575.6246.

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 8

Barbecue Dinner - 5:30–8 pm. American Legion Post 1097. Robert Rossman egor1@comcast.net.

Friday’s at the Crossing - Flipside. See pg 7.

Live Music – Nick Moss and the Flip Tops.

6:30 pm. Yancey House Pavilion – 336.694.4225.

June 8 (thru July 27)

Museum Exhibit - Herbaceous Border.

Danville Museum of Fine Art & History – 434.793.5644.

June 8 (thru 10)

Gold Cup Historic Races. VIRginia International Raceway - 434.822.7700. See page 6.

June 9

Auto Race - South Boston Speedway - 1.877.440.1540.

Beach Blast Dance - 7:30-10:30 pm.

Ballou Park Annex Bldg. - 434.797.8848.

June 2007

JUNE 2007 S M

T W

T

3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28

F S 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30

June 9 & 10

Spring Series Race – D13 Points Race.

Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park 276.650.1158.

June 10

Abingdon Place Open House/Brunch 11:30 am–1:30 pm. Abingdon Place, Danville - 434.799.1930.

June 11

Art Classes with Judie - Instruction on oil and watercolor painting. Mondays or Tuesdays. Times vary. Ballou Park Annex Building. 434.797.8848.

A Small Sound and Far Away: The Voices Heard Through Archaeology - A view of Indian life in our region thousands of years ago. 7 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

June 12

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

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 13

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Look out across the pretend ocean and think of all the things that might be living there.

Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–6 3:45–4:45 p.m.

Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

June 14

Wireless Broadband 101 – Interactive workshop about wireless broadband technologies and how they can improve an organization’s bottom-line. 10:30 am. Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. Kitty Heffington – 757.594.7092.

June 14 (thru 16)

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 15

Staunton River State Park Birthday Bash – Bluegrass, arts and crafts, wagon rides, nature hikes and more. 434.572.4623.

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. 6 pm.

Yancey House Pavilion – 336.694.4225.

June 16

Herb Day – Chef of the month, live music, fresh foods & more. 8 am– 12 pm. Uptown Martinsville Farmers’ Market. 276.638.4221.

DCC Run for Justice. 2K, 5K, or 10K. Crossing at the Dan. 434.797.8468.

Jewels for the Garden - Discover the where, when, what and how of establishing a butterfly-friendly habitat. 10 am. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Concert – Steve Bassett Blowin’ the Dust Off Tour with Michelle Nixon and Drive. Featuring pre-1900’s musical instruments during the concert. Staunton River State Park.

434.572.4623.

June 18

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

June 19

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 19 & 20

Kiddie Kooking Kamp – Pre-schoolers cook simple and easy children’s dishes. Ages 3-5.

10 am–12 pm. Coates Recreation Center.

434.797.8848.

Danville Braves vs. Burlington Royals.

7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park 434.797.3792.

June 2007 June 20

Business Planning - Food-Based Business Workshop. 10 am–3 pm. Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (HEC), South Boston. 434.766.6793.

Fetch! Lab - Pizza, games and favorite galleries highlight the last meeting. Ages 7–11. 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Art With Flo – Wet on wet technique.

Wednesdays or Thursdays 6–9 pm. Ballou Park Annex Building. 434.797.8848.

June 21

Alive After Five Summer Concert Series – The Konnection Band, playing rock’n’roll, Top 40 and much more. 6 pm. Constitution Square, South Boston. 434.575.6246.

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 21 & 22

Danville Braves vs. Bluefield Orioles.

7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park 434.797.3792.

June 23

Battle of Staunton River Bridge Commemoration – Confederate encampment, cannon firing, music presentation, wagon rides, and more. 9:30 am–3 pm. Staunton River Battlefield State Park. 434.454.4039.

Hunters for the Hungry Sportman’s Banquet - 6 pm. Grace Baptist Church, Virgilina. 434.572.4002 or 434.572.4074.

Auto Race - South Boston Speedway - 1.877.440.1540.

AARA MoonLight Series StadiumCross - Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park 276.650.1158.

June 23 & 24

Danville Line Dance Quest - workshop 10 am. Evening dance 7-10 pm. Ballou Park Annex Building - 434.797.8848.

CCS Motorcycle Road Racing -VIRginia International Raceway - 434.822.7700.

June 24

SML Water Fair – Activities for kids, fishing pro tips, environmental programs and more. 12–5 pm. Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 540.297.6066.

June 24 (thru 26)

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 25

Arts Alive – Explore a wide range of media with arts and crafts, and see demonstrations. 9:30 am–12 pm.

Piedmont Arts Association, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.

Singer/Songwriting Workshop – Learn how to write lyrics, put together a song and hear it performed. Ages 9-18. 11 am –1 pm. City Armory Recreation Center’s Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

Global Warming - This presentation will establish the connections between greenhouse gases, CO2 concentrations, the warming atmosphere and the effects on the oceans, weather and climate. 7 pm.

Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

June 25 (thru 29)

Art Camp - Clay Creations I & Experiments in Printmaking. Ages 10-12. Danville Museum of Fine Art & History – 434.793.5644.

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June 25 (thru 28)

Summer Youth Drama Camp - Develop speaking skills, and participate in acting workshops and group theatre games.

9 am–12 pm. Galileo Magnet High School.

434.773.8186.

June 25 (thru 29)

Summer Science Adventure Camp - Life along the Dan River. Ages 8-12. 9am–12 pm.

Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

June 25 (thru July 30)

Museum Class - Forms in Clay. Adults.

6–9 p.m. Danville Museum of Fine Art & History – 434.793.5644.

June 25 (thru July 24)

Busy Bee Summer Camp – Different themes with activities, games, arts and crafts. Ages 3-5. Mon/Tues 9:30 am– 12 pm. City Armory Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

June 26 & 27

Kiddie Musik Kamp – Pre-schoolers learn, play and sing new and old children’s songs.

Ages 3-5. 10 am– 12 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

June 27

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Refreshments, games, and a hike to the river to feed the ducks and see what’s living and growing around the Danville Science Center. Ages 3–4, 1–2 pm; Ages 5–6 3:45–4:45 p.m Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

June 27 (thru July 26)

Summer Camp at the Hive – Different themes with emphasis on music, games and story time. Ages 3-5. Wed/Thurs 9:30 am–12 pm. City Armory Recreation Center.

434.797.8848.

June 28

Coffee House with the Jammers. 5-6 pm.

Ballou Park Annex Building - 434.797.8848.

Alive After Five Summer Concert Series – Featured entertainer Matt Necessary.

6 pm. Constitution Square, South Boston.

434.575.6246.

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 29

Harvest Jubilee Concert Series - Billy Currington & Blake Shelton. Gates open 6 pm. Carrington Pavilion - 434.793.4636.

TGIF Outdoor Concert - Music by 58 West, food & beverages. 7–10:30 pm. Uptown Martinsville - 276.632.5688.

June 29 (thru July 27)

Bumblebee Fridays – Spend the morning playing outside, riding bikes, show and tell, and more. Ages 3-5. Fridays 9:30 am– 12 pm. City Armory Recreation Center.

434.797.8848.

June 30

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 6/3-5)

June 30 (Thru January 18) Beyond Jamestown: Virginia Indians Yesterday and Today Exhibit. Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville - 276.666.8600.

Upcoming Events July 4

Independence Day Celebration. 5 pm.

Carrington Pavilion – 434.793.4636.

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June 2007

Shrimp Crostini 1 French loaf, about 2 inches in diameter 1 stick butter, melted 1 tsp. garlic salt 1 T Italian herbs 1 lb. shelled and deveined large shrimp (32-36 count) 1 T seafood seasoning 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 T butter 1/2 T extra virgin olive oil

Around theTable

by Annelle Williams

It’s the Season for Weddings and a Time for Love!

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven…

June has come and gone for years without my thoughts being consumed by weddings—until this year. We’re hosting our daughter’s wedding this month, and suddenly that’s all I can think about.

We’re up to our necks in wedding planning, and while I thought I had done my research, now that it’s getting down to the wire I’m having trouble making some of the decisions. Even the food choices are difficult, mainly because there are so many good options.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or just happy to be able to party, here are a few recipes we’re going to use this June that I hope you will enjoy!

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 cup mayonnaise zest of one lemon 2 T fresh chives, chopped Flat leaf parsley leaves for garnish Slice French loaf into thin rounds.

Mix butter, garlic salt and herbs, and brush tops of each bread piece with butter mixture. Place buttered bread on baking sheet and bake in preheated 325º oven for 10 minutes or until becoming golden and firm. Remove from oven and set aside.

Add butter and olive oil to large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about one minute. Toss shrimp with seafood seasoning and add to skillet. Cook stirring and turning frequently for about 3 minutes until shrimp are pink.

Mix cheeses, mayonnaise, lemon zest and chives. Place one cooked shrimp on each crostini, and top with a generous amount of cheese mixture, covering shrimp. Place crostini back onto baking sheet and return to oven for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and heated through. Top each crostini with a parsley leaf and serve warm.

Charlie Poole and his North Carolina Ramblers were one of the most popular string bands of the 1920s. An Eden resident, Poole left behind a legacy that strongly influenced later banjo players, including a whole generation of bluegrass musicians.

Festival Honors Charlie Poole Legend

by M. S. Aiken

"These girls rock!" says Louise Price, Director of the Charlie Poole Music Festival, speaking of the sassy all-female Uncle Earl string band that will be on stage Friday night, June 8th, for the opening of the 3-day festival in Eden, North Carolina.

Not one but two exciting firstrank headline acts will grace the stage and fill the night air with music. The Carolina Chocolate Drops are truly unique and their mentor, Joe Thompson, is considered to be the last of the Black traditional string band players. This group has impressive credentials in classical as well as old-time music.

Hank Sapoznik, producer of Sony’s Charlie Poole box set, says, "What is exciting about the CPMF is not just the terrific lineup of performers who represent the spectrum of old time and bluegrass, but the people who come from across the county, across the country--and the world- to camp and play tunes and, for one all-too-brief-weekend, create an exciting musical community inspired by Eden’s favorite son, Charlie Poole."

Friday evening festival goers will also hear three other bands: Kinney Rorrer’s New North Carolina Ramblers; the up-and-coming No Speed Limit band, fresh from the Jamestown 2007 Celebration and the Virginia Arts Festival; and last year’s outstanding bluegrass band competition winner, Skyline Drive.

Saturday, June 9, will be packed with competitions in more than a dozen categories with prizes totaling $5000. Judges will include Danville musicians Jeanette and Johnny Williams. Categories include old-time and bluegrass band and old-time and bluegrass fiddle among others, with a grand prize of $500 for old-time 3-finger banjo—a category unique to

this festival. There will be a youth division, as well. On Saturday evening, as a special treat, Wayne Henderson, renowned guitarist and master stringed instrument maker, will play.

All this adds to the mounting excitement. Chris King, Grammywinning master recording engineer and musician, says, "I’m looking forward to chicken BBQ, relaxing, and playing banjo with my old friends." Jonny Romeo, a moving spirit behind the Tazewell Festival, says he is anticipating "outstanding musicians--both on stage as part of the entertainment and the competitions--and out in the field." He especially likes the "unique setting and folks coming from near and far to attend a festival dedicated to the preservation and promotion of old time and bluegrass music and one of its historic practitioners from the region--Charlie Poole." Romeo sums it up by saying there will be, "Lots of good will and fun to be had by all. " The festival runs from Friday evening, June 8, through Sunday, June 10. On Sunday there will be an opportunity for visitors to join in historic tours highlighting Charlie Poole’s life and times in Spray, now part of Eden, North Carolina.

Basic camping will be available at nominal cost for out-of-town visitors, starting on Monday, June 4, at the Eden Fairgrounds, where the festival will be held.

Tickets are $10 for Friday’s concert; $10 for Saturday; or $15 for a week-end pass including the tour. For more information visit www.charlie-poole.com or call 336.623.3128 or 336.627.0375. This event receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council and the Rockingham County Arts Council and Tourism Authority.

June 2007

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Page 13

South Boston Lands an Art Detective

by Margaret S. Covington

As a 20-something, Lee Sandstead found his passion for art history. He turned his back on being an award-winning journalist at Middle Tennessee State University to follow his star to New York City. There he studied art and soon his popularity as a teacher led him to lecture at nationally known institutions including Harvard, Yale, and Duke Universities and the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art. While Sandstead continues his life on the lecture circuit, he has also made another career choice.

These days he is setting up the art history and fine arts departments at Founder’s College located on the Berry Hill Estate in South Boston.

It’s a natural fit for Sandstead whose specialty is Academic Art (1860-1925)--that period of art that produced such works as the Statue of Liberty, but which has received little scholarship when compared to say, Impressionism or Post-Modernism. It is about that same era, the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, that South Boston was finding its own identity as a thriving Southside Virginia community.

Recently Sandstead treated area residents to his first local lecture at The Prizery in South Boston entitled, Evelyn Beatrice Longman, Master Sculptor. It was an ideal topic, because Longman had studied art in Chicago with Edith Parsons, a Halifax County native and artist. It is from Edith Parsons that the local Parsons Bruce Art Association derives part of its name. As Sandstead explains, “Longman, although forgotten today, was one of America’s most popular sculptors, even signing her name on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.” Using his skills as an accomplished photographer and his uncanny knack for telling a good story, Sandstead mesmerized the audience while describing his sleuthing as he seeks out works of art that are completely forgotten, but can be right around the corner. “Discovering who did the work, why it was done, or anything about the work drives the adventure,” he says.

Lee Sandstead made such a discovery when he decided to find Longman’s 24-foot high, 16 ton bronze statue, The Genius of Electricity that once graced the top of a former AT&T skyscraper.

In 1916 this sculpture was the second largest in New York City, second only to the Statue of Liberty. Commonly referred to as The Spirit of Communication this statue was seen as a line drawing

on the cover of many community telephone books 60 some years ago. In the process of AT&T’s moving to new locations, the whereabouts of the statue became unknown. “If Evelyn Beatrice Longman did this one great thing, chances are she did more. I am going to find her,” he vowed. And find her he did.

Armed with camera, determination, and an inquisitive mind, Lee Sandstead followed clue after clue in his trusty red truck. Eventually he found The Genius of Electricity in the parking lot of the new AT&T world headquarters in Bedminster, New Jersey. His original photographs of Longman’s sculptures projected during the lecture were a testament to his appreciation of the craftsmanship and beauty of such marvels.

From his retelling of Longman’s “rags to riches” life story, Sandstead related to the audience how she studied with America’s leading sculptor at the time, Daniel Chester French, and assisted French in completing the Lincoln Memorial. This now little-known, but once famous and highly regarded American sculptor’s last work, Victory of Mercy, was a tribute to those who died in World War II. In this work, Longman showed me “the beauty of a good deed,” Sandstead said in his closing remarks.

Lee Standstead’s lecture not only led the audience to appreciate art but was uplifting, informative, and fascinating. To experience his enthusiasm and passion for art, plan to attend Standstead’s next local lecture in October at the Prizery in South Boston, sponsored by the Parsons Bruce Art Association.

presents

Fridays

2007

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Disco Night

AUGUST 3

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On Friday, June 8th at 6:30 there will be a reception to celebrate a new fine arts program in collaboration between Founders College and the Academy of Realistic Art in Toronto. Instructors will be on hand at the gallery on South Boston’s Main Street to discuss the B.F.A. program and offer sample drawing lessons and on Saturday the 9th from 11 to 1 and from 2-4, Master instructor Fernando Freitas will offer sample art classes and critiques.

JULY 6

AUGUST 17

������� Classic Car Night

GATES OPEN At 6:00 PM

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CALL FOR INFORMATION: Danville Welcome Center

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www.visitdanville.com SPONSORS:

SEPTEMBER 7

“Fridays At The Crossing” brought to you by

���������� Beach Night Kick Off Campaign for United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County

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June 2007

DRITA Students Demonstrate Computer Skills

by Deborah Morehead

Halifax County High School freshman Ashley Powell’s 3-D animated film features Eskimos and a zombie. The 3-D film by George Washington High School freshman Larry Richardson is a comedic short-short set on a farm.

Powell and Richardson are just two of the participants in the Dan River Information Technology Academy (DRITA) who showcased their animated films at a recent demonstration at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville.

The 24 Southside freshmen were selected through a rigorous application process for the 3-year program funded by the National Science Foundation under its ITEST (Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers) project. The goal of DRITA is to provide opportunities for promising youth to develop solid information technology skills while acquiring the background and encouragement needed to pursue higher education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Since March the students have met on 6 Saturdays focusing on basic computing, networking, multimedia and digital media skills. The recent event allowed students to demonstrate their abilities through personal websites, short 3-D animated films, and networking skills such as making an operational Ethernet cable.

Though the participants wowed the audience with their new-found computer related skills, other positive achievements were also evident. As Larry Richardson’s Big Brother (Big Brothers, Big Sisters), Tom Crawley, explained, "Larry’s grades have gone up since he started the program. I believe DRITA gives him opportunities he wouldn’t have otherwise had."

Echoing that sentiment, Sarah Brown, DRITA Networking and Programming Instructor, said that while "DRITA is an excellent way for students who are interested in computers and related technology to gain firsthand knowledge in a one-of-a-kind program [they] hopefully have fun in the process."

Certificates were presented to the students by Brown and fellow instructor, Andy Stoler with assistance from DRITA intern Mark Dross. "It is groundbreaking," Stoler told the students, "that coming out of this program you will have skills and talents far beyond what others have at your age."

This summer, the program expands to two, one-week sessions, featuring a week of computer programming instruction and a week of more advanced animation coursework. Next year, these students will begin year two of a three-year program as another class of freshmen from area schools begin the program.

All DRITA programs are held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research on Slayton Avenue.

This program is the first of its kind in Virginia and one of 62 in the nation.

For more information visit www.danriverita.org/index.htm or call 434.766.6786. .

Around Downtown South Boston

by Jerry Van Eimeren – Main Street Manager

If You (Re)build It, They Will Come Like so many towns across the state and the country, South Boston is looking to attract tourists and residents. The races at South Boston Speedway and VIR, the offerings at The Prizery, plus the region’s history and educational opportunities, and most recently the establishment of Founder’s College, are major drawing cards. But now there’s more…downtown residences are attracting both young professionals as well as retirees who are looking to simplify their lives.

The recent good news on that front is that the J.P. Taylor building on Ferry Street, once destined for ‘tear-down,’ has been sold to the Landmark Development Group out of North Carolina and is being restored and converted into the Taylor Lofts, a 46-unit affordable housing apartment complex. Landmark’s other similar projects have been a tremendous success. Think about it…. With people moving into downtown, there will be a greater need for more retail and service businesses… which just goes to show, ‘If you (re)build it, they will come.’

June 2007

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C Is for Chef

by Joyce Wilburn

What’s for dinner tonight?

A. whatever I can find in the refrigerator that doesn’t have mold on it B. whatever I can grab on the way home from the take-out window C. whatever my personal chef has prepared and left for me If you thought option "C" was only for the rich and famous or big-city folk, think again. Danville now has The Cottage Chef, Michelle Bridges, owner of the city’s only personal chef service whose goal is to help "families gather around the table for meals, allow singles to eat healthier, and couples to enjoy a quality time with food they love." It’s a tall order, but one the 39-yearold former health care worker is passionate about filling.

"Food has been a very important part of life for my family. When I was young, we would always make trips to my grandmother’s house for Sunday lunch,” Michelle fondly remembers, "and everything was prepared from scratch."

Some people look longingly back at such memories, and that might have been Michelle’s case after her marriage to Steve and the birth of their two sons and two daughters. Instead, Michelle’s Sunday tradition just moved to a new location--her parent’s house.

"We would all gather together in the kitchen to cook and then spend the afternoon eating," she says, making one wonder how the small woman with auburn hair and matching eyes stays so slim.

When her parents retired to the beach, Michelle continued the daily family tradition of eating dinner together and now she’s offering to help others do the same. "I think this personal chef movement is a way for families to get back to what’s important," she says referring to the time and conversation folks share while eating healthy delicious homecooked meals. The service can also help dieters or elderly loved ones who need a little assistance in eating properly.

To make sure The Cottage Chef would be a first-class, successful operation from its inaugural meal in March, Michelle worked with Diane Arnold and Dave Slayton at the Dan River Small Business Development Center. Their expertise, start-up information, and support were a great resource, as was the Personal Chefs Network, an online community of new and seasoned chefs.

The results of this detailed preparation shows when a smiling, exuberant Michelle arrives at a customer’s front door wearing a dazzling-white chef’s jacket, carrying a basket of pans and groceries in one hand

and a bouquet of flowers for a centerpiece in the other. The groceries and accompanying menu are the result of a prior 1-1 ½ hour interview with the customer’s entire family to discern likes, dislikes, allergies, and meal preferences. She also inventories the family’s kitchen cabinets to determine if specialty pans and/or ingredients need to be purchased or brought from her own kitchen.

After gathering the pertinent information, Michelle designs services and schedules to fit her clients’ individual needs. For example, a typical meal package might include asparagus lasagna, stuffed-green-pepper soup, and a chicken marsala for four people.

On "cook day" she shops for the freshest ingredients, visits her backyard garden to cut the desired herbs, and prepares all meals in the customer’s kitchen. She might put the soup in the crock pot for the evening’s meal and the other entées in the freezer for two different nights when the family is hungry and time-starved. Each meal includes instructions for easy heating and serving.

The bill for menu planning, grocery shopping, preparing, cooking, packaging, and storing of three dinner entrees for a family of four is $175 plus the cost of groceries. The same plan would provide 8 meals for a couple or 16 meals for a single person.

In addition to the entrée-only service, Michelle also provides full-meal service which includes an entrée, two side dishes, and dessert.

When "cook day" is complete and the family returns home late in the afternoon, they will see a spotlessly clean kitchen. Only the mouth-watering aroma of dinner cooking will alert them that The Cottage Chef has been working her magic all afternoon.

So, in case you haven’t figured it out--the correct answer to the question at the beginning of the story is "C" or more specifically, "CC" for Cottage Chef.

For more information about a personal chef service contact Michelle Bridges at 434.770.3539 or cottagechef@comcast. net or visit www.personalchefsnetwork. com. Meet Michelle at the Danville Community Market on Craghead Street on Saturday mornings where she will be dispensing information about The Cottage Chef and selling homemade baked goods.

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The Inn at

BERRY HILL

June 2007