Evince12 14 4web

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Timothy Emerson Page 6

Cameron Harris & Ann Marie James Forging Change in Body and Soul Page 3

December 2014

Photo by Lona Kokinda

Page 2

Editor’s Note

Slow down; take a deep breath.

Amid all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, make time to reenergize yourself. That’s good advice from Cameron Harris and Ann Marie James pictured on the cover. Learn more about this delightful couple and their timely message in Forging Change in Body and Soul on page 3.

With that influx of new energy, have fun at one or all of the events listed in Calendar Clips on page 12 and in the calendar on page 16. If a party is on your social calendar, read How to Avoid a Hangover on page 10.

Then make some cookies for yourself or friends using Annelle Williams’ decadent cookie recipe featured on page 25 in Spice Up the Holidays. To counteract the consumption of cookie calories, follow Stephanie Ferrugia’s 12 Days of Holiday Healthy Habits on page 5.

Looking for a gift suggestion?

Diane Adkins reviews Pittsylvania County and the War of 1812 by local author, Larry Aaron. He will be signing books this month. See page 20. Our advertisers also have lots of suggestions.

Finally, if you want a good laugh, look at the pictures of the Dirty Dan Dash participants in Photo Finish on page 26-27. This is one time names couldn’t be included.

Everyone was either running too fast or stuck in the mud!

Evince writers and contributors have worked hard to create this 28-page gift for you. We hope you enjoy it.

December Contents

2

Editor’s Note

3

Cameron Harris & Ann Marie James Forging Change in Body and Soul

by Joyce Wilburn

OICE OF THE HOLIDAYS

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks President Director of Sales & Marketing Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com

4

She Said He Said / Lollipops & Roses

by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham

5

12 Days of Holiday Healthy Habits

by Stephanie Ferrugia

Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com

6

‘Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Diane Shelton

7

Second Thoughts / You Must Remember This

by Kim Clifton

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

8

Home / Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg

Contributing Writers

10 How to Avoid a Hangover

by Lori Kenyon Farley 11 Who’s Your Best Friend?

by Carollyn Lee Peerman 12 Calendar Clips

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

14 Where Can I Find an Evince?

16 Calendar

Marketing Consultants Kim Demont (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net

18 What’s Happening in the Pittsylvania County Public Libraries

Lee Vogler (434.548.5335) lee@showcasemagazine.com

20 Brown-Bagged Treats at Christmas

by Mack Williams 22 Book Clubbing / Pittsylvania County and the War of 1812 a review by Diane Adkins 24 Reflecting Forward / For Whom the Bell Tolls

by Linda Lemery 25 BBC News Anchor Delivers Message of Confidence

by Mary-Michael Robertson 26 ‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly!

by Celeste D. Lynn 29 Around the Table / Spice Up the Holidays

by Annelle Williams 30 Photo Finish

On the Cover:

Photo of Cameron Harris & Ann Marie James by Michelle Dalton Photography Photo Finish by Von Wellington

Jeanette Taylor Diane Adkins, Lynette Anderson, Janet Aponte, Meagan Baker, Che Chaney-Mitchell, Kim Clifton, David Corp, Lori Farley, Stephanie Ferrugia, Mary Franklin, Mark Harrelson, Dena Hill, Telisha Moore Leigg, Sarah Latham, Celeste D. Lynn, Linda Lemery, Larry Oldham, Carollyn Lee Peerman, Mary-Michael Robertson, Diane Shelton, Ann Sylves, Melanie Vaughan, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams, Mack Williams, Sonya Wolen

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

Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont) evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly: reveal syn see SHOW Deadline for submission of January stories, articles, ads, and calendar clips is Wednesday, December 17, at 5 p.m.

Submit stories and articles to: joycewilburn@gmail.com.

Submit calendar items by Friday, December 12, at 5 p.m. to www.showcasemagazine.com for Evince and Showcase.

For ad information contact a sales associate or sales manager above.

Editorial Policies:

Meet Some of Our Contributors

Sincerely,

Credits: Hair: Amber Wilson; Skin Care & Makeup: Catherine Saunders; Nails: Janelle Gammon; Genesis Day Spa & Salon, 695 Park Avenue, Danville

THE

eVince is a monthly news magazine covering the arts, entertainment, education, economic development, and lifestyle in Danville and the surrounding areas. We print and distribute eVince free of charge due entirely to the generosity of our advertisers. In our pages appear views from across the social spectrum.

They do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. We reserve the right to accept, reject, and edit all submissions and advertisements.

EVINCE MAGAZINE 753 Main St. Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541 www.evincemagazine.com © 2014 All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use in whole or in part in any medium without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Diane Shelton After 30 years as a kindergarten teacher, Diane’s calendar still stays very full as she remains very active... deciding to re-tread, not re-tire.

Mary-Michael Robertson is a senior and Nilsen Scholar at Chatham Hall and Vice President of the senior class.

Che Chaney-Mitchell is a mother of two who has a love for helping people. She aspires to inspire.

Lynette Anderson is the Special Events Coordinator for Danville Parks and Recreation.

We now accept Visa, MC, and Discover for ad payments

For Subscriptions, call 1.877.638.8685 ext. 6.

Evince Magazine

Page 3

when the Iowa native began to practice yoga consistently.

“Eventually, I fumbled my way into the yoga studio in Southern Pines and developed a friendship with the staff. The rest is history,” he says succinctly, referring to the opening of the Hot Asana Yoga Studio in Danville on August 23.

Cameron Harris & Ann Marie James

Forging Change in Body and Soul Photo by Rachel Garrison Photography.

by Joyce Wilburn

E

arlier this year, selfproclaimed adventureseekers, Cameron Harris and Ann Marie James, were on a four-month journey through Southeast Asia. Their love was young, they were seeing the world, and the idea of managing a yoga studio in Danville wasn’t on their agenda. That, however, was about to change.

Virginia Gallagher, the owner of three Hot Asana Yoga Studios in Southern Pines and Durham, North Carolina, wanted to open a fourth studio in Danville. Aware of Cameron’s experience as a yoga teacher/manager/director and Ann Marie’s expertise in the food and beverage industry, she knew the young couple would be perfect co-managers for her new Danville studio. “When we returned home to Southern Pines, Virginia drove me to Danville to see the possible location for the new studio before the lease was signed,” remembers Cameron as he and Ann Marie sit in their cozy Pemberton Loft apartment on Bridge Street located two floors above the Yoga Studio. Ann Marie smiles and interjects, “We were given 24 hours to decide. It wasn’t hard.” Cameron agrees, “Here we could work together.”

The manager’s job was pitched to both because their different areas of proficiency make

them a powerful team. Juice Bar Manager/yoga teacher Ann Marie has studied nutrition on the college level and has four years experience working at Nature’s Own, a natural foods market in Southern Pines with a juice bar and restaurant. “The beverages at the studio are designed to be nutrient dense and help replenish the body after the hot yoga classes,” she explains, adding with a chuckle, “and we have really good coffee, too.”

The Seven Lakes, North Carolina native also completed 200 hours of teacher training at the Kripalu School of Yoga and gained more

helpful knowledge at the Center for Massage & Natural Health in Weaverville, North Carolina.

Cameron’s 200 hours of yoga teacher training and 3 1⁄2 years of experience in the North Carolina yoga studios provide the makings for the other half of the successful partnership. Yoga has been a passion for him since he was a teenager and his dad exposed him to meditation and the system of breathing exercises and postures.

Interest waned while he earned a degree from the University of Virginia in foreign affairs, but returned after graduation in 2010,

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

“The reason we are here is because Danville is a community on the wave of recovery and moving forward. It has a great come-back story,” he says, “and having a space for health and wellness is part of the story.”

Referring to the physical, mental, emotional, and energy health that improve with yoga, Ann Marie explains, “Yoga is a many faceted practice. It’s an opportunity to become more flexible and strong physically, but there is soul to it, also.” Alluding to the studio’s slogan Sweat and Soul, Cameron continues, “I joke that it’s the cheapest therapy in town.

It requires focus and attention which improves mental health.

Working the mind and body has an affect on emotional health which improves energetic health-how you deal skillfully with life.”

The healthy, vibrant, upbeat Harris-James team personifies what the Yoga Studio proclaims on its website: Hot asana is a forge for the body and a sanctuary for the soul. If you’re looking for a change in mental, emotional, physical, and energetic health, give them a call, because forging change is on the daily agenda for all the staff at Hot Asana Yoga Studio & Boutique.

• The Hot Asana Yoga Studio & Boutique is located at 541 Bridge Street, Pemberton Lofts, Unit 1. Look for the big yellow YOGA sign painted over the door. Park in the back. Enter on the side of the building at ground level.

• For more information, visit www.hotasanastudio.com or call 434.483.2888.

• Classes are scheduled daily throughout the day beginning as early as 5:30 a.m.

• Amenities include: wireless Internet access, fresh fruit, relaxing lounge area, complimentary chilled filtered water, full changing room/ restroom facilities, yoga library, cubbies for belongings during class, cool lavender towels at the end of every class, ample parking, fully stocked boutique, cold water and healthy beverages for purchase.

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December 2014

SHE SAID

by Dena Hill

Lollipops and Roses Thanksgiving is over and I am thankful you didn’t put on too many pounds. On the other hand, I might have eaten just a little too much turkey and dressing and I don’t even want to think about all the desserts we both consumed. Now we are ready for a new month and my favorite time of the year--Christmas.

I don’t want you to buy me a lot of expensive perfume or pieces of jewelry from Tiffany. I don’t need a new car or house, and I don’t want you to buy a ton of new clothes (not that you ever have).

I don’t want you to start a new tradition of buying too many things for me over the holidays.

All I want for Christmas this year is good health, the precious love of my children and grandchildren, your undying love and a chance to make a difference in people’s lives. Is that too much to ask? Do you think you can fill my stocking with these things?

new clothes. But you have made me feel so guilty that I have taken them all back, so you won’t feel bad about receiving so much.

This will be my new tradition. Don’t buy you material things, just give you a whole bushel of love, devotion and dedicated friendship. Wait a minute.

I give you that every day of the year already. What’s so special about this month?

I guess you hit the nail on the head about our children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and our readers who keep us writing about our (funloving?) life.

I agree with every word you said this month and to tell you the truth, if we agreed on everything every month like we do in December, we would not have anything to write about. I do want you to know that you make my life Photo by Michelle Dalton exceptionally Photography. wonderful throughout the year by being such a dedicated and loving wife, who always notices my errors and tactfully corrects them. Just think. If I had never met you, what kind of person would I be today?

I mean you have corrected every mistake that I have made for over 50 years. That’s a lot of work and a lot of messes that you have cleaned up.

How can I ever repay you? The only way I know to repay you is to stay around and let you keep cleaning me up, straightening me up and keeping me on a narrow path. This seems to make you happy and you know I live to make you happy.

She said He Said

We have so many friends that we plan to see this month and just knowing they are always here for us really makes this time of year special, don’t you think? So I ask you to join me in making our lives and the lives of all of those around us happier and more joyous in 2015, not just for one month but every month throughout the year. Merry Christmas to you and all the people who read the column each month. We love you all.

HE SAID

by Larry Oldham Very nicely said. I just want to clarify that I did buy you some expensive perfume, a large of amount of jewelry (I ordered it online.) and a ton of

Merry Christmas to you and to all of our readers. We wish you a beautiful life filled with lollipops and roses. (You don’t think that’s too much, do you?)

SHE SAID

Yes, but we’ll save it for next year.

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

Evince Magazine

W

e all know the catchy and traditional holiday song, The 12 Days of Christmas, but let’s have some fun with it and make a couple of modifications...Get Fit style!

1. Drink a small glass of water when you wake up for the day.

2. Still sleepy? Shake it off with a good stretch!

3. Ready to dive into those rich Yuletide treats? We surely are! Make sure to eat one serving (approximately your fist size) of fruit or veggie with those calorie-and- fat laden delights.

4. All 12 days of Christmas won’t be overcast. Choose a sunny one and take a quick 10-minute walk with a family member, friend or co-worker.

5. Challenge your family or friends to cook a wholesome meal together.

6. No time to cook together?

Host a healthy potluck.

7. Try an in-season veggie: greens (collards, kale, tatsoi, turnips, spinach), broccoli, sweet potatoes, or winter squash.

12 Days of Healthy Holiday Habits

by Stephanie Ferrugia Program Director, Get Fit Dan River Region 8. Try an in-season fruit: bananas, pomegranates, oranges, grapefruit, pears, strawberries, cranberries, kiwi, apples.

9. Although we’re typically more

busy than usual during this holiday season, we also tend to sit a lot. Set a goal to stand up and move every 30 minutes.

Page 5

10. Give the gift of being active. Danville Parks and Recreation offers year-round family friendly activities at stocking stuffer prices such as zip lining. Try the Reindeer Night Flight on December 18 and winter night flights in February (see www.playdanvilleva.com for details) for an extra twist of fun.

11. Heading to the Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade on December 13? Park several blocks from your car and challenge yourself to a brisk walk back to the car after Santa, Mrs. Claus and the reindeer fly down Main Street.

Run in the Jingle-Bell, UglySweater Fun Run before the parade. See page 12.

12. Just remember; your goal this month is to maintain, not gain. In other words, don’t worry about being overly good. Simply work on not being too bad. If you’re not on the Naughty List, we believe you automatically belong on Santa’s Nice List to stay healthy and fit this holiday season, Dan River Region!

Page 6

December 2014 Evince and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce want to encourage and recognize exception customer service.

When someone gives you exceptional service, please let us know. In 300 words or less, tell us what happened. Email your story to joycewilburn@gmail.com or visit www.dpchamber.org.

Under Business Development, click Customer Service Nomination. It’s a nice way to show appreciation for a job well done. We look forward to hearing from you.

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Diane Shelton

It’s one thing to provide exceptional service to customers in your restaurant. It’s another to provide exceptional service to those who are neither customers nor in your restaurant, but that’s exactly what happened.

Last month, as our mother lay helpless in the floor, she somehow managed to reach for a telephone on the nightstand. She was unable to see the phone buttons to call my house and connected instead with Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs, 155 Crown Drive in Danville. Embarrassed that this was her second fall in two days, she didn’t want to bring a lot of attention to herself. Her request was that someone from the restaurant call my number to let me know she had fallen. Not only did Manager Timothy Emerson call my house, he also contacted emergency dispatch to make certain that this elderly woman was safe. It would have been so simple to dismiss the call that was placed to the restaurant. It would have been easy to consider it a prank call and laugh about it over break.

Thankfully, Mr. Emerson was not only on the job serving meals, but also on the job saving lives. My sister, Kim Clifton, and I can’t praise him enough for his exceptional customer service. The number our mother dialed was wrong, but the call definitely went to the right person.

Evince Magazine that boasted white linen cloths and full table service. While our husbands traveled Highway 29 munching on Nabs and slurping from Aquafina bottles, we squeezed fresh lemon into our iced water and browsed the luncheon specials.

This brings me back to Mr. De Silva.

“Ladies, do you know who I am?” he’d asked us both as we finished our meals. I looked at my sister in the hopes she did. All I saw in her eyes was the same desperation she found in mine. Who is this guy? I racked my brain trying to place him, but couldn’t although I felt like I should. In a place this famous, you’re more likely to walk up to a curb and find Anderson Cooper than a MINI Cooper.

Kim’s sister, Diane Shelton, and restaurant owner, Robert De Silva.

Second Thoughts

by Kim Clifton ©2014

You Must Remember This “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.”

Humphrey Bogart said it first in the 1942 classic movie, Casablanca.

Much more recently, and just blocks from our nation’s Casa Blanca, or White House, I imagine D.C. restaurateur, Robert De Silva, felt much the same way when my sister and I landed in his watering hole, although we’re more like Thelma and Louise than the film’s leading lady, Ingrid Bergman.

Not that we go looking for trouble; it’s just that we always manage to find it.

And that proved especially true when the two of us, both small-town girls, ended up someplace that hosts an excess of 40 million visitors a year.

Equipped with carry-ons, a walker, a cane, purses and our jackets, we left Danville at dark-thirty to board the northbound train. The only thing we were missing were targets on our heads that said, “Please rob us. We’re from out-of-town.”

It wasn’t that we couldn’t have ridden with our husbands who chose to

drive. It was just that we didn’t want to.

After my sister’s three back surgeries and an impending knee replacement, the thought of being stuck in a Ford Escape for six hours was too painfully confining for Diane and entirely too boring for me.

Besides, I knew the only woman’s voice they’d listen to would be the GPS directions from Siri. It would be a day of static and stats. They’d be glued to some game on the radio and spend the day yelling about plays and unfair calls.

I wanted no part of that, so Diane and I opted instead for comfy recliner-sized seats and everything we could ever want within arm’s reach. There was a power outlet for her heating pad and Wi-Fi for my iPad. There was a club car for snacks, and a private potty, and no one fussed about needing to pull over if we wanted to visit either of those places.

In fact, we enjoyed the Amtrack pampering so much that we didn’t want it to end once we reached our destination. When we got into Union Station, we skipped the food court and headed straight toward a café

De Silva shook off my apologies as I began to offer them. He warmly smiled and said, “You don’t understand.

You’re in D.C. Please be careful. Just because a man comes to your table with a leather folio, doesn’t mean you should give him your credit card.”

Sensing our embarrassment, he gently gave other fatherly advice for safety

Page 7

and ended our visit with an offer of dessert and coffee. Regrettably, neither our schedules nor full stomachs permitted the indulgence.

Even so, his words stayed with us long after the meal was gone. He was right. The only thing more dangerous than being a tourist in D.C. is to look like one. I only wish space allowed for me to tell you how many close calls we avoided and am convinced that the Lord sent De Silva to look after us fools.

Days later, as we returned to the train station, we were practically mobbed by people scurrying past to find their gates. We stood under the massive archway trying to get our bearings when I felt a tap on my shoulder. A smiling De Silva stood behind me.

“My offer of dessert still stands. Join me?”

It was a Hollywood ending to a wonderful adventure although there was no prop plane waiting in the foggy darkness as we parted ways.

While we won’t always have Paris with Robert De Silva, we’ll always have parfaits.

Page 8

December 2014 I don’t say anything one step behind her as she and Risa and Co. both look at big, black Marcus going down the hall, black-scuffed shoes falling off the side of his feet, untied, as he ambles along, slue-foot yet sure.

“Tell Jay to go ahead...Look, this going to be funny.”

I’m just a blind snake wanting to strike all bleak and tumbledown. They didn’t have to tell me nothing; I knew Mama’s cancer had come back, but it was me that kept getting sick.

I got sick in sixth period and even though there was only one more class to go, I called the shelter, called home. But, our car’s busted. So, Mrs. Crandle she came in early on her shift; she picked me up. She didn’t say much, played the radio, oldies, on the way back. She didn’t make me go in that office.

Mama didn’t make me talk.

Home

“G

irl, you stupid. Don’t you know yet, “home” just a four-letter word clean enough for the good folks to let you say?” --Mean Keisha, 18, who takes all the butter from the shelter table meals and we have none.

Ain’t nobody in a hurry to tell you nothing too real. Naw, nothing coming to you too raw or true, nothing that can save or let yourself make light. Those that got power they pretty-up pain toothpaste-commercial clean.

Folks telling about life ain’t never like life really was. You got to know that.

“Fallon,” Mrs. Crandle says, “your mother has something she needs to tell you. Can you come in for a moment?”

I did not go into Mrs. Crandle’s office, never did go to Mama in that tan chair for whatever news she and Mrs. Crandle, the shelter caseworker, were going to tell me. No, at 7:39 a.m., I turned and went to the shelter’s big kitchen, caught Mean Keisha in the metal fridge taking butter again. I didn’t say anything to her, just sat in a cold metal chair in the just dawndark until I saw from the doorway the glow of school bus lights. I went to school. The last thing I saw of my mama that morning was Mrs. Crandle as she put an

fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg arm to Mama holding her back from me, telling her to give me time and whispering to her. And Mama still needing care, comfort, the denial of devastation, didn’t come and get me. They let me go and I went toward the bus, brushing past Mean Keisha as she held her sleepy baby, Kwon, on her hip while smacking her mouth on her stolen pats of butter.

Sometimes, I don’t have to be sleeping to envision a little too much, you know? And I know, I know that Mama...I know. Look, ain’t this world just pretty gods in dresses, and we folks brokeframe lanterns swinging on a rusted wire?

So... in the white-and-grey rust tin and aluminum siding trailer of Ms. Teamer’s ninth grade English class, big, black Marcus Bledsoe reads the lines aloud and real loud from our textbook excerpt of the Odyssey, and the other kids, they laugh at him; they say he trippin’, a fat blubber chump who sucks his own tongue when he think no one is watching. This is the fourth day in a row he reads, and we all know he can’t read well—his finger-tracing words sluggish, words like with and yes, come out like widt and yeth. And those are the good words.

When Ms. Teamer needs something, herself fat and ashy,

Marcus raises his hand. Yes, Marcus will clean the board, take the boxes to the dumpster, and share a book with those who did not bring one, as long as only he carefully turns the pages. He loves his book, his stories, his sketching tragic theme and plot with thick, dark fingers on massproduced sheet-fed offset paper.

And we don’t know how much big black Marcus understands, but he finds some joy in the written word. Every day Ms. Teamer asks for someone to read and every day his hand goes straight up. You know what’s going to happen, don’t you? It’s a joy they are not going to let him keep.

I got storm clouds inside my throat for ya’; my fists say yes they’ll bring some rumble. But who to fight? And how and with what? And I know I cannot win.

I know it.

“Why he want to read? Like, he know he slow, right?” Tara Rowe says to her clique yesterday after class, while flipping her braids with the clear and gold beads.

“Look, this what I’ma do...” Tara says. Risa, giggled, says, “You so bad,” yet puts her hand nervously to one ear. Tara, so poor but so pretty with light brown skin and dark eyes that contrast nicely, was just hollow inside, hulled out long ago. You know the type.

A week later, I come back to the trailer on a Tuesday and I taste the silence. We now read to ourselves, Ms. Teamer says, and no one looks at big, black Marcus. Rumor was someone took his book from his locker and tore the pages, and what they didn’t tear, they stuck the papers together with gum and spit and other foulness; they marked through words, and wrote in black sharpie Dumie (sic) on the cover. Ms. Teamer got Marcus another book, said it was a new book, better, and he let her hand it to him, but that was all. We could all tell he didn’t believe her, ‘cause he wouldn’t open it, and he let anyone who sat near him turn the pages.

Tara Rowe wore her skinny pants and new, pretty discount tops to class now; she answered the questions Ms. Teamer couldn’t avoid asking her, Tara’s stupid voice higher and less on topic until she got transferred out of class. I never could say the words that Tara Rowe needed to hear, just like I couldn’t go in that office with the tan chair and talk to my Mama and Mrs. Crandle. Mrs. Crandle picks me up at least once a week from school ‘cause I’m always sick now. She always asked me, radio muted, what was really wrong. I shrugged a lot. But I knew. Don’t you?

Mean Keisha and her baby again pacing the floor as he teethes, cuts bone through his flesh just to eat and survive. You know how this is going to end.

Evince Magazine

Page 9

You can spend hours online searching for the right hotel or reviews of a great vacation spot – But how do you choose your doctor?

Finally a tool that guides you in finding the right doctor . Routine mammograms, controlling seasonal allergies, the risk of heart disease… when you need a doctor, where do you start? Finding the right doctor is one of the most important things you will do for yourself and your family. Don’t leave such an important decision to chance or a random GoogleTM search. Call today and our our experts will help you find the right services to fit your needs perfectly.

When an apple a day isn’t enough!

Call 1-800-424-DOCS (3627) today for a personal consultation.

For additional information, please visit our website:

www.DanvilleRegional.com

Page 10

December 2014

How to Avoid a Hangover

by Lori Kenyon Farley

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These three tips might help you feel (and act) better during those holiday parties.

Be Sensible: Stick with one type of alcohol. Mixing drinks can be a big cause of a hangover, since different alcohols contain different additives, flavorings and sugars.

Mixed drinks can be particularly troublesome if you use beverages like soda or prepared cocktail mixers, like margarita mix. It’s much better to choose a clear alcohol like vodka or tequila and combine with fresh juiced or muddled fruit with a high water content like watermelon or cucumber, or a freshly juiced citrus fruit, such as grapefruit, lemon, lime or orange.

Hydrate: One of the causes of a hangover is dehydration. Drink a big glass of water before your first alcoholic beverage and then be sure to consume at least one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume. This will help to slow down your drinking and keep you hydrated. You can also dilute your drink with coconut water or soda water to reduce your alcohol consumption while adding

hangover-combating hydration.

Vitamins: Your body uses a lot of enzymes and vitamins to metabolize alcohol, while the booze itself destroys essential B vitamins. To help your liver do its job and diminish the chance of a hangover, take a Vitamin B supplement. Raw fruits, veggies and juices contain live enzymes and vitamins that can help combat the effects of alcohol.

Consume these foods for your meal before you plan to drink, while you are drinking, and/or the morning after. Mixing raw juices with your alcohol will be the best option, as you will be pairing the enzymes and vitamins with the alcohol, giving your body the tools it needs to break down and process the alcohol.

Lori Kenyon Farley is a Certified Nutrition Consultant, specializing in wellness, fitness and anti-aging. She is the Co-Founder of Ritual Wellness, the premier purveyor of 100% USDA certified organic, cold-pressed, raw fruit, nut and vegetable juices. She co-authored The Juice Cleanse Reset Diet with business partner Marra St.Clair.

Evince Magazine

Who’s Your Best Friend?

by Carollyn Lee Peerman Friends are the most precious possession you can have throughout life. Their gift of companionship, pleasant relaxation and help in time of trouble is of immeasurable value. Friends can bring out the best in you but also the worst. Are you discerning enough to tell the difference?

You attract good friends into your life because you have the qualities that make a good friend. If you are a dependable, considerate, optimistic person with good manners, you will never lack for friends. If you are a complaining, criticizing, pessimistic person, you will drive people away. As you turn the mirror on yourself, are the imperfections that you so dislike in others a part of your own character? After all, birds of a feather do flock together.

You want to be with those who inspire you with their bold imagination, intellectual curiosity, willingness to accept responsibility, and desire for fearless learning.

Choose friends who exhibit selfdiscipline and are not afraid of hard work. Choose friends who value time and know how to make the minutes count. Determine that you will be the best person that you can possibly be. You know the qualities you want in yourself. Bring out these qualities in others.

You are important. Taking care of your physical body is important.

Your body is the earthly home of your eternal soul which is the real you. Managing your body’s physical energy is the key to high performance and personal renewal.

According to Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, authors of The Power of Full Engagement, the most effective physical energy management strategies are: • Go to bed early and wake up early.

• Sleep and wake up consistently at the same times.

• Eat five to six small meals daily; eat breakfast every day.

• Eat a balanced healthy diet.

Minimize simple sugars. Drink 48 to 64 ounces of water daily.

• Take breaks every 90 minutes during work.

• Exercise daily. Do at least two cardiovascular-interval workouts and two strength- training workouts a week.

Do you know that the longer, more continuously, and later you work at night the less efficient and more mistake prone you become? Why spend so much time responding to external demands that you lose any sense of what you really want from life? Your goal is to be passionately invigorated, confident, challenged, joyful, and connected. You want to avoid burnout, hopelessness, exhaustion, depression and defeat.

In other words, be your own best friend.

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December 2014

Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.

For more activities, see the calendar on page 16.

Monday, December 1 – Friday, December 19 Decorating the Trees for a Cause

This local, non-profit program organized by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), 150 Slayton Avenue, raises money for local charities while bringing the community together in the holiday spirit.

Viewing of the trees will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ending at noon on December 19. An open house will be held on Tuesday, December 9, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Ellen Bass at 434.766.6743. (submitted by Meagan Baker)

Monday, December 1 – Thursday, January 2, 2015 Goofus Glass Exhibit

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street, is hosting a display of Goofus Glass on loan from the collection of David Corp and Ann Sylves.

The pressed glass was decorated with cold, unfired paint in the late 19th and early 20th century in America by several prominent glass factories.

Because it was mass-produced and relatively cheap, it was given as a premium for buying things and awarded as prizes at fairs. It was the first carnival glass, preceding the iridized product referred to as carnival glass today.

Articles produced included plates, bowls, vases, oil lamps, dresser sets, salt-and- pepper shakers and candle holders. The most common colors used were gold, red, and green, with gold usually being the predominant color. The exact origin of the name is unknown, but likely stems from the fact that the painted decoration wasn’t very durable and people felt that it was goofy or that someone had tried to goof us. The DMFAH is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.danvillemusuem. org or call 434.793.5644. (submitted by David Corp and Ann Sylves)

Thursday, December 4 – Sunday, December 7 An 1864 Christmas: Vignettes & Songs from the Civil War Era

This Little Theatre of Danville presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street. Songs of the era will be mixed with traditional Christmas melodies and vignettes reflecting the toll the war inflicted on participants and innocents. Admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information, visit www.danvillelittletheatre.org or call 434.793.5644. (submitted by Mark Harrelson)

Saturday, December 6

DSO Holiday Concert

The Danville Symphony Orchestra with more than 60 performers will be joined by the Twin Springs Elementary School 60-member chorus to present the holiday concert Santa Claus Is Coming beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the George Young DSO mem Washington High School Auditorium, bers collect food fo r God’s Storeh ouse.

701 Broad Street. Conductor Peter Perret will invite two more musical directors, Charles Ellis and Jeff Chapman, to the stage along with the children’s chorus for the Christmas musical extravaganza. Selections will be chosen from: A Marshmallow World; Tis the Season; music from Frozen; three excerpts from Home Alone (Somewhere in My Memory; Star of Bethlehem; Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas) Winter Wonderland; Bugler’s Holiday; Festive Sounds of Hanukah; selections from The Nutcracker; and the Halleluiah Chorus from Messiah. Although there is no admission charge, the performers ask that you bring at least two cans of food or cash donations for God’s Storehouse. (submitted by Mary Franklin)

Friday, December 12 Luminary Trail Walk

Enjoy a candlelight walk across the pedestrian bridge at The Crossing and on the Riverwalk. Taste the warm festive refreshments and listen to holiday music.

All ages are welcome from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 434.799.5215.

Saturday, December 13 – Sunday, December 14 DHS Holiday Tour

The 42nd Annual Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day will include mansions, three museums, a church, and two repurposed college buildings. Tickets are available in advance for $20 at the Ginger Bread House, Karen’s, Rippe’s, Haymore Landscaping, and Vintages by the Dan. Tickets are available on tour dates only at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street; the Langhorne House, 117 Broad Street; and Schoolfield Museum & Cultural Center, 917 West Main Street. Profits support the DHS mission of preserving Danville’s history. For more information, visit www.danvillehistory.org, call 434.709.4869, or see ad on page xx. (submitted

by Sarah Latham)

Saturday, December 13 Ugly-Sweater/Jingle-Bell Fun Run

Be in front of the parade! This fun run from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. will start at the intersection of Main and Broad Streets prior to the Christmas parade.

The run will follow the parade route with a few twists and turns. Participants will finish in time to watch the parade. Wear jingle bells and an ugly holiday sweater. For more information, call the Danville Welcome Center at 434.793.4636.

Saturday, December 13 Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade

The parade, Christmas Future, will begin at the intersection of Rison and Broad Streets at 7:00 p.m. and end at Craghead and Main Streets around 11:00 p.m. Enjoy a fabulous display of floats, cars, marching bands, marching units and more. For more information, call the Danville Welcome Center at 434.793.4636.

Monday, December 15 – Saturday, December 27 Community Holiday Light Show

Imagine driving your family through historic Ballou Park after it has been transformed into a winter wonderland by hundreds of light displays designed by your friends and neighbors. Now imagine yourself being a part of the magic.

Danville Parks and Recreation is opening the park to drive-through traffic and your civic organization, athletic club, booster club or family can light the way with handmade or purchased light displays. There will be monetary prizes awarded to non-profits for Best in Show. Participating groups do not have to be non-profits, but they are required to designate a local non-profit to receive the funds. Any group that volunteers to work the event will receive $2 from every vehicle that enters the show on the night it works. For an application, visit www.playdanvilleva.com. For more information, call 434.793.4636. (submitted by Lynette Anderson)

Evince Magazine December 27 Healing in Heels

Do you feel unworthy? Are you tired of having your heart broken? Do you feel as though your life has taken wrong turns? Are you struggling with your emotions? Then you are just like a lot of other woman. In order to purge yourself of hurt you have to first acknowledge that you need healing.

Healing in Heels is an event that was created for women to speak out and call out their flaws through testimonials. There will be women who will speak from their heart to bring awareness to their pain. They will touch on topics of rape, molestation, suicide attempts, surviving cancer, domestic violence, weight, drugs and more. They will tell how they made it through and were made over in the process. Speakers will be: Dr. Kanya Hubbard; Evangelist Robin Hairston; Evangelist Tammy Taylor; Minister Santanna Hairston; Pastor Nicole Callands; Jamie Murrell, Keshawn Montague, and Casheana Jones.

There is no charge for admission, but a donation of two canned goods for God’s Storehouse is requested.

Healing in Heels will begin at 5:00 p.m. at The Venue, 318 Main Street.

For more information, call 434.710.9050 or contact Stephanie Motley, CEO/Founder of More Than a Statistic at 434.429.7786. (submitted by Che Chaney-Mitchell)

Upcoming

Friday, January 16, 2015 Corks & Forks

Heavy hors d’oeuvres, fine wines, and specialty beers are the fare for this evening of culinary delights. Proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Danville Science Center. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more information, call 434.791.5160. (submitted by Sonya Wolen)

Tuesday, January 13

Throw Paint at Cancer

This free, exciting new peer-to-peer support program is for cancer patients and survivors to express themselves through art, brought to the community by The Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia. It consists of continuing eight-week sessions meetings on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History Swanson Studio, 975 Main Street. No previous art experience is required. There is no cost to sign up and all supplies are provided. The talented and dynamic instructor is artist, preservationist and cancer survivor Cynthia Hubbard, MFA (photo right). Throw Paint at Cancer is made possible with the generous support of Danville Regional Medical Center partnering with the Cancer Research & Resource Center of Southern Virginia/Danville and the Danville Museum of fine Arts & History.

The Cancer Research & Resource Center is funded by VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Virginia Community Tobacco Indemnification Commission.

To register for the call 434.421.3060. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Spring to Green Horticultural Symposium

This fifth annual event will be hosted by Danville Master Gardeners and the Virginia Cooperative Extension from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue. Clare Robertson will give specific suggestions for coping with clay soil. She will help gardeners to avoid forced-planting designs with specific suggestions for a site’s growing conditions and discuss skills needed when propagating perennials. With over 25 years experience in landscape design and management, Clare is the owner of New Leaf Farms, Inc., the former Duis Nursery in Bedford.

She received her bachelor of science degree in horticulture from Virginia Tech and has taught horticulture, biology, and agriculture on high school and college levels. The symposium will also include Bryce Lane, the producer and host of UNCTV’s In the Garden with Bryce Lane and Lisa Sanderson, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, Henrico County. Registration fee is $45 postmarked by January 19. For more information call 434.799.6558 or visit www.danvillemastergardeners.org. (submitted by Janet Aponte)

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December 2014

Where Can I Find an Evince?

Ten thousand copies of Evince are distributed each month at over 100 locations. Find your copy at:

Riverside Drive/Piedmont Drive/Marketplace Area: Buffalo Wild Wings Checkered Pig Danview Restaurant on Danview Drive El Vallarta on Westover Drive Goodwill on Westover Drive Hibachi Grill on Executive Court Joe & Mimma’s Karen’s Hallmark @ Piedmont Mall Los Tres Magueyes Ruben’s The Highlander URW Credit Union Western Sizzlin

Main Street/Downtown/ Tobacco Warehouse Area

American National Bank Comcast on Patton Street Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History Danville Public Library on Patton Street Danville Regional Medical Center on South Main Street Danville Science Center on Craghead Street Dell’ Anno’s Pizza Kitchen on Main Street Food Lion @ Ballou Park H. W. Brown Florist (they deliver an Evince with your order) Jake’s on Main Main Street Coffee Emporium Midtown Market on Chambers Street Rippe’s YMCA

Piney Forest Road Area

ERA Holley & Gibson Realty Co. Mary’s Diner Piedmont Credit Union

Memorial Drive Frank’s Pizza Gingerbread House

Franklin Turnpike Area Food Lion Medo’s PCP Library @ Mt. Hermon Ruben’s Too Village’s Pizza

Other

Danville Welcome Center at River Park Drive

In Chatham Area

Community Center Chatham Health Center ChathaMooCa Frank’s Pizza PCP Library on Military Drive

In South Boston, VA

Ernie’s Restaurant O Sol Mio on Bill Tuck Hwy. The Prizery 3 Women No Truck Bistro 1888 Southern Virginia Higher Education

In Gretna

American National Bank Carter Bank & Trust Crossroads Family Restaurant

In Martinsville

Elizabeth Pizza Checkered Pig China Buffett Walsh Chicken Martinsville Visitor Center The Pacifica Bay Restaurant El Ranchito

In Yanceyville, NC

Caswell County Civic Center Gunn Memorial Public Library The Drug Store

Evince Magazine

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December 2014

December Calendar Ongoing Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row & Holbrook Street. 434.770.1974. www.danvillehistory.org.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH) self-guided audio-visual tours.

Danville Science Center Digital Dome Theater - Open for guests to fully explore the known universe as well as some fascinating phenomena right here on Earth.

The immersive dome setting showcases the scientific wonders of space, engages visitors with live astronomers, and offers large format films. Danville Science Center (DSC). 434.791.5160.

Estlow’s Trains Exhibit - John “Jack” Estlow, Jr. originally constructed this “N” Scale Train layout which was donated by his daughters and grandson so visitors can enjoy trains running in the train station. DSC. 434.791.5160.

Pittsylvania County Public Library Events. See page 18.

Bingo – Bring a gift to exchange and have blood pressure and body index checked. Location/times vary. 434.799.5216.

Tai-Chi Day Classes - Increase strength, balance, flexibility and progress at your own pace.

M 11:15am-12:15pm; W 3:30-4:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

Let’s Dance – Formerly Boogie Mondays. Learn new dances, make new friends and have loads of fun.

7-8:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with acrylic, oil or watercolor.

M/TU - Times vary. Ballou Annex.

434.799.5216.

Ladies, It’s Time to Work It Out. MW 8:30-10am. City Auditorium.

434.797.8848.

Kuumba African Dance – Live drumming and energetic dancing that helps raise cultural awareness, uplift and provides a great workout. Kids M 6-6:30pm; M 67:30pm. Stonewall Youth Center.

434.797.8848.

Prime Time Fitness - Low-impact aerobics workout with a mix of various fun dance steps. TUTH 9:30-11am or 5:30-7pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848.

Get Moving with Chair Exercises – Low-impact class ideal for adults

50+. TUTH 11:30am-12:30pm.

Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848.

Zumba Classes - Hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves create a one-of-a-kind interval training fitness program with fun routines that tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. W 5:15-6pm/TH 5:30-6:30pm Pepsi Building. TH 7-8pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848.

Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. W 9:30-11:30am, Glenwood Community Center; 6-8pm, Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216.

African Cardio Blast - A unique workout that includes dance movements from various regions of the African continent. W 6-7pm.

City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

African Rhythms by Nguzo Saba – Learn West African dance to live drumming. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

Cardio Step Class – Up-tempo, high energy class. TTH 8:30-9:30am.

City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

Baby Boomer Style Work Out – Walking, cardio activity & weight training designed for older adults.

TTH 9-10:30am. City Auditorium.

434.797.8848.

Ballou Jammers - Acoustic musical jamboree. Bring a stringed instrument or just listen.

TH 3-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

Ballou Book Swap - Take a book or two to read and leave a book or two to share. F 9am-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

Friday Night Fun and Dance – Enjoy a night of dancing with live music by City Limits Band or Country Pride Band. Ages 50+. F 7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

December 1 (thru 19) Decorating the Trees for a Cause. See page 12.

December 1 (thru 31) Living on the Water Special Exhibit. Virginia Museum of Natural History. 21 Starling Ave. Martinsville. 276.634.4141.

Goofus Glass Exhibit.

See page 12.

Art Exhibit - Joint PCC Student and Art Guild Show. Reception 12/4. 6pm. Kirby Cultural Arts Complex, Roxboro NC. 336.597.1709.

December 2 Deco Mesh Wreath Making Make a seasonal wreath.

Materials included. 3-5pm and 6-8pm. Ballou Recreation Center.

434.799.5216.

AU Women’s Basketball vs.

Guilford College. 7-9:30pm. AU North Campus- Grant Center.

434.791.5200.

December 2 & 4 Intro to Genealogical Research – An intro to online genealogical databases to aid in research. Ages 18+. 11am-1pm. Computer Lab, DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 3 Christmas at Ballou Rec Center Music by “Reminisce” (JC and Millie). A light lunch with punch will be served and you will also receive a holiday gift. 12pm-2pm. 760 West Main Street. 434.799.5216.

AU Men’s Basketball vs. Johnson & Wales. 7-10pm. North Campus 434.791.5200.

December 3, 10 & 17 Wees Story Time – Dance, sing, listen, make crafts and have fun.

Ages up to 2. 10-11am. DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 4 Job Corps Information Session Learn a career, earn a high school diploma, and gain the real world skills needed to succeed.

Vocational training is available in certified nursing, carpentry, culinary arts, auto repair, electrical, welding. 10:30am-12:30pm.

Workforce Development Center.

434.455.2521.

Senior Movie Day - Enjoy the movie Heaven is for Real with snacks. Ages 50+. 11am.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

Around the World Travel Series Enhance your cultural knowledge with this monthly series. Learn about history, traditions, language and culture from native and long-term residents of different countries throughout the world.

A traditional dish will be served with each session. 12pm-1:30pm.

Ballou Recreation Center.

434.799.5216.

Festival of Lights - Tanglewood Park, North Carolina is transformed

December 2014 S

M 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

W 3 10 17 24 31

T 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

into a winter wonderland of millions of lights and awesome holiday scenes. All ages. 4-10pm.

Ballou Nature Center.

434.799.5215.

Jingle On Main – Show for Kids at the Person County Library 5:30-8pm; Art Opening at the Kirby Gallery 5:30-6:30pm; Ornament Decorating at Merritt Commons 6:30pm; Tree Lighting and Entertainment at Merritt Commons 7pm; Movie at the Kirby Theater 6-8pm; Santa Pictures at the Carver Agency Wagon Rides and Barrel Train Rides will be available through the nights events. 4pm, Main Street, Roxboro. www. visitroxboronc.com.

December 4 (thru 7) An 1864 Christmas: Vignettes & Songs from the Civil War Era. See page 12.

December 4-6 & 12-14 An Evening of Carol Burnett Enjoy an evening of hilarious comedy sketches from the phenomenal Carol Burnett show. 7pm. Blackbox Theatre.

44 Franklin Street. Martinsville.

276.632.2800.

December 4, 11 & 18 Pajama Story Time – Dress in PJs and share stories and songs with a set theme. Ages 5-10. 6-6:45pm.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 5 River Distrct Artisans Grand Opening - Artisan meet and greet with live music, food and raffle.

Main Street. 4pm.

First Friday Art Walk - Enjoy art, food, music and fun along Martinsville’s historic streets. Over 20 galleries, restaurants and shops are open with live music and other events. 5pm. Uptown Martinsville.

Christmas Tree Lighting - The annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in Uptown Martinsville. City Municipal Building. 5:30pm

December 5, 12 & 19 Preschool Story Time – Share stories and songs with a set theme.

Ages 3-5. 11-11:45am. DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 6 5th Annual Holiday Market - Visit

If you’d like to submit an item for the Evince calendar, visit www.showcasemagazine.com. The deadline for the December issue is Friday, Deember 12, at 5:00 p.m. Please send just the basic information following the format on these pages.

Evince Magazine the Danville Farmers’ Market for a special holiday market featuring over 80 vendors. 8am-2pm.

Craghead Street 434.797.8961.

Historic Milton, North Carolina Christmas. 9 am-7 pm; tours of Thomas Day Museum; artists reception at Milton Studio Art Gallery, 239 Broad Street; caroling, arts & crafts bazaar; tree-lighting; Santa. 434.713.1783.

Maker Lab – A different theme and art medium each month, with informational books and project ideas. Ages 5-9. 10-11am. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Artfelt Expressions of Bob Ross - Ed Gowen, certified Bob Ross instructor, will help you complete a beautiful painting in one day.

Bring a roll of paper towels and a 16x20 canvas. All other supplies are included. Adults 18+ 10:30am3:30pm. Ballou Annex Building.

434.799.5216.

Ballou Park Tree Lighting Prepare your hearts and minds for the holidays with the music of the season provided by the Schoolfield Elementary Choir.

The celebration includes treats delivered by Old Saint Nick.

4:30-6pm. 434.799.5215.

Danville Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert.

See page 12.

Jerry Carroll - Comedian. Carroll harvests a bumper crop of hilarity in his fast-paced, high-energy show. Jerry found humor growing up on his family’s farm. From the time he could walk, Jerry joined his father and uncle to farm 130 acres of flue cured tobacco, 500 acres of corn, 500 acres of small grain, 500 acres of soybeans, 40 head of cattle, and 5,000 hogs per year. Spending 14 hours a day in a tractor cab gave Jerry plenty of time to think about his life’s dream of entertaining people and making them laugh. 7:30 pm. Kirby Theater, Roxboro NC. 336.597.1709.

December 6 & 7

songs. It is becoming the newest Christmas tradition in the region while also receiving national recognition. This wonderful show has a full cast of singers and dancers and is inspired by the famous Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Christianity, the real meaning of Christmas, is woven throughout the show which closes with a dramatic and moving living nativity on stage. The Historic North Theatre. 8pm/2pm 793.64799.

December 7 Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops - With over 200 singers and a full orchestra conducted by Maestro David Stewart Wiley, Home for the Holidays is bigger and better than ever. Hear heartwarming musical selections, a few holiday surprises and show-stopping musical numbers in the spirit of the season. This year’s concert will feature special guest performances

by Martinsville’s John Heiss and nationally renowned soprano, Ariana Wyatt. 7pm. Martinsville High School Auditorium.

December 9 Christmas Town USA - Travel to McAdenville, North Carolina, to see this quiet town transformed into Christmas Town, USA. See more than 200 wreath-decorated lampposts, Santa and his reindeer, and a display that is 90x70 feet.

Near the heart of town, trees ranging in size from 12 to 40 feet ring the lake, reflecting lights on the water. A fountain in the center of the lake jets water 75 feet into the air. There is also a life-size nativity, carolers, and music. 11:30am-10:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

December 9 & 11 Court Records for Genealogical Research – Learn how to utilize court records to guide genealogical research. Ages 18+. 11am-1pm.

Law Lab, DPL – 434.799.5195

December 9 & 23

VIR Optima Batteries ChumpCar World Series Championship - Twin 7-hour races. This series is for gear-heads, for people who love driving and driving fast. It’s about “Joe Average” and almostrace-ready cars. 8am-5pm. 1245 Pine Tree Road. 434.822.7700 ext.

300.

Toastmasters - Members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. 67pm. National University.

December 6, 13, 20 & 27

Victorian Christmas at Reynolds Homestead - Enjoy a Victorianthemed buffet dinner and a tour of the Rock Spring Plantation followed by a special performance by the Rainier Trio and Leslie Mabe playing from the Harriet Beecher Stowe collection as well as traditional holiday favorites. 3:309:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center.

434.799.5216.

Cricket on the Hearth - In this

The Magic of Christmas Stage Spectacular - Starring Celebrity Magician and World Champion Illusionist Wayne Alan. An exciting yet heart warming magic and illusion show themed around Christmas. It is a holiday show full of family fun with not only amazing magic but also great music, including many of your favorite sacred and secular holiday

December 10 Basketball – AU vs. Washington & Lee. 7-10pm. 707 Mount Cross Road.

December 11

Page 17

fanciful musical, based on Dickens’ other holiday classic, a kindly toymaker, his blind daughter, their curmudgeonly employer, a mysterious stranger, and the friendliest cricket this side of London, experience a holiday miracle sure to light your heart with a generous glow. 10am & 12:30pm. Caswell County Civic Center. Yanceyville. 336.694.4591.

Teen Movie Night – Popcorn and lemonade will be served while watching Divergent. Ages 13+.

4-6pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Basic Word 2010 Computer Class – Learn how to use the basic features of Microsoft Word. Prerequisite: Meet the Mouse/Keyboard or comparable knowledge of using the mouse and keyboard. Ages 50+. 6-7pm. DPL. 434.799.5195.

Weems and special guest DáithÍ Sproule. 12/13 - 7:30pm, 12/14 2:30pm. The Prizery. South Boston.

434.572.8339.

December 12

Christmas Ornaments – Make a snowman Christmas ornament.

Ages 6-12. 3:30-4:30pm. DPL (Westover) – 434.799.5152.

Christmas Ball - Be sure to put on your best holiday attire. Only 150 tickets will be sold. Refreshments available.7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

Luminary Trail Walk.

See page 12.

December’s Music Night - Music Night at Spencer Penn Centre will have another great line up of Gospel and Bluegrass bands.

5:30pm Open Mic.; 6:20pm The Shelton Brothers; 7:10pm 2 Young 2 Old; 8:00pm: Country Boys.

Doors open at 5:00pm Spencer Penn Centre. 276.957.5757.

Martinsville. 276.632.3221 Comedy Night Show - Headliner Dan Ellison, known as the “Educated Redneck,” has worked at The Funny Bone Comedy Clubs, Cozzy’s Comedy Club, The Laff Lounge and many more. Dan was a featured Comic at the “World Series of Comedy” in Las Vegas and has worked with Ron White rom the Redneck comedy tour. Doors open at 7:30. The Historic North Theatre.

8 pm 793.64799.

December 13 Christmas Parade 2pm. Uptown Roxboro. www.visitroxboronc.com.

Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade. See page 12 Ugly Sweater/Jingle Bell Fun Run. 434.793.4636. See page 12 Girls on the Run 5K - The Martinsville Henry County 5K (3.1) & 8K (4.9) is a family friendly run/ walk as well as a competitive race.

Awards given for the top three finishers in each division. 5pm.

Uptown Martinsville. 276.647.3089.

December 13 & 14 DHS Holiday Tour. See page 12.

A Little Windows Christmas A concert of Irish, Scottish and Appalachian Christmas tunes featuring Irish singer Julee Glaub Weems with her husband Mark

December 15 (thru 27) Community Holiday Light Show.

See page 12.

December 15 Make an Herbal Wreath - Wreaths and swags made with dried herbs and flowers make lovely and unique decorations. Participants will make either a small wreath or a swag to take home. 5:30-8:30pm.

The Artisan Center. Martinsville, VA. 276.656.5461.

December 16 & 18 Intermediate Geneology – Creating a Family History Website.

Ages 18+. 11am-1pm. Law Lab, DPL – 434.799.5195

December 17

December 18 Zip Line - Reindeer Night Flight Imagine that you are at the North Pole flying with the reindeer as you ride the zip line. Enjoy this night zip line adventure with lights to illuminate your way. Ages 8+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 7-8pm.

Dan Daniel Memorial Park at Skate Park. 434.799.5215.

December 19 Painting in a Day - After three hours in this acrylic painting class, you will have created a piece of art. All materials included and light refreshments will be served.

Artist Pepper Martin will guide your artistic talents. Ages 13+. 1-4pm, 6-9pm. Ballou Recreation Center.

434.799.5216.

Brass 5 - A Toast to Christmas - Established in 1982. Brass 5 has performed over 3900 programs in America and Europe. 7pm. Rives Theatre. 215 E. Church Street.

Martinsville. 276.403.0875.

December 20 Family Movie Matinee – Watch Holiday Cartoon Extravaganza and enjoy popcorn and lemonade.

10:30am-12:30pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Women’s Basketball - AU vs.

Randolph College. 2- 4:30pm. AU North Campus - Grant Center.

December 27 Healing in Heels. See page 12.

December 31 COAY New Year’s Bash - Ring in the New Year with your friends by dancing the night away! A live country and western band will be playing all of your favorites from years gone by. Ages 50+

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December 2014

What’s Happening in the Pittsylvania County Public Libraries Special Events:

Food for Fines: One can of nonperishable food equals $1 in fines through December 22. Food will be given to the Northern Pittsylvania County Food Bank and Danville Humane Society.

New Year’s Eve Eve Party: Tuesday, December 30, 2:00-3:00 pm, Chatham. Ages 5-10. Call to register, 434.432.3271.

Craft Day: Wednesday, December 17, 3:00-4:45 pm, Chatham.

Candle holder.

Crafty Afternoon: Thursday, December 18, 4:00 pm, Mt. Hermon.

Reindeer ornaments.

Christmas Ornament Craft: Thursday, December 18; 4:30-7:30 pm, Brosville.

Reading:

Movies:

PRESCHOOL EARLY LITERACY PROGRAMS Mother Goose on the Loose—Mondays, 11:00-11:30 a.m. at Chatham, Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Mt. Hermon, through December 12. music, poems, nursery rhymes, and rhythm instruments. Open to children ages birth to 3 with their parents or caregivers.

Wednesdays for Wees: Chatham, Gretna, Mt. Hermon and Brosville/ Cascade, 10:00 a.m. December 3 and 10, 10:00 a.m. Children ages newborn to 5. This is presented in partnership with Smart Beginnings Danville-Pittsylvania County.

SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN Family Story Time: Thursday, December 4 and 11, 4:00 pm., Mt. Hermon.

Holiday Story Time and Craft: Mondays, December 1, 8, and 15, 3:30-4:30 pm, Gretna.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS FOR ADULTS Second Thursday Book Discussion Group: Thursday, December 11, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Chatham.

Book Talk: Friday, December 12, noon, Brosville. Holiday Books; Christmas Cookies or Dessert with the recipe.

Health Programs:

Zen Zone: 12:00 noon, Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17, Brosville. De-stressing techniques you can use including reflexology, aromatherapy, and music.

Low-impact Exercise: Monday and Friday mornings, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Brosville. Uses the Go4Life routine from the National Institute on Aging as well as Tai Chi, Wii, yoga, and chair exercise routines.

Group Fitness: Mondays and Thursdays, Dec. 1, 4, 8, 11, 15 and 18, 5:30 p.m., Gretna.

Aromatherapy: Thursday, December 11, 5:30 pm, Brosville.

Computer Classes:

Individual Help: Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Chatham. Bring your questions and get the one-on-one help you need with your computer or device. Low stress, lots of friendly help.

Arts and Craft Programs:

Knitting & Amigurumi Crochet Groups: Mondays, December 1 and 15, 6:30 pm, Mt. Hermon. All skill levels are welcome.

Quilting: Tuesday, December 2, 10:00 am, Brosville. Bring any sewing materials and machines and learn basic quilting techniques.

Holiday Crafts at Gretna: Tuesday, December 2, 5:30 pm: Candy Cane Wreath. *There is a $5 cost for supplies; Tuesday, December 9, 5:30 pm: Reindeer Puzzle Ornament; Wednesday, December 10, 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm: Learn how to make a pretty bow; Thursday, December 11: Drop In Craft - Bath Tissue Roll Snowman Ornament; Friday, December 12: Drop In Craft - Snowflake Ballerina.

Wreath Making Workshop: Thursday, December 4; 4:30 -7:30 pm, Brosville. Mesh Wreath Making. Cost $10.00 includes all materials. Limit of 12. Sign up at front desk.

Make and Take Craft: Tuesday, December 9, 4:00-7:00 pm, Mt. Hermon. Christmas cards.

Needlework: Tuesdays, December 9 and 16, 10:00 am, Brosville.

Knitting, embroidery, crochet—come and join the group to learn and work on your projects. On Tuesday, December 23, at noon bring a covered dish and join us for a celebration; you may bring projects to work on if you like.

Art Class: Tuesdays, December 9 and 16, 4:00-4:45 pm, Chatham.

Cookie Swap: Thursday, December 11, 4:00-7:00 pm, Mt. Hermon.

Bring a batch of your favorite cookies (don’t forget copies of the recipe) and trade with others.

Family Movie: Friday, December 5, 4:30 pm, Mt. Hermon.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol.

Teen Movie: Saturday, December 13, 2:30 pm, Mt. Hermon.

Guardians of the Galaxy. After-School Movie: Friday, December 19, 2:00 pm, Chatham. TBA. Movie Matinee: Tuesday, December 30; 2:00 p.m. Brosville.

Guardians of the Galaxy (subject to change)

Gaming Programs:

Lego Club: Saturday, December 13, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, Mt. Hermon.

Lego Free Play: Thursday, December 18, 4:00-4:45 pm, Chatham.

Spoon Game: Monday, December 29, 3:00-4:45 pm, Chatham. All ages.

All libraries close at noon on Wednesday, December 24, and reopen Monday, December 29. All libraries close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and reopen on Monday, January 5.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free. For more information, contact Gretna Library, 207 A Coffey Street, 434.656.2579; Mt. Hermon Library, 2725 Franklin Turnpike, 434.835.0326; History Research Center and Library, 340 Whitehead Street, Chatham; 434.432.8931; PCP Main Library, 24 Military Drive, Chatham, 434.432.3271or visit www.pcplib.org.

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T

December 2014 At play’s end, for which the night clothes departments of Belk and Sears should have been properly credited, the children received their Christmas bags in orderly fashion. I had already observed the red-ribbon-tied brown sacks lined up against the wall of the fellowship hall upon my entry. I can still see myself looking into my bag in the back seat of our 1950’s black Studebaker, my mother admonishing me to wait until we arrived home.

his is not about a trip to the ABC Store.

Even before the jack-o’-lantern’s face begins morphing into a state of moldy horror, the ghost of Christmas present is out and about. Just the other day, I passed a display of Christmas CDs and must have tripped an electronic booby trap, producing nothing deadly as in Vietnam, but instead, the voice of Bing Crosby.

Recalling the days “when a child’s fancy lightly turns to candy,” I thought of two special paper bags, the lesser at Halloween, the greater at Christmas. The little paper bag at goblin time was the one with peanuts, candy, and Bazooka bubble gum from the “fishing pond” at the school Halloween carnival.

I say Halloween instead of Fall Festival, because I never even once disguised myself as a turning leaf or acorn on All Hallows’ Eve. The greater bagged treat was given at church following the Christmas pageant.

The tradition of Christmas pageants seems almost as ancient as that of the medieval miracle play.

Brown-Bagged Treats at Christmas

by Mack Williams

What started out as a fresh paper bag soon assumed a prematurelyaged wrinkled look from constant re-opening and retrieval of goodies. I am reminded of that Christmas gift sack fragrance when I smell the fruit section in grocery stores. There were oranges, tangerines, apples, Sun Maid raisins, a variety of nuts and candies, including of course, candy canes.

Instead of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, I think the Christ Child would have appreciated something more kid appropriate, like the Christmas Eve church gift bag. Although being totally toothless and unable to partake, just the sight of it would have probably brought a smile.

Evince Magazine

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December 2014

Book Clubbing A review by Diane Adkins

Pittsylvania County and the War of 1812

by Larry Aaron

It is possible that Americans know less about the War of 1812 than any other war in the nation’s history. Yet, as author Larry Aaron says in his most recent book, “The War gave us independence; the War of 1812 made us a nation.”

Aaron has written a very accessible account of what was important to Pittsylvania County residents and this region in the time after the Revolution. In the process, he gives readers a good introduction to the forces, both social and political, that led the country to go to war.

Great Britain did not yet truly recognize the sovereignty of the United States.

This was shown in the imposition of trade restrictions, the impressment of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, and the support the British gave to Indian tribes who fought against American expansion into the West.

The United States, through President Jefferson and Congress, responded first with the Embargo Act of 1807, which outlawed trade with Britain.

Despite loopholes, exports went down from $107 million in 1807 to $22 million in 1808. The embargo caused a depression in the U.S. economy.

Most importantly to this region of Virginia, tobacco prices dropped eightyfive percent.

As the narrative moves to the war’s inception, Aaron frames his story by focusing on three men with Pittsylvania County connections who were involved in it: Walter Coles I, Samuel Hairston, and Elbridge Gerry, Sr. Gerry had signed the Declaration of Independence, was a former governor of Massachusetts, and eventually served as President Madison’s vice president during his second term. His son, Elbridge Gerry, Jr., was the first cousin of Walter Coles of Coles Hill in Pittsylvania County—their mothers were sisters. Coles and Hairston both served in the conflict.

President James Madison eventually led the country to declare war. Coles and Hairston were both involved in the subsequent invasion of Canada.

Aaron has researched that involvement from the Huntington Library in California to the National Archives in Washington, D.C. In addition, he had access to letters that are in the possession of the Coles family, documents no other researcher of the war has seen.

There are hidden histories in basements and attics throughout the United States, important narratives that are unknown to those who write accounts of our nation’s history. Without access to those letters, this would still have been a very interesting and well-written account of an early period of turmoil for the United States, a defining moment. With the letters, Aaron is able to shine a light on the feelings and thoughts of those who were involved at the time leading up to the war and during the conflict.

The Coles family, and others who make their personal archives available to historians, do us all a favor. They put a personal face on our nation’s history and give us a window into what our ancestors were thinking and feeling during times of crisis. Our knowledge of our own region and its history is broadened and enlivened by this fine book.

• Larry Aaron will be signing books on Tuesday, December 2, at the Danville Public Library, 511Patton Street, starting at 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, December 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Karen’s Hallmark in Danville Mall on the upper level. Books are available at ChathaMooCa, 33 North Main Street in Chatham and at Karen’s.

Diane Adkins is the Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System. For more information, visit www.pcplib.org.

Send information about what you or your book club is reading to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

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December 2014

H

olidays mean different things to different people. Outside the religious context, what do holidays mean to you?

Thinking about this can give a better understanding about what we enjoy, are amused by, hold dear. As someone who stands so frequently and firmly entrenched in the land of the perpetually baffled, I think achieving a better understanding of anything is good.

Talking with people and reading quotes are two of the ways to filter input from the world and achieve better understanding of life beyond ourselves. I have always loved quotes. They make me think about things I wouldn’t normally think about using neural pathways I wouldn’t normally use. Realizing that the words Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the name of another holiday/holy day could be substituted for Christmas in the following quotations, here is a sampling of what others have said.

Some are funny, some are serious and some are thought-provoking.

• Remembrance, like a candle, burns brightest at Christmas time. Charles Dickens

Reflecting Forward For Whom the Bell Tolls

by Linda Lemery

• Nothing says holidays like a cheese log. Ellen DeGeneres • Isn’t it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for -- I don’t know what exactly, but it’s something that you don’t mind so much not having at other times.

Kate L. Bosher

• Marry an orphan: you’ll never have to spend boring holidays with the in-laws (at most, an occasional visit to the cemetery). George Carlin • Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

Hamilton Wright Mabie • Next to a circus, there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit.

Kin Hubbard • Do give books -- religious or otherwise -- for Christmas.

They’re never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.

Lenore Hershey • One can never have enough socks.

Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books. Professor Dumbledore (first Harry Potter book by J. K. Rowling) • I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. Harlan Miller • It snowed last year too. I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea.

Dylan Thomas, A Child’s Christmas in Wales • A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together. Garrison Keillor • Christmas is the season when you buy this year’s gifts with next year’s money. Author Unknown • To many people holidays are not voyages of discovery but a ritual of reassurance. Philip Andrew Adams • Holidays are about experiences and people and tuning into what you feel like doing at that moment.

Enjoy not having to look at a watch. Evelyn Glennie • Christmas is doing a little

•

• •

•

something extra for someone.

Charles Schulz The holidays stress people out so much. I suggest you keep it simple and try to have as much fun as you can.

Giada De Laurentiis Christmas isn’t just a day, you know, it’s a frame of mind.

George Seaton Holidays are all different depending on the company and time of your life.

Dominic Monaghan And the Grinch, with his Grinchfeet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons.

It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.

And he puzzled and puzzled ‘til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

Dr. Seuss

Borrowing from John Donne and Ernest Hemingway by answering the implied question in this column’s title phrase, these quotes toll for thee. The time is now. Be well, dear readers. Make this holiday special and everything you want it to be. Love and be loved; care and be cared for. We don’t get time back. Choose carefully how you spend your time, for it’s truly our most precious commodity. Have a wonderful holiday.

About the Author: When she’s not straining to hear the sound of distant bells, Linda Lemery llemery@averett.edu works as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She welcomes your comments.

Evince Magazine

BBC anchor Katty Kay talks with Chatham Hall students. Photo by Maisie Deely

BBC News Anchor Delivers Message of Confidence

by Mary-Michael Robertson

Kay recently visited the school as the 2014 Polly Wheeler Guth ’44 Leader in Residence. In addition to her keynote address to students, faculty, and members of the local community, Kay was immersed in the school life, participating in question-and-answer sessions, meals with students, and an interview with student journalists.

When asked what message she hoped to leave with the students after her visit, Kay responded, “Take risks in life. The single biggest thing holding women back from being confident is the habit of shying away from taking risks. It is okay to fail.”

bestseller The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of SelfAssurance – What Women Should Know. In their research for The Confidence Code, Kay and Shipman explored the apparent confidence gap between professional men and women and suggested that confidence is as important as competence, if not more so, in determining an individual’s success in the workplace. “I think we have a problem that starts in elementary schools where girls are encouraged to be too good—that classic image of a good girl. In life, you have to rock the boat. Remember, of course, that kindness and empathy are most important, but do not think that everyone has to like you all the time,” she advised. “Flattery does not build confidence. No matter how many likes you receive on social media, it’s never going to be enough. Praise alone is never enough. You find confidence by working at something until you achieve mastery,” Kay emphasized.

Kay, along with ABC news correspondent Claire Shipman, wrote Womenomics and most recently, the New York Times

Pointing out that women are 25% more prone to perfectionism than men and that perfectionism is a confidence killer, she noted, “If

“Think less. Act more. Be your authentic self.” With those few words, renowned BBC World News America lead anchor Katherine “Katty” Kay capped off a passionate and heartfelt keynote address at Chatham Hall, an all-girls college preparatory high school near Danville.

your goal is to be perfect, you are never going to get there.

Perfectionism is an impossible standard.” She also highlighted the importance of bringing perceptions of abilities in line with actual abilities.

“Confidence is partly genetic, but it is mostly a choice. It is a choice that you can make today.

There are so many things that we can’t change, but that is one that we can. Take more risks, be prepared to fail, think less, act more, expand comfort zones. Do not obsess over whether you’re perfect. Those are all changes you can make. You are capable of learning confidence,” she said.

Although Kay’s book was written for women and her comments at Chatham Hall were given to a mostly female audience, her message is for anyone who needs a confidence boost.

• For more information about Chatham Hall, visit www.chathamhall.org or call 434.432.2941.

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December 2014

‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly!

by Celeste D. Lynn I challenge you to make this Christmas holiday a special one; look for various ways to help spread love, joy and peace.

Remember it is not all about the external gifts you receive but the greatest fulfillment is when you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Here are a few suggestions. Try them. I promise they will give you a smile.

• Volunteer your time to those who are less fortunate • Offer a smile or hug. That’s all some people need and it offers excellent health benefits to you.

• Whisper a prayer for someone you know who might be in despair.

Remember this is the season to be jolly, so spread good tidings and joy.

Merry Christmas to all!

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December 2014

Evince Magazine

Spice Up Your Holidays

by Annelle Williams This is “the most wonderful time of the year.”

There’s a fire in the fireplace, good smells coming from the kitchen and visits with family and friends.

The Christmas decorations make our home feel warmer and look so festive, especially at night when the regular lights are dimmed and the flickering candles and twinkling white tree lights make everything seem magical. I hardly notice the dog-hair-dust bunnies that have collected in the corners from all the granddogs that are home for the holidays.

Yes, it’s my favorite time of year, but only because everyone pitches in to make it that way. The groceries can be overwhelming, and the shopping will test anyone’s patience. Even the decorating can be a chore, but once it’s all done it’s wonderful to have this time to celebrate together.

We have lots of company coming and many meals to share. I’ve found a new recipe that will be one of our desserts. It’s kid friendly, pet friendly—friendly to just about everyone and it doesn’t require a plate nor fork. Maybe just a napkin, but even that is optional. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with love and joy. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling I box carrot cake mix (discard the packet of carrots and raisins or use for something else) 2 sticks of butter, softened

2 eggs 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces 1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter until fluffy. Add cake mix and eggs and beat just until combined. Add chocolate chips and nuts and stir until combined. Drop by tablespoons onto cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Round and flatten each cookie with your fingers. (This makes a large cookie—for smaller cookies, use smaller amount and adjust cooking time.) Bake for 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cookies will spread out to form a thinner cookie. Slip parchment paper off sheet pan and let cookies cool on parchment. Repeat until all cookies are baked and cooled. When cookies are completely cooled, make Cream Cheese Frosting*.

Spread frosting on flat side of cookie and top with another cookie making a cookie and frosting sandwich. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cream Cheese Frosting 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, chilled 1 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar

11 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter together until blended, then add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until sugar is well incorporated.

Questions or comments?

Email me: AnnelleWilliams@comcast.net I look forward to hearing from you!

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December 2014

Photo Finish Photos by Von Wellington Photograpy.

Danville Parks & Recreation Race Director, Jason Bookheimer, called the 3.7-mile race held on November 1 the Dirty Dan Dash. The run through Danville’s River District and along the Riverwalk could also be dubbed Danville’s Amazing Race.

The cold, windy, cloudy weather and 18 obstacles, challenges, and a nasty mud pit didn’t stop 317 runners from finishing or having fun. (The youngest runner was seven and the oldest was 65.)

There was too much mud on the participants to identify them in these pictures. However, to find the name of a person whose number isn’t obscured, visit www.playdanvilleva.com. Under City Services, click Parks & Recreation. Click Programs & Events. Look for Dirty Dan Dash.

Race results are also available at www.ontheMarkSports.com.

Some of the obstacles encountered on this third annual event were: the mud pit where the race began and ended; a line of fire runners jumped over; barrier hurdle; tire run, dumpster jump, hay mountain, concrete surprise, Spider Man, pipeline surprise, dangle and, of course, running uphill.

Commenting on the next Dash, Jason says. “Each year we try to keep some of the favorite obstacles but we change many of them and we will have some different features next year. We use the surveys that we have collected from participants to see what they would like for us to have or keep.” He also wanted to acknowledge Danville Regional Medical Center’s title sponsorship because, “Without community sponsorship, we would not be able to host events like this.”

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

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