Evince Magazine December 2016

Evince Magazine Page  1

Stephen Staats

Wearing His Heart on His Sleeve Page 3

Decorating the Trees for a Cause

Institute for Advanced Learning & Research Calendar Clips Page 16

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

Page 2 December 2016

Editor’s Note

Of course, you have worries, concerns, obligations, trials, tribulations, but let’s focus on fun for a month and maybe those negative things won’t become overwhelming. Start by visiting the beautifully decorated atrium at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research pictured on the cover. Read the details about their free event, Decorating the Trees for a Cause, on page 16.

Stephen Staats, also pictured on the cover, has worked for months to renovate a building that’s on the 2016 DHS Holiday Tour. (See ad page 6.) His story and pictures are on page 3. He’ll be waiting for your visit and will show you around the newest living space in the River District.

Flip to the last two pages and look at the Photo Finish pictures taken

by Von Wellington. He caught the Danville Symphony Orchestra at a practice session preparing for their annual Christmas concert—a free gift to the community that they hope you will attend. If you’re staying home one night, follow Kristi Hall’s DIY directions on page 13 for making a game to play that is suitable for all ages.

However, if you are going out for a party, read Stephanie Ferrugia’s Food for Thought on page 12 before you leave. What? You haven’t been invited to a party?

No problem, host one! Annelle Williams will help you with a recipe on page 29 in Around the Table.

If you’re experiencing the holiday blues instead of having fun, Carollyn Peerman’s How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World on page 23 is a must-read for you.

Also, pages 18 (calendar) and 16 (Calendar Clips) should be checked daily because you don’t want to miss anything. Life is to be enjoyed starting right now.

What are you waiting for?

December Contents

2 Editor’s Note

3 Stephen Staats / Wearing His Heart on His Sleeve

by Joyce Wilburn 4 She Said He Said / The Gift That Keeps on Giving

by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham 5 The Voice of Readers 6 Where Can I Find an Evince?

7 Renovation Reality / Part 9 by Carla Minosh 8 Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Sheila Baynes

9 Second Thoughts / Joy to the World by Kim Clifton 10 Ms. Marva’s Christmas Ride / Fiction

by Telisha Moore Leigg

13 DIY: Do or Don’t? / Family Game Night by Kristi Hall 14 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

by Mary Franklin Want to Brush Up on Etiquette for a DSO Concert?

16 Calendar Clips 18 Calendar 20 Book Clubbing / Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

a review by Diane Adkins 22 Meditation Moment by Casey Molloy 23 How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World

by Carollyn Lee Peerman 24 Wine Spot

Is Your Wine’s Temperature Naughty or Nice?

by Dave Slayton 25 What’s Happening in the Public Libraries 26 Reflecting Forward / It’s the Holiday Season-Celebrate!

by Linda Lemery 27 For Holiday Fun She Nailed It!

by Joyce Wilburn 28 Look for Christmas Glitter-Snow by Mack Williams 29 Around the Table / Cranberries for Christmas

by Annelle Williams 30 Photo Finish

On the Cover:

Photo of Stephen Staats by Michelle Dalton Photography. Photo of poinsettias at the Decorating the Trees for a Cause provided by the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.

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

OICE OF HOLIDAY FUN

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks President Director of Sales & Marketing Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com Associate Editors Larry G. Aaron (434.792.8695) larry.aaron@gmail.com Jeanette Taylor Contributing Writers

12 Food for Thought / Bon Appetit Y’all

by Stephanie Ferrugia

THE

COMMUNITY

2016 People of the Year RICK BARKER THERESA CARTER LEANNE HARDY

TELLY TUCKER VON WELLINGTON HAMPTON WILKINS TERESA WISEMAN See page 13

Meet Some of Our Contributors

Diane Adkins, Wayne Alan, Sheila Baynes, Kim Clifton, Alisa Davis, Leslie Dobbins, Kimberly Eaton, Stephanie Ferrugia, Mary Franklin, Joyce Fuquay, Adam Goebel, Kristi Hall, Dena Hill, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Erica Lowdermilk, Carla Minosh, Casey Molloy, Bernadette Moore, Larry Oldham, Carollyn Lee Peerman, Rachel Shaw, Dave Slayton, Shirley Spalding, Jay Stephens, Lisa Tuite, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams, Mack Williams

Business Manager Paul Seiple(1.877.638.8685) paul@evincemagazine.com Marketing Consultants Kim Demont (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net Lee Vogler (434.548.5335) lee@showcasemagazine.com 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, calendar items and ads for The Voice of Synergy, is Monday, December 19, at 5:00 p.m.

Submit stories, articles, and calendar items to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

For ad information contact a marketing consultant or the Director of Sales & Marketing listed above.

Editorial Policies:

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

They do not necessarily reflect the views of the 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 © 2016 All rights reserved.

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

Sincerely,

Credits: Amber Wilson: hair; Catherine Saunders: skin care and makeup; Genesis Day Spa & Salon, 695 Park Avenue, Danville. Janelle Gammon: nails; Salon One 11, 111 Sandy Court, Danville.

Shirley Spalding is a retired teacher and a proud member of the Danville Little Theatre.

Shelia Baynes is a community activist and on the legal staff of a local law office.

Carla Minosh is a nurse practitioner and an avid antiques collector. See page 7.

Mary Franklin is a Danville Symphony Orchestra Board Member and Chair of the Ushers Guild. She also handles publicity for the group. See pages 14, 30, and 31.

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

For subscriptions to Evince, email cindy@showcasemagazine.com

Evince Magazine Page 3

D

anville developer Stephen

Staats wears his heart on

his sleeve, or more accurately, under his sleeve.

The self-proclaimed romantic shows a visitor the tattoo of a heart chakra symbol on the inside of his upper left arm and explains, “My heart is always open to give and receive love.

My yoga teacher, Casey Molloy, told me I always wear my heart on my sleeve, so having the tattoo near my heart rather than on my outer arm was a good idea.” He also has a tattoo of a phoenix, the mythical bird that dies, is reborn from the ashes, and comes back stronger. Stephen’s experiences of relationships lost and found were the inspiration for that tattoo and the poems he wrote for recent issues of Evince.

Coincidentally, reborn and rebirth perfectly describe the work that Stephen’s company, EarthMark Development, has been doing in Danville for the last several years— resuscitating historic River District buildings and giving them new lives. Sitting in his home/office in the former Smith Seeds building, the Queens, New York, native jokes about the time-consuming work of rehabilitation, “I used to say that my office was in my home. Now I say my home is in my office.” Well-organized files near his desk recount the months of renovation in 2013 that turned the former Smith Seeds building on Lynn Street into 20 one-and-two bedroom residential units, a fitness center, and two commercial spaces. Another file box has all the details of the rehabilitation of the historic 1901 three-story Dudley Building at the corner of Main and North Union Streets that was finished in October and now contains commercial space and six one-and-two bedroom units.

When asked why he chose to work and live in Danville, Stephen answers with a story.

“In 2012, a friend of mine who is a banker called and asked that I come with him to Danville to look at a potential project.” Knowing Stephen’s background in property management, construction management, budgeting, marketing and sales, the friend wanted his advice in creating a housing development on several acres of a horse farm

Stephen Staats

Wearing His Heart on His Sleeve

by Joyce Wilburn

Stephen prepares dinner in his Smith Seeds apartment. Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography.

near the Danville city limits.

Stephen continues, “When we saw the land, I knew it was perfect for a horse farm but not to build on—too many rolling hills, wetlands, and a stream.” The two businessmen left the farm and went to lunch in the River District with personnel from the Economic Development Office. While there, they bumped into realtor and River District enthusiast Susan Stilwell. After finishing their meals, Susan showed them the 1886 Smith Seeds building on Lynn Street that was for sale.

Stephen liked it, bought it with his Richmond partners, remodeled it and moved into one of the units in April 2015.

Thinking about the events over the last several years, the father of five adult children and grandfather of four exclaims, “I love Danville. It reminds me of being home in Richmond because like Richmond in the 1990s, I see opportunities here. I’ve also met wonderful people in the Economic Development Office who love this city. They aren’t in that office because it’s a job. They really care. I also see a future here for young people working with new industries coming in and they need new apartments.” Making sure those professionals have desirable living accommodations keeps Stephen very busy.

If there is any spare time, Stephen can be found writing, cooking, practicing yoga, taking care of house plants, working out at the YMCA, and reading his favorite books. “I have always been a fan of Shakespeare and have read his complete works many times,” he comments.

Another book he is especially fond of is the diary he kept while on a 10-day fact-finding trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

He and a group of concerned people had hoped they could build safe temporary houses for the natives to replace the tents

they were forced to live in after the quake. Unfortunately, the funding didn’t materialize. That was a huge disappointment for Stephen Staats, because he’s a charismatic man with a big heart who wears it on his sleeve.

• See the interior of the Dudley Building, 442 Main Street, during Danville Historical Society’s Holiday Tour, December 10-11. See the ad on page 6.

• Visit www.evincemagazine. com to read Stephen’s poems. Search October 2016 (page 15); June 2016 (page 31); April 2016 (page 23); February 2016 (page 8).

The Dudley Building, 442 Main Street, is on the DHS Holiday Tour.

Page 4 December 2016

SHE SAID

spectacular gift that will knock my socks off!

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

HE SAID

It’s finally December and I have one question: Are you ready to go before the firing squad? Let’s see if you pass the test this year. I always assume you know exactly what Christmas gift would please me, but somehow you manage to come up short unless I shop with you and pick it out myself. Then there is no anticipation or surprise for me. You know I’m not choosy and I have always told you to surprise me with something you think I’ll like. But as usual, you wait until the last moment and everything is picked over.

I have never had a problem buying for myself. The reason I have a hard time buying for you is that you will never complain about what I give you no matter how bad it is. You just accept it and smile sweetly. It seems to me that you would be happier with my giving you something that you could use or something you have been wanting all year, like socks.

by Dena Hill

Are you listening? I don’t want outdoor tools, roofing materials, car gadgets, or photos of you in a humongous frame. Be creative (like you always tell me you are) and have an original thought. Buy a gift that I’ll enjoy all year long. I know you can do this because I see you buying presents for yourself and you don’t seem to have a problem with that. You know my style and my sizes so you really don’t have a good excuse.

The clock is ticking and after all these years, I’m holding your feet to the fire. You need to think of one

by Larry Oldham

That makes more sense to me than pulling a rabbit out of a hat and hoping you like rabbit.

You always tell me that you leave subtle hints all year and that I should take notes, but somehow our brains are not on the same track.

The only thing I hear is that you are too fat, you need to lose more weight, you work too hard around the house and I don’t help you and other trivial things that I don’t even remember half the time. Maybe you could hint a little better: names of stores that you really like, dress sizes and colors, and anything that makes it easier for me to discern what you might like as a present. If you are doing that already, I don’t have a clue.

She said He Said

TO ALL OUR READERS: We really appreciate your following our trials and tribulations of being married and handling our problems in an open forum. We want you to know that we love each other and that we really have a great time putting these columns together each month…plus it saves us a ton on therapy bills. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Larry He Said / She Said can be found in Showcase Magazine.

Evince Magazine Page 5 Page

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To the editor: I was so pleased to see the great coverage you gave to The Community Foundation’s 20th anniversary.

(November 2016 page 6) What an impact both Evince and The Community Foundation have had on our region in their first 20 years!

Debra L. Dodson, Executive Director The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region The Community Foundation has done so much for our area. Evince is pleased to give it the recognition it deserves.

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Page 24

Emma Edmunds

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To the editor: Thanks to you and everyone who make Evince possible for Danville and the surrounding areas. I was delighted at the article written by Celeste Lynn (October 2016 page 6) Changing In-Store Shopping. Many footsteps have come through the doors at A La Carte Home Decor & Dessertery since your publication in October.

Michelle Dalton’s photograph and Celeste’s expressiveness did a fabulous job capturing the ambiance of our coffee shop and store. Due to customer request we are now open at 7:30 a.m.

Monday through Saturday.

Thanks again, Colleen C. Richardson A La Carte Home Decor 318 Craghead Street Thank you for the kind words.

We’re so happy that business is good.

To the editor: I love reading Evince’s Spotting Excellent Customer Service every month, but I want to give recognition to someone in a different category—Spotting Excellent Community Support.

I was very impressed with the Neighbors Celebrating Neighbors Harvest Festival (November 2016 page 16) an event that First Baptist Church created and organized. This was an excellent way to support the Veterans Parade and encourage citizens to

(September Evince page 20). I never perform in musicals because I can’t sing and I know it. But the cast of Anything Goes can sing, and sing they did. This time I will name names.

Although everyone was well-cast and the chorus added immensely to the production, Allyson Dodson in the lead role of Reno Sweeney could have been channeling the legendary Ethel Merman, so thrillingly did she belt out the title number and many of the other Cole Porter favorites.

The orchestra under the direction of AU Associate Professor of Music Dr. Anne Lewis never missed a beat.

The glamorous costumes – so exquisitely 1930s, and the luxury cruise ship set were so good that I forgot I was sitting in Pritchett Auditorium in little ole Danville, Virginia. Elizabeth R. Smith, the AU theatre director who for so many decades demanded professional performances from a cadre of amateur students and local actors, would be proud of what the theatre has achieved under the management of two of her former students, Professors Jackie Finney and Richard Breen.

With the addition of Brad Bass to the department’s faculty, AU’s theatre department is a credit to the university and to the city.

Keep your eye out for future productions by both the North Star Theatre Project and the AU Theatre Department. You’ll be pleased to see that good things are happening in our city.

Patsi Compton

The Voice of Readers attend. I witnessed families having a good time on First Baptist’s Main Street lawn while others enjoyed the free seating for viewing the parade. Prior to the parade, parishioners walked the nearby sidewalks handing out American flags. This was a free event for the entire community and it supported another free community event.

We are fortunate to live in a place where so many kind, thoughtful people collaborate for the good of all. Thank you, First Baptist Church and thank you to the parade organizers and our veterans.

Sincerely, Julian Scott I attended the parade and also saw this outpouring of generosity and service. I applaud everyone involved. Thanks for writing.

To the editor: Okay, I confess that I have never seen the movie Mulan. My only child is 38 and I have no grandchildren, so it’s been a while since I’ve seen any Disney movies. However, as a former drama teacher, I try to support local theatre, especially when young people are involved. That is why I attended the Sunday matinee performance of Disney’s Mulan, Jr. at the North Theatre. (November Evince page 5) I was enthralled! In

spite of being set in ancient China, the plot line couldn’t be less Disney – a girl who disguises herself to assume the traditional male role of a soldier to spare her ailing father from having to fight the invading Huns. No Prince Charming rescuing this feisty little girl. Well, there is a dragon assistant, but that too isn’t the traditional role of dragons in fairy tales, is it? I won’t name actors’ names because I fear that I may not include someone who deserves a mention.

Suffice it to say that director Mimi Grubbs perfectly cast the principle characters and the entire cast played their parts convincingly.

The costuming and staging were inventive – who would have thought a parachute could so convincingly suffice for an avalanche? I hope the North Theatre was as packed for every performance as it was for the one I saw. The 39, yes 39, young people involved certainly deserved all the applause they received that day and every other day they performed. Thank you North Star Theatre Project for a job well done and for providing such a positive experience for Danville’s young people.

Another feast for Danville’s theatregoers was Averett University Theatre Department’s November production of Anything Goes, directed and choreographed by Musical Theatre Artist-in-Residence Brad Bass

I saw both productions and agree with every word you wrote.

Letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number.

Letters may be edited for space or style. Submission constitutes permission to use.

Tell us what you think.

Email your comments to joycewilburn@gmail.com or send mail to Evince Editor, 753 Main Sreet, Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541.

If you missed any of the stories mentioned, they are still available at www.evincemagazine.com.

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Stephen Staats

Wearing His Heart on His Sleev e

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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 El Vallarta Goodwill on Westover Drive IHOP on Piedmont Drive Joe & Mimma’s Karen’s Hallmark Los Tres Magueyes Ruben’s 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. URW Community Credit Union Western Sizzlin YMCA

Main & West Main Street River District Area A La Carte Home Decor American National Bank Brewed Awakening Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History Danville Public Library on Patton Street Danville Regional Medical Center Danville Science Center Dell’ Anno’s Pizza Kitchen on Main Street Food Lion @ Ballou Park Main Street Coffee Emporium Midtown Market Rippe’s

Piney Forest Road Area

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

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

Memorial Drive

Frank’s Pizza Ginger Bread House

Other

Danville Welcome Center

In Chatham Area

Community Center Chatham Health Center ChathaMooCa Frank’s Pizza PCP Library on Military Drive In Tightsqueeze Food Lion Frank’s American National Bank URW Community Credit Union

In Gretna

American National Bank Carter Bank & Trust Food Lion Hickerbilly’s Kitchen

In South Boston

Bistro 1888 Halifax County Public Library O’ Sole Mio South Boston Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History Southern Virginia Higher Education The Prizery Toots Creek Antiques Mall

In Martinsville

China Buffett El Ranchito Elizabeth’s Pizza Martinsville Visitor Center The Pacifica Bay Restaurant

In Yanceyville, NC

Gunn Memorial Public Library The Drug Store

Evince Magazine Page 7 Unlike shows on HGTV where home renovations are completed within 30-60 minutes, the Victorian house at the corner of Chestnut and Main Streets in Danville has been under a transformation for 15 years. This series that began in April explores the truth of home renewal from someone who has been there and done that. If you missed any of the installments, visit www. evincemagazine.com.

A

fter settling into our old

house, we began to wonder

about the families who had lived here before us and how they had used it. We bought the house from the family who had built it in 1874, but it had gone through significant changes.

When we first saw the etching that identified our house in a book, we couldn’t recognize it in all of its simplicity. It was a basic antebellum house with slightly-arched windows heavily ornamented on top, an A-frame roof and two chimney stacks.

There was a bay window facing Chestnut Place--no towers, no turrets, no mansard roof with its five chimney stacks, no porches nor iron cresting, and no terracotta decorations.

I didn’t believe the photo of the bay window until I ran my hand along the side of the house, my fingers tracing the seam where some long-dead mason had gamely tried his best to fill the hole where the bay window once reigned. The bricks didn’t lie, and the foreshortened pieces at the edges told the tale of the existence of that lost feature. With realization dawning, my next stop was the attic, where the original two chimney stacks still stood, grooves deeply cut into the bricks outlining the profile of an A-frame roof where the flashing would have been inserted to keep that roof watertight. The roughly laid bricks below that line would never have been visible inside the roof trusses, and the neatly finished bricks above the flashing line stood in testament to their once having been an outward sign of the wealth and care spent in building this home. Where the chimneys topped out in the drawing, the next piece of evidence to the evolution of the house was in the rough-laid bricks starting above the former top of the chimney. Emerging outside, above the now mansard

Renovation Reality Part 9

by Carla Minosh roofline, finished bricks stand in neatly stacked elegance to proclaim the value of the home.

Now a believer, I finally understood why the house built in 1874 had an 1880s flavor in all of its ornament, both inside and out.

Charles Sublett, a Confederate veteran, built the house for his wife, Jennie, less than a decade after the last flames of the Civil War were extinguished. After Sublett’s death, Jennie married E. Howe Miller, who had amassed some wealth in the hardware and cutlery trade. The massive expansion of their unassuming Main Street home would declare the prominence of this couple in local social circles as well as in business, when Mr. Miller began his expansion into the tobacco trade. As this appeared to be the pinnacle of the home’s existence, we sought to uncover lost features on the house to bring it back to its former glory from this age.

To aid us in this quest, local historian Gary Grant gifted us

a copy of an 1880s photo of the house that showed the lacy ironwork of an extensive front porch. It became our primary focus to find enough ironwork, collected from salvage yards and architectural antique shops to re-create that porch. However, our first pieces of ironwork came from the grounds of the property itself. While pulling weeds, we found a cache of iron posts halfburied in the red Virginia clay beneath the ivy. As a testament to the quality of the heavy antique iron, the 50+ years of dirt and moisture had done little to erode the surface of the pieces. Many trips to Governor’s Antiques, Caravati’s, and Black Dog Salvage finally yielded enough cast-iron pieces to comprise a finished porch close to the original design.

We picked our sources clean by the time we were done. As luck would have it, the cast iron staircase was still in place.

We put out the word that we were looking for a contractor and had architectural drawings and specifications drawn up.

As the bids came rolling in, one stood out in particular.

The overall price was most in line with what we thought the construction would cost, even if the demolition costs seemed extremely high compared to the others. The contractor also required payment in full at the end of each phase, with four distinct phases being outlined.

We agreed to his terms, and his crew came in to demo the existing front porch that had already been condemned by the city inspector.

The concrete porch had been poured atop a wood structure which had long-ago rotted due to a piece of broken-off slate blocking a major gutter overhead. The evidence of years of water flowing down the face of the house and onto the porch was evident in the pattern of eroded brick faces on the side of the house fanning downward from the gutter and the now completely-degraded porch base. It took a contractor ten minutes and a tall ladder to remove the offending and aged piece of slate, but the removal came decades too late for this porch. Its loss, however, created a certainty that we could do it better than the last generation who tackled the project.

The contractor was swift and thorough in his demolition, and once promptly paid, never returned. It was, we realized, how a cunning contractor could get paid a lot of money on a simple demolition project without hiring a single skilled worker. This was renovation lesson number one. To date we have learned over 150 renovation lessons. Apparently we are slow learners.

(to be continued)

Page 8 December 2016

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Sheila Baynes

I would like to nominate El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant, 418 Westover Place, for the Spotting Exceptional Customer Service award. Every member of the staff whom I have encountered there aims to please. If I ask for a half-order of something, they do it. If I ask them to add something to a dish, they do it. They always provide fast and reliable service. I feel that they believe the customer’s wish should be granted unless it is impossible. On top of that the food is delicious. Thank you El Vallarta for a great dining experience!

Evince and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce want to encourage and recognize exception customer service. When someone gives you exceptional service, please let us know. In 300 words or less, tell us what happened. Email your story to joycewilburn@gmail.com or chamber@dpchamber.org. It’s a nice way to show appreciation for a job well done. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Christmas story told through Scripture and Song, led by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra.

Sunday, December 11, at 5 pm Come Sunday morning at 10:15 to hear Bailey Smith!

South Boston Road (Hwy 58 East) to Danville Regional Airport & Danville Expressway

N

Childcare is provided for children up to 5 years old.

to South Boston

1978 South Boston Road, Danville, VA 24540 Ph: (434)822-6100 | Web: www.thetabernaclefamily.org

Evince Magazine Page 9

Second Thoughts

by Kim Clifton ©2016

Joy to the World Let there be peace on earth.

It’s a wonderful wish, but we’re probably never going to see it.

People have been fighting since the beginning of time so I expect they’ll be fighting until the end of it. We’ve been raising Cain since the quintessential first family born of Adam and Eve. Maybe one day when peace talks, people will listen.

This column is being read in December but was written in early November during the aftermath of the most unusual presidential election ever witnessed. It was sort of funny when it began. I remember speculating on how different things would be if either of them won. If the Clintons returned to Washington, I wondered if Bill’s tuxedo would have been hung alongside the First Ladies’ Inaugural Ball gowns in the Smithsonian. I was curious how he’d feel picking out China instead of negotiating with them.

If Hillary lost, I was interested to know if The Donald would play his Trump card by replacing the façade of the White House with his signature gold. Or if Taco Bell would have to change its motto from running for the border to climbing over it. At first, it was funny. Then, it wasn’t. It seemed with every WikiLeak, our country started to take on water. The jokes stopped being on them and started being on us.

The election is over. We need to heal, so I’m not going to debate any of the campaign promises.

I’m not going to discuss their nominations for Supreme Court justices or plans for the economy. What bothered me were the character flaws of the

two who wanted us to follow them as leaders. My personal dilemma, provided the reports were accurate, was deciding which candidate offended me the least.

I’m greatly oversimplifying, but it got down to male vs. email. One had a problem with what he said and the other with what she sent.

So, here’s my Christmas wish.

Forget politics. I only want the return of simple human decency.

Good manners. Proper dress.

Morals. Respect. I’d like to live in a world where what you say is true and what you do is helpful.

Thankfully, we live in a community that’s inherently good. Just look at how quickly we respond to victims of national disasters, sending out convoys of help from God’s Pit Crew. Notice how fast we fill up other people’s cabinets through the local food pantries instead of our own. Watch as so many pay it forward with random acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. There’s a host of angels taking ornaments from trees to make sure that needy children have surprises on Christmas morning. Thank goodness for those in uniform who put others before themselves.

Praises for the volunteers who give up holidays with their own families to spend time with those who have none.

Every year we’re asked to make a wish list. If only it could be as simple a process as it was when we were children. All we had to do was crawl on Santa’s knee and tell him what we wanted.

Now it’s time to get down on our own knees and pray for what we need…peace on earth. Or at least goodwill toward men.

Page 10 December 2016

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bout three days from Christmas on a Sunday, black-dark at 8:43 p.m., the thrift-store boutique had long closed and still there was no Mandy Blue Eyes to pick me up. To say Ms. Marva was pissed, would be an epic understatement. Ms. Marva pulled her red-and-gold silk scarf straight on her throat and tapped her foot like a rabbit chewing through a trap. I’m 15, with not even bus fare to the next street on me. Ms. Marva couldn’t take me to her home; she couldn’t leave me to Fate.

“Get in,” she snaps, pointing to some mid-size black sleekness.

“Well?” Ms. Marva said, one black brow raised somewhere over tight lips. I scurried to get in. In the car, she pulled out a cell phone and punched the touchscreen with blush-colored fingernails. “Yes, she’s here…

Yes, NO!” But, I saw the light fade from phone call to home screen. Ms. Marva gripped the steering wheel, twice, with her left hand. She put the phone down softly on the leather dash.

In the end there was no choice.

She had to take me from Boris to Sustain, about 20 miles down the highway. It’s warm inside the cabin of the car, so I feel better. Even though I’m dressed neatly and clean, I don’t let my back touch the seat of her car, showing her that I could respect her things, that I had respect for myself. “I hope you can find this home of yours,” Ms. Marva says. She adjusts that scarf again; I am surprised when she breaks the silence between us.

“I’ve known Anna-Margaret since she was a girl, your Mandy as you say, since when she played tag with my girls behind my mulberry tree, messy thing, that tree. It’s a shame what this life has done, yes, done to her, yes, but this is too much, what more can she want? What more can I give?” I don’t say anything because I don’t think Ms. Marva is talking to me, with her w’s coming out as soft v’s now with her agitation. There is just silence again, the soft click of her right-turn blinker cancels as she turns onto the highway.

I’ve scrubbed Ms. Marva’s shop toilets, swept the sidewalk, scrubbed the windows of her showcase. For two hours,

Ms. Marva’s Christmas Ride fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg last month, I fought with the generously branched fake-fir tree she pulled from storage. I put almost 200 fish-hooked glass bulbs on it. I eat my Sunday lunch away from her in the back.

She never invites me into the side room with the small color television while she spoons soup or delicately bites her turkey croissant with Swiss. Unless giving instruction, she doesn’t say a mumbling word to me. Now, on a lonely stretch of 86, she speaks.

“You can do everything right, not good, but right, and it won’t save you, Fallon. Nothing particularly protects you. One mistake, take someone for love and a friend who isn’t, and…” Ms. Marva doesn’t finish her statement. Her right hand loosens her scarf, and I see the edge of a scar. There aren’t many Christmas lights to see, just a lone home here or there sitting off the road like some sad gaiety that we go by too fast to get to.

“You know about Izzie and Beau,” Ms. Marva continues. (I didn’t but nod like I do.) “Such pretty children. She went from door to door to her neighbors, strangers, begging for news of them,

and he went with her, Michael her husband; he went with her looking too…when he knew— hours they searched, this young mother, same as my Carolyn. The police kept asking Michael soft questions like butter on a sliced loaf, just him. Until he stormed out. I was there in their living room. I held her hand; he was the last one with them, you see… She saw her hell then, (Ms. Marva took a collecting breath.) That night Michael went out, never came back. Those babies, the girl with her mother’s eyes. I would give her anything to help change what happened.”

I will work harder. I didn’t know what she would like, Mandy Blue Eyes. I bought some $9.99 pink slippers with the socks attached, a green plastic bracelet with tiny snowmen for $6.43, and a box of blueberry candy canes because they were sold out of red-and-white. I went back to the car, let my back touch the seat of Ms. Marva’s car. On the final miles, then blocks, Ms. Marva tells me more of AnnaMargaret’s secrets. And one day I will tell them. Ms. Marva turns on the radio and Away in a Manger, moves like a spirit into me as I hold my bag close.

“Can we stop?” I know I should not ask for anything while I am already putting Ms. Marva out of her way. Ms. Marva just nodded, pulling her thoughts together. We stopped at a CVS just after the border into Virginia, just after the old torn-down factory, just after the statue of the Madonna and Child left when the old Catholic school moved. Lights are becoming thicker now and I can see the Christmas lights closer as they string together each home like teeth. Ashamed, I borrow $20 dollars from Ms. Marva and I don’t know how I will pay it back.

We turned into the drive and saw Mandy Blue Eyes barefoot on the porch, backlit from the house, like she was glowing.

“Thank you,” she says to Ms. Marva. Ms. Marva just nods.

And now I know how love takes on griefs not your own, gives sorrow solace, how that’s kind of all there is. I don’t even wait until Christmas. I just give Mandy Blue Eyes the bag with my gifts, unwrapped, cheap, nothing she really needs, and she accepts them.

Evince Magazine Page  11

Page 12 December 2016

Paula Deen’s

DOGWOOD C

olleCtion

The Dogwood Collection features bedroom, dining room, living room and occasional pieces. This lovely collection is sold locally, and exclusively, at M & M Furniture and discounted 45% off of retail list prices every day.

“Much More For Your Money!”

M&M FURNITURE

530 Monroe Street Downtown Danville • 434.793.2911 www.mandmfurnitureco.com www.facebook.com/MMFurnitureCo

Eating straight frosting may be a bit much, but DON’T deprive yourself this season.

DO commit first to eating the proper nutrients in fresh fruits & veggies!

Food for Thought Bon Appetit, Y’all!

by Stephanie Ferrugia, Southern Dinner Belle Evince wants you to think about whether or not what you eat when you dine out is healthy. Each month, Stephanie is going to report on local menu selections that are delicious and good for you.

‘Tis the season to be eating!

Probably like many of you, visions of a healthy routine dance right out of my head in jolly ole December. However, Yuletide indulgence also serves as the motivating jolt back to my healthier senses come January. Therefore, while I usually focus on local restaurants in the Southern Dinner Belle column, let’s take a different approach this month and apply these tips to eating at holiday parties. It is fairly easy to follow and will keep you within your waistline’s bounds during this otherwise tempting time of year.

Every time you raise that delicious sausage ball or sinful cookie to your lips, make sure you eat an equal amount of fruits or veggies. The same applies for beverages…toast that eggnog or bubbly with equal amounts of water. Piling

a few country ham biscuits on your plate? No problem!

Make room on there for some fresh broccoli, green beans, an orange or whatever strikes your fancy.

If you really want to stay on top of your game, incorporate some festive physical activity with a merry spin, such as a hike through the woods and mistletoe shoot. Every December, my dear friends and family get together and trek through the woods on the hunt for mistletoe – it is a treasured tradition we anticipate every year. Want to learn more? Visit www.southerndinnerbelle.com for details.

As long as you fuel your body with essential nutrients this season and stay on the move, go ahead and splurge on the rich no-no’s you normally keep to a minimum. There can never be too much merry time with loved ones or too many cookies for Santa (add that glass of 1% or skim milk for a calcium kick) this time of year. Savor every bit and bite of it and let’s get back on track together next month!

Evince Magazine Page 13

DIY: Do or Don’t?

Family Game Night

by Kristi Hall With the chilly weather here, cozy family nights at home are a must. Work and school keep everyone busy, so it’s nice to be able to reconnect as a family in a fun way during the holidays. Here are two DIY family games.

If you are a competitive bunch, feel free to throw in a prize such as a getout-of-chores pass or pick-the-movie coupon for movie night.

DIY Family Jenga Supplies: • Jenga game • markers • paper • tape • scissors

Directions: 1. On a strip of paper or a Jenga piece, each family member writes a crazy thing a player has to do.

Examples: Do 10 Jumping Jacks; Tell the truth or accept a dare; Use accents for the whole round.

Make 20-30 playing pieces.

2. Write one idea on each Jenga piece or if you want to be able to change the activities often, write the ideas on cardstock paper and tape one on each block.

3. Once you have all the blocks completed, set up the game in the traditional way and you are ready to play following the directions for Jenga, except after selecting the Jenga piece, the player must perform the activity.

DIY Would You Rather?

Supplies: • index cards – colored or white • coloring pencils, markers, stickers or whatever supplies are needed to decorate the cards Directions: Think of two scenarios from which a player will choose one. For example: Would you rather go to Disney World for two months or have unlimited ice cream for a year? Write the question on a card.

1. I suggest creating 20-30 cards.

Cut the index cards in half and write on them with coloring pencils. Divide the number of cards between family members so everyone can write and decorate their cards.

2. Once the cards are complete, start asking the questions. The answers your family members choose may surprise you. This is also a great game to play with new friends to get to know them better.

I would give these DIY games 5 out of 5 stars – due to being super affordable and fun!

Christmas Loans Help You Shop Till You Drop!

Serving the Community Starting With You! www.piedmontcu.org 434-797-1954

NMLS #402961

Page 14 December 2016

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

by Mary Franklin A traditional voice of holiday fun in our region for almost 25 years is the Danville Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Concert.

This year’s DSO’s program, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, will feature musical selections that warm the heart and recall happy memories. There are always special surprises and features and one you will not want to miss this year is radio personality David “Hutch” Hutchinson’s narration in the orchestral version of The Night Before Christmas composed by Bill Holcomb. Also, a trumpet trio featuring Charles

Ellis, Jerry Franklin and Dan Wolf will present the exciting Buglers’ Holiday by Leroy Anderson.

From excerpts of the Nutcracker Suite to Frozen to the Hanukkah Overture and traditional Christmas carols, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Danville Area Choral Arts Society under the direction of Robert Sutter will raise their voices in singing For Unto Us a Child is Born from the Messiah and various familiar Seasonal Sounds arranged by Randoll Alan Bass.

Another tradition for the Christmas concert, is the collection of cans and cash for God’s Storehouse food pantry. Instead of a ton (2000 lbs) of food, which is usually the goal, this year the orchestra calls on the community to do a little extra.

In honor of the Symphony’s 25th anniversary, the goal is 2,500 lbs.

There is no admission charge for the concert, but instead attendees are asked to bring canned food or cash contributions for God’s Storehouse.

• The Christmas concert will be presented on Saturday, December 10, at 8:00 p.m. in the George Washington High School auditorium in Danville.

Visit www.danvillesymphony.net.

• The DSO has received the promise of a dollar-for-dollar match for contributions to the DSO Endowment Fund up to $5,000. That translates to a potential $10,000 increase in the Endowment that was established in 2014 as sustaining money invested for the future of the symphony. Gifts to the DSO Endowment Fund will remain in the trust, only the earnings will help with expenses, special purchases, and the repair of large instruments and other equipment. Donations can be made to the Community Foundation. Designate DSO Endowment Fund on the check.

Mail to Community Foundation, 541 Loyal St., Danville, VA 24541.

Want to Brush Up on Etiquette for a DSO Concert?

Knowing what is expected in the way of good manners makes attending a concert more enjoyable for all. Here are some tips for the next time you are at a Danville Symphony Orchestra concert or any concert.

Coming In: The best way to come into a classical concert is early. If you are late, there are guidelines.

Open the door and enter when you hear applause. No one will be performing then. Hold the door so it doesn’t slam shut and quickly pick a seat in the back of the auditorium.

Going Out: The best time to leave the auditorium is at intermission and at the end. However, if you must leave, except in cases of emergency, wait for the right time which is either between pieces or during applause. When you leave, make sure the door doesn’t slam behind you.

Applause: Ever notice that some people know when to clap and when to remain quiet? Here is the code: Applaud for the entrance of the concertmaster and for the conductor. Applaud after each piece of music. If the selection has several sections, it is sometimes hard to distinguish when the piece ends. For example: Symphony #9 I. Allegretto

II. Adagio III. Allegro Wait until the entire piece is finished before applauding. Your cue is when the conductor turns to face the audience.

Other: Avoid doing anything that will distract the performers or the audience.

• Turn off cell phones or leave them in the car so you won’t be tempted to check for messages or text someone. Even when it’s on silent, the light on the display can be very distracting.

• The auditorium is not the place for food, drinks, candy, lozenges. Wrappers are very distracting. If you have a cough, unwrap a lozenge or two before the music starts or during the applause.

• Copyright laws strictly prohibit photography, flash or not, and audio or video recording.

• Bringing a baby or a pre-K child to a live, orchestral concert requires special responsibility on the part of caretakers. If the child becomes restless and cries or makes noise, he/she should be taken out quickly. Along with audience distraction, those cries can also interfere with the musicians’ concentration.

• Avoid talking. Whispering is especially audible in a space designed to pick up every sound. Enjoy the music and talk later.

Evince Magazine Page  15

Page 16 December 2016

Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.

For more activities, see the calendar on page 18.

Thursday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 21 Decorating the Trees for a Cause

This annual program sponsored by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, raises money for local causes and charities.

Participants set up and decorate a tree in honor of a chosen cause or non-profit organization. Community members vote for a favorite tree or charity by giving a monetary donation. All participants receive 100% of the donations made for their trees. Over the past five years more than $52,000 has been raised through this project. Over 50 organizations will be showcasing decorated trees in the Institute’s atrium. Trees can be viewed between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open house is Tuesday, December 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Megabytes Café near the atrium is open for lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. It offers a varied menu that changes daily. For more information, call 434.766.6722 or visit www.ialr.org. (submitted by Leslie Dobbins)

Thursday, December 1 – Saturday, December 31 Feed for Fines at the DPL

Pay it forward and clear your library fines by participating in this Danville Public Library program. For every new, unopened, undamaged, non-expired, non-perishable donation, the DPL will waive $2 from current overdue fines up to $20 per library account.

All donations will support the Southside Virginia Wildlife Center in Danville, a nonprofit dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of native Virginia wildlife. Donations of liquid soaps, canned dog food, sardines and tuna in water, dry cat and dog food, paper towels, toilet paper and Ziploc bags will be accepted at the main branch, 511 Patton Street, and the Westover Branch, 94 Clifton Street. Visit www.readdanvilleva.org or call 434.799.5195 for more information. (submitted by Rachel Shaw)

Thursday, December 1 – Saturday, December 31 The Art of the Quilt: Let’s Celebrate

Forty quilt artists from across the Southeast will exhibit work in this biennial invitational exhibition curated by master quilter Linda Fiedler. This year’s exhibition commemorates the 10th anniversary of The Art of the Quilt. For more information, call 276.632.3221 or visit www.PiedmontArts.org or 215 Starling Avenue in Martinsville. (submitted by Bernadette Moore)

Saturdays, December 3, 10, 17 Virginia Christmas Museum Exhibit The Carrington Gallery at the Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main Street, has been transformed into the Virginia Christmas Museum featuring exhibits of Christmas memorabilia and decorations from 1947, when the Historic North first opened, to the end of the 20th Century. Experience the joy of seasons past and see one of the largest collections of nativities on the East Coast. Learn how Coca Cola changed Santa; hear music favorites on an old 1950 Admiral record player; vote

for your favorite Ugly Christmas Sweater. Visit two of the six rooms in the theatre’s Celebrity Bed & Breakfast decorated for the holidays: the Frank Sinatra Room and the Marilyn Monroe Room. The exhibit, Trees of the Decades, will show how Christmas trees have changed through the years.

The tour has a test/treasure hunt type guide that is fun and interesting. Fill it out and maybe win a prize. The exhibit will be open two hours before all shows and one hour after shows plus Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost is $3 for adults; $2 for children/students and $10 for a family. For more information, call 434.793.7469 or visit www.TheNorthTheatre.com. (submitted by Wayne Alan)

Sunday, December 4 Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents holiday favorites and special guest soprano Joy Lynn Jacobs in the Martinsville High School Auditorium, 351 Commonwealth Boulevard.

Piedmont Arts will collect canned goods for Grace Network. Lobby doors open at 6:30 p.m. for donations and the 7:00 p.m. concert. Tickets are $25/15/5 and available at PiedmontArts.org. For more information, call 276.632.3221. (submitted by Bernadette Moore)

Friday, December 9 – Sunday, December 11

The Altos: Like the Sopranos, Only Lower

The Little Theatre of Danville presents this comedic audience-participation, armchair mystery at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street. The setting is the funeral of mafia boss, Tony Alto. His widow, mother, uncle (members of a dysfunctional family), right-hand man, and psychiatrist attend the service performed by a priest with a past. The big question is: Who planted the bomb in Tony’s car? Cost is $20 which includes dessert and beverage. Ticket venues are the DMFAH, Rippe’s, 559 Main Street, Karen’s Hallmark in Danville Mall and New City Dance Space, 616 North Main Street. For more information, visit www.danvillelittletheatre.org. (submitted by Shirley Spalding)

Sunday, December 11 – Saturday, December 24 Chrismons Tree Viewing From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. nightly and 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, visit the Ascension Lutheran Church, 324 West Main Street in Danville, to see the Chrismons Tree. Chrismons ornaments originated and were first made for use on the Christmas tree at Ascension Lutheran Church in 1957 by church member, Frances Kipps Spencer. Chrismons have become a Christmas tradition that has spread internationally. See the decorated 20-foot tree and hear the story of Christ as told through these ornaments. For more information, call www.434.792.5795 or visit www.chrismon.org.

Wednesday, December 14 The Ranier Trio Concert

Holiday Favorites will be presented to the public at The Wednesday Club, 1002 Main Street, starting at 3:45 p.m. For nine seasons, The Ranier Trio has captivated audiences with exciting performances of violinviola-piano music. Hailed as “two perfect virtuosos,” Kevin and Bryan Matheson are recognized

Evince Magazine Page 17 for their mesmerizing and spirited performances and have toured Japan, Ireland, Sicily, and the Czech Republic. Pianist, Brenda Wittwer has played for Theatre Charlotte, Pfeiffer University Concert Choir and Sounds of America. Soprano Leslie Mabe studied voice with New York City Opera’s famed mezzo-soprano Clarity James at Radford University. She has performed leading and supporting roles in numerous musicals and choral productions. For more information, call 434.709.1836. (submitted by Joyce Fuquay)

Saturday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Winter White Affair

Dance to the music of DJ Barry Shelton at the Reid Street Gallery, 24 Reid Street, Chatham, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

(The ball drops at 10:00 p.m.)

Tickets are $40 a person and includes unlimited appetizers and a champagne toast.

Just for fun, wear winter white. For more information, call 434.203.8062 or visit www.ReidStreetGallery.com. For other events, see ad on page 20. (submitted by Alisa Davis)

Upcoming

Friday, January 13 Corks & Forks

This annual fundraiser for the Danville Science Center will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at 677 Craghead Street. The auction offers trips to Tuscany, Cabo San Lucas, Charleston, San Francisco-Sonoma, Key West, Wrigley Field and Punta Cana.

Tickets are $60 per person and include tastings of wine from France and Italy, specialty beers, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Wines and beers will be available by the glass/bottle for $5.00 each. Tickets are $60 per person. All proceeds benefit the educational programs at the DSC. (submitted by Adam Goebel)

Saturday, February 4 Spring to Green Gardening for Southside

Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension and Danville Master Gardeners, this seventh annual event will be held at The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pat Brodowski, Monticello’s vegetable gardener, will present Great Ideas from Thomas Jefferson’s Garden.

Pat is responsible for planting and maintaining Monticello’s two-acre kitchen garden of 250 varieties of vegetables and herbs. Her presentation will include research into historical varieties, simple effective tools, seed saving, and clever ways to control pests organically. Peggy Cornett, Monticello’s Curator of Plants, will present Preserving Plants from the Past. She is responsible for maintaining records of Monticello’s living collections, planning, organizing, and coordinating major public events and garden history education. Her presentation will feature the techniques used to restore Thomas Jefferson’s gardens. Registration fee $45 before December 12, $50 through January 27, 2017. Information and registration forms are available at www. danvillemastergardeners.org or call Danville Cooperative Extension at 434.799.6558. (submitted by Kimberly Eaton)

Page 18 December 2016

December Calendar Ongoing

Guided Walking Tours – Millionaires Row, Holbrook Street and Tobacco Warehouse District. Danville Historical Society. www.danvillehistory.org.

434.770.1974.

The 1963 Danville Civil Rights Movement – The Protests, the People, the Stories. The Danvillian Gallery. 434.466.7981.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH) self-guided audio-visual tours. 434.793.5644.

Public Library Events.

See page 25.

Reid Street Gallery Events.

See ad page 20.

Tai-Chi Day Classes – Increase strength, balance, flexibility.

M 11.15am-12.15pm or 5.456.45pm; W 3.30-4.30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

Let’s Dance – Learn new dances, make new friends. Donna Robbins teaches a variety of dances in a fun atmosphere. A partner is not necessary. Adults 18+. Tues 7-8.30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with acrylic, oil, or water color. M/TU – Times vary. Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216.

Kuumba African Dance – a great workout with live drumming and energetic dancing. Kids M/W 5.30pm; Adults M 6-7.30pm.

434.799.5150.

Prime Time Fitness – Lowimpact aerobics workout with a mix of various dance steps. Tu/Th 9.30-11am. Coates Rec. Center.

434.799.5150.

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.

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

Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

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

TH 3-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

Friday Night Fun and Dance – Live music provided by the City Limits Band on the first, third, and fifth Friday. The Country Pride Band plays on the second and fourth Friday of the month. Ages 50+. F 7.30-10.30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

December 1 (thru 21)

Decorating the Trees for a Cause. Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. See page 16.

December 1 (thru 24)

Hues & Views – Danville Art League juried show. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History.

434.793.5644.

December 1 (thru 31)

The Art of the Quilt: Let’s Celebrate. See page 16.

December 3 (thru 11)

Avoca Christmas Open House – Decorated Victorian house, music, bake sales, silent auction. 11am5pm Saturdays; 1-5pm Sundays.

Avoca Museum, Altavista, VA. www.avocamuseum.org.

December 3

Christmas on the Plaza. River District Assoc. 4-6pm. Main Street Danville. 434.791.0210 The Embers. 7:30pm. Caswell County Civic Center, Yanceyville, NC. www.ccfta.org. 336.694.4474.

Christmas in Milton. 1-5:45pm Main Street Milton, NC. 434.728.5115.

Christmas Time Storytime.

1-3pm. Brewed Awakening, Craghead St. www.

DanvilleRiverDistrict.com

December 3 & 10

Polar Express Pajama Party – Wear your pajamas for the showing of the popular movie.

10am & 4pm. Danville Science Center. www.dsc.smv.org.

December 4

Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade. 3pm. Main Street Danville. www.paydanvilleva.com 434.793.4636.

Ugly Sweater Fun Run. 3pm.

Main & Broad St. prior to the parade @ 434.793.4636 Holiday Favorites Chatham Concert Series. 66 North Main St., Chatham. 3pm.

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops. See page 16.

December 6

Decorating Trees for a Cause –

Open House, Institute for Advance Learning & Research. See page 16.

December 8

River District Sip & Shop.

River 5-8pm. District Association.

434.791.0210 See page 23.

December 9

Book Signing – by author Larry Oldham. 2-4pm. Danville Welcome Center. 434.728.3713.

See ad page 4.

Comedy Hypnotist Gary Conrad – Volunteers enter the hypnotic state on stage and are transformed into a Christmas angel, sugar plum fairies, elves, Mr. Scrooge, The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, or a gingerbread man. 7:30pm. Historic North Theatre. 434.793.7469 www.

TheNorthTheatre.com.

December 10 & 11

Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour. See page 3 and ad on page 6.

December 10 (thru 25)

Community Holiday Light Show. Ballou Park. 434.793.4636 www.playdanvilleva.com.

December 3, 10, 17 & 23

Magic of Christmas – Stage Illusion Spectacular.

7:30pm. The Historic North Theatre. 434.793.7469 www.

TheNorthTheatre.com.

December 10

Danville Symphony Orchestra Concert. See pages 14, 30 and 31.

December 10 & 11

Voice of Christmas – The Prizery Singers & special groups. 12/107pm; 12/11-3pm. South Boston. www.prizery.com.

December 12

Spring to Green Gardening Early Registration. See page 17.

December 13

The Dr. Betty Heard Christmas Readings. Ages 4-9. Averett U. 434.791.5600.

History Holiday Party – History United hosts monthly networking meetings to encourage collaboration through history.

Each month’s meeting features different locations around the

December 2016 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 region to encourage a collective exploration of our history. Open to all. 5-7pm. Richmond-Miles Museum, Yanceyville, NC. www. historyunited.org.

December 14

The Ranier Trio. Open to the public. 3:45pm. The Wednesday Club. 434.792.7921. www.

TheWedClubDanvilleVa.org

December 15

Art @ Happy Hour – Complimentary snack and drinks. 5-7pm. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville.

Science After Dark – Check out Asteroid: Mission Extreme in the Digital Dome followed by an astronomer-led discussion on asteroids, comets and meteors.

At nightfall, step outside with DSC staff for stargazing and Geminid meteor viewing (weather permitting). 5:30-9pm. Danville Science Center. www.dsc.smv.org or Facebook .

December 16

Tender Loving Christian Sisters – Celebration of Our Savior’s Birth by Starlette Hardy; music by Millie and JC a melody of Christmas carols and sing-along. 11am-1pm. Mary’s Diner Banquet Room.

December 30

Holiday Gala Scholarship Fundraiser – Raise funds for college scholarships. Wine, hor d’oeuvres. Danville Branch of the NAACP. 8pm-12am. Stratford Conference Center. 434.879.6227

December 31

New Year’s Eve Party – Mason Via Band and Lizzy Ross - Tickets available at Woodall’s Music, Daily Grind and online. Rives Theatre, Martinsville. 276.403.0872. www.rivestheatre.org New Year’s Eve Winter White Affair – See page 17.

Upcoming January 7 (thru March 18)

Winter Farmers’ Market – Saturdays, 629 Craghead St. 9am-1pm 434.797.8961.

For more events see Calendar Clips on pages 16 & 17.

The deadline for submitting information for the January calendar is Monday, December 19, at 5:00 p.m.

Please send just the basic information following the format on these pages to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

Evince Magazine Page  19

Page 20 December 2016

24 Reid Street Chatham, VA 434.203.8062

reidstreetgallery.com FB Reid Street Gallery

DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WEEKLY IN DECEMBER Mondays Gentle Yoga with Lorrie Laming 4:30

Begin your week with a gentle yoga practice designed to relax and restore.

Tuesday Tai Chi with Wynona Witcher 10:00 $10 per person Tuesdays Urban Line Dancing with Bryan Price 6:00 Super fun dance moves will give you a fun workout!

Thursdays Multi-Level Yoga with Lorrie Laming - 5:30-6:30 Build your yoga practice and learn variations of each pose (for all levels).

Bring your own mat. $10 per session

Art After School will resume in January- call now to register!

Please stop by and take and angel from our tree.

Reid Street Gallery and Chatham Rotary Club are sponsoring teenagers, who are often overlooked at Christmas time.

DECEMBER December 1 Chatham First Day of Christmas 6:00-9:00 Community Reception

Join us to kick off Chatham First’s Christmas in Historic Chatham. .

Refreshments will be served! Free and open to the public.

December 2 Holiday Open House and Art Fair 2:00-4:00 Get a handle on your Christmas giving with beautiful and affordable handmade pottery, jewelry, stationery and more! Live music by Jim Canody, free refreshments, and a small craft project for the kids.

December 15 Roanoke Children’s Theater presents 6:30 “Seussical, the Musical” We will have a reception prior to the performance, with a special mailbox kids can use to send their letters to Santa!! And, stay after the show for photos with the performers, including The Cat in the Hat!! Tickets just $10 for all ages, Fun for the whole family!! Limited seating, order your tickets early.

The gallery will be closed from Thursday, December 22 through January 2, with the exception of the New Year’s Winter White Party.

We will reopen January 3, with normal operating hours.

Enjoy and evening of music and dancing with DJ Barry Shelton, unlimited appetizers and a champagne toast... ...and just for fun dress in winter white!

Saturday, December 31

7:00 - 10:00 pm Tickets $40 per person

Ball Drops at 10:00 pm Purchase tickets online or call 434.203.8062.

Follow us on Facebook and check out our website for more events and information…..www.ReidStreetGallery.com

Book Clubbing A Review by Diane Adkins

Commonwealth

by Ann Patchett

The christening party took a turn when Albert Cousins arrived with gin. With this provocative sentence, Ann Patchett begins her newest novel. And in fact, it takes such a turn that the gin turns into an adulterous kiss; the kiss turns into the disintegration of two marriages and many changes for the six children involved. The first chapter, set at this most mundane party, is the keystone of the book and the point from which everything subsequent in the lives of the characters emanates.

Patchett’s books are usually about people who are put into an unfamiliar situation, one that is hard to escape, and how they cope with that new reality. In Bel Canto, for example, characters are taken hostage by terrorists and are held in one place for weeks. In State of Wonder, the main character ends up living with an indigenous tribe in a foreign country. Commonwealth isn’t an exception.

Once again, characters—those six children and their parents--are removed from their normal life and tossed into a new reality. The main difference is the scope of this book. Instead of a brief slice of time, it spans a 50-year period in all their lives. The children grow up and the adults grow old.

We don’t see the actual details of the disintegration of those two families—what it must have required, the sneaking around, the getting caught. Those things happen off-stage. We receive, instead, chapters that are almost perfect short stories, ones that could stand on their own, about how the characters reconstitute and create new family structures. These are not in any type of chronological order. Patchett trusts the reader to figure it out as she reveals, slowly, the key event in the book and the way it affects each of them.

This, like so many of her books, is about how people bond with each other and feel responsible for each other. Patchett tends to like her characters, so even though you might think one of them to be insufferable and a chauvinist pig, or another to be puffed up with ego, she makes them somehow endearing, too. There aren’t any villains in an Ann Patchett novel. That’s just not how she sees the world.

Patchett has said in interviews that the story has an autobiographical component. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother married someone with four children and moved the family across the country. That adds another layer of interest for the reader. The commonwealth that this book is about is family and that peculiar shared history we all have with our parents, our siblings, our partners. In the end, however, it’s even broader than that. Patchett’s books are tales of redemption and forgiveness, of connections made, sometimes even among strangers, who end up being, more often than not, friends.

Diane Adkins is a retired Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System

Evince Magazine Page  21

Page 22 December 2016

The poses and breath work practiced in yoga were created as preparation for the body and mind to sit for extended periods of time in meditation. Photo by Clark Davis.

Meditation Moment

by Casey Molloy, RYT With the fall in temperatures and the seasons changing, we also notice our own personal transformations. Around the holidays there is a heightened sense of closeness in our communities when people come together to share joy. You might notice folks expressing more kindness, offering a caring smile, or simply holding the door open for one another. These are the most precious gifts we can provide. By extending a helping hand to those in need or by taking extra time to make a gift for someone special, we spread the essence of goodness that our holiday season encourages.

Consider your favorite aspect of the holidays. Perhaps it’s the annual reunion of all your loved ones in a central location, maybe it’s the food you fancy most, or finally finding a perfect little gift you’ve been looking for. Whatever gives you that warm, magical feeling in your heart is what ignites the spark for sharing that

feeling with others. The holidays extend an invitation to observe the changes we experience during this time of year.

You might notice you are cultivating more compassion and patience at home and at work.

You might come to realize that things that once seemed like an issue are not so pressing in the grand scheme of things. On the other hand, you might be feeling frazzled and stressed over the spending or the endless chaos of holiday parties. If that seems like a more realistic assessment of your experience, this is an invitation to slow down. In your efforts to make others happy, also prioritize time to make yourself happy. Embody the fond feeling of your favorite holiday fun. Take the opportunity to identify what matters most and let all the other stuff go. By focusing on the good things, our holiday season gives us an opportunity to bask in the beauty of our family, friends, and all our fellow humans.

Evince Magazine Page 23

How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World

by Carollyn Peerman “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be,” said Abraham Lincoln.

Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius put it this way: “The happiness of your life depends upon the character of your thoughts.” If your thoughts are positive and optimistic then you will be a positive and optimistic person.

Hang the walls of your memory with happy recollections. There really is an art to being happy.

By all means forget the past and forgive the past. Don’t go around whining about what somebody else did to you. How did you respond to what was done? Don’t blame someone else for your problems. You and you alone are responsible for who you are. Choices have consequences. Happiness and sin don’t go together. “Do right!

Do right until the stars fall!” said evangelist, Bob Jones, Sr. Focus your attention on the power of the moment. No one can really be happy who lives only for himself. Immerse yourself in something that you know to be bigger, better, more enduring

and worthier than you. People, ideas, and causes offer an escape from selfishness and aimlessness.

Be a person of many interests.

Lift someone else’s gloom. “I find my joy of living in the fierce and ruthless battles of life, and my pleasure comes from learning something,” said Swedish writer August Strindberg. “The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness,” said American novelist William Saroyan.

You won’t find happiness in marriage unless you bring happiness into marriage.

“Happiness is excitement that has found a settling down place, but there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around,” according to E. L. Konigsburg, the children’s author. Say yes to life.

Make your life as exciting as you can. Maintain the abandonment and ingenuousness of a child along with the wonder of fresh knowledge. Think of happiness as something you do. You can’t just gobble up happiness. You have to produce it.

Page 24 December 2016 Most restaurants strive to serve your meal at its optimum temperature, but often forget to serve the wine at its best.

You may remember from your cooking and serving experiences, it requires planning, coordination and concentration to serve a meal at the proper temperature.

Doing so can be conducive to good conversations and a pleasant time with family and friends.

You have probably heard the phrase, serve at room temperature, for red wine or the French word chambré, which roughly translates in English as brought to room temperature.

That word/phrase came into existence long before central heating and air conditioning, when a typical room temperature was about 60 degrees at best in the winter.

The right temperature for red wine is about 60° to 65°F with lighter reds near 60° and heavier reds near 65°F. White and rosé wines are generally served slightly chilled around 50°F. Roughly one hour in the refrigerator will bring them to the right temperature. Remember,

coldness masks flavor, so if you paid $125 for a bottle of PulignyMontrachet Chardonnay from Burgundy, France, you don’t want to miss those delicate and nuanced flavors in the wine by serving it too cold. On the other hand, if you must drink a wine you don’t like, coldness can be a big help to enduring the situation.

Sparkling wines should be served immediately after taking them out of the refrigerator and kept cold until completely consumed.

The Wine Spot

Is Your Wine’s Temperature Naughty or Nice?

by Dave Slayton

a member of the Master Court of Sommeliers

Keep in mind that a wine served between 43° and 46°F in a room having a temperature of 64°F will reach a temperature of 50° to 54°F within about 10 minutes.

So you may want to use any of a number of devices to keep a wine’s temperature near its best at the table, or place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to lower the serving temperature.

A very broad rule of thumb is to take a white wine out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving and conversely, putting a red wine in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before you serve it.

Just remember: this season, a good wine served at its proper temperature can be a joyous thing. Happy Holidays!

Evince Magazine Page 25

Pittsylvania County Submitted by Lisa Tuite

Food for Fines! Until December 22, each can or box of current nonperishable food brought to the library will forgive $1 in overdue fines (not lost or damaged charges) and the donation will help the Northern Pittsylvania County Food Bank. Pet food is also welcome.

All branches will be closed on December 23, 26, and 31.

• December 1: Ribbon Workshop, 6pm, Brosville/Cascade.

Learn to make big bows. Bring your own wired ribbon in any size.

• December 5: Movie Monday, 4pm, Chatham. Fun family movie.

• December 5-9: Winter Book Sale, Gretna. 10am-7:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and 10am-5:30pm on Wednesday and Friday.

• December 6: Wreath Workshop, 5pm, Gretna. $4/person • December 6: Homemade Holiday Cards, 4-6pm, Chatham. All materials provided.

• December 7: Ornament Workshop, 4pm, Brosville/ Cascade. Make fabric Christmas balls to decorate the library’s tree!

• December 8: DIY Gifts, 6pm, Brosville/Cascade. Make bath bombs and other items using essential oils.

• December 8: Holiday movie, 4pm, Chatham. Family fun.

• December 8: Mason Jar Candles, 5pm, Gretna. $2/person • December 15: Mason Jar Wreath Ornament, Mt. Hermon.

6pm, Sign up required, ages 12+.

• December 15: Homemade Body Scrubs, 4-6pm, Chatham.

• December 16: Ugly Sweater Day, Chatham. Ugly-sweater wearers receive a sweet treat!

• December 17: Star Wars Craft Day, 10am-2pm, Chatham.

• December 17: Grinch PJ Party, 10:30am, Mt. Hermon.

Wear your PJs to watch a movie.

What’s Happening in the Public Libraries • December 19: Story Time Holiday Party, 11am, Chatham.

For Mother Goose and Wednesday for Wee regulars.

• December 19: Polar Express PJ Party, 6:30pm, Gretna. Wear PJs to a holiday story time with hot cocoa.

• December 20: Classic Movie, 4pm, Chatham. Jimmy Stewart and little Zuzu!

• December 21: Crossword Puzzle Day, Chatham.

• December 27 and 29: Snowflakes with Rachel, 6pm, Mt. Hermon. Turn the library into a winter wonderland.

Brosville • Wii Mondays: 4:30pm, December 5 (Mario kart races) and December 12 (Wipe Out) • Needlework on Tuesdays: 10am, December 6, 13, and 20.

• Dancercise on Wednesdays: 9am, December 7 and 14.

• Book Bingo Thursday: 6-7:30pm, December 15.

• Walk Fit on Fridays: 9am, December 2, 9, and 17 Chatham • Mother Goose on the Loose: 11am, December 5.

• Computer 1 on 1: 11-noon and Wednesdays, 6-7pm • Wednesdays for Wees: 10am, December 7 • Make & Take Craft: 3-4:45pm, December 13 • LEGO Play: 3-4:45pm, December 29 Gretna • Group Fitness: Mondays and Thursdays, 10am. adults.

• Wednesdays for Wees: 10am, December 7 • Homeschool Connection: 2pm, December 6 and 20

South Boston Public Library Submitted by Jay Stephens

Tuesdays • Itsy Bitsy PALS, 12:30-1:30pm up to age 2 • PALS ages 2-7, 2:30-4:30 • Tweens 4:30-5:30 ages 8-12 December 1 - Computer Class 6pm, Internet Research December 2 - Seats with a Story fundraiser 6pm. Bid on children’s

chairs decorated by local artists, enjoy food and a wine tasting. $5 December 13 - Adult Crafts 1-2pm For more information, visit South Boston Public Library, 509 Broad Street, or www.halifaxlibrary.org, or call 434.575.4228.

• 2nd Tuesday Recipe Club: 5:30pm, December 13. The theme is “holiday party.”

• Bingo for Books, 5pm: December 27 Mt. Hermon • Knitting: 6:30pm, December 5 & 19 • Mother Goose on the Loose: 10am, December 7

• Hooks & Books Amigurumi Crochet: 6-7:30pm, December 8 • Preschool Pals: 10am, December 2 and 9 • Stay ‘n’ Play: 10am, December 21 Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free. For more information, contact Gretna Library, 207 A Coffey Street, 434.656.2579; Mt. Hermon Library, 2725 Franklin Turnpike, 434.835.0326; History Research Center and Library, 340 Whitehead Street, Chatham; 434.432.8931; PCP Main Library, 24 Military Drive, Chatham, 434.432.3271; Brosville Library, 11948 Martinsville Highway 434.685.1285 or www.pcplib.org.

Danville Public Library

Submitted by Rachel Shaw

Mondays • Move It! Move It! Music and movement program 11-11:45am ages 2-5 • Afternoon Book Club 4-5pm • Paws to Read 5:00-6pm Practice your reading skills with local reading-therapy dogs. ages 6-12 Tuesdays • Book Club @ WestoverDecember 13, 11am-1pm • Crafter’s Corner 4-6pm • Just Dance 2016 Dance Off 4-6pm Show off your moves to win a fabulous prize.

Wednesdays • Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime 10-10:45am ages 0-2 • Stitch by Stitch @ Westover – December 14 3-4pm • Children’s Programs @ Westover – December 21, 4-5pm • Crazy for Coloring - December 21 4-5pm Thursdays • Pajama Storytime 6-6:45pm ages 5-10 Fridays • Preschool Storytime 1111:45am ages 3-5 Saturdays • Saturday Dadurday –December 10, 10-11am. Bring your dad and play with our toys and games. ages 0-5.

December 3 and 6 • Introduction to Genealogical Research 10am-2pm December 5 • Anime Club: The Boy and the Beast (PG-13) 3:30-5:30pm

December 8 • Navigating www.ancestry.com 11am-2pm • Teen Movie Night: Warcraft (PG13) 4-6pm • Evening Book Talk: Lori Merricks presents The World’s Largest Man

by Harrison Scott Key. 6-7pm December 9 • Teen Crafternoon 3:30-4:30pm December 12 • African American Voices Author Talk 4-5pm December 13 • Finding Your African American Ancestors 11am-2pm • Holiday Craft Day 5-6pm from wrapping paper to ornaments December 15 • Introduction to Findagrave.com 11am-2pm • Favorite Christmas Carols @ Westover, 3pm • Mad Science. Ages 6-12 4-5pm December 17 • Family Movie Matinee: Finding Dory (G) 10:30am-12:30pm December 20 • Utilizing Court Records to Guide Genealogical Research 11am-1pm • Winter Fables with Bright Star Children’s Theater 5-6pm December 22 • Creating a Family History Website 11am-2pm For more information, visit 511 Patton Street 434.799.5195 or the Westover Branch, 94 Clifton Street 434.799.5152 or www. readdanvilleva.org.

Caswell County, North Carolina

Submitted by Erica Lowdermilk

Halifax County Public Library Submitted by Jay Stephens

Wednesdays • Itsy Bitsy PALS, 12:30-1:30 birth to age 2 • PALS 2:30-4:30 ages 2-7 • Tweens 4:30-5:30 ages 8-12 December 7 Computer class 10:30am Internet Research December 8 & 22 Art @ the Library 4-5pm, ages 5 -17

December 14 - Adult Crafts, 1-2 pm December 15 Art for Adults 10am-noon, ages 18+ December 20 Tea and Book Discussion Group, 2:30-3:30pm For more information, visit Halifax Public Library, 177 South Main St. in Halifax or www.halifaxlibrary.org or call 434.476.3357.

• Mondays: 3:15-4:30 tutoring for K-12 students. Space is limited.

Registration required.

• Tuesdays: 3:30-4:15 Book Baggers Holiday Party 3:30pm • Wednesdays: 10-11 Story time.

Ages 0-5. Holiday Party 10am • Thursdays: 3:30-4:30 Teen Thursdays - games, crafts, reading.

Ages 12-18.

• Saturdays: 10am-noon. Computer classes for adults. Registration required.

• December 3: Yanceyville

Christmas Parade 10am The library will have a float this year, Storybook Characters.

• December 11: Floating Reception – Writers’ Showcase at the Arts Council. 2-4pm.

• December 17: Teen CPR class.

9:30am-12:30pm. Registration and $10 required.

For more information, visit 161 Main Street East, Yanceyville, NC or www. caswellcounty.gov/library or call 336.694.6241.

Page 26 December 2016

P

eople are so happy during

the holidays. Regardless of

whether readers celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or some other holiday, the spirit of celebration, thankfulness, and giving seems to run through each as strong themes. Here are some things my husband and I really enjoy during the holidays.

Time with family and friends It seems so important to enjoy each other’s company, to reconnect, to spend time together. Time is our most precious commodity. We love having precious time with our families. The lines between familyby-blood and family-by-choice have blurred and we love that also.

Worship and Church Concerts The holiday season brings out an inner drive toward being our better selves, toward imbuing action with generous spirit. During the holidays, we come together and celebrate a spirit that’s greater than our collective selves. We love the church services, the music, and the spirit of celebration.

Giving Gifts It’s such fun to give gifts to children. Gifts can be activities, too. For example, I’ll do the Christmas Readings for Children aged 4-9 at Averett again this year (Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 PM

Reflecting Forward

It’s the Holiday Season – Celebrate!

by Linda Lemery

in the Multipurpose Room in Averett’s Student Center, free and open to the public).

Revisiting Memories • Going to the beach for Christmas.

Regardless of the temperature, there’s something timeless and soothing about water and its being such a sure and constant thing on our planet.

• Driving down Park Springs Road to look at the lights display. There’s a labor of love involved in putting up over a million Christmas lights and a privilege for visitors to tour and see.

• Viewing the Chrismon Tree, the Poinsettia Tree, and the Christmas trees at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Each year Ascension Lutheran church erects an immense Chrismon Tree.

Chrismons are ornaments based on Christian symbols and were developed by Danvillian Frances Kipps Spencer. West Main Baptist erects a huge Poinsettia Tree using poinsettia plants sitting on

bases of concentric circles that progressively shrink as they extend toward the top. Poinsettia plants are purchased by the church and families to honor someone. The display at IALR has trees that have been decorated by community organizations and schools. See the picture on the cover and read about it on page 16.

• Sledding in Ballou Park. In addition to celebrating with sledding, when our boys were in driver’s training, I used to take them to practice controlled skids in the snow.

• My Christmas calendar and Mom’s trees. Many years ago, my Danish cousin embroidered a calendar sewn with 24 rings, each tied with a tiny present to be opened by a small child each day leading up to Christmas. I loved that tradition.

When the Danes embroidered a Christmas calendar for each of our boys, the boys rejoiced because they loved the tradition, too. In addition, we have two small trees that flank the living-room

fireplace. These are decorated exclusively with ornaments from my mother. Since I now have only pictures of my mother and I miss her, seeing these ornaments brings her closer.

Holiday Fun. If we are not with family or friends over the holidays, we go camping. Something always goes wrong when we go camping, which is why we always carry tools, duct tape, coat hangers, Gorilla glue, screws, spare parts, bungee cords, fans, clothes for all weather, first aid kits, bandages, and a fire extinguisher. We eat odd dinners, see new things, read and laugh a lot, and come back with marvelous stories about all the adventures and repairs. I remember the last camping trip when I was raving about seeing the real Florida as we drove across the state on one of the old highways and because the night was pitch black, we couldn’t see a thing!

However readers spend their winter holiday, we hope they will happily experience the true spirit of the season.

About the author: When she’s not immersing herself in the holidays, Linda Lemery llemery@averett.edu works as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library. She welcomes your comments.

Evince Magazine Page 27

For Holiday Fun She Nailed It

We’re

by Joyce Wilburn Nail technician Janelle Gammon at Salon One 11 wanted to add holiday fun to fingers during Brandi Taylor’s recent manicure.

She turned a beautiful, classic nude look into a surprise on the underside by adding red and green color to the back of the nails. Look carefully at Brandi’s nails and you’ll see a red-andgreen holiday party. Want to do this at home? Janelle says it’s easy and quick.

on Danville!

Janet Donna Holley • Gibson Owner Owner

Step 1: Grow your nails 1/4 inch past the tips of your fingers. If it’s too late to make that happen in December, plan now for Valentine’s Day. Step 2: Use a brush with a very fine point to paint the underside.

Step 3: Paint the tops of the nails with an opaque nude. A sheer color would allow the colors underneath to show through according to manicurist Madeline Poole who created this look.

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Page 28 December 2016

Look for Christmas Glitter-Snow

by Mack Williams Natural History Educator Danville Science Center

I

have always been fascinated by glitter, even knowing full well that: All that glitters is not gold. The kind of glitter of which I speak is decorative and seasonal.

Glittery Christmas cards always seem magical with fragments of snow crystals that have been somehow dehydrated or freeze-dried to prevent them from melting when the cards are lined up on warm festive mantles in December.

A few days before last Christmas, I talked with fellow Danville Science Center employee and friend, Brian Buchannan, as he was sitting in his van addressing lastminute Christmas cards to drop off at the post office.

Brian was doing this with the necessary accompaniment of his van’s map light, but even under that dim light the glitter/snow on those cards looked like star-shine. I was reminded of my 1960, thirdgrade, school-made glitter-

ball Christmas ornament. Fiftyplus years later and under a ton of multi-colored glitter on its surface still lies an equal ton of dried Elmer’s glue, no doubt the reason for that particular ornament’s longevity. Each year, a few specks of its glitter wind up in my hands, but not to worry--there’s more where that came from!

Not long ago, I re-opened an envelope containing a yellowed, but glittery Christmas card from years ago. Some of its glitter had loosened and fallen to the bottom of the envelope. I carefully returned the card to its covering, knowing that at a future rechecking, I would find more snow had fallen.

A scientific note: If a woman’s face seems to be especially glowing during this holiday season and it’s not due to emotion, it may be she’s using a make-up containing mica rock.

Evince Magazine Page 29

Cranberries for Christmas

by Annelle Williams

Sleigh bells are jingling and homes are filled with a warm glow. Inside there are tempting smells of baking cookies and sounds of carols and laughter. It truly is the most wonderful time of year. Welcome the Christmas season! My wish is that we could all hold on to the child-like wonder and excitement of Christmas, and enjoy it more and stress less.

This recipe for Cranberry Christmas Cake is just what I was looking for to save time. It’s so easy with fresh cranberries as the only ingredient you might not normally stock. Plus, it is equally good with coffee or bubbly. I’m going to serve it Christmas morning as part of our breakfast, but I’ve hidden an extra bag of cranberries in the refrigerator for an unexpected event. They can be frozen too. This cake would also make a great hostess gift or an addition to a gift basket. Freezing is always an option.

Merry, Merry Christmas!!

Cranberry Christmas Cake (Adapted from Barefeet in the Kitchen) 3 eggs 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 8 oz fresh cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With a mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until slightly thickened and light in color about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should almost double in size. The eggs work as a leavening agent, so do not skip this step. This mixture should form a ribbon when you lift the beaters out of the bowl. Add the butter and vanilla; mix two more minutes. Stir in the flour until just combined. Add cranberries and mix them evenly into the dough. Mixture is more like dough than cake batter.

Spread batter evenly in a buttered 9 x 13 inch pan. (Make sure most of the cranberries are covered by dough. I forgot to do that on the cake in the picture.

I also decreased the amount of fresh cranberries from 12 oz. to 8 oz. in the recipe. As you can see in the picture there are a lot of cranberries.) Bake for 40-50 minutes or until very lightly browned and a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean. (I baked mine for 45 minutes.) Let cool completely before cutting into small slices. This cake holds together well, and could easily be cut into small squares and eaten as finger food.

Questions or comments?

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

Page 30 December 2016

Photo Finish

Kyle Van der Hyde, tuba player, receives the music score from Librarian Carol Ellis as Dan Wolfe, trumpeter looks on.

Dominique Shaffer practices fingerings on her violin.

Evince photographer, Von Wellington, had the fun of attending a Danville Symphony Orchestra’s practice session in November. The musicians were preparing for the annual Christmas concert, a gift to the community that will be presented on Saturday, December 10, at 8:00 p.m. in the George Washington High School auditorium, 701 Broad Street.

These men and women are usually seen on stage in formal concert attire, but their more playful side emerges in the lessformal atmosphere of rehearsal.

See more details on page 14.

All photos by Von Wellington except where noted.

For more info visit www.vonwellington photography.com or call 434.770.3553. See more pictures on Facebook.

Jacky Miller plays bassoon and contra bassoon.

Holly Lyle appreciates advice from Shayne Estes, principal cellist.

Kristen Walker, violinist, is happy to be a member of the Danville Symphony.

Gabriel Tucker, violinist, is serious about warm-up time.

Peter Perret, conductor, and David “Hutch” Hutcherson, narrator, look over ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and share ideas.

Meredith Meissner stares at the score while Theresa Fox, principal violist, plays a run-through. In the background Lynden Gilstrap is welcomed by Dan Wolfe.

Evince Magazine Page 31 The trumpet section is busy! Rick Daniels, Charles Ellis, and Dan Wolfe.

Not pictured is Jerry Franklin, principal.

Oh, the anvil! The percussion section plays some very interesting instruments. Listen for the anvil during the upcoming concert.

French hornist, Paul Manz, is serious about practice.

Wayne Barnett really enjoys his job at the timpani.

Desiree Shaffer, percussionist, gives the trap set a workout.

Kordel Carter shares his love for clarinet with Harriet Thompson, principal (not pictured).

Austin Propst is a happy bassist.

Steve Broach is ready to manage whatever accessory instrument is needed to round out the percussion section.

Jeremy Williams gets a physical workout moving from one xylophone to another as he masters the mallet score.

Trombonist Jim Martin keeps his eyes on the conductor.

Mascot of the Symphony, Piper Ellis, awaits the beginning of rehearsal.

Page  32

December 2016