Evince Magazine December 2013

Chrismons Tree Page 16

Joan Daniel aka The Attic Hound Relaxing Adventures Page 24

Hunting for Treasures Page 3

December 2013 Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

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Editor’s Note

Decorating, feasting, socializing and shopping are time-honored traditions this time of year.

Need some inspiration?

Read Joan Daniel, aka The Attic Hound Hunting for Treasures on page 3 and look at the pictures of the beautiful decorations inside her store. Check out Christmas Traditions on page 16; Good Food Traditions by Annelle Williams on page 29; Cedar Tree Tradition by Mack Williams on page 28; Britta Petrich’s From Parent to Child: Passing on Christmas Traditions on page 9 or Making Time for Oral Tradition by Linda Lemery on page 23.

For a good laugh, don’t miss She Said He Said Christmas Joy Kinda by the Hill/Oldham duo on page 4 or Kim Clifton’s House of Cards on page 11.

Then turn to page 8 to read Stephanie Ferrugia’s advice in Fa La La Fruitcake. When you reach the last page, notice all the pictures of smiling people working in the downtown stores. Shopping downtown is a tradition that I am happy to say is being revived.

After all the holiday dust settles, relax with a good book (see page 25) or visit a spa (see page 24). Maybe you can create a new tradition of relaxation. Either way, enjoy every day.

Merry Christmas!

December Contents

2

Editor’s Note

3

Joan Daniel aka The Attic Hound Hunting for Treasures

by Joyce Wilburn She Said He Said / Christmas Joy---Kinda

by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham

6

Ten Tips to Childproof Your Home-away-from-Home

by Louie Delaware The Voice of Readers Dr. Jeff The Family Vet / A Very Prickly Christmas

by Dr. Jeff Smith

8

What’s Cooking on the Dan / Fa La La Fruitcake

by Stephanie Ferrugia

9

From Parent to Child / Passing on Christmas Traditions

by Britta Petrich

11 Second Thoughts / House of Cards

by Kim Clifton 12 Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Emma H. Rich

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

Janet Aponte, Diane Adkins, Meagan Baker, Cara Burton, Kim Clifton, Dave Corps, Louie Delaware, Stephanie Ferrugia, Mary Franklin, Dena Hill, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Larry Oldham, Britta Petrich, Mary Catherine Plaster, Emma Rich, Jeff Smith, Heather Vipperman, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams, Mack Williams, Robert Wooding, Danya Mehalko Zuniga

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

15 The Empty Field / Fiction

by Telisha Moore Leigg

Director of Sales & Marketing Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com

16 Calendar Clips / Christmas Traditions 20 Calendar 22 Where Can I Find an Evince?

23 Reflecting Forward / Make Time for Oral Tradition

by Linda Lemery 24 Relaxing Adventures

by Joyce Wilburn

Sales Associates Kim Demont (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net Moriah Davis (434.334.4583) moriah@showcasemagazine.com Lee Vogler (434.548.5335) lee@showcasemagazine.com Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont)

25 Book Clubbing / Christmas Mourning a review by Diane Adkins

Deadline for submission of January stories, articles, ads, and calendar items is Sunday, December 18, at 5 p.m.

Submit stories and articles to: joyce@evincemagazine.com.

Submit calendar items to: www.showcasemagazine.com.

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

26 PCP Library Special Events 28 Cedar Tree Tradition

by Mack Williams 29 Around the Table / Good Food Traditions

by Annelle Williams 30 Photo Finish

On the Cover:

Cover photo of Joan Daniel by Michelle Dalton Photography. See story on page 3.

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Meet Some of Our Contributors

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OICE OF CHRISTMAS TRADITION

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks President Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com

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THE

Heather Vipperman is the Chrismons secretary at Ascension Lutheran Church. She is actively involved in Danville Center Stage and ASD Danville Autism Parents Group.

Emma Rich is a retired Progress Energy CAD Specialist. She lives with her husband and five dogs on White Oak Mountain.

Mack Williams works as the Natural History Educator for the Danville Science Center. He is an avid walker and receives inspiration for his writing by the things he sees as he walks through Danville.

Diane S. Adkins is the Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System, which has libraries in Chatham, Gretna, Mt. Hermon, and Brosville.

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Evince Magazine

P

lott. English. Attic.

Bluetick. Treeing.

Redbone. Black and Tan. Which hound is different from all the others? Answer: The Attic Hound named Joan Daniel.

Unlike the four-legged variety that pursues raccoons and opossums, Joan has a lifetime of experience hunting for beautiful things in attics, basements, garages, estate sales and other places where undiscovered riches can be found.

Hunting for Treasures

Joan Daniel aka The Attic Hound

by Joyce Wilburn

On a recent Monday morning, Joan sat among the treasures inside The Attic Hound, the Main Street store that celebrated its first anniversary on October 20.

She explains the store’s unique name, “In our estate sales business, we see lots of treasure hounds--people who enjoy digging in boxes and searching through attics.” That was the inspiration for the name of her business and its mascot. Joan continues, “My daughter-in-law, Linda, and son, Clint, have a coonhound named Tic and he became the store’s mascot.”

Tic comes to work in Danville only for special events. “He is a country dog and doesn’t have the personality for the city,” she adds diplomatically.

Although Tic isn’t impressed with city life, Joan loves it. “I like the atmosphere that’s being created downtown and the aesthetics of this historic building,” she says glancing around the structure that was built by F. W. Townes between 1894 and1899. Joan takes pleasure from all aspects of the business. “I like finding things that need redoing and freshening them up, looking

Photos by Michelle Dalton Photography

at the beauty of the china and glassware and other items, and working with people,” says the Caswell County native and resident of Danville.

The woman who has a license in both real estate and auctioneering sells a variety of items that have been personally hand-picked: antique furniture, collectables,

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decorative items, old books, creations by local artists, vintage and new jewelry, and seasonal fashion items. What are the most unusual items she’s found? “I discovered a large sea shell and dug it out of the ground. It was big enough to make into a small sink. I also have a huge three-foot tall tree stump that became a kitchen chopping block on wheels,” she says noting that the majority of the store’s inventory is pre-owned.

“People loved these things and I try to treat their treasures with respect,” she says. Joan is quick to point out that stores of this nature aren’t usually as organized or as professionally decorated as The Attic Hound.

“My nephew, Michael Burke, arranges the displays. He was involved with store merchandising for 30+ years working first for Thalhimer’s in Danville and ending his career at Macy’s,” she says with a hint of pride. “This is not an antique store,” she emphasizes, “It’s an unique shopping experience.”

Visitors know that to be true and sometimes they just want to walk around and look. That’s okay with Joan because she understands that it takes a lot of hunting to find the perfect hidden treasure.

• The Attic Hound, 531 Main Street, is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a public parking lot across the street.

• For more information, visit www.theattichound.com or call 434.792.0969

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December 2013

SHE SAID

HE SAID

by Dena Hill

by Larry Oldham

Christmas Joy...Kinda

Well put. I never promised you a rose garden. I always said life with me Christmas holidays always make me would not be easy; I warned you over smile. This year I put up the tree and over not to marry me, but you in November, much earlier than I insisted. So as the old saying goes, normally do so I wouldn’t have to hear “When life hands you a lemon, make you whine. You seem to be overjoyed lemonade.” Not that I am a lemon with laughter and good cheer like you mind you, but I do know that living always are during the holiday season. with a collector, a lazy man, chubby fellow, and someone who knows-it-all Because it is a joyful time I thought I can sometimes be frustrating. I won’t would just take a few minutes to wish make you a you glad tidings list of all my while you make bad faults, a joyful noise. I because you know we have have already disagreed a voiced most of few times this them. I could year, but it make a list of was all in good all my good clean fun and traits, but I even though don’t have I meant most enough time of what I said, or space. What sometimes I I will say is that might have I am lucky to embellished it have found just a little bit. someone who People stop us will put up all the time and with me on say, “You are a daily basis, that couple who who will not argues all the openly judge time in those me in front of Photo by magazines!” others (besides Michelle Dalton Photography.

I guess they our 10,000 mean us and readers), and someone with whom maybe to them it does sound like we you are not ashamed to be seen in are at each other’s throats constantly. public--even though you have shared In reality, we get along as well as any with the world all of my peccadilloes. other married couple with a dog and

She said He Said

five kids. So this column is to let our readers know that we really do love each other; we don’t fuss (much), and we can be civil even when we are writing about each other.

This is the time of year that we are thankful for our health, our jobs, our friends and family and for having found one another. I look forward to sharing the holidays with you and your November Christmas tree. I don’t know where we will place all of your knick knacks that you buy year round, but clutter just comes with the territory, doesn’t it? I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I would also like to thank our readers for their support and overwhelming understanding of what life is like living with He Said.

Christmas and the holidays do make us conscious of what we share and how we both feel toward each other.

Our love is special. We work hard at making each other happy. Some of us (you) work harder than others (me). I thank you for that and I will make sure there is an extra special something under the tree this year.

It won’t be like last year when I lay under the tree on Christmas morning and told you that I was your special gift. I also want us to remember those less fortunate at this time of year and say a little prayer for them that they may find comfort and people in their lives who will love them and care for them. I am getting too sentimental in my old age and people will start to look at me in a different light. They will see the loving side of me instead of that side you always see and complain about. I love you and wish you the best Merry Christmas of all.

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

Evince Magazine

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December 2013

Ten Tips

to Childproof Your Home-away-from-Home

by Louie Delaware Spending the holidays with loved ones is an unbreakable tradition for millions of American families. Often, decking the halls together requires overnight stays in a hotel room or with a relative. If you have young children, it’s important to make sure your home away from home is a safe place to sleep and celebrate. Hotel rooms aren’t childproofed to the same degree as your own home—and Grandma’s house can be even worse. Fortunately, being aware of potential hazards and how they can be circumvented before you pack your bags is the best defense.

Here are ten things you can do to ensure that the happy isn’t taken out of your holidays by an unforeseen mishap: 1. Ask for help. Don’t approach homeaway-from-home childproofing on your own. Inquire ahead of time to learn if a hotel offers permanently childproofed rooms. Others will perform this service ahead of time if requested. Grandma or Aunt Sue might also be able to perform a few key tasks ahead of time if a list of concerns is sent. Loved ones care about your child’s well-being too, and odds are, they’d be happy to install a few child-resistant outlet covers, for instance, or make sure breakables, medications, vitamins, and the like are stored out of reach.

2. Don’t leave things to chance—BYOCG. Bring Your Own Childproofing Goods. Even if you’re traveling to an environment that you expect to be relatively safe, it’s always a good idea to bring items like outlet plug inserts, safe nonincandescent night lights, Velcro® cord wraps, bathtub mats, and the like to help make your room safer.

3. Remember to bring duct tape. It can be used to create barriers that are difficult for a young child to get past. Windows, unstable televisions, toilet seat covers, drawers, cabinets, shower doors, etc. can be easily locked. Use duct tape with a rolled up towel to pad the corners of tables.

4. Figure out a safe floor plan.

Move any furniture that you feel might pose a risk. Specifically, move furniture away from windows and the edges of balconies. Move chairs that children could use to climb onto something higher. Check for any furniture that may be a tipping hazard. Often, simply turning a piece around so that the drawers are facing a wall can reduce its chances of falling over and can deny little climbers a handhold.

5. Get down on your child’s level.

Look for small items left on the floor or in drawers, sharp metal objects protruding from the bottoms of tables and beds, plastic bags left by previous guests, drawer or cabinet knobs that can come off, and rubber doorstop caps. If you’re unsure

about something, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you can imagine it, your child can probably accomplish it.

6. Don’t let the bedbugs bite. If you’ll be requesting or borrowing a crib or portable playpen during your travels, inspect it thoroughly prior to use. Of course you’ll want to make sure that the crib or playpen is clean and that it’s sturdy and safe. If it’s not, ask for a different one. Make certain that cribs meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s safety standards (slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, no drop-down panels). Don’t use pillows in the crib or playpen.

7. Babyproof the bathroom. In general, it’s a good idea to keep bathroom doors securely closed when this room is not in use. To be on the safe side, put all hazardous items on a high shelf and disconnect blow dryers and coffee makers. If you’re at a relative’s home, ask if there’s a way to remove hazardous cleaning agents and/or lock cabinets and drawers. That duct tape you packed can really come in handy here.

8. Don’t get into hot water. Many hotels (and some private homes as well) have their water set much higher than 120° F because of the number of people taking showers or baths at the same time. However, higher water temperatures can scald or burn small children. Closely monitor the water while the tub is being filled. Bring a thermometer to check the water.

Once the tub is filled, swirl the water to even out hot spots. Don’t ever leave your child unattended in the bathroom—even when washing hands or brushing teeth.

9. Enjoy the view—safely. Hotel rooms often feature balconies, but they might not be safe especially if they’re older. Look for widely spaced bars or horizontal rungs that could be used as a ladder. Don’t allow your child to have access to the area.

Keep the balcony’s door locked at all times. Even if you don’t have a balcony in your room, pay special attention to windows. It’s a good idea to loop and tie up long window blind cords.

10.Bring your own entertainment.

When kids are left to their own devices, they’re most likely to get into trouble. Bring plenty of toys and books to keep youngsters entertained. New toys are especially fascinating for little hands. You may want to consider handing out a few holiday gifts early.

• Louie Delaware, The Home Safety Guru®, is the author of The Home Safety Guru’s® Definitive Guide on How to Childproof Your Home: Making Your Home Safe and Secure for Little Ones.

• To learn more, www.thehomesafetyguru.com.

Evince Magazine To the Editor: Habitat for Humanity is very grateful for the article you wrote about Donna Parris and her support for our ReStore (Shopping for Bargains, Decorating with Flair October, page 3.) We have had many customers shopping who have mentioned the article.

Your quality of writing is superior to most magazines we see these days.

Thanks again and God bless, Dave Distad

The Voice of Readers To Kim Clifton: I want you to know that your column. (Thanks for the Memories, November page 9) was beautifully and respectfully written. I cried both sad and happy tears as I read it. R.L. is a perfect example of a true gentleman. He is also very blessed to have a family who loves him so much. I will keep him in my prayers and all of you too!

The Humane Society is grateful for the support by the community of this event, as well as the continued support of the citizens of Danville and Pittsylvania County. We thank you.

Lisa Hartgrove

To the Editor: Thanks to the walkers, volunteers, corporate sponsors, churches, schools, and other organizations that made the 6th Annual Danville Area CROP Hunger Walk a great success (October Evince page 16).

About 350 walkers participated in this community-wide event and helped raise over $15,000 through donations and sponsorships.

Twenty-five percent of these funds will go to God’s Storehouse to feed neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table. The remaining money will go to Church World Service initiatives throughout the U.S. and around the world. In addition to raising funds to feed hungry people, the Walk increases awareness about food insecurity in our community.

Dear Editor: Thank you, Evince, for including us in Calendar Clips (October page 19). The Paws & Claws Gala sponsored by the Danville Area Humane Society was truly a night for the animals! The event was well-attended, good food and drink were enjoyed by all and a delightful music backdrop was provided by the Small Town Orchestra. The interesting variety of items donated by celebrities, sports and political figures, and local businesses and individuals for the silent auction made it possible for the Humane Society to raise much-needed funds and continue to provide for the health and welfare of the nearly 6,000 animals received at the City shelter each year.

To the Editor: I read the article (November, Calendar Clips page 14) and wanted to thank you for editing it and fitting it in. The book signings for my book, Where Do My Prayers Go, at Karen’s Hallmark and Chatham Hall were great. I am very appreciative of the publicity and hope we can work together again in the future.

Thanks, Stephi Lee www.wheredomyprayersgo.com

Joanie Schwarz Fundraising Coordinator Danville Area Humane Society

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Cherie Guerrant Danville Area CROP Hunger Walk Planning Team

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December 2013

Are visions of sugarplums and candied fruit dancing in your head?

Stephanie gives you the skinny on dessert just in time for the holidays.

What’s Cooking on the Dan

FA-LA-LA Fruitcake

by Stephanie Ferrugia Program Director, Get Fit Dan River Region Doesn’t the holiday season sometimes remind you of fruit cake? It may represent tradition and nostalgia, but it is a little nutty and not quite sweet enough to hit the spot.

Let’s face it. Do you really feel like you’ve had a true dessert and made the most of those coveted Yuletide calories after a slice of baked candied fruit and nuts?

You’re probably shaking your head no. So what do you do?

Politely choke down tradition thinking fruitcake is healthier because of the seemingly nutritious ingredients? (My dad holds out hope each year that the rest of our family will miraculously become fans.) Or do you go for the gold in that slice of red velvet confection perfection? Here’s the skinny and feel free to proclaim it high atop your roof with the reindeer: eat whatever dessert you wish!

But first: • Fuel your body with the good stuff and necessary nutrients before diving into the desserts.

Eat real fruit and veggies--

three to five fistfuls a day– before delving into Santa’s cookie stash. Best practice?

At each family feast or on your take-home plate of leftovers, cover half the plate with fruits and/or vegetables.

• Practice everything in moderation. Can’t decide between the divinity or caramel cake and thinking of forgoing Santa’s Nutrition Nice List by going for both?

No problem. The key is portion control. Take a sliver of cake and split the divinity with someone you love. My sharing buddy happens to be my precious eight-year-old daughter who always makes sure her half is bigger--my waistline secretly thanks her.

For you fruitcake fans out there, enjoy keeping tradition alive.

But don’t get all high and mighty thinking those of us scarfing down Aunt May’s brown sugar pie are health heathens. Cake is cake. Relish every bite, along with each moment of this season’s yet-to-behold magic.

Evince Magazine

Making and eating Christmas cookies is a favorite tradition for parents and children.

From Parent to Child

Passing on Christmas Traditions

by Britta Petrich Of all the holidays, Christmas is probably steeped with the most annual traditions that are laced with indescribable nostalgia.

Whether it is Andy Williams singing It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year on the radio or hanging a special decoration on the Christmas tree, it is hard to escape the emotions that are unlocked from within. Perhaps it is eating a favorite dish served every year at Christmas dinner, or laughing at Chevy Chase stringing an absurd amount of twinkly lights on the roof in Christmas Vacation again and again, or maybe it is baking the same cookies your mom made every Christmas throughout your childhood that keeps the spirit alive. The point is: families have favorite Christmas traditions that stem from childhood and are followed with utmost reverence.

As a child, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was attending the candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church. The service started at 11 p.m. so as soon as I was old enough to stay up that late, I was allowed to go. Every year I loved piling into the car with my family, squished in the backseat between my two older brothers as we pulled out of a snow-covered driveway. After

church my family would drive around the tiny Courthouse Square in my hometown and look at all the lit-up and carefully decorated trees. When we arrived home I would eat a handful of peanut butter kiss cookies rolled in red and green sugar and wash it down with a small glass of eggnog before falling into bed with a jolly, sugar-ridden kind of contentment that comes only once a year.

This year my daughter will celebrate her first Christmas and my son his third. My husband and I are full-fledged in the process of streamlining traditions from our childhoods and creating an unique set of festive activities and events to look forward to every year. For example, the year before our son was born my inlaws gifted us a traditional iconic German Christmas pyramid seen in the windows of most homes in Germany where my husband grew up. I know we will light it every year with our children and marvel at the energy-inducing candles that spin a tiny hand-crafted wooden nativity scene around and around, just as I know I will always make the same peanut butter kiss cookies my mom made for me. Could someone please pass the eggnog?

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December 2013

Evince Magazine

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Even though I don’t enjoy sending cards, I do enjoy receiving them. It’s nice to travel vicariously through friends who include pictures of themselves in exotic places. I especially enjoy those with letters that highlight accomplishments throughout the year. I lack the creativity gene that my friends and family seem to have when it comes to combining diaries and images, so I know I could never put together a cute collage of photos. The best picture of me is the one I accidentally took of my foot when I was dialing a number without my glasses. Besides, I don’t want my face under a magnet on someone’s refrigerator. The camera adds at least ten pounds as it is. I was able to do that and more...without the help of Nikon and Canon.

Second Thoughts

by Kim Clifton ©2013

House of Cards I buy a lot of cards; I just never send them. My desk has an embarrassingly high stack of greetings that my friends have never received...heartfelt expressions of condolences, wishes for happy birthdays and hopes for speedy recoveries. The pile mocks me every time I take a seat. It’s changed from being an assortment of messages to other people...into being a unified one for me. It doesn’t matter that I cared enough to buy the very best.

It only counts if I had cared enough to send them.

I am not my mother’s child. She lives to mail cards. She has a special calendar marked with daily reminders of birthdays,

anniversaries and christenings.

She spends so much money on correspondence that she practically needs food stamps to replace the cash she blows on postage stamps.

When something good or bad happens, she can’t wait to send a card. From the looks of my desk, however, I certainly can.

It shouldn’t surprise you, then, that Christmas gives me a fit. If I can’t handle one post at a time, I’m doomed when it comes to bulk mailing. Even when I’m in the best holiday mood, sending cards feels more like punishment than joy.

There’s something about signing my name over and over that signals an elementary school flashback. All I’m missing is a chalkboard so I can

repeatedly promise that I’ll never talk in class again. As laborious as signing cards can be, the real agony comes in addressing the envelopes.

It takes a bloodhound to sniff out where people live these days, since phone books mainly list businesses.

Sometimes I think I’m the last one in the universe with a phone attached to my wall instead of my belt. Even if I did sign the cards and address all the envelopes, the task is still incomplete. There’s the critical part about remembering to buy stamps while I’m still at the grocery store instead of on the way home. All told, you’ve got about as much chance of getting a card from me as you do spotting Tommie Lee Jones dancing in a tutu.

If I wrote one of these little epistles, there isn’t a whole lot from my year to herald: I went to work and came home. I paid my bills on time. Most days the laundry was caught up. After six months of trying, I finally cleared level 135 in Candy Crush and I have saved over 189 critters in the Pet Rescue Saga. To my credit, I have been quite benevolent. I have given more than 300 lives to friends who didn’t want to wait 25 minutes for their iPhone games to generate new ones.

Many of my cards have notes from friends who lament that another year has passed and we’ve not gotten together.

There’s no reason to feel bad about that. From where I sit, if we still communicate at all, we aren’t disconnected. Life is so complicated that if we even acknowledge being on this earth together, it counts. Which brings me to my plans for this holiday season. This year has been very different and I find myself needing to simplify. I need to be realistic in what I can accomplish by year’s end and hope you will understand.

My wish for you to have a Merry Christmas is still heartfelt. For those who are used to receiving a greeting from me, you will still get it. It’ll just be in a different way. It may come as a phone call. It may come as an email, a text, or a Facebook post. Whatever way you get it, the message you receive is genuine. It’s just not in the cards.

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December 2013

A �������� Friend to Fetch������������� Piedmont Credit Union’s Mobile App!

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service To encourage exceptional customer service, the Business Development Committee of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and Evince will recognize those who give it. When you experience exceptional customer service, tell us about it in 300 words or less. Include your name and phone number. Email your story to joycewilburn@gmail.com or visit www.dpchamber.org; click What’s New - Customer Service Award Nomination.

by Emma H. Rich I would like to nominate Eriayle Walker, Assistant Manager of Biscuitville, 1041 Piney Forest Road, for the Exceptional Customer Service Award.

We’re Your���������� Credit Union www.piedmontcu.org | (434) 797-1954

An unfortunate mix-up occurred with a large order of party biscuits for an earlymorning event I was hosting. After arriving to pickup my order, the panic I initially felt, when realizing I’d have to face 80+ ladies with no ham biscuits, turned to relief when Eriayle Walker kindly apologized, offered to quickly make and deliver them to me at the event site. The biscuits arrived not only piping hot and in time for my event but with repeated apologies and freebie coupons. In busy morning establishments, orders are sometimes accidently overlooked. Eriayle immediately apologized, accepted responsibility and went out of her way to correct the error.

That meant leaving her establishment during their busiest serving hours to assure the success of my event. I thank Eriayle Walker for her dedication to customer service and hope Biscuitville applauds this conscientious and valuable employee.

Evince Magazine

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December 2013

Evince Magazine

The Empty Field

by Rowman’s Bridge fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg Last month readers learned of the anguish Colby Keen, best friend of Matthew Knox, felt over the death of Matthew Knox. In that story, Dead Boy, it was discovered that Matthew Knox (son of Tim and Clarisse Knox) died at Rowman’s Bridge. Here we learn of Matthew Knox’s final moments.

T

“

here ain’t no peace but I say there peace! You say your way done n’ this world; then do it done and...shhh... you’ll forget all this, ‘cause yesterday through wit[h].

You got it?! Good.... Now pull the damn trigger!”

--Big Claude to Lippie M. in the empty field by Rowman’s Bridge Lippie, the boy in front of me was little, maybe seven or eight, a real child, not like me, 15, almost grown, trying to be a little boy again. His right brown arm shook and twice he had whispered to Big Claude that he “wonta go home now.” Me. I felt the night dew grass through the knees of my jeans. I knew I wasn’t going home.

He was so tiny, Mama, like a mirror of me scaled down in time. He couldn’t look at me, and I was so afraid, Mama. I remember the wind was mild and tasted like burnt kettle corn and car exhaust.

Tell Daddy I was brave.

Looking back, I didn’t need that money I took, and I grinned too much. I see those boys around me now, both old and young looking at the same time like worn timepieces of fate was in their too long fingers and knobby joints, no one smiling, not even the little one, Lippie-with crooked teeth crowding in his mouth. All these boys were men, and I was such a boy, and oh they all needed something, I always had. Only I didn’t know. I didn’t know, and they knew I didn’t know. Their hunger and pity tasted like acid. I swallowed so many times with a dry throat but didn’t say a word even before they surrounded me.

I smelt our difference then. Their need for better that leaked out of sad eyes.

They thought me weak and looked up to Big Claude. For a second, I looked up and away. There were trees around us, big trees circling us, and I imagined eyes watching us, just birds maybe, just their wings in nests, nests holding eggs, blue, gold, speckled white. Tell Daddy I was brave.

“Yeah, you’ll do it, if I say you to. You don’t want none of me, boy? You understandin’ me? You ready!”

Lippie, who wore a Scooby Doo tshirt was quiet and trembling beside Big Claude trembled some more. Big Claude’s moody hazel eyes changed to death and back each second. But those eyes were false. All knew he wouldn’t waver.

“Lippie, you hearin’ me, boy?”

There is no bridge at Rowman’s Bridge.

City took it away years ago, damned it up, mostly rerouted the stream. Now it’s just a gravel pit where a trickle of water goes, there’s gravel and rusty streetlight at the end of what’s just a creek. I got honor.

Tim Knox’s boy didn’t beg.

And Lippie nodded. The other boys looked back and forth darting their eyes.

Big trees swayed in the chill of that November night. Better Big Claude did it, the boys thought. A cough broke in the stillness. Someone’s foot shuffled forward then just back again. Some thought there was no honor in this.

I send my spirit to you, Mama. I send you peace. I send you my hand over my heart, the heat of breath, the beat of time against future stain. Tell Daddy I give him up as I give into the dark. And I was so scared, but I cried no ill for the living. I leave with my will strong and right.

“Now, boy!”

The hush of breath of your kiss before I slept, Mama. Daddy tying playhouse sheets to the dining room chairs.

The birds at night......nestle in their trees.

“Now!” And I cannot tell you where I go.

I cannot.... but I can tell you there is some peace.

The birds startle away into the night, calling...

And I cannot tell you where I go, Mama.

I cannot...but tell my daddy I was brave.

The author welcomes your reactions at telishamooreleigg@gmail.com.

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December 2013

Calendar Clips

Christmas Traditions Clip it. Post it. Do it.

For more activities, see the calendar on page 20-21.

Sunday, December 1Monday, December 23 Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Children of all ages will enjoy a visit with this famous couple who sometimes use the pseudonyms Carl and Anne Burke. When the weather becomes unbearable at the North Pole, they stay in Chatham and frequently visit Danville.

Visit them at the following locations: Sunday, December 1, Central Boulevard Church of God at the 11:00 a.m. worship service; Sunday, December 8, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church at the 5:30 p.m. worship service; Saturday, December 14, Lou’s Antiques from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 14, Danville Christmas parade; Sunday, December 15, Schoolfield Church of the Brethren at the 11:00 a.m service.; Thursday, December 19, Ashley Furniture Store from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 21, Outback Steak House from noon until 2:00 p.m.; Monday, December 23, URW Credit Union from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Bring a camera. For more information, call Santa’s sleigh phone 434.250.1160.

Sunday, December 1Tuesday, December 31

Historic Ornaments for Sale

The historic 1813 Clerk’s Office in Chatham is the newest wooden keepsake ornament offered for sale by the Pittsylvania Historical Society. This Christmas ornament is the fourth in an annual series of miniatures describing local history. Previous ornaments depicting the 19th century are also available: a traditional tobacco barn; the 1853 Pittsylvania Courthouse on Main Street; and the 1899 Confederate Monument on the Courthouse Green.

Each ornament costs $10 and is available at M&W Florist and Chathamooca Restaurant on Chatham’s Main Street, Karen’s Hallmark in Danville Mall, or by mail from the Pittsylvania Historical Society, PO Box 1148, Chatham, VA 24531 with an additional $2.50 mailing fee. (submitted by Mary Catherine Plaster)

Thursday, December 5 – Saturday, December 7 Happy Hollandaise

This holiday-themed fast-paced British farce will be presented by Danville Little Theatre at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street. The plot involves a gourmet chef who is hired to put on the perfect Christmas dinner, but with the chef late, the guests early and a burglar loose in the neighborhood, things quickly go awry!

Directed by Danya Mehalko Zuniga, the play starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

There is a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Rippe’s, Karen’s Hallmark, the Danville Museum or online at www.danvillelittletheatre.org. All proceeds from the Thursday night performance will benefit the DMFAH and tickets for Thursday night must be purchased there. (submitted by Danya Mehalko Zuniga)

Saturday, December 7 Fourth Annual Holiday Market

From 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. visit the Danville Farmers Market, 629 Craghead Street, and shop for the holidays. Look for handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork and other unique gifts or pick up some delicious baked goods and homemade food.

Handmade wreaths and centerpieces plus Christmas trees will also be available. Santa will be working with the Danville Girl Scouts at the pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Bring your camera. For more information, visit www.playdanvilleva.com.

Saturday, December 7 Holiday House with the Sutherlins

What better way to celebrate the holidays than through the eyes of a child? From 10:00 am until noon, welcome the season on this special children’s tour of the Sutherlin Mansion in all its seasonal finery at 975 Main Street.

Storyteller Rebecca Dellinger will enchant the youngsters from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with holiday readings.

The event is free and open to the public.

Each child must be accompanied by an adult. (submitted by Cara Burton)

Saturday, December 7

Langhorne Open House

This historic home at 117 Broad Street will be decorated as it is imagined the Langhornes would have done in the 1870s when they lived there: fresh greenery, a tabletop tree with candles and children’s toys. The gift shop has new items available, including an expanded selection of books and special holiday items. Enjoy light refreshments from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The house will be decorated from December 7 through January 4 and open Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. The Langhorne House is also part of Danville Historical Society’s Holiday Tour on December 14 and 15. (submitted by Robert Wooding)

Sunday, December 8 Swanson Studios Open Houses

From 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. enjoy a unique shopping experience when the artists at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street, open up the studios to display and sell this year’s creative works of art.

Jonathan Scollo, Linda Gourley, Tom Duren, and Robin Emerson will have pottery, prints, and more available for purchase.

Free and open to the public in Swanson Studios on Magruders Alley, previously the firehouse behind the DMFAH. (submitted by Cara Burton)

Continued to page 18

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December 2013

Calendar Clips Continued from page 14

Sunday, December 8 - Tuesday, December 24 Chrismons Tree

On Christmas Eve in 1956, when Francis Kipps Spencer sat in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, she imagined that the lights on the Christmas tree were stars shining through the branches. The following year, she volunteered to decorate a tree using Christian symbols to tell the story of Christ and His mission because she believed that the church sanctuary was no place for a traditional Christmas tree. She used the color white to represent God’s glory and gold for His Majesty. With minor exceptions, no other colors are used; materials are the choice of the artist. ChrismonsTM ornaments once decorated a tree at the White House (1959), appeared in a Better Homes and Garden article (1960), and have been discussed in public workshops and on TV. There have been Chrismons trees at the Smithsonian Institute (1978 and 1980).

Spencer believed that a Chrismons tree is never complete until someone has been to see the tree and had its meaning explained to them. A host will explain the 57th Chrismons Tree at the Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main Street, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each evening and on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Groups are invited to schedule a day visit by calling 434.792.5795. For more information, visit www.chrismon.org. (submitted by Heather Vipperman)

Tuesday, December 10 Decorating the Trees for a Cause

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, will host a festive open house from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. showcasing all of the beautifully decorated trees displayed throughout the Institute’s atrium. Enjoy seasonal refreshments and live entertainment from local musical groups during this free open-to-the- public event. Celebrate the holiday season while helping support local causes and charities. For more information, call 434.766.6700 or visit www.ialr.org. (submitted by Meagan Baker)

Friday, December 13

Luminary Trail Walk

Celebrate the season with a candlelight walk from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. along the Riverwalk while listening to beautiful holiday music. Warm festive refreshments will be served. This annual event has been moved from Dan Daniel Memorial Park to The Crossing at the Community Market, 629 Craghead Street. For more information, call 434.799.5215.

Saturday, December 14

Lighting of Downtown Christmas Tree

Join the crowd in the plaza in front of Jake’s on Main/Amburn/Lou’s Antiques for the lighting of the downtown tree at 4:00 p.m. Canned food will be collected for God’s Storehouse. Restaurants in the area will be open for a quick dinner before the parade begins.

Saturday, December 14 Christmas Parade

The Danville Christmas parade, Christmas Movies, will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Broad and Main Streets and end at the intersection of Craghead and Wilson Streets. “The city’s streetscape project will be completed by the day of the parade, so the event will offer an opportunity to enjoy the renovated downtown and the many businesses that call the River District home,” says Sam Ferguson, Chairperson for the Riverview Rotary Parade Committee. To many it is the official kickoff of the Christmas season. For more information, contact the Danville Welcome Center at 434.793.4636 or visit www.playdanvilleva.com.

Saturday, December 14

DSO Holiday Benefit Concert

A delightful musical tradition in our community for more than 20 years is the Holiday Concert presented by the Danville Symphony Orchestra. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. and will offer a wide variety of music, but with a special emphasis.

Without the red hat but sporting a jolly smile and beard, Conductor Peter Perret announces that the concert “will have a stronger focus on children with tunes from How the Grinch Stole Christmas and a musical narration of The Night Before Christmas as well as a visit from Santa.” The Danville Area Choral Arts Society (DACAS) singers will join the DSO to present traditional carols, along with a creative musicological version of the 12 Days of Christmas (from Monteverdi to Wagner). As a part of the choral presentations, a local popular tenor, Mack Williams, will be the featured soloist in O Holy Night. Other traditional symphony pieces include Sleigh Ride, Bugler’s Holiday, Nutcracker excerpts and the Hallelujah Chorus.

Attendees of all ages are invited to bring a donation of canned food or cash for God’s Storehouse and celebrate an evening of smiles and joyful sounds at George Washington High School, 701 Broad Street. For more information, visit www.danvillesymphony.net. (submitted by Mary Franklin)

Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15 DHS 41st Holiday Tour

The theme of the 41st annual Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour is Old West End and Beyond. This tour includes one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, but also gives a nod to its newest residential jewel. Built between the early 1890s and the late 1940s, the five homes on tour span Danville’s glory days of manufacturing prosperity. From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, visit two homes on West Main Street (and a grand front porch on a third for refreshments), stroll around the corner passed the newly refurbished Howitzer cannon to a house of worship built in 1929, when craftsmanship still mattered. Next visit a never-before-ontour Lustron house. (Lustron houses are prefabricated enameled steel houses developed in the post-World War II era United States in response to the shortage of houses for returning GIs.) Continue on Main Street to Holbrook Avenue for a stop at two grand homes, then off to Bridge Street and the newly opened Pemberton Loft Apartments—modern living in a preserved 1880s tobacco warehouse. Rest your feet, sample refreshments, and enjoy the entertainment in the atrium. Don’t forget to save time to visit the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, including the new Learn, Explore, Enjoy gathering space on the back lawn, the Schoolfield Museum and Cultural Arts Center and the Langhorne House. The tour can be taken in any order. Tickets are $20. Advance tickets are available at Rippe’s, The Attic Hound, Vintages by the Dan, the Ginger Bread House, Karen’s Hallmark and Haymore Landscaping. Tickets can also be purchased at any site on the days of the tour. For more details, see the ad on page 9. (submitted by Dave Corps)

Upcoming

Sunday, December 1 – Monday, January 20

Register for Spring to Green Horticultural Symposium

Presented for the fourth consecutive year by the Danville Master Gardeners, the event will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

All levels of gardeners will learn from award-winning horticultural specialists in a state of the art setting at The Institute Conference Center, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville. Marie Butler, Landscape Coordinator for the Virginia Zoological Park, specializes in earth-friendly practices while sharing her gardening wisdom.

Delivered with a dose of humor, her seminars include valuable design and maintenance tips for your landscape. Marie will also demonstrate how to create exciting container gardens. In addition, Brent Heath, of Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, Gloucester, Virginia, will address use of bulbs in your landscape; Mark Blevins, Brunswick County, North Carolina Extension Director, will speak on the topics of edible landscaping and growing/maintaining a healthy lawn.

Cost of $45 includes lunch. For more information call 434.799.6558 or visit www.danvillemastergardeners.org (submitted by Janet Aponte))

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December 2013

December Calendar Ongoing

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

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

Yoga Classes - M 11:30am-12:30pm.

Danville Public Library (DPL).

434.797.8848.

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

434.799.5216.

Kuumba African Dance – Live drumming and energetic dancing that helps raise cultural awareness, uplifts and provides a great workout. MW 6:30pm-8pm. Stonewall Youth Center.

434.797.8848.

Pickleball Play. MWF 8am-11am.

Coates Rec. Center. TTH 5-8pm.

Glenwood Rec. Center. 434799.5216.

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

434.797.8848.

Get Moving with Chair Exercises – Low-impact class ideal for adults 50+. MTH 11:30am-1pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848.

Hand and Foot Social - Play, socialize and enjoy refreshments.

TU 2-4:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

Cardio Step Class – Up-tempo, high energy class. TTH 8:30-9:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

African Rhythms by Nguzo Saba – Learn West African dance technique to live drumming. W 6-7pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

Ballou Jammers - Acoustic musical jamboree. Bring a stringed instrument or just listen. TH 3-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

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

Friday Night Dances - Live music by the City Limits Band. Ages 50+.

F 7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center 434.799.5216.

Through January 3

Danville Art League Juried Show – Works by the region’s best artists will be on display Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFA&H) – 434.793.5644.

Through April 5

Dinosaur Discovery – A walkthrough maze, consisting of a series of dinosaur murals on the inner-walls, dinosaur specimens and interactive elements and dozens of real dinosaur fossils. Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) – 276.634.4141.

Through May 10

VMNH Exhibits – Stories from Skeletons: Hard Evidence & Nano exhibit. VMNH – 276.634.4141.

Through May 17

Art Exhibit – Joint PCC Student and Art Guild Show. Reception 12/15 6-8pm. Kirby Gallery, Roxboro.

336.597.1709.

Historic Ornaments for Sale.

See page 16.

covered dish meal. 12-1:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center - 434.799.5216.

Averett Celebrates Christmas – Featuring the Averett Singers and a Community Choir. 7:30pm. West Main Baptist Church. 434.791.5600.

Deco Mesh Wreath Making Class Mesh wreaths are easy and quick to make. 3-4pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

Engaging the Mind: Children Need a Better Education Law – Discussion will focus on what is needed to create an excellent system of public education in this region that will prepare students to succeed in postsecondary and the workplace. Panelists represent k-12 education, postsecondary education, local government, and the business community. Reception 5:30-6pm; Panel Discussion 6-7:30pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. www.ialr.org.

December 2

December 3 (thru 17)

DSC Exhibits - From Here to There explores the science of how things move by land, sea and air. Participants will lift, launch and levitate with hands-on exhibits that make gravity, friction, and the laws of motion fun; Blood Suckers focuses on the biological wonders of creatures that eat blood - through encounters with live species and interactive exhibits. DSC – 434.791.5160.

December 1 (thru 23)

Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus.

See page 16.

December 1 (thru 31)

Meet the Mouse Computer Class – Intro to the mouse and keyboard. Ages 50+. 11am-1pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Anime Club – Come watch anime, talk manga, and enjoy things Japanese. Ages 12+. M 4-6pm.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

Festival of Lights - Tanglewood.

Enjoy one of the most spectacular light shows in the Southeast with giant twinkling snowflakes and holiday scenes, with over one million lights. 4-10pm. Ballou Nature Center.

434.799.5216.

December 2 & 9

Tai-Chi Day Classes - Increase strength, balance, flexibility and progress at your own pace. M 11:15am-12:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

December 2 (thru 19)

Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with oil or watercolor. M/TU - Times vary. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.

December 2 (thru 20)

Decorating the Trees for a Cause View the beautifully decorated trees displayed throughout the Institute’s Atrium and help support local causes and charities. 12/10- Open House. Enjoy refreshments and live entertainment. 5-7pm. See page 16.

December 2 (thru 30)

Pittsylvania County Public Libraries Programs. See page 26.

December 3

Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway - Trip to Charlotte, NC to shop at Concord Mills Mall and the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway to view over 3 million lights in holiday displays. 10am-10pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

Ballou Choir Rehearsal – Join the choir and share talents. Performances at various locations. Male vocalists especially needed. Five performances per month. Ages 50+. 11:15am12:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center 434.799.5216.

African Violet Club - Learn about garden tending, pest control and more at this meeting which includes a

SHS Tours – Parents are invited to attend a informational school meeting.

Prospective students are invited to shadow a student in a classroom.

9-10am. Sacred Heart School. www.sheartschool.com.

Festive Holiday Bow Class – Learn the simple steps to making beautiful gift bows. Hands-on instruction and materials are included. TU 2-3:30pm.

Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

December 3, 16 & 31

AU Women’s Basketball vs 12/3 Emory & Henry College; 12/16 Washington & Lee University; 12/31 Lynchburg College. 4pm/7pm. Averett University. 434.791.5690.

December 4

Senior Bowling Tournament Exercise, make new friends, have fun.

Have BP and BMI checked while waiting to bowl. 10am-12pm. Riverside Lanes 434.791.2695.

Basic Word 2010 Computer Class – Learn how to use the basic features of Microsoft Word. Ages 50+. 11am-1pm.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 4 & 11

Wednesday Friends - Bring a lunch and enjoy a special activity or speaker.

Ages 60+. W 11am-1:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434-799-5216.

December 4, 11 & 18

Wees Story Time – Dance, sing, listen, make crafts and have fun. Ages up to 2. 10-10:45am. DPL (Downtown & Westover) – 434.799.5195.

Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. 6-8pm.

Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216.

December 4 (thru 30)

AU Men’s Basketball vs 12/4 Roanoke College; 12/11 Johnson & Wales University; 12/16 Bridgewater College; 12/18 Emory & Henry College; 12/30 Oneonta State. 3:30pm/7:30pm.

Averett University. 434.791.5690.

December 2013 S 1 8 15 22 29

M 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

W 4 11 18 25

T 5 12 19 26

F 6 13 20 27

S 7 14 21 28

December 5

Bob Ross Technique Workshop – Into The Barn. 9am-3:30pm. Piedmont Arts Association (PAA) – 276.632.3221.

Seniors Christmas Program and Party – Discussions on holiday traditions, celebrations & memories with holiday songs, games and stories.

10am-12pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Jingle on Main – Open the holiday season with us and enjoy the luminaries along Main Street, live music and entertainment, refreshments and the Christmas tree lighting while shopping with local merchants. 6-8pm.

Uptown Roxboro. 336.597.2689.

SHS Christmas Fine Arts Program Featuring students in grades K-6 singing traditional Christmas songs, performing solos, and playing various instruments including guitars and hand bells. 7-8pm. Sacred Heart Church.

434.793.2656.

Happy Hollandaise - A holidaythemed, fast-paced British farce.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFA&H). See story page 16.

December 5 (thru 19)

Pajama Story Time – Dress in PJs and share stories and songs with a set theme. Ages 5-10. 6-6:45am.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 6

Singing at Ballou - Karaoke - sing or just listen and enjoy. 2-3:30pm.

Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

Christmas Glee Pancake Supper – An evening of entertainment and unlimited pancakes served with sausage or bacon, coffee, tea, or juice. Proceeds benefit the Danville Center Stage Company Scholarship Fund. 5-7pm. First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. 434.688.0042 or www.danvillecenterstage.com.

First Friday Art Walk. 5-7pm. Studio 107, Martinsville. 276.638.2107.

Christmas Tree Lighting. 5:30pm.

Martinsville Municipal Building. www.martinsvilleuptown.com Home for the Holidays – A showstopping synthesis of big band and Broadway, American Big Band features a 12-piece orchestra and 8 singers and dancers in a holiday music and dance extravaganza the whole family will love. Performing winter classics from Bing to Bublé, ‘Home for the Holidays’ will get even Scrooge’s toes tapping.

8pm. Caswell County Civic Center – 336.694.4591.

Dancin’ Through the Holidays Christie’s Dance Center and Fabulous Feet Dance Academy collaborate to show off local dancers in a variety of dance styles set to your holiday favorites. 7:30pm. Kirby Cultural Arts Complex. Roxboro. 336.597.1709.

Owen Farm Country Christmas Night time hayrides through the lights and over to the cabin to see Santa.

Drive through Weds & Thurs starting

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

Evince Magazine 12/11. 6-10pm. 434.685.4123. www.owenfarmtours.com.

December 6, 7 & 8

Holiday Show – This family holiday presentation with Broadway music is back by popular demand. Donations accepted for the Northern Pittsylvania Food Bank. 434 656 3637. www.facebook.com/gretnalittletheatre.

December 6 (thru 20)

Preschool Story Time – Share stories and songs with a set theme. Ages 3-5.

11-11:45am. DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 7

Holiday Market. See page 16.

Maker Lab – Different theme and art medium each month. Ages 5-9. 1011am. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Holiday House with the Sutherlins – Children will be lead on a guided tour of the mansion and enjoy holiday readings. 10am-12pm. DMFA&H – 434.793.5644. See page 16.

DRBA’s First Saturday Outing – Three Sections of the Smith River Trail System. 10am. 276.358.1707. danriver.org.

Christmas in Historic Milton, NC – Events include wine tasting, refreshments, Santa’s Workshop, and live entertainment. 10am-9pm.

Thomas Day Tavern, The Milton Presbyterian Church, Aunt Millie’s Restaurant, The Woodside Inn, and all merchants. 336.234.7366.

Bob Ross Painting Class - Complete a painting, Old Weathered Barn, in one day. 10:30am–3:30pm. Ballou Annex.

434.797.8848.

Langhorne Open House. See page 16.

Ballou Park Tree Lighting - Enjoy music by the Schoolfield Elementary Choir & treats with Old Saint Nick. All ages. 4:30-6pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5215.

South Boston Christmas Parade The theme is Christmas through the Eyes of a Child. 5pm. 434.575.4208.

December 7 & 8

Optima Batteries ChumpCar World Series – Twin 7-hour Races. This series is for gear-heads, for people who love driving and driving fast.

It’s not about gimmicks or theatrics.

Rather, it’s for grassroots race teams and for Chumps that have always wanted to go road racing without all the hassle. It’s about “Joe Average” and almost-race-ready cars. VIR. 434.822.7700. www.VIRnow.com.

December 7 (thru 28)

Lady Astor Rose Sale – Cloned at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research from one of the few extant rosebushes presented by Lady Astor to the Danville community in 1922, these rose bushes are offered as gifts when a tax-deductible donation of $20 is made. Also enjoy the exhibition on the tobacco heritage of the region with a focus on Chiswell Chillie Dabney Langhorne, father of Lady Astor and creator of the famous historic tobacco auctioneer’s chant. Sat. 2-5pm.

Langhorne House. 434.791.2256.

Magic of Christmas – An exciting yet heart warming magic and illusion show themed around Christmas. It is a holiday show full of family fun with not only amazing magic but also great music, including many of your favorite sacred and secular holiday songs.

The show is inspired by the famous Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Christianity, the real meaning of Christmas is woven throughout the show which closes with a living nativity on stage. 8pm/2pm.

Historic North Theatre. 434.793.7469.

December 8

Swanson Studios Open House – Enjoy a unique shopping experience when the Museum artists open up the studios to display and sell this year’s creative works of pottery, prints, and more. 4-7pm. DMFA&H – 434.793.5644. See page 16.

Carols by Candellight. The Tabernacle. See ad page 17.

Worldwide Candle Lighting Food, special music and speakers.

Light a candle for all the children who have died. Preorder candles at wendytf85@yahoo.com. 5pmuntil. Candle lighting 7pm. Dry Fork Volunteer Fire Department.

434.251.3482.

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops – Timeless favorites and new music.

Broadway star Joy Lynn Jacobs will join the symphony in celebrating the holiday season. And, the audience can join in the fun with the RSO’s brand new sing-along. 7pm. Martinsville HS Auditorium. PAA – 276.632.3221.

December 8 (thru 24)

Chrismons Tree. See page 18.

December 9

Beginner Internet Computer Class – Learn how to connect to the internet, and perform basic searches. Ages 50+.

11am-1pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 10

Intro to Genealogy I – Learn basic methods of research. Ages 18+. 11am1pm. Law Lab, DPL – 434.799.5195.

Crafter’s Corner – Bring current projects or learn new ones. 4:305:30pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 11

Small Business Workshop - Sound Business Practices and Tax Issues.

10m. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. www.ialr.org.

Ballou Christmas - Enjoy a light lunch, Christmas music and festivities.

12-1:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

Polliwogs & Science Stars – Venture through the world of sink holes and rocks. Examine and discover different rock types and explore what sink holes are made of. Create a sink hole and make rock candy crystals!. Ages 3–4, 1–2pm. Ages 5–7, 3:30–4:30pm. DSC 434.791.5160.

Holiday Bingo – Bring a gift to exchange and wear holiday red. Ages 50+. 2-4pm. Ballou Rec. Center.

434.799.5216.

December 12

Intro to Genealogy II – Continued basic methods of research. Ages 18+. 11am-1pm. Law Lab, DPL – 434.799.5195.

Teen Movie Night – Popcorn and lemonade will be served while watching Iron Man 3. Ages 13+. 4-6pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Science Talks – Dr. Judith Winston, Curator of Marine Biology, VMNH. 6-7pm. VMNH. 276.634.4141.

December 12 (thru 22)

Forever Plaid Tidings. The Prizery.

See ad page 28.

December 13

Just Everyday Women Walking

by Faith. 11am-1pm. Mary’s Diner.

434.793.1075.

Luminary Trail Walk. See page 18.

Christmas Ball. 7-10pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

GWHS Concert Choir’s Holiday Concert. 7:30pm. GWHS Auditorium.

434.799.6410.

Scarlett Ribbons & Holiday on Broadway - Gretna Little Theatre presents a holiday celebration of music

and drama. Songs from Broadway and an original drama inspired by the song Scarlett Ribbons. 7:30pm/2:30pm.

Gretna Movie Theatre. 434.656.3637.

December 14

Pet Photos with Santa - Reduced adoption fees for dogs/cats; rabies/ microchip clinic. 11am-3pm. Danville Area Humane Society Animal Shelter.

434.799.0843.

Lighting of the Downtown Christmas Tree. See page 18.

Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade.

Downtown Danville. See ad page 22 and story page 18.

Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience formed in 1995 to perform the most accurate and captivating Led Zeppelin live show since the real thing.

7:30pm. Kirby Theater, Roxboro 336.597.1709.

Danville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert. See story page 18.

December 14 & 15

Holiday Walking Tour.

See ad page 9 and story page 18.

December 14 (thru Feb. 8)

Old News Exhibit - In 2008, Johnny Selman began work on his collection, BBCx365. He designed one poster per day for 365 days in reaction to headlines on the BBC news website.

By creating posters based on the news stories Selman hoped to compel his audience to look into the article and eventually stir a larger interest in world news with the American public. PAA – 276.632.3221.

December 15

Classic Movie – White Christmas.

3pm. Kirby Theater, Roxboro.

336.597.1709.

December 16

Basic Email Computer Class – Learn the basics of email and set up an account. Practice receiving and sending as well as composing and replying to emails. Ages 50+. 11am-1pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 17

Researching Your African American Ancestors I – Learn how to find African American ancestors using the genealogical databases. 11am-1pm.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 18

Holiday Ornaments – Create magical, through the looking glass ornaments.

Ages 6-10. 3:30-4:30pm. DPLWestover – 434.799.5195.

December 19

Seniors Bingo. 11am-12pm.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

Senior Movie Day - Enjoy the movie Four Christmases with snacks. Ages 50+. 11am. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Researching Your African American Ancestors II – Continued learning how to find African American ancestors using the genealogical databases.

11am-1pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Calls from the North Pole - Receive a call from Santa all the way from his workshop in the North Pole. Ages 3-8. Register by 12/17. 5:30-8pm.

434.797.8848.

Sky Watchers – Observe three constellations that make a family: Cassiopeia (the Queen), Cepheus (the King), and Andromeda (their daughter).

Depending on sky conditions, see the Andromeda Galaxy. Venus will be nicely positioned for observation. Nightfall.

DSC – 434.791.5160.

December 20

Zip Line-Reindeer Flight - Fly with the reindeer as lights illuminate this night zip line adventure. Ages 8+.

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7-8:30pm. Dan Daniel Park - Skate Park. 434.799.5215.

December 21

Family Movie Matinee - Enjoy a movie, Smurfs 2, popcorn and lemonade. 10:30am-12:30pm.

DPL – 434.799.5195.

December 23

Winter Break Camp - Structured games, arts and crafts, field trips and more. Snacks included. Pack a lunch.

7:30am-6pm. Coates Rec. Center.

434.799.5150.

December 27

Adventure Outdoor Day-Winter Break - Adventure games, climbing wall challenges, stargazing in the StarLab Planetarium & cool activities in the park. Ages 8-12. 8:30am-5pm.

Ballou Nature Center. 434.799.5215.

December 30

Cartoon Crazy Celebration – Wear PJs, watch cartoons and eat cereal.

10am-7pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

Teen Poetry Cafe. Refreshments served. Register by 12/27. 5:30-7pm.

434.773.8242.

December 31

New Year’s Eve Ball. 7pm.

Ballou Rec.Center.434.799.5216.

Upcoming Events January 2 (thru 23)

Polar Bears Time Trials – Runners cover a 5K course while bikers ride a five-mile section. TH 5-6:30pm.

Anglers Ridge. 434.799.5215.

January 3

First Fridays Painting Party – Bring friends and beverage of choice for a night of painting. Explore your creative side in a casual studio environment, while being guided step-by-step, through your own acrylic masterpiece. All experience levels are welcome. Painting supplies and light refreshments provided.. Ages 21+.

6-9pm. PAA – 276.632.3221.

Sky Watch Meteor Shower – The Quandrantid meteor shower will dazzle with its stellar light show. Learn the best way to observe a meteor shower and how to navigate the night sky, identify constellations and locate other objects in space. 9:30pm. Anglers Park Field. 434.799.5215.

January 4

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Auditions - Prepare a 45-90 second monologue & song with instrumental CD or acapella. Ages 8 to 18. 10am.

North Star Theatre Project. The Historic North Theatre – 434.203.2870.

Bob Ross Painting Class - Complete a painting, Blue and Gold McCaw, in one day. 10:30am–3:30pm. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.

January 6 (thru February 27)

Zumba Classes - Hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves create a one-of-a-kind interval training fitness program. MTH 7-8pm. Coates Rec. Center - 434.797.8848.

January 8 (thru February 12)

Telling Your Story Workshop - Be guided through story telling sessions which leave you with a detailed history of your life to share or keep. W 2-4pm.

Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

January 14 (thru February 6)

Beginning Swimming – Kids can learn how to swim and have fun in the water through classes that teach strokes, water games and floating positions. Ages 6-12. TU 3:30-4:15pm.

YMCA. 434.799.5215.

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December 2013

Where Can I Find an Evince?

Ten thousand copies of Evince are distributed each month at over 100 locations. Find your copy at: Riverside Drive/Piedmont Drive/Marketplace Area: Buffalo Wild Wings Checkered Pig Danview Restaurant on Danview Drive El Vallarta on Westover Drive Goodwill on Westover Drive H. W. Brown Florist (they deliver an Evince with your order) Hibachi Grill on Executive Court Joe & Mimma’s Karen’s Hallmark @ Danville Mall Los Tres Magueyes Ruben’s Shorty’s Bakery @ Coleman Marketplace The Highlander URW Credit Union Western Sizzlin

Main Street/Downtown/ Tobacco Warehouse Area American National Bank Comcast on Patton Street Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History Danville Public Library on Patton Street Danville Regional Medical Center on South Main Street Danville Science Center on Craghead Street Food Lion @ Ballou Park Jake’s on Main Main Street Coffee Emporium Midtown Market on Chambers Street Rippe’s YMCA

Piney Forest Road Area Commonwealth Pharmacy ERA Holley & Gibson Realty Co. Mary’s Diner Piedmont Credit Union

Memorial Drive Frank’s Pizza Gingerbread House

Franklin Turnpike Area Medo’s Ruben’s Too Village’s Pizza

Other Danville Welcome Center on River Park Drive

In Chatham Area Chatham Community Center Chatham Health Center ChathaMooCa Frank’s Pizza Pittsylvania County Public Library

In Yanceyville, NC Caswell County Civic Center Gunn Memorial Public Library The Drug Store

In South Boston, VA Ernie’s Restaurant O Sole Mio on Bill Tuck Hwy. The Prizery Southern Virginia Higher Education Toot’s Creek Antiques

In Gretna American National Bank Carter Bank & Trust Western Auto

Evince Magazine

Reflecting Forward Make Time for Oral Tradition

by Linda Lemery One strong tradition in our area is quilting -people coming together to construct and sew designs into a quilt.

There’s this dance of measuring and crafting that involves careful cutting, basting, sewing, finishing. While the quilters take the measure of the quilt, the quilt also takes the measure of the quilters in its demand for the highest level of skills to bring the parts together to form a cohesive whole. What if the quilt under construction is not physical? What if it is philosophical, a pastiche of ideas, experiences, connections?

I recently spent an evening with seven women, most of whom I know only slightly, one of whom I greatly respect. We talked about important things: death and dogs, gardens and cancer, mothers and choices, flower-stenciled ceilings and Janis Joplin. We had such a great time. I came away from the evening with the convictions that 1) everyone has something emotionally difficult that they’re dealing with; 2) these were fascinating people with interesting stories to tell; 3) we had so much in common; and 4) I love life and the opportunities it presents to interact with other people.

That same day, I had several other conversations. I phoned an old friend of 45 years or so.

Geographically and metaphorically, she lives on an island and comes off every so often by phone, email or visits to reconnect with others.

She’s a woman with many passions and a deep and kindly interest in people. I’ve learned a lot from her about struggles with life, love and weight loss. I also talked with two friends whom I’ve known for more than 20 years. One has had significant health challenges and family issues. We covered the most recent six months of our family histories. I came away thinking what a miracle our health is, how

fragile miracles are, and how carefully guarded they should be. The other friend and I took an early morning walk along the river with our dogs and talked about everything we could think of.

A physical quilt pieced and connected by human effort tells a story, but so does a quilt of human connection. It tells of joy and heartache, loss and gain, love and sadness, laughter and free will, beauty and music, autonomy and support; of the twisted, tortuous, heavenly roads that families and friends travel over their lifetimes. The lessons of the metaphysical quilt seem to be more in the journey than in the outcome. The quilt that was pieced together during that long day of conversations is a work in progress.

In one corner is the memory of eight women tied together by a sharing of their life journeys. In another corner is a reflection of an older relationship and the connective threads it sends out over time and space. Yet another corner has people tied together by life experience, a common locality, and a shared love of animals. A fourth corner has a relationship that revolves around illness, family and friends.

This metaphysical quilt will be a work-in-progress over my lifetime.

In this month of celebrating holiday traditions, how lucky I feel that these communication traditions have fallen into place. Readers, I encourage you to take the time during the holiday season to reaffirm connections with friends and family. Block out the time to have some meaningful conversations. Piece together your own metaphysical quilt. We don’t get the time back. One day in the future, you’ll be glad you had those chats. Happy holidays!

About the Author: Linda Lemery, llemery@averett.edu mulls over tradition as she works as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She welcomes your comments.

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December 2013

Relaxing adventures isn’t an oxymoron. I learned that bit of wisdom while reading literature from The Homestead, a resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, about three hours and 20 minutes from Danville. I glanced over some of the activities they offered during the fall season: archery, hiking, falconry, fly-fishing, shooting, paintball and mountain biking.

On a number of days, those athletic pursuits would have been perfect, but during a recent need-to-relax getaway, my eyes stopped scanning and my attention became focused, when I read Aquavana experience at the Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Homestead. I had found my relaxing adventure. Here’s what happened: Because I was celebrating a milestone birthday, I scheduled an anti-aging body wrap before entering the aquatic environment known as Aquavana. On the designated day, I enjoyed the traditional scrub, shower and

Relaxing Adventures

by Joyce Wilburn hydrating body masque, and then was asked to lie on a thermal envelopment bed. I had no idea what was going to occur next, but I was ready for my first adventure.

The therapist pushed a button and I was mentally and physically transported to a world of comfort; the bed slowly deflated and its sides gently hugged me. I felt suspended in warm water but remained dry. Imagine being weightless in a cozy, warm cocoon.

With a towel over my eyes blocking out the light and soft music playing to soothe my soul, I could have stayed there until either hunger or some other bodily need forced me to move. All too soon, my 50 minutes were up and it was time for the second adventure—the Aquavana. This European-inspired oasis with a complete suite of thermal spa cabins was about to treat my body to a contrast of hot and cold temperatures, enhanced by the creative use of light, sound and scent.

First, I entered the aromatic steam room.

While my lungs breathed in the warm humid air infused with essential oils and the moist heat penetrated my tired muscles, I was mesmerized by the slowly changing refracted colored lights of the rainbow that filled the small room.

Next, I walked to the experiential rains area. I was supposed to use the Arctic Mist setting to cool off, but I love being hot, so I chose the Caribbean Storm option (the Atlantic Storm might have been too cool). A warm shower of raindrops fell from the ceiling complemented by the sound of thunder and a flash of lightning. After a few minutes, I meandered over to the Herbal Laconium room and enjoyed its fragrant atmosphere while sitting in a heated niche below a starlit ceiling. Sorry to say, I didn’t venture to The Chill, a cold cabin where the air is crisp and flaked ice can be applied directly to the skin.

I’m too cold-natured to think that would be fun. Instead, I skipped to the next step in the Aquavana circuit by relaxing in a radiantheated lounger while watching a moving picture of water falling over a cliff. As I reclined on the lounger that is designed to relax muscles, I started thinking about the next day’s spa adventure in the Jefferson Pools.

Photo Captions: Top left - The Ladies Pool House (left) opened in 1836. The little house (right) is a gift shop now, but originally mothers would bring their daughters to the residence to meet the wealthy eligible men who visited the pool. The current shopkeeper says she’s been there for 11 years and hasn’t had any luck yet! Top center - The tower at the Homestead was completed in 1929. Top right - This octagonal wooden building was opened to the public in 1761 for men only. The pool inside holds 40,000 gallons of constantly flowing, spring water.

It is considered the oldest spa structure in America.

Bottom left - Allowing little black fish to nimble on my feet was the most unusual pedicure I’ve ever had.

Early Sunday afternoon, I followed in the footsteps of President Thomas Jefferson and “took the waters” at the Jefferson Pools about five miles from The Homestead. In 1818, at the age of 75, he suffered from rheumatism and believed that soaking several times a day in the constantly flowing, crystal clear, warm, mineral spring water had curative powers. I soaked for about 30 minutes in the 98 degree water inside the 1836 Ladies Pool House. No swimming or talking above a whisper was allowed in respect for the tranquility of the historic pool. I don’t think it cured me of anything except rushing through the day.

Floating like an amphibian in the four-foot deep pool, I was reminded of the fish pedicure I received last June in Prague given by a school of doctor fish. (They live and breed in the hot springs of Turkey, so they would have felt at home in Warm Springs, Virginia.) That simple 20-minute pedicure included a foot wash and the placement of my feet in an aquarium of epidermis-eating small black fish. I have since learned that fish pedicures are banned in the United States for health reasons, but I survived and won’t do it again. The thrill of fish swimming between my toes and tickling my feet doesn’t need to be repeated. On the other hand, the Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Omni Homestead Resort is calling my name and I hope to answer very, very soon.

• Native Americans used the waters at Hot Springs to rejuvenate themselves.

• An 18-room wooden hotel was completed at the site in 1766. In 1901, a fire burned the entire resort, but it was rebuilt in 1902.

For more information, visit www.theomnihomestead.com

Evince Magazine

Book Clubbing A review by Diane Adkins Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System

Christmas Mourning

by Margaret Maron

The holiday season can often be a slow one at the library. People are busy shopping and spending time with family, so reading can be bumped farther down the list. That’s a shame. In the mad rush that December has become for so many people, taking time off to read can bring an oasis of sanity and quiet to our days. If that’s just escapism, so be it. I freely confess I need a bit of that to see me through all the cooking, decorating and gathering that are a part of my family’s holiday celebrations. When it’s finally time to stop for the day, a good mystery novel is just what I want to help me put the to-do lists aside.

Some mystery writers seem to have a particular fondness for Christmas and have written books that are especially fun to read in December. Anne Perry has written 11 Christmas novels set in Victorian England; there are stand-alone books by Joan Hess, Jane Haddam, and Jane Langton that have Christmas themes. C. C. Benison has a Father Tom Christmas mystery series that, though not all are set around the holidays, they take their titles from the well-known song The Twelve Days of Christmas. But my favorite Christmas mystery is part of a series of books written by North Carolina author Margaret Maron.

Maron’s entire set of Deborah Knott mysteries are set in North Carolina and most of them take place in areas very familiar to many people in our region—the High Point Furniture Market, the Seagrove area potteries, and Wrightsville Beach. That’s part of their appeal here, undoubtedly. But beyond that, Maron writes so well and creates such well-drawn, three dimensional characters, that her books pull you right into their worlds. You can read them quickly and that makes them perfect for a little holiday escapism.

Two in the series are Christmas books: Rituals of the Season and Christmas Mourning. Christmas Mourning features the extended Knott clan—Deborah’s ex-bootlegging (or is he ex?) father, her 11 brothers and half-brothers and a host of nieces and nephews so vast that Maron includes a family tree in the front of the book. The plot revolves around the death of a high school cheerleader in a car accident that is suspicious and the murder of two brothers. The mysteries are solved satisfactorily, but it’s the family relationships that the reader will remember. Set in fictional Colleton County, the North Carolina holiday traditions as well as the authentic down-East dialect of some of the characters add another layer of delight for any Southern reader.

Stop by the library and connect with a Christmas mystery that will make your never-ending lists of tasks fade into the background, at least for an hour or two.

Diane Adkins is the Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System, with branches in Brosville, Chatham, Gretna and Mt. Hermon, as well as a History Research Center and Library in Chatham, and a bookmobile with stops all over the county. For more information, visit www.pcplib.org Send information about what you or your book club is reading to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

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December 2013

What’s Happening in the Pittsylvania County Public Libraries READING PROGRAMS:

• Preschool Early Literacy Programs: Mother Goose on the Loose—Chatham, each Monday morning at 11:30 a.m; Wednesdays for Wees: Chatham, Gretna, Mt. Hermon and Brosville/Cascade, 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday morning.

• Special Holiday Edition of Wednesdays for Wees: Wednesday, December 11, 10:00 a.m., Gretna • Special Story Time: Thursday, December 19, 4:00 p.m. Holiday Cheer, Gretna • Family Story Time: Thursday, December 5 and 12, 4:00 p.m., Mt. Hermon • Lighting of the Children’s Area Lights: Monday, December 9, 4:00 p.m., Gretna • Pin a Heart on the Grinch: Friday, December 13, all day, Gretna • Read to Wrangell and Friends: Mondays, December 2 and 9, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Gretna • Second Thursday Book Discussion Group: Thursday, December 12, 4:00 p.m., Chatham; discussing The Reconciling Community by Charles H. Warnock. Dr. Warnock will lead the discussion.

• Book Talk and Tea: Friday, December 13, noon, Brosville/Cascade.

HEALTH PROGRAMS:

• Blood Pressure Checks: Gretna: Mondays from 10 until noon; Mt. Hermon: Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m.; Brosville: Thursdays 10 until noon; Chatham: Thursdays 1-3 p.m.

• Help with the Affordable Care Act: Program presented by Amber Poron, Health Insurance Navigator for this region. Monday, December 16, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., History Research Center and Library in Chatham.

COMPUTER CLASSES:

• Individual Help: Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Chatham.

FILM PROGRAMS:

• Movies in December: Monday, December, 7, 5:30 p.m., Super Buddies, Chatham; Saturday, December 14, 10:00 a.m. The Polar Express, Gretna; Tuesday, December 17, 4:00 p.m., How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Gretna; Friday, December 20, 1:00 p.m., movie TBD, Brosville; Saturday, December 21, Teen Movie—The Mortal Instruments— City of Bones, 2:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon

ART AND CRAFT PROGRAMS:

• Knitting: Monday, December 2 and 16, 6:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon; Learn to Knit, Thursday, December 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Gretna; Thursday, December 12, 11:00 a.m., Brosville/Cascade • Crochet: Tuesday, December 3, 10, and 17 at 10:00 a.m., Brosville/Cascade; Wednesday, December 11, 1:00-3:00, Chatham • Cinnamon Ornament Craft: Wednesday, December 4, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Gretna • Ornament Workshop: Thursday, December 5, 4:00-7:30 p.m., Brosville/Cascade • Reindeer Ornament Craft: Tuesday, December 10, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Gretna • Art Class: Wednesday, December 11, 4:00 p.m., Chatham—ages 6-11 • Candy Cane Mice Drop-in Craft: Thursday, December 12, all day, Gretna • Make and Take Craft: Thursday, December 12, all day, Chatham • Holiday Card Craft: Monday, December 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Gretna • Cookie Swap: Tuesday, December 17, 11:00 a.m., Brosville • Book Page Ornaments: Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon—ages 12+ • Gift making: Thursday, December 19, 4:00-7:30 p.m., Brosville • Handprint Snowman Ornaments: Thursday, December 19, 4:00 p.m., Mt. Hermon

GAMING PROGRAMS:

• LEGO Club, December 14, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Hermon

SCIENCE PROGRAMS:

• Science Club, December 10, 5:30-6:30, Chatham For information about any of these programs, email info@pcplib.org, call your local branch library, or visit www.pcplib.org.

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Evince Magazine

Education Station Time for a Reboot

5 Winter Break Tips to Charge Up Your Study Skills Winter break provides children with a chance to decompress from school and activities, but it is also the perfect time to bolster study skills and boost academic success for the second half of the school year. Without the pressure of school, winter break is a great time for parents and children to assess the first half of the school year. It is also an ideal opportunity to review how your children are approaching homework and studying, and reinforce more of their study skills as work becomes more demanding in the second half of the school year.

Here are five simple tips for parents to help their students tackle studies more efficiently and effectively in the new year: 1. Planners are a sanity saver. Time management is tricky for everyone, especially children. Making sure a student has one central place like a log sheet or calendar to track major deadlines, due dates, events and extracurricular activities will help the student visualize the coming week, manage time efficiently and stay on schedule.

2. Breaking it down is a good thing. When it comes to major tests or big projects, there is nothing worse than not knowing where to start. Knowing when to take a deep breath, step back and break a daunting undertaking into smaller, more manageable tasks is a key skill. For example, studying for a giant math final suddenly becomes more doable if a student lists all the concepts in the test and reviews them one at a time.

3. Organization is a must. By becoming disciplined at keeping reading materials and notes in logical order, students can find what they need right away, cut down on time spent tracking down things and increase time spent actually studying.

4. Taking good notes matters. It helps keep kids’ grades up, especially in middle or high school. Parents can help children learn to boil down information into note-like form by encouraging them to pick out main ideas in conversations, news reports, church sermons or magazine articles.

5. Study like clockwork. The most successful test-takers don’t cram the night before.

Students will do their best on tests when they regularly review the information every day at home. Having children work with friends to study or in small groups outside of school is a great way to encourage this.

Children are not born with study skills. Like most other academic skills, study skills are learned. The good news is parents can teach their children some simple and effective guidelines and techniques that will help them understand and retain information, unravel complex ideas and feel confident and prepared when test days roll around.

Sylvan Learning’s professional tutors have over 30 years of experience in helping children acquire and improve their study skills. To learn more about how Sylvan helps students of all ages build their study skills, contact Thomas Jennings at Sylvan Learning,165 Holt Garrison Parkway, or call 434.799.6900.

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READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, TEST-TAKING, COLLEGE PREP AND MORE!

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December 2013

Seeing the artificial Fraser fir Christmas trees at Lowe’s the other day, I thought back to my childhood preference: real cedar. The backyard of my youth graded into a deep forest, seemingly stretching for many miles, but boyhood forest miles always seem longer.

At a distance, it was visually impenetrable, but my exploring feet brought it up close and personal. Wonders abounded besides the trees: mosses, ferns, toadstools, granite boulders, decomposing stumps with associated beetles, an occasional snake, and every now and then the scattered bones of a bird, or life’s memento, the single feather.

My solitary wanderings there were joined by my father and brother about a week before Christmas. Far back in the forest was an area where cedar trees predominated. In that place, there was a hush caused by the muffling quality of a surrounding rug of brown needles. The quiet was almost sacred and thinking back, I kind of understand the tree worshipers of prehistory.

Brought home, the cedar was

“star-point” bulbs. I know that the Fraser fir and its kindred are more pleasing to the geometry-tuned eye, but what bothers me about them is that many don’t leave anything to the imagination. They can be seen through, or rather, the space between their branches can.

Cedar Tree Tradition

by Mack Williams then decorated with glass balls, icicles, and those old-style bigbulb lights (some of which I saw

downtown in the window of The Attic Hound.) This was before fashion later dictated the use of

As a youngster, I would turn off the living room light and stare into what resembled little illuminated caves made by each of those jumbo-size bulbs. I imagined the woodland creatures for whom that tree might once have been home. Because I couldn’t look past the depths of those little hollows, the visually impenetrable distance of the forest had virtually come inside.

Once, I didn’t need to imagine, as the stove’s heat caused an unseen praying-mantis egg case to hatch, making the tree move with lightgreen life.

You can try my old childhood pastime in front of your Christmas tree too, but you should be warned. If yours is anything other than a cedar, don’t look too hard, because your imagination will run up against a wall, literally.

Evince Magazine

Good Food Traditions

by Annelle Williams

In the November issue of Southern Living there was a sweet little story about one family’s traditional Thanksgiving meal and in particular their cranberry salad. According to the story the salad was awful, but they kept making it for the sake of tradition. At first it was funny, but then I felt the hair on my neck standing up and realized I was taking offense.

Our family has a traditional cranberry salad. We love it so much we have it for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mama has been making it for as long as I can remember. I’ve pitched in a time or two, but it’s never quite the same as when she meticulously cleans, peels, chops and measures. Our cranberry salad even has its own special serving dish we’ve been using for years. So when I read the article making fun of cranberry salad, I was a little miffed until I got to the part about chopping the marshmallows.

Marshmallows? No wonder it was awful! Our recipe contains fresh fruits and nuts along with celery and it’s delicious. If you have an awful cranberry salad or maybe no cranberry recipe at all, try this one. It could become part of your holiday tradition. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Holiday Cranberry Salad 2 (3oz.) packages of cranberry or black cherry Jell-O 1 (3oz.) package of lemon Jell-O 3 cups boiling water 2 (15oz.) cans whole berry cranberry sauce

1 1⁄2 cups chopped pecans 1 cup chopped celery 2 large apples, cored and chopped zest of one orange pulp of orange, chopped

Add 3 cups of boiling water to gelatin and stir until dissolved. Add the cranberry sauce and stir until combined. Pour mixture into a mediumsized bowl and refrigerate until gelatin begins to thicken. Remove from refrigerator and fold in pecans, celery, apples, orange and zest.

When thoroughly mixed, pour into serving dish, cover with plastic wrap and return to refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. This is a great dish to make a day or two ahead.

For more pictures and recipes, visit my blog: http://aroundannellestable.blogspot.com.

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December 2013

Photo Finish

Bill Wellbank is the watchmaker & Merchandise Manager at Commonwealth Watch Werks, 603 Main Street.

Evince Photographer Von Wellington, strolled downtown Danville’s Main Street and found these friendly people working to make life pleasant for their customers.

They look forward to seeing many shoppers over the next few weeks.

To learn more, visit www.vonwellingtonphotography.com or call 434.770.3553.

The staff at Commonwealth Silver & Goldsmiths, 601 Main Street, includes: Jewelry Manager, Brent Helms; Operations Manager, Leilani Cochran; Goldsmith & Sales Associate, Nathan Cunningham.

The baristas at Main Street Coffee Emporium, 547 Main Street, Rachel Boaz, Rachel Royster, and Brandon Hopper can brighten your day with a perfect cup of coffee.

Working on the Main Street lights are Michael Wade and Joe Andrews with Danville Utilities.

At 541 Main Street, Lea’s Barber Shop owner and operator, Tommy Lea (right), trims Bill Leopold’s hair (Bill is the cook at Main Street Coffee Emporium) while barber Gater Edmunds supervises.

The owner of New Image Hair Designs, 539 Main Street, Sharon Dixon-Lea has her nails done by nail technician, Tarnisha Averette.

Xinia West of Xinia’s Fashion Design & Alterations, 535A Main Street, can repair or make clothing.

The owner of Jackie’s Beauty Supply, 423 Main Street, Jackie Tanksley (middle), poses with sales associates Judy Echols and Phoenix Pak.

Evince Magazine

Myong Chaney, owner of Love Wig at 434 Main Street, welcomes customers.

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Jerry Amburn of Amburn & Company Salon & Spa on Main, is surrounded by beautiful décor at 209 Main Street.

Adam Jones, owner of The Brick at 410 A Main Street, and Assistant Manager, Phyllis Bickford , test their equipment.

Lou’s Antiques owner, Robert Ogden, meets Santa at 225 Main Street.

The staff at Dell Anno’s Pizza Kitchen, 316 Main Street, prepares for the lunch crowd: Aldo Alcala, Brittany Johnson, Christian Harris, Chris Gillespie, Michael Gillespie.

Robin Jones, owner of Vintages by the Dan, 312 Main Street, prepares for the Saturday wine tastings.

Making sure everything is perfect at Rippe’s 100 Years of Fashion are: President Ben Rippe, associate Susan Pritchett; Area Sales Manager Michelle Foster.

The crew at Jake’s on Main, 215 Main Street (near the fountain that is under construction), pauses for a minute before the dinner crowd arrives: Bartender and Front End Manager, Michael Newman; owners Connie and Jake Eckman; Expo/Assistant Chef, Naomi Muso; Chef Terrell Wood, and server Stacie Hinton

Shelley Blackwell and Audrey Pearson, owners of Chestnut Lane at 310 Main Street, spruce up another piece of furniture with a coat of paint.