Evince Magazine September 2022

Karen Williamson Speaks p5

Page 2 September 2022

Evince Magazine Page 3

Editor’s Note

love hanging out with children. While I am child-free by choice, I have friends and family with some pretty amazing kids.

Over the years, my friends who are teachers have taught me a lot about child development and behavioral management.

These principles help me plan well for my time with children, and to stop a lot of issues before they arise. These principles also help me stay calm and compassionate when things go sideways.

work for children also work for adults.

I’ve noticed many of the principles and mantras that

Summer has ended. We are in a transition period. The

I

A phrase I use frequently with children is: “Transitions are hard.”

I use this phrase with children when they are struggling to stop what they are doing or to get ready for something new.

Saying it out loud reminds all of us that switching activities is difficult; starting something new takes us into unknown, and therefore scary, territory.

weather may still be hot, but camps and vacations are done, school has started, and the holiday season looms.

There are things to celebrate and things to mourn. When you feel frustration about what’s before you and regret for what you didn’t get to, remind yourself: Transitions are hard.

Kendall Ratliffe is the editor of Evince Magazine and a results coach at www.tryonething.co. Read this full piece at www.tryonething.co/blog.

CORRECTION: August’s cover story photography was improperly attributed. Jameel Austin Photography provided photography for August’s cover story.

On the Cover: Photo of Karen Williamson by Jameel Austin Photography.

Teachers See Camp 7 Why 12 Themselves in the Wrangler Golden Girls (A Mamie and Dorothy

Solly Story)

by Marc Muneal

10 5 Karen Williamson Speaks

by Kendall Ratliffe

to 6 Letters Home

by Danielle Pritchett and Kendall Ratliffe

11

by Linda Lemery

Class 13 GW Reminiscing About 1972

by Sarracia Dalton

Adventure + Home

by Corey Williams

Matching Wine and Fruit Don’t Let it Make You Bananas

by Dave Slayton

Contributing Writers Linda Lemery, Marc Muneal, Danielle Pritchett, Dave Slayton, David Stone, Corey Williams, Mack Williams, Karen Williamson Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont) Finance Manager Cindy Yeatts (1.434.709.7349) Advertising For ad information contact a marketing consultant listed below.

Lee Vogler Director of Sales and Marketing (434.548.5335) lee@evincemagazine.com

Kim Demont Graphic Design, Marketing (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net

Content

8 September Calender

Editor / Kendall Ratliffe kendall@evincemagazine.com

Kendall Ratliffe Account Executive kendall@evincemagazine.com

September 2022

3 Editor’s Note

CEO / Publisher / Andrew Scott Brooks

14

A Memory of Phil Watlington

by Mack Williams

15 Memories in Time

by David Stone

evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly; reveal syn see SHOW

What is your most important fall ritual? Send your writeup of no more than 150 words (pictures encouraged!) to kendall@evincemagazine. com. Deadline for this and all other stories, articles, and calendar items is Tuesday, September 13 at 5:00pm for the October issue.

Editorial Policies

Evince is a free monthly magazine about Arts and Culture in Danville and the surrounding area. We reserve the right to accept, reject and edit all submissions and advertisements.

EVINCE MAGAZINE 753 Main St. Suite 3 Danville, VA 24541 www.evincemagazine.com 434.709.7349 © 2022 All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part in any medium without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Page 4 September 2022

Evince Magazine Page 5

Karen Williamson

Speaks

by Kendall Ratliffe photo by Jameel Austin Photography

W

hen Karen Williamson was building her career in Northern Virginia, she dreamed of a different type of job. But “with the reality of financial responsibilities, I had to have a soul-sucking job with an hour and fifteen-minute commute” that would leave her arriving home “depleted and defeated.” Unexpected change happened for Williamson when she had to move to Caswell, North Carolina to take care of her mother full-time.

With the change in lifestyle this brought, Williamson found a new interest: genealogy. “Since I taught myself, with help from other people, how to research family, I decided why not help others learn that process,” she says. When Williamson received a Community 500 financial sponsorship from Middle Border Forward (MBF), she could not just teach people how to research their own family but also to research local history. With the encouragement of local master storyteller Fred Motley, one class became an entire program.

That program lives on as Caswell History Speaks, which introduces

people to Black historical figures in Caswell like midwife Henrietta Jeffries and renowned carpenter Thomas Day. Williamson’s success with her Community 500 project led her to join the MBF Fellowship. A yearlong leadership intensive, the Fellowship introduced Williamson to the assets and challenges in Caswell, Pittsylvania, and Danville, while building her network of institutional and grassroots leaders. She joined the board of directors of the Caswell Council for the Arts and the Thomas Day House.

When the arts council needed a new executive director, Williamson considered the position in a way she would not have several years before.

“I’m a lifelong lover of the arts,” Williamson says. “I love writing, theatre, live theatre, fine arts, and looking at beautiful art. I just love the arts. And I think the arts give a creative way for people to contribute their talents for the greater good.” Williamson resigned from her position on the board and applied for the job. “When I looked at the

description,” Williamson says. “I thought to myself, This is something I know I can do.”

The board clearly agreed and hired Williamson as the Executive Director of the Caswell Council for the Arts. When she talks about her job, Williamson’s face shines.

“I am just overjoyed,” she says.

“I am humbled and thrilled. I never imagined I could have a job like this, with the freedom to be creative, to go out and meet people and collaborate.

To be somebody who can solve problems. This position gives me bigger tools and greater reach for what I want to contribute to the community.”

Williamson sees “a lot of great things happening” from upcoming partnerships. There are plans for a Thomas Day Art Walk in Milton that will involve a new beer garden, partnering with Caswell Parks and Recreation on a children’s STEM program, and cleaning up the Dan River with the Dan River Basin Association. Williamson knows the power of community and is not going at this alone. “People in Caswell and beyond are excited for the plans and activities. That’s

what I mean by creativity and greater good. This is what the arts council can bring to the community,” she says.

Williamson feels deeply how this position represents a new chapter in her life. “In previous jobs, I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop about not performing well enough. But this job feels natural to me. Things are falling into place and that’s how I know I am right where I’m supposed to be. I am very appreciative the board selected me and saw in me that I could do it,” she says.

Williamson doesn’t just have a different type of job: she is a different person than she used to be. “The MBF Fellowship built on my skills and gave me confidence,” Williamson says.

“I’ve grown from a project leader to a community leader.

I have confidence that ‘ I can solve this, I can call that person.’

Confidence is a shift from ‘I have to know how it will go’ to ‘I can get this started.’” And Williamson is just getting started.

Page 6 September 2021

meetings and hearing the issues, that’s not the case.

Letters

KR: What’s something you miss, or think is special about Danville?

to Home

by Danielle Pritchett and Kendall Ratliffe Danielle Pritchett.

L

etters to Home connects readers with our friends who have moved away, while spotlighting what they took with them. This column is a celebration of hometown heritage and new possibilities.

Danielle Pritchett moved to Greensboro in 2019 to work for the City of Greensboro as a government documents librarian.

She is now the genealogy librarian.

KR: What’s something you learned in Danville that you’ve taken with you?

DP: I was a Middle Border Forward Fellow, and we spent a day learning about local government and met with Danville City

Council. I learned that showing up really makes a difference. So, in Greensboro, I’m trying to get to know new people and learn the ins and outs of the city. I watch city council meetings, trying to figure out who’s who, what’s going on, what are the concerns and praises, and where I can fit in and make a difference.

Since being here, I’ve learned that no matter the city, they all have their issues. Everyone is trying to rebuild after Covid. Citizens aren’t happy with housing; whatever it is, all cities have their issues. That surprised me. Danville is a small city, and Greensboro is much larger, so you’d think maybe people would be more satisfied. But watching city council

DP: Sense of family. I think that’s because I grew up in Danville; most of my family, friends, and colleagues are there. I feel now like I’m in no-man’s-land. I don’t really know people here. That’s why I’m trying to get out in the community to establish personal and professional partnerships and closeness that I’m missing from home. I moved in June 2019, so I’ve been there for three years, but two were in a pandemic.

KR: Evince wants to support & grow creative expression in the region, and a key to that is inspiration. What inspires you in your town that you think we could try here?

DP: One thing that’s really inspired me in Greensboro is the diversity.

There are so many cultures, restaurants, and cuisines. Seeing people who look different from me and learning what they do

is inspiring. We have a huge Latinx cultural program at the library once a year that everyone comes to and gets really excited about.

The arts here are really inspiring, too. The cultural arts center is right next to the library. We have a lot of murals downtown. I didn’t use to be much into art, but now that it’s all around me, I’m like, “Wow, that’s interesting.” You can watch artists downtown making their art or painting a mural live.

For Juneteenth, there was a piece being made; it was cool to sit there and watch, to see this artwork in the process. It’s really good, and up close. It would be great if Danville had something like that for artists, a place where they can create and display their works and get people interested, because if it’s not there, people will not think about it.

Submit your own LTH interview with picture and up to 350 words to kendall@evincemagazine. com!

Evince Magazine Page 7

W

hile reflecting on the passing of Betty White, I thought about how many teachers, like myself, loved The Golden Girls. Teaching is central not only to many a Golden Girls plot but to the relationship dynamics among the show’s four major characters as well. From on-screen teacher Dorothy to beloved naïve Rose—portrayed by the even more beloved late Betty White—the Girls offer a surprisingly comprehensive representation of the trials and triumphs of the profession. As we kick off the school year, join me in recalling what made these characters great in this four-part series.

Dorothy Zbornak (portrayed by Beatrice Arthur) Dorothy is probably the figure with whom most teachers identify, in large part because she was a (substitute) teacher herself. Dorothy often felt the frustrations that come from life in the classroom, forcing her to adopt a stern demeanor and be dubbed Attila the Sub by her students. She dealt, for example, with kids who refused to find a balance between their studies and their extra-curricular

pursuits, and with the culture that perpetuated such behavior (Episode 6.6: “Feelings”). Even as she shared a house with three other women, she struggled to make ends meet and found herself in dire financial straits when audited by the IRS and when the roof started leaking (3.10: “The Audit”; 4.11: “The Auction”). Even in the name of comedy, those struggles were never minimized or trivialized.

But despite the stress and worry, Dorothy also found purpose and meaning in her profession. We saw

the lengths to which she would go to inspire and encourage her students, echoing the degree of emotional investment that teaching often demands. She did her best to motivate the student athlete who refused to take her class seriously, because she saw the promise in him (6.6). She celebrated the literary talent of a student who was an undocumented immigrant and then vowed to throw her energy into fighting for his cause (2.21: “Dorothy’s Prized Pupil”). She understood she could reach a rebellious teenager by being firm and providing structure but, critically, speaking to him with respect (1.6: “On Golden Girls”).

In effect, even as a comedy character, Dorothy was a remarkably realistic portrayal of a teacher. She represented not a romanticized figure of the heroic savior, but a thoroughly human being, sometimes forced or elevated by circumstances to be a necessary hero.

Marc Muneal is a professor of English at Averett University in Danville, Virginia.

Why Teachers See Themselves in the

Golden Girls Dorothy

by Marc Muneal

illustration by Noah Bridges

Page 8 September 2022

September

Calendar of Evince Danville-Pittsylvania Co. Fair

Abbreviation Key

• CP = Carrington Pavilion, 629 Craghead Street • DMFAH = Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main St. 434.793.5644 www.danvillemuseum.org • GML = Gunn Memorial Library, 161 Main St, Yanceyville, NC, 336.694.6241 • MSAC = Main Street Art Collective, 326 Main Street, 434.602.2017 MainStreetArtCollective.com • RBA = Ruby B. Archie Public Library, 511 Patton Street, www.readdanvilleva.org • SS = Smokestack Theatre Company, 319 Lynn Street, Danville, VA 24541

September 1

Coloring and Conversation Join us to color, relax, and meet new people. Create a colorful design and chat about your goals, aspirations, and what inspires you. 18+. Register at (434) 799-5195. No fee. 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ruby B. Archie Public Library.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area. Calling all crafters, vendors, artists, entrepreneurs, business owners...if you have something to sell we have a place for you to sell it! Register at dhale0613@ gmail.com. Show 9 AM – 5 PM, 123 Foster St, Danville.

Barn Quilt Painting Class: Exterior grade lumber and exterior paint is used. Choose either a 2’x2’ board for $70 or a 3’x3’ board for $90.

12pm. MSAC.

Ongoing

Museum Attic Sale Donation Drop Off: DMFAH TuesdayFriday 10am-5pm; Sat-12-5pm; Sun 2-5pm no clothes, no electronics, furniture accepted with appointment davidc522@ comcast.net 305.766.2979.

Wednesdays

Farmers’ Market: Open each Wednesday through August 31.Fruits and Vegetables, Crafts, Baked Goods and more. 1:00pm6:00pm. 434-797-8961. 629 Craghead Street, Community Market Parking Lot

September 6 & 8

Eat Out To Help Out: restaurants in Danville and Pittsylvania County will be donating 10% of their sales to God’s Storehouse. A list of restaurants can be found at www. godsstorehouse.org and on our Facebook page

Saturdays

Danville Farmers’ Market: Fruits and Vegetables, Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Jams and Jellies, Eggs, Honey, Baked Goods, Crafts, and more. 7:30am-12:00pm. 434797-8961. 629 Craghead Street, Community Market Parking Lot Free Ti-Chi: on the DMFAH lawn each at 11:00am.

Recycling Fun: Jessica Driver teaches how to make recycling fun by turning plastic bottles into flowers. Everyone will make a vase and three flowers. All supplies provided. $30. 11am.

MSAC

September 16 (thru 24) Danville-Pittsylvania Co Fair: 1861 Milton Hwy, Ringgold, VA.

September 17

Thursdays

Caswell Farmers’ Market: Presented by the Caswell Local Foods Council. 4:00-6:30pm.

Bright Leaf Square (by Goodwill) 2246 NC Hwy 86 N, Yanceyville.

More info at CaswellLocalFoods@ gmail.com or Facebook.

and more. For adults, crafts, music, booths. Street dance at dusk. Town Square, Yanceyville, NC. 9Am-dusk.

September 8

Puzzlers Club - Put your thinking caps on and join us to discuss and decode ciphers, riddles, and logic puzzles. Email millerm@ danvilleva.gov to submit your own brain teasers for the group to solve. 18+. Register at (434) 7995195. No fee. 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. RBA.

September 9

Ring Making: $40 Make 4 rings.

6Pm MSAC.

September 10

2022 Craft Show!: Benefitting

Danville Farmers’ Market Fall Yard Sale: Over 30 vendors. 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community Market. For more details call 434797-8961.

Fall Basket Weaving: $45. 11 am.

MSAC

September 24

Bright Leaf Hoedown: Activities for kids and adults. connects us with our agriculture heritage and helps us pay tribute to the past, while also embracing the future of our agricultural-based community.

‘Kids Kountry’ complete with a stage of live entertainment, arts and crafts, a balloon making clown, bounce houses, games

UNHAPPY HOUR - The Trial of “The Tell-Tale Heart”: Experience Edgar Allan Poe’s terrifying story, The Tell-Tale Heart brought to life! Audience members put the notorious man on trial, acting as judge, defense lawyer, prosecuting attorney, and jury.

Admission into this event includes one beverage ticket, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and live performance.

Additional beverages available for purchase. Tickets at City of Danville website. 6:00pm. 121 S Union St, Danville, VA 24541-1105, United States.

Evince Magazine Page 9

An annual tradition presented by Smokestack Theatre Company, these historical walking tours take you from the Sutherlin Mansion through Grove Street Cemetery where you will meet the “ghosts” of our city’s past. Tours are intended for all ages, but parents should use discretion. Tickets sell out fast!

KNEE PA I N ?

Sports Injuries Cartilage Restoration Ligament Reconstruction Outpatient Joint Replacement Partial & Total Knee Replacements

200 W. Wendover Avenue • Greensboro, NC 223 W. Ward St. • Suite B • Asheboro, NC 336.333.6443 • www.SMJRortho.com

STEVE LUCEY, M.D.

Page 10 September 2022

Adventure + Home

by Corey Williams

T

his summer, I have traveled hundreds of miles: chasing concerts, following festivals, and collecting the smiles and stories of strangers. I’ve found myself in ticket stubs, cozy hostels, and local mom-and-pop restaurants.

I’ve engulfed myself in new music, new songs, and new bands—eagerly chatting with guitarists and vocalists and fellow Southerners who love living in the greatest part of this country.

This summer, I’ve gone to food and wine festivals, explored small towns and big cities, made friends in the mountains, and shared stories at the lake.

But among all of this, I have found something greater.

Just six months before the summer, I was at a crux in life—

dealing with major decisions in my career and personal life.

As great as it is to travel the road and explore complex new places where strangers flatfoot with each other and share the night sky, this summer I found peace. I found peace in the stillness of home, in the solitude of trips to local coffee shops, in morning runs and evening walks.

This summer, my biggest goal was to lose myself in as many local festivals and concerts as possible, to completely unwind and find myself again after the toughest and most traumatic school year in my career. In this, I’ve learned that there is adventure in healing. There is magic in unlearning and redirecting. This is playfulness in open fields and picnics and finding your inner child.

This summer, I found adventure at home, in local spaces, with familiar faces and wellknown spots to wander. In this healing journey, in this time of rest, I wanted to create the best version of myself for my coworkers, my administration, and, most importantly, my students. Burnout captured me late in the school year, so my intention for this summer was to regain every bit of strength I lost during the semesters.

As much as I enjoyed traveling and exploring new places this summer, taking a full month to rest and recover has certainly been the most rewarding part.

There is beauty in the wildness of the open road, but there is also beauty in the satisfaction of coming back home.

Corey Williams is a local writer, educator, content creator and community activist. Follow Corey on Instagram @coreyrunswild.

Evince Magazine Page 11

Matching Wine and Fruit

Don’t Let it Make You Bananas

by Dave Slayton photo by Dave Slayton

S

ummer is almost over (though the heat lingers), so let’s say adieu to fresh fruit with a fitting salute—wine pairings!

There are fruit wines such as strawberry wine, blackberry wine, blueberry wine, and so on.

Standard wines—made from only grapes—can have flavors similar to strawberry, blackberry, and blueberry. Without attempting to delve into organic chemistry, allow me to quote the newsletter, The Spruce Eats: “The final flavor of a wine is influenced by many factors, including stereoisomers... stereoisomers are merely different configurations of the same chemical compound. For example, two common scents in California Chardonnay are apple and butter, which is why you’ll hear plenty about ‘a big, buttery Chardonnay.’ In this example, the winemaker didn’t add butter or apple juice to the fermentation mix; instead, it is the stereoisomers created during the wine-making process that give the wine that buttery, apple-smell and taste.

Two different processes are going on, The Spruce Eats, continues: “In the fermentation process, the yeast eats the grape sugar and converts it to alcohol. At the

same time, thousands of various, complex chemical compounds are also formed. It is these ubiquitous compounds that take on similar molecular arrangements to familiar scents that the human nose and brain can categorize, such as apple, butter, cherry, and the like.”

So, if you have raw fruit, what wine will go best with it? Gourmet Sleuth has some suggestions for us. For apples or peaches, try Chardonnay. Do you prefer red wine? Try a Pinot Noir with your berries or cherries. Fresh plums? Try a California Sauvignon Blanc, or if you rather have red wine, have a slightly chilled Beaujolais. Figs, fresh or dried, go well with Chianti or Merlot (Just remember that dried figs can have a fair amount of sugar). If you are having a bowl of blackberries, try a glass of red Zinfandel. If you prefer white wine, have those blackberries with a slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling.

Finally, if apricots are a favorite fruit of yours, have them with a glass of Chenin Blanc from France, South Africa, or California.

What about fruit salad? When in doubt, I always go to Champagne. Cheers, and au revoir summer!

Page 12 September 2022

Camp Wrangler “ (A Mamie and Solly Story)

by Linda Lemery

R

eally, Solly? Really? You want me to climb up in that?”

“Mamie, marriage is an adventure.

This is a perfect example. You’re not too old for this.”

“Let’s start with that guy in the shirt that says ‘Aloha’ who’s waving at us,” said Solly.

“By your own contention, you’re more fit than you’ve been in your whole life. You’re not the average old lady from Pasadena. What about those exercises you found?”

Sporting a scruffy beard, ragged khakis, flip-flops, Aloha Man was studying them closely. “I’ve never seen a woman comb her hair with a plastic fork before. Is that common on your part of the mainland?”

“I am one with my biology. Totally in touch.”

“If you’re talking about car camping six time zones away, Solly, hel-LO-OH. I don’t even know whether my Fitbit knows how to tell time over there.”

Mamie and Solly had barely let go of the second side when there came an enormous “whoosh.” A triangular tent flew open on top of the Wrangler.

“There’s a whole camping culture, beach, woods, fields, campgrounds. Simpler life, relaxing, getting away from it all.

And I want to go to Hawaii before I die.”

“Hang the collapsible ladder on the side and climb right up.”

“It cuts the cost of rental car and housing in half. I can book it online.”

“Compelling arguments. Sign us up,” said Mamie.

“Why are we stopping here, Mr. Uber Driver?”

420 Patton Street | Danville, Virginia 24541

T: 434-234-9440 www.danvillebeehotel.com

“Saves space in her purse,” said Solly. “We’re experienced travelers and know how to pack.”

“Mamie, if I can do it, so can you.”

“You’re not dying today. Not unless you insist on car camping 6 time zones away.”

FEATURES & AMENITIES:

“Let me freshen up first,” said Mamie.

“Uh-huh,” said Aloha Man. “See that four-inch-deep platform on top of the Jeep Wrangler? One of you hang your weight on a corner, the other one flip the latch, then reverse.”

“That’s because you sleep on the side of the bed that’s about eight feet from the commode.”

Free high-speed WiFi | Mini-fridge and Microwave Keurig Coffee Maker | Premium Bath Amenities Iron and Ironing Board | Pet-friendly | Fitness Center Rooftop Deck (seasonal) | Free Parking Large Apartment Style Suites Available

“I’m right here,” said Mamie. “What now?”

“I’m a lightly graying, delicate flower in my seventh decade.

Close enough for crop-dusting.

You want me to scramble up and down a ladder in the pitch black whenever biology calls?”

“Never mind those exercises. Aren’t any of your muscles tired after seven decades of use?”

Once home to the city’s iconic Danville Register Bee newspaper building – reimagined for today’s traveler.

Solly thanked the Uber driver and said, “Now you know what I’m dealing with here.”

“We’re here, Ma’am.”

“We are? This is residential. There are houses here.”

“People run businesses out of their homes, Ma’am. The resident probably doesn’t own all four of the car campers around here for personal use.”

“Collapsible?” Solly paled. “As in collapse while we’re on it?”

“Ladder. How high?” asked Mamie.

“Ten feet,” said Aloha Man. “Collapsible for storage. Simple.”

“Whoosh…,” said Mamie in a wondering tone.

Solly looked shaken.

“Sign here,” said Aloha Man. “Life is an adventure. Sign the paper,” Mamie said with a wicked smile on her face and a hint of steel in her voice. “Let’s wrangle.

For better or for worse, Solly.”

Solly signed.

About the Author: Linda llemery@ gmail.com and Steve Lemery relish new experiences but sometimes wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into. Linda welcomes reader comments.

Evince Magazine Page 13

T

he George Washington High School Class of 1972 is getting ready to go back in time—50 years back in time, to be exact.

What happened back in 1972?

“American Pie” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” top the music charts as the number one songs that year. Fashion included polyester suits, bellbottom pants, turtlenecks, platform shoes, maxi dresses and miniskirts. All In the Family, Maude, and Sanford and Son were popular family TV shows. A new house cost around $27,000, the average salary was $11,500, a new car cost around $3800, to send a letter was 8 cents postage, and a gallon of gas was 36 cents a gallon.

It’s hard to believe time has crept up on us. Where has the time gone? Are we really that old? It went by so fast, but here we are 50 years later and in a few short months, the Class of 1972 will celebrate its 50th class reunion.

Hopefully, it will be an enjoyable, joyous, interesting, and gratifying time to renew old friendships,

reminiscence, and catch up on what has been happening for the past 50 years (1972-2022). The important thing to remember is to include the years represented by the hyphen and not just the year we graduated or the current year. This will also give us time to remember those classmates who are deceased and give them a special memorial in our program.

GW Class

Why come to a 50th class reunion? Think about it—you are going to see people you have not seen in 50 years. These are people (adolescences at that time) you spent your formative years with for better or worse.

Count this as a special privilege that you are alive and able to attend. You don’t want to have regrets not recognizing in this special way a great life experience and milestone.

were formed by classmates who live locally and in several states.

Meetings have been in person and/or by Zoom. (Technology and communication have improved since 1972!) Each meeting has been very productive in putting together a full weekend (October 21-23, 2022) of activities, socials, tours, silent action, and the main event of dinner/dancing with music provided by a local DJ. Also in attendance, we are hoping to invite and see some of the faculty who taught at George Washington during our high school years.

The initial steps of planning the reunion were started by David Denny and Peggy Preston Koppel, who started a conversation on Facebook and texting each other after hearing about the successful GWHS Class of 1969 reunion.

In October 2021, committees

Reminiscing About 1972

by Sarracia Dalton

Our graduating class was one of the largest to graduate—over 600. We are trying to get the word out, so we can reach as many

as possible to make them aware of the 50th reunion. The entire purpose of a reunion is to unite a group of people who shared time together. You may have come to some of the other reunions in the past, but this is the one you don’t want to miss or regret missing. This is the iconic one—there will not be another 50th Class Reunion of 1972.

Classmates, if you would like more information about the reunion, please go to the following sites. Hope to see you there!

Facebook: GWHS Danville, VA Class of 1972 https://www.facebook.com/ groups/295780179095785 Email: gwhs5072@gmail.com

Page 14 September 2022

A Memory of

Phil Watlington

by Mack Williams

Phil Watlington.

Photo by Jeremy Williams.

W

ith the fall classical concert concert approaching next month, I thought of the most excellent, and regretfully late, Phil Watlington. Before his passing in October 2020, he was for many years the “master of ceremonies” for the Danville Symphony Orchestra (DSO).

I remember meeting Phil at a choir Christmas party many years ago given by J. Michael Grant, the Music Minister of Danville’s First Presbyterian Church at that time.

I showed up dressed as Santa Claus, and since we were in a musical setting, I playfully took the opportunity to intersperse my “HOHO-HOs” with a few Wagnerian

“HOY-A-TO-HO-Os!” While talking with Phil, in between nibbling cookies and drinking punch, I became impressed by Phil’s knowledge of world history and many other subjects.

I had heard Phil’s marvelous speaking voice on the radio (WBTM). It impressed me that his speaking voice matched his radio voice (none of that Ted Knight, “And now the news!!!!” over-hyped radio voice).

I always looked forward to Phil’s reading of “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the Danville Symphony Orchestra’s annual Christmas concert. In a city of old

traditions, Phil became one of the more recent ones (comparatively recent, since he had also professionally broadcasted and been master of ceremonies in Danville for over 50 years). His program comments on each piece of music throughout the symphony season, combined education and entertainment. He was like a living, on-stage, audio record-jacket of information for us symphony attendees, and none of it was ever dull. Sadly, Phil had to retire from that enjoyable “symphony gig” a few years before his passing because of health reasons.

particularly remember one DSO concert. I was rushing back to my seat at intermission’s end.

Due to my white hair and a dark mustache similar to Phil’s, a lady confused us, complimenting me on my program comments.

There was no time to explain, so I proudly “became” Phil and thanked her heartily.

I have sung solo with the DSO a few times. I feel if Phil had been in a similarly rushed situation, with someone confusing him with me and complimenting him on his solo, he would have done the same. Phil was a man who reciprocated gentlemanliness.

Whenever I think of Phil, I always

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Evince Magazine Page 15

Memories in Time

by David Stone

T

his organic modern clock is a manifestation of my love for my mother’s hand-crafted artistry and creativity. I wanted to design something authentic that would honor my mother’s legacy with beauty and usefulness. While my mother was not a woodworker, she loved creating art. She painted, sewed, decoupaged, and did some sculpting.

I feel as though this clock had to be created. I was inspired shortly after finding some of my mother’s creations that were made more than 25 years ago. They were packed away in mounds of storage stuff I inherited. Cleaning

out that stuff had brought up ruminations on the past. Finding my mother’s beautiful, and sometimes humorous, artwork felt encouraging and gave me an alternative to mourning her passing. The initial beautiful memories led to more beautiful memories, which led to creative action regarding a project I had merely thought about for years.

The idea of making a clock came in stages. I thought about making a large clock for several years, but never attempted a large one until I started this clock.

Working on the clock provided me with unexpected joy and

enthusiasm! Instead of focusing on the loss of my mother, I focused on her joy of creating, and I admired her creativity, skills, and attention to details.

I used a lot of skills I previously acquired with hand tools and power tools. This creation also required me learning 3D carving skills, and I made a concerted effort to remember how my mom took risks with her various art projects. I remembered some of her trials, errors, frustrations, and persistence. I remembered her authentic joy of creating something she liked. Some of her creations were cute and somewhat comical, and she often had a genuine belly laugh when showing them to me.

patterns with an upward swoop. It was designed to look like a flame.

The artistry of this piece came from working with, instead of against, the wood’s natural elements. The slab has rich grain

David M. Stone is a local real estate investor, part-time woodworker, and a grateful citizen of Danville.

The clock also boasts symmetrical circles and straight lines with the intention of bridging a gap between natural forms and modern design. The Brazilian mahogany exhibits an optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy, which creates a changing color of luster depending on the angle of light.

The learning process felt like an adventure because I remembered my mother’s joy in the process. This clock was absolutely created with my mom’s inspiration, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!

Page 16 September 2022