evince magazine november 2011

Back on the TrackPage 7

Thomas Day & Cosby Home Tours

Calendar Clips 8

Your Fitness BlueprintPage 4

Janet Roberson: Writing a Blank Check for Her CountryAngela Billingsley: Not a Typical DAV

Janet Roberson: Writing a Blank Check for Her CountryAngela Billingsley: Not a Typical DAV

November 2011

PublisherAndrew Scott Brooks

EditorJoyce Wilburn

[email protected](434.799.3160)

Associate EditorLarry G. Aaron


Contributing WritersJulie Allen, Kim Clifton, Betty Davenport, Debra Dodson, Frank Fox, Joe Graves, Dave Gluhareff, Dena Hill, Chris Jones,

Vickie Jones, Telisha Moore Leigg,Linda Lemery, Larry Oldham,

Susan Paynter, Melanie Vaughn,Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams

Business ManagerPaul Seiple

[email protected](1.877.638.8685)

Sales ManagerLarry Oldham


Sales AssociatesKim Demont (434.792.0612)[email protected]

Art & Production DirectorDemont Design (Kim Demont)

evince\i-’vin(t)s\1: to constitute outward evidence of

2: to display clearly: revealsyn see SHOW

Editorial Policies:eVince is a monthly news magazine coveringthe arts, entertainment, education, economicdevelopment, and lifestyle in Danville and thesurrounding areas. We print and distributeeVince free of charge due entirely to thegenerosity of our advertisers. In our pagesappear views from across the social spectrum.They do not necessarily reflect the views of thepublisher. We reserve the right to accept, reject,and edit all submissions and advertisements.

EVINCE MAGAZINE753 Main Street Suite 3

Danville, VA 24541www.evincemagazine.com

© 2011 All rights reserved.Reproduction or use in whole or in part in any

medium without written permission of thepublisher is strictly prohibited.

THE OICE OF GRATITUDE

For Subscriptions,call 1.877.638.8685 ext. 6.

Deadline for submission of December stories, articles, ads, and calendar itemsis on Wednesday, November 16, at 5 p.m.

Submit stories and articles to:[email protected] calendar items to:

[email protected] ad information contact a salesassociate or sales manager above.

Meet Some of Our Writers

Joe Graves is the Halifax County Historical Society Tour Chairman and a board member of the Thomas Day House/Union Tavern Restoration.

Vickie Jones is a retired teacher. She taught Latin & mathematics in the Danville Public Schools. Currently, she works part-time in the Academic Success Center of Danville Community College.

On the Cover:Photo of Janet Roberson and Angela Billingsley by Michelle Dalton.See stories on pages 3 and 5.

See the November Issue of Showcase MagazineFeaturing The Church Sisters.

Editor’s NoteTo soothe the war-weary country, the President declared a national day of thanksgiving. Obama? Iraq? Afghanistan? 2011? No. Lincoln. The Civil War. 1863.

Maybe President Lincoln instinctively knew or maybe magazine editor Sarah Joseph Hale’s words convinced him that the best way for the nation to overcome the horrors of war and the despair of personal problems was to collectively show gratitude, to focus on what was good and right. The idea is still valid 148 years later.

Where to start? Let Evince help. Read the stories about two local women, Janet Roberson and Angela Billingsley, who have served their country in the military and who continue to help their community (pages 3 & 5). Linda Lemery’s Reflecting Forward on page 16 will lead you to discover overlooked opportunities for gratitude. Of course, we always count on Kim Clifton to see the humor in any situation (page 9) and then laugh along with her. Where there is laughter, gratitude will follow. Evince is grateful for Annelle Williams and her fun idea for An Authentic Thanksgiving on page 19 and to Dave Gluhareff who teaches us how to live healthier lives (page 4). They know that the best way to show gratitude is to enjoy what you have instead of feeling perpetually cheated of something better... and then take care of it.

On Thanksgiving Day and every day, especially when the kitchen sends forth promises of hunger satisfied, pause and become the Voice of Gratitude around your table.

Thank you for reading Evince,We now accept Visa, MC, and Discover for ad payments

November Contents2 Editor’s Note

3 Janet Roberson / Writing a Blank Check for Her Country by Joyce Wilburn

4 Your Fitness Blueprint by Dave Gluhareff

She Said He Said / The Art of Aging Gracefully by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham

Where Can I Find an Evince?

5 Angela Billingsley / Not a Typical DAV by Joyce Wilburn

7 Back on the Track within a Year of Diagnosis by Julie Allen

8 Discover Danville Quiz by Joyce Wilburn

9 Second Thoughts / To Every Season by Kim Clifton

11 Poetry / Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg

12 Book Clubbing by Debra L. Dobson

13 Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Frank Fox

14 Calendar

16 Reflecting Forward / Giving Thanks by Linda Lemery

18 Calendar Clips

19 Around the Table / Authentic Thanksgiving by Annelle Williams

Debra Dodson has served as the Executive Director of The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region for 12 years. She is an avid reader and a great supporter of our local libraries.

Credits: Hair & Makeup: Katie Mosher; Skin Care: Catherine Adkins; Nails: Janelle Gammon; Genesis Day Spa & Salon

Ph

oto

by L

on

a K

oki

nd

a.

Prior to becoming a private business consultant, Frank Fox was with Unique Industries for 20 years, last serving as VP of Production. He is on the boards of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Arc of Southside. He is an independent candidate for County Supervisor for the Chatham-Blairs District.

Evince Magazine

J anet Roberson joined the U.S. Army to serve her country and follow a family tradition of military service. Unfortunately, she came home six months later with five ruptured disks and constant pain. “I am very grateful that I can still put one foot in front of the other. I deal with the pain and try not to complain,” says Averett University’s Military Affairs Officer and Registrar. She hastens to add, “My injuries were not combat-related. I accidentally slipped and fell 15 feet onto my back while training.”

At that point, her career path took a detour and the new road led to Averett. “In 1987, I became the secretary for the Director of Admissions and started attending classes on my lunch hour and at nights,” the Danville native says, adding, “I finished the first bachelor’s degree in 1992 (English) the second in 1994 (history) and a master’s in business in 1999.” In 1995, she became the director of IDEAL, a program for working professionals who need convenience and flexibility. That eventually led to the AU Registrar’s position.

Looking back over her experience as a non-traditional student with a military background, it seems like she was unwittingly preparing for her current job working with veterans or their dependants to obtain college degrees. Her efforts and Averett’s were recognized when AU received the designation as a military friendly school by GI Jobs and Military Advanced Education, an honor that ranks AU in the top 15% of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to help America’s military and veterans as students. Not one to rest on past accomplishments, Janet talks about future plans, “We are working to start a student veterans’ chapter for the 200+ men and women on the Danville campus and at AU’s satellite offices in Quantico, Newport News, and Richmond.”

Although her work at AU is fulfilling, several months ago, a harbinger of another curve in her career path arrived in the mailbox. A modest little postcard announced that the local Archer T. Gammon Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans was in danger of disbanding because of a lack of active participation

and invited all members to a meeting that might be its last. “I went and was probably a little too vocal because later I was unanimously chosen as their new Commander,” she says laughing at the memory. Being the first female commander for the local group was a challenge she willingly accepted. Janet explains, “The DAV plays a very vital role for those who were in combat. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to each other than to talk to others.” DAV chapter members usually meet monthly to network and discuss general concerns of the organization. Legislation, volunteer efforts, community projects, and upcoming activities are among the topics discussed.

At the top of the list of November events is the annual Veterans’ Day Parade. Wanting to create a float for the disabled veterans, Janet immediately thought of how students could help. “Averett art students are creating banners for the float and equestrian students are providing the bales of hay that will be a safety rail so

Writing a Blank Check for Her

Country

Janet Roberson

by Joyce Wilburn

• The Veterans’ Day Parade will be held Sunday, November 6,

starting at 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Broad & Rison Streets and continue down Main Street ending at Craghead Street.

• The local DAV Chapter 19 meets on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the basement of the American Legion Post 1097, 17 Fairfield Avenue. There is a one-time life membership fee. For more information, call 434.836.0745 or visit www.dav.org.

• The local DAV Chapter is named for U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Archer T. Gammon from Chatham who served in World War II and received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

• On Veterans’ Day, Friday, November 11, Golden Corral, 195 Holt Garrison Parkway, is offering free meals to vets. The local DAV will be collecting money on November 11, 12, 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and November 14 from 1 p.m. to

9 p.m.• To learn more about Averett’s

military-friendly status, visit www.averett.edu or call 434.791.5891.

the disabled veterans can ride,” she notes, illustrating another way she integrates her two passions.

Despite the daily pain that reminds her of the brief military service, Janet loves volunteering at the DAV and coming to work at Averett. “The best part of my job is making a difference in the lives of vets. I am most grateful that I had the opportunity to receive an education and I want to help others, especially vets, have that same opportunity,” she says while reaching for a piece of paper inscribed with an anonymous quote that explains her motivation. With quiet emotion she reads, “A veteran is someone who at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of up to and including my life. “They put everything on the line. The least we can do is help them with an education,” she says, with a conviction backed by experience that leaves no room for debate.

Photo by Michelle Dalton

November 2011

SHE SAIDby Dena Hill

The Art of Aging Gracefully You taught a Sunday School lesson last month about the aging process as described in Ecclesiastes and how true it is today since you have now reached the magical age of 65. Instead of groaning every time you stand up or sit down, you could do some flexibility exercises to loosen up your creaky bones. I am firmly convinced that by eating healthier food and exercising daily, you could eventually eliminate blood pressure medication. Instead of driving along beside me while I walk, you could don a pair of tennis shoes and join me. When you drop something, instead of pretending you don’t see it, bend over and pick it up. Of course, you need to learn how to bend over and stretch those old hamstrings. You told me the other day that you noticed a difference in the volume of your voice. You enjoy talking so much...do you think you’ve used it all up? What about your hearing? Recently at Charles and Kimberly’s wedding, you missed an entire conversation and it was about you! You just smiled and nodded your head. I don’t mind your gray hair because you look more distinguished than you did when we were 16 years old. (As long as they keep putting hair color in bottles, I’ll never be gray.) Obviously, we all share similarities and changes as we grow older. We’re not as agile as we once were and it takes us longer to make decisions (for example, in a restaurant tonight you couldn’t make up your mind about what to order) but we’re stumbling merrily along and frustrating the younger generation waiting on us. During this month of Thanksgiving, I’m just thankful that we’re living with only the afflictions we have and that we can laugh about it together.

HE SAIDby Larry Oldham Let’s look at the big picture, shall we? My mother had nine brothers and sisters. Her mother lived to be 90. My mother is 84 and my Dad is 90. My cardiologist told me that I have great genes and every six months when I visit him, he says the same thing, “Whatever you’re doing, keep it up because it is really working for you.” My father has never done flexibility exercises. My mother has never eaten healthy food or exercised daily. All of my

aunts and uncles who lived to be in their late 80s and 90s never ate tofu and salads instead of a real meal. I take that back. The one uncle who rode his bike every day and ate healthy food along with exercising, died in his 70s. So I would say that in my family, we have the propensity to eat what we want without exercising and live to a ripe old age. If we don’t, as my uncle’s life can attest to, we might die early. I hear what you’re saying and I appreciate very much your concern about

my health. Saying that, I would like to remind you that you could have spoken in positive terms as easily. You could have mentioned that I lost 13 pounds last month. You could have mentioned that I took a day off last month to help you set up the rehearsal dinner in Charlotte at your son’s wedding. You could have mentioned that I stood around patiently while you gossiped with all of your relatives and friends from a previous life without one complaint. But since you didn’t see it that way, I guess my only solution would be to trade you in on another model. No, not cuter, not younger but maybe a newer model who recognizes all of my attributes that other women adore. OK...maybe they don’t exist but since it is so close to Christmas, a person can wish, can’t he?

She saidHe Said

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

Your Fitness Blueprint by Dave Gluhareff MFS,CFT-ISSA

The following is a Fitness Blueprint that I use with my One-On-One Personal Training clients, small group (semi-private) personal training clients, and Virginia Bootcamp clients. I hope it gives you an outline of what you can and should be doing to be healthier and have a better quality of life. EXERCISE: 3 days of resistance training for 30 minutes with a day off in-betweenExample: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 3 days of cardiovascular training for 30 minutes with a day off in-between Example: Tuesday/Thursday/SaturdayStretch before, during, and after each of your workouts. NUTRITION: Breakfast – lean protein, complex carbohydrate, water Mid-Morning Snack – lean protein, fruit, water Lunch – lean protein, complex carbohydrate, water Late-Afternoon Snack –lean protein, fruit, water Dinner – lean protein, vegetable, waterNightly Snack – optional, if hungry and up late - lean protein, vegetable, water HEALTHY GROCERY LIST Proteins: unsalted peanuts, walnuts, almonds, soy nuts; natural peanut butter and almond butter; beans, cottage cheese, canned tuna or tuna steaks, chicken breasts, canned chicken, whey, soy protein shakes (low-carb/ low-sugar), fresh halibut, flounder, tilapia; low fat or skim milk, low calorie cheese; eggs, low sugar yogurt; buffalo, bison, rabbit, venison, soy burgers, Complex Carbohydrates: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, whole grain breads and bagels, sweet, red, or white potatoes, whole grain or long grain rice; brown rice, whole wheat and veggie pastaFruits: apples, cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, papayas, blackberries, cranberries, kiwi, mangos, plums, grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melons Vegetables: fresh, canned, or frozen green beans; fresh cucumbers, fresh, canned, or frozen spinach; salad in a bag, fresh Iceberg and Romaine lettuce, fresh or frozen cauliflower; fresh or frozen broccoli; fresh, canned, or frozen collard greens and turnip greens; canned or fresh asparagus, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms; green, yellow, red, orange, and jalapeno peppersMiscellaneous: water, coffee (low sugar/cream), tea (low sugar/cream), fresh or bottled herbs and seasonings without salt/sodium; bottled water, apple cider vinegar, low calorie Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, no-trans fat butter, cinnamon Rest: Get 8 hours of sleep each night. Take a nap every afternoon. Take an hour for yourself each day to just chill and relax with your hobby of choice.

Visit www.VirginiaBootcamp.com for more information.

Where Can I Find an Evince?Ten thousand copies of Evince are distributed each month

at over 100 locations. Find your copy at:

DanvilleJoe & Mimma’s Italian Restaurant Riverside Shopping CenterMary’s Diner • 1201 Piney Forest RoadYMCA • 810 Main StreetERA Holley & Lewis Realty Co. 339 Piney Forest Road

South Boston AreaThe Prizery • 502 Bruce StreetHalifax County Library • 177 Main Street

Chatham AreaCommunity Center • 115 Main StreetChatham Public Library 24 Military DriveChathamooca • 22 North Main Street

Yanceyville, NCGunn Memorial Public Library 161 Main Street EastThe Drug Store • 106 Court Street

®

Call us for a tour and to discuss a plan of care to fit your individual needs.

Distinguished as a Five-Star

Quality of Care Center!

Congratulations Gretna Health & Rehab!

Five-Star Quality of Care Rating Designated by the Centers

for Medicare and Medicaid Services*

Gretna Health & Rehabilitation Center595 Vaden Drive • Gretna, VA 24557 • 434-656-1206

*For more information visit medicare.gov

Gretna HRC Evince Survey ad_10_11.indd 1 10/7/2011 1:13:11 PM

Evince Magazine

Angela Billingsley, a 27-year-old Averett University student and mother of three, doesn’t fit the stereotype of what a disabled American veteran should look like and that has been the source of some amusing confusion. “When I moved back to Danville, I went to the local veterans’ outpatient clinic. When I asked about their services, the woman responded, ‘You do know that to receive services, you must be a veteran and have served at least two years in the military on active duty?’” When Angela replied that she fulfilled both qualifications and, in fact, had served eight years, the woman apologized immediately and said, “You look so young. I thought you were still in high school. Thank you for serving our country!” On a different occasion, a VA Medical Center doctor in Salem also expressed surprise at seeing a young woman. “Are you Angela?” she asked in confusion. When the doctor heard an affirmative reply, she remarked, “I hardly ever see a young person.”

Angela’s goal in joining the U.S. Navy on her 18th birthday in 2002 wasn’t to destroy myths about age or gender; her purpose was something very practical. “I wanted to be a doctor and I needed a way to pay for it,” she admits. The Navy provided a good educational foundation through nine weeks of boot camp, 14 weeks of training at the Naval Hospital Corps School, a two-year stint at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, classes for an associate’s degree in medical lab technology at Thomas Nelson Community College, and a clinical rotation at the Naval Hospital in Cherry Point, North Carolina. “I worked there as a lab tech until July 2010 and took classes at Craven Community College,” says the current AU senior who is studying bio medical sciences.

While at Cherry Point, son Jaeden was born in 2007 and twin daughters, Angelese and Makiyah, were born on Valentine’s Day 2009. After a short stay in Pensacola where her husband was stationed, they moved to Axton to be closer to her family. “That’s when I learned about Averett and met Miss Janet,” she says, using her pet name for Janet Roberson, AU’s Military Affairs Officer. “She encouraged me to come to the DAV meetings,” adds Angela whose 50% disability came from intensive running during her military service that put severe pressure on her knees and back and caused the joints to disintegrate.

“I want to learn more from the veterans at the DAV and hear their stories and maybe change the atmosphere,” she says and then adds almost as an afterthought, “because you don’t have to be a guy or be a certain age to be a disabled vet.”

Petty Officer Second Class E-5 Angela Billingsley proves that every day.

• The Veterans’ Benefits Service Office is located at 139A Deer Run Road. Benefits service representatives work one-on-one with veterans and their families helping them obtain benefits and entitlements on a local, state and federal level; apply for medical services and disability benefits due to disease or injury incurred during or aggravated by time in service or disability benefits due to secondary medical conditions resulting from a service connection.

• A Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 705 Piney Forest Road, is open every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• For more information, visit www.virginiaforveterans.com.

Angela Billingsley Not a Typical DAV

by Joyce Wilburn

Averett Celebrates Christmas: featuring the Averett SingersNovember 29, 7:30 p.m.Pritchett AuditoriumFree & Open to the Public

Join the University as it welcomes in the holidays with a service of light, readings and carols for the Advent and Christmas season. Prior to the program, Averett’s dining hall, located in the Student Center, will be serving their annual Christmas meal, which is open to the public. Dinner is $9.68 for adults, $6.53 for children 7-12 and children 6 and under are free. For more information call 434-791-5600.

Photo by Michelle Dalton

November 2011

Evince Magazine

��

��

��

��

��

��

WE’RE SELLING HOUSESSM

��

��

��

��

On September 27, 2010, I received my breast cancer diagnosis 10 days before my 45th birthday. No one in my family had ever had cancer. I underwent a lumpectomy, followed by a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction, chemotherapy and then radiation. I am blessed with a fabulous support team - family, friends, medical and spiritual.

We were determined to mark the calendar with special memories, not just cancer-related appointments. If I had a chemo treatment, my husband and I had date night by visiting the Festival of Lights, seeing movies or enjoying dinner out. Exercise was a large part of my recovery plan. Three days after the lumpectomy, my mom and I walked in the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure. To celebrate the half way point of the radiation treatments, I completed the Cooper River Bridge Walk with my husband and my best friend. Two months after my last radiation treatment, my husband walked beside me every step of the 39.3-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Rocky Mountain event. And the weekend of September 17-18,

I got back in the race car, a 1962 right-hand drive Austin Healey Sprite, and competed at Roebling Road Raceway. I was the only female in the field.

Here are a few of the things that cancer gave me:• the patience to watch a single

leaf be blown across the parking lot and hear each side touch

• crazy sleep patterns so I was awake to see the lunar eclipse and not have to set my alarm

• the opportunity to shave designs in my hair

• time to work on my personal to-do list

• a sense of inner peace• a healthier lifestyle• more time to spend with God,

family and friends.

I start each day with the desire to make a difference in someone’s life. I hope that by sharing my experience with others during this past year they have a better understanding of a cancer survivor’s journey. The finish line is easier to reach with someone beside you.

Back onthe Track

by Julie Allen

within a Yearof Diagnosis

ASK DR. JUDITH

��

��

��

��

� ��

Q: Dr. Judith, Does cigarette smoking cause hearing loss?

A: Numerous studies have shown that smokers are almost two times more likely to develop hearing loss than non-smokers. It is believed to be due in part to the fact that cigarette smoking negatively affects the vascular system by reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood. Nicotine in tobacco can interfere with the normal function of the auditory (hearing) nerve that sends the sound information to the brain. Some studies even indicate that the more a person smokes the greater the risk of hearing loss. The younger a person is, like a teenager, the greater the risk of developing hearing loss. If a smoker is exposed to a lot of noise, either work or recreation, they show even greater hearing loss than non-smokers who work in a noisy environment.

Q: What about Second-Hand Smoke?

A: It has been documented that children exposed to second-hand smoke show more hearing loss than children not exposed to second-hand smoke. Hearing loss in a child can impact their ability to learn, do well in school and socially interact. These children also have a greater risk of having chronic ear infections.

��

��

��

November 2011

Second ThoughtsSecond

Thoughts

1. Where does the Dan River begin? Where does it end?

2. What type of university is Averett? How many students

are enrolled there? 3. How do most Danvillians make a living?4. Were most of the houses on

Main Street built before the Civil War?5. Are there any women on

Danville’s City Council? What’s the mayor’s name?6. Where is VIR and how long does it take to drive there from Danville?7. Where is the Greyhound Bus

Station?8. Why are there so many churches

in Danville?

Answers: 1. The Dan River rises from

springs on Belcher Mountain on the Blue Ridge Plateau in Patrick county, Virginia, in view of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Morrisette Winery and after flowing more than 200 miles through Patrick, Stokes (past Hanging Rock State Park), Rockingham, Caswell, Pittsylvania, Halifax Counties, six counties in two states, joins the Staunton River in the waters of the Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake. (Forrest Altman)

2. Averett is a private, 4-year, co-ed, residential college with 900 undergraduates. AU offers 30+ majors, minors, and special programs. Founded in 1859, its main campus is on West Main Street. (www.averett.edu)

3. The leading industries in Danville, Virginia are

manufacturing, 24%; educational, health and social services, 20%; and retail trade, 13%. Among the most common occupations in Danville are production, transportation, and material moving occupations, 23%; Sales and office occupations, 23%; management, professional, and related occupations, 22%. Approximately 74% of workers work for companies, 12% work for the government and 4% are self-employed.

(www.simplyhired.com) 4. The Lanier House at 770 Main

Street is the oldest house on Main. It was built in 1830. The Sutherlin Mansion/Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street, was built in 1858. The other structures were built after the end of the Civil War in 1865.

5. There are no women on Danville City Council. Sherman Saunders is the mayor.

(www.danville-va.gov)6. Virginia International Raceway

is located between Danville and South Boston in Alton, Virginia. It takes about 15-20 minutes to drive there from downtown Danville. (www.virnow.com)

7. The Greyhound Bus Station is at 515 Spring Street one block off Main Street in downtown Danville.

8. What do you think is the answer? Let us know...

Do you have a question that might stump others? Send it to Evince for the next Discover Danville.

by Joyce Wilburn

Discover Danville QuizBelow are questions that recent visitors to Danville have

asked. Would you know the answer if someone asked you?

Photo by Dan Vaden

Evince Magazine

iPhone. iMac. iTouch. iTunes. iPod. iPad. I declare...until Steve Jobs came along, “i” only came before “e,” except after “c.” The late Apple CEO learned early that if you build it, they will come...but if you put an “i” in front it, they’ll stand in line for miles to be the first to get it.

Ironic that Jobs’ job was to make ours more fun, especially in the classroom. His Apples for the teacher had a distinctive shape and came in an array of lollipop colors. He even worked hard so we could play. His iPods and iTunes allowed everyone to march to the beat of a different drummer. His iTouches and iPads put the whole world in our hands and his iPhones ended up being smarter than we are.

Not to be outdone, Jobs’ fiercest competitor, Bill Gates, regularly built new Windows for us to open. His company also developed Word, Excel and the rest hoping we’d feel more at home in his Office. For decades, these rivals have separated the computer world into two distinctive camps, making Mac and PC users about as compatible as the Hatfields and McCoys.

I love gadgets and am thrilled that I have a career in IT, but I’m glad I grew up without any of it. We had just enough technology to keep us comfortable, but not enough to keep us indoors. We didn’t play Wii. We played. So the only buttons we pushed were each other’s, generally during a fierce game of dodge ball. We found our friends outside, not on facebook.

I’m sure by today’s standards, our games had a Little House on the Prairie feel to them. We slid down hills on pieces of cardboard. We revved bikes with baseball cards clothespinned to the spokes. We used back porches as home plates and trees as bases. We took sharp rocks to etch out hopscotch squares in the street and caught lightning bugs in mayonnaise jars.

It was a time of war, but it was also

a time of peace. People seemed calmer then, especially when it came to rearing children. Babies weren’t wrapped like mummies before heading to bed. Playpens were miniature wooden jail cells and only batters and football teams wore helmets. Families were so relaxed that a weekly commercial featuring baseball legend Willie Mays telling kids not to pick up discarded blasting caps didn’t alarm anyone. Today, the town would be on total lockdown, under FBI investigation with CNN broadcasting on location.

We had modern conveniences. We just didn’t have luxuries. Since our phones didn’t take instructions, we talked into them, not to them. We dialed numbers with our fingers, not our voices. We banked in line, not online. We loaded road maps into our glove compartments, not into our handhelds.

Words had just one meaning back then. A text was only a book, not also a message. A mouse was simply a rodent, not also a peripheral device. Perhaps the duplication of terms is limited by the alphabet. With only 26 letters, you’re bound to run out of combinations, which explains how we added Google, Bing and blog to the dictionary.

In this season of thanks, I’m appreciative of all the entrepreneurs who’ve devoted their lives to making mine easer. I’m happy that Steve Jobs’ gadgets let me relive my childhood and play Skeeball again without having to wait in line at the boardwalk or Chuck E. Cheese. My luggage is much lighter since my phone keeps me from needing a DVD player, camera and camcorder.

Even with all these amazing inventions, I’m still most grateful to have grown up when I did. My fondest memories are those playing outdoors with my friends. Memories that began when my eyes first saw a welcome mat---not a welcome screen.

To Every Season

Second ThoughtsSecond

Thoughtsby Kim Clifton ©2011

Discover Danville Quiz

November 2011

Although the complication rate with KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be low, as with most surgical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure, including serious complications. This procedure is not for everyone. A prescription is required. Please consult your physician for a full discussion of risks and whether this procedure is right for you.© 2008 Medtronic Spine LLC. All Rights Reserved.

MEDTRONIC Spinal and Biologics Business 1221 Crossman Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94089 USA Tel: (408) 548-6500

16003152_025 [01]

For more information on balloon kyphoplasty call 800-652-2221 or visit www.kyphon.com

afterballoon kyphoplastybefore

Don’t turn your back on back pain.

If you’re over 50 or have osteoporosis, it’s important that you don’t ignore your back pain. It may signal a spinal fracture. See your doctor right away if you think you may have one.

Spinal fractures can be repaired if diagnosed. KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for spinal fractures that can correct vertebral body deformity, reduce pain and improve patient quality of life.

TAKE CHARGE

Spine specialists actively offering KYPHON® Balloon Kyphoplasty in your local area:

Medtronic maintains a list of physicians who have been trained to use, and are believed to be both active and proficient users of, Medtronic’s products and who are willing to accept patient referrals. Physician participation on this list is voluntary and free. All referrals are identified based upon geographic criteria only. Medtronic does not guarantee the accuracy of the listings or the capabilities of the physicians listed. The physicians referenced may be paid consultants of, and research cited may have been funded partially or in whole by, Medtronic.

Danville Regional Medical CenterLeon J. Abram, MD

Eduardo Fraifeld, MD

434-791-4445

Evince Magazine

At 2:15 p.m. in Foster Hall 102, not quite so silently, Roxanne Lee sighed in her English composition class as she listened to Professor Jawler–an older man in a paisley tie and with florid cheeks. With clipped Northern language, he “articulated,” as he said, how to write a process paper. Truth be told, when Roxanne Lee signed up for English 111, she had been expecting poetry, but that wasn’t to be. Sometimes she felt she expected too much. What she got was just endless papers and Professor Jawler, who if she read him right, had as his earnest intention to purify her mind with Standard English. And if truth also be told, Roxanne Lee would just as soon remain inviolate. Not even Thanksgiving break and Roxanne Lee was tired already and as Big Mama would say, “A broke tree can’t bend no more on its own.” In love it was the same. No poetry there either. Her broke heart was a tree teetering almost on a fall. Her man, Claude, he won’t no good, she thought. She left the class at 2:30 without asking a question, without firmly securing her notes in her binder. Through the parking lot, she walked toward the bus stop. She took the picture from her pocket, creased her thumb across the girl, put it back in her jacket. While waiting for the bus, Roxanne Lee thought about definition, clarity,

composition, process. She got nothing for her trouble. The bus came and she sat down in the middle of the bus on a medium-blue seat, thinking that she even knew the name of the girl (college ID said Karen something). But in this picture, it was a family shot. She thought about the girl in the picture often, her smile, family around her, the soft eyes of content and better days. That picture made her feel better, like rope tight, thick and coiled, ready for use. The girl in the picture, the picture from the wallet, the wallet from the stuff in the black plastic bags, the bags stored under her bed, the bed she slept alone in except for those few moments when her man came around. And that not so much anymore. Big Mama was waiting for her on the porch when she got home from class. “You hungry, child?” “Naw,” Roxanne Lee said and went to her room. Claude told her not to look in the bags that came in and out of her bedroom like a lazy barge, from those late night visits, those late night non-love love sessions. She knew she was a fool now, but she was half in love with love and half afraid to leave, and his little love felt better than no love. That night she waited until Big Mama was asleep and snoring and she sat out on the porch in the moonlight. She rocked and rocked. Claude came around about midnight. “Bebe,”

Poetryfiction by

Telisha Moore Leigg

Claude said and it sounded exotic Roxanne Lee had always thought, like he rocked tenderness in the cave of his mouth. Claude put his head in Roxanne Lee’s lap. “What chu gone do with me, girl?” And Roxanne heard the double question, the edge that made her more tired than a mountain of subject/ verb agreement. “Here, what you take care of dis.” Claude put his thumb under the left side of her chin and tightened his other finger around the right. “Dis all you got to do, sweetness.” He left the black bag he brought at the foot of the front porch rocker. She didn’t look inside this bag, but put it with the others under the bed, then went to make a bed of the living room couch, the broke-down one with the grey-blue rose flowers. In the morning, Roxanne made breakfast for Big Mama: Quaker grits from the individual packs, microwave Jimmy Dean sausage links. She put her book on the table and studied definition by negation, thought about all the things her love wasn’t, a wagon with a handle, a home, a light that pulled back night. She thought she could write the essay now on what good times weren’t, but couldn’t really tell you what happiness was. She looked at the picture before putting it in her wallet. If she were that girl,.... Roxanne Lee could not put her finger on it; she knew it was strange.

And stranger still that if anyone asked her who that girl was, she would have said her sister. She would have said we kin and kind. But no one would ever search her wallet, get close enough to ask her. And on her day off between classes she skipped ahead a few chapters, looked at citation, research, and the glossary of terms. She remembered the previous night. If she were that girl,.... “Claude,” she had said, “Claude, you love me?” She whispered gathering her arms around him, fingers skimming his braids, as he was gathering himself up and away without moving from her lap. For a while he said nothing. “Girl,” and he was sprightly up, “You know I do,” he said jangling change in his pocket. He had leaned in, kissed her, simulated passion. If she were that girl, he would not have done that, she thought. In the morning, Roxanne Lee thought it would be so easy for him to keep her heart fed, to make her move joy from cloud to cloud, but he wasn’t going to do it. When he left, she began writing at the kitchen table, a feeble light coming through the back window. Roxanne Lee had a process paper to write, a stolen girl’s picture, and no poetry. All along, somewhere, she had been expecting poetry.

November 2011

Book ClubbingMagnolia Muses Book Club, submitted by Debra L. Dodson

Who & When: The Magnolia Muses meet once a month from September through June in the home of a member.

Recently Read: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson was a great book to start off our new season. I read this book when it was released in March, 2010, and enjoyed it even more the second time. Simonson grabs you with the first paragraph where she begins to build a love story out of grief. She fondly recreates the English countryside of her birth and draws the reader into characters that could be found in many small towns. Unfortunately, we also find pain and prejudice. This novel is a love story between 68-year-old retired Major Ernest Pettigrew and a 58-year old Pakistani shop keeper, Mrs. Ali, who are brought together by their loneliness and love of literature. Our discussion included a bit of history of the nearly 100-year struggle to separate India from Britain. The century of battles and strife helped us understand some of the underlying issues that may remain today. Simonson confesses to be a Jane Austen fan, which supports her endearing character development for nearly two dozen memorable residents, family members and visitors. Last Stand is Simonson’s first novel. Her great success and subsequent tour and speaking engagements may sadly delay a second one. One final note -- the paperback’s cover is actually a duplicate of a 1927 Life magazine cover. Do yourself a favor and find a copy of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand to enjoy, perhaps, with a cup of tea.

What’s Next: Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosany. Note: Send info about what you or your book club is reading to [email protected]. Also, visit www.danvillelibrary.org to see more reviews about this book and others. Add your own review and start a virtual book club!

Evince Magazine

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 [email protected] or visit www.dpchamber.org; click What’s New - Customer Service Award Nomination.

by Frank Fox

SpottingExceptional Customer Service

I would like to nominate Vic Romano, Sales Consultant for Robert Woodall Automall, for the Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Award. Recently, my wife and I stopped after hours at the Woodall Automall parking lot at 1063 Riverside Drive to window-shop for a car. We saw a few people inside the dealership in the process of wrapping up the day. While we were looking at the cars, Vic Romano drove by in his vehicle and stopped to speak to us. Dressed in shorts and sandals, he was obviously not on duty. He asked if there was anything we were interested in seeing. When we said yes, he got the vehicle’s keys for us. After we looked inside the car, he offered us time to take a test drive. When we returned from the test drive, he gave us his contact information and we promised to see him if we decided to buy the vehicle...and we did. Both my wife and I were so impressed that Vic would make the effort on his time off to serve a potential customer. I called Robert Woodall on the day of the sale and complimented him for having someone on his sales force like Vic Romano so willing to provide exceptional service. I told him if I didn’t know better, I would have thought that Vic was a relative, sales manager or part owner. Oh, did I mention that he left his wife waiting in his vehicle on a Saturday night while he stopped to help us?

November 2011

November 2011 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Runners will tackle a 5K course while bikers will take on a five-mile course. 5:30-7:30pm. Anglers Park. 434.799.5215.

November 1 (thru 30)Open Gym. Tu/Wed. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115.

November 1 (thru Dec. 31)Scarlett Fever Exhibit – The Greatness of Gone with the Wind. PAA, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.

November 2Senior Bowling Tournament. 10am-12pm. Riverside Lanes. 434.791.2695.Holiday Craft Hour. 12:30-1:30pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.Regional Impact & the Role of Higher Education. See story page 9.

November 2 (thru 23)Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique. Weds. Location/Times Vary. 434.797.8848.

November 2 (thru 30)Aerobics. MW 5:15pm. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115.

November 3Bob Ross Painting Class – Snow Scene. 10 am–3:30 pm. PAA – 276.632.3221.Outdoor Winter Trips for Family – Outdoor Rec staff’s favorite places to go within three hours of town. 7-8pm. Ballou Nature Center. 434.799.5215.Dan River District Cub & Boy Scout Roundtable – For scout leaders, parents or those interested in scouting. 7-8pm. St. Luke’s UM Church.

November 3 (thru 24)57 Express Bluegrass Concert. TH 7pm. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115.

November 3 (thru 17)Kuumba-West African Dance – Live drumming and energetic dancing. TH 6:30-8pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848.

November 3 (thru December 1)Holiday Photography Class. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.

November 4Eugenia Zukerman. The Prizery. See ad page 8 and story page 18.Big Night Out – Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala. See story page 18.First Friday Art Walk – Visit the art studios, meet the artists, browse original works of art and participate in occasional arts–related activities. 5-7pm. Studio 107, Martinsville – 276.638.2107.First Fridays Concert Series – Featuring Jason Ringenberg. 8 pm. Rives Theatre, Martinsville. 276.632.3221.

November 4 & 5Civil War 150 HistoryMobile – Mobile exhibit using state-of-the-art technology and immersive exhibit

spaces to present individual stories of the Civil War from the perspectives of those who experienced it--young and old, enslaved and free, soldiers and civilians. 10am-4pm. South Boston/Halifax County Museum – 434.572.9200.USA South Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships – Division III college soccer playoffs. Smith River Sports Complex – 276.638.1387.

November 4 (thru 6)Gold Cup Historic Races & Car Show. VIR – 434.822.7700.The King & I. 7:30pm/3pm. The Kirby Theater – 336.597.1709.

November 5Fall Yard Sale. 7am-2pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.799.6564Louie Fields 5k Run/Walk, Fun Run & Breakfast. 8am. YMCA – 434.792.0621.Red Cross Blood Drive. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115.DRBA’s First Saturday Outing – Smith River Autumn Float - Marrowbone Creek Access to Mitchell Bridge Access in Henry Co. 10am. 276.694.4449.Bob Ross Painting Class – Snow Scene For Christmas. 10:30am–3:30pm. Ballou Park. 434.797.8848.Arts at the Rives - Farmer Jason. A fun, free event for kids. 11:30am. Rives Theatre, Martinsville. 276.632.3221.Danville Area Humane Society Community Day – Animals will be available for adoption, as well as t-shirt, sweatshirts, and hoodies for sale.12-4pm. Piedmont Mall. 434.799.0843.Classical Evening at Ballou – Featuring Jr. String Quartet. 5-7pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.Taylor 2 Dance Company. See ad page 9.

November 5 & 6Piedmont Shootout College Showcase – Youth soccer event. Smith River Sports Complex – 276.638.1387.

November 5 (thru 26)Zumba Class. Sat 10am. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115.

November 6Showcase Magazine Bridal and Wedding Expo – Discover ideas for your wedding while comparing services & prices from a variety of eedding experts and businesses. Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. 434.728.2905.

November 7 (thru 21)Averett Continuing Ed Classes – Politics and the Media and What’s So Funny About the South? Humor in Southern Literature. 6-7:30pm. Averett University. 434.791.5600.

November 7 (thru 28)Hand Sewn Quilts – Instruction in completing a quilt by hand. 6-8pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

November 7 (thru 28)Boogie Monday - Hustle. M 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.

November 7 (thru Dec. 12)Beginner Dog Obedience. 7-8:30 pm. Coates Rec Center. 434.797.6564.

November 8Financial Seminar. 5:30-6:30pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.

November 8 (thru 22)Averett Continuing Ed Classes – Great Museums. 6-7:30pm. Averett University. 434.791.5600.African Rhythms. Tues 6:30pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

November 8 (thru 29)Advanced Photography Class. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.

November 8 (& Dec. 13)Sassy Senior Egg Art – Learn the art of Faberge and complete an elaborate egg ornament to take home. 3 & 6pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center (SVAC) – 276.656.5461.

November 9Homeschool Wednesdays – Animal Adventures. Ages 6-10 & 11-18. 10-11:15 am. VMNH – 276.634.4185.Fall Holiday Celebration. 12:30-1:30pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.Polliwogs & Science Stars. Ages 3–4, 1–2pm. Ages 5–7, 3:30–4:30pm. DSC - 434.791.5160.Wednesday Club Presentation – Coffeehouse Culture and the 18th Century. 3:45pm. 1002 Main St.

November 10Homebuyer Education: Shopping for a Home – How to find the right home, key players - real estate agents, appraisers, inspectors, lenders and the mortgage process. 6:30 pm. Coates Rec Center. 434.797.8848.

November 10 (thru 13)Guys And Dolls. Averett University. See ad page 17.

November 10 (thru 23)Local History Continuing Ed Class - Danville and Pittsylvania County. 11/10 & 17 - 6-8pm; 11/23 - 4-6pm. Averett University. 434.791.5600.

November 10 (thru Dec. 15)Ceramic Glaze Techniques – Explore the procedures for preparing and using ceramic glazes, from the classification various glaze types, to calculating formulas and mixing glazes, to the methods for applying and firing them. 5:30-8:30pm. SVAC – 276.656.5461.Beginning/Intermediate Woodturning – Explore the various types of wood medium to produce a viable creation of wood. 5:30-8:30pm. SVAC – 276.656.5461.

OngoingGuided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row, The Secrets Inside. www.danvillehistoricalsociety.org. 434.770.1974.

Through November 7Open Registration for Blue Dolphins Swim Team. YMCA – 434.792.0621.

Through November 13Nine Visions Exhibit. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History (DMFA&H) - 434.793.5644.

Through November 22Around The World In Art. TU 3:30-4:30pm. The Prizery – 434.572.8339.

Through November 30Senior Student Art Show - Cali Earp. Averett University Student Center. 434.791.5681.

Through December 12Open Registration for Youth Basketball League. YMCA – 434.792.0621.

Through December 30PAA Exhibits – Civil War Redux: Pinhole Photographs of Reenactments, The Fleeting Glimpse: Selections in Modern and Contemporary Photography from the VMFA, Wet Plate Collodion Photography by Robert Szabo. Piedmont Arts Association (PAA), Martinsville – 276.632.3221.

Through January 2DSC Exhibits – Conservation Quest & Tree Houses:. M-S 9:30am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm. Danville Science Center (DSC)– 434.791.5160.

Through January 14Living Off the Land Exhibit – Highlight the many ways in which humans depend on nature for a wealth of resources, as well as economic, recreational, and aesthetic benefits. Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) – 276.634.4185.

November 1Caring for Loved Ones with Illnesses. 5:30-6:30pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.Raising Awareness for Health & Wellness – Managing Diabetes. 5:30-6:30pm. Ballou Park. 434.799.5216.

November 1 (thru 22)Bikes and Trikes – Ride around the gym or try the obstacle course. TU/TH 9-9:45am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.Chicks w/ Sticks – Knitting & Crocheting Class. T/Th 11:30am-1pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

November 1 (thru 29)Into the Night Time Trials – Run or bike into the night during this Time Trial Series. Competitors who place in the top of class will receive a gift at the end of the series.

November Calendar

Evince Magazine

November 11Classical Guitarist Concert. See story page 18. Gift of Grace Heroes of 9/11 – Celebrated pops pianist Mac Frampton returns with a nine-piece musical ensemble and two world-class vocalists in a stirring tribute to the heroes of 9/11 and the thousands of men and women who put country and fellow human beings above their own lives everyday. 8pm. Caswell County Civic Center – 336.694.4591.

November 11 & 12Open Studio Tour – Fine art, pottery, painting, stained glass, metal furniture, hand-spun yarn, wood-turned bowls, quilting, jewelry, niche crafts and much more. 11/11 1-5pm; 11/12 10am-4pm. Various Studios, Reidsville, NC. 336.349.4039.

November 12Senior Shopping Trip. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.Greensboro Trip to Titanic Exhibit. 7am-9pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.Kid Bites – Tots will prepare their own meal by pouring, molding, measuring, cutting and following directions. 9:45-11:15am. Coates Rec. 434.797.8848.Pilot Club of Danville Bazaar – Homemade baked goods, crafts, yardsale items, and Christmas decorations. Proceeds from this fundraiser go towards supporting local charities. 9-11:30am. Sacred Heart School. 434.793.2656.Bright Leaf Brew Fest. 3-8pm. Community Market. 434.793.4636.

November 12 & 13Holiday Living Show – Arts, crafts, food & more. 11/12 9am-5pm; 11/13 1-4pm. Halifax County High School. 434.572.6559.

November 12 (thru Dec. 4)Piedmont Shootout Youth Soccer Tournament – 11/12 & 13 BoysWeekend; 12/3 & 4 Girls Weekend. Smith River Sports Complex – 276.638.1387.

November 14 (thru 29)Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with oil or watercolor. Times/Days Vary. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.

November 14 (thru 29)Boating Safety Education – Session I - 11/14 & 15; Session II - 11/28 & 29. 6-9:30pm. Ballou Nature Center. 888.516.0844.

November 15Warm Delights for Cold Nights. 6:30-8pm. Ballou Rec Center – 434.799.5216.

November 15 & 16Bingo. Abingdon Place 11/15, 10:30am-12pm. Piney Forest Hardees 11/16, 1-3pm. 434.799.5216.

November 15 (thru 29)Knitted Christmas Stockings Class – Create Christmas stockings by learning to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. 6-8:30pm. SVAC – 276.656.5461.

November 15 (thru Dec. 13)Machine Sewing Techniques – Learn sewing techniques including cutting, construction, and finishing and use machines to create sample garments in varying types of fabric. 5:30-8:30pm. SVAC – 276.656.5461.

Finishing Techniques – Learn about surface preparation, stains, dyes, sealers, polish, shellac, varnish, oils, waxes, and basic spraying techniques. 5:30-8:30pm. SVAC – 276.656.5461.

November 16 (thru Dec. 14)Intensive Glass Fusing – Several projects will be designed, fused, and slumped to create dishes, bowls, and other types of vessels. 5:30-8:30pm. SVAC – 276.656.5461.

November 17Sky Watchers. 6-8pm. DSC – 434.791.5160.

November 18Just Everyday Women Walking by Faith. 11am-1pm. Mary’s Diner.Bake Sale – Cakes, pies, brownies, breads, soups and more. 11am-2pm. Wednesday Club, 1002 Main St.

November 19Holiday Bazaar – Items for sale from crafters, bakers and artisans. Community Market. 434.797.8961.Hike – Fortunes Cove. 9am-5pm. Meet at Ballou Nature Center. 434.799.5215.

November 19 & 20Thomas Day and Cosby Home Tours. See story page 18.

November 20Christmas Open House – Enjoy the start of the Christmas season with Christmas music, lights and decorations as you stroll down Main Street. 1-5pm. Santa Pictures 1-4pm. Downtown South Boston. 434.575.4209.Violin Concert – Featuriing Leigh Latchum. 7pm. Moffett Memorial Baptist Church – 434.799.5402.

November 29Gretna Area Talent Show Auditions – All ages, all talents: singers, dancers, musicians, comics, jugglers, acrobats, groups, duets, etc. 1-4pm. Gretna Center for the Arts. 434.228.1778.Averett Celebrates Christmas - Featuring the Averett Singers. See ad page 5.

November 30Smart Beginnings for Our Children. See story page 18.

Upcoming EventsDecember 1Santa & Me Photo Shoot. 7-8pm. The Kirby Gallery. 336.597.1755.Hanging of the Ornaments. 6pm. Veterans’ Christmas Tree, The Senior Center, Roxboro. 336.599.7484.

December 2Luminary Trail Walk. 6-8pm. Riverwalk Trail. 434.799.5216.Danville Distruction II – Live professional cage fighting. 6pm. Averett North Campus. 434.429.7442.

December 3Ballou Park Tree Lighting. 4:30-5:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

December 10Santa’s Workshop. 10am-12pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848.Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade. 6pm. Main Street. 434.793.4636.Dailey & Vincent. Caswell County Civic Center. See ad page 6.

December 10 & 11Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour. See ad page 15.

November 2011

Reflecting ForwardI believe we

agree that in this month of Thanksgiving, we have so much to be grateful for: our spouses, parents, children, extended family and friends, relationship with a higher being; having a roof over our heads, enough to eat, healthy bodies and habits, enough money to pay our bills in an increasingly fragile economy, and jobs that are fulfilling and that make a difference for others. While the items listed above are supremely important, I’m not going to write about supremely important things. Instead, I’m going to write about other things: things for which I’m very grateful, that add significant dimension and fulfillment to my life, and for which I don’t normally express gratitude.

Let’s start with my job. In addition to managing Circulation processes and enjoying working at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library, I manage the Library’s 25 work-study students. Interacting with these stellar young people enriches my life and constitutes the single most satisfying thing for me in nearly every workday. I see in them all of our futures and believe that, if they continue to focus, they will change the world. These are young people in whom it’s worth investing one’s most precious commodity -- time. This investment will pay off for them in unexpected ways later in their lives, and as for me, I receive on a daily basis far more than I invest. I’m so grateful for my relationship with these young people and their peers. Thank you, folks.

Next, let’s talk about health. I’m grateful that I know how to swim and that I have a place to do it. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you’ll see me down at the YMCA at 5:30 a.m. dashing down the hall, putting on my fins, swimming my way toward a mile. I cannot quite manage finishing a mile in the time I have before I need to be at work and I’m the slowest one in the pool, but putting in that lap time is akin to making a solid investment in my health, a little bit like paying an insurance premium three times per week. I see the same folks at the crack of dawn doing the same thing I’m doing; we’re

a little ecosystem that lends support for all from the swimmers to the lifeguard. I’m grateful to be in the company of these people and

gaining support from them. Tuesdays and Thursdays, crack-of-dawn people in the Cardio Theatre keep me moving on the machines, but my first love is swimming, and I’m grateful to have a place to pursue it. Thank you, YMCA, for the earlier hours.

Now, let’s talk about leisure. Writing is my passion; it brings me alive and gives me a chance to interact with a community of readers. However, budgeting time for writing is difficult and so I’m grateful to Evince for giving me a venue and a deadline, to my readers, and for the support of my writing group members. Writing is the activity that I do best, that I enjoy the most, that I find the most fulfilling, and to which I probably allot the least amount of time due to the press of life obligations. Writers need encouragement to keep writing when life gets in the way, as it so frequently does, especially considering that very few writers can support themselves by writing and so they must write in their leisure time. When the life-obligated, frenzied, non-writing days go by and I ask myself, “Why did I ever develop this writing skill and why didn’t I (blah-blah-blah)?” I simply don’t answer my own questions. Instead, I try to write something. Thank you, Evince, readers, and writing group members, for your support.

Investing in others, investing in healthy habits, investing in self ... isn’t this is a theme in everyone’s lives? Readers, this is the month to give thanks for the opportunities that have come your way. What are you thankful for? I urge you to consider your own list and then find a way to express your thanks.

And while we’re at it, dear readers ... Happy Thanksgiving!

About the Author: Linda Lemery [email protected] lives, writes and works in Danville. She welcomes your comments.

Giving Thanksby Linda Lemery

Evince Magazine

Deer hunting is again in season, deer are really starting to move around, and the number of deer-related accidents will rise dramatically from now through early January. A vehicle accident is truly a traumatic event; however, being prepared and knowing exactly what to do in case of an accident can lower your stress level and protect you from further injury.

First, don’t panic! Stay calm, move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on your emergency flashers. Take every precaution to minimize the risk of further accident or injury to you and others. Call 911 and report the accident. The 911 operator will dispatch the appropriate responders. Locate your license, registration and proof of insurance, then take the time to record the license plate numbers of all other vehicles involved.

If your vehicle is non-drivable, law enforcement personnel on scene will ask if you have a preferred tow truck operator. If you do, inform the officer. If not, the officer will dispatch one

based on a rotation schedule. You will need to tell the tow truck driver where you want your vehicle towed. If you have a preferred collision repair facility, that should be your destination.

Finally, notify your insurance company of the accident as quickly as possible. By law, your insurance company can neither require you to use a particular repair facility nor require multiple damage repair estimates. For reasons I’ll discuss in the future, yours may attempt to influence your decision using phrases like “preferred facility,” “can’t guarantee their work,” “price differences,” etc. Do not be intimidated. You need the highest quality repairs performed by a repair facility of highest integrity. Research collision repair facilities now, before you actually need one!

Safe driving!

James BarkhouserBarkhouser Ford Lincoln

Precision Collision Center

��

November 10-12, 2011, 7:30 p.m.November 13, 2011, 2:30 p.m.

Averett Theatre and Music departments

Pritchett Auditorium

Adults $9, Students/Senior Citizens $7

For Tickets: 434-791-5712, or at the door

Open to the Public.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

November 2011

Calendar ClipsClip it. Post it. Do it.For more activities, see the calendar on page 14-15.

Wednesday, November 2 Regional Impact & the Role of Higher EducationThree independent college/university presidents will be speaking at the Wednesday Club, 1002 Main Street, starting at 3:45 p.m. Colleges and universities play a significant role in helping regions innovate, reinvigorate, and thrive in challenging times. Dr. Tiffany Franks became the first female president of Averett University in 2008. Dr. Jennifer Braaten has served as the president of Ferrum College since 2002 and was previously President at Midland Lutheran College in Nebraska. She was the first female president at both institutions. Dr. Pamela Fox has been President of Mary Baldwin College since 2003. The event is free and open to the public. Coffee will be served starting at 3:15 p.m. For more information, call 434.791.4054. (submitted by Vickie Jones)

Friday, November 4 Big Brothers & Big Sisters Big Night Out From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. enjoy fabulous hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Outback Steak House featuring ahi tuna, shrimp and more delicious delectables while listening to the Small Town Orchestra at the Schoolfield Museum , 917 West Main Street. Exhibits will be open. Black tie optional. Open bar. Only 200 tickets will be sold and all are eligible for door prizes. For more information call 434.710.2754. (submitted by Melanie Vaughn)

Friday, November 4 Flutist Eugenia Zukerman Concert Zukermanan, who is also an arts commentator and author, will perform at The Prizery, 700 Bruce Street, in South Boston, starting at 7:30 p.m. As a recitalist, she has been lauded not only for her playing but also for her adventurous programming. She will collaborate with pianist, Milana Strezeva. For tickets call 434.489.3154 or purchase online at www.prizery.com. Adult tickets are $30; senior $28; student:$15. (submitted by Chris Jones)

Friday, November 11 Classical Guitarist ConcertThe Chatham Concert Series opens its 4th season at 7:00 p.m. with internationally renowned classical guitarist Dr. Stanley Alexandrowicz. This is an opportunity to see a 19th century, 10-string, double-neck guitar being played. Alexandrowicz will begin his program with the music of Robert de Visée “Guitar Master of the King” (Louis XIV) and a tour of Romantic European music by the great guitarist-composers of the Romantic era: France’s Napoleon Coste, Croatia’s Ivan Padovec and Johann Dubez of Vienna. For the latter half of the concert, Alexandrowicz will play the modern classical guitar. Admission at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street in Chatham, is by donation and goes to cover expenses. For more info, call 540.382.9624. (submitted by Susan Paynter)

Saturday & Sunday, November 19 & 20 Thomas Day and Cosby Home ToursFrom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, the Halifax County Historical Society and the Thomas Day House/Union Tavern Restoration are co-sponsoring an open house and tours of homes with Thomas Day architectural elements and/or brick work by the Cosbys. Tickets are $20 for two days and $15 for one ($25 & $15 at the door). Purchase tickets for visits to 16 different buildings—9 on Saturday only and 7 on Sunday only at Electric Service, 508 North Main Street and Chamber of Commerce, 515 Broad Street, in South Boston or Triangle Florist, 1 South Main Street, in Halifax. Box lunch available on Saturday if reserved by November 15. For more info, visit www.halifaxcountyhistoricalsociety.org, click on News and Events or call 434.822.8967. (submitted by Joe Graves)

Wednesday, November 30Smart Beginnings for Our Children Tom Chewning, Chairman of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and Chairman of the Regional Early Childhood Leadership Council in Richmond and Ann Stratton, Executive Director of Smart Beginnings Danville Pittsylvania (SBDP), will speak about the purpose and successes of this much needed program in our area and the state. SBDP is one of 28 school readiness coalitions in Virginia that strive to strengthen the system of individuals and organizations serving children from birth to five years of age. Its goal is to ensure that children enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life. For every dollar invested in early childhood development, there is up to a $17 return that results in reduced retention rates, special education costs, social services and prison beds. This free program is open to the public and will be held at the Wednesday Club, 1002 Main Street, at 3:45 p.m. (submitted by Betty Davenport)

Dr. Tiffany Franks

Evince Magazine

Authentic Thanksgivingby Annelle Williams

I’m adding an authentic Native American dish to our Thanksgiving table this year. I found the recipe in Spirit of the Harvest by Beverly Cox and Martin Jacobs This book has won awards from James Beard and the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Dividing North America into regions according to the Native American tribes who lived there, the recipes in each section are based on the foods that were indigenous to that area and are traditional dishes that can be easily recreated in the contemporary kitchen. Each section of the book describes the culture, diet and ceremonial use of food in a particular part of the country.

The picture of the stuffed baked pumpkin dish looked so beautiful, I couldn’t resist adding it to our menu. So many times you see creamed soups cooked and served in small pumpkins or squash, but this little sugar pumpkin is stuffed with a mixture that is very similar to a Thanksgiving dressing. After giving it a test run, I can hardly wait to place it next to the turkey and cranberry sauce. It’s going to make a beautiful presentation and a delicious addition to our table.

May your table be complete, your blessings be many and the spirit of gratefulness fill your holiday.

Find more recipes, on my blog:http://aroundannellestable.blogspot.com/

1 sugar pumpkin 4-5 lb.2 tsp.salt1⁄2 teaspoon dry mustard1 to 2 T vegetable oil or rendered fat1 lb. ground venison, buffalo, or beef (I used sweet Italian sausage.)1 medium onion, chopped1 cup wild rice, cooked3 eggs, beaten1 tsp. crushed dried sage1⁄4 tsp. pepper

HIDATSA STUFFED SUGAR PUMPKINServes 6

Preheat oven to 350. Cut the top from the pumpkin and remove seeds and strings. Prick cavity with a fork and rub with 1 teaspoon of salt and the mustard. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add meat and onion and sauté over medium-high heat until browned. Turn off the heat; stir in wild rice, eggs, remaining salt, sage, and pepper. Stuff pumpkin with this mixture. Place 1⁄2 inch of water in the bottom of a shallow baking pan.

Put pumpkin in the pan and bake for 1 1⁄2 hours or until tender. Add more water to the pan as necessary to avoid sticking. Cut pumpkin into wedges, giving each person both pumpkin and stuffing.

A New Dayfor Healthcare in the RegionQuality care should always be available close

to home. Danville Regional has been proud

to serve our community with more than

30 medical specialties, for more than 120 years.

Today, we are raising the bar and welcoming

a new day.

Danville Regional is a Duke Medicine Quality Affiliate

hospital. This Quality Affiliation will provide additional

resources to enhance patient safety and clinical quality

hospital-wide.

But perhaps more importantly, a commitment

has been made by every physician, nurse

and healthcare professional at Danville Regional wto

strengthen our ability to provide the right care – right

here for years to come.

Today is a new day for healthcare in the region.

What is the new program with Duke University Health System?

It is an expanded relationship with

Duke University Health System,

formalizing a comprehensive

hospital patient safety and

quality affiliation program here at

Danville Regional Medical Center.

Each day, the team at Danville Regional works

to improve the quality of care provided to our patients.

Affiliating with the renowned quality experts at Duke

will take Danville Regional to a new level and continue

to move the hospital towards exceeding all of our

quality measures.

The end result is that we constantly raise the bar

and provide exceptional quality care to our patients.

Why is DRMC entering this affiliation now?

Throughout the country, hospitals are in various stages

of evaluating their processes and improving quality

standards. We wanted to be proactive and align ourselves

with quality experts. Duke is here today because they

recognized our focus and dedication to continuous

improvement and providing quality healthcare.

We appreciate the confidence Duke has placed

in our hospital and the services we provide. We believe

that with Duke’s affiliation and the focus on each

area of the hospital, we will take Danville Regional

to a new level.

Duke has worked with Danville Regional’s cardiovascular

team and the Danville Regional Heart Center for

a number of years. With the Heart Affiliation, there has

been an ever-increasing focus on quality resulting

in measureable improvements in clinical care process

measures and outcomes.

What changes will the community see as a result of this affiliation?

One notable change, we will hire a Patient Safety

Officer who will report to me. The sole purpose

of this position will be to ensure our patients receive

quality care.

We look forward to the expanded collaboration.

This is an opportunity to better serve patients in the

Dan River region. Please let me know what you think

of Danville Regional and our commitment to the region.

A Discussion with Eric Deaton, Chief Executive Officer

www.DanvilleRegional.com

evince magazine november 2011

Documents

countryangela billingsley

photo of janet roberson

vickie jones

typical davjanet roberson

chris jones

blank check

danville public schools

horrors of war