Scott Galloway of Davidson directed the award-winning film "A Man Named Pearl," the story of a self-taught topiary artist.

Whew! The humidity of the past week is beginning to grow a little mildew on each of us but oh, how the plants love the moisture.

And speaking of plants, for the second week this column has news of Pearl Fryar and his famous topiary.  A group from The Pines traveled to Bishopville, S.C., to visit him.  Meanwhile, Scott Galloway, producer and director of the documentary about Pearl is honored for his work.

Also this week we have news about Jody Seymour’s new book about how to escape “the rat race,” and a report about Chief Jeanne Miller’s visit with a Daisy Girl Scout Troop. 

JODY SEYMOUR HAS A NEW BOOK

Finding time to write a book (his fourth) when you are the senior pastor of a 3,000 member church is no small task, but Jody Seymour has put together a fine volume reminding us to “come slow down” with him.  Serving in Davidson at “the helm” of the Davidson United Methodist Church (DUMC), his book is titled “Lost but Making Excellent Time:  Transforming the Rat Race into a Pilgrimage.”

Jody Seymour's new book is called "Lost But Making Excellent Time."

Some of the book does, Jody admits, come from earlier writings but most was completed during a mini-sabbatical he took last year.  Following the lectionary template for the Christian year, Jody uses prose and poetry to urge us to “slow down and discover who we really are.”  As he explains, “I will use the structure of the Christian year as a guide or a map for the person who wishes to be a pilgrim on the journey of life rather than a tourist.”

At the end of the book Jody offers a selection of 13 sermons he has preached in each season of the church calendar during his six years at DUMC.  This book is available at Main Street Books or through the publisher at www.wipfandstock.com.  All profits from the sale go to DUMC Missions budget.  Pick up a copy today.  You will want to read it more than once.

We would be remiss if we did not wish Jody a Happy Birthday as he blows out a few dozen candles on his cake next Wednesday, June 3.  Also congratulations to the Seymour family on the upcoming fall wedding of their older daughter, Abigail, to Brent Kilgore.

PEARL FRYAR KEEPS MAKING OUR NEWS

Scott Galloway  is honored for “A Man Named Pearl”

Around Davidson mentioned Davidson resident Scott Galloway a few weeks ago as the producer and director (along with Brent Pierson) of a documentary called “A Man Named Pearl.”  Featuring the amazing topiary work of Pearl Fryar of Bishopville, S.C., and the story of how he reacted to a comment about how “blacks can’t keep up their yards,” the film has received much praise and now will tour worldwide with some two dozen other documentaries at film festivals and university showings.

Pearl Fryar's goal of becoming the first African-American to win Bishopville’s “Yard of the Month” Award resulted in three-acres of unusual and abstract shapes.

Scott will be participating in what is called the American Documentary Showcase whose purpose is to present a “diversified look at life in the United States and values of a democratic society.”  Touring later this summer with the showcase group specifically in Kenya and Uganda, Scott will speak about making “A Man Named Pearl” at colleges and universities as well as at film festivals in the two countries.  More information is available at the government website: www.documentary.org/ads09. The film itself has a website at www.amannamedpearl.com.

Asking Scott about his film work, he responded: “I do direct and produce documentaries. Most that I work on are for television.  I have done a few films.  The latest is titled “Children of All Ages” and is a documentary about the old big top circus.”  Nice to know we have this talent in town and look forward to hearing more about Scott’s achievements.

(A further note:  Another of the films chosen for the State Department Showcase is “Street Fight,” a documentary about the 2002 mayoral race in Newark, N.J.  This film was produced and directed by Marshall Curry, son-in-law of Joan and the late Joe Martin, who is married to their daughter, Elizabeth.  Small world.)

Residents of The Pines visit Pearl

Pearl Fryar explains a "pot head" creation during a tour of his gardens.

With Ken Krenzer behind the wheel, 19 residents of The Pines boarded their bus and headed south to Bishopville last Thursday.  Calling ahead and mentioning Scott Galloway’s name made for a special greeting and tour by Pearl Fryar for the group.  They were astounded at the beauty of Pearl’s topiary and enjoyed hearing his thoughts on nature as well as life itself.  The weather was overcast and not too hot which was perfect for walking through the garden.

Following the tour, the group had lunch at Charlene’s (recommended by Pearl’s wife) with a grand Southern buffet, complete with turnips which Pat Butt thought were apples!  The next stop for the bus was the Button Museum on the outskirts of Bishopville.  Here they were impressed with a car covered with buttons as well as a bathroom completely done in buttons.

Kudos to Bob and Pat Butt, enthusiastic members of the Activity Committee at The Pines, who came up with the idea for this outing. Perhaps we should all take note for our next trip to the beach to make a detour and check out the topiary as well as the buttons!

DAISIES TALK RESPECT WITH THE CHIEF

Daisy Scouts from Troop 332 met at Fuel Pizza with Davidson Police Chief Jeanne Miller. (Photo by Lisa Jewel)

Davidson Police Chief Jeanne Miller met with first graders from Daisy Girl Scout Troop 332 on May 18  at Davidson’s Fuel Pizza as part of the troop’s celebration for advancing to the Brownies level of scouting.

The girls heard from Chief Miller about such topics as self-respect, respect for others and respect for authority. They also received “honorary sticker” badges and dined on pizza.

In the fall, these girls, led by Lisa Jewel and Jennifer Clark, will become part of a new Brownie troop. Girls bridging from Daisies to Brownies  include: Kelsey Keene, Emily Meintzer, Tyler Ray Durkee, Mia Biehler, Jackie Jewel and Katie Clark.

Lisa Jewel reported that there are still a few spots left in the troop for rising second graders. If your child is interested in joining the troop, please contact her at 704-962-1039.

Send us your news

Have news for Brenda? Write to her at hbarger@bellsouth.net.