Friday, February 27, 2004

'Passion' Devastatingly Realistic
Described As A Life-Changing Film

By Dolores C. Cole | G-V Staff Writer

Devastatingly realistic, horrifyingly brutal, “The Passion of the Christ” opened at Cinema at World of Sports in South Boston Wednesday, and nationwide on more than 2,500 screens, the most widely released independent film ever.

“The Passion,” director Mel Gibson’s labor of love, was a powerful and compelling depiction of the age-old story, a relentless portrayal of the last 12 hours of Jesus of Nazareth’s life on Earth.

The violence is graphic, as merciless as Jesus’ tormentors. Nothing is whitewashed, and absolutely nothing is left to the imagination. All eyes were riveted to the screen Wednesday night, with shocked gasps and quiet sobs emanating from the packed theater.

The movie opens in the Garden of Olives (Gethsemane) where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus is arrested and taken back to within the city walls of Jerusalem where the leaders of the Pharisees confront him with accusations of blasphemy and condemn him to death. He is subsequently handed over to the Roman soldiers, who publicly torture him.

When the relentlessness of the brutality would become too much for the viewer to bear, the scenes would cut away to short flashbacks into earlier events in Jesus’ life, giving the audience brief respites to catch their breath before plunging them back into the horror that was the crucifixion.

The much-debated film was so intense that I left the theater trembling.
Knowing the story of Christ, and seeing the reality (by Hollywood standards) of what really happened was a disturbing experience. With his ravaged body nailed to the cross, Jesus cried “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.” And I wept.

“The Passion of the Christ” was a movie of suffering and of pain, but in the very end, uplifting in its message of hope. Moviegoers left the darkened theater, moving quietly to the exits, stricken looks on their tear-streaked faces.

Esther Wright had traveled to South Boston from Oxford, N.C., to view the film with her mother. “I’m in awe, at a loss for words. Reading it and seeing it are two different things,” she said. “If I ever thought nobody loves me, look at what he did for us, at how much he loved us. He had to get past his flesh to do this for us. For US!”

Sisters Ronni and Denise Culley of South Boston, both teachers at South of Dan Elementary School, had similar reactions.

“I thought ‘The Passion of the Christ’ was powerful and moving and recommend it to everyone,” said Ronni. “It was very biblical. The images of what Christ went through on the cross for us will fill your heart and mind with awe. It has changed my perspective about the hymns and scriptures which I have heard over the years. This powerful movie gives greater meaning and understanding when I hear those hymns and read the scriptures.”

Denise agreed. “The movie has made me more grateful for the great love and compassion Christ has for me. He went through so much.”

Reverend Russell Lee, minister of First Presbyterian Church in South Boston, predicts that this is a movie that could change our world forever.

“After viewing this movie, I feel that I was part of an experience that could bring back the relevance to life,” he said. “I remarked to one of our members who had sat beside me that this was a film that could change lives. It has changed mine.

“I shed a few tears, and could hear others sobbing at the abject cruelty and the sadness and love I had seen on the screen. I saw politics turned into understanding, mob rule terrifying the few, character low and high, and love like never before. I prayed to be able to get through this two hours and to be able to remember and speak to others of what I saw and heard.

“So what did I see?” Lee asked. “I saw Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane for his disciples and for those who arrested him. I saw people on the screen and in the theater touched by this powerful and painful film. I saw Judas the betrayer, Mary the Mother, the soldiers who arrested Jesus, paint a powerful picture of how the Christian faith came to be.

“I saw the religious and political leaders of the first century Palestine striving to be faithful and powerful, and becoming neither. I saw blood spattered across the pavement, dripping down the nailholes of the cross, and coating the faces of those who beat Jesus with whips and canes.

“This movie reminds people who have glossed over the immense suffering Jesus experienced that his trial and death was no picnic,” Rev. Lee continued. “As the folks beside me recoiled from the blows handed out to Jesus again and again, and some covered their eyes because they did not want to see the next stroke of the whip, I kept my eyes on the screen. I wanted to experience the passion of Christ and to give the movie a chance to touch me as it willed.”

The movie, a Newmarket Films release, was filmed in the ancient Aramaic and Latin languages spoken at the time, with English subtitles. Rated R for sequences of graphic violence, it was directed and produced by Mel Gibson, who sank $25 million of his own money into the production. The movie reportedly earned $20 million in box offices on opening night.

Stars of the film include James Caviezel as Jesus, Maia Morgenstern as Mary, Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, Hristo Naumov Shopov as Pontius Pilate, and Luca Lionello as Judas.

“The Passion of the Christ” is showing now, and for the next four weeks, at Cinema I, located in the World of Sports Complex on Rt. 58 in South Boston.

Four Students Facing Possible Drug Charges
Extensive Search Nets Police Small Amount Of Marijuana In Parking Lot At HCHS; BB Gun Confiscated In Unrelated Incident

A small amount of marijuana was seized and four Halifax County High School students are facing possible marijuana possession charges in the wake of an extensive drug search at the high school Wednesday.

Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt and HCHS Principal Albert T. Randolph said yesterday two students, a male in the twelfth grade and a male in the tenth grade, are facing school disciplinary action.

Randolph said he will follow the school system's discipline code and recommend to the School Board that both students be placed on long-term suspension.

Witt also said yesterday a ninth-grade male student was charged with possession of a weapon after a BB gun was confiscated from him Wednesday in an unrelated incident.

The school superintendent and Randolph said the student will be recommended for expulsion from school.

Major R.S. B. Pulliam of the Halifax County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday charges filed against the students will be based upon results of tests that will conducted on the seized items by technicians at the state crime lab.

The small quantity of marijuana found during the search was discovered inside vehicles, Pulliam said.

Wednesday's search was conducted by the Halifax County Sheriff's Department, the local Drug Task Force, South Boston Police and Virginia State Police.

Cooperating agencies assisting with K-9 units included the Danville Police Department, Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Department, the LaCrosse Police Department, the Campbell County Sheriff's Department and the Amherst County Sheriff's Department.

The search began at approximately 8:45 a.m. Wednesday and was concluded at about 12:30 p.m.

The school was in a "lockdown" mode for much of that time as police and drug dogs made their way through the school and its parking lots.

Randolph said the incident involving the BB gun occurred when a student informed an administrator that a student was seen possessing a handgun in the school.

According to Witt, an administrator summoned the student to the school office along with a school resource officer.

The student was searched and the BB gun was found inside the student's jacket, Witt said.

Randolph said the BB gun resembled a handgun and that the matter was being handled according to the guidelines of the school system's discipline code regarding "look-alike" weapons.

Wednesday's search at Halifax County High School was labeled by police and school system officials as "extensive."

"This was the most extensive drug search we have had at the school since I've been here," said Randolph.

"While we want to be drug-free and any amount of drugs on a school campus is too much, we feel good that only a very small amount of drugs was found.
"We want to have the best learning environment for our children," continued Randolph.

"We want parents to know we're doing all we can to provide a safe learning environment for the young people of Halifax County."

Witt echoed Randolph's sentiments.

"We felt it was pretty good," Witt said of the search.

"I believe the small quantity that was discovered is a positive indicator that we don't tolerate drugs in our schools.

"The schools are open to a search anytime we are open," Witt continued.

"You don't want to bring drugs to Halifax County High School because you'll get caught sooner or later. That search should be a message to parents that our high school is a safe place for our young people."

HC Planners Explore Trash Collection At Halifax Elementary

Planners will send a bundle of recommendations to Halifax Town Council for action at its March session.

Responding to a Halifax Elementary School proposal to locate a green box with "a vision screen" at the school, Halifax planners sought Tuesday to take the initiative in seeking an alternative.

Espy said yesterday that he and Larry Roller, school director of Operations and Maintenance, were exploring options.

Leaking trash bins holding cafeteria refuse, as well as scattered trash from green boxes, were discussed by planners Tuesday night.

Health concerns were also raised as planners sought an alternative to location of a large green box (trash receptacle) at the site.

Espy said yesterday that the town is exploring daily trash pick up at the school.

"Next week they will have a count on (garbage) bags generated by the cafeteria," he added.

Planners appeared anxious to work with the school.

"I think the town should make every effort to make it work," said Dick Moore, vice-chairman of the Town of Halifax Planning Commission.

Several years ago the county removed green boxes previously located at the school.

At the Tuesday night meeting planners also agreed to recommend to town council, with conditions, two special use permits for home offices in a residential zone.

Willie Farrar sought a permit for Farrar's Moving & Painting Service, located at 1121 Brook Run Road, and Lori Cole for Exquisite Events at 1135 Golf Course Road.

Halifax Town Manager Carl Espy emphasized that the sites could only be used for an office.

The following conditions would prevail for the two special use permits.

"No stock kept there, commodities sold, mechanical equipment used (except that normally used for domestic purposes), no advertising sign displayed and no exterior evidence the building is being used for any purpose other than a dwelling," explained Espy.

In other business, Planners also will recommend to county supervisors that VDOT put street name signs at critical stoplights to aid truck delivery traffic.

Espy said the problem is 18-wheelers trying to make deliveries are looking for "physical addresses" with no guidance.

One example discussed was truckers seeking Sinai Industrial Park.

However, planners expressed an interest in using existing poles, not adding additional poles with signs.

Soccer, Tennis Teams Have Good Numbers
Coaches Report Good Numbers As Opening Week Of Spring Sports Practice Continues

By DOUG FORD | G-V Staff Writer

Halifax County High School spring sports teams continue to prepare for the upcoming season, with both the Comets boys soccer and tennis coaches reporting good turnouts for the opening days of practice this week.

Comets varsity boys soccer coach Frank Shealy said about 36 players came out for the first couple of days.

He added he was expecting a couple more players to participate in preseason drills.

"I'm counting on 17-18 players, both for the varsity and jayvee rosters," said Shealy.

"We'll probably keep all of them. In past years, we haven't cut at all, because you don't want to discourage anyone from coming out.

Shealy was pleased with the numbers represented in each class.

"It's a good group, we lost only five last year. They'll be hard to replace, but we've got a good core back, a strong junior group, and the ninth-grade group is real strong," he said.

"We have about six tenth-graders to play either jayvee or varsity, so we'll be okay."

Practice will focus primarily on ball handling and fundamentals the first days of practice, according to Shealy.

"This is the first time we've actually had a chance to see them on the field," said Shealy.

"A few of them are a little rusty with the ball, so our main focus the next couple of weeks is to just touch the ball."

Comets boys tennis coach David Riddle was very pleased with the turnout for his squad.

Ten of the 11 guys out for the team so far return from last season, according to Riddle.

"I have one new player out right now, and probably two more coming out, so I've got great numbers," said Riddle.

Seven of Riddle's squad are seniors, the rest underclassmen, giving Riddle a sense of optimism.

"The first practices have looked good and everybody seems ready to go," he said.

"I've had some guys out here already, weather permitting, so we're ready to go.

"Especially the seniors. They have a positive attitude and they want to get some wins this year.

"We'll keep everybody. With the experience and numbers, this will be the strongest team I've had in my five years as coach.

Obituaries

Ocie Barksdale

Ocie Barksdale, 76, of 1070 Union Grove Road, South Boston died February 25 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mr. Barksdale was born in Pittsylvania County on June 5, 1927, the son of the late Charlie Barksdale and Mattie Waller Barksdale and was married to Annie Younger Barksdale. He was a member of Millstone Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Joyce Marie Mitchell of South Boston and Bonnie Barksdale of Greensboro, N.C.; six sons, Allen Younger of The Bronx, N.Y., Wayne Younger of Philadelphia, Pa, James Lawrence Barksdale of Greensboro, Calvin Barksdale and Jerry Barksdale, both of South Boston, and Rickey Barksdale of Boston Mass.; one sister, Nannie Barksdale Hamlett of Fort Wayne, Ind.; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Cheryl Barksdale and Mae Willie Younger; his mother-in-law, Sarah Louise Hendricks of South Boston; and one sister-in-law, Marie Hubbard of Washington, D.C.

A funeral service for Mr. Barksdale will be held February 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Millstone Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Spruill officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home.

Mary James Brandon

Mary James Brandon, 67, of 2034 Blane Road, Alton died February 24 at her home.

Mrs. Brandon was born in Danville on December 30, 1936, the daughter of the late Lucille Swain James and Norman Guy James and was married to Harrell B. Brandon.

She was a member of South Boston Church of God where she was a Sunday School teacher and member of the choir. Mrs. Brandon was also a former member of the Halifax County Rescue Squad, and retired from Collins & Aikman Products.

A funeral service will be held today, February 27 at 2 p.m. at South Boston Church of God with the Revs. Bruce Hagy, Vance Midgett and Dennis Ball officiating. Burial will follow in Alton Baptist Church Cemetery.

Survivors of Mrs. Brandon include her husband; one son, Edward H. Brandon and his wife, Shana, of Hurdle Mills, N.C.; one daughter, Jean B. Turner of Prospect Hill, N.C.; three grandsons, Andy Brandon, Blake Ward and Colton Turner; and one granddaughter, Samantha Turner. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Earl 'Jack' James and Authur James.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston or Gideons International, PO Box 345, South Boston.

Helen Keesee Moore

Helen Keesee Moore of 1623 Jeffress Blvd., South Boston died February 25 at The Woodview.

She was born in Halifax County on August 30, 1924, the daughter of the late William Jasper Keesee and Ellen Gertrude Davis Keesee.

Mrs. Moore was retired as director of the Chastain Home in Halifax, was on the Halifax County School Board for many years and served as chairman of the Halifax County/South Boston School Board. She was also on the Board for the South Boston/Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History and was a member of Halifax Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Diann Moore Castleberry of Richmond; one son, William Cecil 'Bill' Moore of South Boston; one brother and sister-in-law, Roy Keesee and wife, Faye, of Halifax; one granddaughter, Michelle Kennedy of Charlotte, N.C.; two grandsons, Richard Eugene Moore and William Cecil Moore Jr., both of South Boston; and one great-granddaughter, Porter Kennedy of Charlotte.

Funeral services for Mrs. Moore will be held tomorrow, February 28 at 3 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Halifax Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening, February 27 from 7:00 until 8:30, and other times at the home of her son, Bill Moore, 307 Yates Street, South Boston.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax Baptist Church.