VIRGINIA BEACH FAMILY TRAVELS TO CNN NEWS ABOUT THE VILLAGE

LOCAL FAMILY IS THANKFUL FOR "THE VILLAGE"

Eric Olivier Jr. (E.J.) met Lowell G. Evans in the Kempsville Library some months ago and noticed his T-Shirt about the "National Epilepsy Convention." As Mr. Evans received a "smile" from this 13yr old student from Salem Middle School in Va. Beach, he smiled back and continued on to his desk. Little did the author of "The Village" know what the smile was all about!

Mrs. Teresa Olivier, E.J's mother then stopped the author and asked him about "epilepsy". This is when he told her about his speech at the convention and his book "The Village". He also informed her about his thoughts about epilepsy. He stated to her, "I may have epilepsy, but epilepsy does not have me!" Mrs.Olivier was happy to hear those words from him and then informed him of her son having epilepsy. This is when Mr. Evans asked her, "Is that your son over there?" She stated,"Yes" and then informed him of how Eric Jr. did not want to return to school or church because of the "peer pressure" he was receiving from having a seizure in public. Mr. Evans than asked to speak to E.J. and Mr. Olivier said, "Oh, please do."

After the author informed the young man that he had dealt with the "peer pressure" as well, E.J. felt a little more relaxed about epilepsy. It was when Mr. Evans informed the young man about all of the famous people who had epilepsy. He informed him of President Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, and Mr. Danny Glover all having this condition. The young man could hardly believe what he was hearing! His attitude was changing instantly! This conversation had the Olivier Family amazed! When Mr. Evans informed E.J. of the novel he wrote, "The Village" and then gave him an autographed copy, the relief that came across this young man's face was a site to see! He took the book and ran over to the other side of the library to read it!

A few weeks later, the Olivier family contacted the author again and requested more books to purchase along with "The Village" t-shirts! Little did the author know that the Olivier family had "bigger plans" than he ever could imagine. It was two weeks later when Mr. Evans received a call and it was from Mrs. Teresa Olivier, E.J.'s mother. The family had gone do to Atlanta, Ga. to nominate the author as a "CNN Hero." They were not able to get past security so they took a picture outside of the CNN Studios wearing the "Village T-Shirts and holding a copy of "The Village"! Mr. Evans could hardly believe his eyes!

Mrs. Olivier then stated to the author of the story of  "The Village and Kevin Bolden" changed the life of their son. E.J. for the better! In fact it was a positive change for the entire family! The family is planning on going back to CNN News to make the nomination again!

HIGH SCHOOL IINVITES THE WRITER OF THE VILLAGE TO SPEAK

LANDSTOWN HIGH  APICS ORGANIZATION REQUESTS MR. LOWELL G. EVANS AS GUEST SPEAKER!

When Mr. Lowell G. Evans  saw his old neighbor, Jordan Branch  who attends  Landstown High School at Wendy's Resturant, he asked him and his friends what they were doing . They informed him that they had just finished their organizational meeting for APICS. With him not understanding what this meant he asked, "O.K., fellows what is APICS?" They informed them that it stood for the "Asian Pacific Islanders Cultural Society." With that response he asked, "Can you explain that to me please?"

The students from Landstown High had formed an organization so that the students from all walks of life at Landstown High can learn from each other the different Races and Cultures at the school. Mr. Evans was very impressed with this because the group of young men were conducting themselves as "Gentlemen" and they displayed "great respect" for one another and the people at the restaurant as well.

With the "definition" of APICS being explained to Mr. Evans, he then shared with the group of young men his novel, "The Village." As Mr. Evans informed the students of the story of "Kevin Bolden" who was an African American Corporate Family Man who lost his career and almost his entire family due to the "lack of knowledge of epilepsy", the students became very excited! He then sat down with them and shared his accomplishments and his goal to "eradicate the ignorance of epilepsy" in society by writing the novel. The students were surprised to have a "Published Author" in their presence.

As Mr. Evans explained the story of "The Village", one of the young men in the group named Andy said, "Mr. Evans, The Village is more than just about helping people with epilepsy. It is about "helping your fellow man no matter what the condition or the race. That is actually what we are doing with APICS!" Everyone of the members agreed with him. Mr. Evans was very impressed to see that these young men had recognized the "message being given" in the novel. Again these were high school students but they had a great deal of  "wisdom."

With all that being said, the students then invited Mr. Evans to be the "Guest Speaker" at the end of the year celebration for APICS on June 11, 2012 at 2:30pm at the school. Mr. Evans gladly accepted the offer but informed them that they had to get the approval from their sponsor Ms Marica Garner. He then gave them a copy of the novel and other literature about "Epilepsy".

When Mr. Evans did his speech to APICS, he informed them of how one of their alumni, Mr. D.J.Conti had touched his life.

In closing, Mr. Evans informed the students that Mr. Cristobal Krusen, president of Messenger Films had read his novel and had also came to Va. Beach to do a "personal interview" with him. From the interview, Mr. Krusen said this:

The interview I conducted provided me the opportunity to explore areas of your story that I had pre-identified as holding the potential for a successful cinematic treatment. I now feel confident saying that – properly written,produced and directed – a compelling film can be made for a wide audience based partly on your book and partly on details of your life.

Cristobal Krusen

The students were informed Mr. Krusen had done the movie, "The Bill Collector" in the cities of Va. Beach and Norfolk. He gave them Mr. Krusen's website, www.messengerfilms.com He also informed then that if they helped to spread the word about "The Village and Mr. Kevin Bolden" that when the movie is done, they could be possible "fill-ins" in the movie. There would not be any pay for this, but to have a film done "right in Va. Beach" got them very excited. All this would do is support what "APICS" is doing for the community! They were actually doing the same thing Mr. Evans was doing! Educating people!

Mr. Evans truly enjoyed meeting APICS of Landstown High School and has been inspired by them even more to make the "movie" come to pass!