THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 19, 1996 TAG: 9604190087
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LINDA McNATT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
CATHEY MANN, half of the Chesapeake sister act that hit No. 1 on the country music charts in 1994, had never been to Zuni Presbyterian Training Center until recently.
When she left, she took with her peanuts, bright flowers and warm feelings.
``What a wonderful place!'' Mann said later about the residential four-year training school for mentally retarded young adults. ``There's no feeling of an institution. It's great. We are so fortunate to have a place like it in our area.''
Her reaction was typical for people who visit for the first time. On Saturday, at the school's 22nd annual Day in the Country, everyone will have an opportunity for a look.
Situated on 300 acres, the center offers instruction in basic work-readiness skills, custodial work, peanut processing, horticulture and food service. Peanuts processed at the center and plants grown by the residents will be sold on the day of the festivities.
This event was designed to introduce the school to visitors and parents, and to bring alumni back for a visit, director Robert Bishop said.
And The Mann Sisters - Cathey and her sister, Debbie, and their band, the All-New All-Mann Band - will share center stage with The Zuni Singers, made up of students from the school.
Eunice N. Arrington Jr., a counselor at the center, has been working for weeks with a group of about 20 young people, teaching them such songs as ``Jesus Loves Me'' and ``Amazing Grace.''
The Mann Sisters, named duet of the year by Airplay International in 1995-96, got their start young, singing gospel music in Chesapeake churches. In August 1994, they recorded their first album, ``It Ain't One Way.'' Three singles from the album reached the top five positions on the country music charts. ``When You Leave'' hit No. 1.
Day in the Country festivities start at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. and include horseback riding, mule rides, clowns, face painting and a greased pig race. Admission is free. The Mann Sisters appear at 12:40 p.m. and 2 p.m.
To get to the Zuni Presbyterian Training Center from South Hampton Roads, follow U.S. Route 460 past Windsor for about 4 miles. Turn left on Yellow Hammer Road (Route 645). Go over the overpass, and straight for one mile. Turn left at the stop sign (Route 614). The center will be about one mile ahead on the right. ILLUSTRATION: KEITH LANPHER
The Mann Sisters perform at 12:40 p.m. and 2 p.m. by CNB