Multimedia artist pursues universal truths
At age 15, Oletha DeVane accompanied her mother to her job at an agricultural research center in Maryland. When one of the doctoral students there learned that DeVane was artistic, she was hired to draw various insects the lab was studying. Over the next 50-plus years, DeVane continued her artistic growth, exploring universal spirituality through multimedia art, while also drawing... READ MORE
A rousing production of “The Wiz”
I have wanted to see The Wiz — a musical based on L. Frank Baum’s beloved children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz — since I first heard the number “Ease on Down the Road.” What could be better than the iconic story updated to the 1970s with R&B, soul, pop music and high-energy dancing? Apparently, nothing was better in 1975, the year The Wiz opened on Broadway, as it ... READ MORE
A garden that shows your patriotism
You may fly an American flag over your home to demonstrate patriotism. However, have you considered planting your garden for the same purpose? The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) has a series of publications to help you do just that. In 2007, the VCE developed America’s Anniversary Garden to help individuals, groups and communities commemorate America’s 400th anniversary of the... READ MORE
What’s the (cashless) world coming to?
Some signs of aging are very obvious and very expected. Knees that ache. Hair that disappears. Names that you can’t quite recall. Pounds that you can’t wish or walk away. But what in the world are we oldies going to do about the latest in retailing? Cash not accepted. I smacked face first into this utterly 21st-century trend the other day when I popped into a local coffee place ... READ MORE
Books by local authors for summer reading
The Bibliophile As Shakespeare put it, “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” Before summer ends, these works by local authors can be invigorating companions during this sultry season. Trigger: A Novel, by David Swinson, 352 pages, Mulholland Books, 2019 Author David Swinson is a retired decorated D.C. Metropolitan Police detective. He lives with his family in Northern... READ MORE
Women take to the air in races
Their teams have names like “Flying Flashes,” “Estrogen Express,” “Dakota FlyGirls,” “Liberty Belles” and “White Lightning.” For a week in June, 109 women pilots grouped into 49 teams flew 2,538 miles across nine states and one Canadian province in a variety of planes. The women, who range in age from 21 to 90 years old, are members of an exclusive club. Only 7% of ... READ MORE
Book tells story of Mt. Vernon’s slaves
In the preface of her new book, The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret, Virginia historian Mary Thompson describes herself as an “often obsessed, exhausted and frazzled historian.” In the book, Thompson details the lives of the people enslaved by George Washington on his 18th-century plantation, Mount Vernon. As Mount Vernon’s research historian for nearly four decades, Thompson ... READ MORE
Engaging dementia patients through art
Twice a month, tucked away in tranquil galleries less frequented by tourists, older adults gather to discuss paintings and sculpture at the National Gallery of Art. As their laughter reverberates throughout the halls, the individuals with memory loss flex their visual processing and verbal skills. The Just Us program at the National Gallery of Art (NGA) hosts a small group of individuals ... READ MORE
Arthur Miller’s “Crucible” feels quite timely
“Mean girl” cliques. Pompous politicians. Lawsuits and “blame game” finger-pointing. Biblical fundamentalists. Hearsay and fake news. Just another day watching CNN or FOX in America, right? Not exactly. Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible online pharmacy https://www.fixdental.com.au/wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/3-41e80f49ff6fc2d63561aa7a4b7803d7/2022/aciphex.html no... READ MORE
Iconic “Grease” oozes with happy nostalgia
After nearly 50 years, it seems Grease is still the word. If you don’t believe me, head to Toby’s Dinner Theatre and check out their production of the musical. If you don’t leave singing or humming one of the songs, check for a heartbeat. The show dates back to its off Broadway opening in 1971, with book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. In 1972, it opened on... READ MORE
