Cicely Tyson wins first (honorary) Oscar
Cicely Tyson received her first and only Oscar nomination in 1972. It was for best actress for her work in Sounder, which she thinks of as her first major role. She wasn’t called to the stage that year — Liza Minnelli was for Cabaret — but now 45 years later, Tyson is finally getting her Oscar. “It is an emotionally wrenching matter to me,” Tyson said. Tyson, 93, is no... READ MORE
Entertainer says it all started with Santa
Were you in Richmond for Christmas between 1971 and 1991? If so, Donna Strother Deekens is probably part of your holiday memories, whether you know it or not. If you were a child, parent or perhaps very young grandparent who made the trek to see Santa in downtown Richmond, or read about Santaland in the local newspapers, then you probably saw Deekens as the Snow Queen — Santa’s... READ MORE
Colorful books to give this holiday season
The Bibliophile Thoughtfulness in selecting gifts is a sign of a sensitive and attentive friend. Consider the recipient’s interests when choosing a book. You’ll be thanked profusely for matching your gift with the proper reader. Mona Lisa in Camelot: How Jacqueline Kennedy & Da Vinci’s Masterpiece Charmed & Captivated a Nation, by Margaret Leslie Davis, 274 pages, three... READ MORE
A de-lovely production of “Anything Goes”
The plot is ridiculous, the jokes are mostly cornball, the acting and staging are very good, the songs are often great, and the singing and dancing are wonderful — which more or less sums up the production of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes now at Arena Stage. The revival of the original 1930s musical features several songs from the Great American Songbook, including “I Get a Kick Out... READ MORE
All in the family: Comic books and autism
Even at age 89, actor Ed Asner still hangs out at the comic-book store with his kid. In early October, the Asners could be spotted at Hollywood’s legendary Golden Apple Comics. But they weren’t shopping. Instead, the two were promoting an Internet comic-art auction to raise funds for the Ed Asner Family Center. Founded earlier this year by the actor’s son, Matthew, and... READ MORE
Clayworks molds new vision for the future
Marsha Smelkinson had recently moved back to Baltimore from San Diego when a friend asked her to help out at a kids’ pottery class she was teaching at Baltimore Clayworks. “I had the opportunity to put my fingers in clay and found it to be fun,” said Smelkinson. Since then, though she had never thought of herself as artistic, the 69-year-old Randallstown resident has become an... READ MORE
Why save a segregated school?
Jessup native Bessie Bordenave attended the last segregated school in the Howard County Public School System — all the students, teachers and staff were African-American. She graduated in 1962, three years before the school was shut down. Today, the 74-year-old Bordenave still carries “beautiful memories” in her head — and in her heart — of Columbia’s Harriet Tubman High... READ MORE
Baltimore’s streets are lit for the holidays
Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or the Winter Solstice. Whatever— and how much — you celebrate, this is the most festive time of the year! Here are a few of Baltimore’s holiday traditions to add to your own. Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar Underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday & Saratoga Streets The Market & Bazaar features local crafters, artists and ... READ MORE
Now’s the time to plant trees and shrubs
Your hydrangeas didn’t make it this summer; your hollies are straggly; the front yard needs an additional shade tree. What to do? Select and plant new trees and shrubs this fall, the best time to plant in metro Richmond. Cool weather provides an opportunity for plants to adjust before cold weather comes, and to establish deep roots before next year’s scorching summer. Do a little... READ MORE
Carole King’s Beautiful career on stage
For three weeks in a row earlier this fall, the farewell tours of three rock and folk icons — Paul Simon, Elton John and Joan Baez — came through Washington. For those hoping seminal ‘60s and ‘70s songwriter Carole King would schedule a tour as well, the next best thing will be onstage for five weeks, starting Nov. 27 at the National Theater in downtown Washington. Beautiful... READ MORE
