Entertainer says it all started with Santa

By Martha Steger
Posted on December 10, 2018

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

By Dinah Rokach
Posted on December 06, 2018

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”

By Robert Friedman
Posted on December 04, 2018

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 online pharmacy orlistat no prescription now at Arena Stage. The revival of the original 1930s musical features several songs from the Great... READ MORE

All in the family: Comic books and autism

By Mike Cidoni Lennox
Posted on November 29, 2018

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

By Carol Sorgen
Posted on November 28, 2018

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?

By Robert Friedman
Posted on November 26, 2018

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

By Carol Sorgen
Posted on November 23, 2018

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 online pharmacy buy sinequan online no prescription buy... READ MORE

Now’s the time to plant trees and shrubs

By Lela Martin
Posted on November 21, 2018

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

By Barbara Ruben
Posted on November 21, 2018

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

New artworks light up the November night

By Catherine Brown
Posted on November 20, 2018

Clay flowers with LED lights set up as a community garden. Light boxes with the faces of Richmonders who have helped build up the arts community. Video of participants’ emotions mapped on to the projection of an artist’s face on the wall. Members of recovery organizations holding lanterns while they sing amidst the crowds. These are just a few of the 23 art projects that can ... READ MORE