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, set in late 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, knocks the truth on its head in The Vagabond Players production through June 30. The... 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
Gardening with your good companions
What makes someone a good friend or companion? That person sticks by your side, may be different from you but generally likes the same things you do, provides support and even protects you from harm. Well, plants can have companions, too. “Companion gardening” is the practice of planting two complementary types of plants in proximity to one other. These plants have similar water... READ MORE
Carol Burnett’s Q&A roadshow
Although beloved American comedian Carol Burnett grew up in poverty in the 1940s with two alcoholic parents, she never felt poor or unloved, thanks to her grandmother. With their scrounged pennies, the two would retreat to the cool darkness of movie theaters in California as often as possible. The optimism of the films, coupled with her grandmother’s love, left a lasting impression on... READ MORE
Free art classes at the Visual Arts Center
Sue Nelson, a retiree who moved to Richmond several years ago, was looking for a hobby. “I had worked for 55 years,” Nelson said. “It was time to play.” Although she had always been crafty, Nelson had never created with stained glass. On a whim, she signed up for a class at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond — established in 1963 and nicknamed VisArts — and quickly grew to ... READ MORE
It’s never too late to own a muscle car
My friend Russ is a solid, predictable citizen: College professor, husband, father, non-profit volunteer. But he has a sideline that is not only unpredictable but wonderful: He sells vintage cars to senior citizens. Russ does this all by himself, and he does it for only a small profit. But the real reason he does it is, in his words, “to bring some nostalgia and some pleasure to... READ MORE
Making mayo and more for 132 years
When you stroll by the C.F. Sauer plant at 2000 West Broad Street — or even wait at the stoplight with the car windows down — your nose tingles. A pungent whiff of pepper or sweet scent of vanilla might waft by. “The aroma emanating from the building varies depending on what is being produced that day,” said C.F. Sauer’s marketing director, Erin Hatcher. Since 1887, the C.F. ... READ MORE
Summer fiction by prolific older authors
The Bibliophile Open a book to while away the long, warm days ahead. This summer, become engrossed in a fictional tale expertly devised and creatively concocted by these veteran authors. The Fox, by Frederick Forsyth, 304 pages, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Frederick Forsyth is a bestselling British author and octogenarian who has entertained readers for decades. His first thriller was... READ MORE
