Play Ball!
While Big Train’s players are college athletes, older adult amateurs have a number of opportunities to join softball teams across the Washington area. Virginia Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS) is a slow-pitch softball league open to men 50 and up, and women 40 and up. NVSS has more than 550 players. There are three conferences based on skill level. There are both... READ MORE
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actress turns advocate
When Chandra Wilson’s daughter suddenly became ill with nausea, vomiting and intense abdominal pain — a condition that persisted and returned many times — the 48-year old mother and actress rolled up her sleeves and began to keep a log of her daughter’s symptoms. Eventually, the binder of information she put together, accompanied by her persistent advocacy, helped doctors... READ MORE
Ghostly matters raised in ‘The Quickening’
According to Wikipedia, “quickening” refers to the moment in pregnancy when “the woman starts to feel or perceive fetal movements in the uterus…the word, ‘quick,’ originally meant ‘alive.’” In award-winning local playwright Mark Scharf’s modern gothic tale, The Quickening, it’s the moment when one’s spirit — what constitutes one’s true self — takes... READ MORE
See Shakespeare under the summer sky
Summer is a comin’ in, which means that Shakespeare plays are moving out to stages under the stars. There is something about Shakespeare that suits outdoor productions very well. There are struggles against universal forces through beautiful language; a largeness of images; sometimes a need to conjure up magic. And there are powerful themes with stories so strong, yet still... READ MORE
Celebrate summer with festivals, events
Summer in Baltimore means fairs, festivals, celebrations and, of course, snowballs! Keep cool and head out to enjoy some of Baltimore’s favorite traditions. The 38th annual festival of Hispanic culture, music and art known as LatinoFest takes place June 23 and 24 in Patterson Park. As always, this toe-tapping weekend will feature live concerts with music ranging from salsa to... READ MORE
A palette of foliage colors for your garden
Although many plants tempt you with showy flowers, those blossoms may be short-lived. If, however, you choose summer annuals and year-round perennials with fabulous foliage, their pleasure won’t “leave” as quickly. Golden glow Yellow leaves warm up a garden. Combine them with plants having orange or red blossoms and leaves to heat things up. Golden Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra... READ MORE
Mourning the loss of old-time baseball
Three cheers for spring. I’ve been through many of them — some would say too many — and for most of those years, this young man’s fancy didn’t turn only to love. When April arrived, baseball arrived. All together now…“Take me out to the ball game…Take me out with the crowd…” Ah, the crack of the bat. Ah, the umpires who would screech, “Yerrrr out!” Ah, those ... READ MORE
Books that explore the great outdoors
The Bibliophile As the travel season approaches, it’s wise to consider your choices carefully before embarking. Here are some books to make the planning easier. Even an armchair traveler will be mesmerized by the many scenic destinations described in these books. Let your imagination soar, whether on a flight of fancy or a real life adventure. Your Guide to the National Parks: The... READ MORE
Moving dark comedy packs a message
It’s amazing how little it takes for the sound of water to quickly transform from peaceful sloshes and ripples to a mighty, fearful roar. One moment you’re being calmed and relaxed. Suddenly, you’re powerless, swept away and helpless in the malevolent grip of an unyielding and mighty force. That’s just the first switch that playwright Gabrielle Reisman layers in for us in her... READ MORE
What’s onstage this summer and beyond
While Kennedy Center gets set to pack ‘em in this summer, several revivals of other award-winning and audience-arousing musicals — such as Mamma Mia!, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street — are set for staging by Howard County theater groups. Mamma Mia! will be moving and grooving at Toby’s Dinner Theater soon. The play, inspired by the songs... READ MORE
