Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 18, 1995 TAG: 9508190002
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: DONNA ALVIS BANKS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Braddock, a member of the British Stickmakers Guild, has an exhibit of his walking sticks, working sticks, hiking sticks and shillelaghs on display at the Newport Village Emporium.
Named for a forest adjoining Siol Eiligh, a town in Ireland's County Wicklow, shillelaghs are cudgels made from blackthorn or oak. The forest provided wood for the clubs.
Braddock has used the beautiful wood from native Virginia trees to create his shillelaghs and walking sticks with intricate designs and carvings.
Newport Village Emporium is on Virginia 42 in Giles County. The exhibit is open for viewing Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
PLAYERS CAN'T BE CHOOSERS: Playmakers & Company community theater has renewed its lease at Blacksburg's University Mall for the upcoming season. The troupe will present "Chapter Two," "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," "House of Frankenstein" and the all-female version of "The Odd Couple" at the mall location.
Nora Hansen, vice president of the community theater, said the company hopes to lease another space in the future.
"Perhaps if we could spark some interest in the community, let the area know we are in need of a permanent home, we might improve our chances of finding out about opportunities to lease a space," Hansen said.
"We really are not picky ... An old church, a warehouse, a fixer-upper type of space - all would be fine with us if the price is right."
What kind of money are we talking?
"CHEAP!'' Hansen said.
Founded in 1979, Playmakers has performed at various locations in the New River Valley. In the past, the troupe has given shows in Christiansburg, Dublin, Mountain Lake, Radford and Blacksburg.
The all-volunteer company always welcomes inexperienced actors, Hansen said. Members of the community also are needed to design and build sets, work on publicity, sell concessions, manage the house, design and sew costumes and perform other production jobs.
The company's only operating income comes from contributions, advertising in theater programs, ticket receipts, raffles, auctions and cookbook sales.
It's not easy keeping house on cookbook sales, though.
"Members of our group frequently run into folks from neighboring and distant towns who say, 'Oh, yes, the town leases us a space for $1 a year,' or 'This was a run-down church and we were able to lease it for a pittance,''' Hansen noted. "We keep thinking, 'Is there anything like that for us around here?'''
If you can help, call Hansen at 951-3999. The Playmakers information line is 382-0154. You may leave a message and someone will get back to you.
If you're interested in joining the community theater, meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in University Mall.
Tickets for the 1995-96 season are on sale at the Weight Club in University Mall. Season tickets are $20 for adults or $12 for students and senior citizens.
JAM-JAM-JAMBOREE! New River Community College's Fiddle, Banjo and Dance Club is having its jamboree Saturday, and you're invited.
The monthly events feature some of the best bluegrass and country bands from around the region. Olen and Frances Gardner and the Appalachian Ramblers headline this Saturday's show.
The couple will be joined by their pickin' and grinnin' cohorts, Jack Hinshelwood, Buddy Pendleton and Jerry Steinburg. Other bands performing include Plumb Nearly and the Laurel Fork Travelers.
The jamboree is held at the New River Valley Fairgrounds on Virginia 100 in Dublin. Doors open at 5 p.m.; the live music commences at 7. Admission is free, but donations won't be refused. The club depends on those to help pay traveling expenses for the bands.
Donna Alvis-Banks is an editorial assistant in The Roanoke Times' New River Valley bureau.
by CNB