ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, October 7, 1996 TAG: 9610070138
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
Author to speak
ABINGDON - Best-selling author Sharyn McCrumb of Shawsville will be the keynote speaker at the third annual Symposium on Southwest Virginia History and Culture at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Virginia Highlands Community College. /{REST} The program brings together scholars and citizens who have researched parts of the region's culture and history. Many presenters used traditional research methods and oral histories to find the truth behind legends, family genealogies, life in coal and logging camps, or biographical profiles.
McCrumb is the award-winning author of 12 novels including her "ballad" series delving into Appalachian culture. These include "If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O," "The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter," "She Walks These Hills" and "The Rosewood Casket." She has also published many short stories and won awards for her mystery novels. She taught journalism and Appalachian studies before turning to full-time writing.
Also speaking will be Roddy Moore, director of the Blue Ridge Institute at Ferrum College, on cultural artifacts of Southwest Virginia.
Symposium participants will be able to see an exhibit on the material culture of Southwest Virginia mounted by the William King Regional Arts Center, including furniture, tools and textiles handed down by families in the region.
There is a $10 charge for lunch and refreshments. Those interested in attending should call John Cotham at 523-2400.
Religion lectures
A series of lectures, ``Inspiring Bodies: Religion, Theology and Embodiment,'' will begin with ``No Turning Back'' tonight at 7 in Hollins College's duPont Chapel.
Barbara Ferraro and Patricia Hussey, former Roman Catholic nuns and authors of ``No Turning Back,'' will speak.
The series will continue with ``Suspicion, Affirmation and Holiness: The Ordinary Life,'' on Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Green Drawing Room, Main Building. The speaker will be Janet McDowell, education and professional training coordinator for Planned Parenthood and Protestant ethicist.
The lectures are free and open to the public.
For more information, call 362-6451.
Reading at Hollins
Author R.T. Smith will read from his works Thursday at 8:15 p.m. in the Green Drawing Room in Hollins College's Main Building.
Smith, editor of the literary journal Shenandoah, has published three collections of poetry, chapbooks and a book of stories.
The reading is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 362-6451.
Quilting workshop
A quilting workshop in the Pleated Log Cabin technique will be given Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Roanoke Valley History Museum, Center in the Square, Roanoke.
Or learn to make a ``Trip Around the World'' quilt Oct. 26. You must bring your own sewing machine.
On Nov. 1, a lecture on quilt history and the dating of quilts will be given, followed by the raffle drawing of the commemorative Roanoke quilt.
For more information, or to reserve a seat, call 342-5770.
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