THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 21, 1996 TAG: 9607190181
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Eric Feber
LENGTH: 91 lines
Over the past few years, hurricanes Gloria, Emily and Felix all had South Hampton Roads in their crosshairs but veered away, doing only minor damage and causing an areawide scare. And when Bertha chugged through our area, with the eye supposedly moving through Norfolk, it simply brought in a tree-trimmer storm, added more water to our reservoirs and caused electricity outages in many areas.
Why have we been so lucky?
Forget the frontal systems, wind troughs or jet streams that may have steered these killer storms away, and don't even think about the prayers from that well-known television personality, either.
It was Jody Treadway's gift-wrapped can of Spam.
You read that right: a can of Spam.
At least that's what everybody at the Chesapeake Central Library believes. Ask any staff member at the Cedar Road branch and they'll know. Mention the word hurricane and anyone who works at the main branch will refer to Treadway's meaty talisman.
The can of the well known meat-byproduct is the property of Treadway, the Central Library 's support services manager and former children's coordinator.
It was bought by Treadway's husband, Bill, a Naval aviator who believes in the motto ``be prepared,'' said Central Library manager Charles H. ``Chuck'' Anderson.
Anderson said Treadway's hubby purchased the Spam during a hurricane scare several years ago as he was preparing for the worst by buying a passel of canned goods to help his family ride out the storm. Somehow the Spam got gift wrapped and has been at Treadway's desk.
Each time a hurricane has come near our area, Treadway simply placed the can on her desk. Anderson said it seems to have magical powers.
``It's famous,'' Anderson said. ``Every time she took it out, the storms veered off. Every time. And it can't just be in her desk, it has to be displayed on the counter in her office.''
That was evident when Bertha was threatening us and the Outer Banks last week.
As the storm neared the Carolina coast it began to lose strength and was almost downgraded to a tropical storm. Thinking the worst was over, Treadway put the can back in her desk. Bad move.
Hours later Bertha picked up steam and began to head right toward us again.
``We don't dare move it or get rid of it,'' Anderson said.
So if another hurricane threatens the area, don't worry, Treadway's famous can of Spam is ready. Florida fun
Last February we reported that the Dance Magic Performing Arts Company from the Copeland Mills School of the Arts on Mt. Pleasant Road was set to travel to the Sunshine State for a dance session at Disney World.
Dianne Copeland Adcock, the school's owner and director, recently let us know how the trip went.
If you remember that far back, the team won two regional dancing competitions and sent in a performance video to the Disney folks. All of that impressed Mickey Mouse's people enough to give the team the opportunity to perform and learn at the Florida theme park.
``The Disney entertainment agent said over 1,000 videos per week are reviewed, and ours was chosen,'' Adcock said. ``We were invited to perform in Tomorrow Land in the Magic Kingdom.''
The team has more than 30 members, ages 8 to 22, and are taught by dance instructors Lori Carawan, Rebecca Fahnly, Diana Hudson, Megan Jenkins, Lisa Stanton and Adcock.
They gave a 25-minute dance performance in front of hundreds of tourists on the Galaxy Stage.
After the performance, the team received dance instructions from a professional Disney choreographer, with Mickey even joining in. They were also treated to a full blown luau at the Polynesian Village.
``The children will always remember the day they danced in Disney World,'' Adcock said. ``And we have been invited back.''
Adcock said the most daunting task was raising the money for the trip's expenses.
``The biggest challenge was to raise the money in eight weeks,'' she said. ``The parents and performers went to work seeking donations, selling candy and doughnuts, holding car washes and various other fund-raisers. We almost met our goal, however we still owe a little more.''
With the invitation to come back, Adcock said the team has more work to do.
``Fund-raisers continue with hopes to be able to attend next year for the 25th anniversary of Disney World,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: Drawing
This is the original farmhouse at the Chesapeake Arboretum. The
arboretum, located at 624 Oak Grove Road, hosts its first open
house Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include an
orientation on the facility's development, a walk around the
historic grounds, refreshments and exhibits. For information, call
382-7060. by CNB