ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, November 29, 1996 TAG: 9611290090
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: The Tipoff
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES
CHEAP ART: One buck could win you an original artwork by Vera Dickerson, Eric Fitzpatrick, Mimi Babe Harris, Peyton Klein or Marcia McDade, who have each donated one of their works of art to the third annual Real Art Real Cheap sale. The fund-raiser for the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge will be held 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday at Center in the Square, Roanoke. Admission is free. Call 342-5790.
AIDS GALA: Sisters in the Name of Love of the Roanoke Valley Inc.'s AIDS Benefit Gala will help the organization with its program to help HIV/AIDS patients obtain daily hot meals. Admission to the event Sunday, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Hotel grand ballroom costs $15 per person or $25 per couple. Call 982-7757.
ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE: Proceeds from the Moscow State Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Roanoke Civic Center auditorium will benefit Blue Ridge Public Television and WVTF Public Radio. Tickets range from $19.50 to $65. Call 981-1201 or 343-8100.
HOUSE HUNTING: The Athenian Dollhouse and Miniatures Show opens today and will run through Dec. 15 at Center in the Square, Roanoke. The show includes more than 40 doll houses, including 83-year-old artist Dora McManaway Johnson's replica of her grandparents' rustic farm cabin, recreated in wood, sticks, gravel and other common objects. The 1/12 scale model of Bedford's Cedars is another exhibit highlight. The show is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students, 50 cents for children 12 or younger. Call 342-5700.
LUCK OF THE FETISH: The American Indian tribes of Zuni Pueblo, N.M., are said to be among the most renowned fetish carvers. A collection of their carvings and necklaces - believed to bring luck, power or protection to their owners - will be displayed today through Sunday at the Amerind Gallery, 885 Roanoke Road, Daleville. Call 992-1066.
HEARTWARMER: Richfield Retirement Community's open house Sunday will include a special miniproduction of "The Snow Maiden - A Russian Tale," presented by The Southwest Virginia Ballet. The tale is about a childless Russian peasant couple who build a snow maiden that miraculously comes to life. The no-fee event at 2 p.m. at The Oaks at Richfield, 3615 West Main St., Salem, includes refreshments. Call 380-4900.
CHRISTMAS PAST: The festive family activities at historic Smithfield Plantation house in Blacksburg will include live music, traditional craft and baking demonstrations, storytellers, a juried flower show, a greenery sale and a tea shoppe. Hours are 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Dec. 8. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for students (tea shoppe is additional). A reduced rate four-day pass, which must be purchased in advance, also is available for $6 for adults and $3 for students. Call 231-3947.
HOLIDAY HYBRID: "An Old-Fashioned Christmas" combines the best elements of "Scrooge" and "It's A Wonderful Life" into a tale of a grumpy low-rent talent agent visited by two angels in the guise of a down-on-his-luck Shakespearean actor and a suicidal housewife. Add an orphan who finds a family and a woman who finds her man, plus some memorable music and you've got the package.
The cast of professional actors, sponsored by Virginia Western Community College Student Activities, will perform Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. through Dec. 21, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 in the Whitman Auditorium, Virginia Western Community College. General admission is $8; $4 for students. Call 384-6946.
ALL THE TRIMMINGS: The 14th annual display of trees decorated by area businesses and civic organizations is on view today through Dec. 24 on the 21st floor of the First Union Tower, Roanoke. Proceeds benefit the Mental Health Association of Roanoke Valley. Admission is $1.50 for adults, $1 for ages 5-12. For hours and specifics, call 344-0931.
FANTASYLAND FUN: A combination of animated figures and a live, storytelling, movie-showing Santa will be in action today through Dec. 31 at the Roanoke Valley History Museum, Center in the Square, Roanoke. Call 342-5770.
RINKY DINK: Public ice skating will be open Saturday, following the 7:30 p.m. Roanoke Express vs. Hampton Roads game and Sunday from 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Roanoke Civic Center. Admission is $5 per session; skate rentals cost $2. Call 853-1ICE.
PAWS CAUSE: Petpourri, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Dec. 7 at the Elkins Antique Auction Galley in Glade Hill, will feature a fashion show by E.I. Randle, a wine and cheese reception, cash bar, silent auction and live music, all to benefit the Franklin County Humane Society. Tickets cost $15 per person or $25 per couple. Call 489-3775.
HOLIDAY ON HENRY STREET: Dec. 7 at 8:30 p.m. at the Dumas Hotel Music Center, Roanoke, will include seasonal music, a fashion show and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Tickets to the black-tie-optional affair, hosted by WSLS-TV's Tracie McKinney, cost $25 per person, $45 per couple. Purchase them at TAP, 145 Campbell Ave., Roanoke, or call 345-6781 ext. 332.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: When did you last play Pong? How about Space Invaders, Defender or Pac-Man? Are you game for a cutting-edge virtual reality ski experience that delivers every sensation but the cold? Have it all at Videotopia in the former Brendle's building, Tanglewood Mall.
Forty to 50 video arcade machines, dating from the earliest to latest and mostly operable, along with histories, factoids and career possibilities make the exhibit educational, too. It's open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $2, which includes four playing tokens. Call 342-5710.
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