Viola

Google "viola jokes" and you'll never run out of material (How do you keep your violin from getting stolen? Put it in a viola case.) But hear a good violist, and the jokes fade instantly. The instrument, with its dusky timbre, has a soulful quality that has attracted many great composers, including those featured on a new CD, "Inner Voice," by longtime Baltimore Symphony Orchestra member Peter Minkler. On this Centaur Records release, beautifully accompanied by pianist Lura Johnson, he offers absorbing, incisive accounts of richly expressive works by Britten, Shostakovich, Arvo Part and the late George Rochberg.

Oscar nominee Viola Davis is featured on the cover of the February issue of the LA Times Magazine. While the article focuses on her work as an actor, mentor and soon-to-be producer, I think the real story is her hair - her natural hair. In a four-picture spread by photographer Ruvan Afanador, Ms. Davis' radiance is undeniable. With the exception of Whoopi Goldberg, this marks the first time, in recent memory, that an A-list, African-American, Oscar-nominated actress has dared to go "bare," so to speak.

On January 21, 2008, Viola Andreone Family and friends will honor Viola's life at the family owned Evans Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services - Parkville, 8800 Harford Rd. on Thursday, 3-5 & 7-9 PM. Where a funeral service will be held on Friday beginning at 10A.M. Interment Parkwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Viola's name may be made to The American Heart Association. Memory tributes may be sent to the family at www.evansfuneralchapel.com.

Martha Viola Langenfelder, who owned and managed a Perry Hall trailer park, died of unknown causes in her sleep Tuesday at the Heron Point Retirement Community in Chestertown. The former Baltimore County resident was 96. Born in Raspeburg in Baltimore County, she was the daughter of farmers Henry and Anuska Ann Langenfelder. She attended Rosedale Elementary School and began working on the family farm after graduating from the eighth grade. In 1936, she married a distant cousin, Conrad John Langenfelder, whom she met at a church event.

On August 15, 2005, VIOLA. The Family will receive friends at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, 4634 Bowleys Lane on Saturday at 10:30 A.M. Memorial Services will follow at 11 A.M. Arrangement by the family owned MARCH FUNERAL HOME EAST, 1101 E. North Avenue. See www.marchfh.com

On December 29, 2005, VIOLA LASTERFriends may call at the family owned MARCH FUNERAL HOME EAST, 1101 East North Avenue on Tuesday after 9 A.M. where the family will receive friends on Wednesday at 11:30 A.M. Funeral services will follow. See www.marchfh.com

On Thursday, May 25, 2006, VIOLA (nee Evans) THORNTON age 96, beloved wife of the late Frank Thornton, devoted mother of Grace Tabb. Also survived by three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Services and interment private. Arrangements by Peaceful Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Center, P.A.

A face can make a movie work. As a black maid employed by a white family in Mississippi in 1963, Viola Davis has such a quietly intense face that it says all that needs to be said in "The Help. " Having grown up under Jim Crow laws, this maid named Aibileen suppresses her bitter feelings beneath a subservient smile. America may be entering an era of civil rights reforms, but she's living much as her slave grandmother did. When Aibileen does speak, her words are so carefully measured that you realize she is mentally calculating how to get through yet another day with her job and a measure of dignity intact.

Connecting teen audiences to the classics can be tricky, but the Laurel Mill Playhouse Shakespeare Teen Theater's summer production of "Twelfth Night" successfully sticks to the basics and offers pure Elizabethan fun. Director Michael Hartsfield, of Laurel, wisely sets the show as written — in ancient Illyria on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, a decision as necessary to creating an authentic atmosphere as James Raymond's artfully designed set...

The Orioles' much-maligned bullpen has rarely been singled out for praise this season, but that was the case Monday after the team's 4-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. That the Orioles even had a chance to win the game was because the bullpen came in after Jake Arrieta lasted just 21/3 innings and pitched 52/3 scoreless frames. Making his third appearance since being activated from major league baseball's restricted list, right-hander Alfredo Simon inherited Arrieta's bases-loaded-and-one-out jam in the third and struck out Carlos Peguero and Chone Figgins . Simon allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out four over 32/3 innings.

Google "viola jokes" and you'll never run out of material (How do you keep your violin from getting stolen? Put it in a viola case.) But hear a good violist, and the jokes fade instantly. The instrument, with its dusky timbre, has a soulful quality that has attracted many great composers, including those featured on a new CD, "Inner Voice," by longtime Baltimore Symphony Orchestra member Peter Minkler. On this Centaur Records release, beautifully accompanied by pianist Lura Johnson, he offers absorbing, incisive accounts of richly expressive works by Britten, Shostakovich, Arvo Part and the late George Rochberg.

It has been six days since Brandon Snyder got his first major league promotion, and he is still eagerly waiting to make his big league debut. But the 2005 first-round draft pick said his brief stay with the club has been "an absolute blast" and a big-time learning experience. "It's been great to be able to sit back and see how guys go about their business," said Snyder, a 23-year-old infielder whom the Orioles picked 13th overall. "It's amazing to watch how [manager Buck Showalter ]

On January 26, 2010, ROSALEE VIOLA HOLMES. On Wednesday, friends may call at the VAUGHN C. GREENE FUNERAL SERVICES (WEST); 5151 Baltimore National Pike, from 4 to 8 p.m. On Thursday, Ms. Holmes will lie instate at Vaughn C. Greene West Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11 a.m. with services to follow. Inquiries (410)233-2400