In 1872 Christina Rossetti wrote some words that have seemed particularly apropos for much of the country in 2013: “In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan. Earth stood hard as iron; water like a stone. Snow had fallen snow on snow, snow on snow. In the bleak midwinter long ago.” We have been on the edge of most of it, but the northeast is still digging out.
The bitter cold does focus one’s attention. I saw a homeless man on a side street late one afternoon. The temperature was already in the teens and the sun was still above the horizon. With hardly a second thought I passed him in my warm car. How difficult would it have been to offer him a ride to the rescue mission? Probably safe . . . but maybe not. It did put me in mind of spring and the prediction that it will come early. For the homeless, let’s hope that is true.
One of the joys of living in the mid-Atlantic region is that if you don’t like a particular season, it only lasts three months. Living in an area that has only one season can be quite monotonous.
Spring is particularly special. After Rossetti’s graphic description the anticipation of the first flowers, of the miraculous budding of the trees, and the warm breezes of an April evening are more than welcome. It is a time of renaissance both physical and spiritual. For those with seasonal allergies, it is less welcome but medications are available.
We come to associate some holidays with the spring, notably Easter and Passover. This year they come about as early the calendar allows, so things will be barren, but not for long. By mid –April, it will be in full flower.
Another spring happening is an annual event. With the better weather comes a spate of fund raising activities. There are few things as disquieting as having an annual fund-raising event obliterated by ice and snow. In April, that can be avoided and many charitable organizations roll out their plans. The American Cancer Society has their annual Relay for Life; The American Heart Association features their Golden Heart Ball, and the Roanoke Valley Academy of Medicine Alliance (RAMA) has their annual Book and Author Dinner.
This year will mark the 15th occasion for that latter celebration, one that has come to be a favorite for hundreds in the area. This year it will be held at Hotel Roanoke on April 12th. Since its inception RAMA has raised a total of $527,745 which has been distributed to a total of 76 charities. Only one receives funds each year: The Rama Foundation Scholarship Fund, although many have received a contribution multiple times.
Every year, the authors have been outstanding; most have achieved The New York Times best-seller list. This year is no exception. Ken Burger, renowned sportswriter from The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC) will be the emcee. His triple-threat lineup will include John Hart four-time NYT listing for his thrillers, Hallie Ephron, sister of the late, great Nora Ephron. She comes from a prolific family of writers, and Debra Dean who has received rave reviews of her two previous books and will debut her latest work the day after the B&A dinner. They all have websites for more information. If you are a writer, check your envy at the door.
I can’t think of a better way to launch ourselves into spring. Wonderful food, wonderful entertainment, and a great contribution to local charities . . . that’s a hard triad to top.
For more information call 540-200-5134, email ramabookandauthor@gmailcom, or http://www.bookandauthordinner.com/book.htm
Too bad Christina Rossetti can’t be a guest; it would have erased her bleak midwinter.
– Hayden Hollingsworth
