Valentines Day is just around the corner, the perfect time for the Wine and Design Valentines Sea Glass Class. Design a set of wine glasses/water goblets with sea glass artist Kathy Grook. 

Wednesday, February 9th from 6:30 p.m. until we’re done. 

Cost $65 – includes all supplies, a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage, and light snacks.

To register contact Lemon Tree Art Gallery at (757) 331-4327.

M&M’s iconic characters are getting a modern makeover to reflect “the more dynamic, progressive world that we live in”, the manufacturer of the popular treat said in an announcement that has left many with a sour taste in their mouths. 

In a statement on Thursday, multinational manufacturer Mars, Incorporated announced it would be “refreshing” and modernizing the M&M’s brand, which began more than 80 years ago, with a new global commitment to creating “a world where everyone feels they belong”.

“This year the brand continues to evolve to reflect the more dynamic, progressive world that we live in. And as part of this evolution, built on purpose, M&M’S promises to use the power of fun to include everyone with a goal of increasing the sense of belonging for 10 million people around the world by 2025,” Mars said on Thursday.

The candy characters will feature “more nuanced personalities” to underscore the importance of “self-expression and power of community through storytelling”, Mars said.

“The refreshed M&M’S brand will include a more modern take on the looks of our beloved characters, as well as more nuanced personalities. Fans will also notice an added emphasis on the ampersand to more prominently demonstrate how the brand aims to bring people together.”

Additionally, M&M’S branding will reflect an “updated tone of voice” that is more “inclusive, welcoming, and unifying, while remaining rooted in our signature jester wit and humor”.

The ‘anxious or nervous’ M&M – orange – has been dubbed by Mars as “one of the most relatable characters with Gen-Z, the most anxious generation” (this is true). To better reflect his preoccupied personality and cautious nature, the orange M&M’s once untied shoelaces will now be knotted in neat bows.

The red M&M, who often is often both leader and bully, will be adjusted to be more kind to his fellow characters, while the yellow M&M, who has a dim-witted disposition, appears to be relatively unchanged. 

The most dramatic makeovers appear to have been given to the female M&Ms, the brown and the green. Once clad in white heeled boots, white gloves, and lip gloss with coyly raised eyebrows, the brand had faced backlash in the past for portraying the green M&M as ‘too sexualized’. But the stilettos are no longer, with the new-look M&M now sporting white trainers and tights – a style that better “reflect[s] confidence and empowerment”, a Mars spokesperson told local media.

“As a strong female, and known for much more than her boots.”

The brown M&M, which features a pair of rectangular specs and white stilettos, appears to have had her heels shortened to a more professional pump. Sorry, but stilettos are way more powerful than sneakers.

The two female characters will also enjoy a “more friendly relationship”, Mars said, showcasing a “force supporting women”.

It comes almost seven years after Mars teased a possible romantic relationship between the green and brown M&Ms in a viral tweet shared in 2015 – two days after the US Supreme Court effectively legalized gay marriage. The tweet featured an image of the two characters clasping hands while sitting on a beach, with the caption: “It’s rare Ms. Brown and I get to spend time together without some colorful characters barging in – Ms. Green”.

Science and Philosophy Seminar of the Eastern Shore of Virginia has returned, and has scheduled a seminar, “On the Home Front: A London Suburb and WW-II.”  The free 90-minute seminar will be held at 09:30 a.m. on Friday, October 15 in the Room 113 of the Academic Building of Eastern Shore Community College, 29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa, VA 23410.

Terry Malarkey will kick off our new season with a look at the East London suburb where he was born and raised during and after WW-II.

Malarkey retired to the Shore after a career in the electronics industry.

These seminars are occasionally rescheduled on short notice. Prospective attendees are urged to check the Seminar’s website (www.SciPhi.org) shortly before a scheduled date.

Science and Philosophy Seminar is an informally organized group that meets more or less regularly to explore and discuss a wide array of topics, ranging from philosophical speculation to scientific research.  All Seminars are open to the public. Admission is free.

The Whimsical and Magical Musical of Seussical™ will be presented Saturday, July 17 at 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm Inside the Cape Charles Christian School auditorium. Everyone is invited to attend this special musical performance presented by the Cape Charles Christian Summer Theater Camp(a camp run by teens for kids)

Tickets will be available for $5 at the door before each performance.

These local performers will unlock the imaginations of all those that attend when they bring the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie LaBird, the Whos in Whoville and other Seuss favorites to life with their production of Seussical™ KIDS.  Seussical™ KIDS combines Dr. Seuss tales (…and tails!) using the plinker-plunker of many musical styles – ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel, and R&B to funk – as colorful as the classic books.   

This is the third year that a group of local teens made up of Emma Philpot, Autumn Higgins, JoJo Kohler, and Ella Eder have produced a musical. This group of young women have organized, choreographed, directed, and designed sets and props for kids in our community.  All ticket sales go back into their summer theater program. This is a kid friendly program so come and enjoy as this whimsical world comes to life.