​On December 7th a meeting of the orchestra began with a 50-minute dialogue with James Webb, a decorated Marine, former Secretary of the Navy & former United States Senator from Virginia, and author of ten books and at least one screenplay.   This was not the first time his path intersected with the Virginia Symphony.

​My mother’s family immigrated from Sweden and settled in a large Swedish-American community in central Massachusetts. Swedish food has always been a big part of our holiday celebrations. Swedish meatballs, potatoes, red cabbage, cheeses, pickled herring, breads, and wonderful sweets make up a traditional smorgasbord. My mother always made Glögg to add to the holiday festivities. Glögg is a spiced drink similar to mulled wine but with more of a kick. There are many variations on this warm winter beverage. My Mom’s was always quite potent. I fondly remember the shock of inhaling the fumes as a child. Here in Virginia, my husband and I enjoy making Glögg for our VSO friends and family. It is best served on a cold winter day in front of a crackling fire. Skol!