Socially Speaking
PERSONAL NOTE OF THANKS
I wanted to take the time to thank all of you for the tremendous support over the past few months in dealing with my Mom, Sylvia Badger’s battle with ovarian cancer. After fighting for over two years, and enduring seventeen different types of chemo she lost her battle on February 15th. My stepfather, Bill Badger, my brothers Gordon and John Boone and I were by her side. The outpouring of tributes/ kindness from almost every facet of Baltimore media, politicos, friends, mover and shakers, even those she may have exposed a bit more than they preferred, has been amazing. Mom paved the way in Maryland for those of us that have followed in her footsteps. No doubt she was the original “Liz Smith” of Baltimore and I am so proud to be her daughter. Special thanks to the Sun’s Jacques Kelly on such a lovely obituary and doing his best to have it appear on a Sunday when Mom’s columns appeared in this town for almost 30 years. Again, my family cannot thank all of you enough. Now, as my Mom would want me to do, it’s back to work. Here is to you MOM…
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19th Annual Chocolate Affair
How sweet it was; talk about a dream job. For the 3rd year, I was asked to serve as a “celebrity” judge at the 19th annual Chocolate Affair, held last month at M&T Bank Stadium. I don’t really care for sweets but thankfully my dear friend Stephanie Hirschfield stepped up as my palate. The sweetest thing about this event was that it benefited Healthcare for the Homeless. The Club Level was lined with over 52 Baltimore-area vendors, who were showcasing their beautifully designed treats. Now it wasn’t all sweets; I tasted some amazing food from Radhika Sule’s The Rustic Gourmet, in Roland Park, Tony Gambino’s Ciao Bella, in Little Italy, and Michelle Chaustit’s Crush Restaurant. Honorary Chair, former Baltimore Oriole and 1983 World Series MVP, Rick Dempsey, welcomed a record breaking number of 1600 people to the affair, which made organizers very happy and $180,000 for this wonderful organization.
And the winners are:
W= Winner
HM= Honorable Mention
**Tastiest Chocolate Treat
• W- Bistro Brownies
• HM-Charm City Cupcakes
**Tastiest Non- Chocolate
W-Belmont Manor & Conference
HM-Water for Chocolate
**Best Candy Piece
W-Linwoods
HM-Salazon
**Best Booth Display
W-Chef’s Expressions
HM-Intercontinental/Harbor Court
**Best Visual Presentation of Food
W-Intercontinental/Harbor Court
HM-Tremont Grand
**Most Creative Use of Chocolate.
W-Chesapeake Food Works
HM- City Café
**Best Beverage
W-Patron XO
HM-Lisa Anne’s Decadent Gifts
**Best NEW Vendor
TIE- Intercontinental/Harbor Court & CRUSH
**Best Veteran Vendor
TIE- Brewers Art & Chef’s Expressions
CONGRATS
For more information on Health Care for the Homeless, visit http://www.hchmd.org
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SPOTTED -OWL GOES TWEET TWEET?
Do you twitter? I do. I’m “Socialspeaking” and I follow the folks from the Owl Bar, in the historic Belvedere, in Baltimore. Last week, they sent out a twiddle of sorts, “Someone famous is eating at the Owl Bar right now, hint: 90’s R&B band that’s named after a street in Mt. Vernon”. Being that it’s the Owl Bar, I replied “WHO-WHO?” (Get it) They got back to me with the answer; it was none other than Dru Hill coming back home to their roots in Baltimore. While at the Owl Bar, the group sipped on Long Island Ice Teas, munched on seafood Cobb salad, shrimp platter, and crab cakes to go. Just so you know, crab cakes and shrimp platters are the Owl Bars specialties that this band had a yum on for as soon as they got back in town.
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CALLING ALL LASSIES
Got to give credit where credit is due. Style Magazine’s Editor and man about town, Brian Lawrence gave B&O American Brasserie, 2 N. Charles Street, Baltimore the heads up idea for this one. No doubt this locale will be the prime viewing spot for the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March March 14th, 2010. Now the folks at B& O took Brian’s idea and are running with it. The parade will begin at 2:00p.m. at the Washington Monument an will pass right by the restaurant on its way down Charles Street. So Chef E. Michael Reidt and mixologist master, Brendan Dorr are going to pull out all the stops with food and drink specials throughout the day. Those looking to get into the spirit of the day can enjoy Green Eggs & Ham served with toast and breakfast potatoes ($12) and the traditional Irish dish Corned Beef & Cabbage ($14) from opening until 7 p.m. Guests can also enjoy beverage specials from opening until 7 p.m. including Shamrock Mimosas ($3), pints of Guinness ($3), a specialty St. Patrick’s Day cocktail ($5) and green beer ($3).
Thanks to the folks at Profiles Public Relations for getting us this information.
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FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS NEED OUR HELP
I’m the lucky Mommy to 3 rescue animals and to say they have made my life richer is the understatement of the century. So when I got this letter from Andrew Levine, Executive Director for the Baltimore Humane Society I felt I had to share with all of you and hope you can help them out.
Hi Everyone,
As you know, I have stepped into the Executive Director’s position for the Baltimore Humane Society (BHS) to restructure the business foundation of this wonderful organization that is dear to my heart. I will not be taking a salary, as every penny needs to go to the beautiful pets that are waiting to be adopted. BHS has been saving the lives of animals and serving the Baltimore community for over 86 years. Unfortunately, we are in dire need of cash donations and items that we desperately need to upgrade our operation and facility. Please review these items and let me know if you can donate any of them or can refer us to somebody that can help us with these.
1) Propane Boiler to heat the main shelter building.
-Our boiler has finally stopped working after 15 years and the cost to repair it is too expensive.
2) 5 Ton 13 S.E.E.R Air Conditioning System for the dog kennels.
-Currently it gets over 110 degrees in the Dog kennel in the summer.
3) Washer & Dryer
4) Refrigerator to keep medications cool.
5) 20 KW Backup Power Generator to keep shelter heat on in the winter when power goes out and to keep our Power on during surgeries.
6) X-Ray Machine for pets that are dropped off at our shelter from accidents.
7) Painting services to repaint buildings, inside and out.
8) Updated fencing for our kennels as the current fencing is rusting and animals are getting cut quite a bit.
9) Roof and Gutter Repairs for winter storms.
11) Construction Labor. We need lots of repairs and updates to the facility and we are seeking donations of
Construction Labor.
12) Landscaping that has been damaged from the winter in front of our buildings.
Andrew S. Levine
Executive Director, Baltimore Humane Society
Phone: (410) 561-7666
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
PATHFINDERS FOR AUTISM, a non-profit organization, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. One of my favorite groups of people, Pathfinders for Autism announced recently the kickoff celebration of their 10th anniversary of improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. The organization is also introducing Miss Maryland Brooke Poklemba as the spokesperson for the milestone year. Pathfinders for Autism was founded in 2000 by a group of parents of children with autism to support and develop lifespan services and provide information and resources for families of children with autism. In honor of their 10th Anniversary, the organization will profile and celebrate ten individuals or families throughout the last decade who have been impacted by Pathfinders or worked closely with the organization to advance its mission.
The campaign, “TENder Moments from Pathfinders for Autism” will include a video profile and feature of the individual/family on the tenth day of each month on Pathfinders website (http://www.PathfindersforAutism.org) and Social Media platforms. The individuals/families will also be highlighted in Pathfinders’ newsletters. “We are very proud of the work we have done over the last ten years to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families, as well as supporting caregivers,” stated B.J Surhoff, president of Pathfinders for Autism. “Educating the public about Autism is still one of our major objectives so we are honored to be working with Brooke to increase our presence throughout Maryland, while helping those faced with Autism.” As the official representative for Pathfinders for Autism, Miss Maryland Brooke Poklemba will strive to promote awareness and understanding of Autism throughout Maryland, as well as the United States. A graduate of Rhodes College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, she has worked as an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapist for children with Autism. Poklemba decided to combine her love of music with her passion for education through the Miss Maryland Organization. As Miss Maryland, she travels throughout the state promoting her personal platform, “Autism Awareness: the importance of early intervention.” “I’m thrilled to be able to use my platform as Miss Maryland to bring greater attention to the work of Pathfinders for Autism,” stated Poklemba. “Placing the Miss Maryland crown alongside Pathfinders will put a spotlight on autism and help share the resources available for children and families throughout the state who are dealing with the diagnosis. Ultimately, I hope that this relationship will bring national attention to the diagnosis and the many resources available.”
For more information on this wonderful organization http://www.PathfindersForAutism.org
Thanks to the folks at Maroon Public Relations for this awesome information.
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NEW AND IMPROVED PAZZA LUNA
I’m sure the new owners of Pazza Luna, in Locust Point, Chef Davide Rossi and his wife Christa never imagined that when they met back in 1999 at Sotto Sopra restaurant in Mt Vernon that eleven years later their love of each other and fine Italian cuisine would have them opening their 2nd establishment. Their first, Ports of Italy is a seasonal restaurant located in the tourist town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine and as of February of this year Charm City just got a whole lot tastier. At a recent Chef’s table dinner a group of us including Downtown Diane, Channel 13’s Ron Matz, Baltimore Eats Magazine’s Celeste Corsaro, Food Service Monthly’s Randi Rom, Examiner.com’s Dara Bunjon, What’s To Eat Baltimore’s food blogger, Liz Stambaugh and myself were treated to one of the best dining experiences. I’m not lying when I tell you I’m still working this off on the treadmill after this multi course dinner. Everything brought out to us was not only amazing in flavor, but also beautiful in its presentation. From the Cream of Crab soup made with milk instead of cream (and it works), In Salata Di Anatra Affumicata, which is a phenomenal salad with thinly sliced, lightly smoked duck breast over arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and a fabulous balsamic dressing, home made Ravioli Di Astice stuffed with lobster and mascarpone topped with shrimp and fresh tomatoes ragout, a beef tenderloin filet- Filetto Piemontese with gorgonzola cheese and a subtle truffle cream sauce and Chef Davide’s Risotto of the Day was a hit. By this time pain had sent in but Christa eased it by a perfect pairing of wonderful wines for each delicious course. Not being a dessert person, I passed but from the reaction of my dinner companions that too was delish. Make sure to put this one on the calendar for date night or any night for that matter. Pazza Luna has a wonderful atmosphere, great food and drink specials. Check out their site http://www.pazzaluna.us
Now back to the treadmill for me…
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Until next time… Anne
CONTACT INFORMATION
Listen to my every FRIDAY on AM-1370- Fox Sports “The Rob Long Show” from 8am- Noon or listen live on http://www.roblongshow.com.
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Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 03/10/10 at 04:30 PM
