The Food Network?s Rachael Ray, whose 30-minute meals are commonplace in my home, was visiting Crabtown this past week. Filming her “Tasty Travels” show, Rachael stopped by the American Visionary Art Museum with her crew. Apparently the museum is one of her “not-to-be-missed” sights, along with Sideshow, the museum?s gift shop. She loved the store and left with a bag full of goodies and a big smile on her face. Now that?s Baltimore hospitality.
HEREFORD COMMUNITY COMES THROUGH
It was far from chilly in Hereford last weekend. In fact, it was hot, hot, hot, as more than 400 people gathered at the Summit Manor on Monkton Road for the Hereford Thaw, a good old-fashioned community fundraiser.
Historically, Hereford has been a farming community, but during the past dozen or so years there has been a large influx of yuppies. A clash of two cultures, you say? The Hatfields versus the McPreps, Overalls versus Izod, Mr. Heavy Chevy versus BMW. Hereford?s unofficial governor, Cappie Troyer, and her daughter Karen Troxel, both Hereford High grads whose family has owned and operated Troyers Liquors (17099 York Road) for decades, think not. Throughout the years, Cappie and Karen have brought old-timers and newcomers together, and last weekend they united them for an annual fundraiser that is not only fun but always a huge success.
This year?s event was especially important, as the close-knit Hereford community has endured pain beyond measure during the past two years. Two local men were killed while serving in Iraq, and two others died in auto accidents. The Hereford Organization for the Preservation of the Environment is planning a memorial garden in honor of the four young men through proceeds from the Hereford Thaw Foundation. Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith and his wife, Sandy, got the party startedw and Judge John G. Turnball arrived with his wife, Anne, daughter Kate and her husband, Adam. As folks danced to the music of the Dalton Gang, others were busy bidding during a huge silent auction that filled the second floor of the Summit. Spotted with pencils in hand were Cookie Lee?s jewelry diva Sheryl Parks, Sazerac?s Russ Clark, and Michael?s Pizza?s Michael Neumeyer and Sally Napier. There?s not enough space in this column to give thanks to all those who made this event such a hit, but I think all who attended would agree that the Troyer family is a vital part of this wonderful community.
WAS THAT WHO I THINK IT WAS?
Many fans did a double take at Ravens stadium a couple weeks ago when they spotted former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway in the stands. The almost-Baltimore Colt was in town watching his daughter Jordan help Virginia win the ACC women?s lacrosse tournament.
Anne Boone-Simanski is The Examiner?s social columnist. Contact her at [email protected]
