More than a decade ago, lawyer J. Michael Lawlor, a Vietnam veteran, formed a committee to honor the Baltimore County men and women who served in Southeast Asia from 1957-75. Today, the result of those efforts ? a beautiful memorial that has become an integral part of the gardens at the Old Courthouse in Towson ? has some company.
Well-regarded local artist Susan H. Lang, a friend of Lawlor?s, outdid herself with an oil painting of this very special memorial ? a painting that was displayed during the memorial?s 10-year anniversary commemoration last Friday.
The National Guard Armory hosted the event, and John Bartkowiak Jr. introduced Baltimore County Exec Jim Smith, who in turn welcomed three impressive gentlemen ? veterans Col. James F. Coleman, Col. H. Russell Wright Jr. and Col. Charles E. DeShields Sr. Each shared a little of their Vietnam War experiences, each echoing the theme that “freedom isn?t free.”
Afterward, the Towson Elks welcomed Del. Dilip Paliath, lawyer Scott Shellenberger, newly welcomed member of The Bachelor?s Cotillion C. Carey Deeley Jr., Baltimore County Planning Board Member Dorothy Foos and Judge Darryl Russell, all of whom toasted the wonderful efforts of Lawlor and his wife, Christine.
THE GOVERNOR?S ARTS AWARDS
In her role as ArtSalute 2006 co-chair, Carole Alexander joined Maryland first lady Kendel Ehrlich in hosting The Governor?s Arts Awards, which were held last Thursday at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Also joining as hosts were Chris West, chair of the Maryland Citizens for the Arts Foundation, Pam Holt, the foundation?s executive director, and Rhea Feiken, the face of Maryland Public Television.
Honorees included Coale,Pripstein & Associates P.A. (small-business supporter), Eagan McAllister Associates Inc. (large-business supporter), artist Grace Hartigan (Lifetime Achievement Award), and a most attractive husband-wife team, Eddie and Sylvia Brown. Sylvia looked smashing in a lavender St. John knit suit with an equally divine necklace. The Browns were the recipients of the MPT/Clarisse Barron Mechanic Award for their generous contributions to the community.
Mrs. Morris Mechanic was on the arm of MPT?s CEO Robert Shuman. She was also accompanied by her longtime friend Bobbie Caponas, a former Baltimorean who now lives in Florida. Bette Hankin, a longtime supporter of the opera in Baltimore, was also there, wearing a lovely silver necklace with matching earrings given to her by the late, great Baltimore diva Rosa Ponselle.
Others spotted in the crowd were former state Sen. Larry Levitan, Visionary Arts founder Rebecca Hoffberger and Woody Collins of M&T Bank.
After the award presentations and special performances, all of which were held in the Institute?s Brown (yep, same couple) Building, guests were treated to a dessert reception in the Leidy Atrium. A yummy time was had by all.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
