If you’re like me, you already have stocked up on many, many boxes of sweet seasonal Girl Scout cookies. And you may have even bought them from a young lady who was vying for the title of 2008 Girl Scout “Cookie Diva.”
Top sellers from Baltimore City and its five neighboring counties were brought by limo last week to the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel to walk down the “green” carpet and hear who would capture the coveted title. Area winners included Alexandra Coclough (Anne Arundel County), Christina Spliedt (Baltimore County), Julie Roman (Carroll County), Tori Vasquez (Harford County), Elizabeth Stewart (Howard County) and Denitria Simon (Baltimore City). Supported by friends and family, the girls were joined by local celeb chefs Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes, Rev. Edward Robinson of Agape House, Bryan Motz of Executive Catering, Adam Bowman of Wegmans Foods, Nancy Longo of Pierpoint Restaurant, Rodney “Pie Man” Henry of Dangerously Delicious Pies and a film crew from the Food Network.
“The girls looked more than excited, and it’s really cool for the chefs to honor their efforts” said guest Sharon Grady.
“It truly is a spectacular event showcasing young ladies involved in entrepreneurship,” added Danita Terry, director of communications for the Girls Scouts of Central Maryland.
Denitria Simon won the overall title by selling a whopping 856 boxes.
Last year’s winner Khadijah James, also from Baltimore City, said, “I like selling cookies because we learn about money and customer service, and it helps the organization. I like being a Girl Scout because I get to go out into the community and make a difference.”
By the way
>> For Charm City chef Jill Snyder, the recent premier viewing party for the new season of “Top Chef” was almost as stressful as being on the show. Not only was the Red Maple Restaurant packed, but the cable TV went out just before show time. Now what’s a chef to do? Well, guests, which included Snyder’s family, Eugene Wielepski, Chef Gianfranco Fracassetti and foodie Lars Rusin, headed across Charles Street to Grand Central to see the show. As for Chef Snyder, well, it wasn’t a real good night. After telling her Red Maple bosses, “I quit,” she got sliced from the show.
>> Sports Legends Museum held a meet-and-greet with Michael Olesker this past Tuesday to celebrate The Examiner columnist’s latest — and greatest — book “The Colts’ Baltimore: A City and Its Love Affair in the 1950s.” A packed house wasn’t disappointed, as Olesker, whose own love affair with Baltimore has been well-chronicled in his other books “Journey to the Heart of Baltimore” and “If You Live Here, You’re Home,” entertained with stories of the Colts’ 1958 sudden-death NFL title victory over the mighty New York Giants. This Dec. 28 marks the game’s 50th anniversary. The book is now available in stores throughout the area.
>> Former Ravens coach Brian Billick, who frequently makes appearances around town, was recently at Magerks in Bel Air for a live radio show. The former coach got a little nervous when the pre-party started to run long, and he yelled to the host, “Are we good with time? Are you sure we’re OK with time?” Guest Mary Jo Bagnall, owner of Arcade Floors-Carpet One, had the perfect comeback. “Hey Coach,” she yelled. “You still having clock-management issues?” “Thank goodness he thought it was funny,” she said.
>> Spotted last weekend at the Navy-Notre Dame football game at M&TBank Stadium was Mary Pat Seurkamp, president of the College of Notre Dame. So, was she being loyal to the cause or rooting for the home team? “I grew up in South Bend and have always been Notre Dame fan,” Seurkamp said.
Anne’s top pick
>> What: Festival of Trees to benefit the Kennedy Krieger Institute
>> When: Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 30
>> Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium
>> Tickets: $10 ($5 for children ages 5-12 and seniors)
>> Info: 443-923-7300; www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.com
Making the scene
This week Anne can be “Seen” at the following “Scenes.”
>> Today: At the 13th annual Family Food & Funds Drive, prior to the Ravens-Eagles game at M&T Bank Stadium.
>> Thursday (Thanksgiving): At the 25th annual Green Valley North Turkey Trot to benefit Crohn’s and colitis research (410-252-2834, www.greenvalleyturkeytrot.com); also, at M&T Bank Stadium for the 89th Turkey Bowl football showdown between Loyola and Calvert Hall.
