May 2008
Our column connects members of the community who are looking for a chance to give their time and resources to organizations needing extra hearts and hands. If your organization needs volunteers on a regular basis or for special events, contact Katie Redmiles at katie@whatsupmag.com .
Nonprofit organizations also are encouraged to nominate a special volunteer to be profiled in a future issue.
For more information on volunteering and opportunities in Anne Arundel County, visit www.volunteerannearundel.org .
Anne Arundel County Trails has a volunteer safety patrol group that assists the park rangers called the Trail Blazers. They serve as extra eyes and ears on the trail alerting the rangers to any visitor problems or safety hazards they may encounter. Trail Blazers assist the public as “goodwill ambassadors” to the B&A, WB&A, and BWI trails and are always looking for new members. For more information or to request an application, call the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station at (410) 222-6244.
City of Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department is looking for volunteers to assist with the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of our parks by forming groups of “Friends of…” to cover each of the city’s parks. Volunteers would spend their time and labor doing plantings, watering and weeding gardens, and helping with reporting any problems. For more information and to volunteer, contact Marisa Wittlinger at mdwittlinger@annapolis.gov or call (410) 263-7993.
Historic London Town and Gardens seeks persons interested in history and/or horticulture to become docents, historic interpreters, and gardeners at this 17 th –18 th century tobacco port. Volunteers give site and house tours, or demonstrate colonial crafts and daily life. They may work in historic or ornamental gardens. For more information, contact Rod Cofield, Director of Interpretation and Museum Programs, at (410) 222-1919 or e-mail rodcofield@historiclondontown.org.
Severna Park Community Center has volunteer opportunities that include working with youth, tutoring in math or English, serving on the Board or a standing committee, helping with maintenance work, or gardening, or coordinating other volunteers. Volunteers also are needed to staff the front desk and to supervise open gym time for basketball or volleyball. Contact Chris Marsala at (410) 647-5843 x201 or cmarsala@severnaparkcommunitycenter.com.
Southern Maryland Branch of the Arthritis Foundation seeks volunteers to help with events, including the 15th Annual Annapolis Arthritis Walk on May 17th at Quiet Waters Park. Volunteers help with set up and break down during events and sometimes serve as a “floater” to help out where needed. Interested volunteers should contact Executive Director Grace Ban at gban@arthritis.org or (410) 544-5433.
YMCA Camp Letts in Edgewater needs volunteers for ongoing upkeep of buildings grounds, to assist with care of horses, and to run the Camp Store. Volunteers are also needed for general office support at the Education Center. Volunteers, at least 16-years-old, are needed for two-hour shifts at the camp gift and supply store around meal times. Contact Stacie Vollentine at (410) 919-1412 or svollentine@ymcadc.org.
Volunteer Spotlight: Maryanne Spencer of the Mitchell Gallery
Maryanne Spencer is a seasoned volunteer leader who has been instrumental in garnering support for St. John’s College’s Mitchell Gallery since it opened in 1989. She became chairman of the board in 2000, orchestrating fundraisers for this hidden gem at St. John’s College.
Maryanne Spencer finished her term as chairman of the board for the Mitchell Gallery at St John’s College last year, but her dedication to the college and the gallery is still going strong.
“I’m amazed that so many Annapolitans do not know that the Mitchell Gallery exists,” says Spencer, immediate-past chairman of the gallery’s board of advisors. “All of the offerings are free—it’s a tremendous resource for the community.” Spencer became as chairman of the gallery’s board after John Moore, chairman emeritus, stepped down in 2000. “I’m not an art connoisseur but I’m passionate about the Mitchell Gallery,” says Spencer. “I give credit to John Moore, who directed the growth and had a vision for the Mitchell Gallery, for the gem that it is today. Currently, for instance, the ‘Image and Imagination’ juried show features works created by some of the finest artists in Anne Arundel County.”
Spencer, who grew up with the role model of a dynamic “mover and shaker”—her mother—brings her deft organizational skills and people management savvy to the gallery, working closely with Moore, Anna E. Greenberg, Mary Kay Biern, and other members to expand the Mitchell Gallery’s membership and its offerings for the community.
“I remember the days when the gallery was so small we’d have tiny receptions in the foyer. Now a lunchtime “brown bag” art talk is jammed, and over 250 attend our preview receptions,” she says. The gallery’s space, a light-filled award-winning design by Chip Bohl, regularly hosts museum-quality exhibitions and related educational programs, docent-led tours, and special events for families and school groups. Says Spencer, “our membership co-chairs Keren Dement and Casey Pingle developed the junior membership program with art educator Lucinda Edinberg; this includes tours and hands-on workshops that are geared for children and families.” During her tenure as chairman Spencer also helped establish an endowment fund for the gallery.
“Maryanne is an extraordinarily dedicated volunteer whose tireless work for the Mitchell Gallery has had great impact,” says gallery director Hydee Schaller. “Thanks to Maryanne’s amazing energy and drive, we have had a highly motivated board and a series of successful and distinguished fund-raisers during the last 17 years.”
After moving to Annapolis in 1985, Spencer discovered St. John’s through the Caritas Society, which raises money for students who experience unanticipated financial hardships. “I was Caritas president from 1995—1997 and discovered a wonderful group of people—and of course the Mitchell Gallery,” Spencer says. Her advice to would-be volunteers? “You have to believe in the cause.”
Eddie Woods Memorial Golf Tournament
Monday, May 5
At South River Golf Links, Edgewater
Registration from 10:30 a.m.–noon
Hosted by Special Olympics Anne Arundel County. Includes lunch, awards dinner, silent auctions, and 2008 Toyota Camry hole-in-one prize. Sponsorships starting at $25 for cart signs. For more information, call Larry D. Day at (410) 224-3979 or Rev. Ray E. Blanset at (410) 269-1354.
9th Annual Changing Focus Golf Tournament & Auction
Monday, May 5
At Crofton Country Club, Crofton
11 a.m. Start, $100–125
(410) 721-0992
www.changingfocus.org
The tournament features cash prizes totaling $1,000 and a $25,000 Hole-in-One contest. Evening activities include dinner and auctions. Benefits Changing Focus.
The Arc of the Central Chesapeake and The Arc of Maryland’s 10th Annual Golf Challenge
Thursday, May 8
At South River Golf Course, Edgewater
11 a.m. Shotgun Start, $150
(410) 990-1935
www.thearcccr.org
Golfers of all ages and abilities can help support children and adults with developmental disabilities. Includes lunch, drinks, dinner, prizes, and fun. Call Angie DeMoreland to register. Sponsorships available starting at $250.
Fourth Annual “Zonta Swinging Sweets” Chocolate Festival
Thursday, May 8
7–9 p.m., $15
At Quiet Waters Park, Blue Heron Room, 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis
(410) 267-9114
This event features chocolate themed desserts for tasting and judging by celebrity judges and guests, live music by Spa Creek Jazz Band, and gas card raffle. Money raised will be used to fulfill the needs of the county’s lower income seniors and Zonta’s annual scholarships. Call Barbara Taylor for advance tickets or purchase them at the door.
“Dining for Danes” Annual Bull Roast
Saturday, May 10
At Heritage Parkville Gardens, Baltimore
8:30 p.m.–midnight, $35
(410) 945-5454 x4
www.magdrl.org/diningDanes.htm
This event includes a silent auction, an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring pit beef and oysters, games of chance, and dancing to the music of JMDJs. Benefits Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League. Call Christina Kallay for tickets.
Back Creek CRAB Party
Saturday, May 10
At Port Annapolis Marina Pavilion, 7074 Bembe Beach Rd., Annapolis
5–9 p.m., $40
(410) 626-0273
www.crab-sailing.org
The Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) is dedicated to making sailing on the Chesapeake Bay accessible to people with disabilities. This fundraiser features live local bands including Them Eastport Oyster Boys, hearty food and drinks, live and silent auctions, and a raffle. Call for tickets.
American Cancer Society “Relay for Life”
Friday, May 16–Saturday, May 17
At Anne Arundel Community College, Siegert Field, Arnold
5 p.m.–8 a.m.
www.events.cancer.org/rflarnold
There are 100 teams participating and more are welcome. This overnight event begins with a cancer survivors’ reception and ends with closing ceremonies. For more information, contact event chair Kim Gramza at (410) 268-7967 or kim_gramza@comcast.net and survivor’s reception chair Suzy Jones at (410) 544-8697 or Sjones49@csc.com.
15th Annual Annapolis Arthritis Walk
Saturday, May 17
At Quiet Waters Park Concert Pavilion, 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
(410) 544-5433, gban@arthritis.org
www.arthritiswalkannapolismd.kintera.org
A family-oriented event to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. The walk highlights people with arthritis including children and pets, both of whom are welcome at the walk. Admission is free; however, donations are accepted and participants are encouraged to form teams and collect pledges. Register online or contact Executive Director Grace Ban.
The Friends Foundation 10th Annual Golf Tournament
Thursday, May 22
At Queenstown Harbor Golf Links, Queenstown
Registration begins at 9 a.m., $175
(410) 991-3538
www.friendsfoundation.com
Benefits local charities including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Annapolis, Hospice of the Chesapeake, and Light House Shelter. Call for more information or visit the Web site.
Central Special School Caribbean Soul Bull Roast
Saturday, May 31
At Annapolis Elks Lodge #622, Edgewater
(410) 956-5885
Includes a DJ, door prizes, money wheel, and silent auction. Coastal casual attire preferred. Benefits the Central Special School Motor Room. Call for tickets.