Photo by Kelli Blades -- Jack (Lynne Streeter Childress) in his happy place in "The Gift of the Mad Guy" by Building Better People Productions, appearing in Annapolis on December 10.
Educating Young Minds One Show at a Time: An Interview with Artistic Director Lynne Streeter Childress
brOriginally attending college as a Psychology major in hopes of one day becoming a social worker, Lynne Streeter Childress took a different career path and later became known as the Artistic Director and Founder of Building Better People Productions in Annapolis. brbrLaunching about a year ago, BBPP opened its doors to the public for its first performance in April 2016.
“The messages about what’s right and what’s wrong and all that starts very early and we want to help with that. We want to bring good things into the world, specifically children’s lives, and entertain while we do it.” – Lynne Childress
brbrChildress started out as an Acting Apprentice at Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, Florida, touring in shows that traveled to schools with messages about subjects such as peer pressure and conflict resolution. From then on, Childress realized instead of going back to school for her Master’s Degree, she would instead continue to build on her professional acting career.
brbrMost recently Childress went on a national tour for the production “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day,” after performing it at the John F. Kennedy Center.
brbrWith 20 years of professional acting and teaching experience, Childress looks to continue building up BBPP and put roots into a permanent address for the theatre.
brbrDon’t miss The Gift of the Mad Guy: A Show about Generosity, Saturday, December 10th, 11 a.m. at Friends Meeting House. Tickets are $8 online and $10 at the door for people ages three and up. Children two and under are free.
Read the Full Interview Here
The What's Up? Weekend Rundown
Contribution from Robyn BellAnne Arundel County
Beards and Brews Men’s Night Out Charity Event
brThursday, December 8th, 5:30-8 p.m.
brMark your calendar and plan to join Robert Andrew’s Salon and Spa for a charity event in honor of The Claire Marie Foundation. Stop in during the Men’s Zone to meet and greet the Chesapeake Bayhawks and the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders. Beer sampling is sponsored by Frisco Taphouse. Sports memorabilia as well as tickets to the Ravens, Redskins, and Bayhawks will be auctioned off. There’s even a contest for best dressed beard or mustache. Get creative and decorated for your chance to win a couple’s spa package worth $500!
Breakfast with Santa
brSaturday, December 10th, 9 a.m.
brDon’t miss your chance to see your child smile as they enjoy a breakfast with Santa at the Broadneck Grill!
The Reagan Years and Amish Outlaws at Union Jack's Annapolis
Friday, December 9th and Saturday December 10th
brThe Reagan Years, a band of seasoned musicians recreates the sounds of the 1980s; a day when Ronald Reagan was President, M-TV first aired, CDs emerged, Acid Washed jeans were "Cool" and alternative music was called "New Wave". They will be performing at Union Jack's in Annapolis on December 9th. The members of The Amish Outlaws, who will be performing December 10th, had a strict Amish upbringing with spirits were too wild for the Amish lifestyle. Once they trampled in the Devil's Playground, there was no turning back. The Amish Outlaws have become very well acclimated to the pleasures and vices of the modern world... music, most of all.brbr
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Saturday, December 10th, 6–8 p.m.
brEvery year on the second Saturday in December, magic happens on the water of the Annapolis Harbor—boats suddenly appear out of the cold winter night, illuminated with thousands of colored lights, and crewed by jolly revelers. Families and friends gather at their favorite viewing spots along the waterfront to see this yearly spectacle and to celebrate the holiday season together. The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is one of Annapolis’ signature events and we invite you to join us as a participant in the parade or as a spectator cheering on the decorated boats and their crews.
Santa Speedo Run & Toy Drive
brEvery year on the second Saturday in December, magic happens on the water of the Annapolis Harbor—boats suddenly appear out of the cold winter night, illuminated with thousands of colored lights, and crewed by jolly revelers. Families and friends gather at their favorite viewing spots along the waterfront to see this yearly spectacle and to celebrate the holiday season together. The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is one of Annapolis’ signature events and we invite you to join us as a participant in the parade or as a spectator cheering on the decorated boats and their crews.
Santa Speedo Run & Toy Drive
Saturday, December 10th, 10 a.m.
brDon’t pack up those summer speedos just yet! Grab a friend, throw on some holiday gear, and dash around downtown Annapolis in the Santa Speedo Run and Toy Drive! Participants will meet in the parking lot of O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant for check-in. Don’t forget to bring new, unwrapped toys or books and help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas! After you’ve exerted all your energy in the chilly December air, head back to O’Brien’s for live music by Weird Science and great food!
First Annual Annapolis Kilt Crawl
brSaturday, December 10th, 6 p.m.
brFriends of Laphroaig have teamed up with DRY 85 for the First annual Annapolis Kilt Crawl! We cordially invite you to join us as we slip into a Scottish state of mind and down a few drams in Downtown Annapolis. We will march across Annapolis in provided Kilts while consuming peaty libations.. Call up your crew or meet your newest friends in whiskey! It's bound to be a holiday memory to last a lifetime.
Muffins with Santa
brDon’t pack up those summer speedos just yet! Grab a friend, throw on some holiday gear, and dash around downtown Annapolis in the Santa Speedo Run and Toy Drive! Participants will meet in the parking lot of O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant for check-in. Don’t forget to bring new, unwrapped toys or books and help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas! After you’ve exerted all your energy in the chilly December air, head back to O’Brien’s for live music by Weird Science and great food!
First Annual Annapolis Kilt Crawl
brSaturday, December 10th, 6 p.m.
brFriends of Laphroaig have teamed up with DRY 85 for the First annual Annapolis Kilt Crawl! We cordially invite you to join us as we slip into a Scottish state of mind and down a few drams in Downtown Annapolis. We will march across Annapolis in provided Kilts while consuming peaty libations.. Call up your crew or meet your newest friends in whiskey! It's bound to be a holiday memory to last a lifetime.
Muffins with Santa
Sunday, December 11th, 9–11a.m.
brCome spend the morning with Santa and Mrs. Clause in the majestic James Brice House! Stories, holiday crafts, and present making stations as well as professional portraits will entertain all ages. Santa and Mrs. Clause will invite everyone for muffins and hot chocolate. Don’t miss this chance to get a start on your holiday cheer!
Anniversary Run 15K
brCome spend the morning with Santa and Mrs. Clause in the majestic James Brice House! Stories, holiday crafts, and present making stations as well as professional portraits will entertain all ages. Santa and Mrs. Clause will invite everyone for muffins and hot chocolate. Don’t miss this chance to get a start on your holiday cheer!
Anniversary Run 15K
Sunday, December 11th, 10 a.m.
brJoin the Annapolis Striders for their 38th Anniversary Run 15K. The 9.3 mile run will take place on a double-loop course through Quiet Waters Park. The Annapolis Striders are an Annapolis based running club that promotes physical fitness and mental well-being through long distance running. The race is free to members of the Annapolis Striders organization and $5 to non-members. Race day registration is $10.
Christmas in St. Michaels Weekend
Friday December 9th through Sunday, December 11th, Times and locations vary.
brEvents include the Holiday Gala, Breakfast with Santa, the Talbot Street Parade, Santa’s Wonderland and more. For 28 years, this annual fundraising weekend event has raised more than $1,000,000 for local, non-profit organizations, funds raised have benefited local citizens, of all ages. The mission of Christmas in St. Michaels is to provide resources to help local non-profit groups enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Bay Hundred community.
Santa Swim
brSaturday, December 10th, 10 a.m.
brThe 16th annual Santa Swim will take place at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, in Cambridge. Volunteer “Santa’s” of all ages will take a dip in the crisp Choptank River to raise money for local families in need through the Care & Share Fund. Each Santa Swim team is a group of individuals who raise funds together through sponsorship. All Santa’s will receive a Santa Claus hat in addition to trophies and prizes that will be awarded based on funds raised! Join in the fun or just come to watch!
Santa’s Magic Workshop
brJoin the Annapolis Striders for their 38th Anniversary Run 15K. The 9.3 mile run will take place on a double-loop course through Quiet Waters Park. The Annapolis Striders are an Annapolis based running club that promotes physical fitness and mental well-being through long distance running. The race is free to members of the Annapolis Striders organization and $5 to non-members. Race day registration is $10.
Eastern Shore
Christmas in St. Michaels Weekend
Friday December 9th through Sunday, December 11th, Times and locations vary.
brEvents include the Holiday Gala, Breakfast with Santa, the Talbot Street Parade, Santa’s Wonderland and more. For 28 years, this annual fundraising weekend event has raised more than $1,000,000 for local, non-profit organizations, funds raised have benefited local citizens, of all ages. The mission of Christmas in St. Michaels is to provide resources to help local non-profit groups enhance the quality of life for the residents of the Bay Hundred community.
Santa Swim
brSaturday, December 10th, 10 a.m.
brThe 16th annual Santa Swim will take place at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, in Cambridge. Volunteer “Santa’s” of all ages will take a dip in the crisp Choptank River to raise money for local families in need through the Care & Share Fund. Each Santa Swim team is a group of individuals who raise funds together through sponsorship. All Santa’s will receive a Santa Claus hat in addition to trophies and prizes that will be awarded based on funds raised! Join in the fun or just come to watch!
Santa’s Magic Workshop
Saturday, December 10th, Friday, December 16th and Saturday, December 17th, 4–7p.m.
brSanta’s Magic Workshop gives kids a chance to make their own Christmas ornaments. Other activities include a train display, festive lights, seasonal music, hayrides, refreshments, and Santa will be on hand to hear your special wishes. Festivities will take place at Martinak State Park at the Nature Center and the Log. Admission is two canned goods per person donated to local food pantries.
Caroline County Historical Society’s Christmas Celebration: Counting Our Blessings
brSanta’s Magic Workshop gives kids a chance to make their own Christmas ornaments. Other activities include a train display, festive lights, seasonal music, hayrides, refreshments, and Santa will be on hand to hear your special wishes. Festivities will take place at Martinak State Park at the Nature Center and the Log. Admission is two canned goods per person donated to local food pantries.
Caroline County Historical Society’s Christmas Celebration: Counting Our Blessings
Saturday, December 10th, 4–7 p.m.
brThe Caroline County Historical Society invites you to pause almost exactly 75 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor to count our present-day blessings at their annual Christmas Celebration. Members will briefly recall December 7th 1941, German POWs in our fields, Thunderbolt Fighter-bombers in our skies, and "Minutemen" on our streets. The event will also feature a holiday buffet, spirits, a silent auction and more! Reservations required.
Candlelit Caroling Celebration
brThe Caroline County Historical Society invites you to pause almost exactly 75 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor to count our present-day blessings at their annual Christmas Celebration. Members will briefly recall December 7th 1941, German POWs in our fields, Thunderbolt Fighter-bombers in our skies, and "Minutemen" on our streets. The event will also feature a holiday buffet, spirits, a silent auction and more! Reservations required.
Candlelit Caroling Celebration
Saturday, December 10th, 6–9 p.m.
brRing in the holiday season with an evening of music, light, and merriment. Enjoy live music by Nevin Dawson and Dovetail in the gallery, hors d’oeuvres, a cash wine bar, and docent-led candlelit walks along the Blockston Branch. Sing carols and sip hot cider by a roaring bonfire, view the winter sky with Delmarva Stargazers, and top off the evening with a winter hayride around the meadows and a stop at the Funshine Garden for hot chocolate, cookies, and tree decorating at Adkins Arboretum.
Greensboro’s Lighting of the City
brRing in the holiday season with an evening of music, light, and merriment. Enjoy live music by Nevin Dawson and Dovetail in the gallery, hors d’oeuvres, a cash wine bar, and docent-led candlelit walks along the Blockston Branch. Sing carols and sip hot cider by a roaring bonfire, view the winter sky with Delmarva Stargazers, and top off the evening with a winter hayride around the meadows and a stop at the Funshine Garden for hot chocolate, cookies, and tree decorating at Adkins Arboretum.
Greensboro’s Lighting of the City
Saturday, December 10th, 6 p.m.
brCelebrate the season at Greensboro's Lighting of the City. The annual parade will be followed by the lighting of the city, cookies, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa Claus, Santa's Elf, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph!
Outstanding Dreams Farm’s Holiday Open House
brCelebrate the season at Greensboro's Lighting of the City. The annual parade will be followed by the lighting of the city, cookies, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa Claus, Santa's Elf, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph!
Outstanding Dreams Farm’s Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 10th, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
brCelebrate the season at Outstanding Dreams Farm's annual Holiday Open House. The event features farm tours, unique holiday gifts, seasonal refreshments and more! From luxurious Alpaca sweaters to toys crafted from Alpaca fiber, you'll find a gift for everyone on your list at this family-friendly event. Attendees will also have a chance to meet the growing herd of Huacaya Alpacas and learn about their wonderful world.
Christmas on the Chesapeake Gymnastics Invitational
brCelebrate the season at Outstanding Dreams Farm's annual Holiday Open House. The event features farm tours, unique holiday gifts, seasonal refreshments and more! From luxurious Alpaca sweaters to toys crafted from Alpaca fiber, you'll find a gift for everyone on your list at this family-friendly event. Attendees will also have a chance to meet the growing herd of Huacaya Alpacas and learn about their wonderful world.
Regional
Christmas on the Chesapeake Gymnastics Invitational
Friday, December 9th–Sunday, December 11th, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
brNearly 2,500 youth gymnasts representing more than 70 national and international training centers will converge at the Baltimore Convention Center to compete in one of the East Coast’s largest competitions, the Christmas on the Chesapeake Gymnastics Invitational (COTC).
Breakfast with Santa and Friends
brNearly 2,500 youth gymnasts representing more than 70 national and international training centers will converge at the Baltimore Convention Center to compete in one of the East Coast’s largest competitions, the Christmas on the Chesapeake Gymnastics Invitational (COTC).
Breakfast with Santa and Friends
Sunday, December 11th, 8:30 a.m.
brJoin The Maryland Zoo for holiday cheer and celebration while enjoying a buffet breakfast on the Zoo’s Mansion House Porch, creating unique seasonal crafts, and meeting with some of Santa’s feathered friends (think penguins!) When you hear the jingle bells begin to jingle, Kris Kringle is on his way!
What's Up? Weddings Bridal Expo 2017
Sunday, January 29, 2017
br1-4 pm at Loews Annapolis Hotel
Online: $15 per ticket; At the Door: $18 per ticket
What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.
brJoin The Maryland Zoo for holiday cheer and celebration while enjoying a buffet breakfast on the Zoo’s Mansion House Porch, creating unique seasonal crafts, and meeting with some of Santa’s feathered friends (think penguins!) When you hear the jingle bells begin to jingle, Kris Kringle is on his way!
What's Up? Weddings Bridal Expo 2017
What to Expect
brA perfect event for all of you brides-to-be ready to take action. Browse and talk to the best local vendors that can help from start to finish of the big day. From the venue, to the invitations, cake and catering, photography, and honeymoon travels -- we have you covered all in one location! Oh, and not to mention, there will be complimentary champagne, appetizers, and raffle giveaways to add some fun to your planning.Door Prize Giveaways
brWin incredible prizes from the What’s Up? Weddings 2017 Bridal Expo vendors!brMust be present at the event at the time of drawing to win, so be sure to stay for all of the giveaways! Check back soon for list of giveaway items.brTime & Ticket Info
Sunday, January 29, 2017
br1-4 pm at Loews Annapolis Hotel
Online: $15 per ticket; At the Door: $18 per ticket
Purchase Tickets Online Here or contact mquinn@whatsupmag.com
What's Up? Media Promotions
brWhat’s Up? Media loves our community and wants to give back. Check out our promotions page for opportunities to win amazing giveaways such as tickets to the most happening local events around, gift cards to your favorite local restaurants, and more! More details here.
