On the Calendar

BOOK CLUB 

The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution and the Birth of America

by Steven Johnson

Wednesday, March 1 / 6 PM / Food & drinks by chit Limited capacity / Reservations required

Enjoy an evening discussing our newest book The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America by Steven Johnson. National bestselling author Steven Johnson tells the fascinating story of Joseph Priestley—scientist and theologian, protégé of Benjamin Franklin, friend of Thomas Jefferson—an eighteenth-century radical thinker who played pivotal roles in the invention of ecosystem science, the discovery of oxygen, the founding of the Unitarian Church, and the intellectual development of the United States.

Note: The Center Club is hosting a book drive, see below. All Book Club attendees may bring donations on March 1.

National Read Across America Day

Book Drive for The Maryland Book Bank

Thursday, March 2–Friday, March 10

We will be collecting new and lightly used books to donate to the Maryland Book Bank. Books for any reading level like board books, picture books, chapter books, young adult and adult fiction and nonfiction are accepted. The children’s books donated will be distributed by the Maryland Book Bank to children who have no books of their own. The proceeds from the sale of adult books help support the book bank’s children’s program. Place books in the box located on the 15th Floor.

Not accepted: CDs, DVDs, encyclopedia sets, magazines, textbooks more than five years old, and books that are damaged or moldy.

VETERANS INITIATIVE 

Afghanistan Combat Advisor

Thursday, March 2 / 5:30–6:15 PM networking, drinks, hors d’oeuvres; 6:15–7:30 PM program and discussion

$35++ members or $45 guests / Limited capacity Reservations required / Open to all Center Club members and guests / Non-member registration through Eventbrite In his book The New Ministry of Truth: Combat Advisors in Afghanistan and America’s Great Betrayal, Maurice “Chipp” Naylon recounts his work as a combat advisor during his deployment to Afghanistan. After nearly a decade of service in the Marines, Chipp eventually made his civilian career transition into real estate accounting. Join us as he discusses his experiences in Afghanistan and how the lessons he learned apply to the business world.

FRENCH CLUB 

Friday, March 3 / 5:30-7 PM / Food & drinks by chit Reservations requested Immerse yourself in the beauty and richness of the French language over drinks and small plates. This Interest Group welcomes all language levels.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS INTRA Cocktails & Conversations

Tuesday, March 7 / 5-6 PM cocktails / 6-7:30 PM buffet Drinks by chit / $60++ or $50++ for WIB members Reservations required

All members are welcome to network with their business-minded women peers during a cocktail hour in Bar100. Members of the Women in Business IntraClub are invited to keep the conversation going during dinner. Must be a WIB member or first-time guest to attend.

Executive Forum 2 Intra

Wednesday, March 8 / 5–6:30 PM / $30++

Limited capacity / Reservations required

This group of senior-level executives, business owners and rainmakers discusses the challenges and opportunities in today’s world. The topics vary monthly from internal discussions to guest speakers. Members have come to appreciate EF2 as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to noncompetitors. Must be a member of EF2 to attend.

Prospective Member Open House

Tuesday, March 14 / 5:30–6 PM meet & mingle / 6-6:30 PM welcome remarks / 6:30 tour / Reservations required

Referrals from members are the best way to grow our membership. Invite a friend, family member or colleague to learn about the benefits of joining the only 5-star Platinum City Club in Baltimore City and a Top 100 City Club in the world! Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served before a brief introductory program, followed by a tour of the Club.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH STORYTELLING

Wednesday, March 15 / 5:30-7 PM / $35++

Registration required

Join us as we honor and celebrate women in conjunction with Women’s History Month. In keeping with this year’s theme of Women Who Tell Our Stories, let’s gather to share stories of women trailblazers in the Center Club’s history.

Executive Forum Intra

Thursday, March 16 / 4:30–6 PM / $30++

Limited capacity / Reservations required

A group of CEOs, presidents and executive directors in B2B businesses discusses the challenges and opportunities of running an organization. Members have come to appreciate EF as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to noncompetitors. Must be a member of EF to attend.

CRAFT BEER CLUB 

St. Patty’s Day Pairing

Thursday, March 16 / 5:30-7:30 PM / $40++

Reservations required

Ireland has made two great contributions to the world when it comes to drinking: Irish whiskey and Irish beer. We are going to focus on the latter of those contributions as we take a look at the styles and brands of beer that Ireland is best known for. Enjoy a buffet of Irish fare as we sample the flavors of Ireland.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY BUFFET

Friday, March 17 / 16th Floor / Beginning at 5:30 PM $55++ / Drinks by chit / Reservations required

We’ll be celebrating the luck of the Irish with a hearty St. Patrick’s Day buffet! Enjoy a selection of Gaelic culinary delights set up throughout the 16th Floor. Visit O’s Pub for drink specials. We’ll be joined by the lively music of Ken Kolodner, regarded as one of the most influential hammered dulcimer players in North America, and Irish Step Dancers from Doherty Petri School of Irish Dancing. Sláinte!

Note: Members will be sharing tables in order to accommodate as many members as possible. À la carte dining available on the 15th Floor.

Young Members

BSO: Beethoven X Coldplay

Saturday, March 18 / 6:30 PM access to Governing Members’ Lounge at the BSO / 8 PM show / Discounted BSO ticket cost / Limited capacity / Reservations required

The Young Members Committee invites all Center Club members to join them for a night at the symphony with special pre-concert access to the BSO’s Governing Members’ Lounge! Beethoven X Coldplay transforms the “Eroica” Symphony into an anthem, weaving the melodies and lyrics of Coldplay into the original Beethoven and pairing them together based on content and context. It is the alternate “Eroica” Beethoven may have created had he known the music of Coldplay at the time. Make your reservation online to receive your ticket discount code.

New Member Orientation

Tuesday, March 21 / 11:45 AM–1 PM / Reservations required All new members and their spouses/partners are invited to join Michelle Dase, Associate Director of Membership Development, for a review of the Club’s benefits while getting acquainted with fellow new members over lunch.

Cocktail Club Intra

Cocktails With a Kick

Wednesday, March 22 / 6:30 PM / $60++ or $50++ for Cocktail Club members / Limited capacity Reservations required

A life without spice would be unbearably bland, so we’re spicing it up this month with cocktails with a kick! Whether it’s herbs and spices or something to add a little heat, these three unique cocktails will offer different interpretations of “kicking” things up. Must be a Cocktail Club member or first-time guest to attend.

Lobster Bake

Thursday, March 23 / Seatings begin at 5 PM / $85++ / Drinks by chit Reservations Required

Our Lobster Bake returns this spring! Enjoy a bountiful and mouthwatering seafood display, with a focus on lobster at this popular Center Club event. Classics will be included. Please note, no à la carte dining will be available. Make your reservations today and don’t miss out on this Club favorite.

Wine Club Intra

The Tastes of Portugal

Friday, March 24 / 6:30 PM / $60++ or $50++ for Wine Club members / Limited capacity Reservations required

The Wine Club heads to Portugal this fall, so we thought we’d get a sneak peak into Portuguese wines. The quality and great variety of wines in Portugal are due to noble castas, microclimates, soils and proper technology. Must be a Wine Club member or first-time guest to attend.

Maryland Day

Saturday, March 25 / 5-9 PM / Regular dinner service Drinks by chit / Reservations required

Celebrate Maryland’s official birthday with the addition of a select menu of local favorites! Bar100 will be commemorating the occasion with some specialty cocktails. Keep an eye out for more information regarding musical accompaniment.

Women In Business Intra

Cocktails & Conversations

Tuesday, April 4 / 5-6 PM cocktails / 6-7:30 PM buffet Drinks by chit / $60++ or $50++ for WIB members Reservations required

All members are welcome to network with their business-minded women peers during a cocktail hour in Bar100. Members of the Women in Business IntraClub are invited to keep the conversation going during dinner. Must be a WIB member or first-time guest to attend.

VETERANS INITIATIVE 

The Valhalla Sailing Project

Wednesday, April 5 / 5:30–6:15 PM networking, drinks, hors d’oeuvres; 6:15–7:30 PM program and discussion

$35++ members or $45 guests / Limited capacity Reservations required / Open to all Center Club members and guests / Non-member registration through Eventbrite

The Valhalla Sailing Project, VSP, connects service veterans with one another and the greater sailing community to promote and address veteran well-being and mental health. Co-founder, James McGinnis, a former Special Forces medic and competitive sailor, will share his own experience of the benefits of competitive sailboat racing and his transition to civilian life. We will hear veterans share their stories of the sense of camaraderie restored to them, as we watch the short film “True North: Sailing to Salvation.”

Orioles Opening Day Party

Thursday, April 6 / 11 AM–2:30 PM, buffet begins at 12 / $45++ / Drinks by chit / Limited capacity Reservations required

It’s time to root for the home team and join us for a Center Club tradition— the Orioles Opening Day Party in the O’s Pub! You will be surrounded with original Orioles memorabilia, local draft beer, craft cocktails and pub fare that’ll never strike out. This is always a sold out event—so make your reservations early! Please note, complimentary parking will not be available under the building for this event.

*The date and/or time may change for the home opener. You will be notified should any changes occur.

FRENCH CLUB 

Friday, April 7 / 5:30-7 PM / Food & drinks by chit Reservations requested

Immerse yourself in the beauty and richness of the French language over drinks and small plates. This Interest Group welcomes all language levels.

EASTER BRUNCH & EGG HUNT

Sunday, April 9 / Reservations taken from 10 AM–2 PM $85++, $30++ children under 12 / Reservations required

Put on your Sunday best and bring the family to our annual Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt! Children can enjoy Easter crafts and egg hunt upstairs while adults sip on complimentary champagne and mimosas. All your brunch favorites will be there including leg of lamb, smoked salmon and eggs benedict. Private rooms available upon request. To make a reservation, please call Tyese Knight at 667-217-3543 or email tknight@centerclub.org.

Prospective Member Open House

Tuesday, April 11 / 5:30–6 PM meet & mingle / 6-6:30 PM welcome remarks / 6:30 tour / Reservations required

Referrals from members are the best way to grow our membership. Invite a friend, family member or colleague to learn about the benefits of joining the only 5-star Platinum City Club in Baltimore City and a Top 100 City Club in the world! Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served before a brief introductory program, followed by a tour of the Club.

On The Calendar

Executive Forum 2 Intra

Wednesday, April 12 / 5–6:30 PM / $30++

Limited capacity / Reservations required

This group of senior-level executives, business owners and rainmakers discusses the challenges and opportunities in today’s world. The topics vary monthly from internal discussions to guest speakers. Members have come to appreciate EF2 as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to noncompetitors. Must be a member of EF2 to attend.

Young Members Wine Tasting

Wines from New Zealand

Wednesday, April 12 / 6-8 PM / $45++ / Limited capacity Reservations required Hosted by the Young Members Committee, we are thrilled to have Elite Wines return for another wine tasting following their appearance at the Gala. They will be joined by their wine maker from New Zealand. Young Members, don’t miss this special opportunity to taste a selection of wines from this region.

New Member Orientation

Tuesday, April 18 / 5:30-7 PM / Reservations required All new members and their spouses/partners are invited to join Noreen Frenaye, Director of Membership & Marketing, for a review of the Club’s benefits while getting acquainted with fellow new members over light hors d’oeuvres. Stay for dinner or small plates in Bar100. FRIDAY

MYTH OR MEDICINE: THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF MEDICAL CANNABIS

Wednesday, April 19 / 5:30-7:30 PM; 5:30–6:15 PM networking, drinks, hors d’oeuvres; 6:15–7:30 PM program and discussion $35++ members or $45 guests / Limited capacity Reservations required / Open to all Center Club members and guests / Non-member registration through Eventbrite

Does medical cannabis really cure all that some proclaim? Is it safe? What is the science behind the hype? How will Maryland transition from Medical Use to Adult Use with the new law passed in the 2022 election? What has happened in other states as the industry has expanded? Join us for a discussion with a panel of experts and get these and other questions answered.

Panelists

Michelle Wright, moderator, has worked as an executive, board member and consultant in the health care industry for more than 25 years. She has several degrees, including one most recently in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland Pharmacy School. Michelle also has an adult son whose life was saved by medical cannabis after 15 different drugs failed to treat his symptoms of psychosis, self-injury and catatonia.

Leah Sera is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science and the founding and current Program Director for the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy—the first graduate program in the United States focused on the science behind medical cannabis.

Jacquie Cohen Roth, is the Founder/CEO of CannabizMD (MBE/SBE/DBE) and Founder/ Board Chair of the non-profit Tea Pad Foundation. She is a uniquely qualified medical cannabis industry pioneer and recognized global cannabis industry subject matter expert with an academic background blend of policy studies, economics and cannabis science.

Executive Forum Intra

Thursday, April 20 / 4:30–6 PM / $30++ Limited capacity / Reservations required A group of CEOs, presidents and executive directors of B2B businesses will discuss the challenges and opportunities of running an organization. Members have come to appreciate EF as a trusted group of advisors. To ensure the sharing of information, it is limited to noncompetitors. Must be a member of EF to attend.

COCKTAIL CLUB INTRA Floral Cocktails

Wednesday, April 26 / 6:30 PM $60++ or $50++ for Cocktail Club members / Limited capacity / Reservations required Spring is in full swing and we’re celebrating the season with a selection of fragrant and flavorful flower-powered cocktails. Using floral liqueurs, essences and syrups, our mixologists will offer three flower-inspired cocktails with a unique depth of flavor and complexity. Must be a Cocktail Club member or first-time guest to attend.

WINE CLUB INTRA Wines of Virginia

Friday, April 28 / 6:30 PM / $60++ or $50++ for Wine Club members / Limited capacity / Reservations required With over 4,000 acres of grapes that span the state, Virginia is home to 10 regions and 8 distinct AVAs. There’s a movement growing in Virginia vineyards… a community of farmers perfecting their own agricultural art. They don’t bend to trends. They listen to their land, drawing out the story in every vine and every vintage. Crafting wines that embody the grace, grit and experimental spirit of Virginia. Must be a Wine Club member or first–time guest to attend.

The Club was bustling with activity as 2022 came to a close. Members and their guests enjoyed the varying events including the return of Craft Beer Club and Veterans Initiative.

The Daily Record’s Power 100

• John Angelos, Baltimore Orioles

• Christine Aspell, KPMG LLP

• Bob Atlas, Maryland Hospital Association

• Franklyn Baker, United Way of Central Maryland

• Stephen Budorick, Corporate Office Properties Trust

• Calvin Butler, Exelon Utilities

• John Chessare, GBMC

• August Chiasera, M&T Bank

• Janet Currie, Bank of America

• Scott Dorsey, Merritt Properties

• Kerry Doyle, Tradepoint Atlantic

• Gregory Farno, Truist

• Martin Fletcher, Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP

• Rachel Garbow Monroe, The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

• Nancy Greene, Miles & Stockbridge

• Michael Hankin, Brown Advisory

• Carim Khouzami, BGE

• Lawrence Kurzius, McCormick & Co.

• William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore

• Neil Meltzer, Sinai Hospital/LifeBridge Health

• Redonda Miller, The Johns Hopkins Hospital

• Jay Perman, University of Maryland Baltimore

• Brian Pieninck, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

• Darryll Pines, University of Maryland College Park

• Timothy Regan, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

• Kenneth Samet, MedStar Health

• Terrence Sawyer, Loyola University Maryland

• Kim Schatzel, Towson University

• Brandon Scott, City of Baltimore

• Robert Sharps, T. Rowe Price

• Kevin Sowers, Johns Hopkins Medicine

• Mohan Suntha, University of Maryland Medical System

• David Sweiderk, SECU of Maryland

• David Wilson, Morgan State University

2022 Employee of the Fourth Quarter

Brandon Gray joined The Center Club January 2021 as a dishwasher. His teammates praise his conscientious commitment to the Club, team spirit attitude and overall friendly demeanor. We are lucky to have him. After the award presentation, Brandon says “this is the best team I’ve ever had.”

Congratulations Brandon!