Towson, MD December 2017

Towson DECEMBER 2017

TowsonLifestyle.com

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Haute for the Holidays Fashion for the Festive Season

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CLIMB HOLIDAY MUST-HAVES DECEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR

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Lifestyle Letter

A Season of Giving

D

ecember is a lovely month in and around Baltimore. Sure, occasionally we're hit by snowstorms of apocalyptic proportions that shut down life for days, or weeks, on end, but that doesn't happen very often.

Usually, December is a month characterized by crisp evening air, a month made for strolling through neighborhoods in scarves and coats or sipping warm cider with friends around fire pits. Once in awhile, December brings enough snow for sledding and snowball fights, but more often than not it's just a light flurry that blankets the ground long enough to be charming before it melts away. For some, December is a month of festivities marked by the hanging of stockings or the lighting of candles, but whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Pancha Ganapati, something else or nothing at all, December is a month to reflect upon—and be grateful for— friends, family and community.

In the Towson area, December is also a month packed with plenty of fun activities and events. From the annual screening of "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Senator to Haunnakah and Kwanzaa celebrations to The Night of 100 Elvises, there is something for everyone.

From all of us here at Towson Lifestyle magazine, we hope your December is the best one yet. We hope you enjoy remembering fondly the year gone by while looking forward with hope to the new year ahead.

And, as always, rest assured, we will continue to bring you articles of local interest that will keep you inspired, up to date and in the know.

DECEMBER 2017 PUBLISHER

Glen Cox | Glen.Cox@LifestylePubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Victoria Perry | Tori.Perry@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alex Bird, Matt Hobson, Ashley Stimpson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Pat Bourque Photography, Harrison Hart, Charlie Knott, Natalie Landrum, Helen Norman

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ON THE COVER Elena Russo gets into the

TowsonLifestyle.com

holiday spirit at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Clothes by Ella Pritsker Couture.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAT BOURQUE PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

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514 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Proverbs 3:5-6 Towson Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Towson’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Towson Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Old ways won’t open new doors We work together to help you live a life less complicated by offering a wide range of advisory services.

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December 2017

18

Departments 8

Good Times

12

Around Town

15

Realty Report

16

Culinary Creations

20

Trend Setter

26

Locally Owned

28

Local Limelight

30

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Local’s Choice

16 Inside Towson Lifestyle's Cookie Jar

Recipes for the Holidays

18 Let the Festivities Begin

Area Traditions for Reveling and Remembering

28 Behind the Cameras

From Modeling to Acting to Producing Shows, Fashionista Elena Russo Does it All

16

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Good Times

The Art of Giving Fashion Show and Fundraiser

On October 5, fashion, art, and philanthropy came together to raise more than $42,000 at the sixth annual Art of Giving event. The proceeds will be divided equally between the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Baltimore School for the Arts, allowing them to continue carrying out their missions. PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUDREY GATEWOOD AND WHITNEY WASSON.Â

8

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

Green Spring Station - Fall Fete

On September 19, Green Spring Station hosted Fall Fete, an evening of high fashion, delectable eats and plenty of fun festivities.

Fall Fete benefitted Kennedy Krieger Institute. Sponsors included Baltimore magazine, Johns Hopkins Imaging, Christopher Schafer, Sagamore Rye, Rachel Mulherin and merchants of Green Spring Station.

16th Annual Pathfinders for Autism Golf Tournament Golfers teed it up October 2 at Hillendale Country Club for the organization's largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds going to support free resources and services provided to those impacted by autism.

December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

9

Good Times

Towson Lifestyle Launch Party

Friends, business partners, local government officials and other guests helped to celebrate Towson Lifestyle's official launch on October 18.

Hosted by The Palisades of Towson, and catered by The Towson Tavern, guests enjoyed the outdoor patio and made the most of an unseasonably mild evening. Thanks to all who attended! PHOTOS BY BALTIMORE SNAP AND HARRISON HART.

10

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

24th Annual RCM&D Regatta Raised $93,000 for Area Nonprofits

Towson-based RCM&D hosted its 24th Annual Regatta at the Downtown Sailing Center at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on September 8.

This year, RCM&D raised a record-breaking $93,000 to support Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, Church Hill Activities and Tutoring, Franciscan Center and Sunshine Kids Foundation.

WEDDINGS - SPECIAL EVENTS - PORTRAITS

............................................................................................................. www.HarrisonHartPhotography.com h h a r t 9 4 @ g m a i l . c o m (4 1 0) 5 9 8 - 1 7 0 3

December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

11

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

POPULAR BALTIMORE ICE CREAM SHOP TO OPEN TOWSON LOCATION

Courtesy of Cho Benn Holback and Associates

closed the property’s nursing facility last year. The recent proposal

The Charmery, one of Baltimore City’s most popular ice cream shops,

comes after a previous offer to redevelop the property and rent it

will be opening a third location in Towson. The new shop, which will be

to the county government as office space received significant resis-

located at 6807 York Road, will offer some of the Charmery’s signature

tance from the surrounding community. According to Councilman

flavors like Old Bay Caramel and Maryland Mud as well as an expanded

David Marks, the proposal “avoids commercial usage, which was a

menu including soda, floats and pastries from Center Cut Doughnuts,

major concern for the community.”

another Baltimore sweet shop. David and Laura Alima, the husbandand-wife duo that founded and run the Creamery say that Towson offers the kind of strong community they’re interested in investing in.

BALTIMORE COUNTY POLICE FULLY IMPLEMENT BODY CAMERA INITIATIVE

“We’re really excited about moving into the Towson area,” Laura

More than 1,400 Baltimore County Police officers are now fully

says. “It’s such a strong neighborhood community, and I think that

outfitted with body-worn cameras, completing a roll-out initiative

is what really interested us in putting a shop there. Both David and I

announced by Councilman Kevin Kamenetz last year. The program,

have explored a lot of different neighborhoods and have had a lot of

whose implementation was accelerated due to a string of controver-

inquiries, but this place just seems like a nice fit for the next Charmery.”

sial incidents involving police, will cost $7.1 million over the first five

The Charmery plans to open the doors of its new Towson loca-

years. Additional operating costs associated with the program are

tion in spring 2018.

TOWSON LIBRARY UNDERGOES RENOVATIONS, REMAINS OPEN To address an increased number of leaks and to prevent further water damage, the Towson Library is undergoing extensive repairs to its roof. The renovations, which began in October, will cost around $1

$1.6 million, a figure that amounts to less than 1 percent of the county police’s 2017 fiscal budget. According to Baltimore County Police Chief James Sheridan, the implementation of the body cameras has already assisted in arrests and several successful prosecutions.

BROWN MEMORIAL WOODBROOK CHURCH MERGES, PROPERTY UP FOR SALE

million. Throughout the renovation, the building has remained open

The Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church on North

during regular hours, and the staff has attempted to limit the disruption

Charles Street recently announced plans to merge with Govans

of the renovation to its patrons.

Presbyterian on York Road and put its property up for sale. Following

“The replacement of the Towson branch roof was sorely needed,

the approval of the church merger, Brown Memorial intends to sell

and we’re thrilled that it is being done before any severe winter

its current property on North Charles Street and use the sale pro-

weather hits,” Towson branch manager Tyler Wolfe said in a state-

ceeds to support the merged church and its new location just south

ment regarding the renovation. “We are looking forward to customers

of Belvedere Square. The Kol HaLev Synagogue, which also holds

and staff being safe, warm and dry in this building for years to come.”

services on the Brown Memorial property, also hopes to establish a

REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR TOWSON’S BOSLEY MANSION PROPERTY SUBMITTED TO COUNTY COUNCIL

new location in the north Baltimore area following the sale.

BALTIMORE COUNTY RELOCATES HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE

A proposal outlining the redevelopment of Bosley Mansion and the

Baltimore County announced the relocation of the county’s

surrounding property has been submitted to the Baltimore County

household hazardous waste site from the Eastern Sanitary Landfill

Council for consideration. The proposal, drawn up by Marty Azola

in Whitemarsh to the Central Acceptance Facility in Cockeysville.

and Delbert Adams Construction Group, proposes the construction

Following the transition, hazardous materials such as pesticides, her-

of up to 45 condominium units while preserving the original mansion

bicides, cooking oil, swimming pool chemicals and solvents will no

and surrounding green space. The West Towson property has been

longer be accepted at the Whitemarsh facility. However, items such

slated for redevelopment since the Presbyterian Home of Maryland

as antifreeze, electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, gasoline, mercury CONTINUED >

12

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

Brown Rice Korean Grill serves up tasty make-your-own bibimbap Korean rice bowls and pan-fried Korean dumplings with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients.

Come treat yourself!

SPECIAL OFFER

$1.50 OFF of your order when you mention this ad 401 York Road, Suite #105, Towson 410.616.9109 • BrownRiceKGrill.com December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

13

Around Town

(CON TI N U ED)

thermometers, motor oil and rechargeable batteries will remain admissible at both facilities. According to the office of Maryland House of Delegates member Steve Lafferty, the relocation will “maximize convenience for residents across the county in a cost-effective way."

check for being named the 2017 National School Library Program of the Year (NSLPY). The celebration, held October 30, included BCPS Fractal Arch, Erebus Ice Tongue Cave, Antarctica, 2015.

Photo by Helen Glazer

GOUCHER COLLEGE EXHIBITING "HELEN GLAZER: WALKING IN ANTARTICA" THROUGH DECEMBER 18 "Helen Glazer: Walking in Antarctica," an exhibition of photographs and sculpture of the Antarctic landscape will be presented at Goucher College’s Rosenberg Gallery in the Kraushaar Auditorium through December 18. This exhibition is the first comprehensive display of photographs and photo-based sculpture based on 3-D scans of the Antarctic landscape.

leadership and staff, representatives from the school community, Baltimore County Public Library and Towson University. BCPS is embarking on a renewed focus on literacy across the curriculum to prepare every student for college and career success.

The NSLPY Award is given annually to recognize a single school or districtwide school library program that meets the needs of the changing school and library environment and is fully integrated into the school’s curriculum.

TU MENS HOOPS TO PLAY IN NORTHERN IRELAND The Towson University Men’s Basketball Team will travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland, to play in the first-ever Basketball Hall of

Informed by scientific insights into the complex interactions of

Fame Belfast Classic, a four-team tournament that will be held in

wind and water that shape the landscape, Glazer spent seven weeks

conjunction with the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC),

exploring the Antarctic wilderness with her camera. The exhibition

Sport Changes Life (a UK-based charity), golfer Rory McIlroy’s Rory

takes as its theme a series of "walks" through the Antarctic landscape.

Foundation, and the SSE Arena, Belfast.

The exhibition includes photographic prints and painted sculptures

The two-day, four-team tournament will be held on Friday,

generated from photographs of ice and rock formations via 3-D scan-

December 1 and Saturday, December 2. Towson is scheduled to play

ning technologies and produced as sculpture on 3-D printers and

La Salle University on Friday night. Manhattan College and College

CNC routers. Visitors will be able to access an audio tour narrated by

of Holy Cross will round out the field. The consolation and champion-

Glazer via their smartphones.

ship games will be held on Saturday. All games will be televised live

Glazer received a bachelor's in art from Yale University and an M.F.A. from the Mount Royal School at Maryland Institute College of Art, with additional studies at Skowhegan School of Art. She lives in Owings Mills. Glazer served as exhibitions director at Goucher College from 1986 to 1998.

This exhibit, which is free and open to the public, can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Visit Goucher.edu or call 410.337.6477 for more information.

BCPS LIBRARIES HONORED AS NATION’S BEST Sylvia Knight-Norton, executive director of the American Association of School Librarians and Britten Follett, senior vice president from Follett School Solutions presented Baltimore County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Verletta White with a $10,000 14

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

internationally on the CBS Sports Network.

Realty Report

Towson Area Realty Report

NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

*DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

605 Dunloy Ct, DUNLOY TOWNHOMES

$930,000

$930,000

100%

0

3

4

7812 Ballston Rd, RUXTON

$898,000

$862,000

96%

133

5

5

313 Timonium Rd, LEGEND HILL

$895,000

$895,000

100%

3

4

4

502 Worcester Rd, WILTONDALE

$850,000

$807,500

95%

4

5

3

913 Chestnut Ridge Dr, FALLSWOOD

$775,000

$760,000

98%

20

5

3

600 Kingston Rd, STONELEIGH

$729,000

$726,250

99%

68

5

3

213 Paddington Rd, HOMELAND

$725,000

$725,000

100%

1

5

4

2313 Old Bosley Rd, TIMBERLINE PARK

$699,900

$720,800

103%

170

5

4

1208 Doves Cove Rd, HAMPTON

$675,000

$655,000

97%

0

4

3

6 Beechdale Rd, ROLAND PARK

$649,000

$600,000

92%

49

5

2

1100 Bryn Mawr Rd, POPLAR HILL

$649,000

$649,000

100%

6

3

2

5 Pebble Ln, ROC VALLEY

$629,900

$610,000

97%

16

4

4

7 Amiel Ct, HAMPTON FOREST

$619,000

$614,500

99%

31

5

3

11 Devon Hill Rd #87, DEVON HILL

$599,000

$575,000

96%

56

3

2

807 Drohomer Pl, ROLAND PARK NORTH

$599,000

$533,000

89%

86

3

2

5 Scottsdale Ct, SEMINARY RIDGE

$599,000

$599,000

100%

4

5

2

508 Greenwood Rd, GREENWOOD MEADOW

$589,000

$600,000

102%

5

4

3

106 Elmhurst Rd, ROLAND PARK

$569,500

$540,000

95%

65

5

2

2203 Dulaney Valley Rd, WAKEFIELD

$565,000

$560,000

99%

83

4

3

1213 Brookview Rd, BROOKVIEW FARMS

$565,000

$565,000

100%

77

4

2

Sampling of sold properties from Bright MLS, Inc. for September 2017 Properties may have been listed & sold by other companies *DOM=Days On Market

FEATURED LISTINGS

Stoneleigh | $589,000

Cedarcroft | $595,000

Yorkleigh | $539,900 Listings Courtesy of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Ashley Richardson CRS, GRI, ABR

Cell 410-868-1474

Office 410-377-2270

Ashley.Richardson@LongandFoster.com Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

Lake Roland Office

www.AshleyRichardson.net

6080 Falls Road

Baltimore, MD 21209

www.StoneleighHomes.net

December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

15

Culinary Creations

COOKIE JAR Inside Towson Lifestyle’s

BETSY ROYALL OF TAYLOR ROYALL CASTING

"I grew up with my mother making meringues. I had chocolate chip meringues for the first time when my family went to a neigh-

borhood Seder as a child. They are easy, gluten-free and you can make them as casual (as I did) or as formal as you like with a pastry bag and starred tip."

ARTICLE ASHLEY STIMPSON

PHOTOGRAPHY HARRISON HART

INGREDIENTS

3 egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar 7 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 300 F. Begin whipping the egg whites in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on low speed. As the whites start to look wet and frothy—after about 45 seconds—add cream of tartar and salt and allow it to dissolve with the mixer still on low speed, about 10 seconds.

2. While the whites are still frothy, slowly begin to add the sugar in a steady stream with the mixer on low. Once you've added about 1/4 cup of the sugar, increase the speed to medium and continue to add the sugar gradually as the mixer runs.

3. Once all the sugar has been added, increase the speed to high and whisk until the meringue is thick and glossy and holds firm peaks when you lift the whisk out of it, about 4 minutes. If it's not there yet, continue to whip the meringue on high speed at 30-second intervals and test again.

4. Once the meringue is at firm peak stage, spoon a tiny dot of it onto each of the four corners of a baking sheet and press the parchment paper liner down over it. This will anchor the parchment paper.

5. Carefully fold the chocolate into the meringue with a rubber spatula, taking care not to deflate it.

6. Spoon 1 1/2 inch to 2-inch dollops of the meringue mixture onto the baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart. Try to shape the meringues with a spoon so they have crags and ridges all over.

7. Bake until the meringues harden on the outside, develop cracks and are only slightly moist on the inside, about 2 hours (this can vary widely depending on your oven). To test for doneness, remove one meringue, allow to cool at room temperature for 5 minutes, then break open to check the texture. The center should only be slightly moist at this point.

8. Allow the meringues to cool on a wire rack. Allow them to cool for at least 1 hour in a dry place before storing them in a container with the lid left only partially on. Moisture and humidity will cause them to melt, so try to use them soon after baking.

16

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

HARRISON HART OF HARRISON HART PHOTOGRAPHY "I'm not much of a chef, but my family loves to cook.

Around the holiday season when my family is all together, we try new recipes—especially dessert recipes.

Since I like to keep it simple and to the point,I use this recipe a lot. It's yummy, super easy to make and quite the crowd favorite. It's one of the only recipes I know by heart other than a PB&J."

Locally Owned | Free Estimates

INGREDIENTS

1 cup natural peanut butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large egg, lightly beaten Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and place the racks in the upper and lower third of the oven.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, vanilla and egg until well combined. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture about 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten the mounds with the tines of a fork, making a crosshatch pattern on the cookies.

Sprinkle coarse salt on top of the cookies.

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3. Bake until golden around the edges, about 10 minutes, switching the position of the sheets halfway through baking. Transfer to racks to cool.

Repeat with the remaining dough.

Towson, Maryland 21204

410.616.1052 • LimelightCleaners.com December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

17

LET THE

ARTICLE ASHLEY STIMPSON

FESTIVITIES AREA TRADITIONS FOR REVELING AND REMEMBERING

18

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

BEGIN

T

he mall has been playing Jingle Bells for weeks and area parking lots are already teeming with firs. Like it or not, the holidays are officially here. Whether you’ve

been counting down the days or suppressing your inner Scrooge, these local events will get you in the mood.

ALL HANUKKAH, ALL DAY Get ready for Hanukkah with a day of family-friendly Hanukkah events on Sunday, December 10. The Jewish Museum of Maryland will host A Very Sephardic Hanukkah from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., where storytellers will entertain children with tales and traditions of Sephardic Hanukkah. Later, head over to the Gordon Center for the Performing Arts in Owings Mills to take in "Hanna

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS(ES) PAST

and the Moonlit Dress," an interactive children’s musical based on the Israeli book, Hanna’s Sabbath Dress by Itzhak Schweiger-Dmi’el. Co-presented by

Don’t feel like decorating? Head to the Hampton National

the Macks Center for Jewish Education, PJ Library and Beth Tfiloh Dahan

Historic Site to admire the over-the-top yuletide trimmings.

Community School, the program will invite children to take part in holiday

Perfect for the whole family, Holidays At Hampton—December

songs and crafts. The program is $15 in advance.

9 and 10 this year—incorporates traditions from 200 years of American history and the different cultures and classes that have inhabited the plantation. Take mansion tours, participate in period arts and crafts, sip cider and listen to carolers.

WATCH A CLASSIC IN A CLASSIC

SHAKE YOUR HIPS You’ve earned it. Take the night off planning and wrapping and stressing and attend one of Baltimore’s most iconic holiday events. The Night of 100 Elvises will take place this year from 4 p.m. until the wee hours Saturday, December 2, at the Lord Baltimore Hotel. General admission is $55. Twelve

Some things never get old. That’s the case with Baltimore’s

bands and 12 Elvis tribute acts will fill three ballrooms with live music. There

beloved art deco theater, the Senator, and Frank Capra’s

will also be an Elvis movie theater, vintage holiday market and, of course, fried

"It’s A Wonderful Life." Every year, the theater screens

peanut butter and banana sandwiches to keep guests dancing all night long.

the film, asking that attendees bring only nonperishable food items as admittance. Donations will be collected by GEDCO Cares Food Pantry and moviegoers can indulge in a good deed and a great film. Visit The Senator’s website, TheSenatorTheatre.com, for showtimes and ticket prices.

KWANZAA TURNS THE BIG 5-0 This year, you can celebrate Kwanzaa and celebrate celebrating Kwanzaa! That’s because, in 2017, the holiday turns 50. Baltimore’s Reginald Lewis Museum will host an event on Friday, December 30, to commemorate the anniversary.

Admission is $5. Workshops, storytelling and Dr. Jeffrey Menzise’s (of Morgan State University) keynote address will explore the Kwanzaa principle of Nia (purpose). Participants can learn how to make traditional crafts and enjoy the evocative arts of African dancing and drumming.

December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

19

Trend Setter ARTICLE ELENA RUSSO PHOTOGRAPHY PAT BOURQUE PHOTOGRAPHY

e t au s y a d i l o FOR THE

lanning for the holiday season is more than seeking out that perfect recipe or the ideal gift for your favorite mother-in-law. Every time we turn around, it seems like there’s another day to celebrate. It’s no wonder we’re all stressed out deliberating over life’s most minor decisions.

Break up the monotony while the world around us seemingly clings to the hustle and bustle. Strike the right balance and add a touch of visually pleasing style to your holiday conundrums before it’s time to ring in the New Year.

Although fashion seems to repeat itself, in many ways, designers have created ways to squelch uniformity and modernize the way Mom used to dress. Keep it simple and make a statement with just one piece to rework your chic. This season’s most sought-after designers reinvent glamourous vintage and romantic silhouettes, offering no shortage of shine and shapes.

Ruth Shaw advises us on how best to persevere through this holiday, making it another one to remember.

20

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

SELF-PORTRAIT NAVY EMBROIDERY CUT-OUT ONE-SHOULDER MIDI DRESS, $595 Step it up in the style department this holiday season with Self-Portrait, a designer collection of ready-to-wear artfully inspired options. Malaysian native Han Chong of Self-Portrait nails it in this classic navy, one-shoulder lacy silhouette with a sheer trim waistband that fits through the bodice. Fresh and floral with a contemporary feel, Marcia is red carpet ready for the flash of a camera around every corner. People talk while you walk, so make clear-cut choices for those last-minute party invites.

CONTINUED >

December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

21

HAUTE FOR THE HOLIDAYS (CON TI N U ED)

JULIE VOS BYZANTINE HINGED CUFF WITH AQUAMARINE ENDCAPS AND MOTHER-OFPEARL ACCENTS, $330; ERDEM BABY BLUE MARABOU FEATHERED CHUBBY, $2470 Holidays are for indulging so why not invest in fashion to avoid the freeze? London-based fashion mogul Erdem Moralioglu so Swedishly suggests statement outerwear in baby blue marabou, reimagined for perfected party dressing.

Crafted in a fresh palette of color this season, Erdem creates a powerful feminine topper, ideal for layering for those glam selfies.

Luxury pervades in this voluminous chubby, lined in silk and secured with red satin ribbon.

Blingwise and trending now, it’s time to empower yourself with artful arm candy. Marcia simply adorns with a Byzantine hinged cuff with mother-of-pearl accents and aquamarine endcaps by Julie Vos.

22

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

DOROTHEE SCHUMACHER SEQUIN PYTHON OR SOLID GOLD SKIRT, $560; VERONICA BEARD IVORY SWEATER WITH GOLD BUTTON, $395 ‘Tis the season to sparkle. Dorothee Schumacher appropriately glitters it best in this sequin two-for-one figure-flattering pencil Sparkle skirt. Leg lengthening in a python-inspired design, it makes for a bold statement in one direction. With one swipe of the hand against the two-toned sequins, find yourself in the high shine district going for solid gold, baby.

Go cozy on top with Veronica Beard’s classically charming merino wool crew-neck

sweater.

Fashion

re-

peats itself with her addition of gold crest-embossed buttons and the dramatic leg-of-mutton sleeves to easily hide holiday sins. Cheers to a holiday you may, or may not, remember!

CONTRIBUTORS Editorial produced by | Elena Russo, @russoTV Photographer | Pat Bourque, @patbourquephotography Wardrobe provided by | Ruth Shaw, @ruthshawboutique Makeup | Owen O’Donnell, @owenmichaelodonnell Model | Marcia Davis, @hairlox Location | The Shops At Kenilworth Special Thanks: About Faces Day Spa & Salon, Kenilworth Wine & Spirits, Ruth Shaw

December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

23

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Locally Owned

KRISTAN JOICE, ENTREPRENEUR AND OWNER, CLIMBZONE WHITE MARSH

T

he preferred direction for a career move is up.

Kristan Joice took that to heart, stepping 28 feet

straight off the ground for her recent return to full-time work outside the home.

Just before Thanksgiving, Kristan, an Anneslie mother of two, opened ClimbZone White Marsh, the nation’s sec-

ond ClimbZone—the original is in Laurel, Maryland—and the first franchise to open for the New Zealand-based company. A steep departure from traditional rock climbing gyms, ClimbZone doesn’t have brown or beige walls, amoeba-shaped hand and foot holds or spotters holding ropes.

At ClimbZone White Marsh, climbers ages 2 to 82— Kristan’s 78-year-old mom can do it—climb 83 colorful, detailed “art walls” while strapped into an auto-belaying apparatus that works on a hydraulic system.

“When you let go and push away from the wall, the hydraulic system lowers you at a constant rate to the ground, whether you are 40 pounds or 270 pounds,” Kristan explains. “Anyone can climb, no prior experience necessary. We give you a harness, teach you how to clip in and out, go over safety rules, and you’re off and climbing as high as you want to go.”

Test your mettle on the armor of a giant knight or scale Honest Abe on his perch in the Lincoln Memorial. Climb a wall of glistening donuts and do your best “King Kong” when you reach the top of the Empire State Building. From the Chesapeake Bay-themed wall to the light-up fruit in Carmen Miranda’s hat, each custom wall is made by the company’s Rosedale production facility and in-house art department. And every wall is available to any climber during the three-hour sessions.

26

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

Climbzone, Laurel

ARTICLE SARAH ACHENBACH | PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLIE KNOTT AND NATALIE LANDRUM

“Most walls are designed for anyone to get at least 8 feet off the ground, but they’re so detailed that you want to see what’s coming next, what will light up when you touch it,” Kristan says. “The next thing you know, you’re at the top.”

Like her climbing center, Kristan's journey to her new career was unexpected. A culinary school-trained chef who has worked in catering, Kristan had no prior experience climbing or owning a business. She’s spent the past decade at home with son Roland, now 14, and daughter Annabel, 12. Before motherhood, she worked for an international sales and manufacturing company.

It turns out it was her role as a mother that uncovered the entrepreneur in her.

Like most parents standing on the sidelines of their children’s sporting events, she made small talk with the other parents of the players on her son’s 2013 Towson Spartans recreation league football team, which was co-coached by her husband, Kristan Joice, ClimbZone White Marsh owner

Joe. Conversations led to a friendship with Tiemi and Liesl Kenrick, builders and designers of the country’s first ClimbZone.

The Kenricks, who had moved from New Zealand to build a family recreational center on the East Coast, asked for Kristan’s help with staffing at the Laurel location. “It gave me something to do and get my skills together,” says Kristan of her part-time job. Before long, she was hooked. And so was the public.

“By the end of the first year, tens of thousands of people had come through the door, and we were beating all the numbers in New Zealand,” Kristan, who had become a ClimbZone instructor, then manager, says.

When the company was considering franchising, she half-joked that she should open a Baltimore-area franchise.

It took about four months from saying the words to signing the papers, with lots of conversations in between with her husband.

“It was a big leap, but to have something that is my own is so exciting,” she says.

“I’m good at building a team, and I know the area. It’s been interesting learning what I didn’t know and finding out that I can do it.”

The biggest challenge was finding a space expansive enough to house the climbing walls, bouncy structures, gaga ball pit, party rooms and more. She and her partners stumbled on a sweet location: 30,000 square feet in Ruxton Chocolates’ new headquarters and home to Mary Sue Easter Eggs. (Yes, the smell of chocolate often wafts through Climbzone White Marsh.)

Amenities include light refreshments for sale, a policy that allows outside food and drink (but no alcohol), a child-only play area, party rooms and more, but no Wi-Fi. “When you offer Wi-Fi for guests, people sit at the tables and scroll through their phones. We want people to put on a harness and climb. It’s not about holding on, it’s about letting go,” she says, citing the ClimbZone tagline, words that have inspired her own climb.

Some of the images accompanying this article were taken at the Laurel location. The White Marsh location was not open at the time of this issue’s printing, but is expected to be open by Thanksgiving.

CLIMBZONE WHITE MARSH

Located at Baltimore Crossroads 1412 Tangier Drive, Suite B Middle River, MD 21220 ClimbZone.us

Open seven days/week; Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.

Ages 6 and up: $25 plus tax for three hours Ages 2-5: $12 plus tax/three hours Children under two: Free with paid entrance Group discounts for parties, corporate events: $35/party space for 10 climber minimum; Maximum 30 people in a party room.

(Larger groups may book side-by-side area.)

December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

27

Local Limelight

BEH��� THE CA�ERAS PHOTOGRAPHY HELEN NORMAN

W

hat started out as trying to model in her teens ended up in a myriad of roles from television spokesperson to show

producer to runway and print model.

Elena Russo's introduction to Baltimore was working as a free-

lance TV stage manager and attending grad school at Towson University. Home base was Federal Hill while continuing her modeling career. Amtrak’s close proximity made for an easier commute to NYC to her tiny one bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side.

As most things do, one thing led to another. Casting a wide net into the television world, she began reporting traffic in Philadelphia for an NBC affiliate, then into hosting and producing sports and government affairs programs for Comcast. Fast-forward several years and her resumé still boasts the fact that she does it all and loves every minute of it.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

School years were split in two as a kid, growing up in both a suburb of D.C. and in Key West. I am a product of an all-girls Catholic high school and Maryland colleges. I moved to Baltimore city to attend graduate school at Towson University, where I continued on as an adjunct ever since.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN FASHION?

Like many young girls, it was my mom who wanted me to model. During our first trip to see the head of a very reputable agency, she told us that in order to work I would need chin implants. Of course, that never happened. What did happen was that I proved that agency wrong. From then on, it was game on! Today, that same agency has represented me for more than 30 years, booking runway shows, national ad campaigns and magazine covers. From New York to Milan, it’s been a wild ride working for so many of fashion’s most iconic design houses.

Now, I get to choose clothes for the models.

28

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

FROM MODELING TO ACTING TO PRODUCING SHOWS, LOCAL FASHIONISTA ELENA RUSSO DOES IT ALL

MOST TREASURED ITEM?

If I had to take something with me and leave everything else behind, it would have to be my photographs, including my "Big Loud Screaming Blonde," a gift from renowned Charles Schulz protégé and artist Tom Everhart. From family to travel to every modeling job, I could fill a sea container with photos. Look, you only go around once. How else will you remember all the great people and experiences?

WHAT IS THE QUESTION YOU ARE ASKED MOST OFTEN ABOUT YOUR CAREER?

“Hey, are you the Katz Insurance girl?” That commercial will never die. It’s kinda like fashion repeating itself—pure vintage.

WHAT QUALITY DO YOU ADMIRE MOST IN OTHER PEOPLE?

Beyond integrity, respect and all those traits the world should embody? I enjoy people who enjoy life and laughter. This is precisely why I love to dress up in costumes no matter what time of year–if there is a reason, of course. There is always a time to be serious, but really, let’s take as much time to laugh!

HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO WEAR SO MANY HATS?

Modeling provided a great stepping stone for working in other areas. Oh, that sea container? It’s filled with videos too! Producing outrageously fun shows with the Baltimore Orioles and then a golf show to television commercials and live events. Albeit it’s not Hollywood, but I look back and just smile at how blessed I’ve been to work in some aspects of the entertainment industry. Now I get to mentor young people who want to learn the business and provide opportunity for photogs and other artists to work on fashion editorials like the one we did for this issue of Towson Lifestyle. Believe it or not, there is fashion here!

Photographer | Helen Norman Wardrobe Stylist | Pascale Lemaire Wardrobe Assistant | Tony Greene Makeup & Hair | Lori Celedonia-Pressman Fashion Designer | Ella Pritsker Location | Nemacolin Woodlands Resort December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

29

Lifestyle Calendar

December

DECEMBER 1

DECEMBER 4

BALTIMORE COUNTY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

HOMEWOOD BY CANDLELIGHT

OLYMPIC PARK AT TOWSON CIRCLE

HOMEWOOD MUSEUM, JHU

Join the Towson community in kicking off the holiday season with

Explore the Homewood House as it would have appeared during the

a tree lighting ceremony, the opening of Santa’s Workshop and the

Holiday season in the 19th century. Live music and refreshments will

Arrival of Santa by a firetruck. The event will also include music and

be available. This event starts at 5:30 p.m.

dance performances as well as hot chocolate and cookies.

DECEMBER 2

DECEMBER 5 CHRISTMAS WITH CHORAL ARTS

BREAKFAST WITH ANNA, ELSA & OLAF

BALTIMORE BASILICA

SOURIS SALOON

Baltimore celebrates the yuletide season with Baltimore Choral

Enjoy breakfast with your family and the characters from the hit

Arts. Blake Clark leads the full chorus and orchestra in this pop-

movie, "Frozen!" Ages 2-9: $6.99; ages 10 and up: $13.99.

ular annual holiday program which includes beloved Christmas

DECEMBER 2 LOCAL MAKERS EVENT

favorites in the historic setting of the Baltimore Basilica. 7:30 p.m.

BaltimoreChoralArts.org

TOWSON TOWN CENTER, LEVEL 3 ROTUNDA

VARIOUS DATES

Join us for Towson Town Center's second Local Makers Event,

TOWSON UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL

featuring local artisans and handmade goods found only in Maryland!

SECU ARENA AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY

DECEMBER 2

The Towson Tigers men's and women's basketball teams both have home games in December. Men: December 6 vs. Morgan State

MAKERS MARKET

University and December 9 vs. University of Maryland Baltimore

GREEN SPRING STATION

County. Women: December 5 vs. Saint Joseph's, December 29 vs.

After a successful debut last year, Green Spring Station’s Holiday Mak-

Northeastern and December 31 vs. College of Charleston. For game

ers Market—modeled off the Bryant Park holiday craft bazaar in New

times and tickets, visit TowsonTigers.com

York City— will return to the shopping center for the 2017 holiday season. This year’s market will include more than 15 holiday craft vendors

DECEMBER 7

and will feature several do-it-yourself workshops including tutorials in

MT. VERNON MONUMENT LIGHTING

floral arranging, aromatherapy, terrarium building and cocktail making.

MT. VERNON SQUARE

DECEMBER 2 A NIGHT OF HOLIDAY FLARE AT THE FIRE MUSEUM FIRE MUSEUM OF MARYLAND

Join the Baltimore community for the lighting of the Washington monument. Live music, a holiday village and a beer garden accompany this annual Baltimore tradition. This event begins at 5 p.m.

The Historical Society of Baltimore County presents A Night of Hol-

DECEMBER 7, 14 & 21

iday Flare, its biggest fundraiser of the year! Tour 40+ fire engines

HO HO HAPPY HOURS

and special exhibits, plus the holiday train garden. Beer, wine, hors

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

d'oeuvres and desserts will be served. Tickets are $35 each, with all

Celebrate the holiday season on Thursdays at local Towson bars and

proceeds benefiting the Historical Society. HSOBC.org

restaurants offering drink and food specials between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

DECEMBER 3

DECEMBER 8

WREATH MAKING

FIRE & ICE FAMILY NIGHT & CHRISTMAS TREE JUDGING

LAKE ROLAND

DOWNTOWN TOWSON

Make your very own holiday wreath with natural pine, spruce and

View the ice sculptures and decorated trees located around

holly. Hot chocolate and holiday tunes included! There are two ses-

downtown Towson. There will be street performers and free

sions: from noon to 2 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Registration

s'mores. Rain date: December 15. Visit TowsonChamber.com

required. LakeRoland.org

for a list of locations.

CONTINUED >

30

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

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31

Lifestyle Calendar

(CON TI N UED)

DECEMBER 9

of the complete oratorio, and featuring the Baltimore Choral Arts

BREAKFAST WITH THE GRINCH & BUDDY THE ELF

Chamber Chorus. Join us for this unique, three-hour concert

CHARLES VILLAGE PUB

experience. Bring your own musical score or purchase one at the

For a memorable holiday breakfast, bring your kids along to eat with

concert. BaltimoreChoralArts.org

their favorite holiday characters. Ages 2-9: $6.99; ages 10 and up: $13.99.

DECEMBER 10

DECEMBER 16 BALTIMORE CHORAL ARTS: CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS

BALTIMORE BLAST

KRAUSHAAR AUDITORIUM

SECU ARENA AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY

Christmas for Kids is about an hour long, and it features playful char-

The Baltimore Blast play three home games in December: 7:35 p.m. De-

acters, a story with music and movement, and familiar sing-along

cember 1 vs. Ontario Fury, 6:05 p.m. December 2 vs. St. Louis Ambush

carols. Santa Claus makes an appearance too. It’s the perfect way

and 3:05 p.m. December 10 vs. Florida Tropics. BaltimoreBlast.com

to introduce your children to the joys of classical music. Subscribers receive a discount for this holiday family program including a new

DECEMBER 10

Christmas story featuring the ever-popular Pepito the Clown.

TOYS FOR TOTS BENEFIT CONCERT HAROLD J. KAPLAN CONCERT HALL, TOWSON UNIVERSITY

DECEMBER 16 & 17

Enjoy the sounds of the season and make a difference for community

CHRISTMAS CHEER

children at the 15th annual concert, featuring the musicians of the

THE GARRETT-JACOBS MANSION

Ken Ebo Jazz Orchestra who volunteer to present this joyous evening

One of the most anticipated events of the season, Concert Artists

of holiday tunes sponsored by the TU Veterans Center. The event is

of Baltimore’s annual holiday tradition features cherished Christmas

free to attend with a new, unwrapped toy. 7 p.m.

favorites and undiscovered gems, along with a Champagne toast and carol singalong. Purchase your tickets quickly for this event–it

DECEMBER 14

sells out every year! 1 p.m. Saturday, December 16 and 3 p.m. Sunday,

MEN'S SHOPPING NIGHT

December 17. CabMusic.org

DOWNTOWN TOWSON Men, tonight is your shopping night! Locally-owned shops in down-

DECEMBER 20 & 21

town Towson will offer specials and promotions and help you select

TOWSON UNIVERSITY WINTER COMMENCEMENT

the perfect gift. Get your gifts wrapped for free at Souris Saloon.

SECU ARENA AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY All ceremonies will feature student speakers, remarks from univer-

DECEMBER 15

sity leadership and the conferral of degrees by the Maryland Board

SING-ALONG MESSIAH

of Regents. 10 a.m. December 20: College of Education & College

KRAUSHAAR AUDITORIUM

of Fine Arts and Communication, 3 p.m.: College of Business and

Blake Clark leads the audience in the great choruses from

Economics & College of Health Professions; 10 a.m. December 21:

Handel’s magnificent "Messiah." New this year is the performance

Fisher College of Science and Mathematics & College of Liberal Arts.

COSMETIC, FAMILY, AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Providing the Opportunity for Optimal Oral Health

Dr. Devon Conklin & Dr. Charlie Ward

1104 Kenilworth Dr., Suite 102 Towson, Maryland 21204

(410) 583-7010 | WardByrne.com | wbcdental@gmail.com December 2017 | Towson Lifestyle

33

d e ff u t S d e k Ba

Local’s Choice

s e l pp A

E

njoy as a healthy breakfast in the morning or a delicious treat later in the day.

INGREDIENTS 5 medium-sized gala apples 5 1/8 cups granola 2 tablespoons melted butter 5 teaspoons maple syrup Ice cream or whipped cream for serving (if making for dessert)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cut a layer off the top of the apples with a knife.

With a melon baller tool or a measuring teaspoon, remove the core and seeds from each apple.

2. Pack 1/8 cup granola into each apple, and place into the slow cooker.

3. Drizzle the apples evenly with the melted butter, and add a teaspoon of maple syrup to each apple.

4. Cover, and cook on high for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until tender, but not falling apart.

Recipe from TheMagicalSlowCooker.com.

34

Towson Lifestyle | December 2017

5. Serve as is, or add ice cream or whipped cream.

Enjoy!

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