BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium was transformed into Santa’s playground last weekend with more than 300 decorated trees and an assortment of gingerbread houses, train gardens and holiday goodies. It was all part of the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Festival of Trees, which was established in 1989 as a fundraiser to benefit children with neurological disorders. According to the Institute, the Festival of Trees has become the largest family-oriented holiday tradition in the mid-Atlantic region. This festival kicked off with a Preview Party breakfast, allowing guests a sneak peek into Santa’s Theme Park.

Those getting into the holiday spirit included Henry A. Rosenberg Jr. (chairman emeritus of Kennedy Krieger), Mayo Shattuck (president and chief executive officer of Constellation Energy) and his family, Maria Welch (president and CEO of Respira Medical and the festival’s volunteer chair), Dr. Gary Goldstein (president and CEO of Kennedy Krieger) and Lainy LeBow-Sachs (a senior vice president at the Institute). Under Armour’s Kevin Plank missed the breakfast but was spotted later taking in all the holiday delights.

BIT OF HEAVEN IN CANTON

Putting their best face forward is what the gang at About Faces Salon did with a VIP party for the newest jewel in their crown. The third floor of the new Canton Crossing Tower has become a slice of pampering heaven.

Managing partners Helga Surratt and Patrick Brennan welcomed some of Baltimore’s movers and shakers for a look-see at the new digs, and landlord Ed Hale gave two thumbs-up on his new tenants.

Seen enjoying the festivities were Channel 13’s Marty Bass, Channel 11’s Kate Amara and Matt Katula of the Ravens with his lovely wife, Allyson. The Ravens’ cheerleaders were treated to updo’s from the salon’s enormously talented staff.

This is the fifth About Faces location — the others being in Towson, Timonium, Pikesville and Salisbury.

WHO? WHAT? WHERE?

It seems WBAL radio morning man Dave Durian likes a good deal. He and his wife, Marty, were spotted on Black Friday at Sears in the newly remodeled Hunt Valley Towne Center, shopping for a new refrigerator.

Also seen in Crabtown was Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of “Men In Black” star Will Smith. Jada, a Baltimore native, was showing her support for the men in purple and black as the celeb sideline reporter for 98 Rock and WBAL radio last Sunday in the Ravens’ big victory over the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Jada studied dance and acting at the Baltimore School for the Arts and still keeps her hometown roots well watered.

Society spotters

The Examiner needs you to be the eyes and ears of Crabtown, and not just B’more. We’re calling on Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Baltimore counties, too. If you spot a celeb, let me know at absss@baltimoreexaminer.com.

Share photos of your charity fundraising event with the community. E-mail high-resolution jpg attachments to: newstip@baltimoreexaminer.com.

All images must include full names and basic information about the event, including the proper name of the organization, the date and place of the event and any specific cause being supported.

Anne Boone-Simanski is the society columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at absss@baltimoreexaminer.com or 410-878-6131.

Comments from Examiner Readers

9:14 PM MST on Sun., May. 11, 2008 re: "Anne Talbot Brennan�s courage honored at fundraiser"

Diane said:
More please!!!! Pix too!

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12:53 PM MST on Thu., May. 8, 2008 re: "Anne Talbot Brennan�s courage honored at fundraiser"

Austin said:
Great

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7:23 PM MST on Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 re: "A night full of stars produces a blockbuster for charity"

Austin said:
Wow.. Yesterdays stuff was great -great pictures

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6:35 AM MST on Sat., Apr. 12, 2008 re: "Crystal Palace USA places best foot forward for charity"

Kevin said:
Thanks again to Crystal Palace for coming out and supporting a good cause. We look forward to doing more things with you in the future.

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7:41 PM MST on Fri., Apr. 11, 2008 re: "Crystal Palace USA places best foot forward for charity"

Examiner Reader said:
well i attended this event and it was a blast.. I won the 50/50 which made it even better lol

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4:43 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 re: "NFL stars come out; awards benefit abused-children cause"

Examiner Reader said:
i don't know who has decided no pix with this column and will not bold face the names...newspapers are dying and i would think you would want to make it easier for your readers...bold face the names and use pix....people love these kinds of columns...

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5:37 PM MST on Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 re: "Ulman Cancer Fund has a lot to crow about"

Jenna said:
Sheryl Crow was here?? OMG how cool.

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7:10 AM MST on Thu., Mar. 20, 2008 re: "NFL stars come out; awards benefit abused-children cause"

Rick said:
What's up with NO pictures??

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4:28 AM MST on Thu., Mar. 13, 2008 re: "Houlihan�s to the rescue"

Rick said:
Didnt edgar allen poe drink that Absinthe stuff?

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6:35 AM MST on Thu., Mar. 6, 2008 re: "Max�s finds a true way to say thanks"

max said:
Thanks Ms. Simanski-have gotten tons of comments

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5:51 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 28, 2008 re: "Wine lovers gather at Belvedere for love of St. Vince de Paul"

Nancy G. said:
This feature needs pictures and highlighting of names-just like her mom created

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5:50 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 28, 2008 re: "Wine lovers gather at Belvedere for love of St. Vince de Paul"

Michelle W said:
Love this column. It gets better each week. Tell the bosses MORE MORE MORE Socially Speaking!! She is great.

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6:54 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 21, 2008 re: "Max�s finds a true way to say thanks"

Michelle W said:
Anne is such a great part of this paper.. We miss her at the Valley Times.

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5:08 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 21, 2008 re: "Education adds up for these fundraisers"

Renee said:
Jada Smith is the best.. Love the local celeb stuff

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4:55 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 21, 2008 re: "Max�s finds a true way to say thanks"

Ed said:
2 weeks in a row -Great stuff missanne. Please tell em to keep exapnding it and PHOTO

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7:22 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 14, 2008 re: "Education adds up for these fundraisers"

Ed said:
Finally, You editors get it.. Great Column-should be bigger with photo's-- A TRUE Social Column FINALLY.....Take notice folks

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4:29 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 14, 2008 re: "Education adds up for these fundraisers"

Examiner Reader said:
I love Bull Roasts. Seems like a worthy cause. Nothin like a good edgimication!

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3:25 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 14, 2008 re: "Education adds up for these fundraisers"

Katie said:
Thats alot of money raised at a Bull Roast! Great cause for those kids. Never heard of it-but will check them out for my nephews..

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5:29 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 14, 2008 re: "Education adds up for these fundraisers"

Mason said:
Love the "pst you heard it here" part... Really fun and unlike Hollywood I have seen some of the people she wrote about.

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9:23 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 7, 2008 re: "A heartfelt commitment from Brady and friends"

Edstj said:
This kid-- wow what an inspirational story.

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4:35 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 1, 2008 re: "Judges play jury in this chili reception"

francis said:
Met this lady at the chili cookoff. Class act.. My business will not become an advertiser after meeting and reading this.

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4:32 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 1, 2008 re: "Judges play jury in this chili reception"

shane said:
where the heck are the pictures that used to come with this column?? Love this colum!!

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12:19 PM MST on Thu., Jan. 24, 2008 re: "Doctor�s prescription: �It�s cool to be nice�"

roger said:
Great article on a great man. You stuff is really worth reading..Love the local flavor.

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6:25 PM MST on Sat., Jan. 12, 2008 re: "Two charities that get the job done"

felix said:
I agree with the other comment. This column should be in everyday. Whoever are the people cutting it are clueless to Baltimore

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6:19 PM MST on Sat., Jan. 12, 2008 re: "Going the distance for a great cause"

Natalie said:
This was a great piece. What a grat kid. I wish her all the best. Thnks for highlighting a good kidout there

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5:18 PM MST on Fri., Jan. 4, 2008 re: "Two charities that get the job done"

carol said:
What the heck has happened to this column.. My girlfriends and I are crushed at it's reduction. Straight up sucks on Thursdays now

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5:24 PM MST on Thu., Dec. 27, 2007 re: "Heartfelt holiday bash benefits kids at St. Vincent�s"

redrick said:
heard you yesterday on wnst. Your everywhere.. Go girl

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6:01 PM MST on Fri., Dec. 21, 2007 re: "That�s a big 10-4 for a job well-done"

redrick said:
met you at the ed norrs thing. Preety cool lady and just started reading your column. Thank for showing intrest in the orgntization I told you about. Peace

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5:55 PM MST on Fri., Dec. 21, 2007 re: "Christmas comes early for Pathfinders"

Ciara said:
I love your columns.. BUT what the hell?? Why is it shinking in the Paper. Tell you powers that be we want MORE of your stuff

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6:01 AM MST on Thu., Dec. 13, 2007 re: "That�s a big 10-4 for a job well-done"

Examiner Reader said:
Will O'Malley try to tax the donations that were raised?

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4:20 PM MST on Wed., Nov. 21, 2007 re: "Fundraiser for Father Charles Hall Elementary is �friendly� affair"

makayla munz said:
i think that when i was there that all the teachers were pretty nice and fair but now i'm at the middle school so pretty big difference!

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6:09 AM MST on Thu., Oct. 18, 2007 re: "Once again, Pam Shriver�s annual event is tennis classic"

Pam said:
thank you anne..enjoyed the story...

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8:26 AM MST on Thu., Aug. 23, 2007 re: "It�s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it"

Examiner Reader said:
Hey, Why do we care who she named it after as long as she did something worth while for a community and it even has a name.

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6:32 PM MST on Thu., Jul. 12, 2007 re: "Casey Cares supporters rise to the occasion"

Examiner Reader said:
what kind of arrogant person names a foundation after herself???

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5:32 PM MST on Fri., May. 11, 2007 re: "Group hits grand slam for a cause"

Examiner Reader said:
enjoyed anne's column...lively and interesting....fits well with your paper..

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