More than 600 people stopped by Macaws Cafe last Sunday to celebrate its grand opening.
The group was there to cheer on owners Richard Evans, former owner and founder of the Crease in Towson; Chef Andrew Lehrer and Rob Creamer.
They want Macaws, once the Sweet Air Cafe in Jacksonville's Manor Shopping Center, to be a local family-oriented restaurant, open for lunch and dinner daily.
On board as managers of the cafe are Kelly Feather, Dennis Shaneybrook, Steve Diffenderfer and Kristin Grevey.
Among those who stopped by the party were Ted Herget, Craig Pfeifer, Dick Taylor, Dennis Connelly, Jane Voelker, Anne Bishop, Ray and Gail McCurdy, John and Bobbie Myers.
Also there were two gals who were scoping, not for men, but for what the ladies were wearing -- Marie True Evans, president of the Designer Showcase Ltd. Stevenson Village Center, and Cyndy Ronald, a fashion consultant for Doncaster clothing, and both wore smashing-looking outfits.
The definitive word, as Donna Hamilton sees it, on great country inns and their food, is her new book, "Donna Hamilton's Gracious Country Inns & Favorite Recipes." And it is pretty neat. I enjoyed reading her little tidbits about inns all over the United States and Canada and will definitely try a few of the 120 or so signature recipes.
Donna, former WJZ-TV "Evening Magazine" host, collected the information during her travels over the last year for her "Great Country Inns" television program, seen on the Learning Channel Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Locally, you can meet her today at Greetings & Readings on Loch Raven Boulevard, where she'll be signing books from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Or, on Dec. 18, she'll be at Borders in Towson for a 3 p.m. book signing.
Congratulations to Rosetta Stith, the energetic director of the Laurence G. Paquin School.
RTC As the winner of the annual John M. Middleton, Service to Youth Award, she was the guest of honor at the Youth Enrichment Service Awards dinner, chaired by Lenny Moore and Gov. William Donald Schaefer.
The Y.E.S. awards banquet was inspired by the Department of Juvenile Services Foster Grandparent John Middleton, who wanted to recognize at-risk youth for their accomplishments. Although this is only the second year for the awards, I hear that 220 youngsters were nominated for awards this year, compared to 60 last year.
Tennis star Pam Shriver is picking up another award Tuesday at Camden Yards and this time it's her years of community service that land her the recognition.
In case you didn't know, Tuesday is Maryland's National Philanthropy Day and Pam has been selected as Philanthropist of the Year by nine Baltimore organizations, which want to celebrate the positive influence of youth upon philanthropy.
Other awards are being given to the Norwood Elementary School, the Merganthaler High School Hope Club and Tyler Fick, a student at the Immaculate Conception School.
4( Call (410) 529-3120 for information.
Children having Breakfast with Santa at the Chartley Park Center on Dec. 10 or Brunch with Santa at the Columbia Palace Plaza are in for an additional treat.
Popular children's recording star David Jack will perform hits from his recently released concert video, "Makin Music, Makin Friends," as well as Christmas music.
The cost is $2 for adults and children are free. However, you must call Doris at (410) 296-4800 for required reservations.