You know it's summer when Solstice hits — both on the calendar, and at the Maryland Science Center. The center's "Solstice" has become quite the summer gala, with some 700 guests indoors and out, under a tent or under the stars, swinging on the dance floor or swinging by one of many food stations and bars.
Van Reiner, the center's president and CEO, chatted with honoree Dr. Benjamin Carson and his wife, Candy Carson. Meanwhile, board member Dr. Patricia Schmoke and her husband, Kurt Schmoke, Howard University law school dean and former mayor of Baltimore, browsed the buffet with Dr. Bruce Taylor, Taylor Service Co. president, and his wife, Dr. Ellen Taylor, Northwest Hospital Center's chief of gynecology.
The hot weather and this year's big-band "Science Swings" theme encouraged many women to show off their pretty summer party dresses.
"I did think 1940s, so I'm wearing my mother's pearls. I noticed in a lot of photographs from back then that she wore a lot of polka dots, too," said event chairwoman Francie Spahn, in a black-and-white polka dot strapless number. She pointed out how her husband, Jared Spahn, Old Town Construction president, was wearing a seersucker jacket and navy, burgundy and cream saddle shoes.
Rose Carpenter, a retired attorney who arrived with board chairman Ed St. John, gleamed in green satin, while architect Becky Swanston, Swanston & Associates principal, looked cool as a cucumber in a crocheted tan sheath. Kathi Hyle, Constellation Energy chief operating officer, wore a turquoise silk shift with a multicolored collar that hinted of India.
"This party is an excuse to wear this," said Leslie Wilson, Maryland State Department of Education assistant superintendent. She spun around in a leopard print chiffon strapless dress, as her husband Courtney Wilson, B&O; Railroad Museum executive director, proudly looked on.
Her boss, Superintendent Nancy Grasmick, popped in wearing a fuschia satin cocktail dress. "I'm a pink girl," Grasmick said with a smile. Meanwhile, her husband, Lou Grasmick, Grasmick Lumber Co. CEO, sought refuge from the heat at a table under the tent.
Sloane Brown can be reached at sloane@sloanebrown.com