Arts Council Annie Awards Start New Decade

The Eleventh Annual Annie Awards took place last night at the Severn School in Severna Park. Created and produced by the Anne Arundel County Arts Council, the awards endeavor to highlight and support the achievements of local arts patrons, educators, performers, writers, and artists. One category sadly missing, is one to credit the work of historians and preservationists in our county rich with colonial era history. That omission was remedied last night when Donna Ware, current Executive Director of Historic Londontown and Gardens was given the lifetime achievement award. I have Donna’s book,Anne Arundel’s Legacy, The Historic Properties of Anne Arundel County on my bookshelf and I still consult it often, even if I don’t have as much time as I once did to write on historical subjects. Donna has many accomplishments, too numerous to list in this blog, but looks to young to be honored for “lifetime achievement” since she is still vitally active in her field and has many working years ahead of her. But, she greatfully accepted her award and the honor, as did all of this year’s winners, who each had meaningful and entertaining remarks to share with the audience.
Having been a past and founding member of the Annies Committee for nine years, and a recipient (in the literary category) last year, it was a treat to sit back this year in the auditorium and be an observer. I was impressed by the number of sponsors, including the providers of food and drink, and the large attendence. Particularly moving, and remarked upon by many afterwards, was the poem read by this year’s Literary Annie recipient, poet Temple Cone, an Annapolis resident who teaches literature at the U.S. Naval Academy. I longed for more sharing of the various winners’ talents as part of the entertainment and slideshow. But maybe next year. Well done work, Arts Council and Annie Committee. When we get all the photos, we’ll post them online at wwwWhatsUpMag.com. But until then, mark your calendars for their Bag Lady luncheon and Sale next month, Sunday November 7th at the Loews Hotel. You’ll probably see some Annie winners there!