Senator John C. Astle

Senator John C. Astle makes Annapolis more than a “pretty face”.

Longtime Annapolis resident, decorated veteran and third term senator, John C. Astle embodies the idea of service to his community.

Senator Astle holds a deep love for the unique qualities of this very special place. Working closely with the Mayor of Annapolis, Senator Astle is sincerely interested in people and what is going on in his district, and is often seen on the streets of his town talking to business owners, visitors and residents. The Senator takes action for others on large and small issues, from ensuring signage for businesses and traffic solutions, helping pave the way for the licensing of electric cars to provide shuttle service within Annapolis and Eastport, and serving on the Board of Trustees of the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Tourism Development Board.  

In addition, Senator Astle secured state money through “project open space” which enabled the city to develop a park on Fleet Street where neighbors meet for respite and picnics. The park was named as a memorial to the Senator’s son, David Astle. In addition, Senator Astle began the David Astle Endowment to the Severn School which funds annual speakers for the students and the general public.

John Astle is that rare breed of public servant . . . someone who truly listens to his constituents and acts on their behalf. Senator John Astle does not dodge difficult issues, he will take your phone call and he continues his efforts to make a difference.

 Peg Bednarsky

Ms. Peg is in many ways the very spirit of Annapolis. Over the last 40 years she has worked for Historic Inns of Annapolis and has dedicated her life to serving the locals, visitors and legislators.

Her manner with visitors is delightful to see. She is informative, her love and knowledge of Annapolis shining through in every conversation. Her “motherly” way makes you feel as though you are part of her family. The personal touch’s for our visitors is the best lesson we could ever learn from her, and we will carry with us forever. Her capacity for relating to others; plus her many stories and tips for downtown and Anne Arundel County make her not just an encyclopedia for visitors but a guide that makes Annapolis sound not just interesting but also as welcoming as if you were returning home.

Overall the city of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County would not be nearly as beautiful as it is without Ms. Peg. Long after she is gone her profound impact and memory will last for generations.

 Anne Cobb /Carol Patterson

In the heart of Historic Annapolis, nestled within one of its busiest intersections, is a gem of a garden.

In keeping with the history of the site, its beauty is shielded by sturdy brick walls but as a sanctuary in the midst of city bustle. It is a jewel of beauty to those passing by Duke of Gloucester and Conduit Streets.

 Known to members of the First Presbyterian Church as its Memorial Garden, this haven is also a pastoral delight to the neighbors. Since its beginning more than 20 years ago, the garden has been carefully and lovingly tended by church personnel, primarily by two devoted members, Anne Cobb and Carol Patterson.

 These Annapolis residents have donated countless hours in planting bulbs, digging up weeds, spreading mulch and seeing that the tender flowers are well watered throughout the season.

The garden awakens in early March with daffodils and bluebells followed by hyacinths and tulips. Then come iris, azaleas and the summer annuals all set within a cool background of greenery. In the center of the garden a large maple tree surrounded by a bench provides an oasis from the summer’s heat to any visitor.

This visible corner garden is not the only contribution to the city’s beautification by Mrs. Cobb and Mrs. Patterson. They have devoted additional time to the tender care of a courtyard behind buildings along Duke of Gloucester Street owned by the church and also the grand Victorian house next to the church on Conduit Street recently restored by church members.

The contribution of these women to the beauty of Annapolis, especially to the center of its Historic District, is deeply appreciated by the members of the First Presbyterian Church, the church  neighbors and all those who enjoy

Kevin Gersonde

The substance of Annapolis is Kevin Gersonde. General Manager of Yellowfin Steak & Fish House. 17 Years as the General Manager of Chart House in Eastport. An employer of our youth. A resident for 22 years. Restored two homes. Married to a true, life long local. A lover and supporter of everything Annapolis. A Co-Founder of the Maritime Republic of Eastport. He and hi wife are Annapolis icons.
 
People think of teachers, parents and coaches. What happens after that?  Your first job. Mr. Gersonde has influenced hundreds of our youth through his "life" philosophies. His positive outlook and motivational speeches to our youth has propelled our teenagers to bigger and better things. Doctors, Lawyers and Mid Shipmen have been produced and supported by this humble and simple man.
 
In my meager 5 years as a resident and the influence he has had on me as an employee, I am proud to be part of the hundreds of people influenced by his business practices, motivation and a "Do Right" attitude he teaches our youth.
 
His favorite thing in life is to have a positive influence on people. His employees are his students, colleagues and children. It is an amazing thing. I now understand our success.

J. Ernest Green

J. Ernest Green makes Annapolis and Anne Arundel County more beautiful places to live by sharing his prodigious musical talents with the community as Music Director of Live Arts Maryland, home of the
Annapolis Chorale and the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra. Ernie makes music wherever he goes - rehearsing with the 170 members of Chorale, or the Annapolis Youth Chorus or, as Music Director at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, with several hundred people every Sunday. Ernie's performing ensembles may be found singing or playing any time of year all around the community - from West Street to Gibson Island and beyond. Under his direction, Live Arts Maryland performs or presents more than 25 musical events in a season - performing the classics, pop standards, Broadway shows, holiday celebrations, and music for orchestra and brass. It's not just his job, though - it's his passion. Ernie believes music is for everyone. That's why Live Arts Maryland also has a music education program to encourage the musicians and music-lovers of the future. Whether he's on his conductor's podium,working in partnership with sister arts organizations or helping other community non-profits as auctioneer at fundraisers, Ernie does it all with his signature vitality, enthusiasm, and friendliness.

Visit www.liveartsmaryland.org to see some of Ernie's endeavors!

Barbara Huston

What if we are too old or too frail to drive to the doctor or the grocery store so that our basic needs for food and medical attention and medicine can be met? What if our already-needy family members cannot sustain their jobs because of all the time they have to take off to take care of us? Barbara Huston was a co-founder in 1993 of Partners In Care (PIC), a 501C3 nonprofit that has been a major contributor to empowering older adults to age in place in Annapolis and all over Anne Arundel County and beyond for 15 years. Volunteers using their own cars provide kind no-monetary-cost, arm-in-arm, door-to-door transportation for older adults and no-cost handyman repairs. Volunteer drivers pick up each rider at their front door, transport them to an appointment, wait with them and bring them safely home again, often stopping for prescriptions or groceries along the way. PIC now provides more than 125 no-monetary-cost rides per week locally in Annapolis as well as to destinations all over the county and as far away as Washington, D.C., Towson, etc. PIC’s kind volunteers are all following in the footsteps of PIC’s kind co-founder, Barbara Huston.

Jen Kaye

Jen Kaye is very well known and admired in the Annapolis area both personally and professionally. Amongst the many nicknames she has acquired, what stands out the most is “the energizer bunny”. Her passion and energy for everything “Annapolis” is absolutely contagious. As General Manager for the Schooner Woodwind, a family business for 16 years, and as captain on these schooners, she has a “megaphone” with her at all times telling folks about her love for Annapolis and sailing. Jen manages to place herself in the midst of everything that occurs in our area for the good of city tourism and the sailing industry. She has been an activist and leader in joint marketing projects between the city, county, state and industry initiatives, such as membership in the AAACCVB Visitor’s Center committee, the Maritime Museum, President of MCIA (Marine Charter Industry Association) and various marketing retreats. If any group needs her help, she is there for them utilizing her talents and energy. Under sail, there are many youngsters, such as Girl Scouts, that are fortunate to see her as a positive female role model.   Why am I so surprised when I walk around town to have people refer to me as “Jen’s mom”?

Carolyn Kirby

I would like to nominate Mrs. Carolyn Kirby for the Annapolis: More than Just a Pretty Face.

I have the privilege of knowing Carolyn though the Annapolis Summer Garden Theater, where she is the current president. Residents and visitors to our fair city either know her from the theater, or recognize her as a historic tour guide for Watermark. I admire her passion for he rich history of Annapolis.

Since her retirement, I think she might actually work more. She is the heart and soul of the summer garden theater, and her volunteer position has her spending almost every day working on making the theater an attraction in downtown Annapolis.

Carolyn is one of the kindest and most elegant ladies in the city. She embodies grace and we are all better people for knowing her.

Michelle Ullrich Kownacki

Michelle and her husband Larry own and operate Paws Pet Boutique, State Circle. Animals are Michelle’s passion. For over ten years visitors from all over the world have experienced her very personal approach to helping them with their pets’ personal needs as well as acting as an ambassador for Annapolis.

Michelle’s smile, personal warmth and vibrant personality welcomes each visitor and their pet. Pets needing a new home are highlighted behind the store counter. Dogs receive treats and pats each time they visit. Michelle’s genuine enthusiasm and caring is felt by everyone.
Michelle partners with Lowe’s Hotel for a cause during the summer months. The proceeds of the events support Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and K9 Lifesavers Rescue, AA County SPCA and Modest Needs.

In September Michelle organized her fourth Cruise for Compassion on board the Harbor Queen. Over 100 people and their pets spent a special evening, Annapolis style, raising over $20,000 for the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
It was Michelle idea to create a dog park at Quiet Waters, she made it happen! Growing up in the area she has always enjoyed the history, spirit and energy of Annapolis. Michelle is so much “more” than a pretty face.

Dr. John Martin

John D. Martin, MD, FACS is a practicing vascular surgeon in Annapolis. With 20 years experience in treating patients with vascular disease and seeing the human suffering after stroke, heart attacks, amputations and renal failure first hand, he became passionate about taking a preventative role in healthcare. In 2000 he founded the Dare to C.A.R.E. Foundation.

Through Dr. Martin’s efforts Dare to C.A.R.E., (DTC) a non-profit organization, offers free vascular screenings for those over age 60 or over 50 with risk factors. To date the DTC team has provided free cardiovascular screenings to over 25,000 individuals in the Annapolis area. The DTC program has become known throughout the United States and in spite of Dr. Martin’s busy schedule he speaks free of charge across the country on the effectiveness of preventive screenings.

Through Dr. Martin’s efforts and his passion for preventive healthcare, Dare to C.A.R.E. is the largest free vascular screening program in the country. The roots are planted in Annapolis and he will continue to bring the important message to the city and surrounding communities that cardiovascular disease can be prevented and he will continue to educate and improve the health of the community and its citizens.

Michael Pristoop

I was pleased to hear of The Annapolis: More Than a Pretty Face Contest and would like to nominate Michael Pristoop, Chief of Police, Annapolis.
 
His dedication to his job has impacted Annapolis in many ways. Crime is down significantly over the past year & a half and I heard it’s at its lowest level in 20 years. He’s followed through on initiatives leading community partnerships through their website, internet social marketing, radio, TV, the daily report.   But the key to his success is building relationships/partnerships people to people!  I have heard his praise spoken by fellow officers, staff and the public. The advent of the 1st Citizens’ Academy brought my respect of the Police’s efforts and accomplishments to a higher level. We all can be proud of this work. His leadership impacts on us who live here and for those who visit. Chief Pristoop’s commitment to our community enhances a positive experience for Annapolitans to live, to work and to play!