Features

A life filled with shooting stars

By: Connie George
A life filled with shooting stars

Bill Kobrin spent several hours snapping pictures of Marilyn Monroe in her underwear one steamy summer night, but had no idea it was going to make him famous.

Going, going, gone at auction

By: Barbara Ruben
Going, going, gone at auction

In 1963, Enid Liess was on the hunt for a piece of artwork to punch up her new apartment. At a fundraising auction at her temple, the bidding went past her budget for a modern art painting that caught her eye.

Paying a debt back with passion

By: Robert Friedman
Paying a debt back with passion

When asked why he is involved in so many volunteer endeavors, Howard County’s 2011 Volunteer of the Year, Jacques Fein, replies simply, “I was saved by strangers. I am forever grateful.” A resident of Elkridge since 1970, and now 73 years old, Fein spent much of his early childhood hiding from the Nazis in France.

Crafting a new career in politics

By: Carol Sorgen
Crafting a new career in politics

Wendy Rosen is “completely surprised” at how her life has evolved over the past three decades. In her 57 years, the former graphic designer-turned advertising executive-turned successful business owner has, along the way, also become a publisher, the founder of a trade association — and now a candidate for a U.S. Congressional seat from Maryland’s First District.

Robert Duvall’s Virginia roots

By: Bob Brown and Bill Lohmann
Robert Duvall’s Virginia roots

The familiar figure walked into the living room of his home in The Plains, a small town just off Route 66 in Fauquier County, Va., wearing a navy-blue shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots.

Pinball wizard comes to Baltimore

By: Carol Sorgen
Pinball wizard comes to Baltimore

David Silverman found his life’s passion when he was just 4 years old. On a family vacation in upstate New York, Silverman’s father gave him a handful of nickels to play the pinball machines.

Concerts give amateurs an outlet

By: Charles Downey
Concerts give amateurs an outlet

In years past, before the Internet or even television, people used to play musical instruments at home to entertain themselves and their friends. Today, few play chamber music together as a family, and even the piano that used to have a place of honor in the salon or living room of most homes has largely disappeared — perhaps replaced by an electronic keyboard or Guitar Hero.

She shares inspiration online

By: Carol Sorgen
She shares inspiration online

If Suzanne Molino Singleton can bring a knowing smile, a sentimental tear or a nod of recognition to just one of her readers, she counts her day as a success. That’s the motivation that led her to begin SNIPPETS — an inspirational weekly column, written in a think-out-loud style, designed for women (though men are welcome readers, too).

It’s time to get vaccinated against the flu

By: Lauran Neergaard
It’s time to get vaccinated against the flu

It’s flu vaccine time again — and some lucky shot-seekers will find that the needle has nearly disappeared. The first flu shot that works with a less-scary skin prick instead of an inch-long needle is hitting the market this fall. Sorry kids, this option so far is just for adults, and it’s so brand-new that it will take some searching to find a dose.

Musicians put heart into songs

By: Carol Sorgen
Musicians put heart into songs

A passion for music has defined Ted Zlatin’s life, from his days playing in a teenage band, to a career that has covered every aspect of the music business, from promoting records to selling pianos. Now retired, Zlatin is using that same passion to bring the joy of music to older adults throughout the Washington/Baltimore corridor through the Music and Art Traveling Heart Show.