What's Up Magazines

Most Eligible Singles
Photos by Doug Coulson Profiles by j.s. houck, Nadja Maril, and Kimi Raspa

If you would like to contact any of the singles, please send an email and include the name of the single you'd like to contact in the subject line. You will recieve a confirmation of receipt.

Meet this year's most eligible singles. They've got a lot to offer-caring, innovative, and positive are just a few of the words to describe this fun-loving group that includes business professionals, a firefighter, airline pilot, and attorney. While their interests may vary from running a marathon and playing golf to creating sculpture and writing, they all enjoy spending time on or near the water, sailing, power boating, or walking along the beach.

Join the fun at this year's Annapolis Uptown Singles Party on November 17th and meet the following 18 individuals in person. For more information about this year's event to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at Loews Annapolis Hotel call 410-267-9390 or visit the Whatsupmag.com website for a full listing of all the exciting events and activities.

---

Carol Walsh, 48, divorced
Occupation: Sales Associate for Toucan Promo Gear
Greatest Achievement: My wonderful daughter!

Carol Walsh's fantasy vacation is an all expense getaway to a couple's only resort on a tropical island beach with sailing swimming, spa services, luscious meals and drinks, dancing and music.

Caring, attractive and interesting are the three words that best describe this single whose hidden talent is singing and who spends most Sunday mornings singing with the Chapel Chorale at the United State Naval Academy. During her leisure time, Carol enjoys any activity near or on the water, along with playing the piano, ice skating, dancing, dinners with friends, spending time with her daughter and traveling.

She describes herself as positive with an outgoing personality. If she could change something about herself it would be, "To become more effective in putting myself in other people's shoes so I could better empathize with their issues and concerns."

Ruthanne Farrell, 37
Occupation: Marketing representative for Microsoft
Greatest Achievement: The evolution of my career and achieving financial independence.

Ruthanne Farrell describes herself as "adventurous, determined, and fun-loving," which goes perfectly with her favorite hobby-mountain biking. An avid cyclist, she rode this year in France during the Tour de France. "The small amount of exposure I had to those mountains," she says, "made my respect for all the riders increase tenfold." Her hero is Lance Armstrong. "What he accomplishes on that bike requires a level of mental determination that most people can't imagine."

While her fantasy vacation is either diving in the Red Sea or cycling the Northwest, her hidden talent keeps her indoors. It's home renovation.

A woman who wishes she were a natural morning person, she's been told her most endearing characteristic is her smile.

Charlotte Cluverius, 36, divorced
Occupation: Attorney, Military Law
Greatest Achievement: "Teaching at the Naval Academy."

Homegrown in Annapolis, when not living abroad, Charlotte has changed addresses frequently, traveling internationally and around the country to Connecticut, Chicago, Texas, and D.C. She has gone scuba diving in the Red Sea, spent 3 weeks in London and Paris, and spent a week in Nags Head, NC, which all rank at the top of her best vacation list. For a night in Annapolis, she enjoys a low-key evening with "cocktails at the end of the dock, no matter the season." She describes herself as "brilliant, gorgeous, and an exaggerator," which complements what she believes to be her most endearing characteristic: her "affably sardonic" sense of humor. On Sunday morning she's sleeping, reading, or contemplating brunch, and if given $300 to spend in a day on anyone but herself, she would buy a bunch of baseball tickets, hand them out at the Veterans' Hospital, and take everyone to the game.

---

Evan Belaga, 47, divorced
Occupation: Owner of Insurance & Financial Planning Firm
Greatest Achievement: "Raising my two sons and sharing my passions with them."

Self-described as a "recreation freak," Evan loves the outdoors, not only for the recreational aspect but for environmental purposes as well. Biking, kayaking, running, surfing, and yoga are just a few of his favorite things to do. He sees himself as "socially responsible, a committed father, dreamer, and idealist." The divorcee teaches couple yoga in the area, and is an artist at home, creating multiple sculptures and drawings. "My home is really a reflection of who I am," he says. Apart from work, he loves to travel and recently bought 3 acres of land in Hawaii, a work in progress he hopes to one day make a permanent residence. His heroes include Bill Clinton, for his support of environmental issues, and his two sons for thriving even when faced with adverse challenges.

Glen Darwell, 54
Occupation: Director of Engineering at Loews Annapolis Hotel
Greatest Achievement: "Two children I am very proud of!"

On Sunday mornings, Glen Darwell likes to enjoy the quiet beauty either watching the sunrise or riding his motorcycle. He describes himself as "adventurous, chivalrous, and unpredictable," which goes along with his favorite pastimes-music, guitars, motorcycling, and travel. A fantasy vacation for Glen would be a trip to Australia, New Zealand, and then over to Germany.

His ideal evening in Annapolis is contingent on being with the right person, but would include dinner, dancing, and a walk along the waterfront.

He's been told his most endearing characteristic is his eyes, and if he could change something about himself he would "try not to be a perfectionist." A man with a sense of humor, he also adds, "And I'd like to figure out how to pick winning lottery numbers!"

Michael Bahen, 42
Occupation: Builder/Developer
Greatest Achievement: "Keeping my business in business for the last 20 years."

Michael Bahen enjoys being his own boss: "It gives me a lot of freedom and satisfaction, but it also means you have to have a lot of discipline so you can keep that freedom." The three words he uses to describe himself are "driven, curious, and stable." That drive spills over into his favorite pastimes: boating, skiing, and building projects. When asked to describe his most endearing characteristic he says, "My unique combination of strengths (and weaknesses)."

His perfect night out in Annapolis would begin with oyster shooters at Middleton Tavern, then dinner at the Chart House, a show and drinks at Rams Head, and maybe a late snack at Chick & Ruth's Delly.

Michael has two heroes he admires: " My grandfather for instilling a good work ethic in me and my father for showing me how to combine it with fun to have a well-rounded life."

---

Jeri Kavanaugh, 52
Occupation: Manager at Maryland Judiciary
Greatest Achievement: "I'm commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel."

When she's not playing racquetball, reading, or writing poetry, Jeri Kavanaugh is relishing the teamwork of the Maryland Judiciary (her favorite job quality), where she manages the Fair Practices Division. On Saturdays you might find her in the football stadium stands, while on Sunday mornings she's usually attending church. Jeri has lived in Annapolis for the past 7 years and says she enjoys attending local sporting events. For a night on the town she favors a romantic dinner, followed by dancing. If there's one indulgence that Jeri has it's "treating myself to a night at a casino," which aptly sums her charming, outgoing, and fun personality. Luther Vandross is a favorite crooner of hers and a recent Best Seller pick from the bookshelf is The Da Vinci Code. She is sensitive to the needs of others and when asked, "What would you do with $300?" she quickly answers, "Make a contribution to a needy family." For that fantasy vacation, Jeri surmises a luxury cruise would be best.

Jerry Connolly, 57
Occupation: Consultant/Lobbyist
Greatest Achievement: "A 16-mile bike ride up a Montana mountain pass under moonlight."

Self-described as cleverly humorous and fun to be with, Jerry Connolly has an eye for adventure, whether it's in Annapolis or abroad. His favorite local activity "Has to be, sailing my 33'catamaran, the Irish Aye Ayes!" Having spent only 2 years in Annapolis thus far (previously 9 in Alexandria), Jerry is divorced, has one son who attends the University of Mississippi ("Whatta guy!"), and is self-employed, managing Connolly Strategies & Initiatives. He's heavy into politics and policymaking, but not light on fun. Jerry cites a 7-day bareboat sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands as a favorite vacation of his (the Greek Isles pending). It's no wonder then that his ideal night in Annapolis would be a full moon sail on the Bay, replete with candlelight, champagne, and strawberries. A piano player at heart, he has one regret: "I would like to fully develop my talent for playing and writing music."

Nicole Prickett, 25
Occupation: Nanny/Graduate Student
Greatest Achievement: "Graduating with honors from college and going on to get my master's of science degree in occupational therapy."

A California native, this West Coast-turned-East Coast twentysomething loves being on the go. "I like to stay busy and active," she says. "I have been fortunate enough to travel all around the world and see many parts of the U.S." On Sunday mornings, you can find her at church with her family, whom she is very close to, and who she would spend $300 on if given the money to spend on someone else for a day. "They have done so much to support me through the years and it would be just a small token of my appreciation," she says. For fun, she exercises, hangs out with her friends, and cooks. She loves any water activities and has taken ballroom and swing dance lessons (which she hopes to continue someday). She attributes Jesus as one of her heroes "because He's the perfect example of love."

---

Lauri Petroy, 42
Occupation: Small Business Owner & Real Estate Investor
Greatest Achievement: "Overcoming the fear of public speaking."

A self-employed businesswoman, Lauri juggles two careers and even has time to teach swing and salsa dance in the area. She describes herself as "playful, adventurous, and curious," and plays as hard as she works. "You work between your vacations," she says, naming dinghy sailboat racing, biking, and multisport vacations around the world as some of her favorite activities. For an ideal evening in Annapolis, she's up for night sailing, or even day sailing, which is one of her favorite local activities, next to hitting the dance floor at Middleton Tavern. She is passionate about finding a cure for progeria, a children's disease that significantly accelerates appearance of aging (a 2-year-old resembles a 70-year-old). Her favorite quote is: "Success is the journey, not the destination."

Jeffrey Buddle, 30
Occupation: Firefighter
Greatest Achievement: "Becoming a firefighter."

Loyal, honest, and respectful are three words Jeffrey Buddle uses to describe himself. Jeffrey says, "I wouldn't change anything about myself. I am comfortable in my own skin and secure about who I am as a person." Fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter, Jeffrey is employed by the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service. "It is what I have always wanted to do since I was a child. I go to work each day with a great sense of satisfaction and would not want any other job in the world." On Sunday mornings he is usually catching up on much-needed rest. His range of interests includes baseball, visiting City Dock on weekends with friends, spending time with his nieces (ages 6 and 2), and listening to a broad range of music. "Metallica, Bob Marley, Garth Brooks: I think these artists represent my diverse tastes very well." His fantasy vacation would be an extended trip to Australia, cities and outback included.

Ginger Doyel, age 25
Occupation: Published author and illustrator
Greatest Achievement: Authoring three, and illustrating seven published books by age 25.

Ginger Doyel's favorite local local activity is playing golf at the U.S. Naval Academy and when she describes a date night in Annapolis, it would begin with an afternoon round of golf, followed by dinner, (preferably blue crabs) at Cantlers or Davis's Pub.

As a writer she focuses on words, so it's not surprising she enjoys scrabble. She also likes to go running and enjoys spending time with her younger sister Cathleen. The three words she uses to describe herself are "creative, focused, and healthy."

At her annual family reunions Ginger would build incredible card castles while competing against her cousins.

Describing herself as an optimist, Ginger's secret indulgence is carrot cake, served warm with cream cheese icing, and topped with vanilla ice cream.

---

Kim Mallory, 36, divorced
Occupation: Event Planner
Greatest Achievement: "Starting two businesses."

Aside from her event-planning career, Kim Mallory's real passion is acting. A recent stand-in for Sarah Jessica Parker in the upcoming movie Failure to Launch, Kim bears an extensive resume of modeling jobs and acting spots. For a night in Annapolis, she prefers dining alfresco, and then walking to a local nightspot to hear live music. Perhaps Norah Jones, Dido, or Sting as one of the local acts? Well, if not, you'd definitely find them in her CD player. She describes herself as "loyal, giving, and caring," and would donate to Oxfam or the Red Cross if given $300 to spend on someone within a day. She credits her dad as her hero; indulges in chocolate; enjoys boating, photography, and hanging out with her friends; and hopes to one day take a vacation to the Greek islands.

Kelli Sawyer, 25
Occupation: Account Representative
Greatest Achievement: "I am content with all of my accomplishments."

Kelli Sawyer, who works for the American Red Cross, says that her favorite job quality is "Knowing that each day I am saving lives." Modest yet spontaneous and outgoing, she is content with all of her accomplishments and looks to her family for heroes: "My mom is a hero of mine because she is grounded, my grandmothers for their generosity and wisdom, and my father for his witty personality." She's been to Paris and would love a return trip, but in the meantime she enjoys everything Annapolis (she's a "lifer" after all): swimming, boating, crabs at Cantler's, drinks downtown, and live music. She loves dogs and cats alike, and as for indulgences: "Anything with peanut butter, and Sunday mornings in bed, relaxing watching television, and hopefully a marathon of Beverly Hills 90210."

---

Neal Ruchman, 54
Occupation: CEO/Business Owner
Greatest Achievement: "My children and my company."

Neal Ruchman has been a resident of Annapolis for 28 years, and Spa Creek and the Severn River take up much of his free time. When he's not heading Ruchman & Associates, Neal is boating along those waterways and relaxing on his balcony (which overlooks Spa Creek)-activities he chalks up as enjoyable pastimes. The unmarried father of three also enjoys making people laugh, working out, biking, cooking, dancing, and live music. He quotes neo-classics as his favorites when it comes to music, movies, and books: Moondance by Van Morrison, Casablanca, and The World According to Garp by John Irving. If there's ever an indulgence of his, it has to be egg white veggie omelets-a healthy take for the creative, fun, and fit Neal.

---

Vinny Goldsmith, 39, divorced
Occupation: President of Anne Arundel Literacy Council
Greatest Achievement: "Raising my two perfect children."

Vinny Goldsmith has been a Marylander all his life. "Funny, confident, and positive," is how he describes himself. He's also been told that his sense of humor is "pretty distinctive. I don't know if that's a good thing," he says. While he enjoys walking, hiking, reading, people watching, and seeing movies, he admits watching TV shows targeted toward teens (The O.C., Smallville, The Gilmore Girls, etc.) is his prime indulgence. An ideal evening in Annapolis for Vinny depends on the person, not the activity. He names running a marathon and building a business as second to his greatest achievement. Flexible and "up for anything, anytime, anywhere," he says the one thing he would change about himself is "To never get tired or need sleep. Imagine what I could get done."

Jeffrey D. Stender, 44, divorced
Occupation: Commerical Airline Pilot with American Airlines and a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer
Greatest Achievement: "The day I received my Navy wings of gold and became a Navy jet pilot!"

When he wants to indulge himself, Jeffrey D. Stender reaches for a bowl of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. But when he wants to have fun, he likes to go out motorcycling, boating or skiing. His ideal evening in Annapolis is pub crawling with friends while trying to find the best music downtown.

A man who loves to cook, particularly on the barbecue grill, he describes himself as spontaneous, adventurous, and very, very loyal.

His current heroes are our troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, "They are selflessly giving, he says, "so much of themselves to help others."

If he could change something about himself, Jeffrey would like to be able to be "more of a morning type, i.e. get up very early and get going. I have always been a night person," he says, "and do well working very late into the evening."

John G. Neely, Jr., 26
Occupation: Financial Services
Greatest Achievement: "Scoring seven goals in a collegiate lacrosse game versus number one ranked Washington & Lee."

An "on and off" Annapolitan for the better part of 25 years, John Neely has a keen sense of what an ideal night in Annapolis would be for many: "A nice quiet evening on the water eating dinner with my special someone." The outdoorsy, outgoing John claims his laugh and smile are "keeper-quality" attributes, while his lack of attention to detail could be improved upon. When fly-fishing, biking, camping, listening to music "all the time," and thoughts of a New Zealand fantasy vacation-not to mention his dedication to Neely Financial Services-occupy his time, all is forgivable. John's favorite job quality is "The personal freedom to set my own schedule."

---

Check out the list of Singles Organizations in Annapolis. Don't forget the Singles Party on November 17th!

---

South Moon Under, a home to unique designer name brand clothing, home decor, and accessories for men and women, generously outfitted our most eligible single winners with svelte seasonal looks, representative of the latest fashions with the assistance of LeAnna Jenkins, Annie Salsich, and Chad Young.

Styling for the photo shoot was provided by Glow Day Spa of Annapolis professionals Tara Prieto, Mac Ashraf, Jolie Mauricio, Tracy Gero, and Stacy Fisher.