Helen Bentley honored at 90th birthday bash

“LOVED AND FEARED” — Former Rep. Helen Delich Bentley feted on 90th birthday

PORT OF BALTIMORE’S BIGGEST CHEERLEADER
HONORED  AND  ROASTED  AT MUSEUM EVENT

Ex-congresswoman praised by GOP
and Democratic officeholders alike
 
By Alan Z. Forman
 
“Loved and Feared” — It was hard to tell which emotion was more prevalent Sunday afternoon as 500 Maryland politicians, admirers, colleagues and employees, past and present, gathered at the Baltimore Museum of Industry to roast and honor Helen Delich Bentley on her birthday.

The former presidential appointee and five-term Republican congresswoman — who is known equally for her raspy voice, no-nonsense businesslike attitude, crusty demeanor and “salty” language that could embarrass a sailor — will turn 90 on Nov. 28th.

Chronicled by Baltimore photographer Bonnie J. Schupp, the event was billed as a roast, and in fact the printed invitation termed it so. However most of the speakers praised Bentley for her unique ability to get along with both sides of the aisle in politics to “get things done” and for her extreme advocacy of the Port of Baltimore.  ............

READ THE STORY AT VoiceOfBaltimore.org — http://voiceofbaltimore.org/archives/10946