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AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The 2025 Green Expo at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville kicked off at 10:30 am with a Piper leading a presentation of the colors by Scout Troop 454. A welcome from Davidsonville Area Civic Association (DACA) president Bruce Stein followed along with remarks from Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and other political leaders.

Long afterward, attendees continued to stream up the sidewalks and into the garden center on their way to the Expo at the back of the property. Passing through the garden center’s interior and greenhouses full of gorgeous plants and flowers was a treat in itself.

The opportunity to check out offerings from two dozen exhibitors ranging from local businesses to agricultural, watershed and environmental organizations was a significant draw.

Families with children, however, were immediately drawn to the animals brought to the Expo by exhibitor Nanikala Carr’s Calvert County-based Not Your Farmer’s Daughter. A trio of fluffy Silkies, otherwise known as Chinese Silk chickens, drew many curious onlookers as they batted around a transparent balloon. However, it was gigantic bunnies Hoss and Mishka that were a particular hit with kids.

According to Carr, Hoss is a Continental Giant bunny. He is only 16 weeks old but already weighs 14 lbs. She said he should top out at 20 lbs. Darker hued Mishka is a Flemish Giant who, at a year-and-a-half old is full grown and quite friendly. In fact, children who wish to pet the bunnies are invited into their cages and Mishka really loves that.

Carr, best known as Nani, grew up in Alaska fishing and hunting. After moving to Maryland, she decided to do the next best thing and took to farming in a sustainable way. Having grown chickens for 15 years and now the mother of young kids, she established Not Your Farmers Daughter two years ago as a Petting Farm that offers its services for picture parties, special events, and educational visits to schools.

Starting the venture seemed a natural outgrowth of farming for Carr and was an easy transition. Adding horses and ponies, like those seen in the opening photo, was a natural. She quickly concluded that the business should offer riding lessons.

“What we have is more like a Pony Club for younger kids who are one to five or seven years old,” she said. “I’d been feeling that there is nothing much for children that age to do. So, offering this is a fun alternative. And, who knows? Our students might be future farmers or raise tiny horses.”

Carr next introduced us to goats Maribel and Ice who were decked out as a butterfly and a rustic farm goat complete with kerchief. Ice is the baby of Maribel. The pair is occasionally used for “goatscaping”. They are totally at ease wearing costumes – especially at Halloween – and both are fine with kids.

While the youngest attendees liked the animals, their parents were more interested in what the Green Expo tent, only half of which can be seen in the photo below, held. There were displays from two dozen exhibitors ranging from historic sites to local businesses and county government departments and agricultural agencies.

We’d encountered some exhibitors before like Homestead Gardens Landscaping, the Arundel Rivers Federation and the AA Watershed Stewards Academy, but were unfamiliar with others.

Melaleuca/EarthSense Solutions’ Barbara Gill was, of course well-known to many attendees as she has participated in the Green Expo multiple years. Gill is also an important voice in the Anne Arundel County’s business community as she is the founder of the Chesapeake Coffee Connections networking group.

New to us, and of particular interest, was an exhibit for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center which Jim Oland and Nora Terres informed us is located on two adjoining campuses in Edgewater at 647 Contees Wharf Road.

The Woodlawn Campus includes the Woodlawn History Center exhibits in Woodlawn House, the oldest building in the Smithsonian’s collection that is still in its original location. Also located on the campus, along the Woodlawn History Trail, are Asher Cottage, the Sellman Tenant House, the Java Mansion Ruins, and a historic cemetery.

The adjoining Waterfront Campus is surrounded by the waters of Muddy Creek, Fox Creek and the Rhode River. It is home to the Reed Educaton Center and the Wet Laboratory, the Tobacco Barn and Experimental Gardens. There are several scenic trails, the Marsh Boardwalk and a Public Canoe/Kayak launch.

Equally interesting was the Historic London Town & Gardens exhibit manned by Director of Development Melanie Kincaid. She was handing out a schedule of upcoming events that includes a Garden Egg Hunt scheduled for Saturday, April 5 and the London Town In Bloom Gala which takes place on Friday, May 9.

Two organizations we’ve seen before as exhibitors were the Arundel Rivers Federation, with a spinning wheel game to attract attention to their projects throughout the South, Rhode and West River watersheds, and the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary which attracted attention with their collection of skins, antlers, turtle shells and other objects found within the sanctuary.

We discovered, for the first time, a fine exhibit from the Anne Arundel County Farm Bureau whose representatives explained their many programs aimed at helping farmers and saving our farms. Hoping to attract new members, they handed out copies of The Old Line Farmer magazine (which were very interesting) along with an informative pamphlet.

There was so much more to see, from author Cindy Freland and her multitude of children’s books to area businesses like Red Carpet Remodeling with Maria Fairchild and Sherri Grove.

And we couldn’t possibly say goodbye without visiting Patuxent Riverkeeper Fred Tutman and Bartlet Tree Experts’ Arborist Riley Smith.

For information on upcoming spring events at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville or Severna Park, visit Homestead Gardens – Garden Supplies, Nursery, and Landscaping.

SPAN’s 35th Anniversary Celebration continues this Saturday at Severna Park United Methodist Church

This Saturday, April 5 from 12 noon to 4 pm, SPAN’s 35th Birthday Fest will be held at Severna Park United Methodist Church on Benfield Road in the parking lot. The public is invited to enjoy a free community celebration with live music, carnival games hosted by SPAN’s member churches and community groups, and food trucks with food available for purchase. (In case of rain, the celebration will move indoors to the Fellowship Hall.)

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Signs of Spring are evident throughout the county as March draws to a close. From its picturesque wagon of tulips and daffodils and gardens filled with spring flowers and vegetables to the baby peeps inside, Anne Arundel Farm, Lawn & Garden has all the hallmarks of the season.

Pansies are in full bloom at the Pasadena-based center just in time to welcome shoppers to this Saturday’s Spring Kickoff from 7:30 am to 6 pm. Farm and garden products and plants will be on sale for 10% off all day (or 15% for early birds the first hour-and-a-half).

Venturing further into the garden area, there are shelves and shelves of transplants that allow enable cool weather gardeners to get a head start including multiple varieties of lettuces, kale, spinach and other greens.

For those who love tulips like me, but didn’t have time to plant bulbs in the fall, the garden center is selling large pots of ready-to-bloom tulips and daffodils.

In one part of the garden, we discovered a section whimsically labeled Strawberry fields forever! featuring a healthy collection of plants meant to go into the ground now to produce juicy red berries in May.

For homeowners or gardeners interested in growing their own peaches, nectarines or cherries, a miniature orchard of fruit trees occupies another part of the garden.

Next comes a trip indoors where more fun begins. Walking past the seed potatoes and onion sets (all of which I’ve grown) and rows of garden seed packets, I began to hear chirps.

Following the sounds, I happened upon the limited number of baby chicks that remain for sale. (AA Farm, Lawn & Garden sold out quickly this year.)

While admiring them, along with other shoppers, a clerk appeared to select five yellow peeps and three darker hued peeps for an excited pair of children who adored them. The kids (and their mother) also seemed to take the job of raising them seriously.

Before leaving, we made sure we knew all the details for the Saturday, March 29 Spring Kickoff Sale. In addition to $1,000 worth of raffles and giveaways, free hot dogs and soda will be served between 10 am and 3 pm. To find more information on Anne Arundel Farm, Lawn & Garden, visit them at Facebook or on their website at A.A. Co. Farm Lawn & Garden | Pasadena, Maryland (aalawnandgarden.com).

Shortly, thereafter, our spring adventure took us to the Bohemian Black boutique at 45 W. Earleigh Heights Road in Severna Park where we found that owner Rose Walker’s prêt-à-porter collection of Spring fashions was not the only thing new. An upper floor was recently added to the storefront.

Opened less than a year ago, the brick -and-mortar version of Walker’s Bohemian Black by Walking Roses began life in an unexpected way. It was formerly a garage attached to the first floor of the historic Listman Building opposite the Ranger Station on the B&A Trail that was restored and remodeled by the property’s owners. The addition of the upper floor completes its transformation providing additional display room, a pair of changing rooms, a children’s section and a small men’s section.

Rose Walker wasn’t on hand to show us around as she was in a meeting. However, employee Lena Slade was happy to lead us up the stairs to the new spaces which are light and bright with just enough space.

The addition of a waiting area and changing rooms has been a great help.

Back downstairs, which remains much the same, Lena showed us a few of her favorite spring fashions. She loves the short but surprisingly flattering purple dress she is holding.

“I’m not usually a fan of dresses with short skirts but this one is so flattering,” she said. “I love the shirred waist which is fitted and the dress is flowing and comfortable to wear.

The floor-length dress, which is one of Rose Walker’s favorites, is quite interesting and will be perfect to wear from spring through summer. According to Lena, the material is much like a silk scarf and the dress is open on the sides so you can simply slip your arms through.

Another fashion that caught my eye, as well as Lena’s, is a floor-length culotte or “romper” in summertime green. She noted that you can dress the garment up.

In fact, the dress was a hit with one woman who came in looking for a dress for a casual wedding she was planning to attend.

One reason we stopped by Bohemian Black is that we heard Rose Walker is planning an elegant “Let’s Be Friends” Brunch on Sunday, May 25th at 11:00 am. We’ll have more details later. Meantime, you can follow the activities of the boutique at Facebook or by visiting the website Bohemian Black by Walking Roses (bohemianblackbywr.com).

A new parking lot for Fishpaw’s Marketplace

Spring is a time for rebirth and renewal but the last thing we expected to see as we drove down B&A Boulevard is Fishpaw’s Marketplace owner Kim Lawson standing on a corner sidewalk directing traffic Thursday afternoon as her parking lot was being repaved. She did a marvelous job and told her customers their cars would be fine while they went inside.

I proceeded to do just that and went indoors to look for two of my favorite things – a bottle of wine and one of the fine cheeses for which Fishpaws Marketplace is noted. I found the same familiar faces behind the counters and the store is looking great.

You can check out Fishpaws Marketplace by visiting the website at Fishpaws Marketplace Severna Park MD, Severna Park, MD. at Instagram or at Facebook.

Green Expo at Homestead Gardens Davidsonville this Saturday

Homestead Gardens at Davidsonville is hosting the annual Green Expo this Saturday, March 29th, from 10:30 am till 2 pm. Area businesses and community and environmental organizations will be on hand to inform attendees about their services. And, of course, Homestead Gardens will be at its best with gorgeous spring plants.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Historic Baldwin Hall was looking festive even before the doors opened for Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed Wine, Cheese & Chocolate fundraiser last Saturday. The candles were lit in each window and the white lights on the shamrock tree shone through as well. Shamrock-bearing elves on each door welcomed guests to step inside.

Severn Cross Roads Foundation, Inc. was formed in the 1970’s as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization for the purpose of restoring and preserving Baldwin Hall for use as a community center. Its trustees are tasked with seeking grants and raising funds to pay for maintenance, restoration work and needed improvements. This year’s Wine, Cheese & Chocolate affair, one of the foundation’s best fundraisers, was particularly important since money is needed for a new roof.

The organization’s president Pamela Aulton and treasurer Gail Campbell had been busy inside making sure the hall was decorated to the hilt. In the entrance corridor, there were decorations in multiple shades of green. A small tree at one end sparkled with white lights, shamrocks, miniature elves and upside-down horseshoes for good luck.

On one side of the hall, a festive “grazing buffet” was being set up on white linen-draped tables by local caterer The Jive Chive. The main table held charcuterie of meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies while a second table held an abundance of chocolates that ranged from high-end miniature chocolate bars to chocolate truffles and chocolate brownies.

On the opposite side, Silent Auction donations from local businesses had been arranged and ran the length of the wall

On a stage at the far end of Baldwin Hall, entertainer Richard Walton was getting set up behind an impressive line of spirits meant to be raffled off later in the evening.

Beneath the balcony at the back of the room, a selection of wines donated by Gina of General’s Wine & Spirits was being served. The Crownsville-based shop’s donation also included the spirits displayed on the stage that were part of a raffle with winners declared at the end of the evening.

No sooner had the doors opened at 7 pm, than guests streamed through the doors looking for friendly faces. As the annual fundraiser is a well-known social occasion for Baldwin Hall supporters and people from the community, the event drew many people who knew each other. Among them were Spencer and Jana Leech who were drawn to the fundraiser because they live nearby.

We next spotted Sally Burton and husband Steve. Sally is a Severn Cross Roads Foundation Trustee but she is best-known as the former director of Chesapeake Harmony Chorus which uses Historic Baldwin Hall as a rehearsal space and concert venue. She still sings with the chorus and is part of the award-winning Second Star Quartet. She told us about an upcoming performance at Baldwin Hall.

“As preparation for our regional Sweet Adeline’s competition, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus members and quartets will be performing for their first Friends and Family Night under new director Mary Beth Whisman on March 26th at 7:30 pm,” Sally said.

She then introduced us to four of Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s trustees who were overseeing the fundraiser and persuaded them to pose for a photograph with her. They included the organization’s new president Pamela Aulton, secretary Gail Campbell, Carolyn Woody and Marge McGugan.

One had only to look about to find more acquaintances. Long-time Severn Cross Roads Foundation member Janice Crowe was having a fine time talking to her pal Linda and greeting everyone who walked by. With music and conversation with friends to enjoy, the evening was moving along nicely.

We next discovered a convivial Leprechaun by the name of Mark Campbell who was wearing a tall green top hat, bow tie and vest. He was seen here, there, and everywhere, frequently appearing at the grazing buffet. We ran into him while he was carrying on a lively conversation with Susan Ingram and Jim Woody.

We moseyed on and eventually caught up with Baldwin Hall building manager Annie Medford who was chatting with friends Joanie and Rich Clough about Baldwin Hall’s need for a new roof.

“We have a cedar shake roof like the one original to the building that was last replaced about 20 years ago,” Medford told us. “It has reached the end of its life with some damage to the cedar shakes. They’ve started to curl and break off and the roof has started to leak. We’ve made repairs to prevent any damage, but we have to go ahead with a roof replacement. It’s a big project that is rarely done anymore so it will be a challenge.”

As the evening wore on, the buffet line tended to swell and then ease off a bit as people filled their plates and then returned for seconds or thirds.

The food was delicious and the sweets divine. It’s no wonder the buffet remained the most popular place to gather.

However, there were Silent Auction items still to bid on. People could be seen up and down the long row of tables writing out their bids. The auction donations included baskets of goodies from businesses like Be My Guest Caterers, baskets from a local nursery containing plants, and myriad gift certificates to area restaurants among other things.

Unable to stay to the end of the event when auction and raffle winners would be announced, I couldn’t resist one last look.

We hope to have an update on the progress of the roof replacement project soon. Meantime, you can keep up with Historic Baldwin Hall’s future activities by visiting Facebook or Home | baldwinhall.

Cheers to 35 Years for SPAN, Inc. in Severna Park the first week of April

It’s hard to believe but SPAN, Inc. is celebrating its 35th Anniversary with two events at the beginning of April. On Tuesday, April 1 at 4 pm, SPAN’s Anniversary Milestone Recognition Service and Open House will be celebrated at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 400 Benfield Road with speeches, a ribbon cutting and light refreshments.

On Saturday, April 5 from 12 noon to 4 pm, SPAN’s 35th Birthday Fest will be held at Severna Park United Methodist Church on Benfield Road in the parking lot. The public is invited to enjoy a free community celebration with live music, carnival games hosted by SPAN’s member churches and community groups, and food trucks with food available for purchase. (In case of rain, the celebration will move indoors to the Fellowship Hall.)

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Known today as the owner of The Reynolds Tavern, along with husband Dave, Diane Rey has reenacted the role of Annapolis’ favorite founding mother, Anne Catharine Green since 2011. Acclaimed for her portrayal of Green, she’s devoting considerable time to helping Historic Annapolis commemorate the dynamic 18th century woman with tours on March 29th.

Following the death of her husband, printer Jonas Green in 1767, Anne Catharine was named Printer to the Province of Maryland and became the publisher of The Maryland Gazette, the only newspaper in colonial Maryland.

Two-hundred and fifty years have come and gone since Green passed away, an anniversary Rey and her colleagues are keen to highlight.

“We couldn’t let this milestone event go by without a proper sendoff for Mrs. Green,” Rey said. “So, the idea for a celebration began with some of the Historic Annapolis staff and reenactors wondering ‘How could we mark this occasion?’ Their combined ideas grew into the Life and Legacy of Anne Catharine Hoof Green Tour.”

Sharing tea and scones in the south dining room of the Reynolds Tavern, Rey showed us a copy of a flyer for the event, adding that there will actually be two tour outings – one at 11 am and one at 2 pm on Saturday, March 29th – a week after Anne’s death on March 23, 1775.

The tour starts on Statehouse Hill where reenactor Marcos Salaverria from will talk about Anne’s work printing the laws coming out of the General Assembly and her public role as Printer to the Province. It was a position of particular importance, designating Green as printer of the province’s paper currency. Salaverria will point out the Treasury Building where the money she printed was stored. Built in 1730, it is Maryland’s oldest public building. (It’s currently shrouded for renovations.)

The tour then moves on for a second stop – Anne Catharine Green’s home on Charles Street which she moved into in 1738 after her marriage to Jonas. It is now a private residence. The owners have generously opened the home for the tour so it can highlight her life. But because it marks her death as well, reenactors including Ben Bartgis, Phil Hosea and Vicki Embrey will be sharing 18th Century mourning rituals and funerary customs which took place in the home. Reenactor Pat Turlington, who portrays midwife Charlotte Small, will talk about those customs. (In the 18th Century, midwives not only brought life into the world but also cared for the bodies of those who passed away.)

Tour visitors will get a sense of how the family would have responded to the death and what the house would have looked like. The mirrors will be draped with black cloth. In the parlor the visitors will see reenactors wearing mourning gowns and other attire appropriate for an 18th century wake. The tour will next exit into the dining room where guests will see the kinds of food and drink the family was expected to provide for mourners.

It was so expensive to provide the alcohol and fancy foods customary for such an occasion Rey noted, that 18th Century wake attendees were often given tickets in order to limit the number of people attending.

In the dining room, visitors will also see examples of little remembrances for guests called “memento moir” – a mourning fan for example, a pair of gloves or mourning jewelry – an example of which Rey showed us from her own collection.

Though not appearing in costume because Mrs. Green is “recently deceased”, Diane Rey will be on hand as herself to explain what life was like for Anne Catharine during the 22-year-long period between her marriage to Jonas and taking over the business after he died. She gave birth to and raised 14 children, maintained her home and printing office therein and helped her husband run the enterprise. Rey will show off some original pieces Anne printed.

The third spot on the tour is St. Anne’s Church on Church Circle where Anne and all of the Greens were interred. Reenactors will explain some of the burial customs of the times and, likely, a discussion will follow as to whether Anne’s body still lies there. The churchyard was much larger in the 18th Century but, as time moved on, some of the graves became buried beneath the Annapolis streets while others were moved to a cemetery on College Creek.

The final part of the tour will take place in Reynold’s Tavern’s 1747 Pub where participants will raise a glass of Printer’s Punch toasting Anne Catharine Green’s influential and accomplished life.

For Rey, the commemoration and tour mark the end of her 13-year stint reenacting Green’s powerful contribution to Maryland history. In fact, she is currently searching for a slightly younger reenactor to replace her as Anne Catharine Green 3.0. Diane started portraying Mrs. Green when she was 49, the same age Green was when she sat for a portrait by Charles Wilson Peale. She feels it would be nice to find someone that could cover a slightly earlier time in Green’s life.

Rey has a passion for history. She not only owns historic Reynolds Tavern but owns a 100-year-old home in Rehoboth and a 150-year-old townhouse in Annapolis as well, all of which she has spent many hours researching.

Reenacting historic figures since moving to Annapolis while in her early twenties, she has appeared routinely as Mrs. Green in town and at 164 events outside the city. Rey was so devoted to learning everything she could about Green, that she has traveled twice a year to Williamsburg to work with the master printers.

She even created a small replica printers’ tray with plastic letters representing type when explaining the printing process to children. Each square is marked with a letter and the kids must place the proper plastic letters in the proper tray.

She carries a handbasket holding props she’s collected and uses when doing a reenactment, some of which are authentic pieces. They include some wooden toys, some type, a spoon made from a cow’s horn, one of the animal skins used to pay for printing and some tobacco which was also used as payment.

The basket also holds the mob cap, fan, portable pockets that tie around the waist and the ink-stained printers’ apron Rey is wearing in the opening photo as well as the photo from Williamsburg.

Rey’s last appearance as Anne Catherine Green will be prior to the commemorative anniversary tours and will take place on Maryland Day (March 22nd) from 11 am to 3 pm at Hogshead at 43 Pinkney Street in Annapolis. This will probably not be the last time she will appear in 18th Century costume.

“After 13 years, I felt it was time to hang up Mrs. Green’s straw hat up in the ‘reenacting year of 1775’,” she said. “But there are countless possibilities for other historic characters.”

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Few of our local churches are known to present ambitious musical or theatrical productions with large casts. But that is precisely what Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church has been doing for the past eight years. Thanks to David Merrill, Woods’ multi-talented and innovative Director of Music and the Arts, the church has produced large-scale productions ranging from “Jesus Christ Superstar” to last year’s “The Secret Garden”.

Attending an early rehearsal om the church sanctuary for this year’s musical, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, we realized what a challenge staging this complex production will be. As the production’s director, Merrill was taking the cast through a tavern scene featuring Chinmayee Balachandra as the beautiful Esmeralda who was kidnapped when she was an infant and raised as a Romani (gypsy) woman. During the scene, Balachandra skillfully portrayed Esmeralda pursuing her livelihood as a street dancer from atop a picnic table.

Following the scene, Merrill provided us an overview of the show. He said it is based on Victor Hugo’s novel “Notre-Dame de Paris” published in 1831. Set in 15th Century Paris, the story revolves around the deformed bellringer Quasimodo and his guardian, the Archdeacon Claude Frollo who falls in love with Esmerelda but is rejected by her. Turmoil, destruction and multiple deaths ensue before there is a glimmer of hope.

“The title of Hugo’s book was focused on Notre Dame Cathedral where the story unfolds,” Merrill said. “However, our Woods Church production is based, in part but not entirely, on the 1996 adaptation of Hugo’s novel in the Disney animated film ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. The version we chose to produce differs from the film and is closer to the actual novel and much darker. It’s a show that we don’t recommend for children.”

He added that one theme of the production is an exploration of what it means to be a misfit in society – an “other”. It’s a theme that is reflected in the song “God Help the Outcasts”.

Merrill, called our attention to the actor who plays Quasimodo, Lucas White. We caught up with White just after he’d tried on the green cloak that costume department head Susan Bohlman designed for him and is holding in the photo at right.

“Luckily, the cloak Susan made for me has the hunchback’s hump built into the back. The hump, in combination with changing my posture, enables my transformation to a deformed bellringer.”

Asked what it’s like to play Quasimodo, White thought for a moment.

“It’s really special, very different from any other role I’ve ever played,” he said. “Quasimodo has been confined to the cathedral bell tower for years by his guardian Archdeacon Frollo. When he finally leaves the cathedral, he is experiencing everything that happens to him, good or bad, for the first time. His emotions are so genuine.”

While doing the fitting with White, Bohlman was joined by volunteer Jacquei Shade who’d returned from scouting for costumes and accessories. Together, they carried several garments to a balcony level costume storage area above the church sanctuary.

Bohlman showed off racks of colorful costumes and chests of accessories she’d thus far assembled for the show.

She pointed out that it is challenging to find or design costumes resembling clothing worn in the 1490’s timeframe in which the musical is set. Fortunately, Colonial Players loaned Woods Church a number of pieces. Bohlman took particular joy in showing off one of the dresses Balachandra will wear as Esmeralda.

Both Bohlman and Shade emphasized that it takes a lot of manpower to stage such a large production. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” has a 62-member cast. In addition, a full orchestra and a 40-member choir will provide the musical background from the balcony above the sanctuary. Woven throughout the show, the choir will be performing chants and masses in Latin.

According to Merrill, the show will be a fully realized theater experience for the volunteers who will be working on the sets, the sound, the graphics and slides projected during the production, the costumes and the hair and makeup for the actors.

Moving to the balcony proper – the perfect place to watch the rest of the rehearsal – we observed that it was being conducted by the musical’s choreographer Elysia Merrill (David’s wife) and was focused solely on dance sequences. The staging of dance and movement throughout the show is vital to the multi-faceted production’s success and Elysia was looking to perfect every movement.

Back down on the main floor, we observed the choreographer working hard to be sure the performers were properly positioned to segue into the fast-paced tempo of a fiery gypsy dance.

Good news from Magothy River Association and Berrywood Environmental Committee member Karen Royer.

She tells us that Anne Arundel County Council member Amanda Fiedler submitted an amendment to Bill 2-25 that removed the “Critical Corridor” designation from the Ritchie Highway corridor in the heart of Severna Park, and the amendment passed.  

“That’s great news for everyone who has to travel on this already extremely overcrowded part of Ritchie Highway.,” Royer said.

She added that the amended version of Bill 2-25 will be back for a vote on March 3rd.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Hearts could be seen here, there and everywhere during BD Provisions‘ February 13th Gallentine’s Day Party, creating the perfect atmosphere for an event that was a combination social gathering and shopping experience. Initially a vision of BD Provisions’ co-owner/host Debra Saltz and Hip Mod Vintage proprietor Amy Heath, the party was a great opportunity for attendees to find unique Valentine’s Day gifts.

Located just inside the store’s entrance, an eye-catching display of jewelry from Hip Mod Vintage drew customers like bees to honey. Woven throughout the collection were heart-shaped rings and necklaces featuring hearts like the one seen in the opening photo.

Heath, is well-known as a longtime vendor at the Severna Park Farmer’s Market selling her recycled and perfectly restored vintage jewelry and other upcycled treasures. She also sells items from her equally well-known daughter Ellie Heath’s Three Blue Bunnies‘ collection of stylish jean jackets and other accessories she created from recycled materials.

“The farmer’s market actually opens a week earlier this year on April 19th and Hip Mod Vintage will be there,” Amy told us. But Ellie won’t be on hand as she’s living in Newport, Rhode Island where she’ll graduate this year from Salve Regina University. Luckily, she’s sending me new items she is creating for Three Blue Bunnies including trendy tote bags made from donated fabrics.”

Other vendors marketed heart-themed products at the Gallentine’s Day event. At the end of the first aisle, we spotted vendor Caren Bach (who can be seen on the far left in the opening photo). We worked our way to the Cookies by Caren booth and sampled her adorable heart-shaped cookies as well as cookies she made entirely from BD Provisions’ products. They were yummy.

Turning a corner, we happened upon Rebecca Gillin’s delightful Me Time LLC Bath Bomb, Soaks and Scrubs booth.

Gillin’s love of bath bombs was the inspiration for creating a whole range of products – products so successful she has been in business for three years.

“My children and I really loved bath bombs and I bought a lot of them. So I started making them myself and then expanded to other products,” Gillin said. “The children even helped me and the colorful beaded bracelets I’m displaying were made by them.”

For those who love to soak like Gillin, the Me Time products are ideal.

“I have a husband and two sons, so I was the only woman in the house. I could frequently be heard saying ‘I need a little me time’ which was the inspiration for the name of my business,” Gillin said.

Gallentine’s Day Party guests were having a wonderful time. They sipped complimentary Sparkling Cider, entered the raffle with its heart-shaped tickets, roamed the aisles and carried their purchases in heart-embossed gift bags.

Curiously, we noticed a few men attending the Gallentine’s Day Party, likely husbands or boyfriends eager to know what it was all about.

In addition to its normal wide array of chocolates and other candies, BP Provisions had Valentine’s Day specialties including those hard-to-find candy hearts of various kinds. They also had Valentine Candy Gift Boxes put together by the staff.

There were a few children attending the event including young Poppy who was being helped to a piece of candy she selected by BD Provisions’ owner Debra Saltz.

Poppy came to the Gallentine’s Day Party with her mother Taryn Gilbertson and aunt Jantra Silbert, two of three sisters (along with Dara Robinette) who own the nearby Stellaluna Raine Boutique. The sisters were drawn to the event because they know the vendors and have also visited BD Provisions on occasion.

BD Provisions is becoming known for hosting community-oriented special events that are fun – often featuring vendors. They frequently post those events at Facebook or Instagram.

St. Patrick’s Day Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Fundraiser at Baldwin Hall March 15th

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation recently announced that Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville will once again be decorated with shamrocks on Saturday, March 15th when the organization’s St. Patrick’s Day Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Fundraiser takes place from 7 to 10 pm. A much-anticipated social gathering, the annual event also raises funds needed for the preservation and maintenance of the beautiful Georgian Colonial-style structure built in 1861 as the Cross Roads Methodist Episcopal Church. Today the hall is a center of numerous community happenings.

Tickets are $50 and include wine, craft beers, and soft drinks along with an array of fruits, vegetables and cheeses to tempt anyone’s tastebuds. Guests will enjoy live music by vocalist Richard Walton, a Silent Auction, a Basket of Cheer Raffle and 50-50 Raffle, Door Prizes and the company of friends, neighbors and supporters who appreciate Baldwin Hall’s fascinating history and architecture.

Tickets may be order tickets by calling 410-409-0187 or by sending an email to: gcampbell8185@gmail.com or they may be ordered online at https:PayPal.me/BaldwinHallMD.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

There’s never a time when Romenta Plants owner Alex Waldorf is not busy. A wedding and event florist, she’s also an avid gardener who grows some of the blooms used in her floral arrangements in her own Severna Park yard. She sources additional flowers, whenever possible, from Anne Arundel County farmers.

For several months of the year – basically wedding season from March through June and from September through November – Waldorf is extremely busy. However, the winter months are challenging for her, from both the gardening and wedding perspectives. She’s luckily able to offer her services as a freelance floral designer for other companies’ projects and markets floral arrangements through her website.

She’s currently offering Valentines bouquets in three sizes – medium-sized mason jar bouquets, larger luxury bouquets or smaller handheld bouquets tied with ribbon – that can be pre-ordered by visiting Flower Delivery, Local Flowers, Annapolis Flowers, Maryland Flowers, Anne Arundel Flowers, — Romenta Plants.

Romenta Plants is also teaming with The Coffee Trailer at 44 W. Earleigh Heights Road near the Yoga Barn to provide a Valentine’s Day Coffee and Flower Combo for $18.00. The combo can be preordered for pickup on February 14th by visiting Home | The Coffee Trailer (bestcoffeetrailer.com).

In addition, Waldorf works every week doing bud vases for Cafe Mezzanotte in Severna Park. Even as her garden sleeps through the chilly weather, however, she’s simultaneously preparing her land and growing seedlings for the coming season.

“I consider myself a ‘garden florist’, she says. “For a lot of my designs I work with seasonal blooms that are locally sourced and give off a garden vibe. Depending on the season, I source 20% or more flowers from my garden and most of the rest from area farmers.”

We came across Alex Waldorf while covering Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Celebration last April. She’d already sold quite a few of her fresh-as-the-breath of spring mason jar bouquets and herbs at her Romenta Plants booth. She enjoyed trading gardening tips with her customers and found that being a vendor was also good exposure for the wedding and event side of her business.

Waldorf loves being a floral designer for weddings and large events though it’s hard work. For instance, she preps flowers on Thursday for a wedding on Saturday.

“You also have to carry dozens and dozens of flowers, buckets of water, ladders, tons of equipment and all the mechanics and bases to the wedding location,” she said. “There’s always so much to do that, these days, I hire a team of freelancers to help me as needed.”

Fortunately, Waldorf comes from a producer background having worked in television and film production for ten years traveling all over the world. She’s managed crews and equipment for programs ranging from National Geographic and the Discovery Channel to the Food Network so she was used to lugging around gear on random stages in random locations. (In fact, she’s currently working on the production side of the 2025 Annapolis Film Festival which takes place March 27-30 – a nice way to supplement her floral design business during a down time for weddings.)

Wedding season will soon be upon us, however. We asked the designer what some of her favorite weddings have been.

“I love brides who give me free rein to use different colors and different textures,” she said. “Delicate pink and white blooms with some contrasting blues work wonderfully for spring weddings. Autumn weddings generally call for more vivid hues so you can incorporate late season sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, mums and marigolds which are abundant.”

Brightly colored casual bouquets graced not only the head table at the lovely wedding above but every table.

Another favorite wedding design meant covering the ceiling of a 60 x 40 ft. tent at Herrington on the Bay with trailing plants and flowers. A third was a wedding with a Gothic vibe. The bride had a specific vision that allowed the florist to go out of her comfort zone.

“The wedding was so interesting,” Waldorf said. “The bride wore a black wedding dress that was beautiful. I created table designs featuring tall black candles surrounded by lush greenery and flowers in near black and deep purple shades with touches of dark crimsons and blues. It was outstanding.”

The upcoming spring wedding season coincides perfectly with the spring growing season and gardener Alex Waldorf has already given herself a head start. She’s employing a method known as cold stratification which involves scattering seeds on the ground while the weather is still freezing. Within a couple months, the seeds will sprout and pop through the ground healthy and hardy. She said winter sowing with seeds for sweet peas, calendulas, strawflowers, milkweed and poppies and other varieties of flowers has been failproof so far.

Waldorf’s passion for gardening runs deep and is integral to Romenta Plants’ success, truly a foundation for the business. The florist reflected that the most fun and most challenging aspect of her work is finding the growers she sources flowers from. After starting her business, she found a website that lists all the farmers and growers. The first thing she did was use that website to call to call growers nonstop to see if they would sell to her.

“After finding a farmer online, I’d check out the location and then ask if he or she would let me cut their blooms, she said. “Sometimes I’d work out a deal that, if I could come cut, they’d sell them to me cheap. Or I’d trade a bit of labor cutting and processing the flowers to get them ready for my use but also for the farmer’s other customers.”

Waldorf was immensely pleased to discover local growers in Annapolis and Davidsonville. If necessary, she could always go to wholesalers but it’s not really her style so she works local as much as she can.

Since moving to Severna Park, with its sandy soils, three years ago, her gardening challenges have been significant. In newly establishing her land, she’s learned it’s essential to add lots of amendments to the soil every year to have even a chance of growing a garden like those she’s had in the past when she lived in Washington, D.C. For now, she’s kind of a chaos gardener placing plants in the ground wherever there is space in hopes they’ll grow and taking lots of notes. But, in a few years’ time, she believes she’ll have a well-organized flower field with rows of blossoming plants of numerous colors and varieties. You can follow Alex Waldorf’s work on her website romentaplants.com) or @RomentaPlants on Facebook or Instagram.

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Bull & Oyster Roast February 15th

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Bull & Oyster Roast will take place Saturday, February 15 at the firehouse at 161 Ritchie Highway from 5 pm till 10 pm with food, music and fun. As always, the menu will be terrific with pit beef, ham and turkey and raw oysters, oyster stew, and oyster fritters plus all the trimmings and dessert. There will be 50/50 Boards, Big 6, Showdown Poker, Pull Tabs and Lottery Board to grab your attention. The yearly event is always fun. For tickets which are $50 in advance or $60 at the door see Earleigh Heights VFC (ehvfc.org).

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

For more than two decades a popular local eatery, the former Einstein Bros. Bagels has been closed since October and currently sits lonely and forlorn at the corner of Route 2 and McKinsey Road. The signage is completely gone – presumably consigned to one of the gigantic trash bins in the parking lot.

Fences have sprung up on all sides featuring signs for Morgan-Keller Construction and it appears that a transformation of the site is in the works.

We would learn a bit more about that transformation later. Meanwhile, we reflected on the history of the restaurant. We’d heard, but were unable to confirm, that it was initially constructed as a Roy Rogers restaurant but closed in the 1990’s.

Not long after the Einstein Bros. Bagels chain was born in 1995 as an outgrowth of the Boston Market restaurant corporation, the Severna Park franchise opened its doors. Almost immediately, it became a popular gathering place. Friends would meet for breakfast or lunch there. Local organizations and businesses would hold meetings there. People enjoyed the food and appreciated the friendly service.

Business was good from the late 1990’s through the first decade of the 21st century until the bakery/restaurant temporarily closed due to damage from a fire that occurred on August 2, 2010 – a fire that caused $150,000 worth of damage.

The “rebirth” of the much-missed eatery in the final days of 2010 was exciting. Fans of Einstein Bros. Bagels were thrilled when the shop reopened for business on December 10 following extensive reconstruction.

We noted when visiting that the exterior looked much the same and the interior was bright and cheerful. Einstein’s was bustling with customers during lunch hour on Christmas Eve. Among the longtime patrons who’d returned for one of their favorite meals were Doug and Cindy Schafer.

“We’re happy to be back, we love it,” said Cindy as she munched a chipotle turkey wrap.

Prior to the fire, Donna and Clifford Silbiger frequented Einstein’s often. They echoed the Schafers’ sentiments.

“I’m extremely happy that Einstein’s is open again. I was quite a regular as it’s close to where I live,” said Donna. “I got to know all the staff here and I love their food. I’m ecstatic that they’re back.”

Moving into January of 2011, the shop quickly resumed its role as a favorite spot for impromptu business, political and club meetings. It was even a great place to do an interview. That was the case when we met former homicide detective and author Steve Danko at Einstein’s (where he was a familiar face) to discuss his new book “Tour of Duty”. The memoir recounted the years Danko served with the Baltimore Police Department from 1962 till 1987 and his next quarter of a century as an insurance fraud investigator.

Einstein Bros. Bagels remained much the same happy place until former Governor Larry Hogan’s COVID guidelines were issued in March of 2020 leading to the restaurant chain’s decision to offer only drive-thru service with no in-store seating – a policy that remained in effect after most COVID restrictions had been lifted. The policy was likely a factor in location’s eventual demise.

The business continued to operate with drive-thru only service until last October. A Severna Park Voice Facebook posting on October 22 announced that Einstein Bros. Bagels employees were informed the restaurant would close at 2 pm the following day. Needless to say, the post shocked those who saw it. By October 23, the announcement had drawn 339 comments and 256 shares. The respondents’ comments ranged from “shocked” and “sad” to expressions of astonishment that the employees were let go with no notice and no offer of placement at other branches. Nevertheless, a great many comments were focused on customers’ pleasant memories of their visits to the establishment over the years.

Doing some research on the Einstein Bros. Bagels website, we discovered that there are other franchises relatively near us that remain open. There is one in Silver Spring, several near Washington, D.C. and a few in Baltimore. The closest franchises for Severna Park residents are the Einstsein Bros. Bagels at Soloman’s Island Road and Sommerville Road in Annapolis and the one at Baltimore Washington International Airport – Concourse C off Farm Fuel Road in Glen Burnie. While some of the shops have re-opened their dining rooms, many smaller ones like the location on Sommerville Road have been transitioned to takeout-only.

By now, with ongoing activity at the Severna Park location, people are wondering what sort of business will be replacing the former restaurant. We managed to get in touch with Frederick, Maryland-based Morgan Keller Construction and were told by company representative Rachel Potts that a Chase Bank will be opening on the site. She said the project will be starting soon.

Potts added that she’s been told that local residents have been upset to be losing Einstein’s. We can’t help but wonder if Chase Bank will be as successful in such a competitive financial market as Severna Park.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake with several events

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi has been celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year. The school first marked the occasion on January 26 with a Chinese Calligraphy Class taught by Wendy Ng.

On January 27, Jing Ying Institute owners Nancy and Billy Greer commemorated the Year of the Snake in a novel way. While making an appearance at Eco Adventures’ Chinese Lunar New Year festivities to perform a Lion Dance, they stood arm-in-arm and allowed an unbelievably long python to be draped across their shoulders. On January 28, the Institute held its traditional Lunar New Year Cleaning Celebration.

Lunar New Year events yet to come include the following:

On Wednesday, February 5th from 4:45 to 5:30 pm – A “free” Introductory Family Kung Fu Class will be held that is suitable for children ages 5 to 10. The class is an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and includes a Lunar New Year craft to take home. A parent/guardian and older siblings are welcome to join the class. Register at: www.JingYing.org.

On Sunday, February 9th from 2 to 3:30 pm Jing Ying Institute is presenting a Tea Tasting with Tea Expert Lynayn, a certified tea specialist of The East West Team Emporium. Attendees will try several delicious teas, learn about their proper preparation, and learn about their health benefits. They’ll also receive a gift to take home. The cost for this enjoyable and informative event is $25. However, the cost increases to $35 after February 2nd. The number of spots is limited, so register soon at www.JingYing.org.

Looking ahead, the school is offering a “free” Valentine’s Day Tai Chi Class on February 14th and a “free” Valentine’s Day Homeschool Kung Fu Class. Register for either or both at www.JingYing.org.

Gallentine’s Day Party at BD Provisions on February 13th

BD Provisions, at 844 Ritchie Highway, is teaming up with Hip Mod Vintage for a Gallentine’s Day Party on February 13th from 6 pm to 8 pm. BD Provisions’ co-owner Debra Saltz hopes you and your friends will join her for sparkling cider, a gift basket raffle, and the chance to shop for jewelry and accessories from Amy Heath’s Hip Mod Vintage and perhaps a few other vendors plus food, decor, cookies and candy.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.