Month: September 2022

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

Celebrating the seasons has always been an important part of the scene in Olde Severna Park. People who visit regularly know that by the end of September rows of colorful chrysanthemums and pansies will surround the Diehl’s Produce tents at the corner of McKinsey Road and B&A Boulevard while fat orange pumpkins will appear on the shelves inside.

Door decorations like those adorning The Carr Building at 570 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard are popping up everywhere.

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As we’re about to enter October and the “witching season”, it’s already getting a bit spooky as one can tell from the outside of The Red Apron Shoppe on Riggs Avenue where a trying-to-be-scary ghost floats near the entrance.

A stone’s throw away, on B&A Boulevard, a witch lurked just inside the door at The Blended Essentials. Likely a friendly witch, she appeared to welcome customers inside where the shop’s owner Danielle Bowen was surrounded by fragrantly scented soaps, bath bombs, and candles along with autumn decorations added by her daughter Ella.

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Park Books , across B&A Boulevard in the Severna Park Shopping Village will host a spooky story time and Halloween Author Trifecta this Saturday, October 1 at 11 am. Featured books include author Rebecca Evans’ “If You Ever Meet a Skeleton”, Tracy Gold’s “Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat”, and Rachel Kolar’s “Mother Ghost”.

If you weren’t already convinced that fall has arrived, the sign on the nearby Rita’s Italian Ice of Severna Park is a definite confirmation. No more “ice custard happiness” until spring.

There are lots more autumn events coming up. We mention a few here, with more to come.

SP CARES

We had a hot tip from Severna Park High School Drama that the organization will host SP Cares in the school auditorium this Friday, September 30 at 7 pm. The event – a night of entertainment by some talented SPHS actors, singers and dancers – is free to the public and donations will be accepted for Linda’s Legacy, a refugee support group. For information, visit Severna Park High School Drama | Facebook .

We grew curious about a couple of signs in the window at The Blended Essentials. One was for Jing Ying Institute’s Annual Halloween Party which we’ll have more details on later. But there was another that caught our attention.

PINKTOBER FEST, a benefit for IRISE ABOVE FOUNDATION

Our curiosity was tripled about this event as its being hosted by a new business – one of a trio of SOCIALS in Severna Park.

Pinktober Fest is being held at the about-to-open SOCIAL on Benfield Road on October 22 at 11 am.

(A second affiliated SOCIAL barbershop is located at 160 Ritchie Highway across from Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company. The third SOCIAL called THE SOCIAL is a restaurant at Magothy Gateway Village.)

Pinktober Fest is being held in benefit of the IRise Above Foundation, a breast cancer support organization.

American Association of University Women Booksale Nov. 3 at Severna Park location

It’s been a busy time for members of the American Association of University Women.  The members have been out collecting gently used books for their annual book sale and are happy to announce that the event will be held November 3 through 6 at a new location in Severna Park. 

“The sale will be held in a storefront at Park Plaza, 560-F Ritchie Hwy (to the right of JoAnn Fabrics),” said AAUW publicity chairman Cathy Crowley.  “We’ll continue to collect books through October.”

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AAUW’s multi-day book sales are major fundraisers supporting scholarships for women and have been held for many years at various locations. There are literally thousands of books to choose from so the annual book sale is popular not only with readers but is a major draw for collectors as well as kindergarten and elementary school teachers

We’ll have more details soon. For more information, visit AAUW of Maryland .

 Millersville family continues to support critically ill children through Casey Cares

Millersville resident Nick Crivella and family hosted its 17th Crivella Family Golf Tournament on September 10th benefitting the Casey Cares Foundation which serves critically ill children, raising $85,000.

The Crivella family first came to our attention more than a decade ago thanks to Casey Baynes, the founder of Casey Cares. We initially spoke to Nick Crivella in 2011. When we spoke to him again recently, he recalled the origins of the Crivella Golf Tournament which has raised over $600,000 for Casey Cares over the past eleven years.

“Our family golf tournament started just before my wife and I were married at Musket Ridge Golf Course in Myersville, Maryland,” Crivella explained. “The golf club gave us a couple rounds of golf gratis. We had a great time and decided to do it again the following year. We never stopped and our group of participants kept building. We went from 40 players to 60 and then 70. As the tournament grew, we decided it should be charity-based and sought a charity to support.”

The Crivella Golf Tournament first benefitted the American Cancer Society giving them $12,000 which felt great for us but a small amount for such a big organization. The next year the family looked for a charity where the money would have more impact and benefitted the FBI Starship Memorial Fund providing scholarships for the children of fallen agents.

“Thereafter, we searched for a more local charity and settled on Casey Cares, a modest-sized organization where our contributions would make a big difference and that had solid leadership to use the funds wisely,” Crivella said.

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The Casey Cares Foundation provides uplifting activities and programs for critically ill children and their families. The more Nick Crivella learned about the foundation, the more he was drawn to it. His father, Vince and uncle, Bart, were just teenagers when they lost their sister to cancer, so Casey Cares struck a chord with the family.

“We’ve continued supporting Casey Cares ever since,” he said. “The event is truly a collective family effort that we enjoy doing.”

Casey Baynes, who started the Casey Cares Foundation in 2000 with the help of a few families has personally organized numerous fundraisers including 5K races, a golf tournament at Chartwell Golf and Country Club in 2015, and even a fishing tournament. She gradually expanded the organization to cover 900 families in seven states.

Baynes says she is forever grateful for the contributions of the Crivella family.

“The Crivella’s tournament has grown to help so many critically ill kids. It’s awesome and extra special since Nick’s father and uncle lost a sister to cancer and understand the impact a child’s illness has on the whole family.” Baynes said.

She added that the family’s connection with Casey Cares has been amazing with Nick Crivella even serving on the board of directors.

Around The Park Again is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items perfect for football game tailgates.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

The sultry sounds of the Brazilian Jazz Quartet echoed across the appealing setting of the courtyard at Cafe Mezzanotte as musicians and artists worked their magic beneath sunny skies.

Presented by Jazz Beyond Borders, the event was an enjoyable showcase for musical groups from far and near and for local artists whose work is represented in several Severna Park galleries.

On arriving, most Art In The Park attendees sauntered by various artists at work along the sidewalks before gathering at white linen-draped tables beyond the restaurant’s bountiful gardens.

Three jazz groups performed throughout the afternoon on an improvised stage at one end of the courtyard. The Alex Laquement Trio kicked things off with music that was a crossover between bluegrass and jazz. In addition to Baltimorean Laquement on bass, the trio featured Luke Chohany on electric guitar and E.J. Shaull-Thompson on drums.

They were followed in mid-afternoon by The Brazilian Jazz Ensemble Quartet featuring Rose Moraes from Sao Paulo, Brazil on vocals, leader Leo Lucini from Rio De Janeiro on bass, Jose Luis Martin on keyboards and Lucas Ashby on drums. Their mix of sambas, bossa novas and Baiao music transported the audience south to Brazil.

Along the sidewalks art lovers found a veritable feast for the eyes beginning with the tables of Side Street Framers and Gift Gallery’s wide array of handcrafted jewelry and paintings by local artists. For more than three decades, the family-owned Park Plaza shop has been known for carrying the work of our area’s most talented creators.

Owner/manager Dawn Wilson brought artist Paul DeRemegis with her and displayed a number of his paintings at one end of the shop’s display. DeRemegis’ works are among those most sought after by local art collectors.

An easel set up at the far end of Side Street Framer’s exhibit contained two still-in-progress works of artist Jane Ferguson who’d gone off to view other artists’ work.

Finding their own shady spot close to the musicians, friends John Anderson, Ann Bangert and Lindy Anderkin were thoroughly enjoying themselves sipping tea, cocktails and quaffing snacks, grooving to the Latin rhythms and trading neighborhood news. All three had been to Jazz at the Mezz events, in coordination with Jazz Without Borders, at Cafe Mezzanotte before.

“Jazz at the Mezz” takes place at Cafe Mezzanotte every third Sunday of the month and the next one is inside on October 1st, Anderkin said. “But this time being outdoors, it’s just so lovely.”

There was much more to see. A large indoor gallery opened to the courtyard was filled with art from Gallery 564 and Benfield Gallery.

The space was divided between the two, with one half featuring a wide range of art from Gallery 564. Located in the heart of Olde Severna Park, Gallery 564 showcases paintings, photography, and fine art objects from Severna Park, Annapolis and Baltimore artists.

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Among the artists represented was Sandy Travis Bildahl who had two abstract acrylic works on canvas on display. Bildahl’s work has also been exhibited at the Mitchell Gallery and MFA Circle galleries in Annapolis among other places. Sandy’s husband, well-known photographer John Bildahl – a partner in Gallery 564 with Michael Brown – had several images on display as well.

Moving on to the opposite half of the gallery we discovered an incredible array of paintings and fine art objects from Benfield Gallery on Jumper’s Hole Road. According to gallery representative Cheryl Farquhart, the works exhibited included several giclee prints from the McBride Gallery in Annapolis with which they are affiliated. However, most pieces were created by artists unique to Benfield Gallery.

Farquhar added that several of the artists represented at Art In The Park also have pieces in Benfield Gallery’s current show “Rythm in Blue”. In fact, popular artist Kathy Dawalt’s acrylic collages, seen here, are also part of that show. Dawalt will be having a solo show at the gallery starting October 1st.

We caught up with Cafe Mezzanote owner and Art In The Park host Tommie Koukoulis and wife Pohai who brought their whole family to the event to absorb and enjoy the music and atmosphere. According to Koukoulis, Cafe Mezzanote began Jazz at the Mezz as a kind of supper club with jazz at the suggestion of customer Theresa Sise. A budding jazz vocalist who also works for Jazz Without Borders, Sise had stopped to dine at the restaurant with her mother and was taken with the cordial atmosphere and Mediterranean cuisine.

“We’ve been doing Jazz at the Mezz for two years now very successfully even when we went virtual for a couple months during the pandemic. We’ve worked with Jazz Without Borders to bring in local, regional and international jazz groups. This is the second annual Art In The Park we’ve held with the help of our sponsor, The Severna Park Voice.

Toward the end of the afternoon, we met Jazz Beyond Borders Executive Director Paula Phillips who’d been busy keeping everything running smoothly and was happy to take a break. Phillips, a well-known educator and promoter of the arts, has worked hand-in-glove with Koukoulis on all Cafe Mezzanotte’s jazz events. Phillips was pleased with the mix of music presented and still looking forward to the final performance by Bethesda-based bassist Phil Rivita’s Ravita Jazz with renderings of tunes from Miles Davis, Chick Corea and other artists.

A reminder: Baldwin Hall’s 2nd Annual Craft Fair & Flea Market October 2

Historic Baldwin Hall’s 2nd Annual Craft Show & Flea Market Fundraiser will be held Sunday, October 2 from 11 am to 3 pm. There will be booths and tables of handmade crafts, jewelry and flea market treasures across the grounds and also inside the Hall. There will be food available as well from Hotdog Hideout. Baldwin Hall is located at 1368 Millersville Road in Millersville.

Shoptoberfest with a Trick or Treat Twist on October 22nd

The Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce announced that this year’s autumn SHOP LOCAL extravaganza at Park Plaza will be held Saturday, October 22 from 11 am to 3 pm. In addition to shopping, there will be trick or treating, a costume contest, games, and entertainment. More details to come.

Around The Park Again is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items perfect for football game tailgates.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s long-postponed Anniversary Open House took place Saturday afternoon. Originally planned as a 20th anniversary celebration but postponed for two years due to COVID restrictions, the event finally took place on September 10th, Jing Ying’s 22nd anniversary.

A substantial crowd turned out for the festivities which included a dragon dance following the opening, a celebratory ribbon-cutting by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce, martial arts demonstrations by students, and a buffet featuring Asian-influenced dishes, fruits and sweets.

Jing Ying Institute’s always entertaining dragon dance did not disappoint. Then came the excitement of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting – one of the biggest we’ve ever seen conducted. Following the snip, several citations were presented to the school’s owners Nancy and Billy Greer for their many contributions to the community. Among the presenters was Maryland State Delegate Heather Bagnall who commended the Greer’s for not only contributing their time but for raising and donating more than $100,000 to local charities.

Next came some well-coordinated Kung Fu and Tai Chi demonstrations that were a delight to observe.

Watching son Jackson Parrish perform a series of Tai Chi movements at the front of large group of Jing Ying students was a proud moment for his mother Nicole Parrish and grandfather Joe DiMarino . Following the demonstration, Jackson rejoined his family to watch other demonstrations and enjoy the buffet.

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According to students Debbie Zoerkler and Melissa Wittke, it was fun showing off their skills in the demonstrations. In fact, Wittke teamed with teacher Billy Greer for a self-defense demonstration, portraying both victim and attacker. They illustrated defensive moves like stepping backward so one is beyond an attacker’s reach or turning an attacker’s own energy against him or her.

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Jing Ying’s anniversary event was also a celebration of The Mid-Autumn Festival held throughout the Far East and also known as the Moon Festival. In accordance with tradition, the Greers featured Moon Cakes in their buffet along with other sweets, fruits from the autumn harvest, and dishes with an oriental flair like fried rice and eggrolls.

Cascades of Wellness owner Danielle Ortiz contributed to the menu, serving cups of healthy pink and green beverages referred to as bubble water.

It was surprising to see children like Avery and Elise Glendaniel suddenly turn up in the buffet line with bat, dragon or tiger designs painted on their faces. We’d discover how that happened later.

In addition to the familiar family feel Jing Ying students and their families are accustomed to, the anniversary celebration had a neighborhood feel. As part of a Charity Challenge launched by Nancy Greer, several community organizations were invited to participate. Nancy personally welcomed each starting with April Stup, the volunteer coordinator for Partners In Care Maryland .

Stup told attendees about PIC’s “neighbors helping neighbors” services and about the Partners In Care Upscale Resale Boutique in Pasadena.

SPAN, Inc. development director Michelle Sabean described her organization’s food pantry, financial assistance and other services. Good Neighborhoods Group executive director Julie Shay explained her members’ environmental projects, food drives and other initiatives. During breaks, the two had a great time catching up with each other.

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Paula Borinsky Hendry from the Annapolis Area Dolly Parton Imagination Library spoke about her organization’s dedication to promoting early literacy – getting kids to love books early so that, by the time they get to kindergarten, they’re ready to learn how to read. Imagination Library sends free, new, high-quality books to over 600 children in the Annapolis area each month.

Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy representative Lynn Rockenbauch not only touted the environmental projects undertaken by the organization’s well-trained stewards, but she is a Jing Ying Institute student as well and was happy to share her experiences.

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“I’ve been a Tai Chi student for five years and this is a fun group,” she said. “I’m not a self-motivated exerciser so having regularly scheduled classes is perfect for me.”

Rockenbauch added that it’s been interesting to see how practicing Tai Chi has positively affected her body and her health, changed her dimensions and improved her posture and balance.

Each organization had been invited to set up an exhibit or talk about their services during a recent Jing Ying class or event. Anniversary open house gift bags handed out included ballots so students and guests could vote for their favorite exhibit. The winning organization will receive a $500 donation to be awarded during the chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST in October.

For kids or adventurous adults, a final bit of fun awaited upstairs where Lucky Ducky Art face painter Lexi Cucina was working her magic on a couple Jing Ying students. Cucina was not only great at face painting but proved to be expert at creating temporary tattoos.

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A BROADWAY BONANZA BENEFIT for SPAN, INC.

Back for a return engagement at Boone Station Hall following a two-year gap because of the pandemic, Laurette Hankins-O’Connell waited backstage with her accompanist Anita O’Connor. The stage at the Hall last came alive with the sound of music on June 6 of 2019 when Hankins-O’Connell performed her one-woman show “Broadway Goes to the Movies” and donated the proceeds to SPAN, Inc.

Once again, the Severna Park resident performed a cabaret-style concert as a benefit for SPAN on September 10 at 7 pm – her way of giving back to the community where she grew up. After graduating from Severna Park High School she attended Duke University where she performed in musicals prior to starting her “first career” in the professional theater as an actress and singer.

Her new show, “Broadway Bonanza”, was designed to include songs from three shows currently doing revivals on Broadway: “Funny Girl”, “Music Man” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Company”.

As showtime approached, the scene at Boone Station Hall was lively as concert attendees Silent Auction items or stopped by the concessions counter.

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Gradually, the lights dimmed the audience took their seats, waiting expectantly for the show to begin. SPAN’s Director of Development Michele Sabean, who we’d seen earlier at Jing Ying’s open house, stepped into the lights for opening remarks.

Greeting the audience, she revealed that shortly after she started working at SPAN a year-and-a-half ago, Hankins-O’Connell contacted her and offered to do another benefit concert. She would again donate all the proceeds to SPAN. Since more donations were needed as the economy weakened and more families sought help, Sabean gratefully accepted.

Hankins-O’Connell opened with a spirited rendering of “A Comedy Tonight” from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”, followed by “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun” from “Annie Get Your Gun” – numbers that showed off her fine voice, expressive delivery and sense of humor.

O’Connor, an accomplished pianist and vocalist, not only provided accompaniment but sang harmony on a few numbers.

The show was peppered with interesting, amusing anecdotes and, occasionally, Hankins-O’Connell adopted other personas like that of a child. There were also romantic songs like “Till There Was You”.

The show’s finale – a special version of “OKLAHOMA”, with Hankins-O’Connell’s own lyrics about the State of Maryland was a huge hit with the audience.

For both performers, the best thing about Broadway Bonanza was that it raised more than $3,500.00…all of which was donated to SPAN.

Having recently retired after 14 years as Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations for the University of Maryland School of Nursing, Laurette Hankins-O’Connell will be performing much more often. As for Anita O’Connor, she’s happy being a music teacher at Indian Creek School where she also teaches drama.

Around The Park Again is brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items perfect for entertaining.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

The early fall of leaves just after Labor Day suggests that summer is on the wane. But if you are reluctant to give up eating fresh from the field fruits and vegetables, you’ll be happy to see the list below of local farms, markets and stands where they’re still available:

Severna Park Farmer’s Market, at Ritchie Highway and Jones Station Road, will continue to be open Saturday mornings from 8 am till noon through October 29th.

Diehl’s Produce, on B&A Boulevard at McKinsey Road in Olde Severna Park will be open through October 31.

Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis, at 921 Chesapeake Avenue, will also be open through October 31.

Pumphrey’s Produce at 8220 Veteran’s Highway in Millersville, is open through Thanksgiving.

Wildberry Farm’s Saturday Field Markets, at 1047 St. Stephen’s Church Road in Crownsville will be open through November.

Chase’s Produce, on Rt. 424 in Davidsonville, will be open only on weekends through September.

Marco Ridge Farm Produce stand officially closed on Labor Day but will have their garden cart of vegetables available daily on a serve yourself basis through the growing season.

Most stands will have autumn offerings like apples, cider, pumpkins, gourds and winter squash.

It’s orchard time. If you’re in the mood for a trip, you can visit one of 17 well-known Maryland orchards from the Eastern Shore to the mountains of the Blue Ridge and Western Maryland.

We’ve frequented several but it’s particularly fun to visit Pryor’s Orchard in breathtakingly scenic Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont, Maryland. The three-generation family farm’s vast fields and orchards overflow with produce through the first frosts. For an after- shopping treat, several vineyards are nearby.

Close to home, we’re edging toward the promise that Fall offers with three events kicking off this weekend. Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s Anniversary Open House is being held from 12:30 to 3 pm on Saturday, September 10 followed by the Broadway Bonanza concert to benefit SPAN, Inc. at Boone Station Hall that evening beginning at 7 pm. On Sunday, September 11, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s annual Kick-Off Sunday Picnic will be held on the church lawn from 12 noon till 2 pm.

Anne Arundel County Fair an annual delight

The 70th Anniversary Anne Arundel County Fair will open its gates on Wednesday, September 14 and run through the 18th with its traditional carnival midway, rides and foods. A full slate of activities includes daily livestock shows, a livestock auction for animals raised by 4H and FFA members, indoor exhibits, quilting, wool spinning and other demonstrations, antique tractor pulls, draft-horse pulling contests, jousting, Friday and Saturday night concerts, and much more.

As the Fair celebrates its 70th anniversary with parties featuring bands Oracle and The NoWhere Men, there’s quite a history to look back on. The idea for the event was conceived and initiated by a woman known only as Mrs. Lee of Annapolis. Mrs. Lee grew up in Frederick, Maryland where there was a huge annual fair and felt Anne Arundel County should have one. With approval by the Maryland State Fair Board and help from local families, the first fair was held in the fall of 1952 at the Labrot Racetrack near Sandy Point.

There were cattle, poultry, farm produce, home goods, food and clothes, pigs, sheep, a horse pulling contest, rides, games, a queen contest and educational exhibits. Over 20,000 people attended from all over the county.

Needing more space, the fair moved to Sandy Point State Park in 1953 where it remained for 25 years. As revenues increased and the Fair changed from a stockholders’ corporation to a non-profit membership organization, a permanent fair site was sought. The Anne Arundel County Fair officially moved to Crownsville in 1984.

Fair hours are Wednesday: 5 pm – 10 pm, Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm, Friday: 5 pm – 11 pm, Saturday: 9 am -11 pm, Sunday: 9 am – 8 pm.

Admission to the fair is $10 for individuals aged 10 and over and free for children 9 and under. Admission includes entrance to the fair but does not include carnival rides or games. For information or tickets, visit Anne Arundel County Fair | A Tradition Passed Down Thru the Generations (aacountyfair.org)

Kinder Farm Park Fall Fun Day

Get ready for a fun time during Kinder Farm Park’s Fall Fun Day on Saturday, October 8th from 10 am to 3 pm. Though scaled down compared to previous Kinder Farm Park Harvest Fests, the event still has much to offer including hayrides around the farm.

There will also be scarecrow stuffing, one of the park’s most popular activities ever that is loved equally by children and adults. The finished scarecrows make great imaginary playmates for kids and fabulous Halloween porch decorations for the adults.

Activities for younger children will include games and crafts and a pumpkin patch from which they can select a pumpkin.

Tickets for activities will be sold throughout the locations and beverage vendors will be on hand. For more information, visit Friends of Kinder Farm Park.

Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails Fall Concert Series underway

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails Fall Concert Series got off to quick start at Hatton-Regester Green on September 4th with a concert featuring bagpiper/guitarist Jeff Herbert. The second of the four-concert series takes place this Sunday, September 11th and features 2021 Wammy Award finalists, King Street Bluegrass.

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The third concert of the series taking place Sunday, September 18th will have a Motown vibe from the Crownsville-based band Supreme Temptation. For the final concert of the series on September 25th, the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails welcome back the group Guava Jelly following the immensely successful Spring Concert Series appearance.

All concerts are free and open to the public and begin at 6 pm. For more information, visit Anne Arundel County Trails | The Friends of AACo Trails (friendsofaatrails.org).

Historic Baldwin Hall in full swing with Fall events

Following two difficult years, Historic Baldwin Hall is back in full swing with several fall events scheduled according to board member Janice Crowe. The Friends of Historic Baldwin Hall are hosting the first – a Crab Feast Fundraiser at the hall on Sunday, September 25th from 2 pm to 5 pm. A wonderful afternoon of delicious food and fellowship is planned. For information or tickets email janice.a.crowe@gmail.com.

Following the success of last year’s event, Baldwin Hall’s 2nd Annual Craft Show & Flea Market Fundraiser will be held Sunday, October 2 from 11 am to 3 pm.

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Lunch will be available from the food truck, Hotdog Hideout. The friends of Baldwin Hall invite the public to come out and enjoy a fun day. Please save the date and let them know if you would like to rent a space at the event by contacting janice.a.crowe@gmail.com.

In addition to Severn Crossroads Foundation meetings, Crowe reminded us that Balwin Hall is the rehearsal venue for the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus. The latest news from chorus director Sally Burton is that the singers are learning new songs and preparing for a show to be held at the Hall on Sunday, November 13, 2022. The theme will be “It’s the Music…” .

You can follow the activities of the chorus at Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.

Around The Park Again is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items perfect for entertaining.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

Bustling doesn’t begin to describe the Severna Park Farmer’s Market on a late August Saturday morning. Customers were scattered throughout the market, many carrying canvas totes filled with their purchases.

Having gone from one end of the market to the other, Gina Huth stopped to buy a melon from Pat Hochsmuth of Pat’s Produce and Gourds. She was holding a beautiful bouquet from Joyce’s Flowers. It was the very last of grower Joyce Martinek’s bouquets from a table that been overflowing with flowers and herbs.

Huth and her daughter Hannah were curious about a new crop Hochsmuth added to the produce he grows and sells. The Eastern Shore farmer explained that the green and wine-colored pods were okra – an ingredient traditionally used in Southern recipes like seafood gumbos. It can also be dredged in flour or cornmeal and fried.

Located at the opposite end of the farmer’s market but easily identifiable by its green and white checked tablecloths, Zahradka’s Farm Stand was completely sold out of several fruits and vegetables, creating empty spaces on the tables with an hour still to go.

As usual, sweet corn went fast as did some of the greens and only half the watermelons and blueberries remained. Still, the stand was constantly busy as customers kept on coming.

Several stands down from Zahradka’s, Martinek had now sold every plant, bunch of herbs and bouquets she’d brought with her leaving Joyce’s Flowers with an empty table.

Nevertheless, Martinek, a vendor at the market for more than twenty years, lingered to chat with fellow vendors and several of her regular customers. Having raised flowers and herbs for decades on her acreage in Elmhurst off Quarterfield Road, she noted that 2022 has been a challenging growing season. Fortunately, she managed to outsmart the weather.

Nearby, another popular vendor, Vera’s Original Bakery was nearly out of the biscotti, scones, pastries, breads and empanadas they are renowned for. Nowadays, baker Nicholas Port runs the family business started as Grandma Vera’s restaurant in Severna Park in the 1990’s. Though relocated to Rockville, many of the recipes the bakery uses for its tastiest breads and pastries are one’s created by Nicholas’ grandma Vera years ago.

Next to Vera’s, local beekeepers Frank Sullivan and Susan Giraldi had a small but impressive selection of pure honey from two primary sources. Valentine Creek Honey comes from hives along Valentine Creek in Crownsville and is harvested in the spring.

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Chester River Honey comes from a property along the Chester River in Kent County and is harvested in both the spring and fall. The couple belongs to the Maryland State Beekeepers Association.

As crowds ebbed and flowed through the marketplace, they occasionally found the path cleared ahead of them by St. Barnard’s Bella and Riley who, more often than not, led their owners in whatever direction they wished to go at quite a clip.

Bella, who is five, and Riley, who is seven, are both Certified Therapy Dogs with a group called Fidos for Freedom that visits children’s hospitals among other places. According to owner Heather Schimpf, they love people and like being petted and fussed over.

Interestingly, Saturday morning’s Severna Park Farmer’s Market shoppers were treated to an impromptu performance gratis by a group called The Overtones with Jane Storey on banjo, Jan Scopel on guitar and Joanne Murphy on hammer dulcimer.

Opposite the musicians, shoppers could browse an extensive selection of candles from Evie & Park at one end of a double tent or stop for some cotton candy or a cool lemonade at the other end. Evie & Park owner Chris Gibbs said the lemonade concession was entirely the idea of his entrepreneurial 12-year-old son Logan.

“We’d started making candles and selling them at the market a year ago,” Gibbs said. “Meantime, Logan’s grandmother gave him a cotton candy machine for Christmas. He suggested we do cotton candy at the farmer’s market because he thought it would sell well. Then he decided to add lemonade and started a business of his own called Astral Sugar. We’ve done pretty well with it.

Moving back through the market, we happened upon the Chesapeake Fiber Crafters tent where crafters Marseille Bunk and Lori Beard were serenely spinning wool next to tables where colorful skeins of yarn shared space with handcrafted sweaters, socks and throws made from it.

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Sheila Carroll from Lyon Rum in St. Michaels, Maryland had smiles for everyone as her products always sell well at the Severna Park Farmer’s Market. Carroll explained that Lyon Rum is the flagship spirit of Windon Distillery founded in 2012 by Jamie Windon. The product is made from Louisiana sugar cane in small pot stills with no additives or or preservatives.

“We’ve won Best Craft Rum Distillery for the past two years,” she said. “You can visit our bottle shop in St. Michaels and sample the products.”

Set up in his usual spot at the far end of the market David Haberkorn of Morris Hill Farm saw a lot of traffic for farm-raised bacons, sausages, ham, varied cuts of pork and fresh eggs. Actually, he sold out of eggs early as could be seen by the sign he’d leaned against one of Martinek’s bouquets.

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“We do sell to the public year-round from the farm in Tracey’s Landing and we also sell at the Riva Road Farmers Market,” Haberkorn said.

There was more to see. A wide range of wines from regular vendor Whistlestop Winery, a vineyard in Dunkirk, Maryland were available. Mike Smith of Mike’s Knives kept his grinding/sharpening wheel turning non-stop. Anne Arundel County Master Gardners Karen and Marilyn were packing up after spending several hours answering questions about plants and flowers.

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Located at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Jones Station Road, the Severna Park Farmer’s Market is open Saturday mornings from 8 am till noon through October 29th. The vendors will be back on December 10th for the annual Christmas Market which is festive and fun. Follow the market’s schedule at Severna Park Farmer’s Market | Facebook.

“Broadway Bonanza to benefit SPAN” opens at Boone Station Hall September 10th

A reminder that “Broadway Bonanza, A Cabaret Performance To Benefit SPAN” created by and starring Severna Park native Laurette Hankins-O’Connel will be held on September 10th at Boone Station Hall at 7 pm.

The show will be similar in format to Hankins-O-Connell’s 2019 “Broadway Goes to the Movies” performance at the same venue which proved quite popular and raised a sizeable financial donation for SPAN. Once again, Hankins-O’Connell will donate 100% of funds raised to SPAN as a way of giving back to the community she grew up in.

20th Anniversary Open House for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi Sept. 10th

Originally set to hold a 20th anniversary celebration in the fall of 2020, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi paused the event due to the pandemic. Now, two years later, they are celebrating the event (actually their 22nd anniversary) on September 10 with an open house that will incorporate a ribbon cutting, Chinese Lion Dance, kung fu & tai chi demos, and a “Charity Challenge.” The event will take place from 12:30-3:00pm and includes giveaways, door prizes, face painting and refreshments.

Jing Ying is also offering a variety of free classes in September to celebrate their anniversary. For more information about Jing Ying’s Anniversary event and free classes, visit www.JingYing.org or call 410-431-5200.

A reminder – Woods Church’s Kick-Off Sunday Picnic is Sunday, September 11th

A reminder that Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s annual Kick-Off Sunday Picnic will be held following worship services on Sunday, September 11th from 12 noon till 2 pm. As in previous years, the picnic will be held across the church lawn where tables for various ministries will be set up.

There will be entertainment, games and activities for children, an opportunity to explore Wood’s lovely gardens, and boxed lunches for one and all. She added that, as always, congregation members and their friends and neighbors are welcome to attend. For information on the event, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).

Around The Park Again is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. which carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Tastings for wines, beers and liquors are held almost daily and listed at Event Calendar in Arnold, MD 21012 – Fishpaws Marketplace.