Month: December 2022

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

The Severna Park business scene has seen a number of firsts occur on the first day of a New Year.

January 1, 2000, saw entrepreneur Deb Hoffman open the first “specialty bean coffee shop” in Severna Park in a tiny space on Riggs Avenue at B&A Boulevard with Christie Sappington as her first barista. She called it The Big Bean and business boomed. By 2005, Hoffman had relocated the shop to its present address at 558 B&A Boulevard with a back entrance and patio along the Baltimore Annapolis Trail. The Big Bean’s success soared, and it became a hub of the rapidly growing community.

Skipping ahead to January 1, 2019 Christie Sappington Coster and husband Greg – the same Christie Sappington who had been The Big Bean’s first Barista – took over ownership of the shop from Hoffman.

Having realized Christie’s long-held dream of becoming the shop’s owner one day, the couple continued building on the establishment’s success. They did good job adapting and keeping the shop profitable through the COVID pandemic while also taking an active role in the Severna Park community.

Not every business launched in the new year was successful. However, one was transformative. As the calendar flipped from 2015 to 2016, brothers Peter and Ron Zarilli opened Zarillis Steaks and Hogies in the building that, for 53 years, was home to the Severna Park Post Office. Experienced builders, the brothers successfully transformed the building from a mail facility to a restaurant – one that sadly closed within its first year of operation.

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The building underwent further changes in 2017 when restaurateurs Charlie Priola and Arturo Ottaviano joined ranks to purchase the business and open La Posta Pizzeria – La Posta meaning “the post office” in Spanish.

Once again, a New Year’s launch is about to take place according to a tip we received from Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League. She tells us Senor’s Chile Cafe Severna Park is about to open under the ownership of 19-year-old Harry Salmoran in the building that was formerly Rivera’s Mexican Cafe at 594 Benfield Road. The menu will be comprised of authentic Mexican dishes similar to those served at the Salmoran family’s Mi Lindo Cancun Grill in Annapolis.

While Severna Park’s business scene changes frequently, the way in which residents celebrate the ringing in of a New Year has remained relatively intimate.

In Severna Park’s earliest years, summer activities like carnivals and dances were held but New Year’s Eve celebrations were primarily private parties held in the homes of residents.

A reminiscence of such parties during the 1950’s was written by former resident Jill Howard and included in the book “Severna Park Reflections” published by Bay Media, Inc. and the Severna Park Old Timers.

Howard spoke of occasional dances at Round Bay Inn or cotillions at St. John’s College that young ladies from the town attended wearing lovely long gowns but carrying their slippers because they had to ride the train. Even more fun were New Year’s Eve parties held by families in the community.

“The parties given by the Samuels of Severna Park on New Year’s Eve were the most exciting – quite the event of the year,” she said. “The home was lovely and just right for parties. You could dance in a circle through the rooms [to a four piece group] and how we loved to dance.”

She added that food was special with non-alcoholic punch and ice cream and cake served at midnight. The women’s dresses were long, and they all planned them months ahead. All the men wore tuxedos.

Fast forward to New Year’s Eve 2022. Residents who like to stay at home for New Year’s Eve can add a burst or two of excitement to the evening. Maryland laws now permit the purchase of fireworks from approved retail sites on New Year’s Eve for firing off in one’s backyard.

For those wishing to go out to celebrate, we’ve checked and found that Severna Park has little going on aside from celebratory meals at neighborhood restaurants. Luckily, there’s one great option. Severna Park Bowling Lanes has been holding New Year’s Eve festivities for quite a few years and this year is no exception.

They’ll be decorating the lanes for the occasion (as seen in the opening) and will supply glitzy hats, gift bags, noisemakers and other items necessary for bringing in the New Year with style.

You can call 410-647-0811 to reserve your lane for a fabulous New Year’s Eve party. Severna Park Bowling Lane’s Family Parties are from 4 pm to 6 pm or 7 pm to 9 pm. Their Gala Celebration is from 9:30 pm to 1 am and partiers of all ages are welcome.

With Annapolis close by, many local residents head there to celebrate. Beginning in 1990, the First Night Annapolis tradition took hold and continued until recently along with annual fireworks displays over the harbor.

This year, a celebration called “The Annapolis New Year’s Eve Party” has taken over from First Night Annapolis. The celebration will unfold in stages starting in the afternoon.

There will be a family friendly event at SusanB. Campbell Park with kids’ activities and bands from 4 – 5.20 pm and fireworks over the Annapolis Harbor at 5.30 pm. The main celebrations will then move on into the evening, with crowds heading down to City Dock where a fireworks display will be set off by the mayor at midnight.

In addition to fireworks at the City Dock with live music, a New Year’s Eve Party is being held at the Vibe. For details, visit Vibe | Live Music Venue serving Food & Drinks in Annapolis (vibeannapolis.com) venue at 2072 Somerville Road.

For another celebration along the waterfront, visit New Year’s Eve Bash At The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel or attend a New Year’s Eve in ’80 garb at Ram’s Head On Stage. Tickets are available at Ultimate 80’s Prom, Live Music At Rams Head On Stage. There will also be live music at the Rams Head Roadhouse. See Live Music At Rams Head Roadhouse.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. carrying fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. You’ll find a fine selection of bubbly for those New Year’s Eve toasts as well as snacks, beers and spirits for watching New Year’s Day football games.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi training is an ideal way to start the New Year off on the right foot.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

The most exciting time of the year arrived for SPAN, Inc. on December 11th as donors walked through the doors of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church to drop off donations of foods and gifts for 208 families through the organization’s Holiday Caring Program. (The church donates the space to store them.)

According to SPAN’s Director of Operations Maia Grabau, the program matches donors with families needing help during the Christmas season. The donors receive the name of a family to buy gifts for from one of the schools or from social services. They are then given the names, ages and sizes of each child and they are also asked to provide non-perishable foods for a Christmas dinner along with a gift card for a turkey or ham.

Early arrivals at the desk manned by Grabau and daughter Elizabeth were Evonne Briese and sons Nick and Oliver Marquinez who were donating packages of food and gifts and a pink and white girl’s bicycle. Volunteers Sharon Fenton and Elizabeth Grabau helped them drop off their donations in the church’s multi-purpose room where a taped-off square was numbered to match the number of the family they bought gifts for.

Meanwhile, volunteers Karen Fox and son Brady and brothers Luke and Henry Comer offered to shuttle donations dropped off earlier at SPAN’s headquarters across from the church. They’d check the gifts in, hand the gift cards to Grabau and drop them off down the hall. Then they’d head back for another armful or wagonload.

Keri DeLuca and son Christian brought gifts that were gathered from all their neighbors in Shipley’s choice. They carried their donations back to the multi-purpose room with volunteer Alice Kerwin and were amazed by the well-thought-out system of numbered squares matching numbers assigned the families receiving the gifts.

When not supervising the transfer of donations from the SPAN building, Director of Development Michele Sabean was busy keeping track of which donations were going where. She first checked out donations stored in the Sunday School room used as an annex to the multi-purpose room.

“The front of this room is dedicated to gift donations. In the back of the room, we have donations of food going to families that don’t have children, some of whom are our regular clients. Most food donations have come from the churches,” she said.

“With budgets tight, the churches suggested their congregation members make a small donation of food or a gift. When combined, they make quite a large contribution.”

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Michele Comer’s twin sons Henry and Luke finished the wagon runs and joined her in sorting food donations. The brothers are members of Boy ScoutsTroop 855 based at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and were volunteering to accumulate service hours toward merit badges.

SPAN’s directors and volunteers are always amazed at the generosity of donors. Natalie Etters and her daughter Abigail had their arms full as they delivered bags full of nicely wrapped packages for Family #1010. After checking in with Grabau, they were shown to the multi-purpose room by Kirwan.

Many neighborhood donations were received including a sizeable contribution brought in by Liz Lax, her son Hudson and neighbor C.J. Whlig. In addition to three enormous blue zippered bags, they had two paper shopping bags filled with even more food and gifts.

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“These gifts are from several families in Fair Oaks on the Magothy,” Lax told Grabau as she unzipped the bags and handed her some gift cards.

This year, individual families, neighborhoods, churches and businesses were as generous as before in spite of inflationary pressures according to Grabau.

“One household gifted 10 families which really helped us a lot,” she said. “More families registered for the Holiday Caring program this year. We even added additional families at the last minute including one mother who was just home from the hospital after having brain surgery and asked for some gifts for her son.”

She added that SPAN has had a significant increase in clients served, with more people asking for financial assistance than for food. Energy bills are hitting people hardest.

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In addition to the Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church donations, contributions were expected the following day from Severna Park United Methodist Church, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and, of course, Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Businesses involved in donating to the holiday caring program included Howard Energy with multiple packages from Bill and Patti Howard. They were followed through the door by Sally McGuire who made multiple trips bringing in donations from The Matt Wyble Team.

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Donors continued arriving until 4 pm with more the following day. By far, the most meaningful day of all for SPAN, Inc. would be Tuesday, December 13 when recipients arrived at the church to collect the food and gifts that will make their Christmas celebrations brighter than they might have hoped.

SPAN will soon be approaching the time of year when the need is greatest, but donations dwindle. For more information or to make a donation, visit SPAN Serving People Across Neighborhoods (spanhelps.org)

Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop & Stroll patrons brave chilly pre-Christmas weather

Darkness was an hour away when Olde Severna Park’s first-ever Holiday Shop & Stroll began. The wind was blowing and temperatures dropping but shoppers were already forming a crowd in the historic heart of the town.

Theater In The Park musical director Kylie Sjolie commandeered a place on the pavement to gather singers from her Pitch Perfect and Musical Theater Workshops for a quick briefing about the songs they’d perform at 5 pm.

Shoppers were not only welcomed by the storefront businesses on both sides of Benfield Boulevard but by a number of retailers from further afield who’d set up tables.

Hoping to capture the spirit of Christmas, author Marissa D’Angelo sported reindeer antlers trimmed while selling and signing books at her Tales of Charles Island table – books she felt would make great holiday gifts.

D’Angelo’s Charles Island series, based on the island of the same name off the coast of Connecticut, consists of three titles. Each is set in a different era. The earliest, “Cursed Spirit”, focuses on a Native American Indian tribe – the Paugusetts, “Cursed Vessel” is modeled on the pirate Captain Kidd. The third, “Presence”, is set in modern times and concerns a photographer who finds paranormal images in his photos of the island. D’Angelo donates 10% of her profits to the Paugusett tribe and reforestation efforts. Her books may be ordered at Books | Mysty Writes.

Katie Richardson’s Santa hat was warm and was the perfect advertisement for her Year Cheer holiday boxes for kids. The boxes did, in fact, draw many curious kids. Just to Richardson’s left was Meredith Baker from Skin Logic who was selling an array of high-quality and medical grade cosmetics.

Friends Kathy Kline and Tammi Molavi were having a ball and had already visited several shops. Having stopped by The Big Bean , they were carrying cups of coffee and were about to cross Benfield Boulevard to visit Dawson’s Liquors where they hoped to sample a tasty beverage, then onward to Savvy Consignment and Park Books.

Dawson’s Liquors, along with Peaceful Petals and The Blended Essentials, sponsored the Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop and Stroll. We caught up with Blended Essentials’ owner Danielle Bowen who told us retailers along the boulevard – especially Big Bean owner Christie Coster – had talked about doing such an event for a while. They were pleased that 16 businesses agreed to participate.

The tables in front of the shops provided independent or online retailers a chance to bring their products more exposure. At the ColorSTREET table, for example, stylist Chrisie Varner designed glittery little bags to hand out with samples of adhesive nail polish strips and other products that female shoppers really liked.

Just around the corner at 4 Riggs Avenue was the The Red Apron Shoppe where Kate DoCouto was minding the family business. The shop was founded by her mother MaryAnn Neal who was away visiting Denver, Colorado. Interestingly, Neal is one of the merchants who most wanted a holiday event that would draw people to Olde Severna Park.

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As promised, there was music to enjoy. Vocalist/guitarist Daphne Eckman was perched on a stool outside the entrance to The Big Bean providing a touch of jazz as she sang such standards as “I’ll Be Seeing You”.

Just as the sun was going down and Christmas lights were coming on in storefront windows, the Theater In The Park music students assembled next to the Refill Goodness tables to perform a program of holiday songs with both Skoljie and Kraus directing. The singers, ages 4 to 18, loved appearing for a new and different audience. They planned to cross Benfield Boulevard and perform in front of Dawson’s, Savvy and Park Books as well.

An update on Orphan Grain Train’s “Light Up Ukraine” project

Following their Light Up Ukraine Drive, Millersville-based Orphan Grain Train has received $58,000 in donations for Luci Lights – solar-powered lights that are being shipped to Kiev. Project chairman Elfie Eberle said the organization was very thankful for the amazing response.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Holiday gift sets are now on the shelves and, on December 17th, an artist will be on hand to engrave customers’ bottles with personalized holiday greetings.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai chi

For friends Jen Lee, Kim Marin, Christy Chisholm and Theresa Bloom (seen above), attending Girl’s Night Out in the lovely holiday setting of Homestead Gardens Severna Park is, by now, a tradition. The one held on December 8th was as festive as ever.

“We’ve come to Girl’s Night Out for many years,” Bloom said. “We look forward to it and we always have a great time.”

Lee, with a shopping basket over one arm, added that all four of them like to socialize – to come and meet their friends.

Pals Laurie Beatty and Amy Orzechowski enjoy the annual occasion just as much. They love soaking in the glamorous atmosphere with Christmas lights twinkling on elegantly trimmed trees and carols playing in the background. High on the list of why they’re drawn to the event is the 25% Girl’s Night Out discount on all merchandise. Sampling foods and beverages from local businesses is an added perk.

“The eggnog at the Brian Boru tables is spectacular,” Orzechowski said.

All four of the food and beverage stations scattered about were popular with the shoppers. At the Brian Boru station set up in front of Homestead’s “gingerbread house”, Patrick Reilly and Hugh Patrick served Shepherd’s Pie and their signature eggnog, which is made at Galway Bay, one of four Irish Restaurant Company restaurants that include Killarney House and Pirates Cove. Manager Kendall Yingling and Berkleigh Howser were also on hand to pitch in when the lines grew long.

Employee Lisa Lawrence said Homestead Gardens Severna Park has been holding Girl’s Night Out for more than five years.

Community and events liaison Jen Sartain agreed and explained that the tradition has been celebrated in all three of the Homestead Garden locations including the original store in Davidsonville and the one in Smyrna, Delaware.

“We do “Girl’s Night Out” only for the holidays,” Sartain said. “We hold the event later in the evening so the women can already have fed their families and have free time. We always bring in local charities and local vendors for food and drink. Our staff starts planning for this event early in the year and works hard setting it up.”

The charity Homestead Gardens Severna Park chose for this year’s event was the Edgewater-based non-profit Blue Ribbon Project that supports victims of child abuse and youth in foster care. Volunteer Linda Rohrbaugh handed out mini cupcakes for the charity.

Stepping around a corner just past Rohrbaugh, Girl’s Night Out shoppers discovered jazz pianist Gary Harmon who added a nice touch to the occasion with carols and vocals on standards like “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ve Got Your Love to Keep Me Warm”. Harmon will be playing at Homestead Gardens Severna Park every Saturday during the holiday shopping season.

It’s true that not every shopper came specifically for Girl’s Night Out but everyone who did really enjoyed it. Darby Davis said this was her first time at the event. She’d simply stopped by to look for a holiday bouquet for her home.

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“I sort of followed the crowd, found this convivial setting and learned there was a discount offered for Girl’s Night Out shoppers,” said Davis. “It was great timing for me.”

Kelly Clark, likewise, was unaware a special event was going on. She’d stopped by to select a game for a child’s present. She liked what she saw and was really pleased to hear she’d get a discount.

“Millersville-based Be My Guest Catering office manager Malinda Coppola stepped in for owner Sandra Demilio to serve the Girl’s Night Out crowd. Shoppers Suzie Schuyler and Patti Filshea declared the canapes she handed them delicious. They immediately tried to guess the ingredients in the luscious spread. Turns out goat cheese and figs featured prominently among the ingredients.

“We come to this event every year for our holiday girl’s trip, Schuyler said.

An hour into the event, shopping picked up and the crowd began migrating toward the far side of the main showroom where dried berry arrangements and outdoor decorations took center stage. Some shoppers pushed carts, others carried baskets, quite a few had a glass of eggnog or wine in one hand.

Located against a backdrop of colorful birdhouses, the Fishpaws Marketplace station seemed to be a natural gathering place where shoppers took a break and chatted with one another while sampling one or more wines. Ally Edwards offered Campo Viejo Cava on ice while Teri Schroter ladled out cups of warm Spiced Wassail from Sweetland Cellars. She also served first-of-the-harvest Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau for 2022 – a wine their customers ask for every year. Fishpaw’s cheese manager Teri Pheobus was spotted a short distance away bringing a cooler containing more of the gouda she was serving and additional wines.

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The widely predicted long lines at the checkout counter were starting to form but Girl’s Night Out was far from over. Women continued to stream through the entrance in pairs or groups of three or four. Most started the evening with a sip or a nibble before checking out the latest in holiday decorations or gift items.

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It seemed as if everyone attending Girl’s Night Out really did want their Christmases to be Merry and Bright.

Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop & Stroll on December 18th

On Sunday, December 18th, from 4 pm to 7 pm visitors will be welcomed to Olde Severna Park’s Shop & Stroll. Sponsored by Peaceful Petals, The Blended Essentials, and Dawson’s Liquors, the event will feature live music, shopping, extra vendors, food and drinks.

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According to Blended Essentials co-owner Ella Bowen, participating businesses will include, in addition to hers, Peaceful Petals, The Big Bean, Savvy, Jenos Steaks, Dawsons Liquors, Sophies Crepes, Chris & Becks, Park Books, Gallery 564, Refill Goodness, Bohemian Black, Red Apron Shoppe, Skin Logic, Color Street Nails, Christalene Visionary and many more. For more details, visit Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop & Stroll | Facebook.

The column 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 with which to grace your holiday tables. Tastings for wines, liqueurs and beer this Friday, December 16.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League mentioned weeks ahead that there would be a surprise at this year’s Community Tree Lighting in front of the organization’s headquarters at 1 Holly Avenue on December 2nd.

Indeed, there was a surprise! Glittering white lights on a historic and enormous tree loomed high above the Chamber building. Decorated by Pasadena-based Maryland Lighting & Sprinklers, the evergreen could be seen from most of Olde Severna Park and caused a collective gasp from all who saw it.

At one time or another, much of the assembled crowd walked beneath its branches while gazing up into the lights.

The “big tree” was first lit by former chamber CEO Linda Zahn shortly after the organization acquired and moved into the former Regester home at 1 Holly Avenue in 1995.

“In a few years I set my sights on a community tree. I’d wanted to light a big evergreen tree but was told it was too close to the power lines,” Zahn said. “So I lit the big holly tree right beside our building. We beefed up the power with outlets outside on the side porch and I had colorful lights custom made based on the design of the Naval Academy Alumni House tree.”

” I think the name of the guy who volunteered to climb the tree – yep, he climbed it! – was Steve Darley and we ran the lights vertically because of the shape of the holly.  There was a problem with the tree being so prickly, and also the light sockets that faced up caught rainwater and shorted out.  There were other issues.  Eventually I retired the project and moved to the smaller holly in front of the Chamber building because it was manageable.  I think it’s fantastic that folks have come up with a plan to light the big tree. So now there is a tree in front of the Chamber and also the tree at the train station.”

In keeping with tradition, the smaller holly fronting the Chamber building was lit to the singing of “Oh Christmas Tree” by the Severna Park Elementary School Chorus.

A larger than normal crowd attended the tree lighting this year to celebrate just being with each other, to take in the atmosphere, to sing along with the carols and view performances by the Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite Dancers, and the Creative Force Dance Center Dancers. Some families admitted they were drawn to the event by the sight of the big tree.

Families with children made a beeline for Santa Claus or The Grinch, both of whom took time to lend an ear and endlessly posed for photos.

Instead of an open house with homemade cookies inside the chamber building as in past years, treats were served on the lawn. The Sweet Satisfaction Ice Cream Truck was there and long lines formed. Their menu board listed warm desserts including Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies, Warm Pineapple Upside-down Cake, Warm Berry Blossom, Warm Sticky Toffee Cake, and Warm Salted Caramel Fudge – all served with a complement of ice cream.

Among others, Advance Auto Parts handed out candy at one tent while, beneath The Matt Wyble Team tent, The Big Bean’s owners, Christie and Greg Coster, handed out cup after cup of hot chocolate.

The Costers had long wanted to light the big tree and found out that Matt Wyble had the same thing in mind. However, the cost was prohibitive. The three fortunately found Matt Smith from Maryland Lighting & Sprinklers who generously offered to do the lighting for half the cost as a donation if the Costers and Wyble raised the remaining half. They obviously did.

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s holiday happenings didn’t end with the tree lighting. A mere four days later on Tuesday evening, December 6 at 5:30 pm, League opened the doors of the ballroom at Chartwell Golf and Country Club for the 12th Anniversary Holiday Taste & Sip event with 20 local restauranteurs and merchants providing some outstanding food and drink.

For the 12th year, The Matt Wyble Team from Century, New Millenium was the presenting sponsor for the event but there were a total of 17 sponsors from the local business community.

Rain fell intermittently as the evening began and guests arrived in groups of two or three. In no time at all, the crowd swelled to 300 attendees. Once past the ballroom’s entrance, they were treated to a repertoire of familiar Christmas carols by the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.

Between friends, neighbors and business associates to meet and greet, beautifully prepared food and drinks to taste, and a host of Silent Auction and raffle items to check out, there was a lot to take in.

A mix of restaurants and businesses participated (from Taste & Sip veterans like Lisa’s Cakepops, Mi Pueblo, Firehouse Subs and Cafe Mezzanotte to new ones like Green Valley Marketplace) with their wares tastefully displayed throughout the ballroom and beyond. Some were a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds like the extravagantly laid out table from Titan Catering. Culinary Director Daniel Hlusak’s “tastes” included sumptuous hors d’oeuvres of bourbon-glazed steak.

Still bathing in the glow of their successful appearance at the Chamber’s tree lighting, Sweet Satisfaction Ice Cream Truck’s Cindy and David Geipe added a touch of Christmas with a jolly Santa and a touch of class with delicate little ice cream cones.

Also making spirits bright, literally, were Teri Pheobus, Ally Edwards and Teri Schroeter from Fishpaws Marketplace. The trio had bottles of Campo Viejo Cava chilling on ice, an aged Gouda to complement the Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, and Sweetland Cellars Spiced Wassail from Boordy Vineyards warming and ready to ladle into cups.

Nick Jacob from Adam’s Taphouse Grille was serving barbequed pork sandwiches and barbequed ribs, both of which are favorites of Karen Osborne. It was great to see Osborne, owner of Karen Renee Designs, back in town from Florida. She was attending the event with her mother-in-law Betty Winkelmeyer Wells who has attended every one of the chamber’s 12 previous Taste & Sips.

Looking glamorous for the occasion, Donut Shack’s Robin Bardinali and Ally Matthews served the shop’s newly created Bread Pudding from a silver chafing dish along with cups of Donut Holes. The pair had fun greeting old friends and making new ones.

Among the many folks they knew from the business community were Anita Dewling from the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Larry Sells of Larry Sells Consulting, LLC and Jessica Morgan Wilson and mother, Dawn Wilson, from Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery.

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What Taste & Sip Holiday event would be complete without some excellent offerings from veteran participant Cafe Mezzanotte? Owner Tommie Koukoulis and Michael Reigioa offered an assortment of tastebud teasers including duckfat-braised guinea hen – a rare treat.

A Silent Auction table wound its way across the entire room with donations from businesses throughout the greater Severna Park area. Donations ranged from baskets filled with fruit or wines – or, in the case of Jing Ying Institute’s Nancy Greer, a plush panda – to gift certificates for veterinary services or children’s exercise at Rolly Pollies.

For this year’s Holiday Taste & Sip, the 206 Restaurant Group’s Park Tavern and JB’s joined forces with two offerings from each restaurant. Park Tavern’s Braised Bacon Bites and Bloody Mary Shrimp Ceviche and JB’s Garlic Knots and Boneless Wings were quite a hit. Veteran Taste & Sip participants Greg and Christie Coster from The Big Bean provided after dinner coffees and sweets while chatting about their success in lighting the big tree.

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According to Liz League, the 12th Anniversary Holiday Taste & Sip event, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, was wildly successful financially bringing in enough funds to permit a donation of $1,000 to the Anne Arundel County Foodbank and donations to a number of other charities. She noted that the number of attendees exceeded expectations and, while lots of chamber members were in the crowd there were many new faces.

“Everyone was so pleased to be out seeing everyone,” she said.

Santa on the B&A Trail on December 10th

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails organization has announced that between 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday, December 10th, Santa will be traveling along the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail in his sleigh. He’ll make a total of nine stops. Families may visit with Santa (Mark Garrity, Superintendent of Anne Arundel Co. Recreation & Parks) and his elves (Park Rangers) at each of those stops where they will be handing out candy canes and collecting non-perishable food items for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

The scheduled stops will begin at Arnold Station at 10:00 am, Jones Station at 10:45 am, Hatton Regester Green at 11:15 am, Robinson Road at 11:45 am, Whites Road at 12:15 pm, Earleigh Heights Ranger Station at 12:45 pm, Jumpers Hole Shopping Center at 1:45 pm, Harundale Shopping Center at 2:15 pm and Sawmill Creek Park at 3:00 pm. (In case of rain, the park rangers will still be at the various stops collecting non-perishable food donations.) For information, call 410-222-6141.

19th Annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction for Charity for Jing Ying Institute

A Silent Auction benefitting the non-profit Good Neighbors Group will be part of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s 19th Annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 17 from 3 to 4:30 pm.

Good Neighbors Group was chosen for the holiday silent auction because the organization strengthens communities by engaging people to help one another in and around Anne Arundel County. Some of their projects are ongoing like their regularly scheduled blood drives for Anne Arundel Medical Center. Among their best-known projects is their S(o)uper Bowl Food Drive uniting 44 neighborhoods from Severna Park and across the Broadneck Peninsula in collecting non-perishable foods for area food pantries.

Jing Ying Institute has raised over $125,000 for a variety of charities that help others.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Holiday gift sets are now on the shelves and, on December 17th, an artist will be on hand to engrave customers’ bottles with personalized holiday greetings.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi

Taking a break from holiday shopping in the cozy surroundings of Donut Shack, with its original mid-Twentieth Century counter and homey Christmas decorations, is somehow reassuring. Customers’ stress simply melts away as they enjoy a cup of coffee and a delectable cream-filled donut.

If they’ve arrived mid-morning or early afternoon, owner/manager Ali Matthews may still be there to greet them or share the latest local news. For the fourth Christmas since she and partner Ben Hilliard took over the shop in 2019, the Donut Shack tree is decorated and nestled in its corner near the window so as not to block the iconic image of downtown Severna Park as it appeared in the late 1950’s.

As a special touch this year, Matthews proudly strung 15 initialed Christmas stockings along one wall for each of Donut Shack’s 15 employees.

“I’m grateful for every one of those 15 employees,” she said. “I’ll admit that doing the decorating, as we come to the end of our third year of operation, has put me in a reflective mood.”

She’s been remembering the challenges she and Hilliard faced when they partnered with other small business owners to purchase, revitalize and restore the neighborhood business that had been run for 34 years by former owners Bill and Stacey Prevezanos.

The Grand Re-Opening of Donut Shack was held on February 29, 2019 – just thirteen days before COVID pandemic restrictions mandated the closure of their counter and table areas.

“We had a lot to overcome,” Matthews recalled. ” Prior to our purchase, the business was under different ownership briefly (less than a year) and so badly operated that they ruined the shop’s reputation. The fact that the community at large was willing to welcome us back and give us a chance was a win from the get-go.”

“Our biggest challenge was learning to make the donuts from Prevezanos – a master-donut maker. It took Bill almost fifty years to perfect his recipes, but we had to learn the donut-making process really quickly. It was hard and was further complicated by the fact that we had COVID on our hands.”

Several local businesses did not survive the pandemic, so Matthews and Hilliard consider the fact that Donut Shack is still here after three years a real success. The business is hardly a “donut dynasty” but the feel of the place is what the partners wanted.

“We’re bringing a good product to our customers and giving them a place to come that really isn’t like other places,” Matthews said. “The business is good for me personally because I’ve been able to bring my family into it as well. My brother-in-law runs my kitchen and my son, a high school student, works at the shop on the weekends.”

Having COVID restrictions forced the Donut Shack staff to make changes immediately. Things they’d thought of eventually adopting – like going on-line and making deliveries – had to be implemented in less than a month for their very survival.

Matthews and Hilliard are very grateful that the community was supportive enough to enable them to find a way to stay afloat. In the early days of the pandemic, selling donuts from tables outdoors in front of the shop when it was cold was daunting, but people continued dropping by for them. The finishing racks of donuts were moved to the far side of the shop for easy access but, with the doors opening and closing, the donuts got cold.

“People would say, ‘We think the donuts may be stale’, and we’d assure them that they were freshly made but just cold and would be fine once they warmed up,” Matthews said.

Thanks to Hilliard’s technical and organizational expertise, the business was able to start the local deliveries within a month, quickly expand them, and continue to expand them even now. The shop currently rotates the schedule to include a different delivery area each weekend. They do the local Severna Park corridor as far as Cape St. Claire and now go as far as Centreville on the Eastern Shore and to South County as far as Shadyside. The rotation takes five weeks to complete before starting all over again. They also do special occasion deliveries for weddings, graduations or other events

Matthews notes that donuts are an indulgence, though an affordable one, that people don’t have to buy.

“We really appreciate that the community has kept alive the tradition started by Bill and Stacey and have continued buying our products through these tough times,” she said.

Now that she and the staff have learned most of the variables and “gotten the donuts down”, they are looking to try out new ideas. Efforts are being made to interest local businesses in having donuts delivered for coffee breaks or meetings on a specific schedule. As soon as they get the proper clearance from the health department, they’ll be bringing back the warm soups in the afternoon that were popular when Prevezanos ran the shop. They’ve even created a recipe for a tasty “Donut Bread Pudding” they introduced at Thanksgiving.

Donut Shack employs three excellent bakers to do what Bill Prevezanos once did by himself but their workload is steadily growing. Matthews is pleased to see the shop fully staffed at a time when other establishments are having trouble finding help. Some employees have been with them from the very beginning.

As with most local businesses, the owners acknowledge that the recession is hitting Donut Shack hard.

“The cost of goods is extremely high,” Matthews said. “We’re keeping our costs at $1.50 per donut. With price points being what they are though and considering that everything here is made by hand and labor intensive, it’s hard to make a profit.”

“The aggressive cost increases are why, instead of saying ‘I think we’ve made it’, I’m saying ‘I think we’re still treading water,’ she added. “I’m happy we’re still able to tread water. It’s frustrating to realize we’ve got the product down and business is good with lots of customers but we’re barely able to make our bottom line. We’re trying to think of everything we can to attract more sales like the bread pudding.”

Matthews has spent time recently bringing Donut Shack products to farmers markets and community events like the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST and the Severna Park Community Center’s Halloween Spooktacular in order to expose them to the public. On December 4th, she’ll be at the Heroes Christmas Market in West Annapolis from 8 to 11 am. On the evening of December 6th, she’ll be featuring the shop’s new Donut Bread Pudding along with Donut Holes as one of many food and beverage purveyors at the Chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event.

She’s by far, happiest when working in the shop and loves seeing parents who came to Donut Shack as kids coming back with their own children or, in some cases, grandchildren.

“The kids get so excited and they sometimes make us pictures that we hang up. It’s a tradition we’re trying to instill in new generations,” she said.

For a tasty treat, stop by Donut Shack at 497 Ritchie Highway or order online for pick-up at the shop or delivery by visiting Hand Cut Donut Shop With Ceremony Coffee – Donut Shack (theshackisback.com).

Orphan Grain Train strives to “Light Up Ukraine”

Tuesday morning found Elfie Eberle, who is heading up Orphan Grain Train’s “Light Up Ukraine” effort, putting stickers on boxes of Luci Lights with volunteer Linda Zahn to get them ready for shipping to Kiev, Ukraine.

Eberle, the founder and former director of Orphan Grain Train’s Maryland chapter and currently its Solicitation Director, explained the project.

“OGT has sent thousands of solar-powered lights to African countries with no electric grid. They’ve had a major impact on the lives of many,” she explained. “Our organization is now collecting funds to purchase these lights for the people of Ukraine who are living without electricity.”

“MpowerD, the company that manufactures Luci Lights, has offered them to OGT for Ukraine at a cost of $7.50 each – a tremendous saving since they sell on Amazon for $24.99.”

Luci Lights are clear, inflatable, solar-powered lights that never need batteries. They contain 10 LED bulbs emitting 75 lumens and can shine for up to 24 hours on a single seven-hour charge.

Orphan Grain Train is asking for people to support its mission to “Light Up Ukraine” by donating to the cause. Any amount will be appreciated. By acting now, two lights will be sent to Ukrained for every light you purchase. To make a donation, visit Maryland | Orphan Grain Train | Sharing resources and bringing Christ’s name and character to needy people both far and near. (ogt.org) and click the Donate to Maryland button or mail a check to Orphan Grain Train – Maryland Branch, P.O. Box 1741, Millersville, Md. 21108.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Holiday gift sets are now on the shelves and, on December 17th, an artist will be on hand to engrave customers’ bottles with personalized holiday greetings.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.