Month: April 2023

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care

The 11 am “Tea and Tour” event hosted by the Friends of the Rising Sun Inn couldn’t have been more charming. Docents wearing colonial attire served attendees in the historic setting of the circa 1753 house museum. The first of two Tea and Tour sittings Saturday was referred to as “Elevensies”. It recreated the teas held at Rising Sun Inn by the Ann Arundel Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution after assuming ownership of the property in 1916.

According to Friends’ volunteer and docent Susan Giddings, having tea at the Rising Sun Inn was an extremely popular pastime during the period between World Wars I and II. A cabinet in one of the first-floor rooms contains a collection of China used in the Tea Room from the early 1920’s through the early 1940’s, and also for special family dinners.

However, the Friends chose to use two sets of vintage pressed glass and ribbed glass dishes that had been donated to the Inn by a DAR member.

Tea began with the filling of teacups but then servers appeared carrying three-tiered trays filled with sweets prepared by Friends of the Rising Sun Inn treasurer Kris Jenkins. Included were scones, petit fours, lemon cheesecakes, cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns… and, of course, Jenkins’ delicious lemon curd was passed around as it would have been in the past.

Giddings said she was very pleased that all of the guests for the first sitting were first-time visitors to the Rising Sun Inn and were looking forward to the tour as much as the tea.

Guests Heather Foster, Kata Kereshi, Juliet Wilson and Charles Ames not only enjoyed taking in their surroundings while sampling sweets but had fun getting to know one another.

Further back and around a corner by the fireplace, guests at other tables openly admired the way the Ann Arundel DAR chapter had restored and preserved the 270-year-old home while maintaining its age-old reputation as a cordial gathering place. Several had an interest in colonial architecture and couldn’t wait to tour the colonial era Tavern Room, observe the brick fireplaces in the kitchens below, and visit the family rooms upstairs.

Their journey through history began when Susan Giddings appeared to reveal how the custom of serving tea at Rising Sun Inn came about.

She began by explaining that Richard “Bo” Williams, the final private owner of the Inn, gifted the Tavern to the Ann Arundel Chapter in 1916 on condition that it be preserved and maintained as a historical site or museum. The women of the chapter took out a loan of $5,000 to start the restoration (equivalent to about $150,000 today).

“The women had to figure out a way to pay for it,” Giddings said. “So through the 1920’s, ’30’s and ’40’s, they operated the Tea Room and occasionally served family dinners. Unfortunately, with the onset of World War II and the rationing of sugar and other products, it became financially unfeasible to continue serving tea even though the Inn served as a Recreation Center for Ft. Meade soldiers.”

With the serving of the first sitting complete, docents Sharon Beard, Elizabeth Davies and Amy Espinoza left the Tea Room and waited in the hall and foyer for the tours to commence.

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There was much to look forward to. The tour to be led by the docents would take groups of guests to the Tavern which is located on the same floor ….

…. then upstairs to one of the family areas that is set up for tea, as seen below, and finally below stairs for a peek at the original kitchen with its double brick hearths.

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The guests that attended the first sitting truly enjoyed the tea and the tour and we imagine those attending the second sitting were equally pleased.

The next events to be held at Rising Sun Inn will be this Saturday, April 29, for an Author Tea and Tour with award winning author, Luke Salisbury with his book, No Common War. For tickets visit Public Events – The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland. A Make Your Own Mother’s Day Teacup Floral Arrangement will be held May 5 and the opening of the property’s recently restored Carriage House will take place at a date yet to be announced. For further information on the Inn and a calendar of events, visit The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland – Home.

Severn Cross Roads Foundation Flea Market and Craft Fair at Baldwin Hall

By 1 pm, we were on our way to historic Baldwin Hall to do a bit of bargain hunting at Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s Third Annual Flea Market and Craft Fair.

The indoor/outdoor event not only took place in the charming interior of Baldwin Hall where sunshine streamed through the windows…

but also spread across the rolling lawns of the circa 1861 building. The event drew a mix of Flea Market tables and vendor tables.

Community groups are always drawn to events at the Hall – especially Scouts BSA Troop 192 which is based at Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church. The troop is led by Scout Master Annie Medford who is also building manager for Baldwin Hall. The all-girl troop was seeking $10 contributions from the public to finance its annual scouting trip.

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There seemed to be more flea market tables than usual. One that drew a lot of attention was the table full of American Girl and China Dolls put together by Amy Rink.

“My daughter outgrew her doll collection and said I could get rid of all but one of them – her favorite.”

Just beyond Rink, author Maria Grosskettler had a table filled with copies of her latest mystery, “Tracks”, which revolves around a train station and is set in the small town of Berlin, Maryland where her husband grew up. To the delight of her small son, she also was selling some toys.

Other vendor tables featured girl’s clothing from Kate and Robert Ople and table of Squashmallows from Andy, Gavin and Melony and Bobby Blair.

Inside once more, we discovered Severn Cross Roads Foundation treasurer Sally Burton and other members selling boxes of donuts plus furniture, artwork, crafts and other items. Burton, who is also the Music Director of Chesapeake Harmony Chorus also mentioned that the group will appear in a free friends and family concert at Baldwin Hall on May 10.

Zippy Designz’ table with Valerie Moten at the helm had a very appealing selection of cards as well as shadow boxes and other boutique-type items for sale. Regular vendor Tateen’s Trinkets was there with an extensive display of jewelry handmade by Collene Kane.

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Heavily into downsizing, Ken and Effie Post had quite a few sports items for sale including a golf bag and clubs, tennis rackets, golf shoes and even boxing gloves as well as lots of books.

There were too many vendors and flea market sellers to mention though we did note that artist Diane Davis returned for the third year with her beautiful artwork including hand painted trays made from wine boxes. We also noticed Chelsea Pietlock, who was new to the event, offering a selection of handmade jewelry. In fact, it was her first time as a vendor at any event.

According to Severn Cross Roads Foundation member Janice Crowe, all proceeds from the flea market and craft fair go to the foundation for the maintenance and preservation of Historic Baldwin Hall. For more information and news of upcoming events, visit Home | baldwinhall.

GNG Earth Day Festival happens Saturday at Earleigh Heights VFD rain or shine

A reminder from Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay that the group’s 21st Annual Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, 161 Ritchie Highway from 9 am to 12 pm.

“We’re hoping for decent weather but, if expected rains linger, we’ll simply move inside the firehouse. We have a great festival planned.”

To check on the event, visit Good Neighbors Group | Facebook.

Field Party at St. Martin’s Episcopal School happens Saturday evening rain or shine

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School‘s annual Field Party fundraiser will be held as planned on Saturday evening at 7 pm rain or shine. As always, the field party is being held in a large lavishly decorated weatherproof tent for keeping everyone dry and enjoying the Caribbean-themed event.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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

The day professional photographer David Blecman wandered into Severna Park’s newest store, BD Provisions at 844 Ritchie Highway, the sight of 200 plus barrels of organic food products astounded him. The abundance spread out before him inspired him to snap a few images. His is the opening photograph.

I was equally impressed when I visited the business Monday. My own camera never stopped clicking from the moment I arrived till the end of an informative tour I was given by owners Debra Saltz and Phil Peters.

Not since Good Life Organic Market closed have Severna Park residents been able to buy bulk foods locally and many look forward to visiting BD Provisions.

Saltz and Peters are franchisees for Connecticut-based BD Provisions – a happy situation that came about over the last few years.

“I knew the founders of the business since I went on a study-abroad in college with one of them,” Saltz said. “My husband and I would stop by BD Provisions’ main store in Newtown, Connecticut on the way to and from our home in Maine. We soon started bringing our friends, Phil and his wife, along on the trips. They loved the store as much as we did.”

By then, BD Provisions had opened a second store – a franchise – in New Milford. The friends really liked the store’s business model of providing bulk buy products that are mostly organic.

“Reasoning that we could do the same thing, Phil and I became the first out-of-state franchisees. We are the third BD Provisions store,” said Saltz.

With 240 dry bulk food items to choose from, not including oils, vinegars, teas and coffees, it was hard to know where to start our impromptu tour. The partners chose the first section of barrels we came to and opened the lids of several barrels filled to the brim with 16 varieties of competitively priced nuts.

There were regular and honey-roasted peanuts, natural roasted and salted pistachios, walnuts, pecans, and Marcona almonds as well as their own blend of Virginia peanuts with a Chesapeake spice blend.

We next approached two whole sections of candy and snacks. There were chocolates – really different things people don’t usually see like Buckeyes, various kinds of clusters like Peanut Chocolate Pretzel Clusters, Pecan Caramel Patties, and Sea Salt candies – plus dried fruits, energy bites, and snacks. All were competitively priced.

According to Saltz and Peters, snack mixes like Pineapple Habanero Crunch and 19th Hole Golf Mix are especially popular.

Heading past the Candy and Snacks section, we ran into store manager Corinne Harris who was arranging a display of nutrition-dense CBD dog treats alongside glass containers of bites and chews with tongs so customers could help themselves.

We moved past Harris toward a wall of metal containers filled with blended olive oils and vinegars that shoppers are invited to taste before buying.

We sampled a Blood Orange infused olive oil that was pleasantly light and citrusy and a Basil infused olive oil which was more robust. On the upper shelf were flavor-infused vinegars. We sampled a flavorful Pear Champagne Vinegar that somehow managed to have a fizz similar to the fizz in a glass of champagne. We were equally pleased with the Cranberry Balsamic Vinegar.

“Once they’ve tasted our vinegars or oils, shoppers almost always buy a bottle. The bottles come in three different sizes,” Saltz said.

We wandered by displays of three kinds of maple syrup, Eastern Shore honey, bourban flavored honey and an elderberry syrup that was attractively packaged with deep blue elderberries. There were drinks from eco-friendly Wild Bay Beverages in Baltimore too.

Peters, who’d temporarily left us to wait on a customer, popped up behind a display of products from local artists and gift baskets on the checkout counter.

There were also gift boxes with prepackaged mixes like those seen here that can easily be shipped.

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A Gluten Free section included barrels of grains like millet, buckwheat, rice, farrow and quinoa along with flours and pastas. Sugar-free options included a Milk Chocolate Almond Bark we tasted that was as good as or better than any made with sugar.

Two sections of barrels were devoted to pastas, cereals, oats, granolas, flours and other ingredients for baking including chocolate, cinnamon and other kinds of chips. There were time-saving premade baking mixtures for items like buttermilk pancakes and mixes for tasty party dips.

A stand-alone shelving unit contained pre-made items perfect for gifting. The top shelf included mixes for Hearty Lentil Soup, Vegan Chili, Vindaloo and Mixed Beans. The second shelf featured Rice Krispie Treats in varied flavors. The third shelf boasted hot beverage mixes like Chai Latte Concentrate and Cocoa while the bottom shelf held pre-measured ingredients for Blood Orange or Lemon Lime-flavored cocktails.

The far wall was divided into two sections. The first held a selection of 80 herbs and spices including some that are hard to find. There were also specially blended spice rubs. Shoppers can buy as much or little as they wish.

Both Peters and Saltz tout the fact that customers are able to purchase their products by the spoonful, ounce or pound – a strong selling point.

“If you only need a teaspoon of an ingredient for a recipe, you can buy a tablespoon of it rather than buying a whole bottle that would merely go to waste,” Phil said.

The second section of the wall contained a wide selection of teas and tea accessories that was equally impressive. The fragrances escaping from any one 40 glass tea jars were deep and delightful.

Many of the world’s classic teas like Assam Black, Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast were represented but there were also blended teas like Citrus Ginger, Berry and Hot Cinnamon Spice.

There was so much more to see including health and beauty products. However, Saltz and Peters saved the best things for last – a coffee roaster and bags and barrels of coffee beans from around the world. BD Provision stores are noted for their on-site coffee roasting.

Like the teas, the aromas of the different coffee beans were unique and amazing. Coffee roasting is Peters specialty. Standing by the 14-pound roaster, he scooped up some coffee beans in their raw state from a burlap sack. They were pure white. Then, for comparison, he held a scoop of beans he’d already roasted that were dark in color. They were the store’s darkest roast called India Monsoon.

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For now, the Severna Park store is roasting only on Saturdays (though the Connecticut stores roast three times a week.) Customers tell Saltz and Peters that the air outside the shop smells heavenly whenever they are roasting. The partners hope to make wholesale arrangements with area businesses to supply them coffee, thereby increasing their volume of sales and number of roasting days.

“We’ll generally roast 11 pounds of beans at a time which yields us about 10 pounds,” Peters said. “We use different beans for different blends. We currently have nine different roasts, and we have two flavored coffees – a white mocha and a toasted coconut. Our most popular in-house blend is Midnight Joe – a combination of Columbian, Brazilian and Indian Monsoon beans.”

Peters grinds various blends of coffee each morning and through the day as needed. He also sells quite a few cups of coffee.

Though open only ten days at the time of our visit, both partners said business has been brisk, with Fridays good and Saturdays packed. The shop’s location is advantageous with nearby businesses like Lisa’s Cakepops, American Home Brew, and Severna Park Lanes Bowling that draw well.

BD Provisions is looking to form wholesale partnerships with area restaurateurs or chefs and with other businesses that are eco-friendly and sustainable. They also plan to host classes, events and networking opportunities. A grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held soon by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber with a Jing Ying Institute Lion Dance. For information visit BD Provisions- zero waste bulk food store or follow them on Facebook at BD Provisions Severna Park | Facebook.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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 and Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Severna Park residents were astounded to learn that, after 54 years of operation on the corner of Ritchie Highway and Robinson Road, Clement Hardware owner Gordon Clement sold the family business late last month. Hundreds of messages from former clients poured in by phone, email and over social media saying how much the store and its genial owner would be missed.

Nevertheless, the hardware business reopened under new ownership on Saturday, April 1. It was an easy transition thanks to Clement who spent most of Tuesday, April 11, introducing its new owner Rick Miller to some of the store’s long-time clients.

We were honored to sit in on their final meeting of the day at Donut Shack as Clement spoke about his family’s long history with the store and to be introduced by him to Miller. One of Clement’s favorite haunts, Donut Shack was owned until 2020 by his good friend Bill Prevezanos, another longtime family business proprietor. (It’s now owned and operated by partners Ali Matthews and Ben Hilliard.)

“My father David Clement bought the store in 1969,” Clement said. My brother Jeff and I grew up working there along with our mother Edith. “We also had three siblings who worked at the store at different times but none who made it a career.”

“Sixteen years apart in age, Jeff was the oldest son and I was the youngest,” he continued. “The two of us bought the store from my parents 27 years ago in 1996. Sadly, Jeff needed to retire 17 years ago in 2007 due to early onset Alzheimer’s and I bought him out.”

Longtime residents, like Miller who grew up in Severna Park, can recall that Clement Hardware once occupied two stories of their building at 500 Ritchie Highway. Paint, wallpaper and housewares were displayed on the upper floor while hardware, electronics and tools were displayed on the bottom floor. However, in 1990, they moved the entire business downstairs.

“We actually expanded it,” Clement said. “The entire building was only 6,000 square feet and we needed more space. In the late 1980’s we’d started an expansion on our own though we didn’t own the building. Unfortunately, the savings & loan crisis hit and the banks were unable to give us a go ahead for financing. As we’d already arranged a lease for the upper story with Blockbuster, the building’s owners allowed us to go ahead anyway. Thus, we were fully involved in the new construction and doubled the space.

Thereafter, with plenty of room, the business brought in new lines of merchandise and operated smoothly.

There were occasional ups and downs like those experienced by any small business. Then came the COVID pandemic in 2020 which, unbelievably, proved quite a boon for Clement Hardware. Clement was determined to keep the store open throughout the pandemic as a service to the community.

“For the first three months, our store was so busy I didn’t see how we could sustain it,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. We generally did well through hurricanes, snowstorms, ice storms or windstorms but this seemed like a snowstorm that never ended.”

“Essentials like toilet tissue, paper towels and masks and hand sanitizers flew off the shelves but people were also coming in for tools, paint and hardware for home improvement projects. I’d hate to go through another pandemic, but it was a much-appreciated period of sustained profitability for us.”

When asked what prompted him to decide to sell the business after 54 years, Clement responded that “the stars aligned”.

He believes Rick Miller is the perfect buyer – one who will do a terrific job, will be good for the community, and be good for the Clement Hardware staff. Clement also felt the timing was right since he has a real estate business he really enjoys…and he’s turning 60 this year.

“I’ve had years and years of standing on concrete floors which are hard on the knees,” he said.

Rick Miller does seem to be a perfect fit.

“Gordon reached out to me to congratulate me in 2019 when I opened a showroom for our own family business, Zeskind’s, at Arnold Station,” Miller said. “We’d chatted before about both growing up in the hardware business.”

Zeskind’s is a fourth-generation family-owned hardware and millwork business started in Baltimore City by Miller’s great grandfather in 1925.

Miller said he is planning to change the name of the store to Park Hardware.

“I just didn’t feel right putting our family business’ name on his family business,” he said. “We came up with the concept of calling it Park Hardware because it is in Severna Park and other businesses I frequent like Park Tavern, Park Fitness and Park Home also associate their names with the community.”

Miller added that he plans to move the millwork showroom from Arnold which will be located in the back part of the store. He’ll also shift the existing decorative hardware from the front to the back along with the doors and windows and trim and cabinetry that his business has done well for decades.

“We’ll be doing a total refresh inside and out but we’re keeping everything Clement’s Hardware has offered as a service and keeping their entire staff which is very knowledgeable, Miller said. We’re keeping what they made great and hoping to make it even better, building upon that legacy.”

He noted that they’ll be reaffiliating with Do It Best – a cooperative of family hardware stores – instead of True Value and initiating some additional things like online ordering and pick-up, carrying a modest amount of lumber for finishing jobs and bringing back the lawn mower repair service once popular at Clement’s but discontinued.

Miller says there is already a Park Hardware webpage at www.parkhardware.com that will continually be updated with the latest information.

As for Gordon Clement, he’s looking forward to being able to take off for some fun at will. He’ll be heading for the beach this week and will journey to the Cayman Islands with three friends later in April. There are also some exciting travel adventures in his future. He and his wife are planning a trip to Antarctica two days after Thanksgiving. We wish him nothing but safe travels.

Clement and Miller ended the day shaking hands in the parking lot of Donut Shack across Ritchie Highway from Clement Hardware with its familiar red and white sign still in place just over their shoulders.

“It’s hard to believe,” Clement told Miller, “but when we were first open, there was no traffic light at Robinson Road and the busy section of crossroads was known throughout the area as “Malfunction Junction.”

Jing Ying Institute hosts World Tai Chi Day on April 29

The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi will join hundreds of cities all over the world in hosting World Tai Chi Day on Saturday, April 29th. As in previous years, the event will be held outdoors at the Severna Park Community Center beneath the trees on the lawn of Boone Station Hall from 10 am till 11 am. People of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.

During the event, there will be demonstrations of Tai Chi and followed by free mini-workshops of tai chi and qigong suitable for all levels of fitness. The demonstrations are fascinating to watch.

According to Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer, the mini-workshops are both fun and informative.

Greer also mentioned that, in case of rain, the event will be held inside Jing Ying’s main facility in Arnold. For more information, or to register for the event, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).

Eco Adventures 10th Anniversary and Earth Day Celebration this Saturday

Eco Adventures 10th Anniversary and Earth Day Celebration will take place this Saturday, April 15 from 11 am till 2 pm at 216 Najoles Road in Millersville. Theday of family fun will include conservation and local organizations, vendors, performances by Priddy Music Academy, Docksiders’ Gymnastics, Animal Shows, a Pirate Magic Show and more. There will be food, snow cones, Green Screen, facepainting, pony rides, a petting zoo and more.

RSVP HERE or visit Home – Eco Adventures.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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

Thanks to highly imaginative grandparents, I was entirely convinced there was an Easter Bunny as a small child even though I could never catch sight of him. It was exciting to hear the rabbit scratching at the screen door and such fun searching for the brightly colored Easter Eggs left behind among the high grasses on the family farm.

Those happy memories are why I always dye dozens of eggs on Easter Eve and why I’ve adopted an easy way of coloring them. Here’s a link to my recipe for doing so: Easter Eggs the Easy Way – sharonleestable.com.

I have a deep appreciation for anything “bunny” so, when I stopped by the Red Apron Shoppe on Riggs Avenue last Friday, I was delighted to find bunnies and Easter eggs included in a spring table setting of vintage pastel dinnerware from Russell Wright by Steubenville.

I’d actually entered the shop to do a little retail research for an article about stretching our pennies through the period of high inflation we’re currently experiencing. Robin Love, who was minding the store, was extremely helpful.

She noted that most items displayed in the shop are from the Red Apron Estate Sales side of the business owned by MaryAnn Neal and husband Cam. It’s obvious the glassware, China, furnishings and other items are high quality, in great condition, and, according to Love, relatively inexpensive.

“We’re a rescuer of things that may not have sold but are highly desirable, “she said.

Seen below are two of the articles that caught my attention, with an eye toward pricing them. The first, a three-piece soup tureen set from Holland similar to one I received several years ago as a gift, was priced at $35.00 which was likely half the price of what it would cost new.

According to Love, pillows are priced outrageously high these days selling for $40 and up. However, Red Apron Shoppe’s collection of embroidered pillows was an exception. They were priced at $10 each. In addition, some very attractive non-embroidered cushions were a great deal at $6 each.

We’ll be touching base with Red Apron Shoppe again for a future retail research column. Meantime, we’ll mention some of the upcoming events April is filled with beginning with the Jewish religious celebration of Passover, from April 5 through 13, and the Christian observances of Good Friday on April 7 and Easter Sunday on April 9. Additional events are scheduled throughout the month.

Severna Park Community Center’s Easter Splash on Good Friday

Severna Park Community Center chose the evening of April 7 to hold an Easter Splash from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Therapy Pool with a unique in-water egg hunt and a visit from Peter Cottontail. Tickets were on sale for $10 per swimmer at the desk or online at THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER – SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org). They were going fast.

The Annapolis Cup Croquet Match at St. John’s April 15

Though pricey, tickets are still available for the traditional croquet match between the Johnnie’s and Naval Academy on the front lawn of St. John’s College in Annapolis which takes place April 15 from 12 pm to 6 pm. The casual, picnic-like atmosphere with attendees dressed to the nines according to their own taste, is as much fun to observe as the match. Tickets may be purchased at croquet@sjc.edu.

Tea and Tour at Rising Sun Inn on April 22

Enjoy a cup of tea with costumed guides at Rising Sun Inn in Crownsville on April 22 while learning about the historic house’s collection of colonial tea serving pieces and tea caddy which was kept locked by the lady of the house.  The event will be held from 11 am to 3 pm. Upon arrival, guests will be served Elevenses consisting of traditional sweets and tea at 11. Afterward they’ll be given a tour of the circa 1753 Inn and Tavern learning about the building’s history and its role in Anne Arundel County history. For information and tickets, visit The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland – Home.

3rd Annual Flea Market & Craft Show at Historic Baldwin Hall on April 22

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation has announced that their third annual fundraiser benefitting Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville will take place on April 22 from 10 am till 2 pm with vendors indoors and outdoors. For more information, visit Home | baldwinhall or, for vendor information, contact janice.a.crowe@gmail.com.

Life Purpose Course offered at Woods Counseling and Care Center starting April 24

A Life Purpose Course considered helpful for retirees is being offered by Bill Daniel at the Woods Counseling and Care Center from 4-6 pm on Mondays beginning April 10 with subsequent classes April 24 and May 1, May 8 and May 15. For costs, information, and to register, contact Nancy Sullivan at nsullivan@woodschurch.org or Bill Daniel at bdfable@gmail.com.

Good Neighbors Group’s 21st Earth Day Festival on April 29

Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay is excited that the group’s celebrated Earth Day Festival has a new home this year at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, 161 Ritchie Highway. The expansive property behind the firehouse is an ideal space in which to highlight informative earth-friendly displays from schools and environmental groups, listen to music and find great food. The festival will be held from 9 am to 12 pm.

Field Party at St. Martin’s Episcopal School on April 29

Long a highlight of the year at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School, the annual Field Party fundraiser is back on the agenda for April 29 at 7 pm. This year the field will be transformed to a Caribbean Island paradise with cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction. Tickets are available at https://stmartinsmd.org/event/field-party-gala/.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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.