Historic eatery CHAD’S combines casual cuisine, conviviality and canine charm with a Severna Park link

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

We traveled the byways last Thursday to Edgewater, Maryland where we stopped at CHAD’S Bar-B-Cue off Route 214. Owned by Chad Sargent, who grew up in Severna Park, the quirky eatery dates back to 1948. Like other motorists, we were initially attracted to the restaurant by the supersized metal chicken out front and by the sign beneath the name “CHAD’S” that was blinking “Dogs Welcome to the Patio”. While common in Europe, few American restaurant’s welcome dogs. We later found out the chicken has a name. He is Marco Pollo.

Entering the restaurant mid-afternoon, we observed several folks having a late lunch while others had arrived just ahead of happy hour. We found owner and executive chef, Chad Sargent, on the patio with his Mastiff Luka, the eatery’s official mascot.

CHAD’S mascot Luka with his master on the eatery’s patio – his favorite place since other dogs are welcome there. He’d earlier gotten to run and play with a black Lab on the grounds behind the patio. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

After a final doggie kiss and several licks, Sargent took Luka to his second-floor hangout (where patrons can observe him onscreen through the miracle of security cameras) before chatting with us about CHAD’s long history.

“Construction on the building we’re in was started in 1947 and completed in 1948 and it has been some type of restaurant ever since,” Sargent said. “It’s had a series of owners and I don’t know all of them but can go back through four or five. Before I took over, it was owned for five and a half years by my father and stepmother Rick and Sandra Sargent and was called Wharfside Bar & Grill.”

According to her stepson, Sandy grew up in Edgewater on Rolling Road. She used to walk to work at a fruit stand nearby when she was a kid. At the time, the area was sparsely populated so there wasn’t much traffic on Route 214.

“She’d walk by the restaurant each day on her way to work and say to herself, ‘One day I want to own that place,'” Chad Sargent said. “Sure enough, she willed it and it happened.”

Peewee stopped by to visit one day and posed for a much-prized photo with Chad.

He added that, before the Sargents owned it, there was an original but short-lived Wharfside Bar & Grill. Prior to that, it was called Peewee’s and owned by a gentleman who went only by the name Peewee through most of the 1990’s.

“In 2017, Peewee actually came in for a visit and I was able to get a photo with him at the bar,” Sargent said.

Cookie and Miss Lilian lived next door on the property which is now leased by Sargent to The Painted Cottage.

Before Peewee’s, Sargent was told, the restaurant was called Cookie’s and owned by a gentleman named Cookie and his wife, Miss Lilian. The couple lived in a house on the Sargents’ property that is now home to The Painted Cottage clothing and gift shop – a building with a history of its own that the family leases to the business owner.

For as long as he can remember, Chad Sargent’s passion has been food. He grew up in Arnold and Severna Park and attended Jones Elementary School in Round Bay and Severna Park Middle School and then spent a year at Severna Park High School before transferring to Boy’s Latin in Baltimore.

Moving to Annapolis in the late 1990’s, he bought a home there in 2001 while honing his culinary and managerial talents in the hospitality industry in Baltimore and Annapolis. He was a chef during the ’90’s and early 2000s and eventually was Executive Chef at Harry Browne’s in Annapolis. Being an executive-level chef tends to be a fast-paced 24/7 job. Like others before him, he became burned out and took a break from the hospitality industry for a while.

Eventually, Sargent discovered he missed the creativity and chaos of the restaurant business – a business for which he’s well-suited. Like others who have attention deficit disorder, Chad enjoys being pulled in different directions so running a restaurant enables him to thrive. He made up his mind that, if the opportunity should arrive to have a place of his own that would make the long hours one must put in worth it, he’d jump at it.

That opportunity arrived in 2013, when he took over the operation of the eatery and renamed it CHAD’S Bar-B-Cue. Long before that, his wife Kristi gifted him a smoker for using at home. Sargent began to experiment with smoking meats Southern style (which was different from what he’d been trained to do as a chef). He’d come up with other dishes that were complementary so, by the time he started CHAD’S, he already had the basic recipes for a menu of casual comfort foods that patrons really liked.

Wife Kristi joined Chad Sargent on the patio before one of the restaurant’s signature burgers and an order of wings. Kristi gifted Chad the smoker that inspired many of the eatery’s most popular dishes.

“We’re always testing new dishes and adding them to the menu or making them as specials and, if they’re popular, making them a regular item.”

Patrons particularly like that the restaurant has a lot of character thanks to a number of unique touches. Both Chad and Kristi are music lovers, and, at her suggestion, they mounted album covers on an interior wall.

On other walls there are menu boards, newspaper clippings about the restaurant from the past and quirky little signs.

Though the casually decorated, dog-friendly outdoor patio already existed, Sargent decided to cover it in October of 2019 six months before the COVID pandemic… which proved a huge blessing.

Part of the covered outdoor patio at CHAD’S complete with heat lamps and water bowls for dogs of all sizes.

To everyone’s surprise, the pandemic was an absolute boon for CHAD’S. Because the restaurant already had a thriving counter takeout business, Sargent was able to easily shift to a drive-thru operation for 14 months by retooling the patio.

“We took out one of the long tables on the end, took out the bannister and installed a ramp from the back door to a takeout window we had specially built,” he said.

This drive-thru window was added to the covered patio at CHAD’S at the beginning of the pandemic and has been preserved as a “Remember When”.

“We were so successful and busy with the drive-thru that we were running out of food and had to close on Tuesdays in order to dedicate that day to being a delivery prep day so we would have food when we reopened on Wednesdays, said Sargent. “The kitchen and waitstaff were having a hard time keeping up as it was. So, it was good having those two days to catch up.”

(CHAD’S continues the practice of remaining closed for dining on Tuesdays, with a lot of paperwork plus delivery and prep work taking place behind closed doors. They are open Wednesdays through Sundays.)

The dine-in business rebounded after COVID restrictions ended but the takeout business remains stronger than it was before the pandemic.

According to its owner, CHAD’S clientele is quite mixed “which is wonderful”. Many are regular customers who are locals but people from Severna Park, Arnold, Annapolis or Crofton drop by from time to time as well… sometimes with their canine companions. They are surprisingly diverse vocationally.

“We’ll have guys come in and sit at the bar covered in grease because they’re mechanics on their lunch break and they’ll be sitting next to a doctor or attorney wearing a suit and a bright white shirt. They’ll all be sitting there chatting and maybe drinking a beer and getting along, Sargent said.

“This is a place where we treat people, when they walk in the door, like family. I always tell my staff to say ‘hello’ as customers walk in and ‘goodbye’ when they leave…and do it sincerely like they mean it. This building has a lot of charm. I think of it as our house – a place for our patrons to feel comfortable.”

Sargent noted that he’s been asked numerous times if he’ll expand the business. His answer is always no because he and his staff like the charm of the building the way it is.

Customers love to sit around the bar which is relatively small and cozy. High-top tables in proximity provide extra seating and extend the feeling of camaraderie.

Happily seated at the bar while we were there were Lori Cebulski and her husband Art, Jaimie Navarro, Bea Veall and Kim Magnussen. While the Cebulskis 8and Navarro had come in for happy hour, Veall and Magnussen were lunchtime regulars who raved about the Nashville Chicken Caesar salad which they order often.

Customers Lori and Art Cebulski, Jaime Navarro, Bea Veall and Kim Magnussen love chatting with server Terry White at the bar. All have dined regularly at CHAD’s. Each has a favorite menu item but they agree that everything is good.

Should you be driving the byways and have a yen for some ribs or Carolina Pulled Pork or simply have an interest in South County history, you’ll be welcome at CHAD’S at 156 West Central Avenue in Edgewater. You can check them out by visiting Chad’s BBQ – Edgewater, Maryland (chadsbbq.com).

Life of Joy Day on Saturday, June 10 at The Church at Severn Run

The third annual Life of Joy Day will be held Saturday, June 10 from 11 am till 3 pm at The Church at Severn Run, 8187 Telegraph Road in Severn. There will be music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, kickball and other fun activities for the whole family. All proceeds will support the Life of Joy Foundation which helps spread awareness for holistic mental health and suicide prevention. For more information, visit Life of Joy Foundation, Inc..

Cabaret Performance & Silent Auction to Benefit SPAN at Boone Station Hall

Once again actress/singer Laurette Hankins-O’Connell is donating her time and talents to create a cabaret performance to benefit SPAN, Inc. Called ” Musicals, Movies and Moxie—Oh My!”, the performance will take place at Boone Station Hall at 623 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard on Saturday, June 17 at 7 pm. Pianist Anita O’Connor will accompany Hankins-O’Connell and sing several duets with her. The show is an “exuberant and sometimes irreverent” salute to a wide array of Broadway and movie musicals from six decades.

Tickets are $25 with 100 percent of the net proceeds going to support SPAN. Tickets must be purchased in advance via credit card, PayPal or a check sent to SPAN at 400 Benfield Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146. For additional information, visit SPAN Serving People Across Neighborhoods (spanhelps.org).

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

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

Meant to be used – Recycled items a boon for HOPE For All clients

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

By all accounts, last Thursday was a quiet day at HOPE For All’s headquarters at 122 Roesler Road in Glen Burnie. Regardless, we found quite a bit of activity ongoing throughout the charity’s extensive warehouse and office spaces.

Executive Director Connie Cooper met us at her desk to fill us in on what HOPE For All does before giving us a tour of the facility. We’d originally learned about the charity’s good works from founder Leo Zerhusen after bumping into him at various community events. However, we had no idea of the enormity of HOPE For All’s mission and the contributions and support the organization supplies to needy families throughout Anne Arundel County.

Hope For All executive director Connie Cooper took a moment to check on the day’s deliveries before giving us a tour of the charity’s spacious facility. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Cooper describes HOPE For All as a Christian ministry whose mission is to provide furniture, household items, and clothing to people in our communities who are without the financial means to meet their basic needs.

“We’re a unique resource in Anne Arundel County for those transitioning from homelessness, or just in need of a helping hand,” she explained. “We offer clients the essentials necessary to create a home. We strive to bring some stability to their lives and hope for their future.”

Cooper added that they are able to do this primarily through donations from generous individuals and with help from numerous volunteers. HOPE For All partners with 30 agencies and non-profits in the county that refer families to them like Social Services, the Department of Aging, and the Department of Mental Health and the Housing Authorities of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County along with places like Sarah’s House and The Lighthouse Shelter. In addition, 30 churches refer families and help our organization in other ways.

“We try to provide services to everyone who needs them. We frequently serve those who are moving out of homelessness or transitional shelter and getting their first house – folks who don’t have much of anything,” Cooper said. “We are unique. There is no one else in the county that does what we do.”

She filled us in more fully as we moved from place to place on our tour, starting with the offices.

Bakets Of Hope coordinator Barbara Bryl hard at work.
Bookkeeping and scheudling assistant Barbara Willoughby coordinating a delivery of furniture and household items.

We began in a conference/multi-purpose room where personal shopper and Baskets Of Hope coordinator Barbara Bryl was putting together baskets including health and personal hygiene items to be given to clients on moving day.

Immediately down the hall we arrived at the office of bookkeeping and scheduling assistant Barbara Willoughby who was on the phone arranging for one of several deliveries of furniture for the day. We learned that she spends much of her time speaking to clients and coordinating with logistics assistants Miguel Rodriguez, Jake Davis and Moses Ballard to work out times for the drivers to drop off furnishings, household goods and other items.

As we passed by other offices and entered the warehouse area, Cooper explained that, since the pandemic, rents have risen so dramatically in the county that families can’t find housing they can afford or, if able to find something are so cash-strapped they are unable to afford the basic necessities.

Needless to say, entering the warehouse was eye-opening. The first section of the clothing department had rows and rows of shelving containing already-sorted donated clothing with many more bags and boxes of garments waiting to be unpacked. As we walked on to the next section, we found operations assistant Diane Neighoff and one of her volunteers (as seen in the opening photo) sorting clothing by category, age, gender, size, season, etc. and placing it in appropriate bins. There are 650 separate categories of clothing. In addition, new socks and underwear are always provided.

After donations of gently-used clothing are sorted and folded, they are placed in bins with labels that describe the garment and list the appropriate size or age.
One of two rows containing comforters in a range of sizes, colors and patterns.

Beyond the clothing was the linen department with rows of pillows, pillowcases and sheets and two separate rows that were filled with comforters in a range of colors and patterns.

Aside from furnishings, just about every item needed to set up housekeeping could be found within the first few sections of the houseware department.

Kitchen items ranging from utensils, mixing bowls and storage containers to plates, cups, glassware, pots and pans, and electrical appliances were arranged in bins or on shelves.

The more serious elements like a bed to sleep in or a table to eat a meal on could be found in the furniture storage area. There were dining tables and chairs, sofas and ottomans, coffee tables, headboards for beds and chests of drawers.

According to Cooper, giving clients brand new beds (and new pillows) is made financially possible by several grants and an arrangement with a company in Pennsylvania to purchase a large quantity of them.

Logisitics assistant Miguel Rodriguez talking to client Monica Parker the day her furniture was delivered.

At the far end of the warehouse, the logistics team of Davis, Rodriguez and Ballard worked to pull the furniture and pre-assembled bins of clothing and housewares for each family getting a deliver. They do their best to fulfill the wish lists clients fill out.

Just past the team was a stairway leading to a loft where a baby department was located with bassinets and cribs, baby blankets, baby clothes and an abundant supply of diapers. The loft also provided storage space for one of the biggest collections of winter coats we’ve ever seen.

We were in for a big surprise as our tour came to an end. Connie Cooper announced that the staff and volunteers were getting ready for one of HOPE For All’s popular indoor “Yard Sales” this Saturday, May 20 by checking over, arranging and pricing hundreds of items. Then, she showed us to a part of the warehouse that opens to the outside so customers can easily enter or exit. The scene that unfolded before us was a feast for the eyes.

Collectors or homeowners going for a decor with just a touch of country might like some of the chickeh-themed ornamental plates or figurines seen here.

The shelves and floors of the yard sale area was filled with all kinds of once-loved treasures that can become much-loved treasures for someone new.

“We receive many donations from downsizers, or as a result of estate settlements. Therefore, we receive many ornamental objects like fine China and glassware or jewelry – things that are not part of what a family needs to set up housekeeping but are very appealing,” Cooper said.

Beautiful China and glassware are as popular as ever and what better way to acquire something special.

“As you can see, we have many things at reasonable prices that attract shoppers from across the county. We’re particularly popular with decorators, collectors, recyclers, and DIYers. Thus, we hold our yard sales on twice-monthly Thursdays or Saturdays as a way of raising money to cover our operational costs.”

We noticed a display of blue-patterned China which is still popular but has become harder to find so it was interesting to see it as part of the HOPE For All Yard Sale.

Blue-patterned teapots and other items, ginger jars and an interesting clock drew one’s eye to the shelf seen here.

We ran into warehouse coordinator Kevin Morgan who was devoting most of his time to completing the yard sale layout. Morgan’s work for HOPE For All has covered just about every aspect of the operation. When asked what client’s reaction is when they receive their delivery, he said most people are overwhelmed by the “amount of stuff we give them” and all are very grateful.

Cooper agreed. She also just happened to have a schedule of the 2023 Indoor Yard Sales to hand out. We’ve reproduced it below.

For more information, visit HOPE For All.

Kick Off Celebration at Severna Park Sunrise for “Cycling Without Age”

Severna Park resident Sandy Bishop recently started a “Cycling Without Age” (CWA) chapter in Anne Arundel County. The chapter is sponsored by Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (BikeAAA) and it provides rides on a disability-friendly electric-assist trishaw to senior citizens in the community.

 In April, Cycling Without Age began offering rides to residents of Severna Park Sunrise using the B&A Trail. They are having a kickoff celebration at Sunrise this Saturday, May 20 at 10:30am that the community is invited to attend. For more information about the program, visit Cycling Without Age – Bicycle Advocates For Annapolis And Anne Arundel County (bikeaaa.org).

MACARONI KID SPRING FAMILY FUN FEST THIS SUNDAY, MAY 21

Macaroni KID-Pasadena will be holding its Spring Family Fun Fest this Sunday, May 21 at Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. from 1 to 4 pm.

Enjoy a day of games and family fun activities for all ages. The FREE event will also highlight local kid-oriented businesses. For more information, visit 🎈 Macaroni KID Spring Family Fun Fest | Macaroni KID Pasadena-Severna Park-Glen Burnie.

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

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

Town abuzz Saturday with SHOP LOCAL event at Park Plaza, a film being shot at Woods Church

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care

Crossing her fingers for good weather for the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOP LOCAL Fun Fiesta at Park Plaza Saturday paid off for CEO Liz League. The day’s sunshine and blue skies were perfect for one of the town’s most convivial events.

By 9 am, the SHOP LOCAL table and sponsor’s tent were set up with the American flag and a banner listing Gold, Silver and Bronze level sponsors flying in the breeze. When finished, League was free to make her rounds and check on all 70 of the vendors participating.

The chamber’s headquarters table and sponsor’s tent were among the first things set up as the SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA got underway Saturday. A total of 70 vendors and/or community organizations participated including Anne Arundel County’s SPCA with its table and mobile unit in the background. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

One of the best things about the twice-yearly SHOP LOCAL events is the familiar sense of community attendees feel. Many businesses participate year after year so it’s like “old home week” for shoppers as they are reacquainted with merchants. Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery’s Dawn Wilson, seen below, helped create the SHOP LOCAL movement and has been a presence at the events ever since.

Shoppers love to say hello to Dawn Wilson of Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery. The family-owned shop has been located at Park Plaza since the shopping center opened in 1989. Wilson was a major influence in starting Severna Park’s SHOP LOCAL movement.

Longtime chamber and SHOP LOCAL supporter Tommy Sommers, CEO of Logo Zone Promotions, was on hand with Alex Mari to highlight the company’s printing, promotional and apparel products. Regular SHOP LOCAL participant Winsome Brown, from Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services, was there too with sister and co-owner Dee (Danielle) Morgan Brown (for whom the business is named). Having cared for their mother, an Alzheimers patient, the sister’s formed Lean On Dee as Certified Senior Advisors and Certified Dementia Live Coaches and Caregivers in 2020 and quickly expanded to a full care service.

The familiar bikes and kayaks from Bulldog Bikes and Floats, as seen in the opening photo, were, as always, a cheery sight at the SHOP LOCAL event as was the sign featuring the company’s mascot Huffy the bulldog. The chartreuse tent of event Gold Sponsor Serve Pro stood just beyond them while the Mathnasium tent, with its bright red logos. was next to them. With games and snappy patter, instructors Dustin Ruby, Anastasia Quinn, Johnny Riganati, Anna Minut and Abbey Toro captured the attention of many parents and math-challenged students.

With so many vendors, it is impossible to mention everyone but stalwarts like Kogen Dojo’s Coach Dwayne Bowie, Robert Van Valkenburg and Andrea Bowie return every year.

A number of new businesses appeared for the first time. Among them were David Bashore’s Severna Park-based Fairwinds Travel, Erik Lyles’ Sugar, Butter, Love decorative sweets, and Lash Lounge which will be opening in Annapolis by the end of May. We also discovered JK Organizing, LLC and picked up one of their nifty magnet clips shaped like a house.

Aside from Lyles’ sweets, traditional SHOP LOCAL supporters JB’s and Park Tavern supplied wings, meatballs and garlic knots served by Katie Wiseman and Hannah Fleishman. Donut Shack owner/manager Ali Matthews and staff arrived at the SHOP LOCAL Fun Fiesta with donuts – hundreds of them. Matthews said Donut Shack, which reopened in February 2020, survived the COVID pandemic and soaring inflation challenges thanks to support from the community. Giving away donuts is Donut Shack’s way of thanking them.

Regular attendees were particularly pleased to see Bohemian Black owner and SHOP LOCAL supporter Rose Walker return this year with a new line of stylish fashions. For the past few years, the designer has worked from home and retailed her clothing online. But she is about to open a brick & mortar storefront in the former Listman building on Earleigh Heights Road.

On a break from minding the Republican Women’s tent, Amy Leahy sought out the Bohemian Black display of fashions from designer Rose Walker which she really liked.

Entertainment was definitely part of the SHOP LOCAL Fun Fiesta. There was an arcade kids loved, a Selfie Station, and martial arts performances by Master Kwon of Kwon’s Taekwondo. Kids loved being taught the fine art of board splitting.

Master Kwon of Kwon’s Taekwando teaching a young would-be board splitter how it’s done.

Earlier, students of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi students had an opportunity to run the show as they entertained the SHOP LOCAL Fun Fiesta crowds own their own since owner/operators Nancy and Billy Greer were away on a trip. Students Lane and Andrew were thrilled to have an opportunity to perform the Lion Dance but equally thrilled to cool down afterward.

SHOP LOCAL events have something for everyone… and for their pets. Doberman Cinder and cattle dog Swiper were curious to know if there were dog cookies at Higgins and Friends Pet Sitting. At the Fieldstone Animal Inn tent, Hannah Peterson and Liv Williams talked mostly to humans.

There was much more, from The Blended Essentials teaching children to make soap to the Dance Center of Severna Park Star Elite Dancers performing.

The spring edition of SHOP LOCAL was another success. If you missed it, don’t worry. The fall edition will be here before you know it. Meantime, Severna Park’s Independence Day Parade is just around the corner. For details, see Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com).

Filming of TV pilot segments at Woods Church went smoothly

The sidewalk was filled with camera and sound equipment and blackout curtains covered a back entrance at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church Saturday. Inside, in several classrooms of the Woods Child Development Center, a film crew was setting up to film scenes for a TV pilot for a comedy called “Body Snatchers”.

“Body Snatcher’s” screenwriter/producer Devin McCord – a Severna Park High School graduate who attended preschool in the very Woods Child Development Center classroom they were shooting in – interrupted filming for a few minutes to fill us in.

“Today, we’re filming the first episode of a TV comedy pilot called ‘Body Snatchers’, which is a cliff-hanger,” McCord said. “The film’s protagonist, Eli, an anatomy student from Johns Hopkins University, finds himself stuck in a small town called Mullingrove.”

He added that, to create the fictional Mullingrove, the crew is filming part of the pilot in Severna Park… and another part in Ellicott City for that slightly spooky small-town energy.

Director, cameraman and crew about to film a scene featuring a doctor played by actor Adam Nurimatsu who grew up in Severna Park.

McCord is part of production company Gubz.Co. The director and film crew members are primarily from Washington, D.C. while actor Adam Nurimatsu, who plays a doctor in the scene being shot, is also a native of Severna Park.

The very professional director and crew were quite exacting in setting up their sequences.

“It’s been a great experience filming here. Woods Church and the Severna Park community have been wonderful to us,” said McCord. “I was even able to borrow a skeleton for some of the anatomy class scenes from a teacher at Severna Park High.”

We’ll stay tuned for an update about “Body Snatchers”

Severna Park Republican Women’s Club Luncheon and Fashion Show on May 17th

We visited the table of the Severna Park Republican Women’s Club at the SHOP LOCAL Fun Fiesta and learned they are hosting a luncheon and fashion show at Chartwell Golf & Country Club on May 17 at Noon. For information and reservations visit Severna Park Republican Women’s Club (sprwc.org).

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

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

Foul weather for two of Severna Park’s most important events prompts innovations with great results

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Friday’s heavy rains ended sometime during the early morning hours of Saturday just in time for Good Neighbor’s Group’s 29th Earth Day Celebration to be given the go-ahead for a 9 am start. At St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School, however, the tent set up Friday for Saturday’s evening Field Party sat empty and forlorn, meaning a decision had to be made whether to cancel the event.

Meantime, Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay counted her blessings. Since she could no longer get permission to hold the Earth Day event at Severna Park High School, as in the past, she’d arranged to relocate the celebration to the grounds of the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Now, she was relieved to be invited by EHVFD to move the entire event indoors if she wished.

After consulting with the event’s organizing committee, it was decided to let the participating charities and vendors choose whether they wanted to set up outside in the parking lot or inside the firehouse.

By opening time, the pavement was nearly dry, the vendors had been situated, and Shay stood before one of two Good Neighbors Group tents greeting Earth Day celebration attendees as they arrived. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Fortunately, more than 50 vendors/organizations participated with a good representation both outdoors and indoors. Severn River Association’s executive director Jesse Iliff, who’d organized the environmentally oriented participants, chose to set up outside as did the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy.

Other participants set up their displays indoors and, before long, there was an amazing panorama of vendors, school club exhibits, and environmental groups. Looking across the firehall from the main entrance, one could see rows of exhibitors the length of the building.

Walking into the firehall from the entrance, one could see there were almost too many displays to count.

At the opposite end of the hall, were charities like Life of Joy Foundation plus school-sponsored groups.

The view from the far end of the firehall looking past Life of Joy Foundation board member Morgan Stroud.

GNG is particularly devoted to the idea of cleaning up the environment through recycling and repurposing. Cousin’s Hauling & Clean-Out, LLC found it a perfect outdoor location for attendees to drop off reusables. Likewise, the Orphan Grain Train truck stood by for donations of gently used household goods, clothing and medical equipment. The Millersville-based organization ships donations to needy populations throughout the world including to Africa and, most recently, to Ukraine.

Indoors, Elizabeth Rice and her husband were selling her Naturally In Knots products – dolls made from yarn, jewelry, clocks, and yoga and meditation products. At the end of their table, daughter Paislee handled the sale of Rice’s Be Well health products that are regularly sold at SassWell, a healing arts venue in Severna Park.

Along with Naturally In Knots’ adorable yarn dolls, owner Elizabeth Rice was selling jewelry, essential oils and yoga and meditation products. At the end of the table her daughter Paislee was selling Rice’s Be Well products that normally are carried by SassWell in Severna Park.

Nearby, vendor Jen DeVries was featuring the fashions of Noonday Collection, a Fair-Trade fashion brand that creates scholarships for young women in East Africa and works with global artisans involved in various crafts.

“We started as a jewelry company but expanded to carry apparel and bags,” DeVries said.

Jen DeVries’ Noonday Collection apparel from around the world drew lots of interest. She’s seen here telling a prospective customer about the handcrafted jewelry she’s looking at.

There were so many charities represented, both inside and outside, that they are too numerous to mention. Asbury Church Assistance Network (ACAN) based in Severna Park had operations manager Peggy Wilson on hand inside the firehouse along with volunteer Tess Rottman providing information and collecting donations for their food pantry.

Outside, Hope For All founder Leo Zerhusen and executive director Connie Cooper were also collecting badly needed donations. Glen Burnie-based Hope For All is a Christian ministry that provides furniture, household items, and clothing to people in the community who are without financial means to meet their basic needs.

“The need is huge right now, we’re serving 40 families a month and requests for clothing are up to 85 families a month with more requests every day,” Zerhusen said.

“We can’t keep up. We’re buying things we haven’t had to buy before because the demand is so high. People just don’t understand what’s happening in Anne Arundel County. The poverty level in this county is growing and growing. We have 18,000 families trying to find affordable housing and the homeless population is growing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,700 now. Last week, 92 families were up for eviction at the courthouse in Annapolis. Employers don’t want to pay benefits so they’re only hiring workers for 20 hours – not enough for a family to live on.”

School organizations and clubs were primarily located inside and included Severna Park High School’s Key Club and Marine Biology Club as well as the Leadership Institute.

Key Club members Jillian Kules, Jaydyn Jarrett and Cary Rice’s “Paint & Plant” exhibit found Earth Day attendees getting their hands dirty with paint, soil and plants.

Further on, Marine Biology Club members Allen Ches, Callie Lowman and Isabel Taylor with help from their sponsor, Laura Greenlee, created an exhibit that drew lots of interest.

Kids, especially, loved seeing the club’s aquarium filled with yellow perch. At the far end of their table, there was a tank of river water filled with oysters that the children could actually touch.

Nearby, the Leadership Institute members were collecting school supplies to be distributed to students who need them.

Severna Park, Folger McKinsey and Oak Hill Elementary Schools were also in the mix with environmental displays highlighting native wildlife, plants and minerals.

Severna Park Elementary School first-graders Austin Miller and Jack Brandell were the most attention-getting as they constantly chanted “Help the Monarch’s” while highlighting a display about the life cycle of the much-admired orange and black butterflies. Their teacher Ann Mangan said the boys and their classmates also created a Monarch garden.

Meanwhile, teens Syrenna McNutt, Reagan Hunt and Mady Lewis took a bit of a breather and lingered to enjoy the performance of students from Priddy Music Academy. Instead of sitting in the audience, the girls choose to stand to one side where they could groove to the tunes.

Echoes of Nature co-founder Echo Uzzo and son Gryphon showed off Jackson the Bunny and LR61 the snake (rescues that are now animal ambassadors) at their exhibit inside. Outside, Echo’s husband Michael took up a position near the entrance from which to introduce attendees to Echoes of Nature’s beautiful Red-Tailed Hawk. The hawk can no longer be flown as he is blind in one eye but he’s adapted well to interacting with crowds.

The bees in the hive brought to the celebration by Maryland Queen Bees owner/beekeeper Emily Brown were plenty busy making honey. The exhibit drew crowds of onlookers asking Emily questions while friend Abby Dugense and daughter Ellie Brown sold jars of honey.

Beekeeper Emily Brown explains the workings of the beehive displayed while friend Abby Dugense and daughter Ellie sell jars of Maryland Queen Bee honey.

Positioned next to the Magothy River Association’s exhibit highlighting its many accomplishments, the organization’s president Paul Spadaro and wife Sandra were selling trivia games based on following sites along the river.

In order to take part in GNG’s 29th Earth Day Festival students from Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi did double duty. They’d earlier performed for a World Tai Chi Day celebration originally scheduled for the lawn at Boone Station Hall but relocated indoors at the Institute. As we watched their Earth Day performance, the students were doing Silk Reeling Exercises (ChanSiGong), one of the basic movement exercises practiced in Jing Ying’s tai chi classes. The students also did the 18 Posture Chen tai chi form, sometimes called the “essence” form. 

Tai Chi master Billy Greer invited spectators to join along and soon four or five people did…then there were more. The newcomers copied the movements as best they could.

Jing Ying Tai Chi students, wearing their customary black, were performing a Silk Reeling exercise known as ChanSiGong. Invited to join in, spectators in more colorful clothing soon appeared. Most did a fairly good job copying the graceful movements.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Chef Paul Zonn from Cafe Mezzanotte who did a masterful job of preparing salads for the crowds all morning. His tasty creations were based on various melons, arugula, whipped goat cheese and other trimmings.

Finally, before leaving, we were drawn like a magnet to The Big Bean sign where co-owner Greg Coster was handing out free cups of coffee – a pleasantly warming treat on a still damp morning.

Then it was on to St. Martin’s to see what was happening with preparations for the evening’s Field Party.

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field School moves the Field for the Field Party indoors

Arriving at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School mid-day, we drove around back and saw some cars in the parking lot. We took one look at the tent (as seen in the opening photo) and realized it was deserted. Thus, when we saw an open door to the school with some glittering lights beyond, we entered.

Beneath the lights, the bare bones of the school’s relocated Caribbean-themed Field Party fundraiser began to take shape with teal and coral-colored tablecloths and lots of palm leaves. Head of School Tony Shaffer could be seen talking to various volunteers as he hurried from table to table.

Wearing a bright chartreuse shirt, Head of School Tony Shaffer, could be seen conferring with volunteers. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Asked who had to make the decision to move the event indoors, Shaffer replied, “That was me. We spent last night sloshing around in the tent out there. The tent was leaking and everything got wet so bringing the Field Party indoors was the only sensible thing to do.”

“The space we’re using was renovated just last year. It’s shaping up nicely thanks to our team who are all volunteers – our unsung heroes,” he added. “One of our trustees was in here all morning washing off all the chairs. Everything had to be wiped down.”

Already finished setting up donations for the Silent Auction (for which bidding would begin after dinner) Director of Development Christine Hickey and volunteer Jessica Mahfoudi were ready to move on to the next item on their list.

Lights were still being strung behind volunteers Bethany Baldwin and Elizabeth Ford as they began decorating the tables with tropical greenery and candles as did Bethany’s mother Colleen Baldwin who was involved with planning the Field Party.

Needless to say, by the time 7 pm arrived everything looked perfect including a festive buffet dinner.

The Caribbean Island atmosphere created for the Field Party felt just right after all. Photo by Christine Hickey

A wonderful mix of alumni, parents and grandparents of students, plus faculty and staff members mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before enjoying dinner.

Friends mingled while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before dinner. Photo by Christine Hickey

It was particularly fun for friends Tarik and Jessica Mahfoudi, Elizabeth Ford, and Asia Jeng to hang out with each other since the gals had helped set up.

Tarik and Jessica Mahfoudi, Elizabeth Ford, Asia Jeng were having fun. All four marveled over what a wonderful job the volunteers did creating a Caribbean Island atmosphere for the party. Photo by Christine Hickey

According to Christine Hickey, the Field Party was a fine success.

“We’re now planning for our next fun event, our students’ annual Cardboard Boat Race later this month,” she said.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. (Jing Ying is currently offering Free Tai Chi Classes on May 5 and May 9 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.