Month: June 2023

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

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index, wholesale prices have gone down considerably over the past year. The Producer Price Index for final demand rose only 1.1 percent from May 2022 to May 2023. This is down from the increase of 11.1 percent for the 12 months ended in May 2022. Yet prices for food, household goods, clothing, fuel and other necessities remain at an all-time high.

Many individuals and families are finding it hard to cope and exploring ways to save money that they haven’t tried before. Their strategies include checking supermarket circulars for sale prices and shopping more than one store to save even a few cents. We spent Tuesday following a couple of tips from friends.

Our first stop was at Partners In Care Upscale Retail Boutique at 8151-C Ritchie Highway in Pasadena. According to PIC communications specialist Derek Milley “every day is a day to save money at the boutique thanks to our schedule of yellow, green and purple ‘tag’ sales”.

He explained that each month a calendar is posted near the counter showing green, yellow or purple tags for each week with a percentage of price discounts printed on them. (The calendars can also be seen on the PIC website.) Tuesday, we saw a predominance of green and yellow tags with a few purple ones. Green tags promised 25% off with yellow tag items 50% off. “On Tuesdays, there’s an additional 10% off every purchase for senior citizens and a daily 10% discount for veterans,” Milley said. “There are also regular Wacky Wednesday specials and, on Fridays, customers get $5 off with a $20 purchase.

Yellow tag sales (as illustrated in the opening photo) represent the biggest savings by far. With the 75% yellow tag discount, the complete set of China shown sold for $40 as opposed to price tags in the several hundred-dollar price range for sets of high-end dishes in other parts of the store.

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Were I looking for a “wear-it-one-time” to a formal wedding, anniversary celebration or gala dress, I’d have had a hard time passing up several evening wear selections bearing yellow tags.

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Switching to more practical matters, whether passionate about cooking or baking or simply looking to outfit a kitchen, customers appreciate that the boutique has an extensive amount of kitchen appliances and cookware on display. On Tuesday, quite a few items wore green, yellow or purple tags.

There were lots of practical things – from now rare but much appreciated incandescent lightbulbs to drills, gutter guards and a bird feeder. There were tablecloths, table runners and brand-new pillowcases.

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There was lots more to see and more savings to be accrued – even a sidewalk sale of $5 items put together by Chief Operations Officer Dawn Eberhardt. Before leaving, we touched base with Member Care Director Sharon Zentgraf who mentioned that Partners In Care would be hosting a Veterans Day event this autumn and also celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a Bull & Oyster Roast on November 3rd from 6 to 10 pm at La Fontaine Bleue. For more information on Partners In Care, visit Home – Partners In Care Maryland.

Our second stop on Tuesday was at Anne Arundel County Farm, Lawn & Garden on Jumpers Hole Road where we spoke with longtime owner Corey Stephens. Having always grown our own herbs, greens and tomatoes, we grew many more this year and were eager to have Stephens’ opinion about whether other families were doing the same thing.

Stephens purchased the popular farm cooperative 23 years ago when it was still in Glen Burnie before relocating it to Severna Park in 2017. Thus, he’s seen the ins and outs and ups and downs of the garden business but said he’s never seen anything like this season.

“We’ve been quite busy. People are definitely interested in saving money by growing their own vegetables,” Stephens said. “They’re also interested in eating fresh, nutritious, quality foods from their own gardens and having their children involved in growing them.”

He added that a lot more people have purchased packets of garden seeds this year which is the most inexpensive way to grow crops and flowers but takes the most time. Considering the price of lettuces and other salad greens at the supermarket, those seeds were especially popular.

“I’m sure you noticed the empty racks in our seed displays,” said Stephens. “We sold so many seeds that we had to remove 12 ft. of empty shelving and rearrange the seeds that were left.”

Garden vegetable transplants were reasonably priced and went fast this season too. As with the seed racks, there were a lot of empty spaces among the tomato seedlings well before the end of the planting season.

Pepper plants were completely sold out but some summer squash and cucumber transplants remained along with a limited number of herbs.

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The A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden staff came up with a budget-friendly option for customers who do container gardening. They are offering used pots that are perfectly good but might otherwise be discarded. The smaller pots are 10 cents apiece while the larger ones are $1 apiece.

For news, product information or for delivery, visit AA Co. Farm Lawn & Garden (aalawnandgarden.com).

Independence Day Parade fast approaches and we have late-breaking news

The Severna Park Independence Day Parade will be held Tuesday, July 4th from 10 am till 12 pm. Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League reports that the parade is sponsored this year by Chick-fil-A, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, AE2 Creative, and Maryland State Delegate &Heather Bagnall. The theme for this year is “Broad Stripes, Bright Stars, Big Hearts”. As before, the parade will travel down Benfield Road, head left onto Riggs Avenue past the judges’ stand, make a right onto Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard past the Severna Park Community Center and turn left on Cypress Creek Road and ending opposite Cypress Creek Park.

Severna Park Community Center Executive Director Sarah Elder tells us that the Severna Park Community Center will open the doors of Boone Station Hall to the public during the parade as a kind of comfort station where people may cool off or use the restrooms.

We’ve heard from SPAN’s Director of Development Michelle Sabean that the organization will have a float in the parade this year. (They’ll also accept donations as they do each year.

“In the past, we’ve often partnered with Chartwell Young Leaders and will do so again,” Sabean said. “But this time look for our truck decorated just for SPAN! We’re very excited to be using the large food items we began constructing last year and now we have a flatbed truck to display them on! Look for our Cheerios, Mac and Cheese and other items!”

We’ve heard that volunteers will be meeting on July 3 to decorate the Orphan Grain Train float. We’ve also heard that several neighborhood floats are expected to be in the parade. It’s always fun to see what the competitive neighborhoods of Olde Severna Park and Round Bay come up with.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Cool breezes wafted through the gardens, greenhouse and showroom at Homestead Gardens Severna Park as representatives from 15 wineries and 18 restaurants set up for the 4th annual “Corks for a Cause” benefit for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation on June 14th.

Completing preparations at the registration table prior to the opening of the event, BWMC Foundation volunteers Iskra Jones, Susan Iaquinta, Jamie Van Allen, and Rebecca Karner were ready to welcome guests the moment the doors opened at 6 pm.

The weather gods smiled, and the evening couldn’t have been more beautiful as distributors set up their displays along Winery Row. Among them were representatives from the Duckhorn Portfolio, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Treasury Wine Estates and McPrice Myers among others. We checked out a few.

Lisa Kurtz from Treasury Wine Estates was tipping her hat to wines from Australia and New Zealand. (Treasury Wine Estates has offices in California.)

Almost a dozen other wineries were dotted throughout Homestead’s gardens. Seen from a distance, wine consultant Ginny Murphy from Monsieur Touton Selection, Ltd. was opening bottles at Table 10 with just minutes to spare. She still had table decorations to complete. Luckily, by 6 pm, a floral tablecloth and clusters of grapes made a fitting backdrop for her well-chilled bottles of Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and a trio of reds.

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Behind Murphy, Connie Shillman and Jackie Polis had set up their display of 91 and 92 tasting point reds and whites and were listening to the tropical sounds and rhythms of steel drums nearby.

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In the greenhouse, Baltimore Washington Medical Center volunteers at two tables were arranging the foods they were about to serve.

At the first table, Jen Bonk was taste testing the Vegetable Tiki’s with dill dipping sauce donated by caterer Be My Guest and being offered by volunteers Samantha Parlaman and Syeza Aziz. Bonk is chair of New Generation Group, an organization of BWMC professionals that was a Corks for a Cause sponsor.

“One hundred percent of ticket sales go to New Generation and will be dedicated to cleaning up and upgrading the BWMC Healing Garden located behind the Tate Cancer Center,” Bonk said. “The already existing garden needs a facelift. We feel it’s an important feature for the well-being of patients and their families.”

At BWMC’s second table, Nurse Manager Kim Warner and Respiratory Therapist Michelle Mullen (seen in the opening photo) were getting ready to serve Shepherd’s Pie donated by Brian Boru.

So many restaurants participated in Corks for a Cause this year that it’s impossible to highlight them all, but we touched many bases.

In the store proper, the doors opened at 6 pm and guests surged forward. At a three-station table on the far right, Leonard Stepheon from Chapel’s Country Creamery in Easton began serving samples of handcrafted artisan cheeses. Next to him, attendees found ultra-premium charcuterie and salamis from Mitchell Berliner’s Hyattsville-based Meat Crafters impossible to resist. The crowd had yet to reach table’s end where Pam Meador from Fishpaws Marketplace stood ready with samplings of an aged Gouda called Kanal from Holland and crostini with a Provolone and Chianti spread.

In addition to being a sponsor of the event, Fishpaws was involved in organizing the wineries and owner Kim Lawson and general manager Terri Schroeter were seen zipping from table to table to make sure things were going well.

Fishpaws Marketplace would also serve as the official pickup point for any wines ordered.

“We have 15 tables selling five wines each and attendees can purchase wines by the half case or case,” Schroeter explained. “The cases will then be shipped to us by the distributors for pickup by the purchasers.”

Within moments of opening, Winery Row was overwhelmed by patrons bearing gift bags and tasting glasses.

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Carrol’s Creek Cafe got an A+ for the beautiful presentation of its tasty Rock Shrimp Gazpacho – just the thing for a summer evening.

Multi-year participant, Cafe Mezzanotte owner Tommie Koukoulis and catering director Vikki Green had several dishes simmering including hot Italian sausage and fennel meatballs.

This year’s Corks for a Cause event drew restaurants from near and far. The nearest and newest was Garten in Severna Park with a spinach and sauerkraut dip. Further afield, Hella’s in Millersville served miniature crabcakes while The Hideaway from Odenton had sliders. Columbia, Maryland-based Madrid Spanish Taverna’s Julio Koh served Paella and Squire’s Italian Restaurant from Dundalk did an amazing job preparing pizzas amidst succulents in a corner of the greenhouse.

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Corks for a Cause is such a convivial event that even vendors manning the tables have a great time. Warren Brock, who’s on the Next Generation board, was chatting with guests while minding the Nothing Bundt Cakes table where cupcakes were king. However, he’d been eyeing the Goat Cheese Stuffed Grape Tomatoes served by event coordinator Megann Cross at the Smashing Grapes’ table while she’d developed a hankering for his cupcakes. It seemed only natural for them to make a swap.

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Just about every vendor who’d attended the BWMC Foundation benefit previously commented on how much the event had grown. The total amount of money raised through ticket sales, a percentage of wine sales and silent auction sales were not yet available, but it is generally agreed that the fourth annual Corks for a Cause benefitting the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Healing Garden was quite a success. The funds will allow the Next Generation Group to replace the ground lighting with LED lights, replace aging wooden benches, install new plantings, apply paint where needed and expand programs for patients and visitors.

Woods Church congregation to celebrate member Charlie Phelps’s 105th birthday

We recently learned from Woods Counselling & Care Center coordinator Nancy Sullivan that Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church will honor member Charlie Phelps’ 105th birthday this Sunday, June 25th during worship and at a reception that follows.

A longtime friend of Phelps, Nancy Sullivan was kind enough to share some of her memories of him with us. We also spoke with his daughter Susan.

Charlie Phelps was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on June 27, 1918.  He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and met his wife Helen while stationed at an air base in Georgia.  The couple had four children, Charlotte, Susan, Charles and Carol.

After the war, Charlie and his brother Alvin established The Phelps Brothers tree removal and clearing company.  They received a contract to help clear the area for construction of the Baltimore Beltway. 

Daughter Susan recalls that the brothers also cleared the land for the Capital Beltway and for I-70.

While involved with the Baltimore Beltway project, Charlie and Helen bought a home in the newly-built West Severna Park. He Still lives there with daughter Susan who moved in with him 10 years ago.  (Helen died in 2008).

After his retirement in 1963, Charlie and two friends formed the Retired Handmen’s Breakfast Society (REHABS) at Woods Church, a talented group of volunteer carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters who for 20 years have given thousands of hours of invaluable labor to keep Woods Church in fine repair.

REHABS meet on Thursday mornings, cook breakfast in the church kitchen and work until afternoon when Kitchen Coordinator, Carolyn Watkins, serves lunch. 

According to Sullivan, Phelps didn’t miss a Sunday of worship until he stopped driving at 103.  In honor of his 104th birthday, Woods named the large maintenance building on the campus “The Phelps Workshop.”

According to his daughter, Charlie attributes his longevity to work, staying active, and healthy food with little sugar and few carbs.

His advice to all is “Be as good as you can.”  Among his favorite things to do is to sit by the water at the West Severna Park Beach (where a sign hangs in his honor for his many years of maintenance of the beach property) and play with his great grandchildren.

Langton Green produce now available

A quick reminder that Langton Green is having sales of freshly picked produce grown in its fields every Saturday this summer from 10 am till 2 pm. We’ll have more details soon.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The third of four performances of The Dance Center of Severna Park’s 2023 Recital at the Annapolis High School auditorium held Sunday afternoon was as lovely as it was entertaining.

Arriving at Annapolis High with time to spare and arms full of bouquets, hundreds of proud parents created a buzz of excitement as they swept into the auditorium. Backstage, the excitement level was higher as teachers and studio assistants helped with students’ costumes, and dancers scheduled for the first number warmed up.

While students’ parents, grandparents, siblings and friends filled the seats, some of the littlest attendees scooted away and merrily twirled about.

In keeping with the recital’s theme, Around Town, the program began with the opening notes of the song ” “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” by Fred Rogers followed by a welcome from the dance center’s director Kellie Greer.

From the youngest dancers to the oldest, the performers carried the theme through every number. An opening routine meant to represent The Dance Center of Severna Park began with a sea of pink exploding onto the stage. The innovative choreography allowed dancers from varied age groups and classes to flow with the tones and tempos of a medley of songs. (They were a small sampling of the more than 200 students enrolled in regular classes.)

Minutes later, a class of 3-year-olds amazed the audience as they danced the recital’s second number to composer Ede Poldini’s “Poupee Valsante” in honor of the notional Town Garden Store. Seated in a circle, the tiny dancers had stretched forward till the flower petals on their heads touched the floor. Then, as if awakening blossoms, they sat up, stretched, rose to their feet and moved in graceful circles, reaching toward the sun on their toes. As they ended the dance, they went down on one knee as if flowers closing their petals at day’s end.

As it did between each number, the stage went dark. Then, the beat picked up as piano accompanist Susan Wincek began the tune “Crocodile Rock” and the spotlights fell on a bevy of 4 and 5-year-olds who’d donned tap shoes for the dance sequence titled The Zoo.

Appearing onstage one at a time till there were seven, Viera Galliford, Julia Jones, Isabelle Maki, Mamie O’Malley, Sophia Parfitt, Miriam Warzoha and Fiona Frederick tapped their way merrily through the tune while keeping an eye on their teacher who directed them from below with hand signals.

The stage again darkened and music from the ballet “Swan Lake” began as the dance sequence titled Butterfly Garden at Quiet Waters began with one tiny dancer floating out of the darkness with butterfly wings shimmering. Dancers appeared one by one until there were a dozen.

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According to director Kellie Greer, all the dance numbers were selected ahead of time and then sponsors (in keeping with the Around Town theme) were sought for some of the segments. The fifth dance sequence was sponsored by Fox First Construction, echoing Geppetto’s trade as a carpenter, and was performed to the music of “Got No Strings” from the movie “Pinocchio”. Taps resounded through the Annapolis High auditorium as a dozen lively second year students portrayed marionettes freed from their strings.

The mood shifted as ethereal notes from a soundtrack of music from the three-act ballet “Jewels” created by George Balanchine were heard and the older Star Elite Dancers took the stage. Sponsored by local small business Red Apron Estate Sales & Shoppe, the ballet was beautiful to see performed.

“We always have a high school class at the junior recital so parents and kids can see the possibility of what their child could work toward,” Greer explained. “Our Star Elite group performs the opening number in all recitals and makes special appearances throughout our area.”

It was perhaps fitting that Chris May Realty, which handles properties all over the county, sponsored third-year Introduction to Jazz students as they set their toes a-tapping to “Hit the Road Jack” by Percy Mayfield. A similarly aged group of students sponsored by the Dance Center’s STEAM Adventures Summer Camp 2023 danced a clever piece of choreography to “I Don’t Want to Live on The Moon” – a Jeff Moss original associated with Sesame Street.

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There was admittedly a slight pause before the next number representing one of the Town’s favorite recreational areas, Kinder Farm Park. The wait was well worth it as eight 3-year-olds, clad in denim and buttons ‘n bows, galloped their hobbyhorses onto the stage to the rollicking rhythms of “Western Scene” by Irenee Berge.

Astonished that such young dancers could keep their concentration through the long dance number, sing a song midway through and then gallop offstage, the audience responded with thunderous applause, catcalls and whistles.

The lyrical melodies of “Ballet Dancer” by Irene Harrington Young and “Ballroom Whispers” by Louis Gregh combined for a graceful dance sequence featuring seven blossoming ballerinas sponsored by Severna Park retailer Dance Supplies, Etc.

Arranged in groups of three or four, the dancers virtually sparkled in the footlights.

What could have been more perfect than to have Severna Park’s Big Bean coffee shop sponsor the Star Elite Dancer’s tap routine to the recorded soundtrack of “Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” from the Kander and Ebb musical “70, Girls, 70”. They even ended the dance carrying their sponsor’s coffee cups.

An Ice Cream Shop routine featured second year students costumed as sundaes with a cherry on top who danced to the music “How Sweet it Is” from the 1968 film of the same name.

Next came one of the most charming sequences in the recital – the Kavanagh Porter Irish Dance shown in the opening photo. The spirited sequence was performed to Leroy Anderson’s “The Irish Washerwoman” and sponsored by the Kavanagh Porter Academy.

Rounding out the recital were a routine titled Flower Shop and performed to the Ellenberg tune “Fair Flatterer” and the next to last dance sequence that received a rousing round of applause. It was the highly entertaining Franklin Toys sponsored tap number to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from the movie “Toy Story”.

The Star Elite dancers ended the presentation with a stylish tribute to the Town’s Police Station, then escorted each of the groups that performed onstage for the finale. A very nice tribute was paid to the Dance Center teachers by having them cross the stage to be acknowledged by the audience.

In her closing remarks, Greer thanked all The Dance Center of Severna Park teachers and introduced them from the stage. She also thanked the studio assistants and volunteers who helped make the recital such a success. She especially wanted to extend her gratitude to accompanist Susan Wincek who played for almost every number for multiple dress rehearsals and performances. Lastly, she thanked Annapolis High School for the use of their beautiful theater and for being wonderful to work with.

The recital ended with all of the students singing the song “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”.

St. Martin’s Cardboard Boat Race as competitive as ever

Though not able to attend this fun event ourselves, we received news on the outcome of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School’s 2023 Cardboard Boat Race from Director of Development Christine Hickey.

“Our 7th-grade St. Martin’s Mustangs had great weather on Monday, May 22 for our annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Severn River,” Hickey said. “Students worked in teams for several months learning to calculate buoyancy and proper vessel design and using only cardboard and duct tape. “

Hickey added that, while the 7th-graders competed in the timed races, middle school students and staff cheered them on from the shore.

Three 7th grade teams completed the course without sinking. Winners were ranked by fastest time to complete the race afloat. The first-place winners were two intrepid young ladies, Chole and Klara, who did some mighty fine duct-taping.

Myles and Roman crossed the finish line a mere 34 seconds later.

Racing all out in almost a Dead Heat, Dominic and Matthew finished third four seconds later at 2 minutes and 59 seconds.

Eighth-graders participated by constructing observation boats used to watch the race from the water. For more information on St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School, visit St. Martins Episcopal Preschool, Elementary, Middle School in Maryland (stmartinsmd.org)

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Busier than ever since founded in 1973 by the late Don Riddle, Jr., Homestead Gardens at 743 W. Central Avenue in Davidsonville is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

It’s the anchor location for the popular Homestead Gardens Severna Park at 522 Ritchie Highway and a draw for many Severna Park residents over the years. The Davidsonville store boasts an impressive 174,000 square feet of retail space with another 35,000 square feet in the Severna Park branch.

Signs posted by every entrance along the Davidsonville garden center’s vast property proclaim its owners’ thanks for customers’ support over the past five decades.

A powerhouse in the greenhouse and gardening industry today with several divisions and three retail stores, (the third is in Smyrna, Delaware) the business had surprisingly humble beginnings.

Riddle, a native of Hyattsville, enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from high school in 1966. Returning home after his stint in the service, he attended the University of Maryland majoring in horticulture.

His passion for plants, in combination with his family’s longtime success in truck farming – a practice common in Severna Park in the early 20th Century – was the inspiration for starting Homestead Gardens. With support from his parents Don E. Riddle, Sr. and Evelyn Riddle, he started his business in the back yard of the family home in Hyattsville.

The business grew rapidly, and in 1973, Riddle incorporated Homestead Gardens, moving to its present location in Davidsonville. In the late 1970’s, he built the greenhouses and pavilions that are the signature draw for the Davidsonville outlet.

During the same period, Riddle created the company’s Greenhouse Production Division to supply the retail store as well as to sell wholesale plants to businesses, organizations and churches throughout the Metro D.C. area.

In 1980, the Homestead Gardens Landscape Services Division was established. It’s headquartered in one of two beautifully restored homes on the property. (The other is used for the accounting and administrative staff.) Additional structures acquired by the company include an attractive but spacious barn that is currently used for storage.

In 1985, the company purchased additional land on Governor Bridge Road in Davidsonville to introduce a Wholesale Production Division for selling supplies to independent landscape contractors and to supply Homestead Gardens’ retail store with the bulk of its annuals, perennials, and nursery stock.

The greenhouses are filled to the brim with those annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs and walking through one is a feast for all the senses.

Trellised gardens in the open spaces out back hold myriad tropical and shade loving plants. Just beyond them are white tents set up for outdoor entertaining. Homestead Gardens works with 500 non-profits on various drives and events ranging from a huge fundraiser for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank to a Future Farmers of America barbeque.

Everywhere one looks, there is something beautiful to see. Even areas featuring garden plants and herbs are overhung with baskets of flowers in every color of the rainbow.

A lot of work is required to keep all those plants thriving and the interior and exterior of the greenhouse/pavilion complex in tip-top shape. There are 120 year-round employees plus 150 seasonal employees. Work is going on continually throughout the complex.

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Indoors, the pavilions carry everything from garden seeds, fertilizers and gardening equipment to pet foods and supplies, and even baby chicks in April. There are also high-end barbeque grills and outdoor furniture for lounging or dining.

One of the most special spaces in the pavilions is Evelyn’s Boutique named in honor of Don Riddle’s mother with an extensive collection of casual clothes, handbags, hats and other accessories plus decorative items for the home.

In 2010, Riddle and company further expanded Homestead’s footprint by opening the Severna Park branch at 522 Ritchie Highway, adopting many of the design elements and retail practices of the original store. The building in which the Severna Park outlet is located, along with Zachary’s Jewelers, has a history of its own. After beginning its life as a supermarket, the edifice became home to Frank’s Garden Center for a number of years. For a brief period, it was occupied by West Marine Boating Supplies before being taken over by Homestead Gardens. It was a perfect size for creating a smaller but amazing version of the original location.

In 2021, the company completed its expansion by purchasing Ronny’s Garden World in Smyrna, Delaware to become the third retail branch of Homestead Gardens.

From the moment he opened the Davidsonville location in the 1970’s till his death in 2011, Don Riddle implemented his ideas for transforming Homestead into a destination Garden Center offering a series of events and festivals throughout the year to coax customers into taking a drive into the country. Succeeded by his son Brian Riddle, the company has retained those innovations and created new ones for all three branches.

Each and every December, grandparents, parents and children flock to the Davidsonville store to view unique displays of Christmas lights, holiday season tableaus and, of course, the store’s famed multi-track train display. They come from nearby neighborhoods and from the Annapolis, Arnold, Severna Park, Millersville, Pasadena, Crownsville and Crofton communities and as far afield as Washington, D.C.

Almost as popular in Davidsonville is the annual Crepe Myrtle Festival (to be held this year from June 13 through 17). The festival does so well that it is carried on to a lesser extent at the other branches.

Over the years, Riddle sought opportunities to give back to the community that supported him. He kept Homestead Gardens at the forefront of philanthropic activities within the community. It’s a tradition very much alive in each of the retail outlets.

Beautiful, flower-covered floats from Homestead Gardens consistently appear in the Independence Day Parades of Severna Park, Annapolis and, occasionally, other communities to the delight of spectators.

The Severna Park store has been at the very center of community activities since opened 13 years ago. It’s been a glamorous backdrop for a number of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber Taste & Sip events.

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Generously discounted holiday items on Black Friday make the Severna Park store a very popular destination for shoppers every December.

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The 2022 holiday season not only saw a busy Black Friday but also included Homestead Gardens Severna Park’s fun-filled Girls Night Out with food, wines, and discounts to boot. Part of the proceeds were donated to the Blue Ribbon Project.

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Corks for a Cause, a fundraiser held at the Severna Park store for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation has quickly become one of the community’s hottest summer social events. For the third year, BWMC Foundation and Homestead Gardens partnered with NextGen and Fishpaws Marketplace to host the 2022 event on June 15. Tucked in amongst the flowers and plants throughout Homestead’s greenhouse and gardens were tables for 15 wineries or distributors with 90+ point wines to sample from around the world. 

The fourth annual Corks for a Cause fundraiser for BWMC Foundation will be held at Homestead Gardens Severna Park next Wednesday, June 14 from 6 to 8 pm. Contact www.fishpawsmarket.com for ticket information.

Homestead Gardens’ Davidsonville location is celebrating Pollinator Month through June with lots of native plants to choose from and the Crepe Myrtle Festival kicks off Tuesday, June 13. As can be seen from a sign off one of the parking areas, the new Open Air Space for Events will soon be a reality. Stay tuned for more upcoming events and special sales by visiting Homestead Gardens – Garden Supplies, Nursery, and Landscaping.

Lisa’s Cakepops is saying goodbye to Severna Park

Lisa Edelman Schneiderman and husband Glen are retiring from Lisa’s Cakepops on June 15 and moving to Florida to be with family. We’ll all be sad to see them go. However, after 10 years of creating custom cakepops, successfully marketing them and achieving her dream of opening a storefront, Lisa is moving on.

She started the business out of her home kitchen in 2013 in Danville, California. After relocating to Severna Park in 2015, Lisa’s Cakepops was officially born. Finding space in a commercial kitchen, Lisa marketed her pops at local events, developed a lively ecommerce and achieved success after success. Having developing a lively ecommerce market for her custom pops, she opened the storefront at 836 Ritchie Highway with Glen in March of 2020 which did well. After obtaining orders from two Maryland catalog companies with national distribution, Lisa, Glen and their staff were making and shipping thousands of cakepops at a time.

Asked why they were closing the shop and moving to Florida, Lisa explained that most of their family lived in South Florida – including Glen’s father who is 90 and his mother who is 85.

“Both are doing well and we wanted to be able to enjoy spending time with them and the rest of the family. We visit Florida twice a year anyway and we figured it was time,” Lisa said.

Cakepop decorating kits Lisa designed that are especially fun for children have been a very popular item and the couple have decided they’ll probably continue to market them after they are settled.

A going away party is being held by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber at Lisa’s Cakepops storefront on Wednesday, June 28th from 10 am till noon.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The end of May saw a flurry of activity at The Red Apron Shoppe at 4A Riggs Avenue as the establishment held a closeout sale with prices slashed as much at 75%. Though merchandise was moving fast, the shop still held onto the homey, neighborly feeling it was known for.

Owner MaryAnn Neal, who opened the Red Apron Shoppe with husband Cam in May of 2021, was busily overseeing sales inside the shop while simultaneously greeting friends and customers.

An attractive hearth painted white nestled between some high-end purses, an easy chair and matching footstool and a rack of clothing that included some vintage pieces.

Outside, behind the shop, lawn and garden items were for sale. A sign saying “Estate Sale Today” surprised no one familiar with the Neal’s primary business, Red Apron Estate Sales.

MaryAnn initially created her Red Apron brand in 2012 in order to sell pieces of furniture she’d been collecting and refinishing from estate sales. She sold them at a series of Second Sunday Markets she organized at what is now Boone Station Hall. That same year, she ran her first estate sale as a favor for a bereaved neighbor and found she had a knack for the complicated process of organizing one. Soon thereafter, she and Cam opened Red Apron Estate Sales.

MaryAnn always hated the idea of “one more thing going into a landfill that didn’t need to when it still had a great life left”. Consequently, she continued collecting good quality pieces that didn’t sell – pieces that became the inventory when she and Cam opened The Red Apron Shoppe nine years later in the historic Riggs Avenue building that was built in the 1920’s. (It was home to Dr. Francis Codd’s pharmacy for over a decade before becoming Cliff Dawson’s variety store featuring liquor sales, a soda fountain and a slot machine. It next was home to the Antique Marketplace until the owner decided to retire and the Neals opened The Red Apron Shoppe.)

The couple’s vision for shop was to feature items that would bring back that neighborhood feeling that Olde Severna Park had for many years, including while Cam was growing up there. They largely accomplished that goal.

The store featured old, new and local treasures and was notable for its history and because it carried items well-loved in the past that we can love once more. Every item – from penny candy and vinyl records to fine China and wooden furniture – stirred memories and kindled our imagination to envision what it might become. The Red Apron Shoppe sold homemade breads from local bakers, fresh eggs from a local farm and items from local craftspeople.

It was a place where you could find drawers of vintage hardware and glassware or beautifully refinished and repurposed pieces of furniture by local crafters.

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The shop also served as a hub for family and friends to gather for special occasions like watching the Severna Park Independence Day Parade together or watching the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Community Tree Lighting celebration in December.

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Sadly, The Red Apron Shoppe’s days at 4 Riggs Avenue are over. The Neals noted that there may be some renovations to the building, but the rents were doubling which made staying there untenable. For the time being, they’ll continue to sell their inventory online while keeping their eyes open for another location…but probably not in Severna Park. As The Red Apron Team said in an Instagram message, “This isn’t goodbye, just cya later”.

Meantime, the Red Apron Estate Sales part of the business is booming. According to MaryAnn, estate sales no longer take place only when people pass away. They’re most often held because folks are downsizing to a smaller house or condo. They have too much stuff and no idea how to dispose of what they don’t need. That’s where Red Apron Estate Sales comes in to help them liquidate those no-longer-needed belongings.

Curious to see what a Red Apron Estate Sale was like, we ventured to one two weekends ago. Arriving at the estate sale property, we saw cars lining both sides of the street and people coming and going – some carrying packages or pieces of furniture.

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Entering the garage, we spotted MaryAnn checking to be sure everything was shipshape. Early in the day, things were pretty much intact but later the garage swarmed with prospective buyers.

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A collection of tractor models apparently impressed some shoppers as much as it impressed us. When we later visited the garage as it grew busier, we noticed that the tractor models had been sold.

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A separate machine shop located down the hill from the back yard held woodworking, gardening and mechanical tooling items that were going like hotcakes.

There were many attractive baskets, lots of dishes and, luckily for me, there was an extensive collection of well-priced glassware. I ended up buying some blue glasses to complete a set I already own

There was jewelry to browse through but little was left in the way of clothing save a single pair of cowboy boots.

Among the shoppers preceding me to the Red Apron check-out table was a gentleman buying a dozen faux poinsettia plants that would make perfect Christmas decorations, a woman buying and ornamental grate, and another woman with a wooden box full of CD’s and other items.

You can follow Red Apron Estate Sales & Shoppe online at Estate Liquidator | Red Apron Estate Sales & Shoppe | Severna Park, on Facebook at Red Apron Estate Sales | Severna Park MD | Facebook, and on Twitter at Red Apron (@redapronprod) / Twitter and on Instagram at Red Apron Shoppe (@redapronshoppe) | Instagram.

A new crop of entrepreneurs honored at Chamber’s Small Business Awards

The patio at Garten on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard was the setting for the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Small Business Awards presentation last Thursday. The evening was beautiful and the garden at Garten welcoming, so the event was something of a social occasion for the chamber members gathered to honor the award nominees and winners.

Sidestreet Framers and Gift Gallery owner Dawn Wilson (who was a Small Business Award nominee) arrived with Stephanie Lavis, the shop’s well-known framer for 31 years. After being greeted by Chamber CEO Liz League, the two split up to circulate.

League was soon seen chatting with Heather Barnstead from Severna Park High School and Christine Joyce from Long & Foster. Joyce serves as “kind of an ambassador for the chamber” at various functions. Barnstead, who’d come to support Small Business Award winner, Zachary Yeatman, was also spotted chatting with Zachary’s parents, Dr. Holly Yeatman and husband Jeffrey.

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Meantime, it was thumbs up from Mad Soaps’ Christian Buchleitner, an award nominee who, along with business partner Travis Wray, fell into conversation with longtime chamber member Betty Winkelmeyer Wells, Voice Media, Inc. publisher Dianna Lancione and Voice Media’s VP of Business Development Jonathan Katz. Buchleitner said Mad Soaps does auto and boat detailing and ceramic coating and just built a shop in Edgewater at Gingerville Marina.

We spotted other winners in the crowd as well as a lot of long-time members of the chamber. Members Jennifer Miller and Theresa Connelly from Chesapeake Think Tank even drove up from the company’s Stevensville office on the Eastern Shore.

Nancy Greer, owner of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, and Amy Clark from M & T Bank traded the latest news from the business community while Nkongolo, League and Lancione chatted with Logozone Promotions’ Tommy Sommers about the recent SHOP LOCAL event at Park Plaza.

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Once all of the winners arrived, Liz League announced the nominees for each category and the winner. We list them here:

Rising Star Student of the Year, Zachary Yeatman, JZ Power Washing, LLC – WINNER!
Accounting Advocate – Christy Bennet, Emerald Financial Partners
Financial Services Champion – Jason LaBarge, LaBarge Financial
Minority Owned Small Business – LaToya Nkongolo, Work Life Behavior Health
Woman Owned Small Business – Diane Whittles, SERVPRO
Home Based Business – Karima Davis, Tutor Partners
Young Entrepreneur – Christian Buchleitiner, Mad Soaps, Inc.
Veteran Owned Small Business – Angela Meggs, Angie D Entertainment
Family-Owned Small Business – Dawn Wilson, Side Street Framers

Winner, Zachary Yeatman is a student at Severna Park High School who recently started his own power washing business. He notes that he was trained by someone who has been professionally power washing for 10 years and offer very good prices and premium quality work.

For information about the chamber’s other activities including their next big occasion, the annual Severna Park Independence Day Parade, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com).

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.