Month: September 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

Bohemian style, also known as ‘Boho chic’, is described by Wikipedia as “a fashion and lifestyle choice characterized by its unconventional and free-spirited essence”. Boho chic fashions, products and entertainment were on fully display during the 2nd Annual Bohemian Black Fesitval organized by Severna Park designer and stylist Rose Walker and held at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department on September 16 and 17.

Though born in the 19th century, the Bohemian culture’s fashions have always featured the flowing fabrics and vibrant colors, Walker loves. Founder and creative director of House of Design & Co. (which does custom design events) in 2010, she later branched out and formed Walking Roses Styling – a coordinator of stylish pieces of clothing for friends, family and customers. Shortly thereafter, inspired by the creativity and authenticity of the Bohemian style, she began sourcing clothing and accessories from her favorite designers/vendors in a collection she called Bohemian Black.

Now a third branch of her company, the Bohemian Black brand, features designs that span age groups and body types and are marketed online and at local events like the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Shoptoberfest or Good Neighbors Group’s Pop-Up Shops. Walker decided to stage her first Bohemian Black Festival in 2022 to highlight both the fashions and products associated with the lifestyle. This year’s event carried on what Walker hopes will become a tradition.

We attended the indoor/outdoor festival on the first day and found attractive, well-organized rows of tents set up on the firehouse parking lot. However, we decided to leave the vendors for later and head for the indoor display space.

Stepping through the entrance, we discovered that the firehall had been transformed into a Boho chic boutique – one that Bohemian Black’s devoted customers made a beeline for. We immediately spotted Severna Park resident Jeanette Marchesi and her daughter Aviana Etterson looking through a selection of dresses and tops in a multitude of colors and patterns.

“We know Rose and have been interested in her clothes for a long time,” Marchesi said.

Walking on, we glimpsed Rose Walker beyond one of the display tables acquainting a customer with some stylish new jackets. All of the displays were eye-catching and featured accessories selected to complement the Boho chic styles.

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We next ran into Karen Chestut who’d purchased Bohemian Black clothing before and was enjoying browsing through the dresses.

Having purchased a Bohemian Black dress and top previously, Chestnut was admiring the new fall fashions.

Other shoppers headed for different sections of the retail space – especially racks devoted to children’s clothing. Walker is known to have an eye for clothing that appeals to young men, so it was no surprise to see several exploring racks in the men’s section. A section, just for the Bohemian Black Festival, was dedicated to consignment clothing.

Outdoors, a dozen vendor tents beckoned. They ranged from chemist Tracey Kearse’s AcArre Bioactive Scalp & Skin Care to Colleen Carmichael’s Snap & Spark Candles, singer Ryan Collins’ Unruly Royalty Natural Hair Salon, author Joanne Sanders and Lauren Robinson’s Indigo Layne Co.

Dressed in their own colorful version of Boho chic, attendees Renee Hicks and Donie Lians visited the tent of Desiree Hall whose company Vibrations creates colorful, whimsical jewelry from gemstones.

Hall met Rose Walker at the D.C. Fashion Week event, liked her style and, subsequently, became a festival vendor.

Though September 16th was sunny and not a frizzy hair day, we were drawn to the Frizzy Blonde tent. Owner Deanna Clayton, herself a blonde, offered fun and affordable accessories with a retro vibe. We loved the colorful bangles and sunglasses. Next to Clayton, Amber Reed was showing off examples of the work her company AR Graphic Design produces – some of it specifically for House of Design & Co. and Bohemian Black.

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Coming around a corner, we encountered a sign for The Thrifter Chicks Heather McPhee and Maria Carlton.

After making the turn, were amazed to see so many “pre-loved”, well restored and repurposed fashions and household items. Entering the tent, we met the chicks themselves.

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Nearby, we happened on the tent of the Life of Joy Foundation which was manned by founder Joy Cortina and members Jessica Teremyi, Morgan Stroud and Lauren Jenkins. Life of Joy, a suicide prevention and holistic mental health organization would be the recipient of a donation from the event. We learned that the Bohemian Black Festival was being dedicated to the memory of a young suicide victim named David Magloire. David’s mother Jasmine Magloire would be the featured speaker for the event followed by comments from Cortina.

Not one, but two fashion shows were scheduled. While waiting for the 2 pm show, we sought out one of the three food tents and found a shady spot at one of the tables.

Next came the piece de resistance, a fashion show highlighting Boho chic clothing for individuals from every age group. Spirited music began and the models proceeded down the makeshift runway. The commentator pointed out that….

or perhaps you’re a young gent looking to go out on the town… there’s bound to be a Bohemian Black look that’s just right for you.

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The Bohemian Black Festival was exceptionally well done though the turnout was lighter than Walker might have hoped, possibly due to ticket prices and bad weather on the second day. Ever optimistic, Rose Walker is keeping on keeping on and will appear with her Bohemian Black collection at Autumn Market at The Station at 45 W. Earleigh Heights Road this Sunday, October 1 from 9 am till 2 pm.

Fall Festival at Trinity Bible Church this Saturday, September 30

Trinity Bible Church at 99 Truckhouse Road will be holding a Fall Festival this Saturday, September 30 from 11 am till 4 pm. Free admission to the family friendly event includes lunch (burger/hotdog, drink, chips), activities ranging from a moonbounce, dunk tank, photo booth, and assorted games and crafts for all ages to cotton candy, snowcones, bingo and an apple or pumpkin bake-off with a cash prize, and more!

Enter your favorite apple or pumpkin baked good. Entries for the bake-off are due by 11:30am on Saturday, September 30th. After an entry is submitted, it will be scored by 3 judges, served to guests, and the top 3 entries will be awarded. 

For more information visit Trinity Bible Church | Severna Park, Maryland | (trinitysevernapark.org). To RSVP, contact the church at (410) 647-4561 or through info@trinitysevernapark.org.

Cafe Mezzanotte’s Art In The Park this Sunday, October 1

Cafe Mezzanotte will host its 2nd Annual Art In The Park event this Sunday, October 1st beginning at 2 pm. Entertainment will include live performances by Sweet Leda and Lower Case Blues. Art from Severna Park’s 364 Gallery, Side Street Framers, Benfield Gallery, and Annapolis-based Local By Design, among others, will be on display. A menu of Festival foods will be available. Tickets are $25. For information, visit Facebook.

Fall Festival at Severna Park Community Center this Sunday

A Fall Festival will also be held at the Severna Park Community Center this Sunday, October 1st from 1 to 4 pm. Presented by KMA Law Office, the free event will feature live entertainment by Scott Voorhees and Joe Glumsic along with performances by the Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite Dancers. The Hot Dog Hideout Food Truck will be on hand as well as the Mooveable Mixtures Drink Truck. Local vendors will be participating for those who like to shop and there will be games, crafts, a face painter and a balloon artists. For further information, visit THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER – SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org).

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus concert at Historic Baldwin Hall on October 15th

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus director Sally Burton reports that a concert is planned for October 15th at Historic Baldwin Hall at 1358 Millersville Road. Themed “Music Through The Decades”, the concert will include performances by the chorus and by The 2nd Star Quartet and award-winning Bearfoot Quartet. Light refreshments will be available.

Tickets are $20.00 per person, $15.00 for students and children under 6 free. Ticketing is online or at the door for this event. For tickets or information, visit Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.

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 now offering a homeschool Kung Fu class and 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

Park Hardware’s Grand Reopening celebration last Friday evening was as happy a gathering of friends, business associates and customers as we’ve seen in quite a while. Now a part of the Zeskind’s family – a 4th Generation family-owned business that specializes in hardware and millwork products, Park Hardware underwent an extensive remodeling and was off to a fine start.

The atmosphere was very festive as the event kicked off with the aroma of grilling meat drifting on the breeze as the sun began to set on a row of colorful tents, tables and a sizeable food truck. There was lots to check out at the tents where attendees learned all about products carried inside the store. People were naturally curious and gravitated to them immediately.

We caught up with Macaroni KID publisher Laura McElwain Colquhoun in front of The Big Green Egg tent. As the Macaroni Kid website carries calendar listings, schedules and commentary on family friendly events in Severna Park, Pasadena and Glen Burnie, Colquhoun attends as many as she can. She’d already taken a peek inside the store where she was given free food vouchers for Truck of Deliciousness Food Truck & Catering’s meal items. She’d also visited the Todd’s DIRT Seasonings table. Todd Courtney, famously known as the DIRT MAN, was handing out samples of grilled meats seasoned with the popular product he invented in 1993 for friends, perfected in 2003 and began bottling and selling in 2007.

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Not surprisingly, the Truck of Deliciousness food truck was a sensation with long lines of guests forming with food vouchers in hand.

Many people attending the grand reopening celebration knew each other so it was only natural that groups of friends would gather to socialize prior to the main event – a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting. Everyone was delighted to see the hardware store’s former proprietor Gordon Clement in the crowd. Clement, a third-generation family hardware store owner/manager came to give his blessing to new owner Rick Miller, the fourth-generation family hardware store owner (and current president of Zeskind’s) to whom he’d chosen to sell Clement Hardware.

Expectations were building as time for the ribbon cutting approached, but there was still time for contractor Hunter Reid to visit the table of Severna Park native Sean Thomas. owner of Eastern Shore Woodworks.

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Reid said his company Hunter A. Reid & Sons, a 4th generation family business, had been a customer of Clement Hardware for years and was continuing its association with Park Hardware. Thomas, now a Park Hardware vendor, had set up an impressive display of his company’s cutting boards, wooden crab mallets and Board Butter with help from daughter Aria.

Park Hardware’s new owner Rick Miller soon arrived at the store entrance with his family and a large number of employees.

Microphone in hand, Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League approached them and kicked the Grand ReOpening Ceremony off by introducing Miller.

“Everybody move in closer,” she said. ” Thank you all for coming. This is such an exciting time as we’re ushering in a new chapter for one of our community’s oldest businesses.”

Handing the microphone to Miller, she encouraged him to tell his audience something about himself and how he came to acquire the former Clement’s Hardware.

Before starting, he thanked the large group of people in front of him, all of whom were listening intently, for braving the traffic to join the celebration.

“I grew up here in Severna Park in Chartwell and our family lived here all our lives so we always came to Clement Hardware. Over the years, I’d stayed in touch with Gordon Clement, who I see out there in the crowd now. When we opened our Zeskind’s showroom down the road in Arnold, he reached out and was very supportive over those four years. When Gordon made the decision to sell the family business (opened by his father David Clement in 1959), he called me and we had some talks about it. This was a great location for our Arnold showroom to move to and the idea of keeping the hardware store going was something I was extremely interested in doing because of my ties to the community.”

Asked by League what Park Hardware might be doing a bit differently, Miller explained that he hoped to keep his commitment to the community by maintaining the same level of service customers were used to. In addition to keeping every one of the Clement Hardware employees on the payroll, he said they’d be keeping the same products, adding new products and adding additional services – things like small engine repair and boosting their key-making abilities for any kind of vehicle and any kind of key fob. They’d be increasing the amount of drywall and lumber supplies carried in the yard as a local builder’s resource.

Most importantly, Miller noted that the store was remodeled to include a showroom for Zeskind’s windows, doors and hardware. He also mentioned that he couldn’t have done it without the help of his family and then introduced his wife Joannie, his daughter Chloe, his son Jax, his father, Rick Miller, Sr., and his mother Debbie.

To emphasize the official “passing of the torch” from former to current ownership, League invited Clement to the microphone for some complimentary comments and a congratulatory handshake.

A presentation of official citations followed from Larry Sells representing the County Executive’s Office, from County Councilmember Amanda Fiedler from District 4, from Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile, and from Maryland House of Delegates members Brian Chisholm and Rachel Munoz from District 31 among others. Each of the presenters had a personal connection to Clement, and now Park Hardware, as long-time customers.

The all-important ribbon was then unfurled by Liz League and the ribbon-cutting proceeded after which everyone was invited into the store…or to stay outdoors and enjoy the food and music.

Invited to tour the store with media representative Christine Hickey, we were first welcomed by employee Owen Snyder who assured us that, though the aisles were a bit shorter to make room for the new showroom in the back, all the merchandise was the same including customers’ favorite Benjamin Moore paints carried in a section of the store to his left.

Hickey was eager for us to see the newly installed Zeskind’s Hardware and Millwork Showroom and shepherded us toward the back of the store.

“This is a real showcase that was built for the purpose from an area that was all shelfspace,” she said. “Now it’s a very pretty showroom with all the high-end doors and windows and hardware.”

Stepping through the door toward a design center counter, Hickey introduced us to retail hardware manager Mike Page who took time from the transaction he was completing to say he liked the way the newest showroom items were integrated with already existing ones.

Visitors were already drifting into the showroom where, immediately to their right, they found rows of high-end doors. Turning a corner, they found themselves in an exceedingly long row of windows on one side with a vast collection of hardware on the opposite side.

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Rounding another corner, we stumbled on a charming replica of an exterior door from BWI Distributors through which Mike Mackrell popped while demonstrating the product to Les Musskiene from Zeskind’s.

A bit futher on, we ran into showroom sales representative John DeMar chatting with local resident Larry Bloom and Pete Leisenring a JeldWen representative. DeMar said much of the merchandise the two guests were seeing was transported from the former Arnold showroom, however, some of it was new. Bloom commented that Park Hardware somehow managed “to squeek out more footage” putting a lot of product in a narrow space.

“It was actually Rick Miller who designed this space,” DeMar said.

The rows of window, door, cabinet, and plumbing hardware were endless and fascinating to see. We explored several more aisles before exiting through the store where we once more ran into Gordon Clement. We asked if he was thriving after no longer running the store.

He said he is indeed. He’s working a few less hours but is still involved with real estate sales and has a mobile home business that is doing very well.

We eventually drifted back outdoors where attendees were enjoying food and each other’s company while a band overlooked the tables while playing classic rock. We decided we couldn’t leave the event without satisfying our curiosity about two more vendors. We stopped by the Diablo Tools tent where district sales manager Joe Gibbons showed off any array of power tool accessories.

“We make high quality saw blades, drill bits and cutting instruments for power equipment,” Gibbons said. “We’re a prime manufacturer and everything you see here is made from the raw materials.”

Lastly, we followed our nose to the amazing aromas of grilling steak were emanating from The Big Green Egg tent. Josh Thorp, who was cooking those steaks, invited us to step inside and have a bite and we couldn’t resist. Thorp had coated the steaks with some of the Todd’s DIRT seasonings neighboring vendor Todd Courtney gave him. They were truly delish.

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Though we left around 7, we understand that the band played on and the celebration lasted until 11 pm. Park Hardware seems to be off to a good start and Severna Park residents who once counted on Clement’s Hardware can look forward to the new business expanding on its legacy.

Langton Green Community Farm’s weekend produce sales continue

We understand from Langton Green Community Farm manager Elizabeth Snyder that onsite sales of produce from the fields and greenhouses will continue to be held each Saturday through Thanksgiving from 10 am till 2 pm. From tomatoes and peppers to eggplants, squash and melons are still available as are eggs from the farm hens and flowers. For information on the harvest and other news follow the Langton Green Community Farm at Facebook.

A Blessing of the Animals to be held at Woods Church October 1st

The Noah’s Ark Ministry at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church Invites members of the community to bring their pets to be blessed on Sunday, October 1st at 1:00pm. Church pastors will personally visit each pet and bless them. Participants will receive a certificate of blessing and a treat bag for their pet!  All pets are welcome. We can vouch for the fact that this is a fun service to attend – one that the animals seem to enjoy too. For more information about the Blessing of the Animals and other church events, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.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 now offering a homeschool Kung Fu class and 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

In the years since founded by executive director Julie Shay to “bring neighbors together”, Good Neighbors Group has undertaken initiatives from food drives and earth day festivals to blood drives to bond Severna Park residents, businesses and organizations together.

It occurred to Shay that GNG has done a great deal to help food pantries and neighborhood charities through its S(o)uper Bowl of Caring drives during these trying economic times. However, it might be time to do something to help the small independent businesses and organizations on which the survival of the community depends. That’s when she came up with the idea of holding GNG “Good Neighborhood Pop-Up Markets”. The second of these was held last Friday, September 8th on the BD Provisions parking lot.

“I felt a pop-up market would be a particularly good way to give newer or lesser-known services or businesses like BD Provisions some exposure and to drive more traffic to this location,” Shay said.

Eight participants took part in Friday’s event at a succession of tents and tables spread across the parking lot. A wide variety of merchandise was offered for savvy shoppers. As seen in the opening photograph, Wendy Presian from Stiches Of Kindness brought along a colorful selection of handsewn products with prices starting at $1. With inflation draining family budgets, the opportunity to buy a gift for a child or a friend for $1 was not to be missed.

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The name “Stiches Of Kindness” reflects Presian’s kind nature. She’s dedicated to helping others with the sustainable living/environmentally friendly items she makes.

“I’ve sewn all my life, for over 45 years,” she said. During the pandemic, I began making face masks and donating more than 6,000 to hospitals, nursing homes and fire departments. I was happy to help, but then I realized that there were a lot of people who needed help in other ways. So, I started Stiches of Kindness as a non-profit organization with the idea of sewing items for individuals and other non-profits needing to raise funds,” she said.

Presian added that, among other things, she’ll make items for mastectomy kits, she’ll do pillowcases for kids in the hospital or she’ll knit and crochet hats for homeless folks. A partial list of the organizations she has supported is noted on a signboard she displays.

“The big takeaway here is that I’m just trying to spread kindness one stitch at a time,” she said.

Behind Stitches of Kindness, Sandy Baressi and daughter Hannah had already shopped at BD Provisions, co-host of the pop-up and the only participant with an actual storefront.

The pair was in the process of checking out each booth or table when they stopped at the Good Neighbors Group table with Julie Shay at the helm. Shay was operating a cool spinning wheel game and selling yoga related raffle tickets. Both Sandy and Hannah were fascinated when Shay told them about her organization’s Rogue Gardners’ project to rejuvenate the pond next to Cafe Mezzanotte in hopes of recruiting them.

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Beyond the GNG table were shared displays by two animal rescue organizations. Bethany Kerley, Chelsea Harrison and friendly pup Sophie from the Senior Dog Sanctuary in Severn shared a table with Cynthia Manos from Baltimore-based Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF).

Kerley, director of development for the Senior Dog Sanctuary, noted that the goal of her organization is to provide a safe haven for senior dogs who are unable to be cared for by their owners, who are abandoned or abused, or face euthanasia.

Behind, and to the right of Sophie and friends, was an attractive sidewalk display from Park Home where owner and designer Brittany Meade assembled a collection of the coastal-inspired cushions and accessories the shop is known for. Meade has hosted GNG’s first smaller pop-up market at Park Home.

Among other retailers we’ve spoken to recently, Meade said Severna Park merchants have been somewhat protected from the effects inflation is having on the market but she has made some changes.

“I have noticed that people’s buying habits have changed a bit. They are more mindful of how much they’re spending and of making some of the purchases they’ve gone for traditionally. So we’re offering things that we think are at a good price point. In fact, we’re offering products tailored to customers looking for a wider variety of price points.”

Across the parking lot, designer Rose M. Walker’s Bohemian Black line of fashions beckoned. Walker, who also heads her company’s House of Design Events and Walking Roses Styling brands, brought multiple racks of late-summer dresses in shades ranging from peach and pale lavenders to something a little brighter.

Walker, accompanied by her husband Hubert, a Washington, D.C. firefighter, enjoyed chatting with shoppers about the fashions and also telling them about the Bohemian Black Festival taking place this weekend, September 16 and 17, at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company. The two-day festival will feature live music, food, fun and fashion (Walker will launch Bohemian Black’s fall line and children’s line at the event with two distinctly different fashion shows each day). A percentage of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Life of Joy Foundation which focuses on mental health and suicide prevention.

Walker also updated us on the opening of a new retail space to showcase all three of her brands.

“Anne Arundel County just released our permit so we have about 60 to 90 days before we open. We’ll be located in the old Listman building on Earleigh Heights Road in Severna Park which is currently being remodeled. We’ll be on the top floor.

For ticket options for one or both days of the festival, visit Festival Tickets | The Bohemian Black F (thebohemianblackfestival.com).

Recrossing the parking lot, we encountered BD Provisions co-owner Debra Saltz visiting the tent of Marni Globerman’s Globie’s Goodies.

Globerman said she handcrafted each of the glittering objects (some of which were personalized) displayed as well as all manner of clever and amusing signs. For the time being she markets her products primarily at craft shows.

We also visited the Neighborhood Sun Community Solar Tent where representative Natalia was offering shoppers a free share in a solar farm with the idea of saving one’s own energy costs.

Last but not least, shoppers made a beeline for BD Provisions. Those who hadn’t visited before were astonished by the sight of 200 plus barrels of organic food products plus oils, vinegars, spices, teas and coffees. The store is known for its fine selection of coffee beans and its regularly-scheduled coffee roastings.

Needless to say, it took shoppers some time to take everything in. You can check out BD Provisions at Severna Park Store — BD Provisions- zero waste bulk food store or follow them on Facebook.

Woods Church announces Savvy Seniors program

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is offering a Savvy Seniors program for the Severna Park Community. The first program, on Tuesday, September 19th from 1 pm to 2:30, will feature “Packing the Past, Unpacking the Future,” a program dealing with the complex issue of downsizing.  Speakers will include Rev Nancy Lincoln Reynolds and Elder Peggy Newman, an expert in art, antiques and downsizing.

Savvy Seniors will meet every third Tuesday of the month until May.  Come for refreshments, conversation and speakers knowledgeable about aging, health and wellness, insights for aging, meaningful movement and more. Contact the church office for more information:  410-647-2550.

Historic Baldwin Hall Crab Feast to be held September 24th

A quick reminder that Historic Baldwin Hall is holding its annual Crab Feast on September 24th. Tickets are available from Janice Crowe at 410-647-5370 or Janice.A.Crowe@gmail.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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The spinning wheels were spinning neath a shady tent at the Severna Park Farmer’s Market Saturday morning as the Chesapeake Fiber Crafters worked their magic turning wool into yarn.

Relaxed, casual, and happy to chat with farmer’s market patrons, the crafters reminded shoppers of folks from a bygone era – a time when neighbors gathered in sewing circles, quilting bees or other shared endeavors that were mutually beneficial and social in nature.

For Chesapeake Fiber Crafters, the modern equivalent is a spinner/knitter collaboration that’s both fun and profitable. Everything the group creates, from hand-dyed yarns to hand-woven garments, is made to be sold at their booth. Lisa, for example, was knitting headbands, Laurie was sewing handbags, Laurie’s mother was producing yarn for shawls and Frank was spinning wool for socks.

As with similar open-air operations, the Severna Park Farmer’s Market takes place early in the day – from 8 am till noon – when produce is at its freshest. Located at the intersection of Ritchie Highway and Jones Station Road, the market’s colorful tents overflowing with fruits and vegetables and other products are an enticing sight. In addition to passing motorists, hundreds of regular customers are drawn to the market every Saturday.

The mix of vendors includes regulars who are there each and every Saturday, semi-regulars who appear every other weekend, and a few participants that appear for a limited period of time.

Entering the north end of the farmer’s market, we found Floridian Jack Price and his family comfortably seated on some great looking Adirondack chairs made by Custom Cypress Outdoor Furniture. We were surprised to learn from Price that he’ll only be at the market three more Saturdays.

“We now live in Florida which we love but we’re originally from Severna Park and come back for a month to visit our family and friends,” Price said. “Participating in the farmers market that we’re so familiar with is a wonderful way to reconnect with people we know while exposing our products.”

One tent over, Melody and Bob’s Herbs & Medicinals tent attracted the attention of many curious shoppers wanting to learn what “medicinals” were.

Though Arnold residents, the couple has an herb farm in Pasadena. Their farm has never seen chemicals since the 1990’s when they purchased the land and the soil is very pure. Herbs are grown there naturally, “fertilizing only with worms”. According to Melody, they grow dozens of culinary herbs like parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and basil and a lesser number of medicinally beneficial herbs like elderberry, plantain, tansy, aloe vera and Achillea.

“Plantain, for example, is a wonderful plant grown all over the world.” Melody said. “The leaves are good for removing splinters or healing wounds and the seeds, known as psyllium, are good for digestion.”

Located next to the herbalists was regular vendor David Haberkorn’s popular Morris Hill Farm tent. Haberkorn’s pasture raised meats, poultry and eggs are so much in demand there is almost always a line of customers waiting to be served.

Parallel to the Morris Hill Farm tent, regular vendor Pat Hochmuth of Pat’s Produce and Gourds brought an abundance of produce from his farm in Delmar, Maryland on the Eastern Shore and was doing his usual blockbuster business.

Hochsmuth has been a fixture at the market from its beginnings. Though sold out of several vegetables by 11 am and down to his last eggplant, the enterprising farmer still had plenty of tomatoes, potatoes and squash to sell along with sweet-as-honey pears, cantaloupes and melons.

New to the Severna Park Farmer’s Market this year (but not to markets in Waverly and Catonsville) the Baltimore Waffle Company’s Craig Grabowski was serving some of the delicious Belgian Liege waffles the 11-year-old business is known for.

“We’re glad to be here,” Grabowski said.

Another newbie, The Spoiled Dog Bakery carried all manner of Dog Treats bound to be a hit with shoppers’ canine companions. The array of gourmet treats for pups created by owner Dianell Ashe looked good enough for humans to eat. They included such goodies as Blueberry Bacon or Peanut Butter dog biscuits and Turkey Pumpkin Jerky.

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Moving on, Green View Hydroponics was new this year as well and selling hydroponically-raised greens like lettuces, kale, and even strawberry plants.

Business is always brisk at the farmer’s market and time seems to rush by for regular vendors like St. Margarets-based Windon Distillery’s Lyon Rum.

Distillery representative Willoughby Buxton chatted with customers about a variety of Lyon rums as well as some drink recipes that are perfect for late summer or early fall entertaining.

Veteran vendor The Breadery, which is based in Catonsville, moved numerous loaves of their old-fashioned whole grain and artisan breads leaving open spaces on the tables.

Nearby, with at least an hour to go, another veteran vendor Vera’s Original Bakery was down to its last few pastries while Severna Park Farmer’s Market veteran Joyce Martinek of Joyce’s Flowers and Herbs had just a single flower left to sell.

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A longtime favorite vendor at the market, The Zahradka Farm does an amazing trade every single Saturday during the spring, summer and autumn seasons and also at the annual Christmas market. The Essex, Maryland based family farm brings a bounty of fruits, vegetables, fresh eggs, and meats ranging from ground beef, and sausages to steaks and roasts. Their produce is so popular, they sometimes sell out of some veggies leaving gaps along the tables.

Saturday’s market had so many regular and occasional vendors represented that we couldn’t get to them all and missed checking out candles from Evie & Park and all those homemade jams and jellies from Nana’s Kitchen. Obviously, we’ll be coming back to explore the others. To check out which vendors will be turning out any given weekend, visit Facebook.

Farmstand hours change following Labor Day

Normally, the last day of the season for Marco Ridge Farm’s farmstand, at 3208 Davidsonville Road, is Labor Day. However, this year they have extended being open a bit longer.

Now in their final week of the 2023 season, the farmstand will be open from 10 am to 5 pm through Sunday, September 10th – their final day. We’re told that the Marco Ridge Farm’s late produce cart will be available through most of the fall on a pay-in-cash honor system.

We learned that there also are new hours for Chase’s Produce farmstand which is also located on Davidsonville Road. They’ll be open Fridays 12-7, and Saturdays and Sundays 10-5. Owners Bob and Marge Chase said they’re hoping to remain open on weekends through mid to late September. To see their schedule, visit Facebook.

Good Neighborhood Pop-Up Market at BD Provisions

This Friday, September 8th, from 3 to 6 pm, the Good Neighbors Group is hosting a (Good) Neighborhood Pop-Up Market at BD Provisions at 844 Ritchie Highway. The event provides a great opportunity to SHOP LOCAL and SHOP SUSTAINABLY for food, locally made items, clothing, home decor and other products from eight local businesses. They include Noonday Collection, Park Home, Neighborhood Sun – Community Solar, Stitches of Kindness, Bohemian Black, Senior Dog Sanctuary, AARF Animal Rescue and Sanctuary and Globie’s Goodies. For more information, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group.

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.