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New year bodes well for Side Street Framers’ expansion

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

After three and a half decades as one of Park Plaza’s most popular and enduring family-owned businesses, Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery has expanded to a second location at 8220 Ritchie Highway in Pasadena. (Formerly, the King James Gallery.) A flag announcing the shop’s Grand Opening was still fluttering in the breeze as we stopped by for a looksee and a chat with Dawn Baumgartner Wilson.

Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery’s second location is a slightly smaller version of the first with the same product lines and framing services. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

The original shop at Park Plaza is well known for carrying the work of local artists and craftspeople and has long been a major draw for art lovers throughout the area. We admitted to Wilson that we were wondering why the family wanted to open a second location.

On April 4th, Side Street Framers will have been at Park Plaza for 35 years (the shopping center opened 37 years ago). The business was started by Wilson, her mother Barbara Daniels, her twin sister Donna Phillips and her other sister Sandra Monck.

“My sisters and I were just getting out of college when our mother, who’d been in the carpet business, was contacted by a neighbor who was selling a Fastlane franchise. She wondered if we’d like to go into business with her,” Wilson said. “I had a Fine Arts degree and all three of us were involved with arts and crafts so we agreed. The four of us got everything going and were pleased to see both our shop and framing services thrive.”

The business not only thrived but grew year after year which is what eventually prompted the family to consider the acquisition of a second location.

“We were running completely out of space at our Park Plaza store,” said Wilson. “The front end was filled and busy and the back end was filled and busy. We were so limited on space, that we only had room in back for two framers. But we didn’t really want to move.”

Interestingly, the sisters were acquainted with framer Joe Hynson, owner of the King James Gallery, who’d told them for some time that he might want to step back from running the gallery fulltime.

In business, as in life, timing is everything. Just as Hynson was deciding to sell his shop, Side Street Framer’s dry mount press unexpectedly caught on fire. Wilson, who was waiting on a customer when flames shot out from the knobs, turned the machine off and realized it could no longer be used.

Joe Hyson was kind enough to do Side Street Framers’ dry mounts for them so Wilson was running back and forth to the gallery frequently. When she’d stop by, they’d talk and he expressed his desire to slow down, give up the responsibility of running the gallery and just concentrate on framing.

Dawn Wilson and Joe Hynson in the framing area at Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery Pasadena. It was Hynson to the rescue when the Park Plaza shop’s dry mount press caught on fire and he arranged to do their dry mount work. He subsequently made a serendipitous arrangement to close his gallery and stay on as a framer for two days a week.

“Since Joe was determined to close King James Gallery, we decided to take over his space which would give us more framing capacity and more room for our gift items. That way, we wouldn’t have to move out of Severna Park but could service the Pasadena, Millersville and Glen Burnie areas easier. Best of all, Joe agreed to stay on with us as a framer two days a week and arranged for one of his staff to take over for an additional two days a week.”

Though small by comparison to the Park Plaza Store, the gift gallery at the new establishment is quite impressive. The work of virtually all of the local and regional artists and crafters shown at the larger original gallery is carried in the new space as well. There is quite a bit of jewelry, decorative glass pieces, oil paintings, watercolors, and locally made soaps and lotions. There are also beautiful hand painted gift cards made locally.

Hand painted gift cards share space with hand milled soaps, jewelry by crafters like Patricia Aquilina and Jessica Graves.
There are sea glass pieces by Cathy Kelly and handcrafted ornaments by Terri Hechler and small paintings by Barbara Schultz.

The shop also carries pottery, as well, including some beautiful pieces from the Providence Center…. and there are some remarkable stylized caricatures and teapots with faces and other art from Frederick, Maryland artist Carrie Euler.

Like the Park Plaza store where well-known framer Stephanie Lavis has been working her magic for many years, framing is also a mainstay of the new location.

Moving into the New Year, both shops have plenty of business to handle. Long involved in the community’s SHOP LOCAL initiatives, Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery looks forward to exposing the products of their artists and craftsmen to new customers by participating in community events. Be sure to look for them at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s SHOP LOCAL Fun Fest in the spring and SHOPTOBERFEST in the autumn as well as the Severna Park Voice sponsored Art In The Park event at Cafe Mezzanotte in October.

New Year’s Eve events few and far between?

To quote the popular song written by Frank Loesser in 1947, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”? Possibilities run the gamut from enjoying a fine dining experience at an area restaurant to counting down to the New Year with fireworks as the clock strikes 12.

Many people we’ve spoken to, however, are opting to spend a cozy evening at home. For those looking for something exciting to do, here are a few suggestions.

Ring in the New Year with the City of Annapolis where there will be two fireworks displays December 31 at Susan Campbell Park – a Family Fireworks display at 7 pm and a Final Fireworks display at midnight.

A New Year’s Eve Annapolis Yacht Party with Watermark Cruises – Ring in the New Year on the water in Annapolis aboard a luxury yacht with a DJ, dinner, dancing, desserts and fireworks. To inquire, visit New Year’s Eve Annapolis Yacht Party – Watermark (watermarkjourney.com) .

The Ultimate 80’s Prom with the New Romance Tribute Band at Rams Head On Stage – Light up the night on the dance floor at Ram’s Head On Stage at 25 West Street in Annapolis. The event begins at 9 pm and tickets may be ordered at AXS. For information, call (410) 268-4545.

Those are just a few local happenings. We’re opting for a cozy evening at home while getting ready for a family dinner New Year’s Day. Meantime, our best wishes for a happy New Year.

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.

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Well-established businesses leave Severna Park

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

We were surprised to learn that, after six years on Jumper’s Hole Road in Severna Park, AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center, LLC. would be closing on December 4th. We were even more surprised to learn, a few days later, that one of Severna Park’s most well-established and popular retailers, JOANN Fabrics and Crafts, would be closed as of January 1st.

Thanks to the efforts of owner Corey Stephens and his experienced staff, AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden has already relocated to a similarly sized property in nearby Pasadena and opened for business on December 8. We had an opportunity to tour the new garden center with Stephens last weekend.

Landscaping the front of the barn-like structure of AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden center and the land beyond the privacy fences will be a work in progress. Photos by E.J. Tegler

Situated 4-1/2 miles from its former location in Severna Park, the business is now situated near the corner of Solley Road and Rt. 177/100 in Pasadena. The barnlike structure, warehouse and surrounding field will suit the garden center well. But there is much to be accomplished before the transition from abandoned building/lot to thriving garden center is complete.

“Our move six years ago from Glen Burnie to Severna Park was quite a challenge because we’d been in Glen Burnie for 90 years,” Stephens said. “We’d accumulated a lot of material over all those years. We’d purposely kept things at Severna Park leaner and cleaner by storing a lot of historical stuff. So, the move to Pasadena was tough but not as tough as the previous one.”

He added that, even though the business was well established, there was quite a delay working everything out with Anne Arundel County. Nevertheless, they were able to hold their Grand Opening on December 11th.

“The reception to our opening here has been incredible. It really exceeded my expectations,” said Stephens. “Our Severna Park location always drew a substantial number of customers from Pasadena and we’re seeing the same folks here. We’ve also seen a lot of our Severna Park clientele come in and walk around as well as some of our former Glen Burnie customers to say nothing of newcomers.”

We started our tour of the interior with the enthusiastic owner amidst some of the merchandise customers seek out – merchandise that ranges from the organic soils and fertilizers on one side of him to Chew-Hooves, Lambs Ear, Pig Ears, Sow Ears, Knuckle Bones and Dog Treats on the other.

Owner Corey Stephens gave us a tour of AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center both inside and outside.

After noting the Welcome sign at the back of the family-owned business, we were pleased to spot the familiar brands of plant foods, grass seeds, and poultry, animal, and pet food staples we were used to seeing at the garden center’s previous locations.

The Welcome sign and implements and used on Anne Arundel County farms in the past give the interior spaces a homey feel that will be further enhanced by enlargements of historic photos. More up-to-date items include a section of bird houses, bird feeders, bird baths, bins of birdseed and even squirrel feeders.

We also couldn’t help but notice the old fashioned “General Store” feel of the place.

There is definitely a General Store feel about the place with the wooden barrels of the grass seeds AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center is best known for. There is even a pot-bellied stove included in a display of historic farm furnishings and equipment.

According to Stephens, there is more room, with the higher ceilings, for his staff to be creative and show off items from AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden’s collection of historic farm tools – implements that made it possible for Anne Arundel County to grow. A collection of photographs from the county’s farms is currently being readied to hang on the walls.

High on one wall is a collection of tools, including a two-handled saw, used to clear land that literally helped Anne Arundel County to grow. Beneath are tools used by modern-day farmers and gardeners.

Elsewhere, bundles of dried tobacco leaves and a pair of “tobacco burden baskets” are displayed.

A pair of “tobacco burden baskets” flank bundles of tobacco leaves like those grown on many Anne Arundel County farms.

Stephens, who was proud to say he grew up on a tobacco farm, explained their purpose.

The hook you see hooked into the tobacco burden baskets to drag them along.

“The burden baskets go under the tobacco that is tied into bundles to be stored,” he said. “The burden baskets are what they ship them in. The hook to the right of them is what farmers pulled the baskets with. They’d hook into them and drag them wherever they needed to go. It was very, very tough work.”

An old scale, a plough, wooden barrels and an amazing toboggan with skis on display.

Pointing out some other artifacts including an amazing looking toboggan, several plows. wooden barrels, washboards and even a potbellied stove on a ledge above the checkout counter, Stephens noted the reason for showing them off.

A plough, a potbellied stove, feedbags and a washboard appear above the checkout counter.

“We’re trying to pay homage to my family’s farming history – over 125 years on both sides of the family including my mother’s parents, my father and my brothers and the Pumphries and their heritage as well, He said.

“We have some photos coming for the walls with farm scenes that document some of that history. We also have a collection of photos from all five locations we’ve been in over our 90 plus years in business – from Brooklyn in 1927 to Glen Burnie on Georgia Avenue in 1952 and 8th Avenue in 1977 and Severna Park in 2017 and we’re waiting for Spring to get a good shot of this location.”

Pausing by a mural of mid-20th century farm workers, we learned it was painted by Elsie Cummings. the garden center’s nursery manager at the 8th Avenue property and recently restored. The mural was used as a backdrop when AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center participated in the County Fair and Kinder Farm Park Fall Festival.

As always, products carried by AA County Farm, Lawn and Garden Center that you can’t always find everywhere include the aforementioned grass seeds formulated specifically for Anne Arundel County soils, products and equipment for raising farm animals, and birdseed for a wide range of our feathered friends.

Barrels and barrels of grass seed formulated specifically for county soils in one section while, in another section there was a range of birdseeds for various parrots, finches, cockatoos and canaries.

Though Christmas items were featured inside, we journeyed outdoors where the most obvious sign of the holidays could be found behind the privacy fencing.

Walking a bit further to what will be the plant nursery, we discovered row upon row of flats containing seedlings as well as the bare bones of a grow house and shade house.

According to Stephens, his crew transported some flats from the Jumper’s Hole Road property. Other flats are from shipments of transplants that just arrived. He explained that it’s imperative to get your stock in early. Transplants of leafy greens, onions and other hardy vegetables will grow in place while the weather is cool and be perfectly sized for selling to farmers, growers and gardeners in the spring. He also pointed out that the crew hasn’t finished unpacking from the move yet so there is still a lot of merchandise stacked behind the fencing or in the warehouse.

Flats of plants transported from the Jumper’s Hold Road property along with newly arrived shipments of transplants being grown for planting in April, May or June. Along with vegetables and perennial flowers, the garden center sells lots of Maryland native plants.

Stephens said he and his crew can’t wait to see the property come alive with bloom in the spring when the privacy fences are taken down.

He expressed relief and satisfaction at finding the new location which actually came to him through a longtime customer related to the property owner. She was upset to learn that the garden center was closing in Severna Park and in need of a new location. She urged her husband, Bud, the owner of Arundel Seafood and landlord of the then unoccupied adjoining unit, to reach out and offer it to Stephens. He did and “the rest is history”. The new property is ideal and the two businesses should help each other.

Customers will find ample parking at the garden center and a speedier checkout experience. If you haven’t visited the new location yet, you will want to consult a map online to see its exact location. The new store is located at 224 B&C Mountain Road behind Arundel Seafood. It can be a bit tricky to find as the entrance is on Solley Road.

JOANN Fabrics and Crafts about to close

Area residents and businesses were shocked to learn that JOANN Fabrics and Crafts at Park Plaza would be closing for good in January. At the end of November, just in time for Black Friday, signs appeared in the windows offering 30% to 60% discounts off all merchandise.

It is believed by several longtime tenants that the store has been located at Park Plaza for 30 or more years and may have been one of the anchor stores. It has been a popular destination and major resource for shoppers from Severna Park and the neighboring communities of Pasadena, Millersville, and Arnold and will be sorely missed.

Though we’ve attempted to get in touch with both Park Plaza and JOANN Fabrics and Crafts management, we were not able to reach them by the time we went to press. However, rumors about reasons for the closing abound.

We’d heard that the rent for the property was doubled, then heard that, though doubled, JOANN’s offered to pay it but Park Plaza wouldn’t renew the lease regardless. We’d even heard a rumor that another business wanted to acquire the unit and it was going to be remodeled to accommodate them.

In the end, a series of articles we found online that was written in January of 2023 makes more sense. The articles stated that JOANN’s planned to close eight stores across the United States. Other retailers like Big Lots, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Kohls announced plans to make similar cuts early this year.

According to employees of the Severna Park store, the JOANN Fabric and Crafts Annapolis at 150 Jennifer Road will remain open. Though less convenient, it will carry the same fabrics and crafts supplies JOANN Fabrics is known for.

LATE BREAKING NEWS JUST IN – Baltimore Business Journal reports that Mom’s Organic Market signed a lease for 11,893 square feet at Park Plaza in Severna Park.

The grocery chain expects to open the location in late 2024 or early 2025, according to a release from Baltimore-based Continental Realty Corp., which owns Park Plaza. Mom’s Organic Market has other stores are located in Hampden, White Marsh, Jessup and Timonium.

The space they’ll be taking over is likely the space JOANN Fabrics and Crafts is leaving.

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Santa Runs end but Santa’s still appearing

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s eagerly anticipated Santa Runs began on December 9th and visited neighborhoods throughout Severna Park for three days. Caught up in the holiday rush, we found that the Santa Runs had ended before we’d had a chance to observe the annual tradition. Thus, we were delighted to see Engine 12 with lights flashing followed by the Earleigh Heights rescue vehicle with Santa Claus aboard last weekend. They found a handy place from which to greet children in front of the Walmart store in Pasadena.

  • EHVFC’s Engine 12 followed by an EHVFC rescue vehicle……
  • …..with Santa Claus aboard. They took up a position in front of the Walmart store from which to greet everyone.

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.

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A flurry of holiday events brings crowds to Severna Park

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

Plans for the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s December 1st Community Tree Lighting had gone swimmingly with sponsors, vendors and entertainers lined up – until pouring rains caused the event to be postponed to December 8th. The magical hour of 5 pm arrived with quite a crowd assembled along with four Severna Park High School cheerleaders on hand to cheer on the lighting of, not one, but two community trees.

Simultaneously, Severna Park Community Center was decorated to the hilt and getting underway with its December 8th “Cookies & Cocoa with Santa” event. As can be seen in the opening photo, SPCC community outreach director Amy Holbrook did a masterful job of decorating the portico of Boone Station Hall for Santa complete with a hearth and easy chair. Families flocked there from the outset.

Due to the rescheduling, the Community Tree Lighting ceremony was kept simple so as not to conflict with the holiday event at the community center. Arriving in Olde Severna Park at 5 pm, we were walking in from the parking lot with other attendees when first one, and then a second larger tree lit up the night sky over the assembled crowd.

The illumination for both trees was provided by Pasadena-based Maryland Lighting & Sprinklers.

The enormous historic evergreen soaring above the chamber building was first lit by former CEO Linda Zahn after the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber acquired and moved into the former Regester home at 1 Holly Avenue in 1995. Zahn had colorful lights custom made for the tree based on the design of the Naval Academy Alumni House tree.

By the mid 2000’s, the lighting of the big tree became too difficult and was abandoned in favor of a smaller tree. However, there was a longing in the community to see it illuminated again. At community members Christie and Greg Coster and Matt Wyble’s suggestion, Maryland Lighting & Sprinklers was contacted by chamber CEO Liz League and agreed to illuminate it at half the cost with community businesses donating the rest. The giant tree once more sparkled to life December 2, 2022. No less awesome this Christmas, the tree was instantly thronged with admirers.

Again, so as not to conflict, GSPACC arranged for their tree-lighting performers and vendors to appear, instead, at the community center event. Not realizing this, the crowd milled about and many wandered into the Olde Severna Park Railroad Station to see the Severna Park Model Railroad Club’s holiday train display.

  • The crowd milled about not realizing the rest of the program was integrated into the community center event.
  • Many lined up to enter the Severna Park Model Railroad Club’s holiday train display.

Luckily, cheerleaders Ivy Bauer, Caitlyn Cortez, Brennan Karney and Laurel Coard from Sevena Park High School, who helped countdown the tree lightings, led crowd members to the chamber’s pre-determined traffic crossing at B&A Boulevard leading to the community center.

Severna Park High School Cheerleaders Ivy Bauer, Caitlyn Cortez, Brennan Karney and Laurel Coard led the countdown for the tree lightings, then led crowd members across B&A Boulevard to the community center’s Cocoa and Cookies with Santa event. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Once a smallish holiday gathering held primarily around an angel tree in the lobby, Cookies and Cocoa with Santa has grown into a sizeable event featuring an indoor Christmas market, games and displays inside the community center to entertainers in the courtyard, food vendors in Boone Station Hall with Santa in the portico and food trucks in the parking lot.

A touching “Advent & Christmas at Woods” display by the community center entrance emphasized the real meaning of Christmas. It featured Mary and Joseph, (portrayed by Jacquei Shade and John Strange), a shepherd (portrayed by Thomas Shade) and an angel (portrayed by Jessica Walsh) gathered around the Nativity scene the young lady in the photo below is studying so intently. The group also handed out Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s schedule of Advent & Christmas Eve Services.

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church members Jessica Walsh, (the angel), Thomas Shade, (a shepherd), Jacquei Shade (Mary) and John Strange (Joseph) gathered round the Nativity scene viewed by attendees.

Christmas Eve services include 3 and 4 pm showings of the Family Christmas Pageant, a 6 pm Contemporary Candlelight Service, an 8 pm Traditional Candlelight Service and a 10 pm Traditional Candlelight Communion Service.

Entering the community center’s Christmas Market, we bumped into Board of Directors chair Ellen Kleinknecht and husband Scott who were pleased with the turnout.

“The streets are packed,” said Kleinknecht. “The board members each baked cookies to give out at Boone Station Hall but we’ve had to buy more.”

Items for sale ranged from pottery from Rudie’s Woodwork and Gruner Pottery and evergreens from Artish Soul to vintage jewelry from Amy Heath’s Hip Mod Vintage.

  • We saw evergreens, woodwork and hats among other things at Artish Soul.
  • Amy Heath’s Hip Mod Vintage collection sparkled. In 12 hours, she’d be at Severna Park Farmer’s Market.

The night’s biggest draw, of course, was the jolly old elf himself. Dozens of children enjoyed reciting their wish lists for him in the portico.

Santa was patient, listening carefully as every child recited their Christmas wish list for him.

However, a veritable flood of families filed past them to The Big Bean table where cups of hot cocoa were handed out.

Big Bean owners Christie and Greg Coster handed out hundreds of cups of hot chocolate.

Many attendees filtered out into the courtyard between the center and Boone Station Hall where the Severna Park High School Jazz Ensemble (courtesy of Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber tree-lighting sponsors) played Christmas carols. Additional entertainment included The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center’s Star Elite Dancers and local choirs.

Holiday festive, the Moveable Mixtures truck offered libations.

Others explored the parking lot where Movable Mixtures was providing libations while the Sweet Satisfaction food truck (a GSPACC member and tree lighting sponsor/vendor) provided mini peppermint sundaes.

Having taken it all in, we still had one more item to check off. We were invited by Director Kellie Greer to preview The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center’s dress rehearsal of “The Nutcracker” getting underway in a studio downstairs. The classical ballet by Tchaikovsky will be held December 16 at Severna Park High School beginning at 5 pm.

Choreographed by dancers Jill Weeks and Kathryn Quigly, “The Nutcracker” will showcase a condensed but delightful rendition of the ballet set on Christmas Eve with beloved favorites such as The Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Waltz of the Flowers.

We found a number of very excited dancers lined up by the costume closet where Weeks was handing out costumes which most were seeing for the first time.

Choreographer Jill Weeks, who was also directing the rehearsal, spent quite a bit of time handing costumes out to the dancers.

Immediately upon receiving crinolines, dresses and sashes, mouse costumes or whatever, the dancers slipped them on over their leotards, checking the mirrors while doing so. They could shortly be seen helping each other apply the finishing touches or tie each other’s bows.

Though tying those satin bows, the dancers in the foreground still needed to collect matching bows for their hair.

It was especially fun to see the “mice” catch their reflections in the mirror and then adjust their ears or noses.

The mice striving to achieve perfection.

Once dressed, the dancers exited to adjoining studios to wait for their cues. At Weeks’ direction, the dancers for the first act found their places. Three of the male dancers were not dance center students but friends of Jill Weeks’ daughters. They had never before danced but volunteered to appear in the production as a favor to Weeks who coached them a bit.

The music sounded and the cast engaged in a playful scene in which soldiers Johnathan and Lucas and man about town Ryan appeared for the first time ever.

From that point on, the rehearsal seemed to go fairly well. Thirty-five students from the dance program at The Dance Center will participate in the production. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance for general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Nutcracker Campaign (spcommunitycenter.org) or at the door. Greer noted that those planning to buy tickets at the door will need to use a credit card.

Jing Ying Institute’s annual Silent Auction and holiday party December 16

Billy and Nancy Greer invite the public to join them this Saturday, December 16, for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi’s holiday party and 20th Annual Silent Auction benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association. The party and auction take place from 3 to 4:30 pm at Jing Ying Institute, 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. in Arnold. There are so many wonderful items to bid on that we can’t list them all but they range from Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concert tickets, gift baskets from The Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse and The Big Bean among many others, and bracelets from Aid to Trade to Laughing Panda Chocolates.

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.

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Chamber’s December 5th Taste and Sip event ushers in the holiday season

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

Whether opting for a delicious taste or a divine sip to start with, guests at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s 13th Annual Taste & Sip event had an amazing array of foods and libations to choose from.

Many attendees chose to begin and end their evening with a beverage. Sharing a corner of the Chartwell Golf & Country Club ballroom, Kevin Sosnoski and Doug Morris from Goska’s Liquors poured from a selection of wines and mixed Pear & Ginger Sparklers for the guests while Greg and Christie Coster from The Big Bean offered them a selection of after-dinner coffees including one called Jack Frost as well as hot chocolate.

Jing Ying Institute’s Nancy Greer and executive director Sarah Elder trade late-breaking community news.

People who decided to try a beverage or two before “tasting” mingled extensively. A majority of those were chamber members who know each other well. In addition to Joy Cortina from Life of Joy Foundation and Courtney Capece from Committed Change Health & Wellness trading the latest business news, we spotted Nancy Greer of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi talking with executive director Sarah Elder about Severna Park Community Center’s Cookies and Cocoa with Santa event this Friday.

Ever trendy fashion-wise, Bohemian Black owner Rose Walker caught up with Big Bean owner Christie Coster to chat about the Olde Severna Park “Stroll & Shop” Coster is organizing with The Blended Essentials’ manager Danielle Bowen. The event takes place this Sunday (Dec. 10) from 4 to 7 pm and Walker is considering showing clothing from her collection there.

Big Bean owner Christie Coster chats with Bohemian Black owner Rose Walker about Olde Severna Park’s 2nd Annual “Stroll & Shop” happening this Sunday from 4 to 7 pm.

Folks who yearned for a nibble or two while socializing, gathered around one of Chartwell’s conveniently placed tables. Seen below, Debbie Kitchen, Diana Noon, Jennifer McAndrews, Barbara Gill and Donna Butman share food, friendship and the latest business buzz while waiting for three other friends to join them.

Left to right, Debbie Kitchen, Diana Noon, Jennifer McAndrews, Barbara Gill and Donna Butman enjoyed each other’s company while sampling an assortment of foods and beverages.

Casting a glance across Chartwell’s ballroom, we noticed one of the largest displays of Silent Auction items donated by the business community that we’ve seen. In addition, there was a separate table featuring gift cards one could bid on. As the Taste & Sip event is one of the chamber’s best fundraisers, the Silent Auction is an important one.

The display of Silent Auction items was so large that it was arranged so you could weave in and out of it. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
Neil Kenworthy from Donnelly’s Dockside came to his first chamber Taste & Sip event armed with chafing dishes full of crab balls.

We’ll admit that we split our time between visiting the tables of the restaurants and businesses represented and scanning the sizeable crowd for people we knew. Brand new to chamber Taste & Sip events was Neil Kenworthy from Donnelly’s Dockside located in Arnold off of Shore Acres Drive. Known for its seafood, Donnelly’s Dockside served ever-so-tempting crab balls.

Next to Kenworthy were the adjoining tables of 206 Restaurant Group’ eateries JB’s and Park Tavern. Tastebud- teasers from JB’s included meatballs and onion dip with chips while Park Tavern had wings and garlic knots.

It was hard to resist any of the hot or cold foods offered by Mike Carter from Green Valley Market Place.

Moving down one more station, attendees found an incredible spread from Green Valley Market Place’s assistant manager Mike Carter that included a pretzel and dip platter, freshly-made crab dip, seasonal cranberry and walnut chicken salad, cheese dip, pretzel bites and crab balls. He emphasized that everything he served could be purchased ready-made at Green Valley.

A few stations further on was another restaurant new to the event, Pasadena-based Oscar’s Alehouse East. According to Brian Harper, the establishment is noted for having 36 craft beers and a diverse menu. Chef Kevin Gregario brought two of his favorite dishes – Old Bay wings and Jambalaya.

  • Brian Harper and Chef Kevin Gregario had some tempting dishes beneath those lids including…
  • Jambalaya, a Creole and Cajun rice dish seen more often in the South… but delicious.

More than a few food and beverage vendors were long-time chamber Taste & Sip participants. Foremost among them were Fishpaws Marketplace, Cafe Mezzanotte, and, of course, The Big Bean, and Goska’s Liquors.

Fishpaws’ general manager Terri Schroeter and cheese manager Terri Phoebus served assorted wines, olives and aged gouda to Emily Clement while the shop’s owner Kim Lawson checked out Silent Auction items and chatted with shop owners who’ll also be participating in Girls Night Out at Homestead Gardens Severna Park on December 13th.

Emily Clement stops to read a sign announcing that a calligrapher will be at Fishpaws Marketplace on December 16 to engrave any wine or spirit for a one-of-a-kind gift. A few seconds later, Schroeter would be filling her wineglass.

At one end of the ballroom a young singer from Priddy Music Academy had been serenading the crowd with holiday songs while at the other end people were deep in conversation. Matt Wyble, whose company Next Step Realty was the event sponsor, could be seen weaving his way through the crowd stopping to greet one group after another. When we finally caught up with Wyble, we recalled that he and former chamber CEO Linda Zahn launched the first Taste & Sip event at Homestead Gardens Severna Park.

“Fourteen years ago, in the spring of 2010, I’d just gotten out of the food and beverage business and I’d been to events similar to this one in other locations including Annapolis,” he said. “I thought, ‘Why don’t we do something like this for Severna Park?’ I approached Linda who said she loved the idea but the chamber had never had anyone willing to chair it. So I chaired it for 13 consecutive events. It started out as a fun way to kick off the holidays and now it’s grown into a tradition. There are many people here who have come to every single one of the Holiday Taste & Sips.”

Wyble added that he was using this year’s event as a customer appreciation party so there were fifteen couples new to the area being exposed to one of the chamber’s finest endeavors.

Unbeknownst to the crowd, members of The Chesapeake Harmony Chorus had been keeping undercover in a small “green room” adjacent to the lady’s room.

Music director Sally Burton and members of the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus kept undercover in a small “green room” till given the go-ahead. Costumed in holiday red, the singers assembled for carols delivered in perfect four-part barber-shop harmony.

At a signal from Liz League, they stepped out and assembled for a program of carols sung in four-part harmony. Though, for some reason, a sound system had not been provided, the crowd gathered round to enjoy them.

There were so many great vendors – too many to get to. However, we entered an alcove off the ballroom and discovered BD Provisions’ coffee roaster Phil Peters with a choice of blends from various roasts to sample.

  • BD Provisions’ coffee roaster Phil Peters brews nine different roasts and concocts various blends such as his popular “Morning Joe” coffee. He brought two along to sample.
  • Though Pat’s Select Pizza Grill’s Harris Tsap chose not to, Ally Tyler and Megan Dunaway lit up the night with strings of Christmas lights.

In the same alcove we discovered Magothy Wine & Spirits, Adam’s Taphouse & Grille and Pat’s Select Pizza Grill among others.

Making our way to the far side of the ballroom, we passed by some delectable pastries from the kitchen of Chartwell Golf & Country Club and bumped into Arnold-based Cheers & Spirits general manager Lacey Barry pouring some impressive wines aided by pal Matthew and distributor Mark Parker. Barry reminded us that Cheers & Spirits’ intricate Lionel Train display is up and running in the shop from 4 to 7 pm daily from now until Christmas.

Ice cream seemed the perfect top off for some attendees and we spotted guests walking around with ice cream from both Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and Sweet Satisfaction.

Local residents still have many more Christmas events to go and we’ll probably see you at some of them including tomorrow’s (Dec. 8) Community Tree Lighting at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber at 1 Holly Avenue at 5 pm and, at the same time, across B&A Boulevard at Severna Park Community Center’s “Cocoa and Cookies with Santa”.

Severna Park Farmer’s Market “Christmas Market” this Saturday morning

All of our favorite local vendors will be on hand at 8 am this Saturday morning, December 9th for the opening of the Severna Park Farmers Market’s celebrated “Christmas Market”. As seen in the photos below, taken in 2021, the Christmas Market is very special and a lot of fun.

The Severna Park Farmer’s Market’s 2021 “Christmas Market” drew lots of eager shoppers.

The Dance Center of Severna Park will perform “The Nutcracker” on December 16

The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center‘s upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker” will be presented on December 16th at Severna Park High School. The performance will begin at 5:30 pm, and tickets are available for just $10 each.

Choreographed by dancers Jill Weeks and Kathryn Quigly, “The Nutcracker” will showcase a condensed but delightful rendition of the ballet with beloved favorites such as The Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Waltz of the Flowers.

Thirty-five students from the dance program at The Dance Center will participate, showcasing their hard work and dedication. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance for general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Nutcracker Campaign (spcommunitycenter.org) or at the door.

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.