Month: February 2024

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 year 2000 saw Severna Park’s very first coffee shop opened by Deb Hoffman on Riggs Avenue in Olde Severna Park. Since that time, similar shops have come and gone. But now there’s a new kid on the block.

On Monday, February 19th, Rise Up Coffee Roasters opened its 13th location at the former Zachary’s Jewelers storefront next to Homestead Gardens at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. Rise Up’s banner now appears beneath the eye-catching Homestead Gardens sign and is perhaps a harbinger of things to come at other Homestead locations.

Interestingly, the new location (the fifth in Anne Arundel County) is the first Rise Up Coffee Roasters’ shop to offer a drive-in option. The company’s owner Brandon Bartlett was delighted to discover that, though unused by Zacharay’s Jeweler’s, the original drive-up window for the former Provident Bank still existed. It is now operable for drivers with a coffee menu posted on the wall in clear view. As of now, the food menu is available inside but is not posted outdoors.

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More about Rise Up Coffee later but, first, let’s go back to January 1, 2000 when Deb Hoffman pioneered the local coffee shop movement.

After selling her interest in a toy design company, Hoffman opened The Big Bean, the first specialty bean coffee shop in Severna Park. She’d thought of buying an existing coffee business but instead chose the aforementioned space on Riggs Avenue and B & A Boulevard. Business boomed at the tiny store as Hoffman and her first barista, Christy Sappington Coster served coffee, muffins and other delights to an ever-increasing clientele. Five year later, expansion was essential.

In 2005, the enterprise relocated nearby to 558 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard in Olde Severna Park. Then, as now, The Big Bean was a neighborhood haven geared to customer service. Fronting on B&A Boulevard, customers would be lined up at the door as early as 7 am for their morning cuppa.

However, the shop’s back entrance spilled out onto the B&A Trail where wrought iron tables and chairs awaited trail users and their canine companions, then as now. Dogs could have some cool water or munch a “Doggie Biscotti” while their masters enjoyed their favorite coffee beverages along with bakery items or a cup of yogurt.

In between 2000 and 2005 when Hoffman moved The Big Bean to its second location on B&A Boulevard, other shops came along.

In 2003, entrepreneur Corky Gilbert decided the time was right for a coffee shop at Park Plaza off Ritchie Highway. That October, he opened Corky’s Hard Bean Cafe. The attractive cafe had a bistro-like ambience with comfortable couches, classic tables and chairs, and revolving art exhibits on the walls. It’s trompe l’oeil library was a popular spot for community and business meetings.

As the business matured, the establishment served full breakfast and lunch menus. There were even occasional concerts held in the evenings.

Soon after Hoffman vacated the shop where she started on Riggs Avenue, newcomer Aivy’s Corner Espress Cafe took over the location. Owners Aina and Joe Tsin created a niche for the quaint little shop by offering exquisite pastries from their renowned restaurant Moulin de Paris then located off Benfield Road.

Aivy’s was just around the corner from the B&A Trail and Hatton-Regester Green, so it was not uncommon to see someone on a park bench enjoying one of their coffees.

“This shop was the perfect place to highlight our fresh bakery products on this end of town,” Aina said at the time.

In November of 2005, Severna Perk opened on the Benfield Road corridor between I-97 and Ritchie Highway making a total of four specialty coffee shops town.

Traditional in style, with dark woods, comfortable tables and chairs, and striking photos on the walls, the shop was unique in several ways.

Its owner Kaely Roe was 21 years old, having worked for City Dock Cafe and Waterman Joe’s.

The breakfast-oriented shop welcomed its patrons with traditional coffee beverages and muffins, scones and decadent strawberry cheesecake. Chocolate croissants were baked fresh each morning so they’d be warm when customers purchased them.

Sadly, within a few years, three of the four specialty coffee shops had closed their doors. However, The Big Bean was thriving, growing busier and busier and becoming a community hub.

In 2010, two interesting developments impacted Severna Park’s coffee scene. In May of that year, Starbucks opened at 503 Ritchie Highway with a Friends and Family celebration that drew a huge crowd. According to then Patch editor Leslie Hunt, the festive evening was capped off by the presentation of a $30,000 donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation by manager Marc Tippin.

Starbucks quickly became a popular destination, with its drive-up window busy at all hours of the day. The spacious interior was a popular place for friends to get together and for meetings. Among other groups the Severna Park Chess Club was fond of holding its weekly matches at the shop.

On September 10th of 2010, Mutt & Joe, a combination coffee shop and pet grooming service, was opened by Andy Smull in the space formerly occupied by Severna Perk. One side of the sign over the entrance cleverly says “Drink Coffee” while the other side says “Dog Wash”.

Having celebrated Mutt & Joe’s 10th Anniversary in 2020, Smull and staff are still providing pups with mighty fine haircuts while their humans enjoy coffee and a treat.

On January 1, 2019, The Big Bean came full circle as Deb Hoffman agreed to sell the shop to her original barista Christy Sappington Coster and her husband Greg.

“Almost from the time I became Deb’s barista at that tiny shop on Riggs Avenue, I dreamed of becoming its owner,” Christie said.

The dream realized, the Costers had a very successful first year as owners. Moving forward into 2020, they found themselves, like other local businesses, facing the Covid pandemic. Through their innovative approaches and the continued dedication of their loyal customers, they survived. In fact, they did so well with The Big Bean’s beloved home in Severna Park that they expanded to a second location at 888 Bestgate Road in Annapolis. That location has also been a success and Greg and Christie are now in the process of expanding to a third location in Millersville on Nojales Road.

“We’ve already received some of the equipment we ordered and our permits. So our target for opening The Big Bean in Millersville is late Spring,” Christie said. “We’ll be keeping everyone posted.”

Getting back to the recent opening of Rise Up Coffee Roasters and their serendipitous association with Homestead Gardens Severna Park, we had an opportunity to speak to Homestead’s owner Brian Riddle who told us how it came about.

“At the time of the Covid pandemic, I briefly considered the possibility of expanding our store into the then vacant space previously occupied by Zachary’s Jewelers. But I felt the return wouldn’t be worthwhile,” Riddle said. “Since we lease the Homestead Gardens Severna Park location, I then pondered whether we could sublease the empty space to another business.”

Riddle mentioned that thought to friend John Rosso of Rosso Commercial Real Estate Services who put him in touch with Rise Up Coffee Roasters owner Brandon Bartlett who found the empty space ideal.

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“I already was familiar with Rise Up Coffee and liked the way they operate their businesses so we moved ahead,” said Riddle.

The arrangement should prove beneficial to both owners. Riddle added that he would definitely consider the possibility of adding a Rise Up Coffee Roasters shop to Homestead’s other locations in Davidsonville and Smyrna, Delaware.

Good Neighbors Group S(o)uper Bowl Record Broken

As founder of Good Neighbors Group, Julie Shay was thrilled that S(ouper Bowl VII broke records this year. She wished to extend a thank-you to everyone who took part in the food drive.

Seventy-one neighborhoods participated collecting 1,939 lbs. of food for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and six local food pantries.

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

According to an article in USA Today, the Justice Department will commit extra resources to assist law enforcement in Washington after the district saw a 40% increase in violent crime and a 35% increase in homicides in 2023. The DOJ said the new resources will also target carjacking, which increased 82% in Washington in 2023.

Baltimore City’s homicide numbers are down compared to 2023 according to Fox 45 News, however, there’s been an alarming rise in car thefts and carjackings. A total of 10,600 cars were stolen or carjacked in Baltimore during 2023 and, many times, a weapon was involved. In both instances, crime has spread to the suburbs.

Is it any wonder that Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi’s Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teens on Sunday was a popular place to be? Taught by recognized martial arts expert Billy Greer, the workshop was designed to raise women’s awareness of possible danger, give them the tools to avoid it and provide them means of escape if they are attacked.

Arriving at the workshop at 2 pm, attendees checked in with Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer at a Welcome Table laden with symbols of the Chinese Lunar New Year and treats for them to sample.

Greer explained to them that the Welcome Table has been present at each of Jing Ying’s Chinese Lunar New Year events and special classes over a two-week period beginning February 8th.

“Our welcome table features traditional items like tangerines and chrysanthemums, coins, and various treats that change from day to day,” she said. “This afternoon, we have individually wrapped candies, flavored pumpkin seeds and other snacks.”

Within a few moments, the attendees were seated as Billy Greer addressed them during the first part of the Self-Defense Workshop.

Greer began by stressing the importance of maintaining awareness of what is going on around one at all times.

“We’re actually here today to talk about what we refer to as the principles of self-protection rather than self-defense,” Greer said. “The first part of that is ‘avoidance’. Avoidance of danger should be your first priority.”

Women should avoid venturing out alone to places that are poorly lit or isolated, Greer said. That might include parking lots near one’s place of employment. It’s best to be escorted or accompanied by friends or co-workers but that’s not always possible.

“If you’re alone, you first need to be on the lookout for predators,” he warned. “A predator is looking for prey – especially near workplaces on payday. Criminals don’t target confident looking individuals but, instead, watch for a person who is distracted, looking down at a phone or wearing earphones while listening to music. He might check for signs they are carrying a weapon. If they’re not, that person could be the perfect prey. So, your attitude is all important. You need to look up and around at your surroundings and project an air of self-confidence.”

Among other helpful strategies, Greer advises to check out your surroundings ahead of time through maps or GPS. If you sense one or more people following you, pay attention to your instincts. Turn around and walk in the opposite direction, crossing the street or ducking into the safety of a business or store if possible. Be warned that a predator may try to get near you by appearing to ask for the time or ask for help. Don’t be afraid to be rude and tell them to back off before they can get close enough for an attack. (Criminals don’t like to make a spectacle of themselves.)

He suggests leaving your large, attention-attracting handbag behind and carrying a small discreet purse with a strap worn across your chest that can be worn under a jacket. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash.

“In the event a criminal is able to confront you and asks for money, a watch, jewelry or other valuables, give it to them because that is what they want,” Greer said. “It’s better to lose your belongings than your life. In giving cash or valuables to an attacker, throw it behind them so they must look around or pick it up, giving you time to escape.”

Another strategy, among many good ones, was to never yell “Help!” if attacked. That will confuse people around you. Instead, yell “Call 911, call the police. I’m being robbed.”

The workshop next switched to self-defense strategies focusing on skills designed to get a woman away if a perpetrator grabs her. Greer asked attendees chose a partner and form two lines with the partners facing each other.

He next had them to turn to face the mirror before them and watch as he demonstrated the first technique designed for a quick escape from a predator that lays his hands on the victim.

The partners would take turns playing attacker and victim. The victim would counter the attacker’s wrist grab by pulling in her own thumb, then pushing the attacker’s hand as she quickly turns breaking her predator’s grasp while spinning away.

Putting pressure on the attacker’s wrist while spinning takes some effort on the part of the victim but will allow her to break the hold, ending up back-to-back with the attacker and able to run away.

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Another technique, seen in the opening photo, requires that the victim use her body strength to pull her elbow in close to her body and pull up her arm sharply, then spin away as in the previous move. A slightly more complicated move, as demonstrated below by Greer and “victim” Liz Scherzinger is meant to break an attacker’s attempt to choke a victim and involves raising an arm toward one’s ear and bringing it down across both of the attacker’s arms turning while doing so. There were several other tactics that, with a little practice, all the attendees were able to execute.

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However, if unable to get away, the another option available to the victim is to “fight dirty”. For two particular fighting dirty strategies, dummies Big Bob and Little Bob were recruited. Moved into place by Melissa Wittke and Chris Leigh, they prepared for a pummeling. Greer first demonstrated the cup-your-hand and hit the attacker’s ear with all your might strategy which he believes will stop a perpetrator in their tracks. The second move he demonstrated was bringing the heel of your hand up into the attacker’s nose which stuns, smarts and generally involves watery eyes and a bloody nose.

The workshop participants formed two lines and took turns slapping the two Bobs’ ears and driving the heels of their hands into their noses. They all found that. while the Bobs were immune to their beatings, both techniques hurt their own hands.

The final “fighting dirty” move involved sticking one’s fingers in a perpetrator’s eyes but this strategy was not tested.

Greer ended the workshop by emphasizing that the techniques demonstrated and subsequently copied by the participants were meant as a means of escape only – not as techniques for fighting. He also stressed the need to practice the techniques until they become second nature. It is not unusual for someone who’s taken the class to come back for a refresher.

Afterward, we had a chance to speak with a few participants.

Grace Finnegan and Liz Scherzinger, who were having so much fun practicing the moves, are neighbors and wine buddies who learned about the Self-Defense Workshop from a friend.

“Grace’s employee and my hairdresser Brooke attends Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi and she told us about the workshop and we thought we’d check it out, “Scherzinger said.

Finnegan decided they both be practicing the techniques on their pal Brooke or possibly on Scherzinger’s boyfriend.

Emma Alli, who came by herself but found a great partner in Lane Robinson, said her fiancée studies martial arts at Jing Ying Institute and recommended that she take the class. She would likely be practicing with him.

Like all of the attendees, Alli was pleased that the Self-Defense Workshop was benefitting The Bernie House, an organization that provides long-term transitional housing to a family made homeless by domestic violence.

Before leaving, we were reminded by Nancy Greer that the culmination of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration will take place from 2:30 to 4 pm this Saturday, February 24th with a free Open House at Jing Ying Institute complete with a performance of the Chinese Lion Dance at 3:30 and Kung Fu and tai chi demonstrations. There will be “Year of the Dragon” crafts, foods and traditions of the Chinese New Year, giveaways and prizes and more.  For information, see Chinese New Year (jingying.org)

The 4th Annual Bernie House Mardi Gras Ball takes place this Saturday

This year’s Bernie House Mardi Gras Ball fundraiser is being held this Saturday, February 24th at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel. There will be a full open bar, Cajun style food, face painting, tarot card readings and music that will get you on the dance floor.

The Bernie House provides safe shelter and support to families who become homeless due to domestic violence.

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

With rehearsal for Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s upcoming musical “The Secret Garden” underway Sunday afternoon, there was continual motion in the sanctuary. Directed by David Merrill, the singers, dancers and actors transitioned from scene to scene fairly smoothly. However, scenes involving choreography generally required additional run-throughs.

Merrill, who is Woods Church’s Music and Art Director, chose “The Secret Garden” as this year’s musical production. His wife Elysia, the show’s choreographer and assistant director, filled us in on why the show was chosen and spoke about the complicated business of producing the musical in the open setting of the sanctuary. There is no “backstage” to speak of. Just a narrow vestry with stairs leading up to a small balcony.

“Having staged ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ last year, we were trying to think of what show would be appropriate for this space,” Elysia said. “We’d basically come to the end of our biblically-based productions and were out of ideas when David remembered “The Secret Garden”, a favorite musical of his family. We listened to the score and realized the show was perfect for this space. The music is classic in nature and the themes are very familial – about togetherness and longing and finding your place in the world after tragedy.”

“The Secret Garden” musical is based on a 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It premiered on Broadway in 1991 with script and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon.

Woods Church’s production of the beloved show will be presented over two weekends – from March 8-10 and March 15-17 – and has a cast of 55 with an additional 23 people working behind the scenes.

The main character, Mary Lennox, an orphan whose parents died while the family lived in India, will be played by 11-year-old Grace Gavin. David Merrill is making a rare appearance as an actor in the role of Mary’s reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven. Mary’s friend Dickon will be played by Mathew Walter. Scenes between Mary and the mystical Dickon, who has a healing nature and a green thumb, recur throughout the musical.

Archibald’s son Colin, believed to be crippled, is being played by a young girl, Tabitha Popernak. Woods Church was able to borrow the vintage wheelchair used in the production from The Children’s Theater of Annapolis.

There is more choreography in this production than one might normally see. Musical interludes and dances have been designed to create the illusion of “spirits” and to keep the show moving along since there are no blackouts.

Restless, the spirits appear as a storm begins causing the characters to abandon the garden and seek shelter.

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Casting for “The Secret Garden” was not limited to congregation members but open to actors from the across the community. Because of the vast amount of talent the production attracted; the number of cast members was expanded.

In order to represent animals in the show (as in the original novel) puppetry was added to the dance segments. Puppet-master Trishelle Weed came to Woods Church and hand-built puppets representing a crow, a fox, a butterfly, a robin and others used during the musical sequences to keep up the fantasy. Further magic is created through innovative lighting.

Fortunately, the dance and storm sequences and Secret Garden scenes chosen for Sunday’s rehearsal ran smoothly and were completed in timely fashion. But then the focus shifted to the necessity of changing the set between scenes.

The group of actors-turned-stagehands assigned to this task had no backstage in which to store their props. Thus arose the need for them to appear in costume in the role of house attendants including maids, butlers or the healthcare team while manhandling props from the back of the sanctuary and up the aisles to the altar area.

At the first trill of the lively soundtrack, seven members of the team began shifting the scene away from the secret garden by emptying the stage and bringing panels and props forward to represent a bedroom.

A small audience of parents and helpers watching the rehearsal were surprised and delighted to spot retired Severna Park High School Drama Department head/Rock ‘N Roll Revival director Angela Germanos among the actors staying in character as healthcare workers while making Colin’s bed. It’s great to find Germanos still involved in local theatrical productions.

At long last, the lights dimmed and young Colin, (i.e. Tabitha Popernack) arrived on the scene in his wheelchair with an attendant played by Tabitha’s mother Angela. (Tabitha and Angela have been practicing at home every night the realistic transfer of the ailing Colin from wheelchair to bed.)

The set changeovers were rehearsed again in their entirety to the same music and were achieved more confidently.

While set change practice continued, impromptu costume fittings were going on at the back of the sanctuary. With 55 cast members to dress, fittings have been taking place whenever the cast members get together.

The set change completed, David Merrill appeared at Colin’s bedside and performed a moving solo as his son slept, bidding him an emotional goodbye before leaving for Paris. His performance drew tremendous applause from those watching.

Filled with song and dance, “The Secret Garden” will be performed from 7:30 to 9:30 pm on March 8, 9 and 10 and again on March 15, 16, and 17. Tickets are $15 and may be ordered online at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org). Just scroll down to The Secret Garden.

Jing Ying Institute’s Self-Defense Workshop for Teen Girls & women this Sunday

A reminder that Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi is offering an excellent Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teen Girls this Sunday, February 18 from 2 to 4 pm.

During the Chinese Lunar New Year, the institute is offering the self-defense workshop at a reduced price as a service to the local community. Owner Nancy Greer tells us 100% of the proceeds will go to The Bernie House, an organization that provides long-term transitional housing to a family made homeless by domestic violence.

The cost is $25 and you may register for the workshop by visiting Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).

Applications for AAUW Scholarships now available

We just received news from Catherine Crowley of the American Association of University Women of Anne Arundel County that applications for the organization’s Women to Women scholarships are now available.  The AAUW is always trying to find ways to reach women in the county who might not be currently in school but are ready to go back to improve their skills and education.  These awards are not just for young women just out of high school but also for older women who had to put their education on hold.   The scholarships are funded by proceeds from AAUW’s annual book sale.

The American Association of University Women gives out $10,000 or more each year in scholarship awards to Anne Arundel County women who are pursuing higher education at 2yr/4yr colleges or trade schools.  The purpose of the Women to Women awards is to improve the access for county women to careers through education and training.   Applications are due by March 22nd and interviews will take place in April.  The application can be downloaded at http://annearundelacounty-md.aauw.net/scholarships .

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

For decades, the all-volunteer Magothy River Association has been battling the environmentally harmful effects of development at locations critical to the health of the river. Since 2019, MRA has focused its efforts on two locations – Mt. Misery and Cattail Creek. These ongoing battles are by no means MRA’s first. In fact, according to president Paul Spadaro, they are the very reason for the organization’s existence.

We’d bumped into Spadaro and MRA volunteer Lise Crafton, who’d come from a meeting, at The Big Bean and he revealed how the association was born.

“Right after the Second World War in 1946, the Navy got the idea that they wanted to build a naval air station on Cape St. Claire. For a seaplane base, it seemed like an ideal spot with the Naval Academy nearby…but the residents didn’t want to hear that,” said Spadaro. “So, the residents organized, took on the government and prevailed. That organization became the Magothy River Association.”

He added that, from the outset, MRA has been a traditional all-volunteer organization. During the 30 years he’s been involved, he’s made it a priority to seek out volunteers who are professionals.

“We usually follow the directions in which our volunteers lead us,” he said. “For a while, we had a very strong diving program. It was so impressive that we partnered with and received funding from the World Bank for a joint diving project in Africa. Our initiatives are primarily science-based, requiring a lot of effort on our volunteers’ part. It’s not just fun.”

The Magothy River Association has a long history of opposing and preventing commercial interests that threatened the watershed. The volunteers managed to defeat plans for several major marinas to be constructed along the river – among them, a 200-slip marina that was planned off Dobbins Island and a 300-slip marina off Mago Vista.

MRA also banded together with the Berrywood community, the Anne Arundel County County Watershed Stewards, the Bay Wise Master Gardeners and others to complete the Cattail Creek Stream Restoration & Living Shoreline Project.

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Master Watershed Steward and Berrywood Restoration Project Leader Molly LaChapelle’s dream of restoring Cattail Creek was realized on Earth Day, April 22, 2019, after six years of hard work and persistence. Spread out along the banks of the creek, over 130 volunteers worked side by side to plant 1,000 trees, shrubs and plants – the last step in a three-stage construction effort by Annapolis-based Underwood & Associates beginning with the creation of a regenerative stream channel that required raising the stream bed to increase flood plain connectivity and creating multiple weirs to slow down stream flow and reduce erosion.

Since the restoration’s completion, MRA has taken action to prevent encroachment from developers. They were able to persuade one developer to abandon the Marsh Landing project but now they are fighting a large enclave subdivision that stretches from behind the Brian Boru restaurant to behind Joe’s Seafood. It has been a struggle because political pressure and big money are involved, and the association will likely be going to court.

As for Mt. Misery, a peak which overlooks Round Bay and is designated a Critical Area, they are still fighting a developer, along with others, but currently losing the battle as the developer is suing Anne Arundel County and has begun building on the property. (With dirt and trees being removed for a driveway, MRA is concerned the hill will be destabilized causing mudslides and other environmental damage.)

Mt. Misery is historically significant in that it was the sight of a Union fortification during the Civil War. The fort was later used as a camp for local Boy Scout Troops. In fact, the Magothy River Association has made an excellent Youtube video (one of several award-winning MRA videos) about the history of the Union encampment spearheaded by volunteer Charles Germain.

For the last ten years, Spadaro has made it his personal goal to circumnavigate the Magothy from end to end. The annual sojourn provides him a good barometer, from year to year, of what is changing in the river.

He now knows every inch of it. He checks on the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) growth so important to the health of the river and monitors the water quality. He also looks for places where erosion is occurring or places that have been hardened with rock (known as rip rap) in bulkheads along the shoreline. Meant to replace wooden bulkheads, the rock bulkheads create thermal pollution by absorbing and holding heat. The heat thus created cooks the algae that washes in, causing the river to become murky.

MRA volunteer Lise Crafton, who works with MRA’s SAV and water monitoring programs, explained that some of the aquatic grasses that would normally germinate in areas filled with rock are no longer able to do so because the waters are too hot.

The MRA is part of the MD DNR’s Chesapeake Bay SAV Workgroup. Every summer, MRA volunteers kayak to different parts of the Magothy looking for SAV’s and use a laminated guide to underwater grasses found in Chesapeake Bay tributaries to identify what they’ve found. The DNR provides training for this effort, but the differences in the plants are sometimes subtle, hence the “cheat sheet”.

The Magothy River Association was one of the first watershed organizations to create a water monitoring program and to compile the results for an annual State of the Magothy Report. Crafton’s husband Jim is a member of one of MRA’s water quality monitoring teams. The team measures critical attributes at 9 points on the north shore every 2 weeks from April through October. Additional teams cover other north shore, south shore and mainstem sites. 

The Craftons became MRA members 15 years ago after moving to a Severna Park property that had been in Jim’s family since the 1920’s. Jim recalls skeining soft crabs off the clear waters of the Magothy as a kid and getting a boat propeller stuck in the underwater grasses.

One of the most exciting times of the year for the association’s members is about to happen. Every year MRA monitors the yellow perch spawn which takes place when the water temperature reaches 50 degrees.

In the 1970’s MRA observed that the yellow perch population had decreased. The association was able to use its history of monitoring and its longstanding partnership with Anne Arundel Community College as leverage to begin stocking some yellow perch.

“In the 80’s, we collaborated with AACC on a yellow perch project where we were taking water from the Magothy over to the Eastern Shore where we collected their egg sacks. We then spawned the eggs we collected in that Magothy water in the Magothy River because the yellow perch is one of those salmon type fish that go back to the waters in which they were born. We did this for a number of years and many of the perch you see in the river today are direct descendants of that project.

We’ve been very fortunate that we have on the Western Shore a “yellow perch corridor” now between Catherine Avenue and Lake Waterford. Every year Lise and I are busy documenting the spawn and counting the egg sacks and seeing the thousands that swim up in the stream no wider than the front window of The Big Bean. It’s very exciting.

Lise agreed that the spawn is amazing to witness.

We barely have space to scratch the surface of all that the Magothy River Association is doing. However, they have been building a relatively large oyster reef off Dobbins Island and have started a program, in partnership with McGuire Marine and students from Broadneck High School, to make concrete reef balls for it.

Crafton likes to emphasize MRA’s efforts to attract, educate and engage youth to become involved with the river and the Magothy watershed in general. Each year the MRA provides two scholarships to Environmental Studies students attending Anne Arundel Community College.

She also supplied the link below for information on AACC’s Youth Summit coming up this Saturday, February 10, at the college.

https://www.aayeas.org/

“Since we ‘mature’ environmentally engaged folks won’t be around forever, events like this will help engage and excite the next generation, which is absolutely essential if we are to save the Magothy for future generations,” said Crafton.

You can follow the activities of the Magothy River Association by visiting Home – Magothy River Association or at Facebook.

Jing Ying Institute students celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year

The Chinese New Year of the Dragon begins Saturday, February 10 and, for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, that day marks the beginning of two weeks’ worth of celebrations ranging from performances of the Chinese Lion Dance to Chinese calligraphy classes, a Self-Defense Workshop, Valentine’s Day Partners Tai Chi classes and a special Tea Tasting. The culmination of the celebration will take place from 2:30 to 4 pm on February 24th with a free Lunar New Year Open House at Jing Ying Institute at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard.

If you haven’t attended one of Jing Ying’s Lunar New Year celebrations before, they are very colorful and fun. This particular open house will feature traditional treats as well as the Chinese Lion Dance and Kung Fu and tai chi demonstrations. There will be “Year of the Dragon” crafts, traditions of the Chinese New Year, giveaways and prizes and more. You are welcome to bring friends & family of all ages to enjoy the fun. Registration is not required; but if you register, you will be entered into a contest. To see a full schedule of all the Lunar New Year events, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.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

Since the pandemic, possibilities for Valentine’s Day have been more limited than usual. But this year, a wider array of gifts and activities to make the heart grow fonder is available.

And it’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Valentine’s Day in Olde Severna Park. From the sign on the sidewalk in front to the pillows on the love seat at Peaceful Petals flower shop, the traditional hearts associated with the holiday can be seen.

Bedecked with red ribbons, a gift basket on the counter contained packages of red and white Valentine Dark Chocolate Nonpareils, Red Striped Yogurt Sandwich Cookies, Red Australian Licorice, Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Raisin Cookie Mix and Spicy Hot Chocolate Mix.

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BD Provisions’ manager Cornelia Wikar, said the store is selling customers a lot of the Valentine “Conversation Hearts” kids are so fond of followed closely by sales of the red, white and pink Valentine M&M’s. She also noted that there is a whole shelf of gift baskets featuring items chosen to complement teas, wines, cocktails, and pastas along with heart stamped gift bags and Valentine cards from Cute Roots made from paper that contains flower seeds.

“You can plant the card in a flowerpot or your garden and flowers will grow from it,” Wikar said.

At the same time we heard about BD Provisions’ gift baskets, we learned that Park Tavern in Park Plaza was honoring its years-long tradition of creating Valentine’s Day inspired cocktails.

This year, there are five creatively named cocktails including Rose’-based “A Dozen Roses” (shown here), Margarita-based “Dove Love Paloma”, raspberry/rum-based “Swipe Right”, Espresso-based “My Love” and Strawberry Margarita-based “Cupid’s Mule”.

206 Restaurant Group managing partner, Greg Keating said Park Tavern will be having a Valentine’s Day menu starting on February 9th, the Friday prior to Valentine’s Day. The menu is yet to be announced.

An invitation from realtor Theresa Kurtz to a Pajama Party benefit for Chrysalis House held at a la mode intimates on Solomons Island Road in Annapolis inspired us to think of the boutique in connection with Valentine’s Day. Conceived by Kurtz, the 2nd Annual Pajama Party took place in late January and was a great success. The price of admission to the event was a gift of pajamas, socks, camis or other night apparel for women struggling with substance abuse and living at Chrysalis House. A poignant line from the invitation read “These ladies are often overlooked on Valentine’s Day and your gift will brighten someone’s day.”

With complimentary bra fittings by a la mode intimates, refreshments from Kurtz, a Wine Tasting from The Wine Concierge, and a chance to browse through the shop’s beautiful lingerie, the party was a hit.

After the party, realtor Kerry Foley , Kurtz , a la mode staff members, and Leslie Frelow, owner of The Wine Concierge posed for a photo together.

A little bird told us that a la mode intimates had assembled a glorious selection of lingerie perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts.

We stopped by the shop, which is celebrating its 20th year in business, to see for ourselves. Sure enough, the store window was beautifully decorated with strings of hearts and there were chemises, slips, baby dolls, camisoles and more in Valentine’s Day red and sultry black.

We spoke with Rebecca Ulrich-Dodson, one of a la mode intimates’ co-owners along with founder Patti Platt. Dodson clued us in to the fact that it’s not just young gentlemen but gentlemen of all ages who come in to shop for Valentine’s Day gifts.

“What we find is, because we specialize in bras and bra fittings, our clients know what they like and they know what fits and we keep track of it. If they happen to have someone special in their lives, they recommend our shop to that person,” she said. “We can make personalized suggestions for gifts for a client based on what we know – what her sizes are and what her preferences are so we can make sure she gets exactly what she likes and will enjoy wearing.”

Valentine’s Day events are finally happening too. In late January, the City of Annapolis Recreation & Parks Department announced that tickets were available for a Sweetheart Dance in honor of Valentine’s Day for families that will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center, 273 Hilltop Lane in Annapolis. There will be dancing and Valentine treats. Each family will receive a special keepsake photograph. Tickets are $20 per person and attire is semi-formal. Reservations are required. For information visit Annapolis, MD | Official Website or call (410) 263-7958.

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is hosting two free events. The first, being held at the Institute at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard on February 13th from 7:15 to 8 pm, is a free Valentine’s Day Pushing With Partners “push hands” tai chi class taught by master teacher Billy Greer. Participants will also be treated to some special chocolates.

The second is a free Valentine’s Day Tai Chi Class being held at the Severna Park Community Center on February 14th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The class will also be conducted by instructor Billy Greer and will also feature a gift of delicious chocolates. For more information visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).

If you have a friend or significant other who is a plant lover, you’ll want to head to the Valentine’s Day Pottery & Plant Sale on Saturday, February 10 from 10 am till 2 pm at Providence Pottery & Arts Studio, 40 Church Road in Arnold. The studio will have a variety of Valentines Gifts, Handmade Pottery and Planters, Houseplants, Succulents, Herbs, Cut Flowers, Hanging Baskets and more. For information, visit Valentines Day Plant & Pottery Sale | Providence of Maryland.

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.