Month: May 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

It was wonderful to see chocolatier Jessica Zaleskiwicz behind the candy counter at her new shop Hon Style Sweets during its Grand Opening on May 24th. True to expectations, she and her business partner Shannon Speakman were wearing hon style fashions and hairdos complete with cute aprons.

From July of 2015 through December of 2019 Zaleskiwicz’ flair for retro decor and fashion was on display at Coco Couture in Severna Park, the independent family business for which she created unique and delicious chocolates while her mother Laura Zeitz handled the books.

From first glance when approaching the shop at 2608 Mountain Road in Pasadena, one can see that Hon Style Sweets has taken the chocolatier’s retro sensibility a step further. As per the sign on the door, the owners are also emphasizing products with a Maryland connection like Zaleskiwicz’ signature creation – her chocolate Old Bay crabs”.

Reflecting on the fact that a “chocolate shop” is kind of a retro idea in the first place, we asked what prompted Jessica and Shannon, along with partner Diane Speakman, to open Hon Style Sweets. Their reasons were similar.

When Zaleskiwicz bid goodbye to Coco Couture at the end of 2019 prior to its closing due to partnership concerns, she revealed that she still made chocolate occasionally but was working fulltime while completing her bachelor’s degree in business management. Her degree a fait accompli by 2021, she continued working.

Both partners affirmed that their main reason for wanting to open Hon Style Sweets was work related. Speakman said she’d tired of office work after 20 odd years. She loved the idea of interacting with customers as a retailer with a wonderful product to sell.

Zaleskiwicz said she hoped to get back to doing the thing she’s most passionate about. She elaborated further.

“Shannon and I are both into retro style. I grew up in Baltimore and we wanted something to be really Maryland. Shannon came up with Hon Style Sweets which captures both ideas,” she said.

“For now, I’m keeping my job but dedicating my weekends to Hon Style Sweets while Shannon runs the store during the week,” she added. “We’re both spending our extra time selling our products at community events,” she said.

We inquired of the partners why they chose to locate the shop in Pasadena and wondered whether it had anything to do with the rapidly rising cost of leasing commercial properties in Severna Park. Both indicated that the higher rents for those locations were definitely a factor as they have a budget… and they’d observed that the Pasadena community is really good about supporting small businesses. Interestingly, the new chocolate shop seems to be attracting some of the same customers that shopped at the former Severna Park location.

As for Hon Style Sweets’ line of chocolates and fudge, samples set out along the counter for Grand Opening attendees went ever so fast.

On shelves below the counter, were containers of fudge in most of the flavors appearing on the product list to the left. Behind the counter, in the kitchen area, boxes of fudge were already prepared and stacked high in preparation for selling at community events including this weekend’s Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival (see below) and the upcoming Downs Park Family Day.

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We found the Crabby Caramel with Old Bay delectable and enjoyed the Strawberry Cheesecake fudge too. There was also Milk or Dark Chocolate Bark with Old Bay as well as dark or white chocolate covered Oreos topped with molded roses (or diplomas for graduation gifts).

Of course, we can’t forget Jessica’s signature creation, the one for which she is well-known – “chocolate Old Bay crabs” sold individually or by the count.

Opening Hon Style Sweets has been a many months long journey for Shannon, Diane, and Jessica. They’ve had their space on Mountain Road next to Lisa’s Deli for a year and did all the work renovating the building, bringing it up to code and decorating it themselves. They’re so happy to finally have people see it, especially the many people that helped and supported them.

Once settled in, they’ll be adding new chocolate, fudge and Maryland-related products to their line and will add to the already busy schedule of community events they attend throughout Anne Arundel and neighboring counties.

Hon Style Sweets is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 am – 5 pm and Thursday and Friday from 11 am – 7 pm. Weekend hours are based on event participation and holidays so follow the shop’s schedule at Hon Style Sweets or on Facebook.

Is Strawberry Season Over?

We were sad when viewing a note from Marge and Bob Chase on the Chase’s Produce Facebook page that “Pick Your Own Strawberries” month had come to an end early on May 21. Every May, people come from all over Anne Arundel County and beyond to pick strawberries from patches on a Chase Farm hillside. This year’s crop was great but spoiled by off and on rains. In fact, pickers were advised to wear boots.

“We want to thank everyone who came out. But the rainy conditions have taken a toll on the berries,” Marge wrote. “Please come see us at the end of June when we open up for the summer produce season.

For farm fresh produce fresh from the field daily, check for the opening date at Facebook.

But the strawberries aren’t all gone. The biggest June event is the Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival taking place this Saturday, June 1 from 10 am to 6 pm. The annual event is free to the public though a few activities require the purchase of tickets for $1 apiece. (All proceeds benefit local charities and community groups.) Held on the beach, the festival has so many things to do. Visitors will find all sorts of crafters and vendors. They’ll be able to listen to great music from local bands and enjoy great food from local charities and vendors. At the clubhouse, they’ll be able to “dine on all things strawberries”. Activities for kids include Moon Bounces, an Obstacle Course, Pony Rides, Dunk Booths, and Sand Art. There will be Bike Demos to view, a K-9 Demo, a Martial Arts demo, and much more. In order to facilitate parking, there will even be a Berry Bus to take you where you want to go and back again. For more information, visit Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival – Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival (cscstrawberryfestival.com) or follow the festival at Facebook.

Strawberries are also still available at Langton Green Community Farm at 844 Generals Highway in Millersville with blackberries soon to follow. They are also harvesting Bok Choi, squash, garlic scapes, and lettuce. For information on which produce is available for sale visit Langton Green Community Farm | (langtongreenfarm.com) and click Subscribe for a Farm Fresh Newsletter or visit them at Facebook.

Baldwin Hall Re-Birthday Celebration on Sunday, June 9th

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus director Sally Burton, who is also a Trustee on the Severn Cross Roads Foundation which manages Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville, informed us about a Re-Birthday Celebration being held at the hall on Sunday, June 9th at 2 pm. The public is invited to a celebration of the 43rd anniversary of Baldwin Hall’s move to its current location and the unveiling a new sign that describes the wonderful history of the 1861 building.  Several local dignitaries are expected to attend. There will be a flag-raising by Scout Troops 804 and 192, music by the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus, exhibits of the history of Charles W. Baldwin Hall, tours of the 1840’s Cross Roads Schoolhouse and cupcakes for all.  

For more information, visit Home | baldwinhall.

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

Living between the Severn and Magothy Rivers, Severna Park residents enjoy both and know a great deal about them from a geographic, historical and environmental point of view. However, they’re not as familiar with Anne Arundel County’s southernmost waterways – the South River, West River and the Rhodes River.

Like the Severn and Magothy, the South, West and Rhodes rivers are tidal estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Our own interest in the trio of South County rivers was piqued in March when we visited the Arundel Rivers Federation booth at Annapolis Green’s “Green Drinks” event at Homestead Gardens.

ARF Communications Director Charlotte Graves and Community Outreach Assistant Lily Hariton had eye-catching displays and information at their table and did a good job explaining Arundel Rivers Federation’s mission.

Wanting to know more, we met Arundel Rivers Federation’s executive director Matthew Johnston for an interview at Pier 7 along the South River below Coconut Joe’s restaurant.

The scene was lively with small craft coming and going and the busy South River Bridge in the background. But, according to Johnston the waterway was likely much busier in the distant past. From the mid 1600’s, when settlers arrived in Anne Arundel County from the Virginia colony, through the 1700’s and into the 1800’s, traversing the rivers by boat served as the population’s main form of transportation and commerce.

“London Town, off the South River in Edgewater, Maryland, was an extremely busy port for about a century,” Johnston said. “Founded in 1683, it was also Anne Arundel County’s seat until 1694 when Annapolis became the county seat as well as Maryland’s capital. Annapolis won that privilege because it was a deep-water port while London Town’s relatively shallow waters couldn’t handle heavier craft.”

He added that London Town was a central transportation hub for the Chesapeake region. The sale of tobacco from the South County 100’s (land grants) was the primary source of trade. (Information on Historic London Town‘s website notes that trans-Atlantic tobacco ships would gather tobacco at London Town before sailing to England and Europe where the tobacco was traded for manufactured items, spices, and other goods.)

The smaller West and Rhode Rivers saw trade from tobacco and other crops but not on the same scale as London Town.

Shifting his attention to today, Johnston noted that the Arundel Rivers Federation was created on January 2, 2019, the result of consolidating the South River Federation and West Rhode Riverkeeper, Inc.

Previously, there was a South River and a West and Rhode Rivers riverkeeper. Today, Anne Arundel County native Elle Bassett is the Arundel Rivers Foundation Riverkeeper for all three rivers.

Johnston describes ARF’s mission as the protection, preservation, and restoration of the South, West, and Rhode Rivers by working with local communities to achieve clean, fishable, and swimmable waterways for present and future generations

He added that commercial and residential development of the watersheds around each of Anne Arundel County’s rivers is a real concern for the Arundel Rivers Federation. With a full-time professional staff of restoration, outreach, and grant experts, Arundel Rivers Federation often partners closely with professionals and volunteers of other local organizations including the Severn River Association, the Magothy River Association, and the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy to help deliver environmental restoration projects across Anne Arundel County.”

Johnston’s favorite ARF initiative at the moment is the Broad Creek Stream Restoration Project. Kevin Bacon and his foundation, SixDegrees.org, joined scouts to plant hundreds of native plants for the project where 3,700 feet of degraded stream is now reconnected to its historic floodplain.

The majority of efforts ARF is involved with revolve around Streams and Wetlands Restoration, Living Shorelines Restoration, Rain Gardens, Reforestation and Oyster Restoration.

With regard to oysters, Johnston reports that they exist and are healthy near the mouth of the South River where the water is deeper and cleaner. Elsewhere, in shallower waters in inlets and creeks that do not regularly flush out excess nutrients, it’s difficult for populations of oysters to survive. The Federation has created a reef of its own. In addition, nearly 60 families will grow oysters this season through ARF’s partnership with Marylanders Grow Oysters.

Having previously served as Anne Arundel County’s first Environmental Policy Director, Johnston led county and statewide efforts to pass new forest conservation and stormwater management laws to preserve our rivers. Thus, saving forested acreage and reforestation efforts are especially important goals for him. The topographical features of each of the rivers influence its health and challenges.

From its headwaters in Crofton, the South River enters the Chesapeake Bay south of the City of Annapolis. The drainage area of the South River watershed is 36,433 acres and supports approximately 66,000 residents. Roof tops and roads and other impervious surfaces comprise approximately 4,432 acres or 12%.  At present, 16,669 acres of forest, or 46% of the watershed remain.

In contrast, the drainage area of the West River watershed, located in the southeastern part of the county, is approximately 7,809 acres. It includes the communities of Galesville, Chalk Point, Cedarlea, Avalon Shores, and Shady Side with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center on its northeast border. Land covered with woods makes up the greatest portion of the West River watershed, approximately 44%. Other significant land use/land cover categories are row crop and residential.

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The even smaller Rhode River empties into the West River, which drains directly into the Chesapeake Bay. Forests comprise 54% of the watershed. Other significant land use/land cover categories are row crop and 2-acre residential.

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For Riverkeeper Bassett and Watershed Analyst Mallory Box, monitoring the health of 34 tidal sights twice a month for dissolved oxygen and clarity, PH, temperature and salinity is all important. Box spearheads water quality data management and analysis. Her data collection will expand this year to include nitrogen, phosphorus and algae.

Bassett patrols the local waterways, tracks down sources of pollution, responds to citizen complaints, attempts to identify problems that impact water quality, and advocates for new policies that protect the waterways.

Johnston and the Arundel Rivers Federation believe two primary problems need to be dealt with by the public. The first is excessive nitrogen pollution in stormwater runoff from fertilized turf plantings (lawns) and the second is runoff from septic systems.

To inform and educate South County citizens about measures they can take to limit pollution of our waterways, Outreach Coordinator Mairin Corasaniti and Community Outreach Assistant Lily Hariton are spreading the word. Both are participating in Arundel Rivers and YMCA Camp Letts’ partnership to provide children hands-on environmental science sessions as part of the camp’s day program during its 10-week summer season. The program is made possible by a generous donation from The Brick Companies and a grant from The Chesapeake Bay Trust.

For more information about the work being done by the Arundel Rivers Federation, visit Homepage – Arundel Rivers Federation.

Chamber’s TGIF Cookout being hosted by Kinder Farms Park on May 31st

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce announced that its TGIF Cookout will be hosted by Kinder Farm Park on Friday, May 31 from noon till 2 pm. There will be fun for all with tours, hayrides, animals and more. Register at https://www.gspacc.com/.

Orphan Grain Train completes shipment to Appalachia

Millersville-based Orphan Grain Train had lots of good news to report this Spring. On April 18th, the volunteer organization loaded a 53- foot container headed for the Christian Appalachian Project in Paintsville, Kentucky. The shipment contained 22,600 lbs. of clothing, blankets, shoes, coats, hygiene items, medical bed frames and mattresses, medical mobility equipment, and three hospital infant warmers. Included in the load were 17 beautiful hand-crafted quilts from Ladies Ministries at Heritage Community Church in Severn, Maryland.

Closer to home, in early May Orphan Grain Train delivered eleven 7 ft. slate-topped science tables to Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS), K-12.  AACS plans to incorporate these specialized tables into their STEM program and renovation over the summer. The science tables were acquired from a High School in Indianapolis through IRN – The Reuse Network.

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

Following the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s blustery, less than optimal, SHOPTOBERFEST last October, the organization decided to move their Spring Shop Local Fun Festival back to the more conveniently located Park Plaza.

We’d heard that some local businesses were feeling the effects of inflation, so it was reassuring to see several dozen vendor tents as we drove into Park Plaza.

Entering the event, we found Chamber CEO Liz League telling Higgins & Friends Pet Sitting owner Jill Weissenbach that she breathed a sigh of relief when she woke up to find the previous evening’s heavy rains had stopped and the skies were clear.

“My prayers were answered. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day,” she told Weissenbach. “The temperatures are great and there’s even a nice breeze.”

As planned, the 2024 Spring Shop Local Festival had something to please everyone. There was plenty of fun for kids with games offered by SPAN, Inc.’s Michelle Sabean (as seen in the opening photo) and Mardy Williams and Peggy Wolfe from Trinity Bible Church. There were additional games and toys at the side-by-side tents of the Play Street Museum and Franklin’s Toys.

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As always, pets were welcome visitors at the Shop Local Fun Festival. While not exactly delighted with the current state of affairs this pup was only too happy to wander among the dog friendly booths.

Luckily, the Pup Camp booth had a slew of Puppylicious Gourmet Treats that were yummy.

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Then there were dog biscuits at Higgins & Friends and Pupsicles at Fieldstone Animal Inn and more dog biscuits at Ally 4 Pets.

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Festivalgoers could also shop till they dropped. In addition to stopping at Kathy Walker’s Swarowski Touchstone Crystal jewelry table, shoppers flocked to the booth shared by Naturally In Knots and 120 Wellness which featured colorful clothing, candles, gifts, and herbs as well as homeopathic remedies.

They also beat a path to Danielle Bowen’s Blended Essentials booth where there was a rush on jewelry, candles, soaps and delightfully fragrant bath products.

“It’s been so busy here with people looking for gifts for Mother’s Day that there’s so little left,” Bowen said. “We sold out of all of our bath bombs.”

Gifts for Mother’s Day, upcoming graduations and weddings and every other occasion were the stars of Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery that spread the length of several tables. Artwork by local artists, jewelry and crafts by local artisans, and charming floral arrangements of lavender and herbs graced the tables.

We found Side Street’s owner Dawn Wilson deep in conversation with Larry Sells of Larry Sells Consulting. The two were lamenting the recent departure from Park Plaza of 32-year anchor business Ledo Pizza which was unable to negotiate a new lease and relocated to 342 Ritchie Highway.

“It’s so sad to see the former Ledo’s empty,” Sells said. “We held a lot of events there and it was a great family place too. Sullivan’s Cove, the next storefront over, is gone too.”

Such is the high cost of doing business in the heart of Severna Park these days. Figuring that no one has his finger on the pulse of the business community better than Park Hardware owner Rick Miller, we stopped by his tent for a chat. We found him behind the Park Hardware car for the occasion, a 2024Tesla Cybertruck that was drawing a lot of attention.

Miller was enjoying a dose of satisfaction because Park Hardware’s first Native Plant Sale the previous day was a tremendous success and brought a number of new customers into the store. Having taken over ownership of the former Clement Hardware a little over a year ago, he notes that people are still getting acquainted with Park Hardware. The sight of a tent full of reasonably priced native plants on the parking lot definitely created interest.

“We didn’t have as great a winter as we’d have liked. The fact that folks are really watching their budgets has probably been a factor,” Miller said. “But business is really starting to pick up again with more and more customers coming in.”

Brand new to the Shop Local events, the All the Buzz Native & Pollinator Gardens tent was quite a hit with the crowd. Owner Erin was “giving away” Blue Eyed Grass pollinator plants that produce lovely blue flowers when in bloom and draw bees. She was also selling transplants of more specialized native and pollinator species like Mountain Mint and Coneflowers.

With the Primary Elections just three days away on May 14th, several political organizations and candidates had booths.

Clad in red and blue to match the patriotically decorated Severna Park Republican Womens Club tent, Amy Leahy greeted many festivalgoers throughout the day and urged them to come out and vote in the primary.

We also happened along just as LaToya Nkongolo, who was running in the Republican Primary for the Board of Education – District 5, took a break from her tent to visit the neighboring tent of Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services’ owners Winsome Brown and Danielle Morgan Brown. (We extend our congratulations to Nkongolo who won her primary.)

Sisters Winsome and Dee were spreading the word about the Caregiver Retreat their business is holding for caregivers or care partners this Saturday, May 18 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm at Harundale Presbyterian Church. (See announcement below for details.)

One of the Spring Shop Local Fun Festival sponsors, Maryland State Delegate Heather Bagnall spent a few moments talking with her friend Mary Ann Jung who is well-known as historic reenactor whose most famous roles are those of Queen Elizabeth l and Queen Anne Boleyn and, more recently, —– and Julia Child.

This year’s Shop Local Fun Festival featured music and entertainment including a demonstration from Kwon’s Tae Kwon Do students. As with other festival sponsors, Kwon’s logo flashed from the mobile advertising screen just as the student’s performance began.

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A sponsor as well, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi had an elaborate booth but chose not to do a demonstration this year. That meant owners Nancy and Billy Greer had time to spend greeting people at the booth and hanging out with friends.

Two businesses associated with self-defense took part in this year’s Shop Local event. The first, In My Defense, was new. The second, Kogen DoJo Self Defense Academy, with locations in Severna Park and Annapolis, has been a Shop Local event participant for some time.

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We give a nod to one more organization that is looking for a home in Severna Park. According to Severna Park Museum volunteers Mary Vogelsang and Sharon Wood, the organization has been looking for a place in which to highlight the town’s history through their collections but building rents are quite high making their quest a difficult one.

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s next event is a cocktail reception being held at Garten on May 23rd recognizing the community’s Small Business Awards winners and nominees. For updates, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com).

Filling The Caregiver’s Cup with a Caregivers Retreat

Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services is hosting a Caregivers Retreat this Saturday, May 18th at Harundale Presbyterian Church, 1020 East Way in Glen Burnie from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. The Retreat is supported by sponsors Chessie Senior Movers, Inspirations, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Spring Arbor Senior Living and OutLook byThe Bay. It is designed to provide information and activities for Caregivers or Care Partners that restore and replenish the mind body and spirit of those caring for a loved one, spouse, sibling or parent. The cost is $10 per person. For information, call 410-541-6246.

Hon Style Sweets is bringing Jessica Zaleskiwicz’s fudge and chocolate back

Those who remember Coco Couture will be delighted to hear that chocolatier Jessica Zaleskiwicz will be opening a new shop she is calling Hon Style Sweets in Pasadena with a grand reopening scheduled for May 24 and May 25. Located at 2608 Mountain Road, Suite 1 by Lisa’s Deli, the shop will be carrying Zaleskiwicz’s fudge and chocolate. No doubt Hon Style Sweets will have a touch of her own unique style.

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

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Katherine Grote is “mobile” and frequently on the move between her Annapolis-based medical practice Integrative Family NP, LLC and patients in their homes. We caught up with her on Annapolis Street at the Bean Rush Cafe where she was checking for emails from her patients.

We’d met Grote before at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s Women In Business Winetasting at Cheers & Spirits last December. From the moment she was introduced and described the medical practice she owns as “one that makes house calls”, we were all overwhelmed with curiosity.

She’d briefly explained then that she is a Registered Nurse Practitioner who treats patients virtually online, in her office at Wellsview Cottage, or in their homes.

During a recent chat with Grote at Bean Rush Cafe, we had time to delve more deeply into what a Nurse Practitioner is and does. She began by explaining the many steps she had to complete to become an NP.

“To be a Nurse Practitioner, you first need to be a Registered Nurse. That requires that you have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing which takes four years of education,” Grote said. “The next step is getting your Master of Science Degree in Nursing. Most schools for getting your MSN require that you have at least 1,000 hours of clinical time or work experience before you’re eligible to apply.”

She said there are degrees for many kinds of nurse practitioner specialties ranging from Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, and Acute Care Nurse to Integrative Family Nurse Practitioner which is what she is.

After getting her Master of Science in Nursing degree in Family Practice, Grote went on to additional training to acquire her Holistic Integrative Specialist certification so she could marry traditional Western medicine with alternative medicine.

Thus, like most Nurse Practitioners, she has had 11 years of schooling with a heavy emphasis on clinical experience. (In contrast, family practice doctors generally spend four years working for their Bachelor’s degree and four years of medical school, plus a residency or fellowship for a similar total of about 11 years of schooling.)

Once finished with schooling, Nurse Practitioners must sit for one of two boards. Grote sat for and passed the American Association of Nurse Practitioners board becoming nationally certified. She next applied to be licensed by the State of Maryland. Lastly, she applied to the state’s Board of Nursing for CBF and DEA Prescribing licenses (the latter for controlled substances) and a National Provider Identifying number.

Like doctors, who are similarly licensed, Nurse Practitioners are fully qualified to issue prescriptions. Their lengthy, high level of training and experience compare favorably with or occasionally surpass that of doctors. Thus, Nurse Practitioners have become an extremely important part of the medical profession across the nation – especially in rural areas.

With a family practice like the one Grote established, Nurse Practitioners treat patients from all age groups – from pediatrics to geriatrics. They treat patients for a range of health problems and generally offer more affordable health care.

“Surprisingly, when I ask my patients why they prefer being seen by an NP, they frequently answer “because nurses listen to them while doctors are inclined not to”.

Far from being a “pill pusher”, Grote is holistic in her approach preferring to combine Eastern and Western medicine and to treat the whole patient instead of treating a single symptom. She loves having her own integrative family practice that is designed to treat children and adults with flexible visit options and reasonable costs.

Patients can arrange to be seen by her through telemedicine virtual appointments, in her office at Wellsview Cottage in Annapolis or through home visits. Costs are straightforward with telemedicine and/or office visits $30 for a visit under 15 minutes, $50 for a 15-29 minute visit and graduated fees for longer visits. Home visits cost an additional $100 due to travel time and expenses. Her practice does not accept health insurance but does provide a detailed billing so patients may submit it for possible reimbursement.

Grote schedules office visits on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Wellsview Cottage which she chose because of its friendly, homey atmosphere and the fact that the facility is host to several complimentary practices ranging from Foods and Nutritional Therapy and Herbal Medicine to Acupuncture, Massage Therapy and Yoga. As the name Integrative Family NP, LLC implies, her practice considers the overall health of her patients in providing well thought out treatment plans.

Integrative Family NP, LLC is part of a growing trend. According to a study in Nurse Journal, the fastest- growing career in the U.S. is that of Nurse Practitioner.  NP jobs are projected to grow 45% over the next decade. Considering the state of the U.S. economy and soaring medical costs, it’s good that Nurse Practitioners are helping lower healthcare costs by filling the primary care physician shortage gap and improving healthcare accessibility.

Independent family practices like Grote’s are an increasingly popular alternative for cost-conscious and low-income patients. Furthermore, the mere mention, during speaking engagements, that she makes house calls brings smiles to the faces of those listening to her. People old enough to remember when medical care was affordable and doctors made house calls are nostalgic about those days and wish they’d make a comeback. Younger folks say they find the idea of a Nurse Practitioner who makes house calls appealing since sitting in a doctor’s office is the last thing they want to do if they are sick.

People interested in making an appointment with Grote can reach her by email at Katherine.groteCRNP@outlook.com or by calling or texting 443-534-4793. She’s happy to set up a brief “Meet and Greet” by phone or in person at no cost.

Chamber’s Spring Shop Local Fun Festival rescheduled for this Saturday, May 11

Last week’s heavy rains forced the postponement of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s “Spring Shop Local Fun Festival” at Park Plaza to this Saturday, May 11 from 11 am to 3 pm. Chamber CEO Liz League and a host of local business owners are crossing their fingers while chanting “rain, rain stay away” till late in the day.

When we last checked, over 60 local businesses are expected to participate with exhibits. As always at the Shop Local Fun Festivals, there will be food, music and lots of fun for kids.

For updates, visit Facebook.

Hatton-Regester Green concert schedule announced

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails kicked off their season of free concerts in the gazebo at Hatton-Regester Green with the return of the popular Carribbean-influenced trio Guava Jelly on May 5.

There are three more concerts in the series beginning this Sunday, May 12 with a Mother’s Day concert featuring acoustic duo Josette & Bill. They’ll be performing popular tunes from across the decades.

On Sunday, May 19 Incidental Brass – a classical brass group will be playing a mix of show tunes and jazz with a patriotic number or two for good measure.

Lastly, on Sunday, May 26, Sparks and McCoy, a classic rock duo will appear to round out the spring series of concerts.

The concerts are brought to us through a grant from the Performing Arts through Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. All concerts held on Sundays between 4 pm and 6 pm and are weather dependent. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or chair. For information, call Dave Greene at 443-994-8074.

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

Located on the Broadneck Peninsula between the Severn and Magothy Rivers, the once rural community of Arnold, Maryland was, and is, a major hub of Anne Arundel County commerce. As is the case with most of the peninsula, few traces of Arnold’s rich history remain due to unchecked residential and commercial development.

Once a thriving cattle farm situated on a rolling acreage owned by the Mueller family, the barn seen below still exists and as seen in the opening photograph, has been restored as part of the Anne Arundel Community College campus on College Parkway.

In an effort to preserve a portion of the diminishing amount of acreage in and around their community, a group of 100 concerned citizens formed the Arnold Preservation Council. We met with past president and current board member Elizabeth Rosborg to learn what we could about the organization’s efforts to preserve Arnold’s open lands and the culture, traditions and flavor derived from them.

When asked to describe her community, Elizabeth Rosborg is fond of quoting the words of the late Alberta Stonetta, author of the book “Arnold Maryland and Neighbors on the Broadneck.” 

In the preface of her fascinating history, Ms. Stornetta noted:

Arnold is not a town, but it has a post office. Arnold has no city hall or mayor, but it has a fire house. Arnold has no town center, but there is a pharmacy, restaurant, liquor store, doctors’ offices and a MacDonald’s.

A lifelong Arnold resident, Rosborg continues to be astonished that thousands of people pass through the community on Ritchie Highway every day and never even know they have been there. Aside from a shopping center on the site of what was once a B&A Railroad stop called Arnold Station, there is no distinguishing landmark. Because of that fact, Arnold has seen mostly residential, rather than commercial, development and managed to hold on to a bit of the rural feel it was known for.

We met Rosborg behind the shopping center on the B&A Trail covering railroad tracks at the spot originally known as Arnold Station. While seated trailside at a picnic table in front of the 75-acre property she grew up on, Rosborg filled us in on what the Arnold Preservation Council is trying to do.

“My grandparents bought the property behind us that I live on in 1954. When I was younger, we used to take the tractor up the long drive to the original post office located on this corner. That was great because the post office was also a candy store,” she said. “The office of the traveling doctor was located on the same corner.”

According to Rosborg, Arnold has never been incorporated as a town, complicating some of the efforts of the Arnold Preservation Council. It does have its own zip code, 21012. Within the last few years, the community has become part of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce giving it some recognition.

The boundaries of Arnold within the zip code 21012 and are far ranging. The community is bordered by Severna Park to the northwest, Cape Saint Claire to the southeast, Annapolis to the southwest, and Lake Shore (in Pasadena) to the northeast. Arnold’s neighborhoods straddle Maryland Route 2 (Ritchie Highway) and College Parkway all the way to Bay Dale Drive.

Historically, there is evidence (at the community of Ulmsted and elsewhere) that the part of the Broadneck Peninsula that is now Arnold was hunting grounds for Susequenook and Algonquin Indians who found shelter along the rivers. The first area settlers were Puritans fleeing from religious persecution in Virginia who arrived in 1649 to establish a settlement they called Providence on land in or near Greenbury Point.

The earliest settlements that later comprised Arnold were located along the rivers and based on land grants. They included communities along the Severn River like Rugby Hall, Joyce, Winchester On The Severn and, along the Magothy, Shore Acres, Cape St. Claire and Podickory Point.

As is the case with neighboring Severna Park, few traces of Arnold’s interesting history remain but there are a handful to marvel over and, hopefully preserve. The home of John Arnold, the first Arnold to settle in the community in the early 1800’s still exists on Freshfields Lane off of Shore Acres Road.

John’s second son Thomas Hamilton Arnold, for whom Arnold is named, established a store on land inherited from his father he called The Depot. It no longer exists but was located approximately where Cheers & Spirits sits today in the shopping center. When the Baltimore & Annapolis Short Line Railroad came through his property in 1887, Thomas became station master at Arnold Station and the U.S. Post Office was operated from his store. According to Rosborg, though a development is planned near Thomas’ gravesite, it is one of the historic sites being preserved with access off the Broadneck Trail.

John Arnold’s eldest son, Elijah Redmond Arnold built a home at the intersection of Old County Road and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard with an attached smaller building he operated as Arnold’s Store. Records from the U.S. Postal Service indicate that a post office was established at the store in 1852. Renovated and modernized several times as a private home, the building still stands proud.

The 108-year-old Baltimore Annapolis Railroad Powerhouse building near the northern boundary of Arnold is now home to Ann Arundell Historical Society’s Shop at Jones Station.

Erected in 1907 as a midpoint electrical substation between Baltimore and Annapolis, it channeled 22,000 volts of current through three 300-kilowatt transformers to lower it to 6,600 volts and feed it directly to overhead lines. In 1933, the former powerhouse became an ice house for Miss Etta’s Store & Rustic Inn and later for the Wagon Wheels restaurant. Briefly the building housed the historic society’s headquarters before moving to the Benson Hammond House.

Nearby, the community of Rugby Hall still stands on its basic footprint. Within it is the beautiful property known as Wroxeter On Severn. The mansion was built in the early 1900’s by a gentleman named Edwin Pugh Baugh and named Uchllyn-on-Severn. A little over a decade after Baugh’s death, the mansion was operated as a prestigious restaurant named Rugby Hall from 1935 to 1941. During World War II, the home was used as a USO hall. Six years later, it became Wroxeter School, a private co-ed prep school. The date 1947, when it became a school, can still be seen on the gates to the estate.

Today a private residence, the estate is still quite beautiful though not as isolated as it once was.

According to Rosborg, land in Rugby Hall has been purchased a forthcoming development called Wroxeter Estates. However, there is a memorandum of agreement between the developer and the Rugby Hall Homeowner’s Association to limit the development and preserve what is known as “the farm”. The agreement is legal, binding and has been filed with the State of Maryland.

We couldn’t neglect to mention what many people consider an Arnold treasure. Fishpaws MarketPlace has been a traditional stopping point for locals and travelers. A tavern and gas station in the 1930’s, the store was owned by the Fishpaw family from the late ’40’s through the 60’s. It changed hands a couple times before being purchased by Kim Lawson and her parents, Brad and Chris, in 1982. In 2004, the Lawsons tackled a major reconstruction becoming a marketplace that features deli and gourmet foods, and a selection of beer, wines and spirits. 

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There is quite a bit of history associated with Arnold. But it seems the speed with which change has occurred since Elizabeth Rosborg’s childhood – when there were plenty of wide-open spaces to roam – has accelerated. Each step forward – from the coming of the railroads and building of the major highways to the completion of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans – drew more people to the Broadneck Peninsula.

The Arnold Preservation Council is doing its best to slow or moderate changes related to overdevelopment and population density. At present, they are fighting a proposed Chic fil A to be built in an area along Ritchie Highway that already sees very heavy traffic flow. Having observed “traffic stacking” at the Chic-fil-A in Severna Park, the community is very concerned.

In addition to being a board member of the council, Rosborg is part of the Anne Arundel County Citizens Advisory Committee planning for what the county will look like in 2040. She notes that residential development continues to be intense and is a difficult challenge. The committee strives to update the antiquated county code meant to control development and save 30,000 acres by 2030.

The members further plan to target future development to areas that have sufficient infrastructure to support it. Roads and transportation are an exceptionally difficult problem across the Broadneck Peninsula.

“Route I-97 was built to relieve Route 2 but it hasn’t,” Rosborg says. “Now, they are planning to expand Route 2 Northbound and Route 50 to Route 10.”

Unfortunately, new roadways seem to be a magnet for new development which is why the Arnold Preservation Council is doing as much as it can to preserve undeveloped properties. The members work in conjunction with organizations like the Greater Severna Park Council, the Broadneck Council of Communities and Growth Action Network.

“We keep the information flowing between us, share tools and help each other out,” Rosborg said. “However, preserving land is an endeavor that takes a lot of time and money which is currently in short supply in both the State of Maryland and Anne Arundel County.

Rosborg and her brothers are doing what they can to help. They are going to preserve the family’s 75-acre waterfront parcel of land through a conservancy.

For information on the activities of the Arnold Preservation Council, visit Arnold Preservation Council | Home.

Raindrops held off for most of Good Neighbors Group Earth Day Festival

Coming from another event beneath overcast skies on Saturday, I crossed my fingers and kept driving hoping it wouldn’t rain before I arrived at the Good Neighbors Group Earth Day event. I pulled into the parking lot at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company just as a few rain drops began to fall. At first, the rain was light and attendees were still visiting the vendors’ booths.

GNG’s 2024 Earth Day Festival featured a plant sale for the first time. Providence Center Nurseries had a wonderful display of edible and ornamental plants and customers were still buying them in spite of the rain.

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Severna Park wedding and event florist Alex Waldorf from Romenta Plants was selling pretty and very popular bouquets of flowers. Once a TV producer who traveled the world for shows, Alex has a passion for flowers and gardening that was impossible to ignore. It’s clear that she loves what she’s doing.

Rain didn’t seem to be bothering Emily Brown’s bees at the Save The Bees display. The Save The Bees’ beehive never fails to draw the curious and Brown is good at informing the public about benefits of bees as pollinators and all about the process of extracting honey from the hive. Save The Bees’ honey, beeswax candles and other products sell well.

The critters at Millersville-based Echoes of Nature didn’t mind the rain either, in fact, the turtle rather liked it to say nothing of the snakes.

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As the rain grew a bit heavier, we noticed owner Nancy Greer and the team from Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi packing up and taking down their tent. (Actually, they were off to their third event of the day.)

Naturally, we stopped by the Good Neighbors Group tent where we found executive director Julie Shay talking with Wendy Pressian from Stiches Of Kindness. Both were smiling broadly, pleased that the Earth Day Festival was rain-free for most of the day and drew a nice crowd.

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.