Month: June 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

Part garden party with a tropical vibe, part wine-tasting with 75 vintages to sample with foods to complement them, and part fundraiser for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation, there is no event quite like Corks for a Cause. Sponsored and hosted by Homestead Gardens Severna Park and Fishpaws Marketplace with additional support from the philanthropic organization Next Gen, the event brings together products from some of the world’s finest vintners and foods from some of the area’s finest retailers and restaurants.

Now in its fifth year, we found the fundraiser off to a fine start with the parking lot filled to the brim and every space taken. Locating a space in a nearby lot, we entered the store and found Fishpaws’ owner Kim Lawson making sure things were running smoothly at the check-in area.

Once checked in, guests were given gift bags containing tasting glasses and other gift items put together by Next Generation. Obviously, a majority of the guests headed straight for the gardens to taste the wines and mingle with friends.

Down every long corridor of plants and flowers we’d find one or more of the wineries beneath a bright umbrella surrounded by “tasters” eager to sample a vintage or two.

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As always, Corks for a Cause was a fashionable affair with summery frocks, picture hats and colorful casualwear in evidence. Friends Christine Bennett, Brian and Meghan Wexler and Chirag Chaudhari were having “a great time” together.

Throughout Corks for a Cause, vocalist and steel drummer Orlando Phillips “musically brought the Carribean to the party” thanks to a generous entertainment sponsorship from Brad Kappel of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Annapolitan Brad and wife Barbara were delighted to be on hand for the fundraiser…especially since it was held in such a beautiful setting.

“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Barbara said as cameras clicked around them to record the occasion.

The couple stayed on, listening to some of Phillips’ tunes before moving on to explore other areas of the event.

Fresh from his own successful fundraiser at Severna Park Taphouse on June 15, Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event organizer Larry Sells fairly bubbled as he shared some good news with Severna Park Voice publisher Dianna Lancione.

“The music festival netted $50,000 and we are giving away every cent of it to The Katherine Mueller Fund for NET (Neuroendocrine Tumor) Research and three other charities including The Wellness House of Annapolis , a Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship at Anne Arundel Community College and a Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation fund to help cancer patients who can’t afford transportation, food or medications.

Sells added that further money will be raised on August 3 when Nashville recording artist Chad Bearden & Band will be appearing at the Severna Park Taphouse and will donate $5 from every ticket sold to the Katherine’s Light Foundation NET Research Fund.

Having explored vintages from about a dozen wineries ranging from J. Lohr Vineyards in Paso Robles, California to Treasury Wine Estates with vineyards in Australia and New Zealand, we headed back indoors to have our tastebuds tempted by chefs from some of the area’s finest restaurants and retailers.

Starting near the entrance, we found the staff from the Green Turtle Sports Bar in Gambrills readying servings of chips with Crab Dip.

Opposite them was a table from Severna Park’s Garten where owner Jeremy Hoffman and Chef De Cuisine Greg Anderson were serving Falafel with Hummus & Leoneh with pickled cucumber.

Nearby, The Hideaway’s clever and charming sign caught our eye. We, naturally, were curious to see what was being served by the Odenton eatery. Turns out they were offering the restaurant’s award-winning Naked Wings, Pork Sliders and coleslaw.

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Heading right, we happened upon Executive Chef Frank Copeland and John Braden Jacobs manning the Carrol’s Creek Cafe table. Always popular with the Corks for a Cause crowd, Carrol’s Creek may just have topped last year’s selection by serving Crab Salad Tarts with Aioli as well as Goat Cheese Tarts.

Shared tables can be fun and that was the case with Pretzel Chef Marcus Moore and Bake Believe Bakery’s Sarah Neiburg. Moore offered samples of Moore Crunch pretzels which one might have expected. However, we were surprised to see Neiburg’s adorably packaged hand-crafted artisan marshmallows, s’mores and mallow treats!

Obviously, there were too many purveyors of food and fine wines to keep track of, but we moved on to a few others, stopping briefly at the tables of Glen Burnie-based Arturo’s Trattoria and The Lodge from Annapolis.

At the Two Rivers Steak & Fish House table, Kasey Schaffner was doling out servings of Italian meatballs. According to Schaffner, the Pasadena restaurant is also known for its catering services and the tasty meatballs are one of the most requested items for events.

As a sponsor of Corks for a Cause, Fishpaws Marketplace’s Kim Lawson wore many hats. She was involved in organizing the wineries and distributors and acted as the point of sale for each. Fishpaws Marketplace would also serve as the official pickup point for any wines ordered.

Thus, she left the Marketplace’s official table in the capable hands of Pamela Meador and several staff members.

They chose to serve olive tapenade with special crackers along with fruit and Dutch Kanaal Cheese which is carried exclusively at Fishpaws. They also had local Poplar Hill Honey from a farm located off Route 2 in Annapolis.

Wandering back out into the gardens, we arrived just in time for remarks from Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation’s Susan Iaquinta and Next Generation Group’s new chairman Kimberly Hilliard.

Iaquinta thanked Homestead Gardens and Fishpaws Marketplace for again hosting the fundraiser and explained that the funds raised were being used to renovate BWMC’s Healing Garden which was created 20 years ago and is used for some of the hospital’s Wellness Programs including yoga sessions.

Before introducing Hilliard, she explained that the New Generation Group is made up of volunteers who raise funds for the Foundation. Hilliard also thanked Homestead, Fishpaws and all of the food and wine purveyors who helped make Corks for a Cause a success. With remarks at an end, the entire group of BWMC volunteers came together for a group photo.

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For more information about the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation or to make a donation visit BWMC Foundation | UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (umms.org).

Independence Day is fast approaching, and hints are everywhere

Folks walking, running or cycling the Severna Park section of the B&A Trail have likely noticed the patriotically decorated Gold Star Family Memorial or, on closer inspection, have noticed the small statue erected in memory of one of those lost, Eric Matthew Kavanagh, United States Army/Private First Class.

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Or, if traveling further past the Arnold Station section of the trail, they may have seen the beautiful patriotic display created by Rick and Elizabeth Rosborg and family along their front gate.

We’ve also spotted Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League out and about making arrangements for this year’s Severna Park 4th of July Parade. From what League tells us, the parade’s theme, “Stars & Stripes Forever” is bound to inspire some very patriotic entries.

League will be overseeing colorful tents being set up on the Chamber lawn for Parade sponsors, of which there are many this year.

“As before, the Parade will step off from staging areas at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Church and Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 10 am along a route down Benfield Road onto Evergreen Road, turning left onto Riggs Avenue into the center of Olde Severna Park,” she said. “At the end of Riggs Avenue, the Parade will turn right onto B&A Boulevard, proceed past Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church and turn left onto Cypress Creek Road where it will end opposite Cypress Creek Park. Spectators can watch from anywhere along the route. There will be 20 Anne Arundel County police officers on hand to manage traffic and ensure spectators safety at major crossing points.”

She added that the Chamber is grateful that many of the Parade’s sponsors and entries have participated for many years. Among other traditions, Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services will again be sponsoring The Decorated Bike Contest and marching in the parade. The enormous Nathan McDavitt American Flag will once more be carried by a veritable army of Scouts and volunteers in memory of McDavitt and other military service members who have lost their lives serving our country. Vintage car collector Wayne Gerst will be returning to the parade with five priceless antique automobiles on rollbacks. And, of course, kids’ favorite Lion will be Lion Dancing for the crowds along the parade route with Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi martial arts students.

We understand that there will not be a high school band this year but there will be music from several groups. Notably, the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus will be returning to the Parade with a selection of patriotic tunes.

There will be new sponsors and entries… including from one business we’re curious about called Sweet Bamboo Boba which we hear is a self-serve tea shop.

Regardless of how you are spending the day, we wish everyone a happy 4th of July.

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

Anticipation always runs high as dance recital weekend approaches but this year there was reason for “celebration” as 2024 marked the beginning of the Dance Center at the Severna Park Community Center’s second decade.

Themed “Celebration”, this year’s recital contained music from some of the organization’s favorite pieces from its first 10 years according to Dance Center director Kellie Greer.

“With ten years behind us, my favorite thing has been to see the children of our former dancers join us in the studio now,” Greer said.

Held once more in the theater at Annapolis High School, there were several recital performances scheduled from June 7 through 10. We chose to attend the June 8th Senior 2 Recital at 6 pm along with a good-sized audience of enthusiastic parents and grandparents…many carrying bouquets.

In keeping with its theme, the recital’s opening number fairly glittered in the lights while performed by DCSP’s Start Elite Dancers to the music “Celebration” by DJ Bobo (aka Peter Renee Baumann) – an exhilarating start to a program featuring 22 separate dance sequences with choreography by some of DCSP’s talented staff of teachers.

According to Greer, the students performing in the recital ranged in age from 8 years old to seniors in high school. The choreography they performed reflected their training in the Cecchetti classical ballet technique and Broadway-style classic tap and jazz. 

The most senior of the dancers, from the Advanced Combo 4 Class, appeared several times throughout the recital demonstrating their amazing range of skills. In their most beautiful example, they appeared on-pointe in the ballet “Raymonda” to the music of Alexander Glazunov’s “Opus 57”.

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Their expertise was displayed in a range of other numbers including some jazzy choreography to Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” and bluesy “Still Going”, and some fancy footwork in “Room Where It Happened” from the Broadway musical “Hamilton”. There was even a routine based on Hip Hop Favorites that began with the dancers seated on chairs but quickly transformed to a rhythmic romp with a dramatic ending.

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The younger students, including those from a newly created Experienced Combo 3 class of six and seven-year-olds, offered proof that they were mastering the art of the dance through a number of well-performed routines.

Luke Capitan (one of four DCSP male students) and sister Rose lent their newly acquired skills to a “Once Upon A December” routine from the movie “Anastasia” and later lent their taps to the “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” number from the movie “Toy Story”.

A glimpse of the Roaring Twenties most popular dance was offered through the dancer’s version of “Charleston” by James P. Johnson while the adorable piece of choreography based on the 1952 movie “Singin’ in the Rain” is the one seen in the opening photograph.

There were too many excellent routines to mention, but Kitri Act 3 from the ballet “Don Quixote” was another piece of choreography that captured the audience’s attention.

We mustn’t forget to mention a special solo performance by Brooke Bowerman, dancing to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight”. Brooke, a Severna Park High School graduate, a DCSP dancer for 10 years, and a studio assistant for the past few years, is leaving the community to attend Coastal Carolina University this fall majoring in business.

The show’s finale brought together the entire cast of dancers and was followed by remarks from director Kellie Greer recognizing her staff of a dozen talented teachers and choreographers, six studio assistants and studio accompanist Susam Wincek and thanking the DCSP students for their hard work and commitment.

“I know the next ten years will be even more fabulous than the first ten,” was Greer’s final sentiment.

For information about The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center, visit Dance – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).

Community rallies for Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event at Severna Park Taphouse

While courageously battling rare Neuroendocrine Cancer over a period of three years, Katherine Mueller nevertheless encouraged her friends and family to help her raise money for Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) research. Though passing away in 2021 at the age of 31, she and her group of supporters raised $128,000 through The Katherine Mueller Fund for NET Research and awarded a grant to Dr. Peter Clark at UCLA to study the disease.

Eager to carry on Katherine’s legacy by shining a light on her positive spirit, generous nature and determination, her parents Larry and Robin Sells and family started the Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event to raise funds not only for the NET Research Fund but for three other closely related organizations.

More about all four organizations after a look at the music festival – an all-day affair held Saturday at the Severna Park Taphouse that featured a dozen well-known bands. The event was attended by music lovers and Katherine’s Light Foundation supporters from throughout the greater Severna Park area.

Entering the festival past a line of attendees buying raffle tickets for a Big Green Egg barbecue grill donated by Park Hardware, we veered right toward the outdoor performance area when we spotted Ellen Kleinknecht waving to us. Ellen, outgoing Severna Park Community Center board chairman, and husband Scott support many local charities and organizations.

“I’ve known Larry Sells for a long time since both of us have been associated with the community center,” she said. “Larry does such a great job and he can fundraise like nobody’s business. This is such a worthy event. It’s very sad to lose a child but Robin and Larry found a way to continue and expand the wonderful things their daughter Katherine was doing and are making such a difference.”

Having been involved with SPCC for eight years, Ellen is stepping down as board chair this week. However, she’s already searching for new avenues to serve the community and is considering participating in a YWCA initiative to help victims of human trafficking.

Moving on, we observed that there was a sizeable and ever-growing audience spread throughout the shady Severna Park Taphouse gardens. Naturally, we turned our attention to the stage where guitarist Lee Priddy’s popular Honey Sol Band was performing. Truly a family affair, with son Andrew Priddy on drums and daughter Mackenzie Priddy on bass, Honey Sol is a local and regional favorite throughout the Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. area.  

The bands, ranging from Jay Spiegel, TMI and Sarah, Dave & The Dukes to Red Betty & The Ruckus, were well-staged in approximately 45-minute sets throughout the day leading toward evening when festival headliners, The Crayfish, would appear. From the outdoor bar to the porches and shady nooks surrounding the stage, fans could be seen enjoying the rock and blues-based sounds of Honey Sol and the groups that followed them.

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Eager to find out more about the four organizations that would benefit from The Katherine’s Light Foundation fundraiser, we spoke with Robin Sells and Mary Jermann, the executive director of one of those beneficiaries, the Wellness House of Annapolis.

Jermann actually knew Katherine Mueller through the Wellness House as a beautiful, sweet and kind young woman. She admired Katherine’s dedication to raising funds for NET cancer research while increasing awareness of the often-misdiagnosed disease.

She said the Wellness House of Annapolis – which provides a comforting place outside of the medical community where cancer patients and their families can go to relax, talk, and find comfort and has 35 helpful programs – was honored to be chosen by the board of KLF as one of the fundraiser’s recipients.

Robin, Katherine’s mother and co-founder of the Katherine’s Light Foundation, noted that her daughter’s fundraising work through The Katherine Mueller Fund for NET Research was the inspiration to carry on her mission and share her light. She went on to describe the organizations that will benefit from the fundraiser.

In addition to The Wellness House, they include Anne Arundel Community College where KLF will fund a Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship, the aforementioned Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation through the Katherine Mueller Research Fund, and a Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation fund to help cancer patients who can’t afford transportation, food or medications to help with their treatment.

We soon walked about, speaking with festival attendees at their tables. Some of the many event sponsors had entire tables full of guests. Having an absolutely wonderful time were, left to right, Eric Stverotd, Holly and Frank Mollick and their daughter Abby, sponsor Alan Gable who is owner of A.M. Gable Heating & Cooling, Michael Harris and Rich and Joy Patel.

Walking on, we ran into Savvy Consignment owner Stacey Cassidy and husband Mike who were sharing a table with Dawn and David Orso of David Orso Realty.

They seemed to know many of the other people attending the event and were clearly enjoying themselves. Both couples have sponsored and supported many charitable causes and considered the music festival fundraiser one of the best.

We finally ran into Katherine’s Light Foundation co-founder and festival producer Larry Sells talking with his pal, guitarist George Evans, who would shortly be performing. One couldn’t fail to admire Evans’ pink and blue hat.

Sells was pleased that Saturday was such a beautiful day for the music festival and absolutely thrilled that the event attracted 60 sponsors – all of whom were listed on a pink sign that was more or less the color of Evans’ hat.

He reiterated some of the information Robin provided about the organizations that would benefit from the fundraiser.

“We raise the money and give it all away,” Sells said.

To learn more about the foundation or make a donation, visit Katherine’s Light Foundation (katherineslight.org).

TGIF Cookout at the Chamber, June 28th at Noon

A reminder from Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League that the organization’s TGIF summer cookout at the Chamber is being held Friday, June 28 at noon. This month’s sponsor is SCORE.

She noted that, since 1964, SCORE has provided business resources and mentorship to more than 17 million entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners nationwide. 

“We’ll also take a moment to remember Dave Butner, long-time SCORE volunteer and friend of the Chamber who helped many people start their businesses over the years,” League said.

The cookout features burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, sides, fresh popcorn and more and is free to Chamber Members and first-time guests.

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

Born as a house of worship in 1861 when constructed at the intersection known as Severn Crossroads in Crownsville – a hotbed of Revolutionary and Civil War history – Baldwin Hall has had three different locations.

William Henry and Jane Maria Baldwin and their family donated money to build the Georgian Colonial-style structure that replaced a building that housed the Cross Roads Methodist Episcopal Church on the corner of Generals Highway and Indian Landing Road.

In 1896, Baldwin Hall was moved from its corner spot to the opposite side of Indian Landing Road to make way for a new church known as The Stone Chapel that was financed by the nine Baldwin children in memory of their parents. The granite church, styled after an English country chapel is known as Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church.

Lovely Baldwin Hall subsequently became the church’s Sunday school and was renamed the Charles W. Baldwin Hall and Church School for a Baldwin son who was a long-serving minister. Having fallen into disrepair during the 1960’s and ’70’s, it was scheduled for demolition to make room for the Baldwin Memorial Education Building. However, the Hall was saved by a group of area residents who raised money to have it moved across Generals Highway in 1981 to its third and present location. The group of residents later formed the non-profit Severn Cross Roads Foundation, Inc. which manages and maintains the building.

With each move, Baldwin Hall was reborn with a new purpose. After its final move on June 2, 1981, the building was renamed Historic Baldwin Hall and became the center of many community happenings. It continues to be a focus of community life and Sunday’s Re-Birthday Celebration marked another step in Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s dedication to preserving and linking the hall’s historic past with its present.

Baldwin Hall looked inviting as close-knit community members arrived in the shady glen where the official Re-Birthday ceremony and unveiling of new signage would take place. Many of the people who came were long-time supporters of the hall and some had even been part of the crowd gathered in 1981 when the building was jacked up on flatbed trailers and moved across General’s Highway.

A few turned to watch as members of the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus, who’d be participating in the program, moved into place along the porch rail. (The Sweet Adeline’s affiliated chorus is based at Baldwin Hall and holds its weekly rehearsals there along with occasional concerts.)

Across the lawn, Severn Cross Roads Trustee Pamela Aulton, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, moved to the podium as members of Boy Scout Troop 804 and Girl Scout Troop 192 came together in the background to form a Color Guard.

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Aulton began the program with a greeting.

“Happy Re-Birthday Historic Baldwin Hall,” she shouted as the crowd applauded. “Thank you all for coming and joining us for the 43rd anniversary of the hall’s move to its current location and for the unveiling of brand-new signage highlighting the history of the Severn Cross Roads community.”

Aulton next paid tribute to Boy Scout Troop 804 which was celebrating its 20th year at Baldwin Hall and Girl Scout Troop 192 which began there five years ago. At her command, the Scouts marched forward at a good cadence and came to a stop before the crowd.

Proudly presenting the Colors, they stood at attention as the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus sang their moving rendition of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner”and.

An especially meaningful moment occurred afterward when the Scouts led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before posting the Colors and retiring.

Following a brief encapsulation of Baldwin Hall’s history by the Mistress of Ceremonies, it was time for the highlight of the program – the unveiling of The Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s new sign. Thanks were extended to the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority for their assistance and help with funding. Then, with an assist from the organization’s president Dr. Anne Agee (as seen in the opening photograph), the covering was lifted and there were oohs and aahs and applause as the sign was revealed.

A moment later, guest Carol Benson, executive director of the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, stepped forward to make remarks and give a special citation to Dr. Agee for her leadership in historic preservation and her vision in creating the sign.

Anne Arundel County Council member for District 6, Lisa Rodvien, spoke next. She recalled that when she first ran for office District 6 did not include Baldwin Hall. But, after redistricting in 2021, she found the “special gem of Country Gothic architecture” was in her district.

“Since that time, I’ve attended wonderful events at the hall, met many community members there, and I’ve gotten to hang out here with both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. It’s great to be here to celebrate with you today,” Rodvien said.

The ceremony came to a close with the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus singing “God Bless America” followed by an invitation to attendees to join Severn Cross Roads Foundation member inside the hall for refreshments and to enjoy exhibits its history. Among other things, there were photographs of the day Baldwin Hall was moved across General’s Highway on flatbeds, coverage of the hall in The Capital’s Crownsville section from the late 1990’s as well as coverage by yours truly of Baldwin Hall’s 150th Anniversary in 2011. Lastly, there were photographs from an actual religious service held in the hall as part of that anniversary celebration.

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Visitors were invited to tour the reconstructed 1840’s Cross Roads School House behind the hall as well. If you’d like to learn more about Historic Baldwin Hall or the school house, visit Home | baldwinhall.

Self Defense Workshop for College Students scheduled at Jing Ying Institute on July 28

In response to the popularity of their self-defense training, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is scheduling a Self-Defense Workshop for College Students for Sunday, July 28 from 2 pm-4pm. While this particular workshop is geared towards students currently in college or headed to college, it is open to other teens and adults. According to Jing Ying owner Nancy Greer, if that date doesn’t work, the school is happy to put together a workshop on another date for your group.

You may pay by 6/15 and save $20 (use code EB), Pay by 7/1, and save $10 (use code Jul1). Register at: https://www.jingying.org/…/personal_protection_college.htm .

Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival at Severna Park Taphouse this Saturday

The Katherine’s Light Foundation, LLC Music Festival & Charity Event is being held this Saturday, June 15, at the Severna Park Taphouse from 12 pm till 8 pm. The band headlining this year’s event, The Crayfish, will be joined by 11 additional local bands. The Katherine’s Light Foundation was started by Larry and Robin Sells to honor the memory and carry on the legacy of their daughter Katherine Mueller who fought neuroendocrine cancer for three years until passing away at the age of 31. The foundation is raising money through the music festival for, not one, but four charities. They include s Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship at Anne Arundel Community College, the Wellness House of Annapolis, the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, and the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by visiting Katherine’s Light Foundation (katherineslight.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 and Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

A small, independent family business that got its start in Brooklyn Park in 1927, AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden continues to draw customers from near and far to its newest location at 224 Mountain Road in Pasadena. For 97 years, the store has attracted farmers, growers and homeowners with its friendly, knowledgeable staff and complete and unique line of agricultural products. Visiting the garden center is the ultimate SHOP LOCAL experience.

Since opening last December, the center has come a long way and, in the process, has transformed into a garden center you’re not likely to see elsewhere. The parking lot was fairly full as we pulled in from Mountain Road and we observed customers zipping in and out of the gardens.

A gentle breeze was blowing, setting up a pretty melody from windchimes by the entrance to the store. Inside, we found owner Cory Stephens who indicated how pleased he was with the way the garden center’s move from Severna Park has worked out.

“This has turned out to be an incredible location for us and I couldn’t be happier. I kept our crew intact and we’re off to a great start,” Stephens said. “During our six years in Severna Park, we had a lot of customers coming across from Pasadena. We’re now seeing the opposite effect as many of our Severna Park customers have followed us here. Best of all, some of our original Glen Burnie customers (who found driving to Severna Park a little too far) have come back to us.”

Pointing across the parking lot to a man getting into his car, he said the gentleman was a resident of Severna Park and a faithful customer who hadn’t realized AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden had moved. So earlier, he’d driven to the old location on Jumper’s Hole Road. Finding it empty, he’d seen the sign posted there listing the store’s new location and driven over to have a look. He was delighted to be personally welcomed back by Stephens.

As before, the fellow found in the interior of the store and its warehouse everything a farmer, gardener, pet owner or pet could wish for. From straw… to straw hats, from Cow’s Ears… to Knee Bones for canine customers, and, from animal feed… to grass seed in barrels from the 1900’s, there were products to meet every need.

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Stephens said he’s pleased that there is convenient parking and customers can pull up right to the door instead of walking up a hill as before. He noted that the store’s layout allows the staff to process customer purchases much faster. it’s also helpful that more space is available to display all the products out in the open. (At the old location, some merchandise had to be stored in the back meaning employees made many trips back and forth.)

It’s been interesting for Stephens to observe the effects of inflation on what people are doing this year. He’s observed that more families are trying to raise some of their own food to offset grocery store prices.

“We figured there’d be an impact,” he said. “But nursery sales have been incredible. We’ve outsold five different growers this year and plants and herbs are moving fast. You can see that people are concerned with the economy being like it is and they’re tightening their belts. We try to work with customers to get the biggest bang for their buck and get them in and out as economically as possible. We can actually see people standing their calculating how much money they’re spending in their heads and that is certainly new for us.”

Particularly noteworthy, is the amount of available wall space that has been devoted to celebrating the history of Anne Arundel County farms through Stephens ‘collection of historic farm implements. In addition to burden baskets, dried tobacco and farm implements in homage to his heritage growing up on a tobacco farm in Millersville, there are items gathered from other local farmers as well as old photographs. On one wall, there are now pictures of each of AA County Lawn, Farm and Garden’s locations over the span of 97 years (with the exception of an empty frame at the top awaiting its photo for the present Pasadena center).

Interestingly, when people started noticing all the artifacts on the walls, they began bringing in artifacts of their own to be added. Thus, thanks to the generosity of the store’s patrons, the collection is growing all the time. The most recent addition appears on a corner ledge near the ceiling.

“A donor came in with a grinding wheel that belonged to his grandfather that he wanted me to take a look at,” Stephens said. “I asked what he wanted for it. He said he wanted me to have it, so I placed it next to a very rare old sled with wooden runners that another gentleman gave me.”

He slyly mentioned that another gift from a donor would be evident as we strolled through the plant nursery. We headed there, first stopping at the outdoor sales office where clerk Lydia Murray was helping customers. We inquired about the gift – a statue for the gardens – and were directed the end of a corridor of plants by the greenhouse. Lydia said it was rumored that the statue was temporarily being referred to as “Claude”.

We followed her directions to the greenhouse where we immediately spied the newly donated piece of garden statuary.

Elsewhere in the gardens, customers were making a beeline for a just-arrived shipment of herbs and native pollinator plants.

In addition to the wide variety of flower and vegetable transplants in the nursery, there were roses, shrubs, blueberry bushes and young trees plus charming groupings of flowers and innovative little gardens planted in stock watering tanks.

On learning last June that his lease for the Severna Park location would end in November and he’d need to move, Stephens initially wondered whether he should continue with the business.

“At age 65, I had to do some soul searching. My wife remained supportive for whatever I decided while my daughter wondered if I hadn’t had enough. But I’m not emotionally or financially ready to quit. Luckily, everything worked out for the best. Our landlord, next door to us, is wonderful. We call ourselves ‘the corner of Anne Arundel and Anne Arundel’ because he is Anne Arundel Seafood and we are Anne Arundel County Farm, Lawn & Garden. People who stop by here often end up going to the restaurant and people having a meal or getting carry-out there often drift over here.”

“It sounds kind of corny, but I literally spend about 30% of my day getting well wishes and hugs and kisses and people telling me ‘thanks for continuing on and not quitting’. It means so much.”

At the checkout counter, employees Abby Fontz and Kelly Neet said that they’ve enjoyed meeting customers, old and new, and have received many appreciative comments.

To follow what’s happening and AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden visit AA Co. Farm Lawn & Garden | Pasadena, Maryland (aalawnandgarden.com) or follow them on Facebook.

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.