Month: December 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 weather alternated between drizzle and fog Tuesday evening December 10th. But inside Chartwell Golf & Country Club, the scene was bright and cheery as the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce Holiday Taste & Sip event got underway in the ballroom.

Just inside the entrance, Crepes in the Park owner Abby Larkin and her mother Leslie had already served their first crepes to, among others a gentleman in a Santa hat. The aromas of cinnamon and lemon could be detected as they ladled more batter onto their crepe makers. Beyond them, the gentleman wearing the Santa hat helped himself to Ashlyn White’s tasty selection of donuts, donut holes and other sweets from Donut Shack.

At the next table along the row, Tast & Sip guests found elegant and exceptionally tasty offerings from Debra Garrow of Millersville-based Be My Guest Catering. Garrow’s canapes included scrumptious beet rounds with cream cheese that were topped with salmon and cucumber ribbons.

Every bit as popular as the food throughout the evening were the Silent Auction tables which, as can be seen in the opening photo, held one of the most extensive collections of impressive items to bid on that we’ve seen. We noted that Nancy Greer and her mother-in-law Aura spent considerable time at the tables and placed a number of bids. We also ran into Barbara Gill who first admired a handsome set of holiday story books she felt would make a perfect gift for her grandchildren. She filled out a bid, then moved on to the next table where she loved several of the seasonal floral centerpieces and filled out bids accordingly.

Moving back to the vendor tables, we discovered Sheila Schreiner serving coffee to guests while promoting the new Magothy Roasting Company and coffee bar she and husband Mark will be launching shortly on Mountain Road. She said they can’t wait to become the Magothy area’s newest coffee roaster.

It wasn’t long before we ran into Holiday Taste & Sip event sponsor Matt Wyble with Next Step Realty.

“It’s hard to believe this is our 14th holiday event. One year was skipped due to the COVID pandemic. Our number of sponsors and vendors has grown every year and continues to grow,” the fourth-generation realtor said.

Wyble started the annual holiday extravaganza along with former Chamber CEO Linda Zahn 15 years ago. Held for the first eight or nine years at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park, the event eventually moved to Chartwell which has accommodated the vendors and crowds quite well.

From its beginnings, entertainment has been a hallmark of the Holiday Taste & Sip events. The 2024 edition did not disappoint as it included not one, but two choruses. First up was the longtime crowd favorite Chesapeake Harmony Chorus which has appeared at almost every holiday event going back to the beginning years at Homestead Gardens. Fresh from appearing at their own Candy Cane Lane program at Historic Baldwin Hall two days earlier, the chorus reprised the spirited title tune from the show, “Candy Cane Lane”, and sang a finely tuned medley of much-loved songs of the season.

A glimpse back to an earlier Holiday Taste & Sip event shows Chesapeake Harmony Chorus performing at Homestead Gardens with Santa in 2018.

The performance by the chorus was followed by dynamic young family band JAGMAC featuring six siblings performing festive holiday tunes that captivated the crowd. A second chorus would be coming along later.

With a combined total of more than two dozen repeat and new vendors at the event, it’s impossible to name them all but we saw a lot of people stopping by Linda Thebaud’s display of VanEllin Candy Shop Cookies. The company is a wholesaler that sells its products at all the Graul’s markets in Baltimore and Anne Arundel County, Eddie’s markets in Baltimore, and Fishpaws Marketplace in Arnold as well as The Sweet Shop in Severna Park. Just beyond Thebaud were Carlye Cab and Sandra Paroti from Facebar Aesthetic Medicine, a spa that offers age-reversing treatments.

Friends were everywhere. We came across Betty Winkelmeyer Wells at a table with her daughter-in-law Karen Osborne, the owner of Karen Renee Interiors. It was fun seeing Karen who now splits her time between her main office in Severna Park, Maryland and Florida where she lives part of the year while conducting interior decorating projects in five different states.

It was also great seeing Ron Pivarnik with his great selection of Firehouse Subs. We first met Pivarnik when he was a vendor at the annual holiday event 8 years ago, the year he opened his sub shop at Park Plaza. It was good to see Matt Geise as well from Adam’s Taphouse Grille in Olde Severna Park. Geise was serving crowd-pleasing ribs and pulled pork.

We continued bumping into friends including Greater Chamber of Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s current president Tammy Neal with Stephen Varani at the Oliver Brewing Company table.

The Oliver Brewing Company table (the brewery will move to Millersville in May) was part of the 206 Restaurant Group’s multi-table lineup of offerings from Park Tavern, Donnelly’s Dockside, Western Ale House and JB’s.

So many more vendors to check out. As Fishpaws Marketplace has participated as a vendor since the annual event’s first year, we just had to stop by their table where we found Terri Phoebus and Philip Alther pouring a selection of wines that included spiced Bluwein which was gently warming over a flame. They were also serving the Olive Tapenade for which the shop is noted along with freshly made Rosemary Focaccia.

Also, a vendor since the first Holiday Taste & Sips, we couldn’t possibly overlook owner Tommie Koukoulis from Cafe Mezzanotte and his general manager Paul Zonn who appeared to be growing their own sprouts while “celebratin the humble carrot” with carrot pasta with beef short ribs and horseradish and carrot risotto with Brussels sprouts and apple balsamic.  

We discovered even more vendors off the main ballroom and stopped to chat with Debra Saltz, co-owner of BD Provisions. Saltz was serving coffee roasted earlier that day by her co-owner and master roaster Phil Peters. Beyond Saltz were Cheers & Spirits’ Debra Reitz and Matthew Haggerty serving wine and spirits. They were flanked by a charcuterie board from April’s Table, and lastly Cindy and David Geipe from Sweet Satisfaction with ice cream.

An added piece de resistance, entertainment-wise, came fairly late with the appearance of the Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus, the award-winning group that sings a cappella, four-part harmony music in the barbershop style. Chosen 3rd in the world by Sweet Adelines International, they are directed by Michael Gellert, a Master 700 Director and prolific arranger. Many people don’t realize that the show chorus currently rehearses locally on Wednesday evenings at the Severna Park Elks Lodge.

The end of the evening was reserved for the close of the Silent Auction and the business that resulted therefrom. All in all, a very entertaining evening.

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa at Severna Park Community Cente

Friday evening, December 13th, was quite chilly. Nevertheless, the Severna Park Community Center’s Cookies & Coffee with Santa holiday event went off without much of a hitch. However, according to the center’s director Sarah Elder, the cold temperatures prompted the staff to move the location for Santa from outdoors, as originally planned, to a warmer indoor setting in Boone Station Hall.

With the addition of Christmas trees, a faux fireplace and a cozy armchair atmosphere there the setting was picture perfect. There was a long line of families with young children waiting to visit with the jolly old elf and tell him their Christmas wish lists while having their photos taken.

Cozy Boone Station Hall was also headquarters for families with youngsters to gather for cocoa, cookies and the opportunity to create a snowman using marshmallows.

Of course, what parent or child could resist cups of warming cocoa and cookies.

There were things taking place outdoors too including some dance performances in the courtyard between Boone Station Hall and the Chamber building. Students from The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center performed as holiday candles glowing in the darkness.

Among those who braved the cold night air to enjoy the outdoor events and possibly snag a warming beverage from the Moveable Mixtures Beverage Truck were Kati Elliott, Lauren Garber and Jessica Axt. The threesome made a point of visiting as many holiday events as possible.

There was still more fun to be had in the Community Center’s Holiday Marketplace where crowds of happy shoppers enjoyed checking out the merchandise of a dozen or more vendors. Many emerged with packages.

Rounding out the activities in the Community Center Building were a tableau from Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church celebrating the birth of Christ to remind folks what Christmas is really about. There was also a lot of activity around The Grinch who was posing for photos with children of various ages. Cocoa & Cookies with Santa was yet another occasion that spread some holiday joy and brought the community together in a lovely way.

Sing in the New Year with a Benefit Concert for SPAN on January 12th

Save The Date of Sunday, January 12 for a Benefit Concert for SPAN, Inc. featuring musicians and vocalists Kate Caldwell and Max Ochs. The program will include folk favorites, originals and blues and a reception will follow. In lieu of a ticket price, financial donations to help SPAN will be accepted and much appreciated.

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

Such a fun weekend that began Friday, December 3rd with the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s Community Tree Lighting at 1 Holly Avenue.

By the official opening of the celebration at 5 pm, a crowd had already formed on the parking lot opposite the Chamber offices, but families continued to converge on the event from every direction.

Chamber CEO Liz League soon appeared to welcome the crowd and introduce the Severna Park High School Cheerleaders gathered below who would cheer the celebration open and handle the countdown for the switch to be thrown for the lights to be lit.

Then, as they performed some of their phenomenal lifts, the cheerleaders began a countdown to the magical moment of “switch-on”.

The crowd joined in as the girls chanted 10, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1…when the switch was thrown for the illumination of the smaller tree in front of the Chamber, and then for the immense tree gracing the lawn between Chamber and the old Severna Park Railroad building. The complicated task of stringing lights on the towering tree that overlooks Olde Severna Park was again ably accomplished by event sponsor Maryland Lighting and Sprinklers.

Lots of entertainment was to follow opposite the Chamber building. First up were dancers from The Edge Dance Complex performing a charming reindeer dance routine choreographed by owner Kelsey King. We managed to catch a couple of the dancers close up as they were leaving stage center.

Long a favorite at the Community Tree Lightings, the Severna Park Elementary School Chorus appeared next performing a medley of Christmas carols.

Meantime, quite a few of the youngest attendees enjoyed a visit with Santa. Others chased after The Grinch.

Many attendees stayed in place for performances by the Creative Force Dance Center dancers and some excellent carols and jazz standards by the Severna Park High School Jazz Ensemble.

Other attendees took time to roam and, thanks to event sponsors Chick-fil-A, The Big Bean, Next Step Realty, Lean On Dee, Severna Park Automotive, Nothing Bundt Cakes and the Synder/Bradshaw Group, there were plenty of complimentary cookies, cupcakes, cocoa and ice cream.

The Chamber’s 2024 Tree Lighting was likely the largest gathering we’ve seen for the occasion and brought back that close community feeling that has been missing for the past few years. Bathed in the glow of hundreds of Christmas lights, they lingered until the last notes from the Severna Park High School Jazz Ensemble.

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ holiday show Candy Cane Lane at Baldwin Hall a hit

Everything about the setting for Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ holiday show at Historic Baldwin Hall was perfect for a stroll down Candy Cane Lane. There were adorable candy cane decorations everywhere, an elf at the check-in table selling raffle tickets, and a refreshment table laden with peppermint sticks, holiday themed truffles and other goodies.

And, of course, a red-carpeted Candy Cane Lane adorned with peppermint sticks and ribbons ran up one side of the hall toward the stage.

One of the most sizeable audiences we’ve seen at Baldwin Hall filled every seat and overflowed into the overhead balcony. Once they were seated at 5:30 pm, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus Director Sally Burton and a seven members appeared onstage to welcome the crowd and invite them to travel with them on a magical trip down Candy Cane Lane where the spirit of the holidays comes to life. The octet began singing while the other Chorus members strode down Candy Cane Lane and onto the stage to the whimsical song of the same name.

“Take a trip down to Candy Cane Lane with me….” the septet sang as, in groups of two, three or five, the singers made their way up the lane and onto the stage where they joined in the rousing song.

The chorus fully assembled, members Bethany Owen and Carol Ann Gass moved to the front and far right of the stage. Clad in flowing white capes with poinsettias in their hair, the pair kept up a snappy patter throughout the program, reminiscing and setting the stage for each of seven songs.

“Candy Cane Lane” was followed by the bouncy “You Make Me Feel So Young” and the seasonally apt “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”. Then, inspired by a toy store passed on Candy Cane Lane, they sang “Toyland”. Their next selection, “The Man With a Bag” conjured up images of Santa. “Christmas Chopsticks”, the Chorus’ version of the “Night Before Christmas” story came next. The singers ended Act 1 with a rhythmic, harmonic treatment of “Jingle Bell Rock”.

Intermission saw the aforementioned refreshment table incredibly popular – especially with the children as the sweets were complimentary. A few came back for seconds. Thanks to very generous donations by individuals and local businesses, the Silent Auction table overflowed with great items and intermission was used to announce the winning bids and distribute the items.

Act 2 was dedicated primarily to the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus Quartets of which there are three. The first to appear was the newest formed in 2023, the Moscato Quartet featuring tenor Sue Berger, lead Lisa Freeman, baritone Fran Horner and bass Marjorie Rawhouser. They performed “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleigh Ride”.

Next up was the award-winning 2nd Star Quartet formed in 2015 with chorus director Sally Burton singing tenor, Lynda Walsh singing lead, Mary Beth Whisman singing bass, and Cathy White singing baritone. The quartet performed a full-bodied, wonderfully harmonic treatment of “Carol of the Bells” and finished with “Silver Bells”.

Triple award winners within Sweet Adelines International Region 19, The Bearfoot Quartet brought magic, music and merriment to Candy Cane Lane with their unique style of harmony. Peggy Coulter sang lead, Mindy Cassel sang bass, Patti Platt sang baritone, and Eileen Robinson sang tenor – first on the song “Believe”. Then, donning wizard’s capes and grabbing black wands, props and glowing orbs, the quartet performed magic tricks while singing their version of “Pure Imagination” from the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”.

A short break was used to announce raffle winners and distribute the prizes and then the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus filed back onstage to perform holiday favorites “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Happy Holidays”. The chorus invited the audience to sing along to “Jingle Bells”, then performed their own “Take a Chance on Me”, and added another audience sing along to “Let There Be Peace”. They ended their holiday show with a “Candy Cane Lane” Reprise and a very special guest appearance by none other than The Man With a Bag himself, Santa Claus.

Speaking with Burton after the show, she said the Chorus had been involved with planning and working on the songs they picked for Candy Cane Lane since June. She added that the members loved performing the show and they were all surprised and pleased with the sizeable turnout. She further noted that the group would be performing songs from the program for other holiday events including the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event on December 10.

For information or to follow Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ events and activities, visit Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is 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

Some of us have been ready for Christmas since Thanksgiving. Others, especially those who like to use evergreen Christmas trees or wreaths, ropes and swags, tend to decorate a little later.

That would be me… which is precisely why I was inspired by a Facebook photo of Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis’ owner Abby Diehl and her pup posing in the stand’s Photo Booth to stop by the stand the stand at 921 Chesapeake Avenue in Eastport for a look at the fresh-cut trees and greenery she is selling.

(The wreath behind Diehl was almost exactly like the ones I hang on each side of my front porch door each year.)

Approaching the familiar red and white striped tents of the produce stand from the parking lot of the shopping center, I sensed that I was about to enter a winter wonderland.

Entering, I found that Abby was away on a trip. However, I soon discovered Diehl’s of Annapolis employee Ron Snyder hard at work. He was selecting a metal hanger for a pre-made wreath he was creating along with a wine-colored velvet bow, some pinecones and other ornaments. He welcomed me and noted that shoppers can buy one of the already assembled wreaths or are welcome to select a wreath form from one of the tables and decorate it themselves.

Evergreen wreath forms of different kinds, ropes of pine and stems of holly and magnolia were spread across a number of tables.

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There were crates of bows in various shades of red and maroon, pinecones and other accessories for customers to choose from.

To one side of the tent, past a stand of jams sauces perfect for casual gift giving, was an arrow – an arrow pointing the way to a Photo Booth designed and built by Diehl as an extra bit of fun for shoppers.

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I followed the strawbale-lined path in a circle, ending up at the Photo Booth where I found employee Taylor Gates who was eager to show it off. She also was delighted to talk about what’s it’s been like selling Christmas trees.

“Christmas tree sales have been really brisk. It’s only December 3rd and we’ve already sold half of our inventory,” Gates said.

That wasn’t entirely surprising to hear. Abby Diehl has been selling Christmas trees from her Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis stands for more than a decade. It’s, by now, a tradition in Eastport. Her long experience harks back to the days when she and sister Jennifer Diehl were kids helping their father Doug Diehl sell trees from his Diehl’s Produce stand in Olde Severna Park. Today, Jennifer manages that business and carries on her father’s five-decade practice of selling Christmas trees.

Gates noted that the stand is open from 9 am until 9 pm every day till Christmas or until the trees sell out. For information or directions visit Home | Diehl’s Produce Annapolis (square.site).

Now determined to complete my own outdoor decorating before the weather got any colder, I contemplated what else I needed to do before Christmas. I must buy, address and mail my 2024 holiday cards, finish the Christmas shopping I always manage to start a tad late, wrap gifts, bake lots of Christmas cookies, finish the indoor decorating, and plan a couple of special dinners. But then, there are all those holiday events I want to attend where I’m bound to run into friends. They all sound like fun and seem to be taking place over the next two weeks. I’ll list some of them below

Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber this Friday at 5 pm

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce has announced that Severna Park’s annual Community Tree Lighting will take place this Friday, December 6th, from 5 to 6:30 pm in front of the Chamber offices at 1 Holly Avenue. See performances by the Creative Force Dance Center dancers, the Severna Park Elementary School Chorus, the Edge Dance Complex dancers, the Severna Park High School Jazz Band and the Severna Park High School Cheerleaders. There will be cookies, hot cocoa, and ice cream to enjoy and Santa and the Grinch will be on hand too. The Severna Park Model Train Club will be open next door and, not only will the Chamber tree be lit but the historic towering tree nearby will be lit as well, courtesy of Maryland Lighting and Sprinklers. For information, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com).

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus presentation’ “Candy Cane Lane” this Sunday

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus will perform its annual Holiday Show at Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville this Sunday, December 8th beginning at 2 pm. (The doors will open at 1:30.) Themed “Candy Cane Lane”, the program will feature live performances by the Chorus as well as by the Bearfoot, 2nd Star and Moscato Quartets. There will be festive treats available and a special guest appearance by Santa. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and free for children under five. For information or to purchase tickets, visit Holiday Show 2024 — Chesapeake Harmony Chorus. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Also on Sunday, Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop & Stroll

Olde Severna Park’s Holiday Shop & Stroll event will also be held Sunday, December 8th from 4 to 7 pm in the center of town. There will be shopping, live music, vendors, holiday specials, food and drink. Participating will be The Big Bean, The Blended Essentials, Crepes in the Park, Gallery 564, Nature Junction, Wish List Boutique, Local Coast and others. For information visit Facebook.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber Holiday Taste & Sip on December 10th

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Taste & Sip Holiday Event will be held on December 10th from 5:00 till 8:00pm. The event will once again be held at Chartwell Golf and Country Club. According to Chamber CEO Liz League, this festive occasion is the most well-attended and anticipated event of the year. Attendees can enjoy an evening of food, drink and live music and sample offerings from area restaurants, bakeries, cafes and liquor stores in a wonderfully seasonal atmosphere. Great entertainment including two choruses – The Chesapeake Harmony Chorus and the Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus. You won’t want to miss the silent auction. To learn more, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com).

Severna Park Community Center “Cookies & Cocoa” with Santa Friday, December 13th

The Severna Park Community Center’s Cookies & Cocoa with Santa & Holiday Marketplace will take place Friday, December 13 from 5 to 8 pm. Lots of free, festive fun for people of all ages. Pose for Pictures with Santa and meet Special surprise guests. There will be children’s holiday crafts to participate in, holiday vendors for their parents to enjoy, a Moveable Mixtures truck and The Pancake Peeps.

The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center “Nutcracker” at SPHS Dec. 13th

The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center will be presenting “The Nutcracker” at Severna Park High School with a debut performance on Friday, December 13th at 6:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm) and a second matinee performance on Sunday, December 15th at 1 pm (doors open at 12:30 pm). A timeless classic, the enchanting ballet with sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers is the perfect holiday tradition to celebrate with your family. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults with seniors and members of the military free. They may be purchased online by visiting The Nutcracker 2024 – Campaign (spcommunitycenter.org).

Close of Jing Ying Institute’s Silent Auction benefitting Rollin’ Grizlies and Holiday Party on Saturday, December 14th

The official close of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi’s 31st Silent Auction benefitting a charity, in this case the Rollin’ Grizzlies, takes place at 4 pm on Saturday, December 14th and will be followed by a Holiday Party. The event is free and open to the public. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit wheelchair basketball team, the Rollin’ Grizzlies. The organization helps those with spinal cord and lower limb disabilities by giving them the opportunity to play wheelchair basketball. The basketball team provides peer mentorship and support to help individuals adjust to new injuries, develops relationships, helps fund wheelchairs, and more. For additional information visit Jing Ying’s 21st Annual Silent Auction for Charity | 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.