A Memorial Day spin around the Park

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Memorial Day dawned bright and beautiful – an ideal day for families to celebrate the somber and meaningful yet joyful holiday together. Since parks, golf courses and beaches were reopened after being shut down because of COVID-19, the entire holiday weekend was lively. There was significant traffic along the community’s main transportation artery, Ritchie Highway, with some of it southbound to Ocean City.

In Olde Severna Park, flags fluttered in the breeze along two sides of the historic Carr Building at the corner of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard and Riggs Avenue, now home to Gardiner & Appel.

In Severna Park’s neighborhoods, it felt like life was almost back to normal. Cape Arthur’s community beach off the Magothy River saw many swimmers on Saturday. There were boaters galore and family picnickers dotted the beach. There was even a spirited volleyball game.

Cooler temperatures Sunday meant backyard barbecues were the order of the day for many. Smoke from outdoor grills drifted on the breeze carrying the familiar scents of barbecued chicken and ribs and burgers and dogs.

Lovely weather-wise, Memorial Day was an opportunity to reflect on and express gratitude for the U.S. Armed Forces personnel who have kept our country safe. It was also a great day for a walk, a bicycle ride or a quiet conversation.

Their dogs Benny and Jig at their feet, sisters Chloe and Gretchen Hogge caught up with each other while catching some rays on the Cypress Creek community dock. Benny and Jigs’ barks kept the ducks at bay but both seemed captivated by the occasional boats drifting by.

For some folks, a Memorial Day trip to Rita’s Italian Ice is a great way to officially open the summer season.

Lines of socially distanced customers moved smoothly throughout the day. Service was quick and patrons happily retreated to their cars to enjoy a variety of ices and custards.

Possibly the most popular Memorial Day pass times were individual or family walks or bicycle rides along the B&A Trail.

Built over the former Baltimore and Annapolis Short Line Railroad tracks, the trail took Memorial Day exercisers past such landmarks as the historic Earleigh Heights Ranger Station , the Old Severna Park Railroad Station and lovely Hatton-Regester Green where a somewhat lonely World War II Memorial stood in silent tribute to Severna Park’s fallen sons.

Inscribed on the monument were the names Warren L. Bonnet, U.S. Army, Edward P. Brookmeyer, U.S. Marine Corps, Robert M. Brookmeyer, U.S. Navy, Morris E. Jones, U.S. Army, Robert W. Maxwell, U.S. Army Air Force, Francis J. Milhausen, U.S. Marine Corps, Louis R. Pohlner, U.S. Army, and Nathan C. Pollard, U.S. Army. The Brookmeyers were two of five brothers from the same family that served in World War II.

Just five feet further on, beside the B&A Trail, was a sign announcing the building of a new Gold Star Memorial and Heroes Monument in the form of a pavilion in Hatton-Regester Green. It will replace the aging original pavilion while honoring Gold Star families. The memorial was made possible by donations from Severna Park residents and businesses. Donations are still accepted at www.heroesofsevernapark.com.

A short jaunt down the trail to Round Bay Road, then over the hills to Round Bay Main Beach revealed a festive and colorful scene. Though the Memorial Day turnout was a little smaller than usual, adults gathered in groups on long benches in the sun while kids

dodged in and out of the pavilions. The teenagers were irresistibly drawn to the dock with many clustered near the lifeguard station and several testing the waters. A sailboat stood ready to be boarded. All told, a fun Memorial Day…..

A glimpse of “Books In Bloom”

Hollyberry Garden Club’s Sixth Annual “Books In Bloom” floral exhibit was set to be held at the Severna Park Community Library in April as usual. Unfortunately, Anne Arundel County Public Libraries were closed in accordance with Governor Larry Hogan’s orders and the garden club members were forced to hold a “Virtual Books In Bloom”. As could be expected, they rose to the occasion.

HGC members are best known for creating and maintaining the library’s gardens and can often be spotted raking or watering. However, the women annually bring their talents inside to create floral arrangements based on their favorite books. This year they creatively crafted floral displays mirroring much loved titles using flowers from their own gardens. According to HGC’s Peggy Turnblacer, the gardeners included Alyson Figlioli, Amy Sparwasser, Sandy Allen, Dianne Kirkland, Joan Read, Susan Ford (a former member who contributed her arrangement all the way from California), Liz Carlin, Ann Edwards, Bonnie Madden and Turnblacer herself.

Here are a few.