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
Those of us familiar with April’s Table Catering & Events were not at all surprised that the company’s 10th Anniversary Celebration was such a well-attended, joyous occasion. Countless local residents have tasted owner/chef April Cunningham’s delightful fare at a birthday, anniversary party or community event over the past decade.
Cunningham and staff were celebrating the anniversary at their new event venue at 541-C Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard so most attendees were visiting the location for the first time. It wasn’t hard to find thanks, in part, to the display of balloons designed by Lola from Millersville-based Tangled Balloons.
As seen in the opening photograph, the balloon theme was repeated inside the entrance, complete with a glamorous number 10 in lights.
Cunningham’s previous location in a strip of shops across B&A Boulevard was tiny by comparison. April’s Table expanded so much during 10 years of operation that the small building could no longer handle the firm’s ambitious catering operations.
Inside the attractive new space, a crowd was quickly forming. Its owner, wearing a green and white sundress that matched the space’s decor, was busy greeting friends, family members, clients and members of the Severna Park business community.
“I can’t believe so many people are here,” Cunningham said.
At a bar opposite the entrance, a bartender handed out champagne, other beverages and some uniquely delicious “mocktails” with flavors like watermelon, lavender lemonade and pineapple jalapeno. Great looking food across three walls, including a charcuterie board and sumptuous hors d’ oeuvres, tempted guests from the moment they arrived.
Regardless, most attendees chose to gather with friends before eating. We found Macaroni Kid Pasadena publisher Laura McElwain Colquhoun trading the latest news with Image Creators Salon and Spa owner Sylvia Campana and operations manager Amy Stittler. (All three women have their finger on the pulse of the community so the conversation was lively.) Nearby, Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer chatted with Higgins & Friends Pet Sitting’s Jill Weissenbach about Chamber of Commerce activities both are involved in. Moving on, we were introduced to new Severna Park business owners Gillian and Christopher Root from Sweet Bamboo Boba by Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation business development director Anita Dewling.
Conversations ebbed and flowed as attendees moved from group to group. We soon observed several guests deciding to give in to temptation and pick up a plate. We didn’t blame them.
Everyone was having such fun that, when it came time for Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League to conduct an official presentation and celebratory ribbon cutting, Cunningham had to appear in the center of it all to attract the crowd’s attention.
When all was quiet League said how honored she was to be with Cunningham and her staff for what was, in essence, April’s Table’s Grand Opening and 10th Anniversary Celebration in one. Then, as is tradition for GSPACC presentations, she asked the talented chef, caterer and business owner how she became involved in catering and created her business.
“I’ve loved cooking my entire life, but I have to credit my start to partnering with my friend Kerri Albright in her business Kerri Out Food in the same small building we just relocated from at 544 B&A Boulevard,” Cunningham said. “After a time, Kerri wanted to move on to other opportunities, so I was able to take over the business and start April’s Table.”
Encouraged to talk about the new space, Cunningham noted that it was home to Kirsten’s Cakery for several years and already had a kitchen and lots of space.
“When it became available, we were really pleased because we’d been screaming for more space at our old location,” she said. “We’d actually been turning down business because we just didn’t have the capacity. We had the staff and expertise but not the physical room for large quantities of food. So I put my hat in the ring and was able to make an arrangement with the landlord and take it on.”
“I immediately envisioned an event venue – a small, intimate space to hold functions here for 30 people or less. We can also hold “pop-up dinners” here with chef inspired menus. In addition, we can rent the space for special occasions and provide the catering. I want you all to be able to come and eat at my table.”
April Cunningham couldn’t possibly end her remarks without thanking her family members, including her husband Ryan and young son, who supported her along with her staff members…and especially her chef Geoffrey Williams.
A presentation of a number of awards and citations from various organizations and government officials came next.
April’s Table received a citation from AA County Economic Development Corporation’s Anita Dowling…. 
…and a citation from Nancy Greer on behalf of Senator Dawn Gile.
The ceremony ended with a mad scramble outdoors for an official Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber Ribbon cutting. The sidewalk was narrow, so League motioned for the ribbon to be brought forward into the parking lot. Luckily, passing cars were careful.
For information on April’s Table’s catering and events, dinner club and pop-up meals, visit April’s Table Custom Catering & Events | Severna Park (aprilstable.com).
Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Carnival opens July 11
One of summer’s most anticipated adventures for kids is a visit to the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Carnival at 161 Ritchie Highway. The Carnival runs from July 11 through July 20 (with the exception of Sunday, July 14) from 6 pm till 11 pm. This year, there are 40 attractions including rides, games and food. For more information, visit Earleigh Heights VFC (ehvfc.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.
