Author: wingsorb@aol.com

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

There was a stir of excitement the moment attendees stepped through the door at The Rising Sun Inn. Even while taking their seats, guests spied fashion historian and collector Heather Hook assembling her display of women’s clothing from pre- and post-Revolutionary America and were thrilled by the sight.

Susan Giddings, volunteer docent and Grant Management Chairperson for Rising Sun Inn, welcomed everyone while outlining the history of the farmhouse built in 1753 by Edward Baldwin. Located on the road used by General George Washington and the French Major General Comte Jean de Rochambeau during the Revolutionary War, the farmhouse saw much history over the next 100 years as a residence and an inn which also served as a post office, stagecoach stop, public meeting place, and tax collector’s stop.

In 1916 the Ann Arundel Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were able to acquire the much-degraded property from owner Bo Williams with a promise to restore and preserve the farmhouse and make it a center for community history and projects. The building became the DAR Chapter House as well as a historic house museum. It served as a Red Cross Work Center and a Recreation Center for Ft. Meade soldiers during World Wars I and II and, later, as a Tea House, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Giddings next had the honor of introducing Heather Hook as guest speaker for the latest installment of the Inn’s Tavern Talk and Tour Series. She’d first appeared at Rising Sun Inn for a similar event 20 years earlier.

A historic reenactor and collector of original women’s clothing dating from the 1700’s, Hook maintains a collection numbering some 5,000 pieces with most from the Civil War era. She opened her presentation by explaining how she got started.

“I’ve been collecting since my first year of college,” she said. “I had a boyfriend who was into Civil War reenacting, and he asked me to join in. Figuring anything worth doing was worth doing well, I began researching books on ladies’ clothing from the 1860’s and visiting museums. When I went to an antiques shop and found my first dress, I was just in awe that anything that old still existed. I’d simultaneously been gifted a garment from the 1890’s that had belonged to my great aunt that made me feel a direct link with her and increased my interest in clothing from the past.”

After many hours of research Hook realized how fashions change over time. Her lecture covering clothing from the 1750’s through the 1850’s, by the decade, was meant to show how fashion evolved.

She began by showing dresses from the 1750’s and 1760’s prior to the Declaration of Independence. The first was a wonderful example of the standard gown worn by fashionable women from the 1730’s to 1770’s that was known as a Robe a la francaise.

“This one is made out of silk and is trimmed with its own fabric,” she said. “It has a matching bodice called a stomacher, which is a piece that can be changed out to change the look of the dress. You can see from the back that it has fabulous Watteau pleats that fall to the ground.”

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Another fashion trend in the 1760’s was the use of quilted petticoats, an example of which could be seen in the second dress from Hook’s collection. The quilted petticoat (meant to be seen) is made from silk/satin and has extremely tiny stiches. As with stomachers, petticoats could be changed out to change the look of the dress. These dresses were worn by women from the higher classes.

Though “drawers” had not yet been invented (so women wore none), underclothes and accessories were important to “the look”. Cotton shifts were worn under the extravagant garments as were corsets that were intended to mold your body into a desirable shape. You would also wear a pair of pocket hoops (paniers) on either side of the hips. All of the dresses had open slits so you could put your hands through to the hoops where you would keep your incidentals.

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Shoes were a very important accessory and were made of satin. Some came with a wooden platform that the shoe rested in to keep it above the dirt and/or dry during periods of rain.

Hats, known as calash bonnets, were equally important for the well-dressed woman. Voluminous in size to accommodate elaborate hairdos piled high on the head, calashes had cane or whalebone inserts that expanded as the hair expanded.

Calash fabrics were predominantly silk or satin.

Other accessories included purses which tended to be small and delicate with intricate embroidery sometimes created using metal threads.

It was in this era that fans achieved prominence as a fashion statement. The artwork on hand painted fans from the mid-1700’s tended to be beautiful with decorative elements that could include ivory. The fans were large but in later decades, they would become smaller.

By the 1770’s things were changing as the public was less influenced by England and America was becoming more its own country. The next dress shown by Hook was worn in 1778 as the wedding dress of Mayflower family descendant Sarah Bass who married Dr. Ebenezer Alden, also descended from a Mayflower family. It is an English-style robe done in a brocade fabric with trims created from the same material. Simpler Watteau pleats flow down the back. The fabric was probably imported from England or France. At the time, silks and satins were less expensive than cotton which was the highest priced fabric because it wasn’t made here and had to be imported.

Accessories worn with all these dresses included beautifully embroidered aprons and mitts (both short and long).

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By the 1780’s clothing had become less restrictive though dresses still had a train that could be adjusted by a drawstring. Shoes from this time period had smaller heels. As before, and for a long time afterward, there was no right or left shoe. Both were the same. There were supposedly stockings during this period but Hook was not able to find any examples for her collection. As before, no underwear was worn other than a shift.

Moving into the 1790’s, one-piece dresses known as round gowns were fashionable. There was an emphasis on the back of the dress with a slight bump at the back descending into a train. The one shown was worn by Sarah Pennock from Pennsylvania.

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The 1800’s ushered in a risqué era of fashion known for it’s “barely there” gowns that featured empire waists and short bodices that barely covered the breasts. The dress from Hook’s collection was made from lightweight silk for evening wear. She believes the sleeves may have been added later.

The 1800’s also saw the introduction of underwear. Corsets became more structured with wooden pieces called busks running down the center to separate the breasts. Gloves, often made from Kidd, replaced mitts and bonnets became smaller.

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Moving into the Victorian era of the 1840’s, dresses became softer and more rounded with very full sleeves and bonnets became smaller and more casual. Toward the 1850’s there were more conservative American-made dresses created from wool/silk blends in varied and attractive prints.

Last but not least, Hook shared a splendid mid-19th century dress of eirjohn silk taffeta with a matching cape. A number of petticoats would have been worn beneath the dress.

Following much applause and appreciation for Hook’s presentation from the audience, Susan Giddings concluded the Rise and Fall of Fashion event by showing off three fans from Rising Sun Inn’s own collection that have not been on display for many years. The Inn recently received a grant from Americana Corner to conserve the fans and were able to complete the preservation of one fan. Donations from individuals are still being accepted to advance conservation of the remaining two fans. Two of the three fans are shown below.

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Noting that the Rise and Fall of Fashion event sold out and even more people viewed it online, Giddings thanked the audience and explained that Rising Sun Inn is a self-sustaining volunteer organization so funds raised from ticket sales are greatly appreciated. She then invited attendees to the Inn’s historic Tap Room for hot cider and sweets.

Upcoming events at the Inn include “Hopped Up!” on February 18 when guests will learn about the history of brewing in Colonial America presented by Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery. They’ll also enjoy a brew tasting and some lite bites. There are three sessions at 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. For prices and tickets, visit The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland – Home .

Future events will include a Maryland Day tour with costumed guides on April 1, a Tea and Tour event on April 22 and a Make-Your-Own Mother’s Day Tea Cup Floral Arrangement on May 5.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit beginning January 22

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi will celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit with local performances including one for Anne Arundel County SPCA’s Paws at the Mall at 2 pm on January 22.

Jing Ying will continue celebrating with a series of free and low-cost classes and workshops.

Jing Ying will also host an open house on Saturday January 28 that includes a Chinese Lion Dance, demos of kung fu & tai chi, traditional treats, crafts for children, giveaways, and door prizes. January 28 marks the start of a Jing Ying Institute’s month-long silent auction fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org)

The column is brought to you this month 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit with Jing Ying Institute beginning January 22.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Trai Chi

We first met Winsome Brown of Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services in October of 2020 not long after she and sister Dee (Danielle) Morgan Brown opened the business. As part of a virtual event focusing on Alzheimers patient care that she’d organized for the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce called “The Long Walk”, Winsome revealed how the Brown sisters started their company.

After working in New York’s financial sector for over twenty years, Winsome was unexpectedly thrust into the role of a caregiver for her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010.

The sudden pressure to make life-altering choices on her mother’s behalf, without being prepared to do so, forever shaped her views about our health system and what was needed for seniors and caregivers.

Soon, Brown and her sister Dee, a registered nurse, formed Lean On Dee Senior Care Advocates, serving as Certified Senior Advisors and Certified Dementia Live Coaches and Caregivers. Working together, the two basically managed dementia care for Alzheimer’s patients on their own. But, as demand for Lean on Dee’s services grew, they moved quickly from being a “no-touch” service doing home visits and assessments, and referring clients to other agencies, to a full care agency.

“We were doing all the marketing and management of patient care and sometimes even managing the staff of the other agencies we’d referred families to,” Winsome said. “We soon decided we could do it much better than those agencies.”

Working together, with Winsome taking care of business and Dee using her skills as a former Hospice and Palliative Care nurse to oversee patient care, the two developed a bottoms-up approach centered solely on the Alzheimer’s patient and family rather than a revenue-based model.

In the short time since getting their state license last June, Dee and Winsome have added 30 well-trained caregivers to their staff, becoming a level 3 agency, and they’ve instituted an approach to care that considers “the patient first”.

Seated next to each other in their conference room after meeting with one of those caregivers, the sisters noted that they are meeting with so many people on a daily basis that their modest suite of offices at 815 Ritchie Highway suddenly seems crowded and an expansion may become necessary.

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For now, though, they like that the words Compassion, Respect, Quality and Dedication are emblazoned on the wall of the conference room as a reminder to caregivers and clients alike that Lean on Dee is about more than simply showing up and doing the job.

“As far as we’re concerned, our caregivers have to be happy, so we hire skilled people including med techs and pay them at a higher rate than other agencies because we want to have reliable people. As we’re a level 3 agency, we can dispense medications (unlike level 1 or 2 agencies) and we do everything from personal care and companion care to skilled nursing care, ” Winsome said.

With cognitively impaired patients, medication management is vitally important.

These days, a lot of patient care provided by Lean on Dee takes place in assisted living facilities. Most of those facilities care for patients at a ratio of 15 patients to one caregiver and simply aren’t equipped to handle more seriously impaired patients.

Dee emphasizes that keeping the patients engaged is one of the most important aspects of the care she believes every client deserves.

“Many of these people are lonely, so we try to find out from their families what their occupations or interests have been in the past,” she said. “Then we send each caretaker out with a book bag of activities based on those interests so there is something to do after the patient’s physical needs are met beyond just sitting around. One patient, for example, likes to paint bird houses that are built by a different patient. We find something for everyone.”

Dee and Winsome Brown have an ideal balance of skill sets though both are capable of covering all bases if need be. Dee, for example, was the guiding force in developing a template for keeping track of how a patient is doing on a daily basis – a template that has proven invaluable for keeping families informed about their loved-one’s condition and welfare.

Winsome handles the marketing and financial aspects of the business. To that end, she’s sometimes out and about spreading the word about Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services. She, Dee and team were seen at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s “Shoptoberfest” in October.

One or both sisters will be making an appearance this Saturday at the Severna Park Community Center’s Health & Wellness Expo. (See below for details.)

Both Dee and Winsome are very optimistic individuals and feel that they are truly doing “God’s work”. But they do find a few things frustrating. Because they monitor what is going on in their patient’s lives daily, they have been upset and angered by the amount of fraud directed at seniors – especially those who are ill or cognitively impaired.

They note that these vulnerable individuals are constantly bombarded with mailings, phone calls from call centers, and even television commercials with fraudulent offerings. There is tremendous Social Security and Medicare fraud, for example, including ads that urge patients to call a number to see if they are entitled to more benefits.

“They are not going to get ‘more’. It’s simply a grift to get people to buy insurance,” Winsome said. “Families need to keep an eye out for this as we’ve seen people’s savings wiped out by these schemes.”

Beyond that, these are exciting times for Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services.

“We have the best caregivers on the planet and we feel rewarded every single day,” Dee said.

For information on Lean On Dee call 410-449-4538 or visit Senior Care Advocates | Millersville, MD | Lean on Dee Senior Care Advocates.

Health & Wellness Expo at Severna Park Community Center Saturday

A Health & Wellness Expo is being held at Severna Park Community Center this Saturday, January 14 from 10 am till 2 pm. In addition to University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 25 health related businesses/practices will be represented. They range from physical therapy and chiropractic services to fitness training and senior home care. There will also be 13 presenters and demonstrations running the gamut from Anne Marie Flodd from Play & Thrive Speech Therapy and Justin Livezey from Severna Park Strength Performance to Billy and Nancy Greer from Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi.

For information, visit THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER – SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org).

The Rise and Fall of Fashion, 1750-1850 at Rising Sun Inn this Sunday at 1 pm

Rising Sun Inn, in Crownsville, will host a presentation called “The Rise and Fall of Fashion, 1750-1850 this Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., for their Tavern Talk and Tour Series. This installment will feature Heather Hook. Heather started historic reenacting in 1990. Wanting to be as authentic as possible, she ran across her first original ladies Civil War dress in an antique shop and purchased it to study. She was immediately drawn into the world of collecting originals. The Heather Hook originals collection consists of men, women and children’s clothing and accessories from the years 1750-1980.

Heather will share original women’s clothing and accessories from the decades between 1750 and 1850, showing changing styles of ladies fashions. They include decadent fashions from the 1770s with their beautiful silks, those from the risqué 1800s with the Jane Austen Grecian style “barely there” dresses, as well as staunch Victorian gowns meant to show modesty. What women wore under those gowns will be revealed as well.

For information, visit Public Events – The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland.

The column is brought to you 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi training is an ideal way to start 2023 off on the right foot.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaw’s Marketplace

and Jing Ying Institute of Tai Chi & Kung Fu

Sophomore Josiah Williams is never more comfortable than when he’s behind a chess board. The Old Mill High School sophomore is young to be president of the high school’s chess club. But it’s not surprising when you consider that he began playing the game at the age of 10 and his honed his skills to a high level. He has participated in local and regional chess tournaments and just competed in his first national event – the U.S. National Chess Federation K-12 Championships held at National Harbor from December 9-11.

Josiah said the experience was challenging but he learned a lot. Contestants came from across the Eastern United States and competed according to their grade level. He was paired in matches with five other 10th-grade level competitors with a chess rating over 1100. The pairings for each round were indicated on a large white board. (In round 3, for instance, he was paired with sophomore Daniel Prizant from Stuyvesant High School, New York.)

Each match meant intense concentration on the part of each participant including Josiah. As mentioned in Old Mill High School’s Patriot Post newsletter, Josiah competed hard and represented the school and the Old Mill High School Chess Club very well.

At the end of the event, champions were declared for each grade level. While Josiah did not win the coveted title of champion, he gained a lot of valuable experience and knowledge and met many competitors as well as chess luminaries including Carol Meyer, Executive Director, of the U.S. National Chess Federation.

Josiah discovered the art of chess in a somewhat unique way.

“I was introduced to the game by a staff member at Kim’s Karate & Learning Center in Glen Burnie where I was studying Taekwondo,” he said. “His name was Mr. Matt and he introduced all of us to chess.”

The 10-year-old learned by playing other Taekwondo students. However, he progressed more quickly than any of the others, so he began playing the learning center staff members. He also found chess applications (aps) that were instructional and enabled him to practice his skills and increase his powers of concentration. Shortly thereafter, he discovered The Severna Park Chess Club and was delighted that the adult members were willing to play him and help him improve his game. One member, national chess champion and playwright Joe Coppola was especially helpful.

On entering Old Mill High School in 2021, Josiah was urged by his parents to “join the chess club to make friends”. The freshman was the club’s youngest member at the time as the others were seniors but he continued to learn from them. To his amazement, he entered the high school’s chess tournament and won the championship beating the club president.

It was at that point that Josiah became club president… though with a smaller membership because the seniors graduated. The club currently has seven members with hopes of recruiting more. They meet twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The new president adapted quickly to his leadership role, overseeing the meetings, recruiting members and accepting the responsibility to teach the other members. The team is also fortunate to be coached by Dr. Eric Hehl, an Old Mill High science teacher and chess player extraordinaire.

“He’s very good. I can’t beat Dr. Heil,” Josiah says.

Each meeting begins with setting up chess boards and/or clocks and pairing off for the matches. Josiah will observe and teach the members new openings or strategies. He also encourages them to compete in nearby tournaments like those held weekly by the D.C. State Chess Federation to give young players from area chess clubs experience. Once every four weeks, the D.C. State Chess Federation tournament is held at the American Legion in Annapolis.

He sometimes talks with chess club members about how exciting it was to participate in the U.S. National Chess Federation K-12 Championships. But he also tells them that he trained hard for it.

Josiah’s father Darrell Williams confirmed that his son worked hard and trained for the national championship meet by competing in smaller tournaments. He also trained for two months last summer by playing members of the Severna Park Chess Club who have a higher skill level than he does. The gentlemen were happy to challenge him and give him advice.

Josiah is currently in training for the Spring 2023 High School Championships in Washington, D.C. where he will, again, be representing the Old Mill High School Chess Club. He says 800 to 900 students are expected to play in that one from many different high schools and he looks forward to playing some exciting matches.

For more information or to contact Old Mill High School Chess Club, visit Clubs and Activities – Old Mill High School (oldmillhs.org).

Health & Wellness Expo upcoming at Severna Park Community Center

For the first time since this COVID pandemic, a Health & Wellness Expo is being held at Severna Park Community Center on Saturday, January 14 from 10 am till 2 pm. In addition to University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 25 health related businesses/practices will be represented. They range from physical therapy and chiropractic services to fitness training and senior home care. There will also be 13 presenters and demonstrations running the gamut from Anne Marie Flodd from Play & Thrive Speech Therapy and Justin Livezey from Severna Park Strength Performance to Billy and Nancy Greer from Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi.

For information, visit THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER – SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org).

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family business that carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi training is an ideal way to start 2023 off on the right foot.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

The Severna Park business scene has seen a number of firsts occur on the first day of a New Year.

January 1, 2000, saw entrepreneur Deb Hoffman open the first “specialty bean coffee shop” in Severna Park in a tiny space on Riggs Avenue at B&A Boulevard with Christie Sappington as her first barista. She called it The Big Bean and business boomed. By 2005, Hoffman had relocated the shop to its present address at 558 B&A Boulevard with a back entrance and patio along the Baltimore Annapolis Trail. The Big Bean’s success soared, and it became a hub of the rapidly growing community.

Skipping ahead to January 1, 2019 Christie Sappington Coster and husband Greg – the same Christie Sappington who had been The Big Bean’s first Barista – took over ownership of the shop from Hoffman.

Having realized Christie’s long-held dream of becoming the shop’s owner one day, the couple continued building on the establishment’s success. They did good job adapting and keeping the shop profitable through the COVID pandemic while also taking an active role in the Severna Park community.

Not every business launched in the new year was successful. However, one was transformative. As the calendar flipped from 2015 to 2016, brothers Peter and Ron Zarilli opened Zarillis Steaks and Hogies in the building that, for 53 years, was home to the Severna Park Post Office. Experienced builders, the brothers successfully transformed the building from a mail facility to a restaurant – one that sadly closed within its first year of operation.

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The building underwent further changes in 2017 when restaurateurs Charlie Priola and Arturo Ottaviano joined ranks to purchase the business and open La Posta Pizzeria – La Posta meaning “the post office” in Spanish.

Once again, a New Year’s launch is about to take place according to a tip we received from Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League. She tells us Senor’s Chile Cafe Severna Park is about to open under the ownership of 19-year-old Harry Salmoran in the building that was formerly Rivera’s Mexican Cafe at 594 Benfield Road. The menu will be comprised of authentic Mexican dishes similar to those served at the Salmoran family’s Mi Lindo Cancun Grill in Annapolis.

While Severna Park’s business scene changes frequently, the way in which residents celebrate the ringing in of a New Year has remained relatively intimate.

In Severna Park’s earliest years, summer activities like carnivals and dances were held but New Year’s Eve celebrations were primarily private parties held in the homes of residents.

A reminiscence of such parties during the 1950’s was written by former resident Jill Howard and included in the book “Severna Park Reflections” published by Bay Media, Inc. and the Severna Park Old Timers.

Howard spoke of occasional dances at Round Bay Inn or cotillions at St. John’s College that young ladies from the town attended wearing lovely long gowns but carrying their slippers because they had to ride the train. Even more fun were New Year’s Eve parties held by families in the community.

“The parties given by the Samuels of Severna Park on New Year’s Eve were the most exciting – quite the event of the year,” she said. “The home was lovely and just right for parties. You could dance in a circle through the rooms [to a four piece group] and how we loved to dance.”

She added that food was special with non-alcoholic punch and ice cream and cake served at midnight. The women’s dresses were long, and they all planned them months ahead. All the men wore tuxedos.

Fast forward to New Year’s Eve 2022. Residents who like to stay at home for New Year’s Eve can add a burst or two of excitement to the evening. Maryland laws now permit the purchase of fireworks from approved retail sites on New Year’s Eve for firing off in one’s backyard.

For those wishing to go out to celebrate, we’ve checked and found that Severna Park has little going on aside from celebratory meals at neighborhood restaurants. Luckily, there’s one great option. Severna Park Bowling Lanes has been holding New Year’s Eve festivities for quite a few years and this year is no exception.

They’ll be decorating the lanes for the occasion (as seen in the opening) and will supply glitzy hats, gift bags, noisemakers and other items necessary for bringing in the New Year with style.

You can call 410-647-0811 to reserve your lane for a fabulous New Year’s Eve party. Severna Park Bowling Lane’s Family Parties are from 4 pm to 6 pm or 7 pm to 9 pm. Their Gala Celebration is from 9:30 pm to 1 am and partiers of all ages are welcome.

With Annapolis close by, many local residents head there to celebrate. Beginning in 1990, the First Night Annapolis tradition took hold and continued until recently along with annual fireworks displays over the harbor.

This year, a celebration called “The Annapolis New Year’s Eve Party” has taken over from First Night Annapolis. The celebration will unfold in stages starting in the afternoon.

There will be a family friendly event at SusanB. Campbell Park with kids’ activities and bands from 4 – 5.20 pm and fireworks over the Annapolis Harbor at 5.30 pm. The main celebrations will then move on into the evening, with crowds heading down to City Dock where a fireworks display will be set off by the mayor at midnight.

In addition to fireworks at the City Dock with live music, a New Year’s Eve Party is being held at the Vibe. For details, visit Vibe | Live Music Venue serving Food & Drinks in Annapolis (vibeannapolis.com) venue at 2072 Somerville Road.

For another celebration along the waterfront, visit New Year’s Eve Bash At The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel or attend a New Year’s Eve in ’80 garb at Ram’s Head On Stage. Tickets are available at Ultimate 80’s Prom, Live Music At Rams Head On Stage. There will also be live music at the Rams Head Roadhouse. See Live Music At Rams Head Roadhouse.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. carrying fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. You’ll find a fine selection of bubbly for those New Year’s Eve toasts as well as snacks, beers and spirits for watching New Year’s Day football games.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi training is an ideal way to start the New Year off on the right foot.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

The most exciting time of the year arrived for SPAN, Inc. on December 11th as donors walked through the doors of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church to drop off donations of foods and gifts for 208 families through the organization’s Holiday Caring Program. (The church donates the space to store them.)

According to SPAN’s Director of Operations Maia Grabau, the program matches donors with families needing help during the Christmas season. The donors receive the name of a family to buy gifts for from one of the schools or from social services. They are then given the names, ages and sizes of each child and they are also asked to provide non-perishable foods for a Christmas dinner along with a gift card for a turkey or ham.

Early arrivals at the desk manned by Grabau and daughter Elizabeth were Evonne Briese and sons Nick and Oliver Marquinez who were donating packages of food and gifts and a pink and white girl’s bicycle. Volunteers Sharon Fenton and Elizabeth Grabau helped them drop off their donations in the church’s multi-purpose room where a taped-off square was numbered to match the number of the family they bought gifts for.

Meanwhile, volunteers Karen Fox and son Brady and brothers Luke and Henry Comer offered to shuttle donations dropped off earlier at SPAN’s headquarters across from the church. They’d check the gifts in, hand the gift cards to Grabau and drop them off down the hall. Then they’d head back for another armful or wagonload.

Keri DeLuca and son Christian brought gifts that were gathered from all their neighbors in Shipley’s choice. They carried their donations back to the multi-purpose room with volunteer Alice Kerwin and were amazed by the well-thought-out system of numbered squares matching numbers assigned the families receiving the gifts.

When not supervising the transfer of donations from the SPAN building, Director of Development Michele Sabean was busy keeping track of which donations were going where. She first checked out donations stored in the Sunday School room used as an annex to the multi-purpose room.

“The front of this room is dedicated to gift donations. In the back of the room, we have donations of food going to families that don’t have children, some of whom are our regular clients. Most food donations have come from the churches,” she said.

“With budgets tight, the churches suggested their congregation members make a small donation of food or a gift. When combined, they make quite a large contribution.”

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Michele Comer’s twin sons Henry and Luke finished the wagon runs and joined her in sorting food donations. The brothers are members of Boy ScoutsTroop 855 based at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and were volunteering to accumulate service hours toward merit badges.

SPAN’s directors and volunteers are always amazed at the generosity of donors. Natalie Etters and her daughter Abigail had their arms full as they delivered bags full of nicely wrapped packages for Family #1010. After checking in with Grabau, they were shown to the multi-purpose room by Kirwan.

Many neighborhood donations were received including a sizeable contribution brought in by Liz Lax, her son Hudson and neighbor C.J. Whlig. In addition to three enormous blue zippered bags, they had two paper shopping bags filled with even more food and gifts.

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“These gifts are from several families in Fair Oaks on the Magothy,” Lax told Grabau as she unzipped the bags and handed her some gift cards.

This year, individual families, neighborhoods, churches and businesses were as generous as before in spite of inflationary pressures according to Grabau.

“One household gifted 10 families which really helped us a lot,” she said. “More families registered for the Holiday Caring program this year. We even added additional families at the last minute including one mother who was just home from the hospital after having brain surgery and asked for some gifts for her son.”

She added that SPAN has had a significant increase in clients served, with more people asking for financial assistance than for food. Energy bills are hitting people hardest.

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In addition to the Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church donations, contributions were expected the following day from Severna Park United Methodist Church, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and, of course, Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Businesses involved in donating to the holiday caring program included Howard Energy with multiple packages from Bill and Patti Howard. They were followed through the door by Sally McGuire who made multiple trips bringing in donations from The Matt Wyble Team.

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Donors continued arriving until 4 pm with more the following day. By far, the most meaningful day of all for SPAN, Inc. would be Tuesday, December 13 when recipients arrived at the church to collect the food and gifts that will make their Christmas celebrations brighter than they might have hoped.

SPAN will soon be approaching the time of year when the need is greatest, but donations dwindle. For more information or to make a donation, visit SPAN Serving People Across Neighborhoods (spanhelps.org)

Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop & Stroll patrons brave chilly pre-Christmas weather

Darkness was an hour away when Olde Severna Park’s first-ever Holiday Shop & Stroll began. The wind was blowing and temperatures dropping but shoppers were already forming a crowd in the historic heart of the town.

Theater In The Park musical director Kylie Sjolie commandeered a place on the pavement to gather singers from her Pitch Perfect and Musical Theater Workshops for a quick briefing about the songs they’d perform at 5 pm.

Shoppers were not only welcomed by the storefront businesses on both sides of Benfield Boulevard but by a number of retailers from further afield who’d set up tables.

Hoping to capture the spirit of Christmas, author Marissa D’Angelo sported reindeer antlers trimmed while selling and signing books at her Tales of Charles Island table – books she felt would make great holiday gifts.

D’Angelo’s Charles Island series, based on the island of the same name off the coast of Connecticut, consists of three titles. Each is set in a different era. The earliest, “Cursed Spirit”, focuses on a Native American Indian tribe – the Paugusetts, “Cursed Vessel” is modeled on the pirate Captain Kidd. The third, “Presence”, is set in modern times and concerns a photographer who finds paranormal images in his photos of the island. D’Angelo donates 10% of her profits to the Paugusett tribe and reforestation efforts. Her books may be ordered at Books | Mysty Writes.

Katie Richardson’s Santa hat was warm and was the perfect advertisement for her Year Cheer holiday boxes for kids. The boxes did, in fact, draw many curious kids. Just to Richardson’s left was Meredith Baker from Skin Logic who was selling an array of high-quality and medical grade cosmetics.

Friends Kathy Kline and Tammi Molavi were having a ball and had already visited several shops. Having stopped by The Big Bean , they were carrying cups of coffee and were about to cross Benfield Boulevard to visit Dawson’s Liquors where they hoped to sample a tasty beverage, then onward to Savvy Consignment and Park Books.

Dawson’s Liquors, along with Peaceful Petals and The Blended Essentials, sponsored the Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop and Stroll. We caught up with Blended Essentials’ owner Danielle Bowen who told us retailers along the boulevard – especially Big Bean owner Christie Coster – had talked about doing such an event for a while. They were pleased that 16 businesses agreed to participate.

The tables in front of the shops provided independent or online retailers a chance to bring their products more exposure. At the ColorSTREET table, for example, stylist Chrisie Varner designed glittery little bags to hand out with samples of adhesive nail polish strips and other products that female shoppers really liked.

Just around the corner at 4 Riggs Avenue was the The Red Apron Shoppe where Kate DoCouto was minding the family business. The shop was founded by her mother MaryAnn Neal who was away visiting Denver, Colorado. Interestingly, Neal is one of the merchants who most wanted a holiday event that would draw people to Olde Severna Park.

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As promised, there was music to enjoy. Vocalist/guitarist Daphne Eckman was perched on a stool outside the entrance to The Big Bean providing a touch of jazz as she sang such standards as “I’ll Be Seeing You”.

Just as the sun was going down and Christmas lights were coming on in storefront windows, the Theater In The Park music students assembled next to the Refill Goodness tables to perform a program of holiday songs with both Skoljie and Kraus directing. The singers, ages 4 to 18, loved appearing for a new and different audience. They planned to cross Benfield Boulevard and perform in front of Dawson’s, Savvy and Park Books as well.

An update on Orphan Grain Train’s “Light Up Ukraine” project

Following their Light Up Ukraine Drive, Millersville-based Orphan Grain Train has received $58,000 in donations for Luci Lights – solar-powered lights that are being shipped to Kiev. Project chairman Elfie Eberle said the organization was very thankful for the amazing response.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Holiday gift sets are now on the shelves and, on December 17th, an artist will be on hand to engrave customers’ bottles with personalized holiday greetings.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai chi

For friends Jen Lee, Kim Marin, Christy Chisholm and Theresa Bloom (seen above), attending Girl’s Night Out in the lovely holiday setting of Homestead Gardens Severna Park is, by now, a tradition. The one held on December 8th was as festive as ever.

“We’ve come to Girl’s Night Out for many years,” Bloom said. “We look forward to it and we always have a great time.”

Lee, with a shopping basket over one arm, added that all four of them like to socialize – to come and meet their friends.

Pals Laurie Beatty and Amy Orzechowski enjoy the annual occasion just as much. They love soaking in the glamorous atmosphere with Christmas lights twinkling on elegantly trimmed trees and carols playing in the background. High on the list of why they’re drawn to the event is the 25% Girl’s Night Out discount on all merchandise. Sampling foods and beverages from local businesses is an added perk.

“The eggnog at the Brian Boru tables is spectacular,” Orzechowski said.

All four of the food and beverage stations scattered about were popular with the shoppers. At the Brian Boru station set up in front of Homestead’s “gingerbread house”, Patrick Reilly and Hugh Patrick served Shepherd’s Pie and their signature eggnog, which is made at Galway Bay, one of four Irish Restaurant Company restaurants that include Killarney House and Pirates Cove. Manager Kendall Yingling and Berkleigh Howser were also on hand to pitch in when the lines grew long.

Employee Lisa Lawrence said Homestead Gardens Severna Park has been holding Girl’s Night Out for more than five years.

Community and events liaison Jen Sartain agreed and explained that the tradition has been celebrated in all three of the Homestead Garden locations including the original store in Davidsonville and the one in Smyrna, Delaware.

“We do “Girl’s Night Out” only for the holidays,” Sartain said. “We hold the event later in the evening so the women can already have fed their families and have free time. We always bring in local charities and local vendors for food and drink. Our staff starts planning for this event early in the year and works hard setting it up.”

The charity Homestead Gardens Severna Park chose for this year’s event was the Edgewater-based non-profit Blue Ribbon Project that supports victims of child abuse and youth in foster care. Volunteer Linda Rohrbaugh handed out mini cupcakes for the charity.

Stepping around a corner just past Rohrbaugh, Girl’s Night Out shoppers discovered jazz pianist Gary Harmon who added a nice touch to the occasion with carols and vocals on standards like “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ve Got Your Love to Keep Me Warm”. Harmon will be playing at Homestead Gardens Severna Park every Saturday during the holiday shopping season.

It’s true that not every shopper came specifically for Girl’s Night Out but everyone who did really enjoyed it. Darby Davis said this was her first time at the event. She’d simply stopped by to look for a holiday bouquet for her home.

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“I sort of followed the crowd, found this convivial setting and learned there was a discount offered for Girl’s Night Out shoppers,” said Davis. “It was great timing for me.”

Kelly Clark, likewise, was unaware a special event was going on. She’d stopped by to select a game for a child’s present. She liked what she saw and was really pleased to hear she’d get a discount.

“Millersville-based Be My Guest Catering office manager Malinda Coppola stepped in for owner Sandra Demilio to serve the Girl’s Night Out crowd. Shoppers Suzie Schuyler and Patti Filshea declared the canapes she handed them delicious. They immediately tried to guess the ingredients in the luscious spread. Turns out goat cheese and figs featured prominently among the ingredients.

“We come to this event every year for our holiday girl’s trip, Schuyler said.

An hour into the event, shopping picked up and the crowd began migrating toward the far side of the main showroom where dried berry arrangements and outdoor decorations took center stage. Some shoppers pushed carts, others carried baskets, quite a few had a glass of eggnog or wine in one hand.

Located against a backdrop of colorful birdhouses, the Fishpaws Marketplace station seemed to be a natural gathering place where shoppers took a break and chatted with one another while sampling one or more wines. Ally Edwards offered Campo Viejo Cava on ice while Teri Schroter ladled out cups of warm Spiced Wassail from Sweetland Cellars. She also served first-of-the-harvest Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau for 2022 – a wine their customers ask for every year. Fishpaw’s cheese manager Teri Pheobus was spotted a short distance away bringing a cooler containing more of the gouda she was serving and additional wines.

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The widely predicted long lines at the checkout counter were starting to form but Girl’s Night Out was far from over. Women continued to stream through the entrance in pairs or groups of three or four. Most started the evening with a sip or a nibble before checking out the latest in holiday decorations or gift items.

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It seemed as if everyone attending Girl’s Night Out really did want their Christmases to be Merry and Bright.

Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop & Stroll on December 18th

On Sunday, December 18th, from 4 pm to 7 pm visitors will be welcomed to Olde Severna Park’s Shop & Stroll. Sponsored by Peaceful Petals, The Blended Essentials, and Dawson’s Liquors, the event will feature live music, shopping, extra vendors, food and drinks.

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According to Blended Essentials co-owner Ella Bowen, participating businesses will include, in addition to hers, Peaceful Petals, The Big Bean, Savvy, Jenos Steaks, Dawsons Liquors, Sophies Crepes, Chris & Becks, Park Books, Gallery 564, Refill Goodness, Bohemian Black, Red Apron Shoppe, Skin Logic, Color Street Nails, Christalene Visionary and many more. For more details, visit Olde Severna Park Holiday Shop & Stroll | Facebook.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods with which to grace your holiday tables. Tastings for wines, liqueurs and beer this Friday, December 16.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League mentioned weeks ahead that there would be a surprise at this year’s Community Tree Lighting in front of the organization’s headquarters at 1 Holly Avenue on December 2nd.

Indeed, there was a surprise! Glittering white lights on a historic and enormous tree loomed high above the Chamber building. Decorated by Pasadena-based Maryland Lighting & Sprinklers, the evergreen could be seen from most of Olde Severna Park and caused a collective gasp from all who saw it.

At one time or another, much of the assembled crowd walked beneath its branches while gazing up into the lights.

The “big tree” was first lit by former chamber CEO Linda Zahn shortly after the organization acquired and moved into the former Regester home at 1 Holly Avenue in 1995.

“In a few years I set my sights on a community tree. I’d wanted to light a big evergreen tree but was told it was too close to the power lines,” Zahn said. “So I lit the big holly tree right beside our building. We beefed up the power with outlets outside on the side porch and I had colorful lights custom made based on the design of the Naval Academy Alumni House tree.”

” I think the name of the guy who volunteered to climb the tree – yep, he climbed it! – was Steve Darley and we ran the lights vertically because of the shape of the holly.  There was a problem with the tree being so prickly, and also the light sockets that faced up caught rainwater and shorted out.  There were other issues.  Eventually I retired the project and moved to the smaller holly in front of the Chamber building because it was manageable.  I think it’s fantastic that folks have come up with a plan to light the big tree. So now there is a tree in front of the Chamber and also the tree at the train station.”

In keeping with tradition, the smaller holly fronting the Chamber building was lit to the singing of “Oh Christmas Tree” by the Severna Park Elementary School Chorus.

A larger than normal crowd attended the tree lighting this year to celebrate just being with each other, to take in the atmosphere, to sing along with the carols and view performances by the Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite Dancers, and the Creative Force Dance Center Dancers. Some families admitted they were drawn to the event by the sight of the big tree.

Families with children made a beeline for Santa Claus or The Grinch, both of whom took time to lend an ear and endlessly posed for photos.

Instead of an open house with homemade cookies inside the chamber building as in past years, treats were served on the lawn. The Sweet Satisfaction Ice Cream Truck was there and long lines formed. Their menu board listed warm desserts including Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies, Warm Pineapple Upside-down Cake, Warm Berry Blossom, Warm Sticky Toffee Cake, and Warm Salted Caramel Fudge – all served with a complement of ice cream.

Among others, Advance Auto Parts handed out candy at one tent while, beneath The Matt Wyble Team tent, The Big Bean’s owners, Christie and Greg Coster, handed out cup after cup of hot chocolate.

The Costers had long wanted to light the big tree and found out that Matt Wyble had the same thing in mind. However, the cost was prohibitive. The three fortunately found Matt Smith from Maryland Lighting & Sprinklers who generously offered to do the lighting for half the cost as a donation if the Costers and Wyble raised the remaining half. They obviously did.

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s holiday happenings didn’t end with the tree lighting. A mere four days later on Tuesday evening, December 6 at 5:30 pm, League opened the doors of the ballroom at Chartwell Golf and Country Club for the 12th Anniversary Holiday Taste & Sip event with 20 local restauranteurs and merchants providing some outstanding food and drink.

For the 12th year, The Matt Wyble Team from Century, New Millenium was the presenting sponsor for the event but there were a total of 17 sponsors from the local business community.

Rain fell intermittently as the evening began and guests arrived in groups of two or three. In no time at all, the crowd swelled to 300 attendees. Once past the ballroom’s entrance, they were treated to a repertoire of familiar Christmas carols by the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.

Between friends, neighbors and business associates to meet and greet, beautifully prepared food and drinks to taste, and a host of Silent Auction and raffle items to check out, there was a lot to take in.

A mix of restaurants and businesses participated (from Taste & Sip veterans like Lisa’s Cakepops, Mi Pueblo, Firehouse Subs and Cafe Mezzanotte to new ones like Green Valley Marketplace) with their wares tastefully displayed throughout the ballroom and beyond. Some were a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds like the extravagantly laid out table from Titan Catering. Culinary Director Daniel Hlusak’s “tastes” included sumptuous hors d’oeuvres of bourbon-glazed steak.

Still bathing in the glow of their successful appearance at the Chamber’s tree lighting, Sweet Satisfaction Ice Cream Truck’s Cindy and David Geipe added a touch of Christmas with a jolly Santa and a touch of class with delicate little ice cream cones.

Also making spirits bright, literally, were Teri Pheobus, Ally Edwards and Teri Schroeter from Fishpaws Marketplace. The trio had bottles of Campo Viejo Cava chilling on ice, an aged Gouda to complement the Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, and Sweetland Cellars Spiced Wassail from Boordy Vineyards warming and ready to ladle into cups.

Nick Jacob from Adam’s Taphouse Grille was serving barbequed pork sandwiches and barbequed ribs, both of which are favorites of Karen Osborne. It was great to see Osborne, owner of Karen Renee Designs, back in town from Florida. She was attending the event with her mother-in-law Betty Winkelmeyer Wells who has attended every one of the chamber’s 12 previous Taste & Sips.

Looking glamorous for the occasion, Donut Shack’s Robin Bardinali and Ally Matthews served the shop’s newly created Bread Pudding from a silver chafing dish along with cups of Donut Holes. The pair had fun greeting old friends and making new ones.

Among the many folks they knew from the business community were Anita Dewling from the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Larry Sells of Larry Sells Consulting, LLC and Jessica Morgan Wilson and mother, Dawn Wilson, from Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery.

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What Taste & Sip Holiday event would be complete without some excellent offerings from veteran participant Cafe Mezzanotte? Owner Tommie Koukoulis and Michael Reigioa offered an assortment of tastebud teasers including duckfat-braised guinea hen – a rare treat.

A Silent Auction table wound its way across the entire room with donations from businesses throughout the greater Severna Park area. Donations ranged from baskets filled with fruit or wines – or, in the case of Jing Ying Institute’s Nancy Greer, a plush panda – to gift certificates for veterinary services or children’s exercise at Rolly Pollies.

For this year’s Holiday Taste & Sip, the 206 Restaurant Group’s Park Tavern and JB’s joined forces with two offerings from each restaurant. Park Tavern’s Braised Bacon Bites and Bloody Mary Shrimp Ceviche and JB’s Garlic Knots and Boneless Wings were quite a hit. Veteran Taste & Sip participants Greg and Christie Coster from The Big Bean provided after dinner coffees and sweets while chatting about their success in lighting the big tree.

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According to Liz League, the 12th Anniversary Holiday Taste & Sip event, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, was wildly successful financially bringing in enough funds to permit a donation of $1,000 to the Anne Arundel County Foodbank and donations to a number of other charities. She noted that the number of attendees exceeded expectations and, while lots of chamber members were in the crowd there were many new faces.

“Everyone was so pleased to be out seeing everyone,” she said.

Santa on the B&A Trail on December 10th

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails organization has announced that between 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday, December 10th, Santa will be traveling along the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail in his sleigh. He’ll make a total of nine stops. Families may visit with Santa (Mark Garrity, Superintendent of Anne Arundel Co. Recreation & Parks) and his elves (Park Rangers) at each of those stops where they will be handing out candy canes and collecting non-perishable food items for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

The scheduled stops will begin at Arnold Station at 10:00 am, Jones Station at 10:45 am, Hatton Regester Green at 11:15 am, Robinson Road at 11:45 am, Whites Road at 12:15 pm, Earleigh Heights Ranger Station at 12:45 pm, Jumpers Hole Shopping Center at 1:45 pm, Harundale Shopping Center at 2:15 pm and Sawmill Creek Park at 3:00 pm. (In case of rain, the park rangers will still be at the various stops collecting non-perishable food donations.) For information, call 410-222-6141.

19th Annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction for Charity for Jing Ying Institute

A Silent Auction benefitting the non-profit Good Neighbors Group will be part of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s 19th Annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 17 from 3 to 4:30 pm.

Good Neighbors Group was chosen for the holiday silent auction because the organization strengthens communities by engaging people to help one another in and around Anne Arundel County. Some of their projects are ongoing like their regularly scheduled blood drives for Anne Arundel Medical Center. Among their best-known projects is their S(o)uper Bowl Food Drive uniting 44 neighborhoods from Severna Park and across the Broadneck Peninsula in collecting non-perishable foods for area food pantries.

Jing Ying Institute has raised over $125,000 for a variety of charities that help others.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Holiday gift sets are now on the shelves and, on December 17th, an artist will be on hand to engrave customers’ bottles with personalized holiday greetings.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi

Taking a break from holiday shopping in the cozy surroundings of Donut Shack, with its original mid-Twentieth Century counter and homey Christmas decorations, is somehow reassuring. Customers’ stress simply melts away as they enjoy a cup of coffee and a delectable cream-filled donut.

If they’ve arrived mid-morning or early afternoon, owner/manager Ali Matthews may still be there to greet them or share the latest local news. For the fourth Christmas since she and partner Ben Hilliard took over the shop in 2019, the Donut Shack tree is decorated and nestled in its corner near the window so as not to block the iconic image of downtown Severna Park as it appeared in the late 1950’s.

As a special touch this year, Matthews proudly strung 15 initialed Christmas stockings along one wall for each of Donut Shack’s 15 employees.

“I’m grateful for every one of those 15 employees,” she said. “I’ll admit that doing the decorating, as we come to the end of our third year of operation, has put me in a reflective mood.”

She’s been remembering the challenges she and Hilliard faced when they partnered with other small business owners to purchase, revitalize and restore the neighborhood business that had been run for 34 years by former owners Bill and Stacey Prevezanos.

The Grand Re-Opening of Donut Shack was held on February 29, 2019 – just thirteen days before COVID pandemic restrictions mandated the closure of their counter and table areas.

“We had a lot to overcome,” Matthews recalled. ” Prior to our purchase, the business was under different ownership briefly (less than a year) and so badly operated that they ruined the shop’s reputation. The fact that the community at large was willing to welcome us back and give us a chance was a win from the get-go.”

“Our biggest challenge was learning to make the donuts from Prevezanos – a master-donut maker. It took Bill almost fifty years to perfect his recipes, but we had to learn the donut-making process really quickly. It was hard and was further complicated by the fact that we had COVID on our hands.”

Several local businesses did not survive the pandemic, so Matthews and Hilliard consider the fact that Donut Shack is still here after three years a real success. The business is hardly a “donut dynasty” but the feel of the place is what the partners wanted.

“We’re bringing a good product to our customers and giving them a place to come that really isn’t like other places,” Matthews said. “The business is good for me personally because I’ve been able to bring my family into it as well. My brother-in-law runs my kitchen and my son, a high school student, works at the shop on the weekends.”

Having COVID restrictions forced the Donut Shack staff to make changes immediately. Things they’d thought of eventually adopting – like going on-line and making deliveries – had to be implemented in less than a month for their very survival.

Matthews and Hilliard are very grateful that the community was supportive enough to enable them to find a way to stay afloat. In the early days of the pandemic, selling donuts from tables outdoors in front of the shop when it was cold was daunting, but people continued dropping by for them. The finishing racks of donuts were moved to the far side of the shop for easy access but, with the doors opening and closing, the donuts got cold.

“People would say, ‘We think the donuts may be stale’, and we’d assure them that they were freshly made but just cold and would be fine once they warmed up,” Matthews said.

Thanks to Hilliard’s technical and organizational expertise, the business was able to start the local deliveries within a month, quickly expand them, and continue to expand them even now. The shop currently rotates the schedule to include a different delivery area each weekend. They do the local Severna Park corridor as far as Cape St. Claire and now go as far as Centreville on the Eastern Shore and to South County as far as Shadyside. The rotation takes five weeks to complete before starting all over again. They also do special occasion deliveries for weddings, graduations or other events

Matthews notes that donuts are an indulgence, though an affordable one, that people don’t have to buy.

“We really appreciate that the community has kept alive the tradition started by Bill and Stacey and have continued buying our products through these tough times,” she said.

Now that she and the staff have learned most of the variables and “gotten the donuts down”, they are looking to try out new ideas. Efforts are being made to interest local businesses in having donuts delivered for coffee breaks or meetings on a specific schedule. As soon as they get the proper clearance from the health department, they’ll be bringing back the warm soups in the afternoon that were popular when Prevezanos ran the shop. They’ve even created a recipe for a tasty “Donut Bread Pudding” they introduced at Thanksgiving.

Donut Shack employs three excellent bakers to do what Bill Prevezanos once did by himself but their workload is steadily growing. Matthews is pleased to see the shop fully staffed at a time when other establishments are having trouble finding help. Some employees have been with them from the very beginning.

As with most local businesses, the owners acknowledge that the recession is hitting Donut Shack hard.

“The cost of goods is extremely high,” Matthews said. “We’re keeping our costs at $1.50 per donut. With price points being what they are though and considering that everything here is made by hand and labor intensive, it’s hard to make a profit.”

“The aggressive cost increases are why, instead of saying ‘I think we’ve made it’, I’m saying ‘I think we’re still treading water,’ she added. “I’m happy we’re still able to tread water. It’s frustrating to realize we’ve got the product down and business is good with lots of customers but we’re barely able to make our bottom line. We’re trying to think of everything we can to attract more sales like the bread pudding.”

Matthews has spent time recently bringing Donut Shack products to farmers markets and community events like the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST and the Severna Park Community Center’s Halloween Spooktacular in order to expose them to the public. On December 4th, she’ll be at the Heroes Christmas Market in West Annapolis from 8 to 11 am. On the evening of December 6th, she’ll be featuring the shop’s new Donut Bread Pudding along with Donut Holes as one of many food and beverage purveyors at the Chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event.

She’s by far, happiest when working in the shop and loves seeing parents who came to Donut Shack as kids coming back with their own children or, in some cases, grandchildren.

“The kids get so excited and they sometimes make us pictures that we hang up. It’s a tradition we’re trying to instill in new generations,” she said.

For a tasty treat, stop by Donut Shack at 497 Ritchie Highway or order online for pick-up at the shop or delivery by visiting Hand Cut Donut Shop With Ceremony Coffee – Donut Shack (theshackisback.com).

Orphan Grain Train strives to “Light Up Ukraine”

Tuesday morning found Elfie Eberle, who is heading up Orphan Grain Train’s “Light Up Ukraine” effort, putting stickers on boxes of Luci Lights with volunteer Linda Zahn to get them ready for shipping to Kiev, Ukraine.

Eberle, the founder and former director of Orphan Grain Train’s Maryland chapter and currently its Solicitation Director, explained the project.

“OGT has sent thousands of solar-powered lights to African countries with no electric grid. They’ve had a major impact on the lives of many,” she explained. “Our organization is now collecting funds to purchase these lights for the people of Ukraine who are living without electricity.”

“MpowerD, the company that manufactures Luci Lights, has offered them to OGT for Ukraine at a cost of $7.50 each – a tremendous saving since they sell on Amazon for $24.99.”

Luci Lights are clear, inflatable, solar-powered lights that never need batteries. They contain 10 LED bulbs emitting 75 lumens and can shine for up to 24 hours on a single seven-hour charge.

Orphan Grain Train is asking for people to support its mission to “Light Up Ukraine” by donating to the cause. Any amount will be appreciated. By acting now, two lights will be sent to Ukrained for every light you purchase. To make a donation, visit Maryland | Orphan Grain Train | Sharing resources and bringing Christ’s name and character to needy people both far and near. (ogt.org) and click the Donate to Maryland button or mail a check to Orphan Grain Train – Maryland Branch, P.O. Box 1741, Millersville, Md. 21108.

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Holiday gift sets are now on the shelves and, on December 17th, an artist will be on hand to engrave customers’ bottles with personalized holiday greetings.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  Jing Ying’s classes would make a great holiday gift.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

For the staff at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park, having the animated elves blow a fuse while decorating for the holidays was a temporary inconvenience. The overall effect of the completed display was stunning, however. Finished just in time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, hundreds of dazzling decorations can be seen throughout the store.

Children find those animated elves fascinating, but they like watching the model train travel through the tunnel and round the tracks even better.

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Mom and dad, on the other hand, can wander through forests of decorated trees and shelves of decorative or gift items.

Partners In Care’s gathering of Elves for Elders December 3

Saturday, December 3rd, is kick-off celebration day for Partners In Care’s “Elves for Elders” program at the organization’s Upscale Resale Boutique at 8151 Ritchie Highway, Festival at Pasadena.

In an effort to spread Holiday cheer, PIC’s Elves for Elders volunteers will be collecting and delivering Christmas stockings/gift bags to seniors in need. 

The Elves for Elders program was born out of the realization that there’s a loneliness epidemic among the elderly. Aging brings wisdom but seniors face inevitable losses as neighborhoods change over time and loved ones and friends are gone. Decreased energy and mobility contribute to a loss of independence meaning the holidays are particularly challenging – especially for those who live far from family and don’t have anyone to share them with.

Therefore, PIC’s Elves for Elders program asks for donations of Christmas stockings filled with useful items like shaving cream, shampoo or soap, warm socks, gloves or scarves, useful household items like flashlights or kitchen towels, puzzles, games or magazines, and non-perishable foods and/or gift cards…or people may prefer to donate money.

PIC volunteer Sue Origilio who heads the Elves for Elders program, said the all-day celebration scheduled for December 3rd came about several years ago as the perfect time to deliver those Christmas stockings, get together with each other, and recognize those who make the program possible.

(Having made arrangements for transportation, Origilio needs to have the stockings or donations by December 3 at the latest.)

“The Elves for Elders celebration will take place all day December 3rd,” she said. “Santa and Mrs. Santa will be on hand so bring your children or grandchildren. There will be a 50/50 raffle and there will also be a gift table with a free gift for everyone.”

For more information, see Partners In Care, Maryland | Pasadena MD | Facebook.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber holiday events

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce announced the Community Tree Lighting and Open House will take place at 1 Holly Avenue in Olde Severna Park on December 2nd from 5 to 6:30 pm. Entertainment will include dancers, music, cookies, the Big Bean’s Hot Chocolate, Sweet Satisfaction’s ice-cream, and more. The event is free and both Santa and the Grinch will be there.

The chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event will take place December 6 at Chartwell Golf & Country Club from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. An evening of food, drink and music is planned where attendees can sample offerings from our local restaurants, bakeries and liquor stores in a wonderfully festive atmosphere. According to chamber CEO Liz League, tickets are still available. For tickets, email info@gspacc.com or call 410-647-3900.

Girls’ Night Out at Homestead Gardens Severna Park

Grab your gal pals and head to Homestead Gardens in Severna Park on December 7th for Girls’ Night Out from 6 to 9 pm to sample, shop, sip & stroll thru the showroom, greenhouse and nursery. Enjoy libations as you wander through thirty themed Christmas trees, finding inspiration for home decor, gifting and holiday traditions. Garden Rewards members can enjoy $10 off the purchase of items priced at $50 or more. For information, visit Girls Night Out 2022 – Homestead Gardens, Inc.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at Severna Park Community Center

According to Severna Park Community Center marketing director Amy Holbrook, Cookies & Cocoa with Santa is right around the corner. The free family-friendly event will be held December 9 from 5 to 8 pm with a Candy Cane Lane of holiday decorated automobile trunks, games, crafts, a movie and treats in Boone Station Hall as well as a dance performance by the Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite Dancers. There will also be vendors and a photo booth.
The community center is inviting local residents to be a part of Candy Cane Lane by helping fill the parking lot with decorated holiday themed trunks. Local businesses are encouraged to participate too as a way to market their businesses. 

Those wanting to decorate their trunks for Cookies & Cookies with Santa can click the link below and submit their registration at https://form.jotform.com/223186349074157.

A Celtic Christmas Celebration followed by Messiah Sing-Along at Woods Church

On December 9th and 10th at 7 pm, the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church choirs will join the Teelin Irish Dance Company and the Elysian Dance Theater Company in a program called Light Has Come – A Celtic Christmas Celebration. The concert will include a full orchestra with traditional Irish instruments, guest soloists, and beautiful lighting. The concert is free, but a ticket is required at www.woodstix.org.

On the afternoon of December 17th at 3 pm a Messiah Sing-Along is being held. The singing will be led by a string quartet, Woods organist Ted Markle and soloists from the Baltimore/Washington Area. This is a free event. For more informatin on either of these events, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items perfect for holiday gift-giving or for your table.

and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.   

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and by Fishpaws Marketplace

Rarely have two long-awaited events occurred at the historic intersection of Old General’s Highway, Indian Landing Road and Millersville Road known as the Severn Crossroads been held in the same timeframe. However, the month of November saw two wonderful events happen back-to-back.

The first, the Baldwin Memorial United Women in Faith Holiday Craft Show & Bazaar, happened on Saturday, November 5th after a two-year COVID-related pause. The annual event has long been a major fundraiser for the missions of Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church. The historic Stone Chapel built in 1944? is home to Baldwin Memorial UMC, the women chose to hold the bazaar in the church’s Education Building next door.

One of the earliest holiday events of the year, the bazaar was quite festive with all the traditional elements that have made it a favorite Christmas shopping destination. It was definitely one of the busiest…and no wonder. Tables laden with Christmas decorations and multitudinous gift ideas stretched from one end of the main hall to the other. We visited a number of them.

Ready-to-display holiday decorations like those made by John and Peggy Murphy were selling so well, their table would soon be empty.

Two tables down from them, vendor Laura Zlatos from Intrinsic Images was definitely into the holiday spirit sporting reindeer antlers as she sold her stained glass and fused glass jewelry and ornaments.

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At one of Baldwin UMC Women’s tables that was filled with numerous handmade treasures, Susan Wittek and Debbie Snowberger showed off crocheted items, knitwear, quilts, linens and Christmas decorations as well as hand painted cribs ideal for a nursery and similarly painted highchairs

Behind them, accordionist Gene Barbato added to the merry atmosphere with a continuous flow of carols.

The holiday bazaar, a major fundraiser that provides financial support for the church’s missions, was even busier than expected – so busy that UWF’s “fabulous” bake table was in danger of selling out with an hour still to go.

Surprised by the big turnout, bake table minders Janice Ann Crowe and Margaret Sommerman were down to their last few baked goods including brownies, cookies, a sheet cake an apple cake and a trayful of Cathedral Windows (fudge with multicolored marshmallows that we can confirm was delicious). There was still an hour to go.

The handcrafted Christmas trees, stockings and hand painted China from Barbara Gill of EarthSense Solutions took up most of one wall. Gill is dedicated to saving the planet one family at a time.

There were wonderful products as far as the eye can see. Quilts, Etc. by Anne had

And who could forget the youngest entrepreneur at the holiday bazaar. Emma Clapper not only helped sell her mother Becky’s Clapper Creations but also sold the scrunchies she created.

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus presents “It’s The Music” at historic Baldwin Hall

Just across Old Generals Highway from Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ “It’s The Music” concert got underway on Sunday, November 13th at Historic Baldwin Hall at the intersection of Old General’s Highway, Indian Landing Road and Millersville Road known as the Severn Crossroads.

(Built in 1861 as Old Crossroads Church, the building served as a house of worship until replaced fifty years later by the newer Stone Chapel. It was eventually moved across Old General’s Highway to its present location and renamed Charles W. Baldwin Hall.)

From the moment 2nd Star Quartet members Patti Platt, Mary Beth Whisman, Lynda Walsh and Sally Burton kicked off their red high heels midway through the chorus of the tune “Brand New Shoes”, the crowd was with them.

The quartet’s appearance in Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ show “It’s The Music” Sunday at historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville was a thrill for them and for every member of the chorus. Burton, the chorus’ director reflected that they’d all come a long way.

During the scariest part of the COVID pandemic when choruses and choirs all but shut down, Cheseapeake Harmony Chorus members wanted to stay together and do the thing they love best – singing. Their director was determined to find a way to do it.

Now, performing before an audience for the first time post-pandemic, the chorus delivered a program with the perfect blend of songs in four-part harmony and some impressive stagecraft describing how they’d stayed afloat for the past two years. They’d decided the name for the show would be “It’s The Music” because “the music” is what kept them together.

The chorus opened the show with the curtains parting on the Baldwin Hall stage to reveal them arranged as usual but with narrator Laura Schwartz at the podium and director Sally Burton out front. By way of reacquainting themselves with their audience, they began with the song “Getting To Know You”.

What followed was a musical journey through the past two years as the group did everything possible to continue making music together. After meeting for a while on Zoom, they realized the technology didn’t work well for rehearsing their songs and looked for an alternative.

Burton came up with a great way to sing together while remaining far apart – a parking garage. She found a sound system that enabled every singer to have a microphone and a headphone with a radio receiver in it, allowing their voices to be transmitted over a special frequency so they could sing together from their cars.

Using artwork illustrating the feat, the chorus and their director, who’d donned knit cap, woolen scarf and mittens, recreated one of the rehearsals while learning the songs “How Far I’ll Go” and “Go the Distance”.

Because it was cold rehearsing in the winter in the parking garage, Burton decided it was time to move back to their regular rehearsal space at Baldwin Hall

The building’s spacious interior allowed room for the singers to rehearse safely if spaced apart, wearing masks and vaccinated for extra measure. Eileen Robinson, a nurse who’d treated COVID patients, directed them in a number representative of what that experience was like – “A Whole New World”. Two special appearances followed.

As noted before, the first special appearance featured Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ Sweet Adelines Region Nineteen award-winning 2nd Star Quartet performing “What’ll I Do” and “Brand New Shoes” in perfect barbershop harmony.

Next, guest soloist Sarah Burton Fremuth, (Sally’s daughter), took on the role of a lonely young newcomer singing in her backyard and wishing for a place to share her talents. Leaning on a garden fence singing a song called “Corner of the Sky”, she was noticed by a neighbor.

The neighbor, a Chesapeake Harmony Chorus member, invited Sarah to a rehearsal. She was warmly welcomed by the group and was delighted with their harmonic renditions of “Hallelujah” and “Consider Yourself”.

A short intermission gave audience members a chance to mingle, buy raffle tickets, or grab a snack.

Act Two began with the crowd absolutely charmed by the appearance of the Bearfoot Quartet, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ second award-winning chorus. Formed in 2013, the group consists of lead singer Peggy Coulter, baritone Patti Platt, tenor Eileen Robinson, and bass Mindy Cassel who injected a touch of humor by showing up in a kilt. Cassel thought she’d wear the garment in —- with the fact that the quartet’s first number was the lilting Scottish “Skye Boat Song” which is often accompanied by bagpipes.

Resplendent in shimmering purple, the chorus returned for four songs reflecting how much being able to stay together doing something they love meant to them. The songs were “If You Love Me”, “When I Just Wear My Smile”, “Never Gonna Let You Down” and “For Good”.

Afterward, appearing onstage surrounded by the chorus, Burton thanked everyone for coming and for their support. She also noted that on December 6, the chorus will be performing carols at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Taste & Sip event at Chartwell Country Club.

Burton ended by announcing that, for the finale, they were going to sing “a song familiar to all Sweet Adelines” and invited all those in the audience who knew “It’s The Music” to come forward and join them in singing it. Quite a few did.

Friends and family thronged the singers after the concert. Reggie Cox, who sings lead was warmly greeted by her son Trey who noted that she sings around the house all the time. Carol Gass was surrounded by husband Bob and family members Stephen and Claire and presented with a bouquet.

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Burton received a bouquet of cream-colored roses as well from Dr. HyeSung Hwang and Jory Bender representing members of St. Martin-in-the-Field Episcopal Church Choir with which she sings soprano.

Those interested in learning more about Chesapeake Harmony Chorus can visit Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.

Holiday Taste & Sip

A quick reminder that the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event is happening December 6th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. When we last checked there were still tickets available at Holiday Taste and Sip 12th Anniversary Celebration (gspacc.com).

The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items for your table.

and 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.”