Author: wingsorb@aol.com

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

Bustling doesn’t begin to describe the Severna Park Farmer’s Market on a late August Saturday morning. Customers were scattered throughout the market, many carrying canvas totes filled with their purchases.

Having gone from one end of the market to the other, Gina Huth stopped to buy a melon from Pat Hochsmuth of Pat’s Produce and Gourds. She was holding a beautiful bouquet from Joyce’s Flowers. It was the very last of grower Joyce Martinek’s bouquets from a table that been overflowing with flowers and herbs.

Huth and her daughter Hannah were curious about a new crop Hochsmuth added to the produce he grows and sells. The Eastern Shore farmer explained that the green and wine-colored pods were okra – an ingredient traditionally used in Southern recipes like seafood gumbos. It can also be dredged in flour or cornmeal and fried.

Located at the opposite end of the farmer’s market but easily identifiable by its green and white checked tablecloths, Zahradka’s Farm Stand was completely sold out of several fruits and vegetables, creating empty spaces on the tables with an hour still to go.

As usual, sweet corn went fast as did some of the greens and only half the watermelons and blueberries remained. Still, the stand was constantly busy as customers kept on coming.

Several stands down from Zahradka’s, Martinek had now sold every plant, bunch of herbs and bouquets she’d brought with her leaving Joyce’s Flowers with an empty table.

Nevertheless, Martinek, a vendor at the market for more than twenty years, lingered to chat with fellow vendors and several of her regular customers. Having raised flowers and herbs for decades on her acreage in Elmhurst off Quarterfield Road, she noted that 2022 has been a challenging growing season. Fortunately, she managed to outsmart the weather.

Nearby, another popular vendor, Vera’s Original Bakery was nearly out of the biscotti, scones, pastries, breads and empanadas they are renowned for. Nowadays, baker Nicholas Port runs the family business started as Grandma Vera’s restaurant in Severna Park in the 1990’s. Though relocated to Rockville, many of the recipes the bakery uses for its tastiest breads and pastries are one’s created by Nicholas’ grandma Vera years ago.

Next to Vera’s, local beekeepers Frank Sullivan and Susan Giraldi had a small but impressive selection of pure honey from two primary sources. Valentine Creek Honey comes from hives along Valentine Creek in Crownsville and is harvested in the spring.

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Chester River Honey comes from a property along the Chester River in Kent County and is harvested in both the spring and fall. The couple belongs to the Maryland State Beekeepers Association.

As crowds ebbed and flowed through the marketplace, they occasionally found the path cleared ahead of them by St. Barnard’s Bella and Riley who, more often than not, led their owners in whatever direction they wished to go at quite a clip.

Bella, who is five, and Riley, who is seven, are both Certified Therapy Dogs with a group called Fidos for Freedom that visits children’s hospitals among other places. According to owner Heather Schimpf, they love people and like being petted and fussed over.

Interestingly, Saturday morning’s Severna Park Farmer’s Market shoppers were treated to an impromptu performance gratis by a group called The Overtones with Jane Storey on banjo, Jan Scopel on guitar and Joanne Murphy on hammer dulcimer.

Opposite the musicians, shoppers could browse an extensive selection of candles from Evie & Park at one end of a double tent or stop for some cotton candy or a cool lemonade at the other end. Evie & Park owner Chris Gibbs said the lemonade concession was entirely the idea of his entrepreneurial 12-year-old son Logan.

“We’d started making candles and selling them at the market a year ago,” Gibbs said. “Meantime, Logan’s grandmother gave him a cotton candy machine for Christmas. He suggested we do cotton candy at the farmer’s market because he thought it would sell well. Then he decided to add lemonade and started a business of his own called Astral Sugar. We’ve done pretty well with it.

Moving back through the market, we happened upon the Chesapeake Fiber Crafters tent where crafters Marseille Bunk and Lori Beard were serenely spinning wool next to tables where colorful skeins of yarn shared space with handcrafted sweaters, socks and throws made from it.

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Sheila Carroll from Lyon Rum in St. Michaels, Maryland had smiles for everyone as her products always sell well at the Severna Park Farmer’s Market. Carroll explained that Lyon Rum is the flagship spirit of Windon Distillery founded in 2012 by Jamie Windon. The product is made from Louisiana sugar cane in small pot stills with no additives or or preservatives.

“We’ve won Best Craft Rum Distillery for the past two years,” she said. “You can visit our bottle shop in St. Michaels and sample the products.”

Set up in his usual spot at the far end of the market David Haberkorn of Morris Hill Farm saw a lot of traffic for farm-raised bacons, sausages, ham, varied cuts of pork and fresh eggs. Actually, he sold out of eggs early as could be seen by the sign he’d leaned against one of Martinek’s bouquets.

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“We do sell to the public year-round from the farm in Tracey’s Landing and we also sell at the Riva Road Farmers Market,” Haberkorn said.

There was more to see. A wide range of wines from regular vendor Whistlestop Winery, a vineyard in Dunkirk, Maryland were available. Mike Smith of Mike’s Knives kept his grinding/sharpening wheel turning non-stop. Anne Arundel County Master Gardners Karen and Marilyn were packing up after spending several hours answering questions about plants and flowers.

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Located at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Jones Station Road, the Severna Park Farmer’s Market is open Saturday mornings from 8 am till noon through October 29th. The vendors will be back on December 10th for the annual Christmas Market which is festive and fun. Follow the market’s schedule at Severna Park Farmer’s Market | Facebook.

“Broadway Bonanza to benefit SPAN” opens at Boone Station Hall September 10th

A reminder that “Broadway Bonanza, A Cabaret Performance To Benefit SPAN” created by and starring Severna Park native Laurette Hankins-O’Connel will be held on September 10th at Boone Station Hall at 7 pm.

The show will be similar in format to Hankins-O-Connell’s 2019 “Broadway Goes to the Movies” performance at the same venue which proved quite popular and raised a sizeable financial donation for SPAN. Once again, Hankins-O’Connell will donate 100% of funds raised to SPAN as a way of giving back to the community she grew up in.

20th Anniversary Open House for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi Sept. 10th

Originally set to hold a 20th anniversary celebration in the fall of 2020, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi paused the event due to the pandemic. Now, two years later, they are celebrating the event (actually their 22nd anniversary) on September 10 with an open house that will incorporate a ribbon cutting, Chinese Lion Dance, kung fu & tai chi demos, and a “Charity Challenge.” The event will take place from 12:30-3:00pm and includes giveaways, door prizes, face painting and refreshments.

Jing Ying is also offering a variety of free classes in September to celebrate their anniversary. For more information about Jing Ying’s Anniversary event and free classes, visit www.JingYing.org or call 410-431-5200.

A reminder – Woods Church’s Kick-Off Sunday Picnic is Sunday, September 11th

A reminder that Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s annual Kick-Off Sunday Picnic will be held following worship services on Sunday, September 11th from 12 noon till 2 pm. As in previous years, the picnic will be held across the church lawn where tables for various ministries will be set up.

There will be entertainment, games and activities for children, an opportunity to explore Wood’s lovely gardens, and boxed lunches for one and all. She added that, as always, congregation members and their friends and neighbors are welcome to attend. For information on the event, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).

Around The Park Again is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. which carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Tastings for wines, beers and liquors are held almost daily and listed at Event Calendar in Arnold, MD 21012 – Fishpaws Marketplace.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaw’s Marketplace

Arriving at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School in July to take over from Charlie Sachs as Head of School, Tony Shaffer likes what he’s seen of the spacious campus and the Severna Park community surrounding it. Now settled in, he can’t wait to welcome students back for the fall semester on August 31.

An amicable chat with the California native in his comfortable office, revealed that he has an extensive background as an educator that took him from coast to coast and to the deep South.

“I was born in Oroville, a very small town in northern California,” Shaffer said. “I kind of started my path toward being an educator in the deep South…as in living in South America while I was a high school exchange student. I returned home to get my undergraduate university degree at California State University, however, I got a taste of the other deep south while studying for my graduate degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee (which included a year studying in Spain).”

After graduating from Vanderbilt, it was back to California for Shaffer where he began his teaching career as Modern Languages Chair at the Pilgrim School in Los Angeles – a private congregational school with a long history in the city. Soon opportunity beckoned, and he found himself below the Mason-Dixon line once more at Augusta Preparatory Day School in Augusta, Georgia where he served for 13 years as Director of Technology while simultaneously teaching and coaching.

On leaving that position, he headed west and became Middle Division Director at Westminster School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was his next posting that is most surprising.

“Believe it or not, I moved on from the Westminster School to St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia where I spent the past six years, Shaffer said. “Like St. Martin’s-in-the-Field here in Severna Park, it’s an Episcopal school – one of four St. Martin’s in the country,” In an interesting play on words, the Atlanta St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church founded St. Martin’s Episcopal School while, here, we have St. Martin’s-in-the Field Episcopal Church founding St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School.

The new headmaster is impressed that the significant expansion of St. Martin’s student body due to the fact that the school stayed open during the COVID epidemic through 2020 and 2021 has continued this year.

“The trend has continued,” he said. “Those families are finding something here that they weren’t finding before.”

He noted that public schools have a different mission (his wife works for a public school) which is to serve every student who lives within the footprint of that school. It is very challenging and the opposite of finding a school that matches a student’s aptitudes and his family’s values.

“That’s why I’m an independent school person. I like a mission-driven school,” said Shaffer. “What drew me to St. Martin’s-in-the-Field was its mission, as an Episcopal school, to build a student’s compassion, confidence and character. I also like the school’s Pre-K to 8th grade model where we keep things smaller. We get to know all of our students and see them as individuals. We also have great academics for all our kids that enable them to thrive in incredibly competitive high schools and colleges.

Shaffer was somewhat surprised to learn that he’ll not only be welcoming students when school opens, he’ll also be welcoming a bevy of new teachers. St. Martin’s is known as a school for teachers who love to teach, so the school has suffered none of the staffing shortages being experienced in the public-school sector.

A welcome change is that students will not be required to wear masks this year and COVID protocols have pretty much ended. Another possible change has to do with transportation. Since most students come from the greater Severna Park area, they are driven to school by their parents. However, more students are coming from greater distances these days, (as much as 45-minutes away). For the first time, the school is exploring contracting a bus service for a few areas.

Aside from emphasizing the importance of St. Martin’s middle school students and celebrating them when they are sometimes overlooked, Shaffer said he’ll primarily use his first year to observe and learn more about the school before considering any changes. He looks forward to visiting with students in their classrooms or art and science labs and enjoying the beautiful campus that surrounds it.

Liquor Board decision greeted with relief by local spirits sellers

As we announced last week, we found out on Wednesday, August 19 that the Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners denied the application for a liquor license for a proposed liquor superstore called Robinson Liquors to have been located along Ritchie Highway at Robinson Road.

The liquor board’s decision followed two hearings to consider arguments by Robinson Liquors, LLC owner Andrey Nikolaev and a lawyer representing 24 liquor stores within a 5-mile radius of Severna Park that opposed the application. They included Dawson’s Liquors, Harbour Wine & Spirits, Severna Park Wine & Spirits, Goska’s Liquors, Corwell & Son Liquors, Magothy Wine & Spirits and Fishpaws Market Place. (Five are pictured below.)

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Determined to fight the effort together, a core group of seven retailers displayed petitions on their counters collecting many hundreds of signatures in opposition. The petition was also opposed by the Greater Severna Park Council.

We’ve since gotten reaction from three of the small, independent, family businesses that would have been adversely affected by approval of the license. We began with Fishpaws Marketplace owner Kim Lawson who spoke on behalf of all the shops.

“The owners are extremely happy,” Lawson said. “They all felt that we put on a good case. We believe the board made a good decision for the community and our local store owners.”

Nick Cipriano, who owns Dawson’s Liquors along with his Aunt Jo Ann Polk and his brother Danny, expressed the sense of relief his family felt on hearing the board’s decision.

“We were nervous because of the effect such a store so close to us would have,” Cipriano said. “We didn’t feel it would cause us to close our doors because we’re such a staple in the neighborhood. But a retailer with such a large footprint would have had tremendous buying power and could undercut our costs. That would definitely affect our business. We’d basically have had to alter some of the benefits we have for our employees like health insurance and other perks.”

Cipriano added that he was glad to see that, even though the local spirit shop owners were competitors, everyone teamed up and split the bill for a lawyer who represented their concerns very well. He was further pleased that so many people signed the petitions and about 60 Severna Park residents showed up at the hearings to support them.

“What kept us on edge was the fact that it took 3-1/2 months for the decision,” he said. “It should have taken a few weeks had the county gone over the case before the hearing. However, they didn’t go over it until after the hearing causing us concern that they might be prepared to grant the license.”

“You could say we were pessimistic. But, in the end, the result was unanimous – a three to zero verdict based on pretty much everything our lawyer explained – from the number of liquor stores already existing to a heavier traffic flow and the location’s proximity to schools. When we heard the decision, there was a unanimous sight of relief.”

At Goska’s, owner Kevin Sosnowski also breathed a sigh of relief on learning of the decision. The family-owned business founded 61 years ago is closest to the proposed location of the superstore being directly across Ritchie Hiway from it and would have definitely been impacted.

“I didn’t see the hearing which was on Zoom last Tuesday because I was working so I didn’t learn about the decision till that night. Word of it was spreading fast,” Sosnoski said. “That was such good news. We’ve all seen what happens to our community pharmacies, grocery stores and stationery and hardware stores when massive stores come in that can’t be competed with. We knew our futures were at stake.”

In view of the fact that his business is being affected by inflation and recessionary pressures, he said he’s pleased there is now one less thing to worry about.

Woods Church prepares to celebrate Kick-Off Sunday on September 11

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s annual Kick-Off Sunday Picnic will be held this year following worship services on Sunday, September 11th from 12 noon till 2 pm. According to Woods’ Associate Pastor Nancy Lincoln Reynolds, the picnic will be held across the church lawn where tables for various ministries will be set up.

Church volunteer Karen Lerario added that there will be entertainment, games and activities for children, an opportunity to explore Wood’s lovely gardens, and boxed lunches for one and all. She added that, as always, congregation members and their friends and neighbors are welcome to attend. For information on the event, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).

Around The Park Again is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. which carries fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. Tastings for various wines, beers and liquors are held almost daily and listed at Event Calendar in Arnold, MD 21012 – Fishpaws Marketplace

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

By the second week of August, hairstylists at the Hair Cuttery in Park Plaza were experiencing a round-the-clock boom in business.

“This is our busiest season of the year when the college age kids come in for haircuts before starting the fall semester,” said stylist Holly Mollick. “It’ll stay just as busy for the next couple weeks as parents bring their younger kids in for their back-to-school haircuts.”

Elsewhere, back-to-school fundraising events were taking place and, considering the inflationary prices for school supplies, were needed more than ever. The scene was busy at Spring Arbor Senior Living’s “Food for Thought” event on August 16th. As can be seen from the opening photo, the mood was festive with mellow music from the Good Measure Band playing in the background as attendees filled bins on tables and several wagons with donations of schools supplies and food pantry items. There were fun games for kids too.

Executive Director Maressa Henry said Spring Arbor residents came up with the concept for the occasion based on smaller food drives they’d done in the past

Community Program director Leah Abendschoen revealed how the idea was born and evolved.

“What started as two separate, resident driven ideas, merged into one event,” she said. “During a resident council meeting, one resident suggested we keep school supplies in our community’s General Store. She also mentioned she’d like to buy some folders to donate to a ‘fill the backpack’ style fundraiser at her church. Another resident (who is a little hard of hearing) said, ‘Folgers? Like the coffee? I don’t think school aged students need coffee…'”

“Though unintentionally funny, the comment snowballed into recognizing the need for both a food drive and a school supply drive for our county. Both BAYADA, our in-house therapy provider, and Hospice of the Chesapeake were on hand to help make this a really great event. Dr. Abigail Ritinski of Hearing & Balance Solutions also jumped on board and was there to set up some fun giveaways. The Sweet Satisfaction ice cream truck provided the soft serve and Good Measure Band provided the tunes.”

Informally referred to as their “Food for Thought” event (to which the general public was invited) the residents turned out with their families and grandchildren for what turned out to be quite a fun occasion.

With the help of Spring Arbor’s residents, their families, and the community, the Food for Though event collected five full totes full of school supplies, as well as two wagons of non-perishable food items. There were also several monetary donations which totaled to over $200 dollars and will go toward more supplies and canned goods!

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“We had a fantastic turnout and I know we will continue to do this at the end of each summer season for students and teachers in Anne Arundel County,” Abendschoen said. 

In mid-July Walk the Walk Foundation’s director Nicole Dolan launched the organization’s first Back-to-School Backpack Donation/Packing event of the year and the initiative is ongoing.

Walk the Walk Foundation partners with the Department of Social Services and others to figure out where the need is. Then, using financial donations from supporters, they purchase backpack items in bulk at a discount. They next bring the items to a specific location, like a church, where supporters can donate $30 and pack a backpack for a child.

In filling the backpacks, WTWF follows guidelines on the standard list of school supplies provided by Anne Arundel County Public Schools.  There are generally 24 items – things like composition notebooks, crayons, pens, dry erase markers, dry erase sleeves, water bottles, Ziplock bags, and more. The effort is ongoing as WTWF partners with Tyler Heights Elementary School in Operation Welcome Back…Pack. Here is the direct giving link:  https://ddock.co/e1d18c3a or, for information, you can email nicole@wtwf.org.

Dolan noted that, ordinarily, parents spend quite a bit more than $30 for a backpack and school supplies. Spring Abor’s Maressa Henry agreed. She said she just spent between $60 and $70 dollars for her daughter’s back-to-school materials.

Parent Atalie Justice Payne already shopped online for a few things for her daughter Elise, who attends Rockbridge Academy, including a mouse pad and mouse for the school Chrome books. To keep costs down, she’ll shop for other items during Maryland’s Sales Tax Free Week at Walmart or Target. Luckily, her 17-year-old son Ezra, who attends Severna Park High School, does most work online and already had most of what he needs.

School opening schedules and other information

Opening day for private schools Severn School and St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School is August 31. For St. John the Evangelist School, opening day is August 29 and for Rockbridge Academy, it’s August 30.

The schedule is a bit different for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. August 29 is the start date for grades 1-5, and 6 and 9. All students (grades 1 through 12) return August 30.

Like public schools across the nation, AACPS is dealing with a teacher shortage this year. As of August 17, the county has 311 classroom teacher vacancies that impact all school levels.

In addition, there are 67 bus driver vacancies, 57 crossing guard vacancies, 227 food service worker vacancies and 87 custodial staff vacancies. Staff in the Division of Human Resources are continuing around-the-clock work to aggressively recruit and hire high-quality classroom teachers and other workers to fill vacancies across the system.

Those interested can apply online at Anne Arundel County Public Schools / Homepage (aacps.org) and click the Join Our Team button at the top of the page, then scroll down and click Apply Now for lists of openings.

American Association of University Women book donation drop-offs August 27th

American Association of University Women‘s Anne Arundel Co. branch book donation drop-off locations will be in operation on Saturday, August 27 and include:

St Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church at 325 Benfield Rd, Severna Park (parking lot)

The Y of Central Maryland, at 1209 Ritchie Hwy, Arnold (AACC parking lot opposite the Y)

St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church at 730 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis (parking lot)

All sites will be open from 9 am to 12 noon and AAUW volunteers will be on hand to help. For more information, visit AAUW Book Collections and Sales | Anne Arundel County (MD) Branch.

Severn River Lions and Cub Scout Pack 688 celebrate with Pack Trailer Ribbon Cutting

On Saturday, August 27 from 10 to 10:30 am, a ribbon cutting will be held to celebrate Cub Schout Pack 688’s acquisition of a Pack Trailer. The ribbon cutting will be held in the parking lot at the Shipley’s Choice Swim & Tennis Club at 947 Rustling Oaks Drive in Millersville. For information call Severn River Lions Club at 410-439-5770.

NEWS FLASH! License for liquor superstore denied

Local liquor store owners found out in February that a proposed liquor superstore to be called Robinson Liquors and located off Robinson Road near Aldi’s Supermarket had applied to the Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners for a liquor license. The local owners opposed the issuing of a license at a hearing before that board initially scheduled for March 8 at the County Council Chambers in Annapolis on the basis that there were already 24 liquor stores in the area (seven in Severna Park). All were small independent businesses.

No decision was made. A second hearing followed with local owners in attendance again. Since then, they’ve waited to hear the result. We received news today that the license was denied. We’ll report back on the reaction from the owners next week.

Around The Park Again 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 and specialty items perfect for a summer party.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

If there’s one good thing about the Dog Days of August, when temperatures soar into the nineties, it’s that locally grown produce is at its peak. Due to a cool spring and rainy weather, this year’s crops got off to a slow start meaning some of our favorite farm stands opened later than usual. Once open, however, they boomed with business.

Driving in a wide circle, we visited several of our area’s outstanding farm stands starting out at Pumphrey’s Produce at 8220 Veterans Highway in Millersville. Wearing a smile as always, Nat Pumphrey was minding the family business from his stool at the counter.

A member of the well-known Pumphrey farming family, Nat is proud of his heritage. He began working on the farm at an early age and feels agriculture is in the Pumphrey DNA.

Behind and above him, in the produce stand’s rafters, was a sign welcoming customers and noting that the farm has served the public for 61 years. The sign also listed the prices of some items.

As with all the produce stands, Pumphrey’s prices are slightly higher than usual this year. The higher prices reflect inflationary costs for fertilizer, fuel and other supplies vital to growing and transporting crops.

For longtime customers like JoAnne Zoller and her husband who’ve shopped at the stand year after year, spending a few cents extra is worth it. They love the quality and taste of the fruit and vegetables they buy.

It’s obvious that maintaining the quality of their produce is of utmost importance to the Pumphreys.

“Everything you see is picked fresh from the fields right here in downtown Millersville at 6:30 each morning,” Nat Pumphrey said as he spread his arms in a wide arc. “We have 4-1/2 acres behind the stand and a larger acreage across I-97.”

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In addition to a bounty of corn, slicing tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini and green beans, Pumphrey’s grows blackberries, cantaloupes and a variety of melons along with heirloom tomatoes, flat Italian beans, okra and other specialty crops.

“Where else can you get okra?” asked JoAnne Zoller. “This stand is the best.”

Pumphrey says he’s always experimenting with new vegetables, most of which are successful. They’ve included husk ground tomatoes, tomatillos, and Cubanelle peppers. Now, thanks to a birthday gift from friend Ed Cohen who grows crops on his allotment at Kinder Farm Park, Nat now has some Chinese long beans (also known as Alligator beans) to try, sell a few and save some of the seeds to grow next year. Cohen said he grows the beans, (which are sold in the Asian market) on a trellis and harvests pounds of them each day.

Heading back down Veterans Highway to Benfield Road, our next stop was Diehl’s Produce in Olde Severna Park at B&A Boulevard and McKinsey Road. Undeterred by the slow growing season locally, Diehl’s opened in April and managed to source some early season produce from North and South Carolina along with Eastern Shore asparagus. By late June, the shelves were overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables. As always, there is Eastern Shore sweet corn. Thanks to contacts established by founder Doug Diehl who recently retired, the stand carries Adams County, Pennsylvania peaches – a major draw.

A variety of other vegetables draw customer’s eyes including grape, cherry and slicing tomatoes, squash, eggplants, green beans, new potatoes, spring onions and mushrooms plus an abundance of melons and jams, jellies and fresh flowers.

Manager Jennifer Diehl said she’s currently seeing many first-time customers who love being able to get “same day produce”. She said the sweet corn, garden veggies, melons and peaches are at their peak now and will remain so through August.

Like elsewhere, prices for some items were higher than in 2021 due to inflationary pressures for growers and transporters. The peach prices, for example, had to be raised 40 cents.

As usual, a sign at the counter where Calvin Winship was checking shoppers out had a sign noting that Diehl’s rounds out customers’ tabs and uses the extra change for gift certificates to donate to needy families through the SPAN, Inc. food pantry.

Leaving Diehl’s Produce in Severna Park, we moved on to Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis in Eastport where Jennifer Diehl’s sister Abby Diehl is proprietor. Having carved out a nice little niche in what is basically a cityscape, Abby’s farm stand gives Annapolis and Eastport residents a much-appreciated chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

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We spoke with Ryan Manusan who was helping customers from behind a sea of blueberries and pears.

Manusan said the lateness of spring planting created a need to source some produce from farther afield.

“We had to bring in strawberries and early broccoli from out west,” he said. “We sold so many strawberries and blackberries, and, as you can see, we had a lot more blueberries on this table. At least half have been sold.”

He added that peaches are plentiful since Abby Diehl was also able to source them from Adams County, Pennsylvania.

Who doesn’t love the sunflowers that add such a cheerful touch to the main tent at Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis?

Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis has been quite busy with customers coming in rushes like the one we noticed at the counter in the check-out tent. The stand will be open seven days a week from now through October.

Leaving Eastport we circled back through town to Route 50 and headed for Davidsonville where two of our favorite farm stands are located.

Chase’s Produce at 2857 Davidsonville Road (Rt.424) is owned by farmer Bob Chase and wife Marge. Like Pumphrey’s, it has operated as a family farm stand for more than 60 years and has always been renowned for its sweet corn. Every fruit and vegetable the Chases sell is grown in the fields surrounding the stand on both sides of Route 424.

Though managing to hold a shortened version of their annual “pick your own strawberries” season, the Chases experienced planting delays due to weather and were unable to open the produce stand for its regular season before the last week of June. Luckily, the stand has been busy ever since and sales have been good.

By the time we arrived Tuesday afternoon, there was little corn left, they’d run out of a few other vegetables, and melons of all kinds had sold like hotcakes.

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According to Marge Chase, Bob and the students he hires are out in the fields picking corn, fruit and vegetables early each morning. She said the stand is open till 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and their aim is to sell all the corn by closing time and as much of the other produce as possible.

Marge added that the farm is still struggling with the rains which interfere with the ripening of zucchini and yellow squash and the second crop of cucumbers.

In addition, the Chase’s farm has experienced problems with deer. There is electric fencing around the corn fields which keep them out. But there’s no fencing elsewhere. They chose not to plant tomatoes this year because the deer destroy them. Instead, they’re getting tomatoes from Charles County. (Other farmers have trouble with deer as well. The Pumphreys solve the problem by fencing their entire farm.)

The only other item Chase’s Produce doesn’t grow is peaches which they get from an orchard in Bridgeville, Delaware and have found to be delicious.

The last stand on our circuit was Marco Ridge Farm Produce at 3208 Davidsonville Road. The 210-acre Marco Ridge farm is owned by the Covington family and located along both sides of the road with some fields directly behind the stand. These days Diane and Fred Klinken manage the stand for Alan Covington while he runs the farm.

We arrived at Marco Ridge Farm just as Covington was leaving after off-loading one of many carts filled with produce being picked throughout the day.

Customers visiting the stand generally help themselves while Alan works behind the scenes and Diane tends the till. The couple also has students helping them at their busiest times.

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Peppers were huge, the pickling cucumbers crisp and the squash a perfect size.

The Klinkens said Marco Ridge Farm has also struggled with the rains. Like others who grow everything they sell, they were late planting and couldn’t open the stand until their crops ripened a week after the 4th of July.

Fortunately, Marco Ridge Farm has so many fields full of field corn and soybeans and cover crops that deer leave the vegetables alone so they’re able to reap everything they plant. More vine-ripened produce is coming in each day and the stand also carries a great selection of made-from-the-farm products like Marco Ridge salsas, barbeque sauces and salad dressings.

Around The Park Again 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 and specialty items perfect for a summer party.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

The National Night Out events hosted by the Anne Arundel County Eastern District Police at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company always draw a good crowd. Still, it was astonishing to see the parking lots nearly full 45 minutes prior to the official opening time of 6 pm. By 6:15, the lots were overflowing, and cars were park on both sides of Magothy Bridge Road as far as the eye could see as well as at Magothy Gateway Shopping Center opposite the firehouse.

Entering the open-air event, one observed the crowds (mostly families) moving slowly between the rows of tents. They’d come out to show their support for Anne Arundel County’s first responders and the community service organizations that support them but also to be educated and entertained.

National Night Out was organized by an Eastern District Steering Committee chaired by Sarah Gannon from Anne Arundel County Councilman Nathan Volke’s office. She had help from representatives from the Eastern District Police Department, Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department, the Cape St. Claire Improvement Association the Broadneck Council of Communities, the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce (GSPACC) and the Pasadena Business Association (PBA) among others. The event was staged so the Eastern District Police booth and displays of Anne Arundel County’s recreation, police, fire and emergency vehicles formed a ring around the midsection booths and tents while a portion of field behind them was reserved for the always popular demonstrations by police and sheriff’s department K-9 Units.

Major sponsorships from the Eastern District Police, GSPACC, PBA and Mission Barbeque made National Night Out possible along with community sponsorships from The Bonk Team-Keller Williams , Fence & Deck Connection, Oscars Ale House, Passantes Home Food Services , and Fishpaws Marketplace among others. There were 44 community organizations and vendors on site for National Night Out. many of which participated in the event previously though some were new. We caught up with a few.

First-timers included Danny Forbes, Samuel Crossman and Preston Elliott from Boy Scouts of America Troop 346 from Pasadena. Stationed just beyond the entrance, they shyly greeted their first visitors.

According to Samuel Crossman, the threesome hadn’t done anything like this before but knew their main objectives were to familiarize the public with their troop and recruit some new members.

Opposite the Scouts was the tent of the Greater Severna Park Council where vice-president Amy Leahy and board members Doug Nichols and Craig Myers were stood ready to hand out water and provide information about the event and offer assistance to the general public.

On the way to check out the Oscar’s Ale House tent, we ran into Barbara Dean who was wearing a bright purple T-shirt heralding the annual Walk to End Alzheimers which takes place this year on October 16th. Dean arrived back at the booth she and Anne Arundel Co. Team member Trisha Herold were manning just in time to meet an equally strong advocate for the Alzheimer’s Walk – Nancy Greer, co-owner of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. (Jing Ying Institute students would later perform a martial arts demonstration.)

Dean revealed that the Anne Arundel County team topped area organizations for their first and second years participating in the walk raising more than $20,000. Greer, as leader of the Jing Ying team reported that they’d been the winning team during their first year which followed the loss of her mother to the disease.

You may have guessed from the column’s opening photo featuring Diane Casanova with one of Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland’s four adorable foster pets that her booth with the puppies was among the event’s most popular stops.

“Saving Grace Animal Rescue is a completely foster pet-based organization that operates through Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. ,” Casanova said. “Our purpose is to unite pets with foster families until we can find forever families for them.”

She added that Saving Grace dogs come from shelters in Baltimore and through the Southern states like West Virginia.

“We have to line up a foster family before we take a pet in. That’s why being at an event like National Night Out is advantageous for us so we can find more foster families. In fact, our attendance here last year resulted in several adoptions by people who had already been approved.

National Night Out provided the perfect opportunity to familiarize the public with some of agencies created to help people in times of trouble. The Anne Arundel County Police Crisis Response System and Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency booth that was manned by Director of Crisis Response Jennifer Corbin and Cpl. Jennifer Sieth was a perfect example. Both women handed out giveaways and fielded numerous questions about how their agencies work.

“Our agencies work hand-in-hand, operating a 24-hour warmline (which is like a hotline) for any type of crisis – a mental health crisis, homelessness, or any other ongoing emergency situation,” said Cpl. Sieth. “We have different teams that can respond to those problems including mobile crisis teams and CI teams where an officer and mental health officer work together to find solutions. You’ll see that we’ve put our phone number on all our giveaways to remind people that help is just a call away.”

They also informed attendees about services like the Safe Stations established at Anne Arundel County police and fire stations where anyone dealing with a substance abuse problem or emergency can come for help.

One booth over, Katie Wardo, who is coalition coordinator for Northern Lights Against Substance Abuse and the Western Anne Arundel County Prevention Coalition and outreach coordinator Denise Williams also handed out information and giveaways. Their table had several sign-up sheets, as well, for free programs, training, and memberships.

“We work with youth and young adults to break the stigma associated with addiction and to prevent drug and alcohol abuse,” said Wardo. She added that they also visit schools to acquaint students with facts about substance abuse.

Because of the tremendous number of dangerous drugs (like the powerful synthetic opioid Fentanyl) arriving in our neighborhoods from across the southern border, one important sign-up sheet offered free training for the use of Narcan – a nasal spray which is used for emergency treatment of opioid overdose.

Many community organizations participated in National Night Out and most had games for children. At the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber booth, CEO Liz League and husband Jim were treating kids to a fishing game and pushing the organizations’ SHOP LOCAL initiative by promoting area businesses.

Nearby, SPAN, Inc. development director Michelle Sabean had created a brand new Shopping Cart game for this year’s National Night Out appearance with help from volunteers Josie Justice and Kayla Patel. Their display also had a good representation of SPAN’s services including food panty items and financial assistance to cover electricity bills, medical bills or prevent evictions. They were also accepting donations.

A team of volunteers from Woods Church were delighted to be at National Night Out for the first time. Retta Barkley, Katie Taylor and Carla Raubales were having a great time spreading the word about the church’s many services to the greater Severna Park community and beyond.

A visit to the Anne Arundel Community College booth revealed the diversity of programs now offered there. Instructional Specialist Peggy Walton from the engineering department had some very interesting displays and information.

“We have a lot of great programs at the college that people don’t realize – programs that are meant to be two years and right out to work,” Walton said. “For example, in our bio engineering department we have a separate technology path that’s not quite as difficult. I have more jobs, at the moment, than I have kids to fill them and the salaries are great starting at the low $60,000 and $70,000 range…for two years training and no prior experience. Four-year degrees are great but you don’t have to have one to make a good living and you come out with no debt.”

There were lots of impressive critical response police vehicles to see that kids, in particular, loved to climb aboard. We entered one just in time to hear Cpl. Moorhouse explain his mission as an Anne Arundel County Police Crisis Negotiation Team member and show off some of the equipment used.

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“We deal with people in crisis situations, people who are taken hostage and barricaded in a house. We are trained as hostage negotiators by the FBI,” Cpl. Moorhouse said. “Our job is to come in when the hostage takers threaten to kill themselves or the hostages. We need to talk them out of their crisis and get them out of the state they’re in, then get them away from the building and the residents.”

In addition to the screens along the counter, Moorhouse had a number of what he referred to as throw phones. Working with police SWAT Teams, the crisis negotiators often go right up by the door of a residence and try to get the hostage taker to accept a throw phone or throw a cell phone so they can communicate with them. He said negotiations can go on for 24 hours or as little as 30 minutes to an hour.

He added that the number of hostage situations has actually gone down since Anne Arundel County instituted crisis intervention teams which work with people that are having mental health crises.

There was much more including opening ceremonies, several speakers, the K-9 Unit demonstrations and martial arts demonstrations by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. A most touching moment came when the National Anthem rang out over the loudspeaker and everyone across the grounds paused and put their hands over their hearts.

Around The Park Again is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carries wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items perfect for a summer party.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

It’s been fascinating for drivers who travel Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard to follow the transformation of a three-decade-old restaurant property into a new restaurant to be called Garten.

In June, Preserve and Harmony Hospitality purchased the landmark, Cafe Breton at 849 B&A Boulevard. The property is being restored/reimagined by Annapolis-based Preserve restaurant proprietors Jeremy and Michelle Hoffman as a modern European-style beer garden. Bright, bold artwork by Jahru Studios has been a first step in altering the restaurant’s former French chateau-like exterior to something more modern.

The words “Wine – Beer Garden” emblazoned on the side of the building facing B&A Boulevard leave no doubt about what the restaurant’s main focus will be while the colorful murals hint at the natural environment behind.

According to the owners, ongoing interior construction is meant to open up and update the appearance of the restaurant, evoking a European biergarten sensibility while exterior construction behind and to the side of the building is intended to provide outdoor seating in a garden setting.

A conversation with Michelle Hoffman confirmed that, in keeping with the farm-to-table concept used at Preserve, the couple’s plans include restoring the once productive garden in the back by adding herbs, vegetables and additional fruit trees as well as indigenous plants and wildflowers. As a first step, Michelle has been anointed beekeeper and hives have already been installed in the garden to pollinate future crops and flowers while providing honey.

She affirms that construction is moving at a fast pace with well-designed spaces that flow easily into one another nearing completion. The restaurant is scheduled to open in September, though an exact date has not been set. It’s already been determined that Garten’s hours will be 11 am to 9 pm Wednesday through Sunday and later expanded, depending on the neighborhood’s response.

Obviously, the Hoffmans are excited to see everything coming together and can’t wait for the moment staffing is completed and they can open their doors to the public.

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“Taking into consideration the amount of parking available, our indoor and outdoor areas should provide room for us to seat 140 customers at a time,” Hoffman said.

She’s aware that locals are, understandably, curious to know what the food will be like. Some have actually dined at Preserve which serves a unique menu that combines foods fermented or preserved in-house with farm-raised meats, vegetables, fruits and baked goods from local or regional purveyors like Maidstone Harvest, Roseda Farm, or Seven Hills Food Company. Among Preserve’s most popular entrees are unexpected dishes like fried duck tongues or braised beef cheek fajitas.

“Our menu at Garten will be a little different,” Hoffman said. “Our Chef de Cuisine Greg Anderson, who has worked at Preserve since it opened, will implement a modern take on Northern French or Alsatian region beer garden food. He’s already experimenting with various dishes.”

But there will be no strict set of rules for the beer garden’s cuisine. “As with Preserve, we’ll carry some fermented products like sauerkraut, or the [Korean] fermented cabbage dish Kimchi. We’ll make them available as part of a meal or for takeout. We want to make sure everybody feels comfortable,” Hoffman added.

Locals have also wondered how prices for food, wines and local or imported European beers will compare with standard beer garden prices.

According to Hoffman, management did some local market research and concluded that Garten’s prices will be comparable to those of other Severna Park restaurants.

“We’re trying to appeal to everyone, so we’ll offer takeout to go and have a small retail area for beer and wine sales,” she said. “But, if folks want a full dining experience, we encourage them to come on in… or enjoy our revitalized outdoor dining.”

Until the Garten website at https://www.garten-eats.com is complete, you can follow the progress of Garten on the Preserve website at Preserve (preserve-eats.com) or on Facebook at Preserve | Facebook.

Langton Green Community Farm receives $100,000 grant

Millersville-based Langton Green Community Farm was just awarded a $100,000 grant through the Kubota Inc. Hometown Proud program. They were one of five awardees from hundreds of nonprofits around the country who applied.

The only nonprofit of its kind to own and operate a community farm, Langton Green’s mission is to provide vocational training and work opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while serving as an educational resource for the wider community. 

Langton Green director John Iaquinta and a group of the farm’s trainees and workers enthusiastically received the $100,000 check from Kubota, Inc., a well-known farm and construction equipment manufacturer.

The grant will be used to build, among other things, a community garden for seniors – especially those who are isolated or in assisted living. The funds will also be used for a tractor and construction projects at the farm.

Rotary Club of Annapolis Crab Feast tickets on sale

Following a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the 77th Annual Rotary Club Crab Feast will be held at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 5th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat large crabs, corn-on-the-cob, BBQ, and other treats.

Tickets for general admission seating are $90 per person. For those who’d like to sit in the reserved President’s Tent with its private entrance, the price is $120 per person. For Preferred Dining in the private Class of ’53 Pavillion with full service, a table for ten is $1,800, a table for twelve is $2,160 and a limited number of individual tickets in that area are $180. Tickets for children ages 3 through 12 are $25.

Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.annapolisrotary.org/crabfeast and are also available at Admiral Cleaners on Taylor Avenue, Bay Ridge Wine and Spirits, J. Gordon and Company, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Long & Foster in Severna Park, McBride Gallery, and Fastsigns Annapolis.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated by the Rotary to local charities and non-profit organizations.

Around The Park Again is brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. known for its wide selection of wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet cheeses, European style charcuterie, pate, olives and other specialty items perfect for a summer party.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace

Stopping for a moment to enjoy a cool drink and conversation on the shady porch of the Bean Rush Cafe in Annapolis, Walk the Walk Foundation’s Nicole Dolan would shortly be on the move again, heading to a backpack packing event in the community of Davidsonville.

A year ago, Dolan and her husband Jeff began working with founders Kim and David Mitchell to take over the leadership of Walk the Walk Foundation. As military retirees, the couple had adequate time and resources to devote to the organization. Thus, Nicole would succeed Kim as its executive director.

Founded in 2005 by the Mitchells, the foundation partners with area businesses, organizations and non-profits to serve Anne Arundel County youngsters through three outreach programs – its original Gifts for Children program, its Backpacks for Kids program and its Diapers for Babies program.

Being director is a role Nicole says she’s still growing into. She’s forever introducing herself and the non-profit Walk the Walk Foundation to as many local residents and community groups as possible. Interestingly, the school backpack program was the first one she and Jeff ran after taking over from the Mitchells.

The foundation’s longest-running program, Gifts to Children, is still going strong having provided gits for the children of 300 families last Christmas. But, from its earliest years, WTWF has been active in July and August promoting donations of backpacks for school children and recruiting volunteers to pack them.

Severna Park residents may recall seeing the Walk the Walk van parked on the Park Plaza parking lot for the occasional day of on-the-spot backpack packing.

The foundation no longer has the large van. It was traded for a smaller, more practical one when the organization moved from Nogales Road in Millersville to a new Crownsville location with plenty space to receive and store supplies.

As can be seen (from the opening photo), Dolan had one of the bright blue backpacks with her for the Davidsonville packing event – the first one of 2022. She explained how the school backpack program works.

“We partner with the Department of Social Services and a few other partners to figure out where the need is.” Dolan said. “Then, using financial donations from our supporters, we purchase backpack items in bulk at a discount. We next bring the items to a specific location, like a church, where supporters can donate $30 and pack a backpack for a child. While we have some online donations, most come from these hands-on events”

In filling backpacks, WTWF follows guidelines on the standard list of school supplies provided by Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Not every backpack is exactly the same but there are generally 24 items – things like composition notebooks, crayons, pens, dry erase markers, dry erase sleeves, water bottles, Ziplock bags, and more.

School backpack events tend to be enjoyable, but the Dolans find every bit of their involvement with the foundation interesting. Nicole and Jeff moved to Annapolis after serving in the Army and were first attracted to Walk the Walk programs as volunteers through Bay Area Community Church. They became more and more involved with WTWF just as the Mitchell’s were deciding the time was right to retire. “Born to serve,” as Nicole says, the couple was perfectly suited to take over.

Their most complicated task was taking over the year-round Diapers for Babies program which supports “emergency baby pantries” operated by 10 assistance networks including Crofton Cares, ACAN and NCEON as well as the Judy Centers in Maryland public schools.

Functioning as a partner with the National Diaper Bank Network gives Walk the Walk Foundation access to their resources and the opportunity to buy diapers at a very discounted cost – 16 cents per diaper, any size.

“That’s a screaming bargain as the average cost, depending on where you buy them, is 40 cents per diaper,” Dolan said. “By having that purchasing power, we’re able to use donations from our supporters to buy those diapers in quantity and store them. We also have partners that periodically do diaper drives for us which also replenishes our supply.”

WTWF volunteers repackage the diapers into groups of 25, an example of which Dolan also had with her. Each package is marked clearly with the size and directions stating that the package cannot be resold.

ACAN, NCEON and the other networks have reported that diaper need is “huge” in the communities they serve with many families unable to afford them. Reusable cloth diapers are not an option for families on assistance that lack access to washers or dryers. Health department regulations require laundromats to prohibit the washing of diapers for hygienic reasons.

Currently, the Dolans are reviving a tradition – the Walk the Walk Foundation “Walk” – but in a sensational way. The walk was originally held in Waugh Chapel but discontinued during the pandemic. This year, WTWF is inviting volunteers of all ages to walk the walk with them during the 2022 Bay Bridge Walk on Sunday, November 13th. Because the organization is now a Bay Bridge Walk charity partner with an ability to fundraise, WTWF volunteers who sign up will have their registration fees waived. (More about this later.)

For information on any of the Walk the Walk Foundation programs or events visit Walk the Walk Foundation | Annapolis Maryland (wtwf.org).

A busy year for SPAN that’s getting even busier

Close on the heels of a having a booth at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA in June, SPAN, Inc.’s staff and volunteers found themselves marching in the Severna Park 4th of July Parade. Working in conjunction with Chartwell Golf & Country Club’s Young Leaders, they marched down the parade route with a banner carried and giant-sized boxes of Cheerios, Fruity Pebbles, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and a can of Campbell’s Soup fashioned by volunteers and transported to the event in Director of Development Michelle Sabean’s crowded car.

The faux food packages representing SPAN food pantry donations were pushed along in wagons pulled by other volunteers.

SPAN also erected a bright blue tent on one side of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Olde Severna Park run by Director of Operations Maia Grabau that accepted donations of prepackaged foods and money.

The next event for SPAN is manning a booth at the Anne Arundel County Eastern District Police‘s National Night Out at Earleigh Heghts Volunteer Fire Company on August 2nd. As in previous years, they’ll have one or more games for children and will be accepting donations of money or prepackaged foods for the food pantry.

Further excitement follows with September 10th’s “Broadway Bonanza, A Cabaret Performance To Benefit SPAN” created by and starring Severna Park native Laurette Hankins-O’Connell. The concert will be held at Boone Station Hall at 7 pm.

The show will be similar in format to Hankins-O-Connell’s 2019 “Broadway Goes to the Movies” performance at the same venue which proved quite popular and raised a sizeable financial donation for SPAN. Once again, Hankins-O’Connell will donate 100% of funds raised to SPAN as a way of giving back to the community she grew up in.

Accompanied by pianist Anita O’Connor, Hankins-O’Connor will perform standards written by the likes of Irving Berlin, Richard Rogers and other composers who made Broadway musicals great. She’s blessed with a wonderful voice and great comedic timing.

Sabean said there will be a silent auction and refreshments as well. Tickets are $25. Space is limited so tickets must be purchased in advance using check or PayPal. You may mail a check to SPAN, 400 Benfield Rd., Severna Park, MD 21146 or pay via PayPal at spanhelps@yahoo.com. In the message section, state that your payment is for the show, and indicate how many seats you want.

Moving on, SPAN is deep into planning for the 10th Annual Turkey Trot Run/Walk fundraiser at Kinder Farm Park on November 5th. More information will be forthcoming. Meantime, you can follow all events at SPAN Serving People Across Neighborhoods (spanhelps.org) .

Around The Park Again is brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. known for its selection of wines, spirits and beers plus hand cut gourmet cheese, European style charcuterie, pate, olives and other specialty items.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler brought to you by

Raindrops on the car window hinted that the tents erected to protect concertgoers attending the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation fundraiser at Severna Park Taphouse were a good idea. Chrissy and Bill Gardner, Nancy and Jesse Boyd, Robin and Larry Sells, and Sue and Bill Anderson were having a great time gathered round a table listening to various performances. All were happy to be supporting the BWMC Foundation but, as country music fans, they couldn’t wait to see the evening’s headliner, Nashville singer and songwriter Chad Bearden backed by fellow musicians Jesse Tucker and CBS sports anchor Brent Stover.

Nearby, at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, raindrops and occasional downpours dictated that the final day of the organization’s annual carnival had to be canceled due to soggy, unsafe conditions on the field. The 10-day event has long been the fire department’s biggest and most successful fundraiser. As usual, the carnival was well-run and great fun this year. However, three days of cancellations because of rain meant funds from ticket, food and raffle ticket sales were diminished. EHVFC’s fundraising efforts fell short of its goals according to Fire Chief Dave Crawford.

“We did well but the weather definitely hurt our fundraising efforts to support the fire company financially. Nevertheless, we appreciate all the support from our community. That’s always welcome,” Crawford said. “Hopefully, we’ll have a good turnout at the firehouse for the A.A. Co. Eastern Police District’s National Night Out on August 2nd.

Luckily, rain did not keep people from turning out at Severna Park Taphouse to enjoy their favorite groups. BWMC Foundation executive director Kathy Burk and the concert’s co-producer and emcee Larry Sells were great hosts. Burk personally greeted as many people as possible, including Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League, while Sells circulated through the tables.

Burk noted that the funds being raised by the event would benefit Baltimore Washington Medical Center programs like their Safe Sleep kits for infants and their many outreach programs like the food and hygiene pantries they’ve set up.

A total of 11 artists or groups would appear throughout the afternoon and evening. The best known among them were the groups Red Sky Dawn, George & Matt, Lost & Found Trio, Honey Sol and, of course, headliner Chad Bearden with special guest Brent Stover.

Devoted music fan, Jennifer Triplett of Millersville-based Treebranch Group arrived at the concert mid-afternoon and stayed through the evening.

“I arrived just in time to see one of my favorite bands, Honey Sol. I’ve seen them often as they’re involved in many events for local charities I support. I always enjoy them,” Triplett said.

Guitarist Lee Priddy’s popular Honey Sol Band is truly a family affair with son Andrew Priddy on drums and daughter Mackenzie Priddy on bass. They are seen widely throughout the Baltimore and Annapolis areas and in neighboring states. (The family’s Priddy Music Academy also lent support to the fundraiser by setting up the sound system.)

Triplett observed that the crowd kept growing through the afternoon as time for the appearance of featured artist Chad Bearden drew near. She didn’t feel rain had much of an effect on attendance for the event thanks to an excellent arrangement of tents surrounding the stage by Three Rivers Builders, Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence and Severna Park Automotive.

Three Rivers owner J.D. Olienyk was on hand all day, having supported the fundraiser by buying two tables beneath the cabanas to share with his friends. Between sets, he and wife Stephanie traded observations about the bands with tablemates Kelly and Kyle Cook, Susie Jeitner and Dave Stokes.

BWMC Foundation’s many supporters continued arriving singly, in pairs or in small groups. Among them were Scott and Ellen Kleinknecht. Ellen, a Severna Park Community Center Board of Directors member, is a particularly familiar sight at community events.

Mary Jermann, executive director of Wellness House of Annapolis, was also there with husband Matt who’s with Partners In Care. The Jermanns and Kleinknechts were among many attendees who are known to support numerous good causes.

Even friendly pups Kora and Bailey strained at owner Chelsea Simanski’s leashes to head to where all the action was. Kora made friends with a couple at the bar while Bailey was determined to head for the Big Tent.

According to Two Guys Productions’ Mike Hall and Larry Sells, the event was very successful raising $20,168 for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation. (Hall couldn’t be on hand during the event and was greatly missed.)

American Association of University Women resume used book collections

The American Association of University Women‘s Anne Arundel Co. branch kicked off this year’s used book collection at the Severna Park Independence Day Parade. Members participated in the parade and circulated among onlookers to share information about collection dates and locations.

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AAUW publicity chairman Catherine Crowley said the annual book sale will be held in early November this year and proceeds will go toward scholarships for Anne Arundel County women. She added that the organization is seeking donations of good, clean, used books.

Donations can be brought to any one of the three drop off locations listed below:

St Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church at 325 Benfield Rd, Severna Park (parking lot)

The Y of Central Maryland, at 1209 Ritchie Hwy, Arnold (AACC parking lot opposite the Y)

St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church at 730 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis (parking lot)

All sites will be open from 9 am to 12 noon on August 6th and 27th, on September 10th and again on October 1st and 15th. In addition to collecting books at the above sites, AAUW members are available to collect books throughout the year at Estate Sales.

AAUW recently awarded scholarships to 11 Anne Arundel County young women who are beginning or continuing their college educations. For further information about AAUW or its scholarships, visit AAUW Anne Arundel County (MD) Branch

Around The Park Again is pleased to welcome Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. as a sponsor. Known for its wide selection of fine wines and spirits and artisanal cheeses, Fishpaws has been a neighborhood institution since the 1930’s.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Motorcycle engines revving and sirens blaring, the 2022 Severna Park Independence Day parade roared down Benfield Road at a rapid pace, cresting the hill atop Riggs Avenue at 10:10 am and passing the judge’s stand before turning onto Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard.

A Marine Corps League color guard stepped smartly, flags waving, followed by the equally impressive Anne Arundel County Department of Detention honor guard. It wasn’t until the firetruck from Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department passed by that the Chrysler LaBaron convertible bearing Grand Marshall Kevin Sosnoski rolled into view.

Well-known as the owner/manager of Goska’s Liquors – a family business that celebrated its 92nd anniversary in February – Sosnoski said he’d been surprised to be invited to be Grand Marshall for the parade.

One of the youngest individuals to ever serve as Grand Marshall, Sosnoski’s selection when this year’s theme was “Celebrating Our Rich History” seemed fitting. Goska’s played an important role in the town’s history weathering the roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II among other eras.

Viewing the parade from the back of a convertible was an amazing experience, one the Grand Marshall won’t soon forget. He shared his impressions the day following the parade.

“It quite an honor and it was fun. My arms are tired right now from waving so much,” Sosnoski said. “I couldn’t believe how many people there were along Benfield Road where they were four and five people deep and bigger crowds coming into Olde Severna Park. There were a whole lot of ‘Goska’ chants from spectators along the way and lot of people shouting ‘Who’s that. Oh, Goska’s. I shop there’.”

Always busy during holidays, the last time he’d been to the Severna Park parade was as a child. So, a first-time look from the inside was awe inspiring.

“I was impressed by the amount of work that went into the preparations at the staging areas at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field and Our Shepherd Lutheran churches, especially for the floats. It was also a privilege to speak with two World War II veterans being honored in the parade.”

Veteran Tom Lindsay, who was 101 years old, was escorted by the Heroes of Severna Park organization while vintage automobile owner Gene Jarbo bore 96-year-old veteran Earl Daff along in his 1957 Chevy Convertible.

Sosnoski said he debated whether to sit up on the back of the open convertible which seemed slightly precarious but decided to go for it.

“I’m not a sailor or boater, but I kind of likened the experience to being afloat – like the road was a waterway. The wake that a boat would make was like the people on each side. It was amazing because there was so much life to the left and right of me.”

From young children to seniors, the spectators enthusiastically embraced being part of an annual tradition that began in 1974 when the late Hammond S. Carr rounded up the neighborhood kids and paraded them up and down B & A Boulevard in a patriotically decorated truck. With help from “chicken wire genius”, Lew Heck, they soon created the first floats. Within a few years, the parade became one of the county’s biggest events.

Now organized by the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by area businesses, the event offers a something for everyone. Little kids loved the firetrucks. There were several including a vintage model owned by Matt Gustafson and filled with family members. The later model Rostraver Volunteer Fire Department Truck 31 was also owned by the Gustafson family.

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Patriotism was on full display with the appearance of a color guard of flags carried by Boy Scout Troop 8I5 preceeding the gigantic Nathaniel McDavitt Memorial American flag seen in the opening photo. (The flag honors the memory of the 2011 Severna Park High grad who lost his life while deployed to the Middle East.)

Red, white and blue was also evident in the parade attire of friends and families along the parade route. Patriotically spirited Justin Lewis sported a red, white and blue theme including headband, star-spangled jacket, and red trousers while daughters Allison (on his shoulder) and Daphne wore patriotically checked gingham and wife Laura and baby son Silas wore Spirit of 76 shirts.

On a convenient hillside nearby, friends Tucker Legnon, Cameron Weeks, Lucas Emerich, Audrey Weeks, Maggie Goodman and Daniel Doney sported variations of red, white or blue while pup Gideon was adorned with a small American flag.

The greater Severna Park area’s population has exploded in recent years, somewhat diminishing the small-town atmosphere we were used to. But the parade is one event that tends to re-establish the community ties we still value. A dozen neighborhood floats highlighted the places and people that bind the community together. All were great but a few of our favorites are shown herein.

The Linstead on the Severn community’s cleverly constructed train honored the B&A Railroad which ran on tracks nearby, thus the sign “Next Stop Linstead”. The community won the Budding Voices $500 prize for Best Theme.

The Olde Severna Park Improvement Association won the Park Tavern/JB’s sponsored $500 prize for the Best Overall Float. It portrayed a house along the Severn River overlooking a boat with a banner advertising “Sullivan’s Cove Fishing Tours – $45, $55, $75 + gas”.

A crowd favorite was the Round Bay Station float which echoed the train theme since trains regularly brought vacationers to Round Bay from the turn of the century through World War II. There was a hotel there then. In fact, Round Bay had something of a reputation as a party town during the Prohibition era.

Speaking of parties, annual parade-watching get-togethers like the one hosted by Red Apron Shoppe owner Mary Ann Neal help friends and relatives regain that neighborhood vibe. The party was great fun as Neal (in straw hat and blue checked shirt) scurried about making sure everyone had drinks or snacks.

The partygoers had a perfect place to view the parade. They watched, chatted and voiced their approval of things they liked which ranged from Uncle Sam and beauty queens to decorated bikes and the Jing Ying Institute dragon. All agreed that entries from scout troops, organizations and businesses were quite good. They found the float created by BSA Troop 1983 and Cub Scout Pack 994 imaginative. Among other business floats, they liked those of Homestead Gardens, Park Books, Escape Salon and Maryland Decking as well as Orphan Grain Train. They considered Chesapeake Electric’s lightbulb-topped entry a particularly bright idea.

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Organizations making parade appearances included Partners In Care, ACAN, the American Association of University Women, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus, and the SPCA. SPAN, Inc. collaborated with the Chartwell Young Leaders who created a float and also had a tent for food pantry donations. Churches participating with floats included Saints Church, Trinity Bible Church and Severna Park Baptist Church with its American Heritage Girls float.

This being an election year, sprinkled throughout the parade were politicians marching with their entourages or, in the case of Anne Arundel County Council member Amanda Fiedler and Maryland State Delegate Heather Bagnall a flower-filled floats. Though there were no high school bands, there was music by the three-piece Ivy League Band and by the Woods Church Praise Band.

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There was so much more to see. Enjoying it all from the comfort of their strollers was the baby brigade with twin sisters Noa and Zoe McCarthy and Desmond Kessler. The twins and parents Becky and Brian McCarthy, from Denver, Colorado were visiting with Desmond’s parents Jessica and Steve Kessler from Columbia, Maryland.

Severna Park Taphouse fundraiser with Nashville recording artist Chad Bearden

A reminder for county music lovers that on July 9 from a full day of music benefitting the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation is taking place at the Severna Park Taphouse at 58 W. Earleigh Heights Road. The featured artist will be Nashville-based singer/songwriter Chad Bearden. However, there will be local bands playing throughout the day. For information, visit Entertainment – Severna Park Taphouse.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Table

Following two cancellations in May, the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA at Park Plaza was off to a flying start…literally. The morning of June 18th saw winds so strong during set-up, that tents were flying – so strongly that Chamber CEO Liz League took off for the supermarket to purchase 200 pounds of cat litter to hold them down.

Every time there was a gust, arms were seen shooting up to hold on to the tent structures, as was the case at the Rose Quartz Vibes tent, or holding on to the fabric on the sides.

The winds never did die down entirely but once everything was stabilized the SHOP LOCAL event became a busy scene indeed.

At the W. L. Staton tent, marketing director Christine Richardson (seen in the opening photo) was delighted to welcome attendees with a friendly wave. Like other vendors, she had sweet treats and games for kids, a little something for their parents and lots of information about the plumbing, heating and cooling services of the Annapolis-based company.

Wind related problems still cropped up occasionally and repairs had to be improvised. At Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club, a chair and rolls of tape were employed by director of operations Katie Handy and team to secure their sign. Opened 41 years ago in 1981, the then “racquetball club” was located in the Severna Park postal zone that was subsequently rezoned. Its mailing address is now in Millersville. Over the years, the club expanded its services and currently includes fitness classes, a circuit room, a free weight room, a pool, wallyball and, of course, racquetball among other amenities. Childcare is also offered.

Throughout the SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA, entertainment was featured. One of the earliest performances was by The Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite dancers fresh from their highly successful recital program at Annapolis High School on June 12th.

A later performance by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi featured a demonstration of martial arts and included the school’s famed “Dragon Dance”.

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Lcpl. Michelle Goodman from the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Unit was on hand with K-9 Calypso for the crowd’s enjoyment as well. Calypso is trained in Explosives Detection.

Winds continued gusting and people could be observed holding onto the tent poles at both the Mathnasium tent and the Passante’s Home Food Services tent. Regardless, as the day wore on, both attracted many potential customers.

With the table skirts and her hair still being blown hours after opening, Lisa’s Cakepops founder Lisa Schneiderman and husband Glen described the wild scene when they arrived at Park Plaza to set up their SHOP LOCAL tent.

“Tents and tables were flying,” Lisa said. “But at least, after two cancellations, everybody’s here.”

The pair battened down the hatches and handed out cakepops but kept their cakepop kits and other paraphernalia confined to carryall bags.

April Stup, Volunteer Coordinator for Partners In Care, loves representing the organization at community events.

Known for her outgoing nature, Stup had many things on her table to chat about with folks.

“When I come out to things like this, I like to bring things that represent our Partners In Care Boutique and the organization as a whole,” she said. “We have samples of our clothing, we have crocheted items made by our volunteers, examples of China, some collectible Baltimore and Maryland related books and objects. Also for collectors, we have vintage copies of National Geographic Magazine.”

Come lunchtime, it was also April Stup who recommended to attendees that they sample garlic knots, meatballs and wings from the Park Tavern/J.B’s table and the little sandwiches from Honeybaked Ham.

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There were several health and wellness related business tents including the Carrie Bacquie Chronic Illness Ally tent, the Q Sciences tent and the tent shared by Blended Essentials and Refill Goodness Eco Market & Mobile Refillery.

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Regardless of everything else going on, it was wonderful that Franklin’s Toy Store owner Stephen Kauffmann provided fun games that entertained many, many children. The games were but one example of the shop’s treasures.

What shopper could resist visiting Dawn Wilson and sister Donna Phillips at their Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery tent. One of the original Park Plaza tenants and a strong Shop Local proponent, Side Street Framers is popular for showcasing the work of local artists and crafters.

“It was so windy we were a bit limited in what we could bring out,” Wilson said. “Still, we’re happy it’s not raining, and we were able to bring some of our most beautiful pieces.

Asked if they felt inflation had yet impacted Park Plaza businesses, the sisters said it hadn’t appeared to hurt any of the owners yet but, if disposable income continues to shrink, they might be affected.

There were other businesses to visit and a number of politicians running for election thrown into the mix. As always, Shop Local events are a boon for both shoppers and for the businesses represented. We found it impossible to leave the event without saying a fond goodbye to The Pup Camp’s friendly mascot Juice Box and his owner Matthew Stewart.

Summing up the SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA, League voiced her relief that the weather gods gave her wind instead of rain. She felt the crowd was slightly less than the previous Shop Local event since it followed the Father’s Day holiday. She’s already deeply into planning the next event – the annual Independence Day parade.

SEVERNA PARK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

As July 4th falls on a Monday this year, the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce will hold it that day. Chamber CEO Liz League announced that the parade will step off at 10 am from dual launching areas at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church and Our Shepherd Lutheran Church on Benfield Road. As usual, the parade will proceed down Benfield Road, make a slight left onto Riggs Avenue and proceed down the hill past the judges stand. Turning right onto B&A Boulevard, the entries will flow past Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church and Boone Station Hall and make a left onto Cypress Creek Road to parade’s end at Cypress Creek Park.

“The parade will be large this year with over 100 entries, League said. “As it comes into view, the first thing spectators will see is color guards, followed by a 101-year-old veteran who’ll appear with the Heroes of Severna Park organization, followed by another 96-year-old veteran in a convertible. They’ll be followed by the parade’s Grand Marshall Kevin Goska, owner of Goska’s Liquors.”

League added that there will be floats from Homestead Gardens, from the communities of Round Bay, Linstead on the Severn, and the Olde Severna Park Improvement Association among others, along with those of Orphan Grain Train, SPAN, Inc. in conjunction with Chartwell’s Young Leaders, and Unity Band’s musical float. This year there will be a $500 prize for the winning float.

As usual, there will be vintage automobiles, fire engines, decorated bikes, scout groups and other interesting entries.

Severna Park Taphouse fundraiser with Nashville recording artist Chad Bearden

Save the date of July 9 from 12 to 8 pm for a full day of music benefitting the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation at the Severna Park Taphouse at 58 W. Earleigh Heights Road. The featured artist will be Nashville-based singer/songwriter Chad Bearden. However, there will be local bands playing throughout the day. For information, visit Entertainment – Severna Park Taphouse.