Author: wingsorb@aol.com

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The elementary-school-aged youngsters seated behind the row of sewing machines in Wendy Preslan’s Stitches of Kindness workshop were completely absorbed in their work.

Having been taught all about the machines, their operation, and how to sew straight lines by Preslan, the students were now putting the skills they learned to use by creating simple projects meant to help organizations, individuals or patients that needed them.

The children found the Stitches of Kindness light-filled workshop and hum of the machines comforting as they stitched together pieces of fabric to complete the afternoon’s project – making syringe driver bags for hospital patients. They’d earlier stood at a large cutting board measuring and cutting out rectangles of fabric and straps for the colorful shoulder bags designed to hold devices that deliver medication to a patient.

The kids were clearly enjoying themselves while creating something worthwhile “one stitch at a time” observed Preslan.

Her wonderful Stitches of Kindness organization was born at the outset of, the COVID 19 pandemic. Like many people, Preslan found her career as a photographer at a standstill because of virus-related restrictions. Her business, Nana Sue Photography Healing Images, could no longer do the children’s workshops that were her passion.

“I was getting bored sitting at home with nothing to do, Preslan said. “My daughter, a nurse called me one day from the hospital. She said “Mom, the hospital is running out of masks and we’re having to double up. Could you sew a mask? It would be so appreciated’.”

“Well, I’d sewn all my life and had even sewn commercially at one time. But, as my children grew my interests shifted and I’d stopped altogether. Regardless, I pulled out my old commercial sewing machine, cleaned it up and oiled it and made one mask.”

She next photographed herself modeling the mask at posted the picture on Facebook to inspire others to do the same. Then she got busy, sewing and donating 6,000 masks. Most went to hospitals, especially to their shock trauma units. But others went to firefighters, other emergency responders and a few organizations.

Once finished making masks, she found she could sew other useful items for hospitals, organizations and individuals who needed them. From the outset of these endeavors, she realized how much she missed interacting with children in a workshop environment. She knew she could teach them valuable skills while giving them a sense of purpose. So she created the non-profit Stitches of Kindness and she and husband Mark set about converting the lower level of their home to a workshop.

It was at this point that we first met Wendy Preslan who was selling Stiches of Kindness items for $1 apiece at a Good Neighbors Group Pop Up Shop hosted by BD Provisions. She was donating the proceeds to various charitable organizations. (Stiches of Kindness currently contributes to nine such organizations.)

The Stiches of Kindness workshop quickly took shape. Located along the far wall is a built-in counter with six sewing machines with a work-station at the end featuring a cutting board.

On the opposite wall is a converted closet featuring a counter with two additional sewing machines and shelves above for storing fabric and supplies. Students are quite happy working in the space. There is also a second room with a couple more sewing machines that is used from time to time.

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The Stitches of Kindness Workshop is fortunate to receive many donations of partially used bolts of fabric, colorful threads, zippers and other supplies as well as items that can be upcycled like denim jeans. Being a “no-waste” workspace, nothing is ever wasted in the workshop, so storage space is an ongoing problem. Yarn for crocheting and scraps of cloth found a home on a standalone shelving unit. Shelves were added beneath the cutting board counter to hold extra bolts of cloth.

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An all-important ironing board set up at the end of the room for pressing seams is balanced on yet another small storage cabinet with baskets full of cloth scraps suitable for quilting squares next to it.

The day-to-day operation of the workshops is fairly simple. People find out about Stiches of Kindness through Facebook or word-of-mouth and get in touch to arrange one or more workshops for their child or group of kids. The age range of participants is from eight or nine years old through the teens.

“I like to start children young and eight or nine is a really good age because they are very receptive and eager to learn but I find that kids of all ages do well,” Preslan says.

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First things come first though. She teaches her workshop students the basics, acquainting them with the different parts of the sewing machines, showing them how to operate and care for the machines and how to thread a bobbin. Then she asks them to practice sewing straight lines, sometimes stitching on paper. At that point, they are ready to sew actual items. They learn that sewing is fairly easy but requires patience. There is no pressure. If a mistake is made sewing a seam, for example, they are encouraged to simply rip it out and resew it.

“It’s rewarding for me to give the kids skills, like how to sew a hem, that will come in handy throughout their lives while encouraging them to be creative in their choice of materials. Some may be inspired to seek more training or even make sewing a part of their careers,” Preslan said. “Mainly, I enjoy seeing their sense of accomplishment and how good it makes them feel to know the items they created, one stitch at a time, will be very much appreciated by those who receive them.”

Some of the things the children have made that are donated or sold to raise money for charitable organizations include healthcare items like the aforementioned syringe driver bags, mastectomy pillows or bands, crocheted chemo caps or colorful pillowcases for kids in the hospital. They sew bandannas for dogs to be sold or donated to shelters, cloth napkins in pretty prints, cloth bowl covers or sandwich bags and zipper pouches for any number of uses. Stiches of Kindness participants are also taught the art of crocheting and crochet hats for homeless populations.

As previously mentioned, the “no-waste” workshop recycles, upcycles or uses everything including the empty spools pictured below. At Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay’s suggestion, the spools and donated thread are turned into sewing kits that are distributed to homeless individuals, alone or as part of zippered pouches of hygiene items.

It was recently announced that Stiches of Kindness has partnered with Good Neighbors Group – an initiative that allows people in the community who like to sew at home to donate items like those made by the workshops to individuals, hospitals, assisted living homes or organizations. They can drop off completed items to GNG partners Park Home, Long & Foster Real Estate, and All For The Pet in Severna Park and Dr. Mariaileen Sourwine’s office at 277 Peninsula Farm Road in Arnold. The items will then be distributed by Stitches of Kindness or GNG.

Always looking for new projects, the workshops are tackling a few upcycling projects using material from discarded jeans or trousers to make fashionable tote bags. On a more personal level, Preslan is also sharing some of Stitches of Kindness’ guiding principles and sewing techniques with classes she’s teaching at Anne Arundel Community College.

For more information about Stiches of Kindness, schedule a workshop or to make a donation, visit Facebook or call 410-507-9315.

Orphan Grain Train seeks help for its Hurricane Disaster Relief Efforts

Orphan Grain Train Maryland Branch representative Marie Fries reports that hurricane relief efforts are already underway. The national headquarters of Orphan Grain Train in Nebraska responded quickly to the disaster in North Carolina and sent a truck with 45,000 pounds of food that arrived on October 5th.  OGT also sent a water tanker and second truck with 125,000 mercy meals, personal hygiene and flood clean-up kits. They are working on sending a medical clinic with a doctor and nurse.

Fries notes that Orphan Grain Train’s Mayland Branch is collecting disaster relief buckets and hygiene kits. Directions for assembling these kits are below. OGT encourages you to invite friends, neighbors, church groups and/or co-workers to get together and assemble these kits.

Hygiene Kit should contain:

• One hand towel (15 x 25 –17 x 27 inches)
• One washcloth
• One sturdy comb
• One toenail or fingernail clipper
• Bath-size soap (3 oz. bar or larger) – In original packaging
• One adult toothbrush – In original packaging
• Unopened toothpaste
• Small hand sanitizer
• Small shampoo
• 10 adhesive band-aids (¾ by 3 inches)

Place all items in a one-gallon size resealable bag.

Disaster Cleaning Buckets should contain:

1. Scrub brush
2. Ajax scrub powder
3. Long cleaning gloves
4. Sponge
5. Cleaning solution concentrate (Mr. Clean or Pine-Sol)
6. One hand towel
7. Window cleaner spray
8. Chlorox bleach concentrate
9. Roll of paper towels
10. Hand Wipes

Place all items in a 5-gallon bucket with a lid.

If you have any questions, please contact Marie Fries at weezie68@verizon.net.

OGT is also collecting toilet paper, paper towels, large trash bags, tarps (all sizes), children’s diapers, and feminine hygiene products.

Completed kits, as well as the above-mentioned items, can be dropped off at the OGT warehouse at 621 East-West Boulevard, Millersville, MD. The warehouse will be open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:00 until noon, Tuesday evenings from 5:00 until 7:00 pm and Saturday, October 12th, from 9:00 until noon.

The deadline for dropping off kits is Monday, October 21st. For more information, visit Maryland | Orphan Grain Train | Sharing resources and bringing Christ’s name and character to needy people both far and near. (ogt.org).

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Homecare Services

After nearly a week of dreary weather and intermittent rain, sunshine, blue skies, and frothy white clouds returned just in time for Langton Green Community Farm’s 10th Anniversary celebration on Saturday afternoon, September 28th.

Walking in from the parking area toward the Millersville farm’s picturesque garden gate, I couldn’t help smiling as I spotted two of three of Langton Green’s pigs heading for the shade of their shed to escape the heat and humidity. A third pig was wallowing in the mud on the far side of the enclosure.

The farm looked bright and beautiful as I made my way to the gate and walked through into the garden. Beds overflowed with herbs and flowers stretching into the distance and there were decorative elements everywhere including colorful murals from artist Cindy Fletcher Holden.

Aside from the buzzing of bees drawn to the profusion of pollinator plants, all was quiet, and I seemed to be alone. Evidently, the anniversary celebration had already begun on a stage toward the back of the expansive property. That was fine with me because walking there would take me past some of my favorite things about Langton Green Community Farm.

A partially filled wheelbarrow by beds of oregano and thyme hinted at ongoing work by volunteers.

Since being founded in 1984, Langton Green, Inc. a non-profit Anne Arundel County-based residential community has supported adults with intellectual disabilities. Langton Green Community Farm was later established as a place where people with varying needs and abilities can work and make a positive impact on the surrounding community.  Produce goes for free to Langton Green’s residential community consumers. Excess produce is sold to CSA and other customers and donated to community food pantries serving low-income Maryland residents.

Ten years of hard work, especially by current farm manager Elizabeth Snyder, her farm crew and some dedicated volunteers, have made the farm very productive. Following a row of squash vines peppered with yellow blossoms along a fence led me to one of the farm’s hoop houses brimming with tomatoes and peppers that will continue to grow through the early frosts.

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Over time, the farm has also become a center of community life through various programs and events for the public, some of which are held in the Danny’s Day Memorial Pavilion (made possible by a generous donation from Pat and Neysa Ernst honoring the memory of their son). Food was already laid out there in chafing dishes ready for serving later.

Skirting past the pavilion and one of the chicken houses, I found myself on the somewhat muddy road past greenhouses and fields where spent summer crops had been plowed under and planted with cover crops to enrich the soil.

Walking on, I arrived at the back fields where blueberry bushes, paw paws and orchard trees are grown. The Anniversary Program was already underway at the outdoor stage. As I approached, I found a crowd stretched along the bank that was made up of local families, farm volunteers, staff members, and some of the individuals with developmental disabilities that work on the farm.

The featured musical group, The Pretty Big Deal Trio, had already completed their first set and the crowd was enjoying a reading by local poet Hiram Larew. Following the reading, Maryland State Senator Sarah Elfreth, who represents Annapolis and Southern Anne Arundel County, addressed the crowd. Noting that she was visiting Langton Green Community Farm for the first time, she said she was mightily impressed.

The official 10th Anniversary program ended as it began with a second set by Micheal Kocher’s popular Pretty Big Deal Trio with Kocher and Neal Bumgarner on guitar and P.J. Thomas on vocals.

More was in store for Anniversary celebration attendees, however. Back at the Danny’s Day Memorial Pavilion, steaming chafing dishes filled with foods prepared with vegetables and eggs from the farm looked amazing as did some of the farm produce being displayed.

Anniversary celebrants flowed in and out of the pavilion at leisure. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

Even the chickens and goats seemed pleased. To follow the activities of Langton Green Community Farm on a daily basis, visit Facebook.

Trinity Bible Church had sunshine too

Happening at exactly the same time on Saturday as the Langton Green celebration, Trinity Bible Church’s Fall Festival was taking place in Severna Park and its organizers couldn’t have been more delighted to see the sun. Located at 99 Truckhouse Road, the church had plenty of space for games, pony rides, a Moon Bounce and cooking out.

The Fall Festival went off without a hitch and not only attracted families from the congregation but members of the public too. For more information, visit Facebook.

Though cloudy, Sunday’s events were a success too

There wasn’t a moment’s doubt that Art In The Park at Cafe Mezzanotte would be held on Sunday, rain or shine. Produced by the Severna Park Voice in cooperation with Cafe Mezzanotte, arrangements were made to hold the event partially beneath attractive tents. The participating artists and vendors were given indoor space to display their wares. The music and arts festival featuring The Grilled Lincolns, was a great success and benefitted Partners In Care Maryland .

To the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails, it was both a surprise and relief that they were able to move ahead with their 30th Anniversary Celebration at Hatton-Regester Green. Though cloudy, Severna Park residents turned out to celebrate and enjoy a performance by the very popular Old Mill High School Steel Drum Band.

Severna Park Community Center Fall Festival rescheduled

Originally scheduled to be held Sunday as well, rains the night before meant a number of vendors were hesitant about setting up outdoors. So, it was decided to cancel the event and reschedule it. The Fall Festival will be combined with the Halloween Spooktacular being held October 25 from 5 to 8 pm. More information will be forthcoming shortly.

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

By 5 pm on Monday, rain was falling at Historic Baldwin Hall as a much looked forward to Community Resource Fair was getting underway. One could see from cars in the parking lots that attendees had already arrived.

Representatives from a dozen county agencies and non-profits were set up inside to provide information about services and resources for local families.

Indoors, we found several familiar faces as one entire side of the building was set aside for organizations and churches closely related to the Crownsville and Millersville neighborhoods surrounding Baldwin Hall. Foremost among these was Severn Crossroads Foundation trustee Carolyn Woody. The foundation is the non-profit organization responsible for restoring and maintaining Baldwin Hall. Woody was surrounded by an impressive display of photographs and documents detailing the hall’s rich history.

“We start with information on the construction of Baldwin Hall as the Old Cross Roads Church by the Methodist Society in 1861. We next make note that in 1896 the “crossroads church” was moved across Indian Landing Road to make way for the building of the current Baldwin Memorial Church. The original church was then used as the church school and parish hall until about 1970,” Woody said.

“There was much debate whether to destroy the old church hall in favor of a larger facilty. However, members tirelessly worked to raise funds for the hall, with its lovely Carpenter’s Gothic architecture, to be saved and moved once more. Some of the pictures we have here are from when the building was moved across Generals Highway to its current location and renamed Baldwin Hall.”  

The history theme prevailed as representatives from nearby John Wesley Waterbury United Methodist Church were at the next table. The church, which is located at 962 Generals Highway in the Waterbury community of Crownsville, was founded in 1845. The original church was a log building that was later destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1863. The third church was built in 1901 and given the name John Wesley Methodist Episcopal (M.E.) Church and is today known as John Wesley United Methodist Church.  Sunday worship services conducted by the church pastor, Rev. Frederick Price, Jr., and a wide range of activities keep the church as vibrant as ever.

Not to be outdone, there was also representation from Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church directly across General’s Highway from Historic Baldwin Hall at 921 General’s Highway. The lovely granite church resembling an English country chapel was constructed and completed in 1896 as the Cross Roads Church. It replaced the Old Cross Roads Church (now Historic Baldwin Hall). Soon thereafter, the name of the church was changed from Cross Roads Church to Baldwin Memorial Church in recognition of the tireless support to the congregation by Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Baldwin. Even today, some locals refer to Baldwin Memorial UMC as “the stone chapel”.

Moving on, we met Scoutmaster Carl Aten and Charter Organization Representative Annie Medford from Boy Scouts of America Troop 804. We’d last encountered the troop, along with members of Girl Scout Troop 192, as they presented the colors during Baldwin Hall’s Re-Birthday Celebration in June. Troop 804 is sponsored by the Severn Crossroads Foundation and meets at the hall.

Moving toward the back of the Community Resource Fair, we discovered a clever “Community Sing” booth from Chesapeake Harmony Chorus. Manned by chorus director Sally Burton and member Marge McGugan, the booth was designed to inform attendees about the chorus and quartets, its many fun appearances and activities, and perhaps inspire a few of them to join. (Both Burton and McGugan are also Severn Crossroads Foundation trustees.)

Crossing over to the agency side, we discovered Patrick Hughes and Maddie Lane from the Anne Arundel County Office of Planning & Zoning. To residents from the history rich crossroads area (located along General’s Highway, the famed Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route), zoning is important. People fear the encroachment of development. So there were many questions for Hughes and Lane.

Nearby, Bonnie Paucar, an information specialist from the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities brought plenty of giveaways to attract attention but also had some great information to share. She handed out directories listing a variety of services for senior citizens as well.

Located parallel to one another we found Alison Flores and Alejandra MeInyk from the Office of Hispanic/Latino and Multicultural Resources at one table and Andrea from Anne Arundel County Public Schools at the other. Flores and Melnyk were providing lots of useful information but were also inviting attendees to attend the Anne Arundel County Hispanic Heritage Awards at Liv2! Casino & Hotel on October 10th.

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Andrea, on the other hand was hoping to attract workers to fill openings with the public school system’s Food & Nutrition Services. She was also giving out packets of Smarty Plants seeds with adorable Cheer Pins attached.

We next happened upon some old friends we’ve encountered before. Lisa Dannielle and Cindy Manos from the non-profit Senior Dog Sanctuary said they are currently focused on matching senior dogs with seniors.

“We’re always looking for people to volunteer, adopt or foster our older dogs. Senior citizens often love dogs but can’t afford to have them,” Dannielle said. “Our organization is making it affordable by arranging to supply free dog food, health care and other services for the senior dogs so they can have a home and companionship with a loving senior.”

Lastly, we encountered two agencies we consider very important. Jorge Paucar from the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management was providing Guides to Emergency Preparedness along with little emergency medical kits with Band-Aids, sterile alcohol pads, etc. as well as sunglasses and other items. Next to him an Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System member was handing out equally important information along with tote bags, self-contained notebooks with items helpful in emergency situations like writing paper, post-it notes and stick-on labels and other supplies.

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Altogether a good representation of community services for a rainy September evening at Historic Baldwin Hall.

Speaking of rain, we have five great events scheduled for this weekend some of which may be affected by the weather while others might not. We’ll start with those being held on Saturday.

Trinity Bible Church’s Fall Festival on Saturday, September 28

As mentioned last week, a fun-filled Fall Festival is being held at Trinity Bible Church at 99 Truckhouse Road this Saturday, September 28 from 11 am till 2 pm. The FREE community event for people of all ages, will offer food and entertainment for the whole family.  The celebration should go off rain or shine as it could easily be moved from outdoors to indoors.

Langton Green’s 10th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday, September 28

The public is invited to join the celebration of Langton Green Community Farm’s 10th Anniversary this Saturday, September 28 from 1 pm till 4:30 pm. There will be food, concessions and family fun. Thanks to a sponsorship by Bay Ridge Lawn & Landscape, there will be live music by the Pretty Big Deal Trio. There will also be a few poetry readings and people are invited to enjoy a walk about the farm.

Should the weather surprise us and be sunny, attendees are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair. If there is rain, we are assured by Langton Green Community Farm communications director Patricia Dempsey that the event can and will be held inside. The farm is located at 844-846 Generals Highway in Millersville.

Moving on to Sunday, we have three more events.

Art In The Park at Cafe Mezzanotte this Sunday, September 29

The 3rd Annual edition of Art In The Park held at Cafe Mezzanotte in partnership with the Severna Park Voice is scheduled for this Sunday from 1 till 5 pm. The live Music & Arts Festival is being sponsored by KMA Law with proceeds to benefit Partners In Care.

There will be live music by The Grilled Lincolns featuring Andy Hall with The Betas. In addition to a Beer & Wine Garden Picnic Pavillion, there will be local ice cream, gifts, artists and art galleries. Tickets for the rain or shine event are $58 per person In Advance, $68 at the Door. You can call Cafe Mezzanotte at 410-647-1100 for any other questions.

Rain is not a problem as there are tents and part of the event could be moved inside if necessary.

Severna Park Community Center Fall Festival this Sunday, September 29

Severna Park Community Center’s annual Fall Festival is scheduled for this Sunday, September 29 from 1 to 4 pm. This free community event is also sponsored by KMA Law. In addition to live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and family activities like pumpkin decorating, there will be children’s activities ranging from face painting, games, music and art, Dodge Arrows and critters from Eco Adventures.

We’re told this event is weather-sensitive. Due to the fact that most activities are centered on being outdoors, it could be postponed (probably to October) if there is heavy rain. Stay tuned. We’ll try to keep you updated.

Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails 30th Anniversary at Hatton-Regester Green

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails‘ 30th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled to be held from 4 to 6 pm this Sunday, September 29 at Hatton-Regester Green. The Old Mill High School Steel Drum Band will be performing beginning at 4:00 P.M. Ken’s Hot Dogs will be on hand. There will be door prizes, a raffle, and lot of great music.

This event is weather-sensitive. The Friends are hoping the rains will be over by 4 pm. If not, the celebration will have to be cancelled.

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Following on the success of its inaugural Spring Native Plant Sale on May 4, Park Hardware again teamed with Providence of Maryland to hold its first Fall Native Plant Sale on Saturday, September 14.

The weather was beautiful, the plants looked great, and foot traffic was heavy all day (as seen in the photo above). The event was a resounding success according to media representative Christine Hickey.

Park Hardware owner Rick Miller asked Providence greenhouse manager Rachel Carey and her group of vocational trainees to bring a wide selection of native plants over and arrange them for sale at the far end of the Park Hardware property beyond the parking lot. They did an amazing job.

The plants were healthy, hardy, beautiful and very interesting. We’d gotten an advance peek at them Friday evening and were fascinated with the way they were presented.

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There were quite a few plants I was unfamiliar with such as Woodland Stonecrop and Foamflower which make good groundcovers. There were signs with each section of plants describing them in detail. There was also an entire row of plants that are longtime favorites like Purple Coneflowers, Goldenrod and Garden Phlox.

For casual gardeners or those new to the hobby, the Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners staffed a booth and answered questions for shoppers. In addition, they signed some folks up for free Bay-Wise yard visits to help homeowners assess their yard’s potential to reduce stormwater runoff and create backyard habitat using native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses.

Plant sale shoppers were asked to pay for their purchases inside the store. Park Hardware owner Rick Miller and manager Mike Clarke posted themselves by the entrance to greet them and direct them to a counter to pay for their purchases.

Both men were very pleased that the Fall Native Plant Sale brought new customers to Park Hardware.

According to Hickey, the fall plant sale was successful beyond their expectations.

“Over the weekend, Park Hardware saw well over 100 customers perusing the plant sale and sold over 700 pots of 40 species of native perennials like milkweed, bee balm, phlox, and Black-eyed Susan’s,” she said. “Native plants can be hard to find, so Severna Park residents were out in droves, as well as visitors from around Anne Arundel County and from as far away as Pikesville, Maryland.”

“All the native plants were grown by Providence of Maryland, whose Arnold greenhouse complex employs adults with developmental disabilities,” added Hickey. “Customers repeatedly commented on how healthy and robust the plants looked, as well as the astounding variety of species. Park Hardware looks forward to continuing to partner with Providence to bring more native plants to Severna Park.”

Plans are already in the works to make the Spring and Fall Native Plant Sales annual events. 

Trinity Bible Church’s Fall Festival scheduled for September 28

A fun-filled Fall Festival is being held at Trinity Bible Church at 99 Truckhouse Road on Saturday, September 28 from 11 am till 2 pm. The FREE community event for people of all ages, will offer food and entertainment for the whole family. There will be burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks plus a moonbounce, photo booth, games and crafts, snow cones, bingo, and more! For more information, visit Trinity Bible Church | Severna Park, Maryland | (trinitysevernapark.org).

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

For those who enjoy the Saturday morning ritual of shopping for farm grown meat and produce and locally made baked goods and crafts, the Severna Park Farmer’s Market never disappoints. While some vendors come and go over the course of a summer, most are regulars. Eastern Shore farmer Pat Hochsmuth of Pat’s Produce and Gourds (pictured above) is a farmer’s market veteran of more than two decades.

Likewise, the beautiful bouquets and plants Joyce Martinek sells at her Joyce’s Flowers & Herbs stand have been one of the Severna Park Farmer’s Market’s biggest attractions since it opened in 1996. Martinek has raised flowers and herbs on her acreage in Elmhurst off Quarterfield Road for decades and has sold them at the market every summer for 28 years. Her bouquets are so popular with shoppers that her operation has grown over the years from one table to three tables of them. These days, she’s so busy greeting and chatting with longtime or new customers that she usually brings along a helper – most often her son Danny Martinek.

As mentioned before, Pat Hochsmuth has been participating in the Severna Park Farmer’s Market almost as long as Martinek, bringing an excellent selection of vegetables and melons up from his farm in Delmar, Maryland every Saturday. Like Martinek’s business, Pat’s Produce has done well and grown so much over the years that he, too, needs help running the stand.

Nearby, farmer’s market regular David Haberkorn of Morris Hill Farm was selling fresh eggs and chicken, duck, turkey, beef, pork and lamb from pasture-raised animals. Haberkorn’s first season at the market was 2019 after moving to his Tracy’s Landing farm with wife Vicki from Florida where they had a similar farm and learned to use regenerative farming practices that avoid harmful pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.

To Haberkorn’s left was the colorful stand of another market regular, Lyon Rum, from St. Michaels, Maryland. Lyon Rum is the flagship spirit of Windon Distillery founded in 2012 by Jamie Windon. It’s made from Louisiana sugar cane in small pot stills with no additives or preservatives.

Considering the rather large number of canine companions seen with their owners at the farmer’s market each Saturday, it’s not really surprising that The Spoiled Dog Bakery has become such a hit. Owner Dianell Ashe created all manner of gourmet treats for dogs that, frankly, look good enough for humans to eat. They include Blueberry Bacon or Peanut Butter dog biscuits, Turkey Pumpkin Jerky, Cinnabons and Cinnamon Pumpkin biscuits in the shape of pumpkins.

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Keeping to the same side of the market, we came upon one of the most interesting vendors. My Nana’s Kitchen owner Anita Robertson, who also manages the farmer’s market, creates old fashioned homemade jams, spreads, sauces and condiments. She even has a sour dough starter. Robertson’s Chow Chow relish, Pickled Beetsand Rhubarb or Strawberry, Wild Blueberry or Whole Cherry Fruit Spreads bring to mind recipes made by her customers’ own grandmothers.

Crisscrossing the market, we came to the stand where veteran vendor Tyra Mack sells her Mack’s Mixes products. Considering the fact that that the mosquito and tick populations are at an all-time high this summer, the sign advertising Mack’s all-natural insect repellant certainly attracted my attention. Tyra’s nourishing soaps, shampoos and other products are also made with all-natural herbs, spices, butters and oils.

A stand or two further down and easily identifiable by its trademark green and white checked tablecloths, another farmer’s market favorite, the Zahradka Family Farm Stand, was doing brisk business as usual. The Essex, Maryland-based farm brought a vast range of vegetables and fruits. Starting at one end, there were enormous heads of cabbage and bunches of radishes, peppers, eggplants, lettuces, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn and fruits including apples, pears, cantaloupes and melons. There are farm-grown meats as well.

We noted loaves of fresh-baked bread at The Breadery, luscious looking butterhead lettuce and watercress at the booth of Green View Hydroponics from Suddlersville on the Eastern Shore, soy candles at Evie & Park, lemonade from Astral Sugars, and blade sharpening at Sharp Hamptons. Lest we forget, there was also a group of Master Gardeners from the University of Maryland Extension Service offering advice to gardeners and touting their Plant Clinics.

The Severna Park Farmer’s Market will be open through October and, if all goes as planned, will be back in early December with its annual Christmas Market. To follow the weekly schedule and activities of the farmer’s market visit Facebook.

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department lands $454,000 grant for Air/Light Unit

We just received word from Fire Chief Dave Crawford that Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company has received a Federal Grant for $454,000 to buy an Air/Light Unit to support fire ground operations. The unit will take about 3 years to build.

When you need to supply the scene with additional breathing air and scene lighting, Air/ Light Fire Trucks are the ultimate support vehicles according to Crawford. The truck EHVFC has ordered from Colorado-based SVI is similar to the one shown on the right. Such trucks can be customized for salvage and overhaul operations, or equipped for medical, rehabilitation and all-hazards response.

Crawford already has received drawings from SVI depicting the Air/Light Unit being built and customized for EHVFC in detail.

“It will be a very valuable asset for us for fighting fires or other emergency situations,” the fire chief said. “We’ll be able to generate light and fill our SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) bottles. We’ll also be able to make our Air/Light Truck available for all of the emergency responders in the area.”

Fall Native Plant Sale this Saturday at Park Hardware

Park Hardware, at 500 Ritchie Highway, is holding a Fall Native Plant Sale this Saturday (September 14) featuring a fine selection of autumn perennials. The sale will begin at 8 am and will last until the plants run out. Experts from the Anne Arundel County Bay-wise Program will be on site to offer advice.

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

August 19th was an exciting day for Severn River Association Program Officer Tom Guay and other members of the staff assembled to watch as the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) craft Papa Francis headed up the Severn toward a section of restored reef at Trace’s Hollow near the Severn River Bridge laden with 12.5 million oysters to be planted.

It was the second time oysters would be planted there and the observers couldn’t wait for the healthy flow of crustaceans from the side of the boat onto the reef to begin. SRA Operations and Communications Manager Sarah Winchester captured digital images of the entire operation including the actual planting as seen in the opening photograph.

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To acquaint us with the exact locations of the ten oyster reefs the Severn River Association has been restoring, Guay stood on a bank overlooking the Severn at Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park and pointed to each. He started with those nearest him on the north side of the river.

“There is the reef just off the historic property Manresa on the hill in the distance and a second reef near the boat in the foreground referred to as Peach Orchard,” Guay said.

Pointing to the Severn River Bridge over Route 50, Guay identified a reef in front and toward the far side of it as the MGO reef. Then, he pointed toward the southern shore slightly below the MGO reef to the Trace’s Hollow reefs 1 and 2.

Shifting his stance, he pointed southward to the Severn River’s biggest reef off the community of Wardour at Weems Creek known as Weems Upper. It has been planted heavily over the years and is the river’s most populous reef. Just north of Weems Upper off Priest Point is another reef referred to as Wade. An additional reef nearby is a “hot spot” for oysters known as Wade 2.

Finally, turning around to face the Naval Academy Bridge, he pointed to the mouth of the Severn River beyond The Naval Academy where two additional reefs are located at Tolley Point near Bay Ridge and Chinks Point near Back Creek.

The Severn River Association’s impressive oyster reef restoration projects began back in 2009 during the administration of Governor Martin O’Malley according to Guay.

“O’Malley asked the State legislature to make some financial commitments to bring oysters back to Maryland waters,” he recalled. “Fortunately, the Severn River was included in the plan.”

The first project launched – an educational outreach program to residents who owned piers all along the river – was called Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO). The SRA jumped on the program under the leadership of Bob Whitcomb who was president at the time and it was very successful.

The Severn River Association is now the biggest and most effective organization in the State involved with the MGO project. SRA has more than 300 oyster growers who receive free oyster larvae growing on oyster shells – a combination known as spat on shell – in September. They grow them in cages off their piers over the winter. When ready in June, the spat on shell are collected and planted on the MGO reef by the Severn River Bridge.

In 2018, the SRA members realized that, at the pace they were going, it was going to take a very long time to restore the reefs. They’d been planting approximately half a million oysters a year with the MGO program. However, they had a goal of one or two billion mature oysters in order to filter and refresh the water in the Severn River each week

Led by Bob Whitcomb and Ted Delaplaine, the SRA board decided to do something more aggressive and partnered with the Oyster Recovery Project and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to create a project called Operation Build A Reef as an experiment.

Working with ORP and DNR, SRA members raised private money to do their first major planting of 40 million oyster spat on shell with hopes of restoring two traditional Severn River reefs.

“We went to the hatchery at Horn Point and bought 40 million spat on shell, put them on one of Horn Point’s oyster boats, the Robert Lee, and planted them on the Manresa and Peach Orchard reefs,” Guay reported. “We next planted 15 million spat on shell on the reef we refer to as Trace’s Hollow A2. That is the same area we reseeded on August 19 by planting 12.5 million new oysters right over those previously planted there. All-told, we’ve planted over 200 million spat on shell.”

“We think all those oysters are doing really well and we can back that up. SRA has a water quality monitoring program, and we monitor the entire river including the oyster reefs which we visit every week. We monitor the water at each, measuring the levels of oxygen and salinity, particularly at the bottom where the oysters live. Over time, since 2018, we can show that the salinity and oxygen levels are of good enough quality for our oysters to be thriving.”

Guay added that the monitoring is followed up with an annual dive conducted on reefs planted with hatchery oysters the year before by volunteers who are experienced scuba divers. The divers take samples and are able to count, within a square meter, how many of the oysters are alive.

Thus far, the dives reveal that year-old oysters are thriving on the reefs. The minimum requirement to say a reef has been restored is 50 live oysters per square meter. SRA is getting 86 live oysters. In one spot, there were 150.

Guay revealed what a clump of healthy one-year old oysters looked like with a photo he took. He noted that, by the time the oysters are three years old, they have reached their full potential to filter up to 50 gallons of water each day.

The dives and underwater drones sent down to photograph the Weems Upper reef showed that from the surface to 12 and 14 ft. down the water is murky. “However, down right on top of the oysters, suddenly, the waters clear and you’re able to see the oysters,” Guay said. “You can actually view the oysters in the photographs. They do seem to be helping with the clarity.”

It’s fortunate that the Severn River has brackish water with salinity levels in drier years that are high enough for oysters and crabs to reproduce. When those conditions occur, there are enormous spawns allowing the oysters to reproduce themselves. If that happens often enough, the reefs can become self-sustaining.

Though the Severn River Association has many excellent programs, from floating classrooms for students to creating living shorelines, the organization is justly proud of its efforts to bring back the estuary’s historic reefs. SRA’s ultimate goal is to create favorable enough conditions in the Severn that there are enough fish, oysters and crabs for the local populations to share.

To learn more about the Severn River Association and explore opportunities to volunteer, visit Home – Connect Restore Protect | Severn River Association

Walk the Walk Foundation continues to grow by leaps and bounds

Thanks to help from generous donors and volunteers from Thrive Gym Annapolis and The Rotary Club of Parole (Annapolis), Walk the Walk Foundation completed the collection and distribution of more than 500 school backpacks to students at Mills Parole Elementary School on August 22.

WTWF director Nicole Dolan said she was incredibly pleased with the success of the organization’s 2024 school backpack drive.

“Since Walk the Walk Foundation can purchase school supplies for a much lower cost in bulk, we purchase the supplies up front and invite volunteers to join in filling backpacks,” Dolan said.

The busy director and her volunteers travel to communities, churches, offices, or schools where generous donors can fill a backpack for a $30 donation. The $30 covers the cost of one backpack along with all the necessary school supplies.

From the time Dolan and her husband Jeff took over the leadership of Walk The Walk Foundation from founders Dave and Kim Mitchell in 2022, the organization has grown by leaps and bounds and there has been lots of good news to share.

By far, the best news of all concerns one of WTWF’s most important initiatives – its Diapers for Babies program. At the end of July, the organization received a remarkable donation of 213,000 diapers from Huggies and The National Diaper Bank Network. The diapers were delivered in a 53 ft. trailer. Thankfully, a crew of volunteers helped the Dolans unload boxes and boxes of them.

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Walk the Walk Foundation’s Diapers for Babies program now supports 16 pantries across Anne Arundel County.

Aside from ongoing efforts to package diapers for distribution to those who need them, the foundation will be participating in their 3rd annual Bay Bridge Run/Walk Fundraiser on November 10th. Through WTWF’s Christmas for Children program, they’ll also be asking the local community to sponsor children for the holiday by purchasing Christmas gifts for families who otherwise would not be able to afford them

Since started by Dave and Kim Mitchell in 2005, over 10,000 children have been sponsored for Christmas by caring donors over the past 18 years. For more information about Walk the Walk Foundation or to volunteer for one of its programs, visit Walk the Walk Foundation | Annapolis MD (wtwf.org).

Homeschool businesses and organizations gather at Jing Ying Institute this Friday

Tomorrow, September 6, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is hosting a Homeschool event. The event will provide Anne Arundel County homeschool families an opportunity to meet local businesses and organizations that have homeschool programs and/or extracurricular activities appealing to students of all ages from elementary school through high school.

From 11 am till 2:30 pm, parents and students will be free to meet with vendors. From 12:30 to 1:30 pm, there will be a free Kung Fu class for kids. There will be free school supplies for students and other giveaways. There will also be a raffle. You may register your student or students for the kids’ kung fu class in advance at https://bit.ly/HSKungFu.

Langton Green Community Farm to celebrate 10th Anniversary on September 28

President John Iaquinta and the staff at Langton Green Community Farm invites local residents to join in as they celebrate the farm’s 10th anniversary on Saturday, September 28th from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. There will be live music provided by Pretty Big Deal Trio, food, and family fun. The farm is located at 844 General’s Highway in Millersville. For more information, visit Home – Langton Green.

Hatton Regester Green Fall Concert Series resumes

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails‘ Concert Series at Hatton Regester Green got underway on September 1 with a concert by the duo Two Stories. The next concert will be held Sunday, September 8, from 4 to 6 pm and will star Sparks & McCoy playing classic acoustic rock.

Sunday, September 15 will see Ginger and the other Dave singing and harmonizing. Both play guitar with Ginger also play fiddle on pop, rock, country and folk music. Sunday, September 22 will feature Caribbean influenced trio Guava Jelly – a Hatton Regester favorite. September 29 will feature the Old Mill High School Steel Band.

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

As members of Orphan Grain Train-Maryland Branch’s fundraising committee, volunteers Linda and Steve Zahn have been busy helping to organize and publicize the organization’s “SPARE No One – Helping the Needy” Bowling Fundraiser being held September 14 at Severna Park Lanes. Last Thursday, they were at the bowling alley spreading the word about the upcoming event.

According to the Zahns, the committee settled on a bowling event as a fun way for the 501(c)(3) organization to raise money for operating expenses.

“Orphan Grain Train- Maryland Branch is an all-volunteer ministry to the needy located on East-West Boulevard in Millersville,” Linda said. “As a 501(c)(3) organization, it has a Charity Navigator rating of 4, the highest. It is one of 28 Orphan Grain Train branches nationwide. That means, basically, that 98 cents out of every dollar goes to help the needy.”

Steve added that the branch’s 6,300 square foot warehouse allows collection and distribution of goods to those in need locally, throughout the country and throughout the world. However, the branch must find a way to pay for everything it does.

The Zahns noted that costs for shipping humanitarian aid to war-torn countries in Africa and Europe, including Ukraine, have soared as have costs for sending natural disaster relief. Most recently, they’ve given aid to residents effected by Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse and have transported food, clothing, educational supplies, medical supplies and equipment, and even a donated church organ to towns in Appalachia. Of late, there has been a significant increase in requests to send food.

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As the pressing need for money to cover costs once more gained the attention of OGT’s fundraising committee, the members looked for a new kind of event that would attract attention. The Zahns had a suggestion. Since retiring as the former CEO of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber, Linda and husband Steve have volunteered with the Glen Burnie-based charity, Hope For All. They attended, observed and admired how successful Hope For All’s bowling fundraiser was and felt it could work for OGT.

The committee favored the idea because, unlike with a golf tournament they’d tried before, people of all ages and skill levels would be able to participate fairly economically. The committee members agreed and picked the location of Severna Park Lanes and the date of Saturday, September 14 from 5 to 7 pm for the bowling fundraiser.

As Steve and Linda continued spelling out the details, Severna Park Lanes’ owner Mike Hall stopped to say hello and ask how things were going and express interest in becoming a sponsor of the fundraiser. Hall, who also owns Greenway Bowl and Annapolis Bowl, supports numerous charities and is currently a vice-president of Katherine’s Light Foundation and a member of the Baltimore Washington Medical Center board.

“Our bowling centers have been community event locations for many years so we’re always sponsoring or hosting different events,” Hall said. “Orphan Grain Train is another great organization to be involved with so we’re looking forward to having them here.”

Back to the details, Steve revealed that the Presenting Sponsor for Orphan Grain Train’s Bowling Fundraiser is Marriottsville-based Thrivent Liberty Team Financial Advisors. Tickets for the “SPARE No One – Helping the Needy” Bowling Fundraiser are $45 per person (max. 5 per lane). Your registration includes two games and shoe rental for Ten Pin or Duck Pin Lanes plus pizza, soda and dessert. ($30 for non-bowlers including a pizza and soda ticket). There will also be a Silent Auction. To register, visit http://www.ogt.org/md, For questions, contact Linda Zahn at 443-517-9557 or at znam23@verizon.net.

Grand Opening of Sugar Shoppe a Sweet Success

Ever-so-adorable door decorations hinted that the Grand Opening of The Sugar Shoppe at 4 Riggs Avenue was bound to be something special.

Sure enough, inside the shop, there was a blur of activity as friends of owners Jamie Denton and Eloise Patton, families with kids, trendy teens and members of the business community came together to celebrate Sugar Shoppe’s grand opening and to admire the completed renovation of one of Olde Severna Park’s most historic buildings.

Even before admiring the shop’s beautifully renovated interior, many guests headed directly to the middle of the room where the “candy table” beckoned invitingly. Told by Denton and Patton to help themselves, they sampled seven kinds of candy ranging from all-time-favorite M&M’s to chocolate covered pretzels and homemade marshmallows on a stick.

We discovered Penelope Mann, who actually works at the Sugar Shoppe, and her friend Chase happily enjoying the marshmallows on a stick and were tempted by them to try one. They were, in fact, delicious.

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Among several entrepreneurs at the opening, we spotted House of Design & Co. and Bohemian Black fashions’ owner Rose Walker at the counter while contractor Bruce Wills made a purchase. A moment later, she introduced us to Wills, the contractor who did the renovations to the Sugar Shoppe.

Walker has been putting her plans on hold for more than a year to move her company into a permanent location at the historic 1928 Listman General Store property opposite the B&A Trail Ranger Station off Earleigh Heights Road. Unfortunately, the owners of the property have been held up with renovations to the building due to county permitting issues and ongoing plumbing and sewer line work. Meantime, Walker learned that the property owners are transforming a garage on the property into two units and can make one of them available to Walker to host pop-up shops featuring her fashions.

We ran into local businesspeople galore including Larry Sells from Larry Sells Consulting, Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation business development director Anita Dewling, and Jill Weissenbach from Higgins & Friends Pet Sitting. We later ran into Danielle Bowen from Blended Essentials, Tommy Sommers from Logo Zone Promotions and Debra Saltz from BD Provisions who are seen in the photo to the right.

To cap the Grand Opening off in fine fashion, a Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was planned. The organization’s CEO Liz League made what must have been her shortest trip ever from the Chamber offices directly across Riggs Avenue to the Sugar Shoppe. As always, League conducted a warm and interesting interview with owners Eloise Patton and Jamie Denton.

Asked how they came to open a candy shop, Patton said she and Denton were at the beach one day reminiscing about how they each had candy stores that they loved during their childhoods. They realized that there wasn’t a candy shop in Severna Park and decided that they would like to open one – one that was “super cute” and a place where parents and grandparents came to make memories for their kids or families. They’d also include gift shop items.

Patton had worked in the clothing business while Denton had worked in retail but neither woman had any experience running a retail business. Regardless, they’d long wanted to have some sort of business together and moved ahead with full support from their husbands and families.

Both owners thanked the friends and business associates who had helped and supported them including Wills and his team who carried out their every dream and specification to create the fun interior with its imaginative themes and pastel colors.

A brief series of presentations of congratulatory citations followed with one from Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile, a Severna Park resident “who just happened to live right down the street”.

The Grand Opening celebration ended with a ribbon cutting held in front of the Sugar Shoppe.

BD Provisions Roast & Toast Parent’s Morning Out

BD Provisions Severna Park co-owner Debra Saltz clued us in to the fact that the store is partnering with Macaroni Kid Pasadena MD for a fun celebration on Tuesday, September 3 at 8:30 am. Now that the kids are back in school, their parents are invited to take a well-deserved break at BD Provisions at 844 Ritchie Highway. The Roast & Toast includes:

A Complimentary cup of coffee
Mocktails
Shopping specials at BD Provisions
Tai Chi lessons by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
A Make and Take Decorated Oyster Shell with The Half Shell MD
Chair Massages from Stretch Life Wellness Company
…and Door Prizes and Giveaways from Macaroni KID Pasadena-Severna Park-Glen Burnie.

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

After weeks of record-breaking high temperatures, it was wonderful to enjoy a cup of coffee on my back deck on this 75-degree afternoon surrounded by pots of oregano, garlic chives, basil and cherry tomatoes that I’ve proudly grown from seed.

As usual, the aromas of basil, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme got me thinking of recipes I can make using my own herbs and veggies along with those from my favorite farmstands, produce stands and farmer’s markets.

Before bringing the Around The Park Again column onto my already existing Sharon Lee’s Table website in 2020, I’d used the platform to highlight traditional and family recipes. To gather seasonal produce and ingredients for those recipes, I began visiting farmer’s markets, farmstands and produce stands throughout Anne Arundel County. They included, among others, Diehl’s Produce of Severna Park and Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis, Chase’s Produce and Marco Ridge Farm in Davidsonville, Peninsula Farms at Turkey Point in Mayo, Pumphrey’s Farm in Millersville, Langton Green Community Farm also in Millersville and the Severna Park Farmer’s Market.

However, my journey of discovery for recipes and ingredients had begun much earlier.

Reasoning that Diehl’s Produce of Severna Park was the ideal candidate for a Local Food Picks column I was writing for Annapolis-based Capital Newspaper in July of 2011, I headed for the open-air market.

From plums, peaches and melons to Eastern Shore corn on the cob, the produce beneath Diehl’s Produce’s red and white striped tents was picture perfect…great for the column. But I needed a recipe or two to share with the readers, so I searched out manager Jennifer Diehl.  Pointing to several cardboard cartons of good-sized green tomatoes Jennifer said, “I have just the recipe for you.”

According to Jennifer, longtime customer Judy Ridgely shared her recipe for Curried Green Tomatoes with the Diehl family and they found it absolutely delicious.

It’s definitely one of the most delightful summer recipes I’ve ever tasted and very easy to make.  With Judy’s blessing, we shared it with Capital readers in 2011. I, personally, have made it every summer since and share it now with you.

Judy Ridgely’s Curried Green Tomatoes

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 onion chopped relatively fine

1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder

Pinch cayenne pepper

2 cups coarsely chopped green tomatoes

Salt to taste

Chop tomatoes and onions.

Melt butter in a skillet or non-stick pan.  Add the onion and cook slowly until translucent.

Add curry powder and blend well.  Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Add green tomatoes and cook, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes during which time they’ll turn from green to gold.

 I like them served warm with a range of meats or poultry.

Six years after doing that column, I repeated the recipe for Sharon Lee’s Table. The farmstands, produce stands and farmer’s markets I mentioned above have since provided a trove of tasty ingredients for subsequent recipes. Those recipes fit a variety of seasons, moods and occasions and I plan to revisit them occasionally here. They connect all of us via taste, family and our love of the area. Look for more in the future.

CHANGE OF DATE for Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s 1st Annual Gala, Silent Auction

A few days after our announcement in last Thursday’s column that the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s 1st Annual Silent Auction & Gala would take place September 14, we were contacted by Fire Chief Dave Crawford to ask that we amend that announcement.

“We have run into snags regarding our choice of the original date in September.” Crawford said. “Last week we had to make a difficult decision to move the gala to April 5, 2025.”

We’ll be keeping you posted as plans progress.

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Lost, for the moment, in the magic of the story book being read to him by his grandfather Paul Serini, young Eamon McHue had been having a fun afternoon at the Severna Park Library. There were games and toys to check out in Children’s Discovery Dock and he’d already gathered a dozen books to check out.

From the moment the Severna Park Library opened in 1955 in the Severna Park Railroad Station building along Riggs Avenue, it was major attraction for children and adults.

We’d visited and written about the Severna Park branch of Anne Arundel County Public Library many times but only recently realized that it had its beginnings at the old train station. We decided to investigate.

Thus, we returned to Severna Park Library on Tuesday to meet with AACPL Media and Communications Specialist Stacey Coles. She’d located some great old photos (including the one above) as well as some and records and a timeline for us. Coles also had the latest information on the wide-ranging library services being offered in 2024.

In addition to Coles, we spoke by phone with local historian Scott Jay for some facts not included in the AACPL history. Because Anne Arundel County was unable to attain funding for creating new library branches beyond Annapolis proper until 1965, the founding of the Severna Park library a decade earlier seems to have been a community effort.

As longtime Severna Park residents may recall, the library moved to a second location in 1960 – a cozy blue house on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard.

“When I was 17, a buddy and I helped move all the books out of the train station to the new library just beyond the parking lot of the Winkelmeyer Building,” Jay said.

Older adults and those who were children when they visited the library during the years from 1960 till 1972 remember the charming blue house with a special fondness. The children’s section was located on the first floor while fiction and non-fiction titles for adults stretched across the remainder of the space and up the stairway to the second floor.

One of the librarians, a lovely lady with an expressive voice, would sit in a rocking chair each afternoon and read a story or two to the children gathered round her. Needless to say, the little ones loved it.

We found what we believe to be the “charming little blue house turned library” still existing as private residence. It was all but hidden by recent development along the 500 block of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard.

What Stacey Coles located for us next was a photograph taken at the Dedication of the Severna Park Library in 1972 at 45 West McKinsey Road. You’ll note that the building was so new that no landscaping had yet been done to the grounds.

For comparison, in this photo taken of the library earlier this week, you can see that the landscaping is complete with mature shrubbery, a selection of trees native to the region, a bicycle rack, handrails along the paths, and a garden of native plants and flowers lovingly tended for a number of years by the Hollyberry Garden Club.

Seen below in July of 2014 were Karen Strange, Nicole Ferris and Joyce Stefancik who had been hard at work. The three were part of the 35-member Hollyberry Garden Club that created the multiple-award winning garden at the Severna Park Library. Where weeds once dominated, Shasta Daisies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, Joe Pye weed and other native plants now thrive.

According to Strange, they were guided in their design by a book called “Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping, Chesapeake Bay Watershed” from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Members of the garden club have been faithfully tending the flowers and plants since 2009.

Over the years, a variety of interior changes have been made to the library including changes to the layout, the installation of new shelving, display areas and equipment. There are 10 computers for public use at several workstations where students and researchers can access a variety of databases, printers and Fax capabilities as well.

A more recent remodeling opened up the space and included, among other innovations, a handy Wi-Fi Bar with free Wi-Fi and the ability to connect to it even in the parking lot.

Cole noted that, because of its technological resources, the Severna Park Library is one of the most used branches in the Anne Arundel County Library system.

Much like long ago, when the library was situated in the little blue house, there are still story times for young children plus lots of activities in the Discovery Dock Children’s Area. Resources that are found there include DVD’s and launch pads for children.

Recently, a Club 1117 Teen Area has been added where gatherings, entertainments and other activities take place.

The library is now blessed with expansive check-out and information desks where we found Lauren Peterson, the cheerful Miss Maze, and assistant branch manager Rachel Frisch who were ever so helpful to library patrons of every age.

The library has meeting rooms and offers many different programs for library users of all ages. There are also thousands of books from every category one can think of for those of us who seek information or simply love the fun and adventure of reading.

A completely surprising fact that Stacey Coles mentioned was that Severna Park Library is one of several AACPL branches offering fishing poles for loan in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

It was hard to believe until I saw a woman waiting in line at the desk to return a fishing pole her son had borrowed after which I noticed a rack full of them behind the checkout counter.

The fishing poles can be checked out for three weeks. Borrowers must have a library card with Anne Arundel County Public Library and assume all responsibility for the fishing pole and accessories.

For information on or directions to the Severna Park Library, visit Severna Park | Anne Arundel County Public Library (aacpl.net).

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s 1st Annual Silent Auction & Gala

Save the date of Saturday, September 14 at 5 pm for Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s 1st Annual Silent Auction & Gala. The fundraiser is being held at the EHVFC Firehouse at 161 Ritchie Highway to raise funds for operational expenses and toward costs for a new firehouse. Tickets for the semi-formal affair are $125 per person, $200 per couple or $800 for a table of eight and include a cocktail hour, dinner and drinks. Tickets are on sale now at Food Truck Tuesday or Wednesday Night Bingo.

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Meeting with friend, fellow former Capital newspaper columnist, and new Reynolds Tavern owner Diane Rey over coffee and dessert in one of the first-floor tea rooms on Tuesday afternoon, we chatted about how she and husband Dave came to buy the colonial era building at the corner of Church Circle and Franklin Street. The couple had long admired the tavern but the decision to assume ownership required some serious thought.

Built in 1747 by William Reynolds as a family home, the handsome building stands as proudly as ever. Fulfilling many roles over its 277-year history – from tavern, public meeting place and city hall to town library, a bank and popular restaurant and inn, it remains a mainstay of the thriving Annapolis business community.

As any of her friends will tell you, Diane Rey has always had a passion for history – so much so that, since 2011, she has reenacted the role of Anne Catharine Green whom she describes as “the media mogul of colonial Annapolis”.

“On stepping into her husband Jonas Green’s shoes following the printer’s death in 1967, Anne Catharine was named ‘Printer to the Province of Maryland’ (printing the paper money) and became the publisher of The Maryland Gazette, the only newspaper in colonial Maryland,” Rey said. “She lived and worked near here on Charles Street off Duke of Gloucester and, since she was a very influential woman, she’d have attended many private and public meetings at The Reynolds Tavern.”

Rey recalled that her initial interest in the Tavern began much earlier than her stint as Mrs. Green.

“Reynolds Tavern has always been dear to me since I landed here in Annapolis right after college in the mid-1980’s,” she said. “I was working as a public relations specialist for the Anne Arundel County Libraries System when I learned from my colleagues that the building was once The Annapolis Public Library. My co-workers fondly remembered going there and loved the children’s sections which were in the basement where the 1747 Pub is now.”

Their memories spurred Rey’s desire to learn more about the building’s early and current history and, since buying the Tavern, she’s sifted through almost three centuries’ worth of records while also working twice a week in the Beer Garden serving customers to learn everything she can about the business.

Starting with the 18th century, she was fascinated to discover that William Reynolds, a hatter and dry goods salesman, designed and built the structure as a home but used the basement for his hat-making shop. Only later, in1755, did he lease part of the building to be run as a tavern by Mary Fonnerau. It was so successful that, when Mary gave it up, Reynolds ran it himself naming it The Beaver & Lac’d Hat in honor of his primary business.

The late 18th century and early 19th century saw the Tavern in the hands of prominent merchant and civic leader John Davidson.

In 1812, the Tavern and building next to it became the property of Farmers National Bank through 1936. In fact, the bank’s “cashier” or manager lived in the tavern as a home and you can still see where there was a doorway in the front parlor behind the corner cabinet (pictured on the right) that connected directly with the bank.

In 1936 The Reynolds Tavern came close to being sold to by Farmers National Bank to Standard Oil and torn down to build a filling station. It was saved by a group of preservation-minded Annapolitans who found money to purchase and convert it to The Annapolis Public Library. The structure continued as the library and, later, the library system’s headquarters till 1974 when its title was transferred to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which in turn leased it to the Historic Annapolis Foundation.

In 1984, the Tavern was leased to Historic Inns of Annapolis run by a local entrepreneur, the late Paul Pearson who owned and restored The Maryland Inn, the Governor Calvert House and Robert Johnson House. Pearson had the vision to painstakingly restore the tavern to much of its former use and glory in a modern way. It’s Rey’s belief that Pearson never got the credit he deserved for bringing the building back to life while preserving its structural integrity and authenticity.

For a brief period in the 1990’s Reynolds Tavern reverted to ownership by Farmers Bank of America, Historic Annapolis and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. However, in 2000, it was purchased by a British couple, Jill and Andrew Petit, who operated it again as a tavern with a wonderful menu and Bed & Breakfast accommodations for travelers on the second floor. The Petit’s also brought a bit of English charm to the establishment by instituting afternoon tea service daily. The Petit’s longtime Innkeepers Wes and Marilyn Burge continue the custom, holding formal teas in the south dining room with its original mantle and striking portrait of George Washington (as can be seen in the opening photo) and/or in the opposite dining room or “Rose Room” as it is now called.

The Tavern’s windows, like this one in the Rose Room, offer picturesque views of St. Anne’s Church on Church Circle or equally historic buildings on streets nearby. Dormer windows on the third floor offer a true bird’s eye view.

By the early 2000’s, Rey was writing the weekly Around Annapolis column for The Capital and had occasion to cover events at the Tavern. Like many locals, she’d also stop by with friends for afternoon tea or dine there with her husband. Thus, her love affair with the Tavern continued unabated. When she and Dave learned it was for sale on the open market in September of 2023, they were amazed… and interested.

Deciding whether to buy The Reynolds Tavern from the Petits when it came on the market was quite an odyssey according to Rey. It took time for she and her husband to wrap their arms around the concept. The idea of owning the esteemed building was very appealing and they have had previous experience with historic properties. (They own a 100-year-old house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware that they rent out each summer.)

Still, it was necessary to go through the process of checking the building out thoroughly to make sure it was sound structurally and examining what they’d be getting themselves into. They determined that it was solidly built to withstand the march of time. Most of the original flooring, stairwells, the fireplaces and mantles like the one by cabinetmaker John Shaw installed in 1812, and even hardware on the doors were still intact. They believe it’s the life moving in and out of the Tavern daily that has kept it in such good condition. Nevertheless, they realized that a 300-year-old building would require upkeep and would always need help. They’d, obviously, want to be good stewards.

Mulling everything over one cool evening while taking a walk around St. Anne’s Church, Dave and Diane glanced across Church Circle toward the building’s front porch just as a reenactor dressed in colonial era garb walked out the door.

“She just seemed so natural to us, part of the scene,” Diane said. “We kind of knew then, that we’d go ahead with the deal. And, I have to say it’s a privilege being in the position of stewarding this old building into the future though I’ll admit it is a bit daunting.”

Fortunately, the Reys were blessed that the Petit’s Innkeepers for 22 years, the Burges, agreed to stay on. Rey explained that they know every nut and bolt of the Tavern building and are expert at overseeing every part of its operation, from dining to entertainment to dealing with bed & breakfast guests.

Glancing across the dining room at that moment, Rey was delighted when she spotted two little girls sitting at a table in the corner opposite their mother and grandmother. She loved seeing three generations of a family seated together at the white linen-draped table with the girls being treated to a special meal on China plates and minding their manners while wearing their fancy dresses. It’s the sort of custom she sees repeated often at The Reynolds Tavern.

We later walked over and spoke with the Severna Park family. The girl’s grandmother Anna Wilsman said they were there to celebrate her birthday with her youngest daughter Rebecca Chisholm and granddaughters Anna and Gracie.

From her observations, from notes in the mail, and from comments on social media, Rey has come to realize just how much The Reynolds Tavern means to people in the community and travelers coming through town. They comment that they love the very look of the building – especially when Darim Traore is there with his flower stand adding a bit of European flower market flair to the scene.

In addition to working two nights a week in the Beer Garden to learn the rhythms of the Tavern and support its partnership with the Classic Theater of Maryland. Diane Rey is working hard to absorb information from the historic records. She’s helping spread the word about The Reynolds Tavern and meeting with Annapolis’ business, hospitality and tourism, government and community leaders to establish a rapport.

She’s been careful not to neglect her duties as Anne Catherine Green, however, still appearing as the latter-day media mogul at various functions in Annapolis and elsewhere. Having obtained her replica gown, Rey started portraying Mrs. Green in the fall of 2011 as the printer when she was 49.

“But we’re coming up on the reenacting date of 1774 when Mrs. Green is gearing up to call out the news that ‘the Peggy Stuart is burning’ (Annapolis’ own “Tea Party”), and there will be a big re-enactment commemorating the event in town this October 19th.”

Having given Mrs. Green her best for more than a dozen years, Rey has now reached an age where she can no longer portray a younger version of the famed printer. Green passed away in March of 1775.

“So, I’ll be vectoring out of the role this coming March and am looking for a new, younger person to recreate the role of the young Anne Catherine Green,” Rey said.

At that point, we interrupted our conversation as Rey was scheduled to meet her contractor in the Beer Garden. So we made our way past the glass cooler for champagnes, wines and beverages and scrumptious desserts.

We exited through the back door into the garden. In spite of it being one of the hottest days this summer, it was shady, breezy and oh so cool and comfortable. As we were approaching 5 pm, there were few people in the garden but later, at 7:30 pm, it would come to life with the weekly Tuesday evening historic reenactment by Sally Boyett and her Classic Theater of Maryland troop. This year’s presentation is Moliere’s “The Miser” performed to the accompaniment of a harpsichord playing in the background and with appropriate sound effects. The Beer Garden hosts some form of entertainment every evening.

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I had just a moment before leaving to meet the Reys’ contractor, Mark Hall with Realistic Builders. Hall specializes in doing historic restorations and will be working on a handful of issues regarding easements and permitting.

I dashed back inside to thank our waitress Stephanie Lauck and learned that, for more information on the history of the Tavern and details regarding food, lodging and entertainment you can visit Home | Reynolds Tavern – Historic Landmark & Venue in Annapolis, MD .

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.