Author: wingsorb@aol.com

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

If you are seeing few For Sale signs in front of homes in your neighborhood, you are not alone. Wondering why that is happening, we sought out two of our area’s busiest residential realtors.

We caught up with realtor Matt Wyble, who is Managing Partner of Next Step Realty South, in his Annapolis office. Having merged with area brokerage Next Step Realty a year ago, Wyble and his managing partners Lynn Peaper and Joe Smith III will be opening a Severna Park branch shortly.

In the meantime, with the weather warming, we’ll likely find the Severna Park native and 4th generation realtor Wyble grabbing a cup of coffee between client meetings behind The Big Bean in Olde Severna Park.

We arranged to meet with realtor Theresa Kurtz, between showings at an Edgewater restaurant last week.

Kurtz, who operates more or less independently, told us that, following a slowdown in late autumn and winter, home sales have really picked up. The real estate market she covers in the Anne Arundel, Charles, Harford and Prince George’s County areas as well as Kent Island and the Eastern Shore is so hot that only about a month’s inventory of houses currently exists. She’s now receiving multiple offers for every property. On Kent Island, she sold a house to a young man last spring and he’s already sold it for more than he paid for it.

“There’s also a huge Four Seasons 55 Plus community that’s building on Kent Island that is kickin’ and offering condos for $600,000 to a million dollars.” she said.

She admits that demand is high so it’s easy to find prospective buyers. Finding sellers is much harder, however, which is why we’re seeing so few “For Sale” signs.

Wyble and partners’ Next Step Realty South team of 95 agents handles the sale of residential properties across Maryland with emphasis on Anne Arundel, Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties as well as Baltimore City and surrounding Baltimore County. He notes that Anne Arundel County sees the highest number of sales. There’s only a two-week inventory of homes available in highly desirable Severna Park and prices are soaring higher and higher.

“When I started in the real estate business with Champion in 2010, I remember our office manager saying if the governor shut down all new listings and we had to sell everything that was active before we could list something new, we had almost four years of inventory at that point,” Wyble said. “Now, in Severna Park there are between five and twenty buyers for every house. I’m seeing “Sold” signs pop up on all the properties we have listed within a very short window of time.

Kurtz believes high interest rates have definitely impacted the tight housing market.

“People who have a house to sell are saying to themselves ‘Oh, gosh, where am I going to go and not pay 7% interest?’ But sometimes they’re in a situation where they have to sell,” she said. “What works in the seller’s favor, though, is that we’re back to multiple offer situations now. The market is so competitive I just had five offers on a home in Severna Park, which has the highest per capita income in the state, that sold for $66,000 over the asking price.”

Kurtz feels that inflation’s downward pull on the economy – with credit card debt through the roof – causes people to think twice about relocating. However, she is handling sales for some “downsizers” who mostly want to move out of Maryland to states like Tennessee or North Carolina because of the tax breaks.

From Matt Wyble’s point of view, several factors are at play beyond high interest rates. He and managing partners Peaper and Smith noticed that the lengthy Covid pandemic made people realize just how important a home is to them.

“We’re now four years from the start of the pandemic when people had time to reflect on whether they liked or loved living where they were,” Wyble said. “People who lived in the city were envious of friends who lived in the suburbs and could play with their children in their backyards while they were stuck inside their apartments. People who lived in the suburbs envied those who lived in the country where there was more land or small farms. People also realized that remote work expanded their horizons. What resulted was pent up demand in the post-Covid market for houses in the burbs or the countryside. What we’re left with is the lack of inventory Covid helped create.”

For Next Step Realty South, Severna Park properties comprise the most concentrated market for buyers and command the highest prices – going for $700,000 and upward. Wyble believes the reason is threefold. In his experience, the two biggest buyer groups were people who were militarily or privately relocating for work. Another group has been made up of people like him who graduated from college and wanted to move back. Recently, there’s another group of people, from across the country, that have no ties to Severna Park but have heard about the community, its water access, and its good schools and they want to move here. Neither Kurtz or Wyble deal with rental properties but both are aware that the problem of low inventory is even more critical in that market and rents are historically high and evictions are on the rise.

Michelle Sabean, development director of SPAN, Inc., pointed to a report from the Arundel Community Development Services (which administers the federal eviction funds in this area) noting that as 2023 ended evictions were increasing with the end of Pandemic financial support.

“SPAN has seen the need for emergency financial assistance increase dramatically – more than 2.5 times the amount SPAN assists with in a typical year,” Sabean added.

While both Matt Wyble and Theresa Kurtz think residential real estate prices are likely to continue on their upward swing even if the Federal Reserve drops interest rates by a percentage point or two, there could be a few positive developments.

Kurtz said she’s recently encountered a number of downsizers. She reports that most plan to move out of the state and that may free up a few more properties.

We were finishing our interview when realtor Jessica DuLaney (with The W Home Group of Next Step Realty) walked into the office. She announced that she’d just written an offer on a house in Towson built in the 1930’s and located in a cute neighborhood, pleasing Wyble no end.

“We had seven offers with six buyers waiving the inspection. The house went for $60,000 over the asking price,” she said.

Wyble hopes to be seeing more great properties on the market. He and his partners are close to settling on a location for the Severna Park branch of Next Step Realty and he’ll keep us posted.

Celebrate Maryland Day with the Severn Crossroads Foundation

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation will be participating in a statewide Maryland Day Celebration this year. On Sunday, March 24, they’ll be hosting an Open House in their 1840’s schoolhouse behind Historic Baldwin Hall at 1358 Millersville Road. Docents will be on hand from 1 pm to 3 pm to share stories about the history of the schoolhouse and about education in the mid-19th century.

Light refreshments will be available. Severn Crossroad Foundation members invite you to bring your children and grandchildren to get a little glimpse of the history of the Severn Cross Roads area. For information, visit Winter/Spring 2024 | baldwinhall.

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

The year 2000 saw Severna Park’s very first coffee shop opened by Deb Hoffman on Riggs Avenue in Olde Severna Park. Since that time, similar shops have come and gone. But now there’s a new kid on the block.

On Monday, February 19th, Rise Up Coffee Roasters opened its 13th location at the former Zachary’s Jewelers storefront next to Homestead Gardens at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. Rise Up’s banner now appears beneath the eye-catching Homestead Gardens sign and is perhaps a harbinger of things to come at other Homestead locations.

Interestingly, the new location (the fifth in Anne Arundel County) is the first Rise Up Coffee Roasters’ shop to offer a drive-in option. The company’s owner Brandon Bartlett was delighted to discover that, though unused by Zacharay’s Jeweler’s, the original drive-up window for the former Provident Bank still existed. It is now operable for drivers with a coffee menu posted on the wall in clear view. As of now, the food menu is available inside but is not posted outdoors.

• 

• 

More about Rise Up Coffee later but, first, let’s go back to January 1, 2000 when Deb Hoffman pioneered the local coffee shop movement.

After selling her interest in a toy design company, Hoffman opened The Big Bean, the first specialty bean coffee shop in Severna Park. She’d thought of buying an existing coffee business but instead chose the aforementioned space on Riggs Avenue and B & A Boulevard. Business boomed at the tiny store as Hoffman and her first barista, Christy Sappington Coster served coffee, muffins and other delights to an ever-increasing clientele. Five year later, expansion was essential.

In 2005, the enterprise relocated nearby to 558 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard in Olde Severna Park. Then, as now, The Big Bean was a neighborhood haven geared to customer service. Fronting on B&A Boulevard, customers would be lined up at the door as early as 7 am for their morning cuppa.

However, the shop’s back entrance spilled out onto the B&A Trail where wrought iron tables and chairs awaited trail users and their canine companions, then as now. Dogs could have some cool water or munch a “Doggie Biscotti” while their masters enjoyed their favorite coffee beverages along with bakery items or a cup of yogurt.

In between 2000 and 2005 when Hoffman moved The Big Bean to its second location on B&A Boulevard, other shops came along.

In 2003, entrepreneur Corky Gilbert decided the time was right for a coffee shop at Park Plaza off Ritchie Highway. That October, he opened Corky’s Hard Bean Cafe. The attractive cafe had a bistro-like ambience with comfortable couches, classic tables and chairs, and revolving art exhibits on the walls. It’s trompe l’oeil library was a popular spot for community and business meetings.

As the business matured, the establishment served full breakfast and lunch menus. There were even occasional concerts held in the evenings.

Soon after Hoffman vacated the shop where she started on Riggs Avenue, newcomer Aivy’s Corner Espress Cafe took over the location. Owners Aina and Joe Tsin created a niche for the quaint little shop by offering exquisite pastries from their renowned restaurant Moulin de Paris then located off Benfield Road.

Aivy’s was just around the corner from the B&A Trail and Hatton-Regester Green, so it was not uncommon to see someone on a park bench enjoying one of their coffees.

“This shop was the perfect place to highlight our fresh bakery products on this end of town,” Aina said at the time.

In November of 2005, Severna Perk opened on the Benfield Road corridor between I-97 and Ritchie Highway making a total of four specialty coffee shops town.

Traditional in style, with dark woods, comfortable tables and chairs, and striking photos on the walls, the shop was unique in several ways.

Its owner Kaely Roe was 21 years old, having worked for City Dock Cafe and Waterman Joe’s.

The breakfast-oriented shop welcomed its patrons with traditional coffee beverages and muffins, scones and decadent strawberry cheesecake. Chocolate croissants were baked fresh each morning so they’d be warm when customers purchased them.

Sadly, within a few years, three of the four specialty coffee shops had closed their doors. However, The Big Bean was thriving, growing busier and busier and becoming a community hub.

In 2010, two interesting developments impacted Severna Park’s coffee scene. In May of that year, Starbucks opened at 503 Ritchie Highway with a Friends and Family celebration that drew a huge crowd. According to then Patch editor Leslie Hunt, the festive evening was capped off by the presentation of a $30,000 donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation by manager Marc Tippin.

Starbucks quickly became a popular destination, with its drive-up window busy at all hours of the day. The spacious interior was a popular place for friends to get together and for meetings. Among other groups the Severna Park Chess Club was fond of holding its weekly matches at the shop.

On September 10th of 2010, Mutt & Joe, a combination coffee shop and pet grooming service, was opened by Andy Smull in the space formerly occupied by Severna Perk. One side of the sign over the entrance cleverly says “Drink Coffee” while the other side says “Dog Wash”.

Having celebrated Mutt & Joe’s 10th Anniversary in 2020, Smull and staff are still providing pups with mighty fine haircuts while their humans enjoy coffee and a treat.

On January 1, 2019, The Big Bean came full circle as Deb Hoffman agreed to sell the shop to her original barista Christy Sappington Coster and her husband Greg.

“Almost from the time I became Deb’s barista at that tiny shop on Riggs Avenue, I dreamed of becoming its owner,” Christie said.

The dream realized, the Costers had a very successful first year as owners. Moving forward into 2020, they found themselves, like other local businesses, facing the Covid pandemic. Through their innovative approaches and the continued dedication of their loyal customers, they survived. In fact, they did so well with The Big Bean’s beloved home in Severna Park that they expanded to a second location at 888 Bestgate Road in Annapolis. That location has also been a success and Greg and Christie are now in the process of expanding to a third location in Millersville on Nojales Road.

“We’ve already received some of the equipment we ordered and our permits. So our target for opening The Big Bean in Millersville is late Spring,” Christie said. “We’ll be keeping everyone posted.”

Getting back to the recent opening of Rise Up Coffee Roasters and their serendipitous association with Homestead Gardens Severna Park, we had an opportunity to speak to Homestead’s owner Brian Riddle who told us how it came about.

“At the time of the Covid pandemic, I briefly considered the possibility of expanding our store into the then vacant space previously occupied by Zachary’s Jewelers. But I felt the return wouldn’t be worthwhile,” Riddle said. “Since we lease the Homestead Gardens Severna Park location, I then pondered whether we could sublease the empty space to another business.”

Riddle mentioned that thought to friend John Rosso of Rosso Commercial Real Estate Services who put him in touch with Rise Up Coffee Roasters owner Brandon Bartlett who found the empty space ideal.

• 

• 

“I already was familiar with Rise Up Coffee and liked the way they operate their businesses so we moved ahead,” said Riddle.

The arrangement should prove beneficial to both owners. Riddle added that he would definitely consider the possibility of adding a Rise Up Coffee Roasters shop to Homestead’s other locations in Davidsonville and Smyrna, Delaware.

Good Neighbors Group S(o)uper Bowl Record Broken

As founder of Good Neighbors Group, Julie Shay was thrilled that S(ouper Bowl VII broke records this year. She wished to extend a thank-you to everyone who took part in the food drive.

Seventy-one neighborhoods participated collecting 1,939 lbs. of food for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and six local food pantries.

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

According to an article in USA Today, the Justice Department will commit extra resources to assist law enforcement in Washington after the district saw a 40% increase in violent crime and a 35% increase in homicides in 2023. The DOJ said the new resources will also target carjacking, which increased 82% in Washington in 2023.

Baltimore City’s homicide numbers are down compared to 2023 according to Fox 45 News, however, there’s been an alarming rise in car thefts and carjackings. A total of 10,600 cars were stolen or carjacked in Baltimore during 2023 and, many times, a weapon was involved. In both instances, crime has spread to the suburbs.

Is it any wonder that Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi’s Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teens on Sunday was a popular place to be? Taught by recognized martial arts expert Billy Greer, the workshop was designed to raise women’s awareness of possible danger, give them the tools to avoid it and provide them means of escape if they are attacked.

Arriving at the workshop at 2 pm, attendees checked in with Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer at a Welcome Table laden with symbols of the Chinese Lunar New Year and treats for them to sample.

Greer explained to them that the Welcome Table has been present at each of Jing Ying’s Chinese Lunar New Year events and special classes over a two-week period beginning February 8th.

“Our welcome table features traditional items like tangerines and chrysanthemums, coins, and various treats that change from day to day,” she said. “This afternoon, we have individually wrapped candies, flavored pumpkin seeds and other snacks.”

Within a few moments, the attendees were seated as Billy Greer addressed them during the first part of the Self-Defense Workshop.

Greer began by stressing the importance of maintaining awareness of what is going on around one at all times.

“We’re actually here today to talk about what we refer to as the principles of self-protection rather than self-defense,” Greer said. “The first part of that is ‘avoidance’. Avoidance of danger should be your first priority.”

Women should avoid venturing out alone to places that are poorly lit or isolated, Greer said. That might include parking lots near one’s place of employment. It’s best to be escorted or accompanied by friends or co-workers but that’s not always possible.

“If you’re alone, you first need to be on the lookout for predators,” he warned. “A predator is looking for prey – especially near workplaces on payday. Criminals don’t target confident looking individuals but, instead, watch for a person who is distracted, looking down at a phone or wearing earphones while listening to music. He might check for signs they are carrying a weapon. If they’re not, that person could be the perfect prey. So, your attitude is all important. You need to look up and around at your surroundings and project an air of self-confidence.”

Among other helpful strategies, Greer advises to check out your surroundings ahead of time through maps or GPS. If you sense one or more people following you, pay attention to your instincts. Turn around and walk in the opposite direction, crossing the street or ducking into the safety of a business or store if possible. Be warned that a predator may try to get near you by appearing to ask for the time or ask for help. Don’t be afraid to be rude and tell them to back off before they can get close enough for an attack. (Criminals don’t like to make a spectacle of themselves.)

He suggests leaving your large, attention-attracting handbag behind and carrying a small discreet purse with a strap worn across your chest that can be worn under a jacket. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash.

“In the event a criminal is able to confront you and asks for money, a watch, jewelry or other valuables, give it to them because that is what they want,” Greer said. “It’s better to lose your belongings than your life. In giving cash or valuables to an attacker, throw it behind them so they must look around or pick it up, giving you time to escape.”

Another strategy, among many good ones, was to never yell “Help!” if attacked. That will confuse people around you. Instead, yell “Call 911, call the police. I’m being robbed.”

The workshop next switched to self-defense strategies focusing on skills designed to get a woman away if a perpetrator grabs her. Greer asked attendees chose a partner and form two lines with the partners facing each other.

He next had them to turn to face the mirror before them and watch as he demonstrated the first technique designed for a quick escape from a predator that lays his hands on the victim.

The partners would take turns playing attacker and victim. The victim would counter the attacker’s wrist grab by pulling in her own thumb, then pushing the attacker’s hand as she quickly turns breaking her predator’s grasp while spinning away.

Putting pressure on the attacker’s wrist while spinning takes some effort on the part of the victim but will allow her to break the hold, ending up back-to-back with the attacker and able to run away.

• 

• 

• 

Another technique, seen in the opening photo, requires that the victim use her body strength to pull her elbow in close to her body and pull up her arm sharply, then spin away as in the previous move. A slightly more complicated move, as demonstrated below by Greer and “victim” Liz Scherzinger is meant to break an attacker’s attempt to choke a victim and involves raising an arm toward one’s ear and bringing it down across both of the attacker’s arms turning while doing so. There were several other tactics that, with a little practice, all the attendees were able to execute.

• 

• 

However, if unable to get away, the another option available to the victim is to “fight dirty”. For two particular fighting dirty strategies, dummies Big Bob and Little Bob were recruited. Moved into place by Melissa Wittke and Chris Leigh, they prepared for a pummeling. Greer first demonstrated the cup-your-hand and hit the attacker’s ear with all your might strategy which he believes will stop a perpetrator in their tracks. The second move he demonstrated was bringing the heel of your hand up into the attacker’s nose which stuns, smarts and generally involves watery eyes and a bloody nose.

The workshop participants formed two lines and took turns slapping the two Bobs’ ears and driving the heels of their hands into their noses. They all found that. while the Bobs were immune to their beatings, both techniques hurt their own hands.

The final “fighting dirty” move involved sticking one’s fingers in a perpetrator’s eyes but this strategy was not tested.

Greer ended the workshop by emphasizing that the techniques demonstrated and subsequently copied by the participants were meant as a means of escape only – not as techniques for fighting. He also stressed the need to practice the techniques until they become second nature. It is not unusual for someone who’s taken the class to come back for a refresher.

Afterward, we had a chance to speak with a few participants.

Grace Finnegan and Liz Scherzinger, who were having so much fun practicing the moves, are neighbors and wine buddies who learned about the Self-Defense Workshop from a friend.

“Grace’s employee and my hairdresser Brooke attends Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi and she told us about the workshop and we thought we’d check it out, “Scherzinger said.

Finnegan decided they both be practicing the techniques on their pal Brooke or possibly on Scherzinger’s boyfriend.

Emma Alli, who came by herself but found a great partner in Lane Robinson, said her fiancée studies martial arts at Jing Ying Institute and recommended that she take the class. She would likely be practicing with him.

Like all of the attendees, Alli was pleased that the Self-Defense Workshop was benefitting The Bernie House, an organization that provides long-term transitional housing to a family made homeless by domestic violence.

Before leaving, we were reminded by Nancy Greer that the culmination of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration will take place from 2:30 to 4 pm this Saturday, February 24th with a free Open House at Jing Ying Institute complete with a performance of the Chinese Lion Dance at 3:30 and Kung Fu and tai chi demonstrations. There will be “Year of the Dragon” crafts, foods and traditions of the Chinese New Year, giveaways and prizes and more.  For information, see Chinese New Year (jingying.org)

The 4th Annual Bernie House Mardi Gras Ball takes place this Saturday

This year’s Bernie House Mardi Gras Ball fundraiser is being held this Saturday, February 24th at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel. There will be a full open bar, Cajun style food, face painting, tarot card readings and music that will get you on the dance floor.

The Bernie House provides safe shelter and support to families who become homeless due to domestic violence.

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

With rehearsal for Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s upcoming musical “The Secret Garden” underway Sunday afternoon, there was continual motion in the sanctuary. Directed by David Merrill, the singers, dancers and actors transitioned from scene to scene fairly smoothly. However, scenes involving choreography generally required additional run-throughs.

Merrill, who is Woods Church’s Music and Art Director, chose “The Secret Garden” as this year’s musical production. His wife Elysia, the show’s choreographer and assistant director, filled us in on why the show was chosen and spoke about the complicated business of producing the musical in the open setting of the sanctuary. There is no “backstage” to speak of. Just a narrow vestry with stairs leading up to a small balcony.

“Having staged ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ last year, we were trying to think of what show would be appropriate for this space,” Elysia said. “We’d basically come to the end of our biblically-based productions and were out of ideas when David remembered “The Secret Garden”, a favorite musical of his family. We listened to the score and realized the show was perfect for this space. The music is classic in nature and the themes are very familial – about togetherness and longing and finding your place in the world after tragedy.”

“The Secret Garden” musical is based on a 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It premiered on Broadway in 1991 with script and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon.

Woods Church’s production of the beloved show will be presented over two weekends – from March 8-10 and March 15-17 – and has a cast of 55 with an additional 23 people working behind the scenes.

The main character, Mary Lennox, an orphan whose parents died while the family lived in India, will be played by 11-year-old Grace Gavin. David Merrill is making a rare appearance as an actor in the role of Mary’s reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven. Mary’s friend Dickon will be played by Mathew Walter. Scenes between Mary and the mystical Dickon, who has a healing nature and a green thumb, recur throughout the musical.

Archibald’s son Colin, believed to be crippled, is being played by a young girl, Tabitha Popernak. Woods Church was able to borrow the vintage wheelchair used in the production from The Children’s Theater of Annapolis.

There is more choreography in this production than one might normally see. Musical interludes and dances have been designed to create the illusion of “spirits” and to keep the show moving along since there are no blackouts.

Restless, the spirits appear as a storm begins causing the characters to abandon the garden and seek shelter.

• 

• 

Casting for “The Secret Garden” was not limited to congregation members but open to actors from the across the community. Because of the vast amount of talent the production attracted; the number of cast members was expanded.

In order to represent animals in the show (as in the original novel) puppetry was added to the dance segments. Puppet-master Trishelle Weed came to Woods Church and hand-built puppets representing a crow, a fox, a butterfly, a robin and others used during the musical sequences to keep up the fantasy. Further magic is created through innovative lighting.

Fortunately, the dance and storm sequences and Secret Garden scenes chosen for Sunday’s rehearsal ran smoothly and were completed in timely fashion. But then the focus shifted to the necessity of changing the set between scenes.

The group of actors-turned-stagehands assigned to this task had no backstage in which to store their props. Thus arose the need for them to appear in costume in the role of house attendants including maids, butlers or the healthcare team while manhandling props from the back of the sanctuary and up the aisles to the altar area.

At the first trill of the lively soundtrack, seven members of the team began shifting the scene away from the secret garden by emptying the stage and bringing panels and props forward to represent a bedroom.

A small audience of parents and helpers watching the rehearsal were surprised and delighted to spot retired Severna Park High School Drama Department head/Rock ‘N Roll Revival director Angela Germanos among the actors staying in character as healthcare workers while making Colin’s bed. It’s great to find Germanos still involved in local theatrical productions.

At long last, the lights dimmed and young Colin, (i.e. Tabitha Popernack) arrived on the scene in his wheelchair with an attendant played by Tabitha’s mother Angela. (Tabitha and Angela have been practicing at home every night the realistic transfer of the ailing Colin from wheelchair to bed.)

The set changeovers were rehearsed again in their entirety to the same music and were achieved more confidently.

While set change practice continued, impromptu costume fittings were going on at the back of the sanctuary. With 55 cast members to dress, fittings have been taking place whenever the cast members get together.

The set change completed, David Merrill appeared at Colin’s bedside and performed a moving solo as his son slept, bidding him an emotional goodbye before leaving for Paris. His performance drew tremendous applause from those watching.

Filled with song and dance, “The Secret Garden” will be performed from 7:30 to 9:30 pm on March 8, 9 and 10 and again on March 15, 16, and 17. Tickets are $15 and may be ordered online at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org). Just scroll down to The Secret Garden.

Jing Ying Institute’s Self-Defense Workshop for Teen Girls & women this Sunday

A reminder that Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi is offering an excellent Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teen Girls this Sunday, February 18 from 2 to 4 pm.

During the Chinese Lunar New Year, the institute is offering the self-defense workshop at a reduced price as a service to the local community. Owner Nancy Greer tells us 100% of the proceeds will go to The Bernie House, an organization that provides long-term transitional housing to a family made homeless by domestic violence.

The cost is $25 and you may register for the workshop by visiting Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).

Applications for AAUW Scholarships now available

We just received news from Catherine Crowley of the American Association of University Women of Anne Arundel County that applications for the organization’s Women to Women scholarships are now available.  The AAUW is always trying to find ways to reach women in the county who might not be currently in school but are ready to go back to improve their skills and education.  These awards are not just for young women just out of high school but also for older women who had to put their education on hold.   The scholarships are funded by proceeds from AAUW’s annual book sale.

The American Association of University Women gives out $10,000 or more each year in scholarship awards to Anne Arundel County women who are pursuing higher education at 2yr/4yr colleges or trade schools.  The purpose of the Women to Women awards is to improve the access for county women to careers through education and training.   Applications are due by March 22nd and interviews will take place in April.  The application can be downloaded at http://annearundelacounty-md.aauw.net/scholarships .

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 decades, the all-volunteer Magothy River Association has been battling the environmentally harmful effects of development at locations critical to the health of the river. Since 2019, MRA has focused its efforts on two locations – Mt. Misery and Cattail Creek. These ongoing battles are by no means MRA’s first. In fact, according to president Paul Spadaro, they are the very reason for the organization’s existence.

We’d bumped into Spadaro and MRA volunteer Lise Crafton, who’d come from a meeting, at The Big Bean and he revealed how the association was born.

“Right after the Second World War in 1946, the Navy got the idea that they wanted to build a naval air station on Cape St. Claire. For a seaplane base, it seemed like an ideal spot with the Naval Academy nearby…but the residents didn’t want to hear that,” said Spadaro. “So, the residents organized, took on the government and prevailed. That organization became the Magothy River Association.”

He added that, from the outset, MRA has been a traditional all-volunteer organization. During the 30 years he’s been involved, he’s made it a priority to seek out volunteers who are professionals.

“We usually follow the directions in which our volunteers lead us,” he said. “For a while, we had a very strong diving program. It was so impressive that we partnered with and received funding from the World Bank for a joint diving project in Africa. Our initiatives are primarily science-based, requiring a lot of effort on our volunteers’ part. It’s not just fun.”

The Magothy River Association has a long history of opposing and preventing commercial interests that threatened the watershed. The volunteers managed to defeat plans for several major marinas to be constructed along the river – among them, a 200-slip marina that was planned off Dobbins Island and a 300-slip marina off Mago Vista.

MRA also banded together with the Berrywood community, the Anne Arundel County County Watershed Stewards, the Bay Wise Master Gardeners and others to complete the Cattail Creek Stream Restoration & Living Shoreline Project.

• 

• 

Master Watershed Steward and Berrywood Restoration Project Leader Molly LaChapelle’s dream of restoring Cattail Creek was realized on Earth Day, April 22, 2019, after six years of hard work and persistence. Spread out along the banks of the creek, over 130 volunteers worked side by side to plant 1,000 trees, shrubs and plants – the last step in a three-stage construction effort by Annapolis-based Underwood & Associates beginning with the creation of a regenerative stream channel that required raising the stream bed to increase flood plain connectivity and creating multiple weirs to slow down stream flow and reduce erosion.

Since the restoration’s completion, MRA has taken action to prevent encroachment from developers. They were able to persuade one developer to abandon the Marsh Landing project but now they are fighting a large enclave subdivision that stretches from behind the Brian Boru restaurant to behind Joe’s Seafood. It has been a struggle because political pressure and big money are involved, and the association will likely be going to court.

As for Mt. Misery, a peak which overlooks Round Bay and is designated a Critical Area, they are still fighting a developer, along with others, but currently losing the battle as the developer is suing Anne Arundel County and has begun building on the property. (With dirt and trees being removed for a driveway, MRA is concerned the hill will be destabilized causing mudslides and other environmental damage.)

Mt. Misery is historically significant in that it was the sight of a Union fortification during the Civil War. The fort was later used as a camp for local Boy Scout Troops. In fact, the Magothy River Association has made an excellent Youtube video (one of several award-winning MRA videos) about the history of the Union encampment spearheaded by volunteer Charles Germain.

For the last ten years, Spadaro has made it his personal goal to circumnavigate the Magothy from end to end. The annual sojourn provides him a good barometer, from year to year, of what is changing in the river.

He now knows every inch of it. He checks on the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) growth so important to the health of the river and monitors the water quality. He also looks for places where erosion is occurring or places that have been hardened with rock (known as rip rap) in bulkheads along the shoreline. Meant to replace wooden bulkheads, the rock bulkheads create thermal pollution by absorbing and holding heat. The heat thus created cooks the algae that washes in, causing the river to become murky.

MRA volunteer Lise Crafton, who works with MRA’s SAV and water monitoring programs, explained that some of the aquatic grasses that would normally germinate in areas filled with rock are no longer able to do so because the waters are too hot.

The MRA is part of the MD DNR’s Chesapeake Bay SAV Workgroup. Every summer, MRA volunteers kayak to different parts of the Magothy looking for SAV’s and use a laminated guide to underwater grasses found in Chesapeake Bay tributaries to identify what they’ve found. The DNR provides training for this effort, but the differences in the plants are sometimes subtle, hence the “cheat sheet”.

The Magothy River Association was one of the first watershed organizations to create a water monitoring program and to compile the results for an annual State of the Magothy Report. Crafton’s husband Jim is a member of one of MRA’s water quality monitoring teams. The team measures critical attributes at 9 points on the north shore every 2 weeks from April through October. Additional teams cover other north shore, south shore and mainstem sites. 

The Craftons became MRA members 15 years ago after moving to a Severna Park property that had been in Jim’s family since the 1920’s. Jim recalls skeining soft crabs off the clear waters of the Magothy as a kid and getting a boat propeller stuck in the underwater grasses.

One of the most exciting times of the year for the association’s members is about to happen. Every year MRA monitors the yellow perch spawn which takes place when the water temperature reaches 50 degrees.

In the 1970’s MRA observed that the yellow perch population had decreased. The association was able to use its history of monitoring and its longstanding partnership with Anne Arundel Community College as leverage to begin stocking some yellow perch.

“In the 80’s, we collaborated with AACC on a yellow perch project where we were taking water from the Magothy over to the Eastern Shore where we collected their egg sacks. We then spawned the eggs we collected in that Magothy water in the Magothy River because the yellow perch is one of those salmon type fish that go back to the waters in which they were born. We did this for a number of years and many of the perch you see in the river today are direct descendants of that project.

We’ve been very fortunate that we have on the Western Shore a “yellow perch corridor” now between Catherine Avenue and Lake Waterford. Every year Lise and I are busy documenting the spawn and counting the egg sacks and seeing the thousands that swim up in the stream no wider than the front window of The Big Bean. It’s very exciting.

Lise agreed that the spawn is amazing to witness.

We barely have space to scratch the surface of all that the Magothy River Association is doing. However, they have been building a relatively large oyster reef off Dobbins Island and have started a program, in partnership with McGuire Marine and students from Broadneck High School, to make concrete reef balls for it.

Crafton likes to emphasize MRA’s efforts to attract, educate and engage youth to become involved with the river and the Magothy watershed in general. Each year the MRA provides two scholarships to Environmental Studies students attending Anne Arundel Community College.

She also supplied the link below for information on AACC’s Youth Summit coming up this Saturday, February 10, at the college.

https://www.aayeas.org/

“Since we ‘mature’ environmentally engaged folks won’t be around forever, events like this will help engage and excite the next generation, which is absolutely essential if we are to save the Magothy for future generations,” said Crafton.

You can follow the activities of the Magothy River Association by visiting Home – Magothy River Association or at Facebook.

Jing Ying Institute students celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year

The Chinese New Year of the Dragon begins Saturday, February 10 and, for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, that day marks the beginning of two weeks’ worth of celebrations ranging from performances of the Chinese Lion Dance to Chinese calligraphy classes, a Self-Defense Workshop, Valentine’s Day Partners Tai Chi classes and a special Tea Tasting. The culmination of the celebration will take place from 2:30 to 4 pm on February 24th with a free Lunar New Year Open House at Jing Ying Institute at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard.

If you haven’t attended one of Jing Ying’s Lunar New Year celebrations before, they are very colorful and fun. This particular open house will feature traditional treats as well as the Chinese Lion Dance and Kung Fu and tai chi demonstrations. There will be “Year of the Dragon” crafts, traditions of the Chinese New Year, giveaways and prizes and more. You are welcome to bring friends & family of all ages to enjoy the fun. Registration is not required; but if you register, you will be entered into a contest. To see a full schedule of all the Lunar New Year events, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.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

Since the pandemic, possibilities for Valentine’s Day have been more limited than usual. But this year, a wider array of gifts and activities to make the heart grow fonder is available.

And it’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Valentine’s Day in Olde Severna Park. From the sign on the sidewalk in front to the pillows on the love seat at Peaceful Petals flower shop, the traditional hearts associated with the holiday can be seen.

Bedecked with red ribbons, a gift basket on the counter contained packages of red and white Valentine Dark Chocolate Nonpareils, Red Striped Yogurt Sandwich Cookies, Red Australian Licorice, Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Raisin Cookie Mix and Spicy Hot Chocolate Mix.

• 

• 

BD Provisions’ manager Cornelia Wikar, said the store is selling customers a lot of the Valentine “Conversation Hearts” kids are so fond of followed closely by sales of the red, white and pink Valentine M&M’s. She also noted that there is a whole shelf of gift baskets featuring items chosen to complement teas, wines, cocktails, and pastas along with heart stamped gift bags and Valentine cards from Cute Roots made from paper that contains flower seeds.

“You can plant the card in a flowerpot or your garden and flowers will grow from it,” Wikar said.

At the same time we heard about BD Provisions’ gift baskets, we learned that Park Tavern in Park Plaza was honoring its years-long tradition of creating Valentine’s Day inspired cocktails.

This year, there are five creatively named cocktails including Rose’-based “A Dozen Roses” (shown here), Margarita-based “Dove Love Paloma”, raspberry/rum-based “Swipe Right”, Espresso-based “My Love” and Strawberry Margarita-based “Cupid’s Mule”.

206 Restaurant Group managing partner, Greg Keating said Park Tavern will be having a Valentine’s Day menu starting on February 9th, the Friday prior to Valentine’s Day. The menu is yet to be announced.

An invitation from realtor Theresa Kurtz to a Pajama Party benefit for Chrysalis House held at a la mode intimates on Solomons Island Road in Annapolis inspired us to think of the boutique in connection with Valentine’s Day. Conceived by Kurtz, the 2nd Annual Pajama Party took place in late January and was a great success. The price of admission to the event was a gift of pajamas, socks, camis or other night apparel for women struggling with substance abuse and living at Chrysalis House. A poignant line from the invitation read “These ladies are often overlooked on Valentine’s Day and your gift will brighten someone’s day.”

With complimentary bra fittings by a la mode intimates, refreshments from Kurtz, a Wine Tasting from The Wine Concierge, and a chance to browse through the shop’s beautiful lingerie, the party was a hit.

After the party, realtor Kerry Foley , Kurtz , a la mode staff members, and Leslie Frelow, owner of The Wine Concierge posed for a photo together.

A little bird told us that a la mode intimates had assembled a glorious selection of lingerie perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts.

We stopped by the shop, which is celebrating its 20th year in business, to see for ourselves. Sure enough, the store window was beautifully decorated with strings of hearts and there were chemises, slips, baby dolls, camisoles and more in Valentine’s Day red and sultry black.

We spoke with Rebecca Ulrich-Dodson, one of a la mode intimates’ co-owners along with founder Patti Platt. Dodson clued us in to the fact that it’s not just young gentlemen but gentlemen of all ages who come in to shop for Valentine’s Day gifts.

“What we find is, because we specialize in bras and bra fittings, our clients know what they like and they know what fits and we keep track of it. If they happen to have someone special in their lives, they recommend our shop to that person,” she said. “We can make personalized suggestions for gifts for a client based on what we know – what her sizes are and what her preferences are so we can make sure she gets exactly what she likes and will enjoy wearing.”

Valentine’s Day events are finally happening too. In late January, the City of Annapolis Recreation & Parks Department announced that tickets were available for a Sweetheart Dance in honor of Valentine’s Day for families that will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center, 273 Hilltop Lane in Annapolis. There will be dancing and Valentine treats. Each family will receive a special keepsake photograph. Tickets are $20 per person and attire is semi-formal. Reservations are required. For information visit Annapolis, MD | Official Website or call (410) 263-7958.

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is hosting two free events. The first, being held at the Institute at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard on February 13th from 7:15 to 8 pm, is a free Valentine’s Day Pushing With Partners “push hands” tai chi class taught by master teacher Billy Greer. Participants will also be treated to some special chocolates.

The second is a free Valentine’s Day Tai Chi Class being held at the Severna Park Community Center on February 14th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. The class will also be conducted by instructor Billy Greer and will also feature a gift of delicious chocolates. For more information visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).

If you have a friend or significant other who is a plant lover, you’ll want to head to the Valentine’s Day Pottery & Plant Sale on Saturday, February 10 from 10 am till 2 pm at Providence Pottery & Arts Studio, 40 Church Road in Arnold. The studio will have a variety of Valentines Gifts, Handmade Pottery and Planters, Houseplants, Succulents, Herbs, Cut Flowers, Hanging Baskets and more. For information, visit Valentines Day Plant & Pottery Sale | Providence of Maryland.

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

Whether preferring to use them or not, most folks hadn’t given too much thought to self-service checkout kiosks recently…until the Severna Park branch of Kohl’s closed and removed their spacious checkout counters and replaced them with a sizeable number of self-checkout stations like the one above and a small row of employee-manned checkout counters against one wall off the menswear department. The evening we shopped at Kohl’s, the self-service area was totally empty but there were long lines moving through the employee-manned counters.

A few weeks later, while browsing the Internet, we spotted an article on the design, technology and science website Gizmodo titled “The Self-Checkout Nightmare May Finally Be Ending” by Thomas Germain. It was the first of several articles on the same subject.

The gist of the article was that consensus is growing among analysts and insiders that self-checkout has been a negative for consumers and retailers alike.

“In 2023, Target restricted self-checkout kiosks in some stores to ten items or less. Walmart pulled the machines out of a number of locations altogether,” said Germain.

He added that Dollar General adopted self-checkout tech in 2022 but the project was not successful and CEO Todd Vasos said the retailer plans to increase the number of employees in stores – especially in the checkout area.

Similar items in publications including The Atlantic, The Guardian, Scripps News, cnn.com, yahoo.com, msn.com and tastingtable.com, point to theft as the biggest problem.

According to Germain, shoppers are reportedly 21 times more likely to sneak items past machines than human cashiers but consumers also steal unintentionally because the self-checkout process is so cumbersome.

A Scripps News headline says Walmart, ShopRite, Wegmans, Costco and Five Below are among the retailers that have announced self-checkout policy changes. A January 24th post by Scripps reporter Justin Boggs cites a study published in the Journal of Business Research by researchers from Drexel University and the University of San Diego which indicates that self-checkouts also can damage customer loyalty.

The study concluded that customers needing to scan more items found the checkout experience less rewarding. They experienced negative consequences with larger orders, such as the extra effort to bag purchases.

While admitting there are positives for retailers, TastingTable.com reporter Dave McQuilling believes self-checkouts place an unnecessary burden on shoppers. He described them as “a dystopian innovation that costs jobs, shifts responsibility onto the consumer, and serves as a startling example of how companies are happy to inconvenience people if it serves their bottom line.”

Severna Park resident Lauren Garber sometimes uses self-checkouts but has noted the rise in crime associated with them.

“The costs of these thefts go back to the consumer at the end of the day. The insurance agencies can’t keep up with the theft taking place because nothing is being done to prosecute these people,” Garber said.

Garber is not the only shopper paying attention. We spoke with two other Severna Park residents who are out and about in the community.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League keeps a sharp eye on what is happening with area retailers. She has personally experienced the extra work and technical problems endured by shoppers with a large number of items.

“When my husband Jim and I have gone shopping for items for the Chamber’s Friday picnics, we’ve had baskets and baskets of food and found it difficult to put those through self-checkout,” League said.

“You may have to wait in line, but when you check out at the counter with an actual cashier, you don’t have to weigh it yourself, worry about entering the right price or bag it and you are able to pay with cash or a check.

She added that she wonders how the stores are even able to track theft. Aware that some stores invest heavily in self-checkout systems in hopes of saving money by eliminating jobs, she feels that the investment is counterproductive and not good for the economy.

“The health of our communities depends on ample employment opportunities,” she said.

Linda Zahn, who was League’s predecessor as CEO of the Chamber, is now retired but is quite active as a volunteer. She still has many friends and contacts within the Severna Park business community and sees them often.

“There are people who like self-checkout and people who really miss the customer service,” she said. “I feel bad for retailers today who have to compete with online sellers while dealing with all the issues that brick and mortar stores must contend with. Self-checkout is an option for local business owners that works well for some. However, I can sure appreciate the stores’ perspectives as far as theft is concerned.”

Zahn thinks, overall, the only edge brick and mortar retailers have over online sellers is customer service.  So, they have to make the shopping experience a good one. 

“If people want their groceries checked out for them, do it,” she says.

Anne Arundel County plastic bag ban here to stay ?

Most local residents hadn’t really noticed when the Anne Arundel County Council joined Baltimore and Prince George’s County by enacting their Bring Your Own Bag Plastic Reduction Act (Bill 19-23) in 2023. Thus, when the bill prohibiting the retail distribution of plastic bags in the county took effect at area grocery stores on January 1, 2024, many shoppers found themselves confused and perplexed.

Understandably, ecologically concerned citizens were pleased. Though plastic bags can be recycled and remade into a variety of useful products, they do constitute a threat to marine life in our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

They are exceptionally practical, however, and people are already saving the bags they currently have.

A recent Forbes article titled “New Jersey Bag Ban Followed By Increased Use Of Plastic” by Patrick Gleason caught our attention, however. Gleason highlighted a law banning plastic and paper shopping bags at stores enacted by Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey state legislators in 2020. According to a new study, passage of New Jersey’s anti-plastics law has been followed by a near tripling of plastic consumption at Garden State checkouts.

“Four years on, there is evidence that New Jersey’s bag prohibition not only failed to curb plastic usage, it backfired,” he wrote. “According to a new study released on January 9 by the Freedonia Group, 53 million pounds worth of plastic shopping bags were used in New Jersey prior to implementation of the state’s bag ban, a figure that has risen to 151 million pounds since the prohibition was instituted.”

Gleason added that the study found that the reusable bags New Jersey shoppers have been forced to use since the bag ban took effect (some are made from plastic) are rarely reused, only two to three times on average. With many people using reusable bags as single use bags, the state’s plastic and paper bag prohibition may be doing more harm than good in practice.

We asked for some perspective on the plastic bag ban from Garber, League, and Zahn.

“Most people hate it and don’t care to be told by county government what we can use or not use,” Garber said. “I consider it another form of a tax since you must buy paper bags to carry your groceries. They cost 10 cents per bag at Safeway or 20 cents at Giant and the Severna Park Giant actually ran out of them. Of course, you are also urged to bring your own reusable bags, many of which are made of plastic anyway and tend to get dirty.”

She pointed out that the main problem with plastic bags (which can be recycled) is that people litter. A lack of individual responsibility and moral character are responsible for the situation she opines.

League considers plastic bags very practical for many uses – especially if you are a person without means. She has always recycled them.

“Not a single plastic bag goes to waste at my house. Like many people, I use them to line my garbage can.”

League can understand why people dislike paying for paper bags since food costs are so high that customers don’t want to spend a single penny more.

Zahn reflected that she has heard people complain about the inconvenience of using one’s own bags to shop.  Of course, there are still paper bag options, but most people wish they were free.

“As for the bags, it used to be a choice of paper or plastic.  Why take away plastic but charge for paper?” Zahn asks.  “They should give them to customers when they are requested as in the past.”

As of late December, it was reported that the City of Annapolis is exempt from this countywide initiative though they are considering independent legislation.

Jing Ying Institute’s Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teen Girls on February 18

The world seems a more dangerous place these days. However, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi is offering an excellent Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teen Girls on Sunday, February 18 from 2 to 4 pm.

The workshop will start with a discussion on safety to help you avoid trouble. That will be followed with a lesson on escape techniques for situations you may not be able to avoid. Finally, self-defense techniques will be covered for fighting back when you aren’t able to escape easily.

During the Chinese Lunar New Year, Jing Ying Institute is offering the self-defense workshop at a reduced price as a service to the local community. Owner Nancy Greer tells us 100% of the proceeds will go to The Bernie House, an organization that provides long-term transitional housing to a family made homeless by domestic violence.

The cost is $25 and you may register for the workshop by visiting Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.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

Few obvious traces of Severna Park’s beginnings remain. Successive waves of residential and commercial construction have obscured or overtaken landmarks that were once beacons of our 118-year-old hometown. But there are still traces of Severna Park’s origins. Driving through the community of Linstead, for example, you can still see the farmhouse pictured here (courtesy of historian F. Scott Jay) that was built in 1758. The photograph shows the house as it appeared in 1906.

In addition to Jay, sources for information gleaned over time include the late Nelson Molter, the book “Severna Park Reflections” published by Bay Media, Inc., and the Severna Park Old Timers, Erman O. “Lanny” Dill, the late Kathleen Giddings Hankins and the book “Linstead on the Severn, A History” by the Residents and Friends of Linstead.

A look back before Severna Park was formed

It’s important to remember that Severna Park was but one part of the larger community of “Boone” when formed in 1906. The rustic town, born in the late 1800’s, endured until June 16, 1925 when its address officially became Severna Park.

Boone’s origins date to the 1600’s with a 26,000-acre land grant from King Charles I to George Calvert, 1st Lord Baltimore. By the 1700’s, the Lords Baltimore had conveyed the acreage in the form of three grants. Norman’s Fancy, Randall’s Purchase and Hopkins’ Addition would form the nucleus of Boone.

The Randall’s Purchase parcel would provide the core. Sold in 1721, it was owned briefly by John Earnshaw and then John Worthington.

In 1725, according to a yellowed account in historian F. Scott Jay’s collection, the parcel was sold to Richard and Hester Linstid (Linstead) and called “Randall’s Range”. The couple had a notorious reputation and perished in 1750, leaving their 10-year-old son, John, and 13-year-old daughter Elizabeth destitute.

John Linstid Sr. served in bondage to a weaver until he was 21, but owned Randall’s Range and paid taxes on it from 1759 to 1771 and again in 1774 before disappearing temporarily from the records. It is theorized he was a Loyalist who fled to England during the Revolution. He is buried in the Boone-Linstead graveyard. This account is substantiated by George Acre, associate editor of the book “Linstead on the Severn, A History”.

Joseph McCubbin purchased the land in 1774, transferring it to a daughter, Dorcas, and her husband, William Hammond, in 1806. It was renamed Cedar Neck. The Hammonds apparently acquired the adjoining grants, but in doing so overextended themselves. In 1817, the 227-acre property was put up for auction and purchased by the John Linstid, Jr., Linstid Sr.’s son, returning the property to the family.

Two years later, Linstid Jr.’s son George inherited it. At his death, in 1856, the working farm was divided into three 91.5 acre lots for his three children, one of which went to Elizabeth Linstid Boone, wife of Thomas Boone.

In Boone farm’s early years, a modest farmhouse served the family. In 1852, School No. 14 (Boone School) opened at the present site of Severna Park Elementary School. Around 1853, the Boone homestead was constructed. The lovely antebellum house serves today as Severn School’s Alumni House.

The homestead overlooked fields of fruits, vegetables and grain. The family is known to have maintained slaves. Neighbors were distant and amenities few. To obtain supplies, attend church, or mediate legal problems, they had to travel to Annapolis via horse-drawn vehicles.

Growth came slowly. An 1860’s map of the county’s Third District shows farmsteads bearing names prominent today – Linstid, Robinson, Tydings, Gray, Stallings, Pumphrey, Stinchcomb, Giddings and Hopkins.

Century’s end brought the area’s first church, Piney Grove Methodist, and the nearby Earleigh Heights Post Office. Necessities could be bought at Boone’s Store built and operated by Tom Boone.

Significant change occurred in 1896, when the Boones sold a strip of land to the Annapolis & Baltimore’s Short Line Railroad. Trains soon brought passengers and goods from Camden Station in Baltimore to Bladen Street in Annapolis. By 1906, Boone Railroad Station had opened and the community’s name was official.

Commerce boomed. Julius Grotsky completed a four-story building that sold groceries, feed and fuel and became Boone’s first post office.

Summer vacationers followed, flooding the trains enroute to holiday destinations on the Severn and Magothy. A hotel resort at Round Bay created a sensation.

Far-sighted developers capitalized on the trend. In June and July of 1906, The Severn Realty Company of Baltimore acquired portions of the former Boone and Linstid properties, subdivided them, and sold the lots for vacation homes. The company’s young lawyer, Oscar Hatton, moved to Boone and founded a “park” at the beach, constructed water and electric facilities, and served as judge and justice of the peace.

Still, there were only about a dozen houses when Roland M. Teel opened Severn School in a rented house on Springdale Avenue in 1914. At age 80, Teel reminisced and noting that the community was then referred to as Boone or The Park and that Benfield Road was just a dirt road.

Though small, Boone was not isolated from world events as demonstrated by a letter to Severn School from concerned father H. G. Peddle, President of J. Frank Shull Company in Philadelphia.

“In anticipation of the new draft law, I suppose Frank could register in Boone just as well as New Jersey”. The letter went on to inquire if tuition would be refunded if Frank was called for duty in World War I.

In the 1920’s, summer cottage residents fished, gorged themselves on local produce and partied hard spreading their cash among Boone’s farms and merchants. Forerunners of the county’s renowned “truck farms” shipped fresh meats, fruits and vegetables to Baltimore and business opportunities abounded.

Erman O. “Lanny” Dill’s grandfather, Edward O. Dill, cruised to Cypress Creek from Baltimore on his boat in 1915 and discovered a 100-year-old farmhouse on 16 acres which he purchased from Thomas A. Brown.

Edward started the family’s plumbing business in 1925.

“Upon hearing where Dill Plumbing began, people assumed Boone was somewhere in the sticks in Western Maryland,” Lanny Dill noted. “It was in the sticks alright, but it was right here in Severna Park”.

Boone never did shed its image as a rustic backwater. Despite new stores, churches and a new rail station, its rural origins remained. A new chapter with a refined name, “Severna Park”, began on June 16, 1925.

We’ll have that chapter for you in an upcoming column, outlining the progress and changes that took Severna Park from small town to established suburb by the year 2000.

Parenting for a Different World to host “Happiness Hour” Friday

Parenting for a Different World is hosting a free event this Friday, January 19th, to encourage teens and adults to practice healthy relaxation and coping skills.  It’s the organization’s alternative to a happy hour. Called “Happiness Hour”, the event will be held at the Yoga Barn from 5:00 – 6:00 PM.  

Valerie Smith, who shared this news with us, describes Parenting for a Different World as a local, grassroots non-profit organization offering free programming and resources for families to help youth thrive.

“We’ll devote one short hour to starting your weekend with blissful stretches, meditative breathing and healthy lifestyle tips,” Smith said. “We’ll have the fun of building vision boards and talk about setting goals and finding ways to achieve those goals while maintaining balance.”

The free “Happiness Hour” event is open to middle-schoolers through adults. The Yoga Barn is located at 44 Earleigh Heights Road. Attendees are invited to bring their mat if they have one and to bring magazine clippings of interest for the vision boards. For information or to register, visit PDWorld.

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

When it’s raining, snowing or just plain cold, there is nothing like a bowl of soup to warm one up. Thanks to Good Neighbors Group’s seventh annual S(o)uper Bowl of Caring food drive, many families in need will be able to put soup – and much more – on their tables.

According to Good Neighbors Group founder and executive director Julie Shay, the 2024 S(o)uper Bowl food drive is well underway with 42 neighborhoods across Anne Arundel County participating and possibly more.

“We’re also adding an additional food pantry this year – bringing the total to six recipients of the foods donated,” Shay said. “The one we’re adding is St. Luke’s Episcopal Church food pantry in Eastport.”

Equally pleased to add a new food pantry, S(o)uper Bowl 24 Coordinator, Kathie Hamlett, reeled off the names of the other five pantries which include SPAN, ACAN, Celestial Manna, My Brother’s Pantry, and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

Well before Shay started GNG’s S(o)uper Bowl food drives, we’d attended one smaller SOUPER BOWL drive by a youth group at a local church and we’d heard of others. So we were curious where the idea for a winter food drive originated.

Research reveals that the Souper Bowl of Caring phenomenon began in 1990 with a simple prayer by seminary intern Brad Smith while leading a small youth group at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC.

“Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat,” Smith prayed.

His prayer inspired the desire to channel the energy and enthusiasm of Super Bowl weekend – a time when people come together for football, food and fun – to raise money for those not so fortunate. Thus, was born the national Souper Bowl of Caring movement.

The concept behind the earliest drive, launched by 22 South Carolina churches, was that individuals and groups could collect dollars in soup pots and canned food for those in need and send every dollar and food donation directly to a local charity of their choice.

Shay loved that idea and launched Good Neighbors Group’s first S(o)uper Bowl food drive in 2018. Though smaller in number of neighborhoods involved, the first drive was quite successful. The annual initiative grew by leaps and bounds. By 2023, GNG had 56 neighborhoods participating with 11 new ones rivaling their best year since starting the drive.

“The amount of food collected was enormous and exceeded previous totals. We collected 18,000 items and helped fill the food pantry shelves of all our recipient charities,” said Shay.

Both Shay and Hamlett are pleased that the food drive seems to bring neighbors and their neighborhoods closer together as the years have gone by. They love that so many children are involved because the kids get so much enjoyment from helping.

According to Hamlett, each neighborhood has a captain who is responsible for collecting all the donated items at their home or, if the neighborhood is a larger one, at other designated drop off places. They also keep a tally of items donated and award points for each item. Once collected, the captains and/or helpers must transport the donations to one of the six charities depending on which one their neighborhood is assigned. The drop-offs happen over a three-day period from February 8th thru 11th, Super Bowl Sunday.

To make the food drive more fun, there is a casual competition among the neighborhoods with prizes awarded for three categories. One prize is awarded for the neighborhood with the largest volume of items donated, another is for the highest percentage of homes donating in a neighborhood, and a third is for the neighborhood for the biggest increase in donations from the previous year.

“We have neighborhoods signing up all the time and we have room for more. So I’d just like to remind everyone that, if they know of any community that would like to join our effort, they can sign up through our website Home – Good Neighbors Group,” said Hamlett.

Good Neighbors Group’s immediate focus for the New Year is threefold. In addition to the all-important S(o)uper Bowl 2024, GNG will hold blood drives every other month with times and dates noted on the website. Thirdly, the organization’s 22nd Annual Earth Day Festival will be held April 27 from 10 am till 2 pm at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Magothy Bridge Road.

 Meantime, keep your eye peeled for ever-on-the-go Julie Shay whether at a GNG Pop-Up Shop at Park Home or BD Provisions, working on one of GNG’s Rogue Gardeners’ projects, or at the Earth Day Celebration. You’ll find whatever she’s doing to be fun and fulfilling.

• 

• 

Theater In The Park musical “Newsies” onstage at AACC’s Kauffman Theater

We hear from Theater In The Park founder Jennifer Lee Kraus that teen, junior and mixteen productions of the musical “Newsies, Jr.” continue this evening through January 14. For tickets, visit Theater in the Park – Home (onthestage.tickets).

Kraus also described a Musical Theater Dance Class that promises lots of mid-winter fun for kids 9 through 16. The classes will be held each Thursday through March 14th from 6:30 to 8 pm at Boone Station Hall at the Severna Park Community Center.

Students will be familiarized with the structure/routine of a dance class and learn tools that help them become stronger dancers. They’ll dance to songs of different genres from some of their favorite movie musicals like Teen Beach Movie, Newsies, and Mean Girls as well as numbers from Disney movies. For information visit Musical Theater DANCE Workshop – Musical Theater Workshop for Kids (theaterinthepark.net).

A Pajama Party benefitting Chrysalis House….. Talk about midwinter fun!

Ladies, this one’s for you. On Wednesday, January 24th you are invited to join a la mode intimates at 2444 Solomons Island Road to a Pajama Party from 2 to 7 pm. The unique women’s boutique hopes you will join them for an evening of laughter, connection and the joy of giving back. Your presence and contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of women living at Chrysalis House, a safe place for women struggling with substance abuse to get the support needed to recover.

Well known for their fashionable lingerie, a la mode intimates will be offering complimentary bra fittings throughout the event. There will be refreshments by Theresa Kurtz, Realtor, wine tasting by The Wine Concierge. Best of all, the only cost for attending the benefit is your gift of pajamas, socks, camis, or other night apparel. You may RSVP by text to Theresa at 443-254-1042 by January 22.

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.