Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Chatting with Walk The Walk Foundation’s director Nicole Dolan on January 2, one could clearly see how delighted she was to show off a handwritten thank you note from a family who’d received a delivery of Christmas presents from the organization.
From Walk The Walk Foundation’s beginnings almost two decades ago, its Gifts for Children initiative at Christmas has been its most important program. In fact, the organization was founded in 2005 by Severna Park residents Dave and Kim Mitchell to honor the memory of a child they lost during the holidays.
It began with Kim wanting to buy a Christmas gift for a child the same age the son they lost would have been. She reached out to an aunt who was a school principal in a small, impoverished West Virginia town. Along with friends eager to help them, the Mitchell’s were able to buy gifts for 60 children. The couple continued helping kids in West Virginia but realized there were needy children in their own backyard and people willing to help. So they expanded their efforts to cover Anne Arundel County and established their non-profit.
By the time Dolan and her husband Jeff took over the leadership of Walk The Walk Foundation in 2022, the Gifts for Children program was able to provide Christmas gifts for the families of 300 children.
Donors brought their gifts to WTWF volunteers at Opportunity Builders, Inc. in Millersville.
Hoping to expand the program, the Dolans set their sights higher for Christmas 2023. Even so, donations for the Gifts for Children program exceeded their wildest expectations.
WTWF donors provided gifts for over 600 Anne Arundel County children.
“We’ve been doing this for many, many years now,” Dolan said. “We partner primarily with the county’s Department of Social Services‘ holiday program which identifies the families in need for us. We then request names, sizes and other information for each child in each of the families and pass that information on to people who volunteer to be donors. The donors buy gifts for the kids and deliver them to us for distribution.”
Dolan further explained that Walk The Walk Foundation partners with non-profit Opportunity Builders, Inc. in Millersville to lease a large warehouse space where donors bring their gifts.
Delivery day for 2023 was December 11th – a very busy day for WTWF volunteers as they accepted the giftsand arranged them in pre-numbered spaces to be picked up for delivery.
The warehouse space at Opportunity Builders, Inc. in Millersville quickly filled with gifts (and bicycles seen in the background) from Walk The Walk Foundation donors. The gifts were arranged in pre-numbered spaces by volunteers and readied for delivery. Photos courtesy of WTWF.
The volunteers were very careful in keeping track of the gifts. Depending on how many children were in a family there might be one, two, three or four boxes so they had their work cut out for them. Aided by College Hunks Hauling Junk (Annapolis), many of the gifts were delivered to other organizations (including Annapolis Area Christian School and Bell Grove Elementary School in North County) for families from those areas to pick up.
Having donned her “elf hat”, Nicole Dolan, was delighted to help a team from College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (Annapolis) who delivered countless boxes of Christmas gifts and bikes to their destinations.
Getting feedback from the families and children who received the gifts was exceptionally rewarding for Nicole and Jeff Dolan, all the volunteers and the donors.
“One of the things I love about our program is that we incorporate a couple of special things,” Nicole said. “First, we invite the families who come to pick up their gifts to bring a small donation of their own…like a package of baby wipes or baby lotion, for example, so they can feel like they are helping in their own way. In addition, every family receives a Christmas card and an ornament from Walk The Walk Foundation. In the card they’ll find a smaller thank-you card and self-addressed envelope back to us. Families are also provided a number where they can text us a thank-you or a photo that we can share with those who donated their gifts. It’s wonderful to hear back from them.”
Walk The Walk Foundation director Nicole Dolan shows off one of the thank-you notes she’d just opened from a family that received presents from the organization’s Gifts for Children program. Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler
The need at Christmas time has always been great across Anne Arundel County but, because the foundation has perfected what they do, they’ve increased their capacity to serve more children. They tend to focus on kids in areas where they can have distribution through partners like Annapolis Area Christian School because they know that needy families struggle with transportation.
It seems that 2023 was a success for Walk The Walk Foundation in every way. While a banner year for its signature Gifts for Children program, its other ongoing programs did well too. Not to be overlooked, a WTWF team participated in last year’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge Run to raise funds. They also began the holiday season by capturing third place competing against other local non-profits decorating Christmas trees at South Anne Arundel County Rotary Club’s 10th Annual Lights of Kindness celebration at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville.
As 2024 begins, there is good news for the Dolans and the Walk The Walk Foundation supporters. They have been so successful that they’ve outgrown the temporary warehouse space they have been using and are preparing to move into a bigger space.
Otherwise, it’s business as usual. The organization continues to serve as a Diaper Bank year-round supplying 15 organizations with an exact number of diapers to distribute every month. Volunteers come in on a regular schedule to repackage the diapers into packs of 25.
As we head toward warm weather, Nicole and husband Jeff, as the numbers and logistics guy, will be working on plans for WTWF’s annual School Backpack Drive and Backpack Packing events. Last year they raised donations for and filled 1,500 backpacks that were distributed to 30 different schools. They hope to better that number in 2024. As you might guess, volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, you can visit Nonprofit Organization | Walk the Walk Foundation | Annapolis MD (wtwf.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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
After three and a half decades as one of Park Plaza’s most popular and enduring family-owned businesses, Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery has expanded to a second location at 8220 Ritchie Highway in Pasadena. (Formerly, the King James Gallery.) A flag announcing the shop’s Grand Opening was still fluttering in the breeze as we stopped by for a looksee and a chat with Dawn Baumgartner Wilson.
Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery’s second location is a slightly smaller version of the first with the same product lines and framing services. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
The original shop at Park Plaza is well known for carrying the work of local artists and craftspeople and has long been a major draw for art lovers throughout the area. We admitted to Wilson that we were wondering why the family wanted to open a second location.
On April 4th, Side Street Framers will have been at Park Plaza for 35 years (the shopping center opened 37 years ago). The business was started by Wilson, her mother Barbara Daniels, her twin sister Donna Phillips and her other sister Sandra Monck.
“My sisters and I were just getting out of college when our mother, who’d been in the carpet business, was contacted by a neighbor who was selling a Fastlane franchise. She wondered if we’d like to go into business with her,” Wilson said. “I had a Fine Arts degree and all three of us were involved with arts and crafts so we agreed. The four of us got everything going and were pleased to see both our shop and framing services thrive.”
The business not only thrived but grew year after year which is what eventually prompted the family to consider the acquisition of a second location.
“We were running completely out of space at our Park Plaza store,” said Wilson. “The front end was filled and busy and the back end was filled and busy. We were so limited on space, that we only had room in back for two framers. But we didn’t really want to move.”
Interestingly, the sisters were acquainted with framer Joe Hynson, owner of the King James Gallery, who’d told them for some time that he might want to step back from running the gallery fulltime.
In business, as in life, timing is everything. Just as Hynson was deciding to sell his shop, Side Street Framer’s dry mount press unexpectedly caught on fire. Wilson, who was waiting on a customer when flames shot out from the knobs, turned the machine off and realized it could no longer be used.
Joe Hyson was kind enough to do Side Street Framers’ dry mounts for them so Wilson was running back and forth to the gallery frequently. When she’d stop by, they’d talk and he expressed his desire to slow down, give up the responsibility of running the gallery and just concentrate on framing.
Dawn Wilson and Joe Hynson in the framing area at Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery Pasadena. It was Hynson to the rescue when the Park Plaza shop’s dry mount press caught on fire and he arranged to do their dry mount work. He subsequently made a serendipitous arrangement to close his gallery and stay on as a framer for two days a week.
“Since Joe was determined to close King James Gallery, we decided to take over his space which would give us more framing capacity and more room for our gift items. That way, we wouldn’t have to move out of Severna Park but could service the Pasadena, Millersville and Glen Burnie areas easier. Best of all, Joe agreed to stay on with us as a framer two days a week and arranged for one of his staff to take over for an additional two days a week.”
Though small by comparison to the Park Plaza Store, the gift gallery at the new establishment is quite impressive. The work of virtually all of the local and regional artists and crafters shown at the larger original gallery is carried in the new space as well. There is quite a bit of jewelry, decorative glass pieces, oil paintings, watercolors, and locally made soaps and lotions. There are also beautiful hand painted gift cards made locally.
Hand painted gift cards share space with hand milled soaps, jewelry by crafters like Patricia Aquilina and Jessica Graves. There are sea glass pieces by Cathy Kelly and handcrafted ornaments by Terri Hechlerand small paintings by Barbara Schultz.
The shop also carries pottery, as well, including some beautiful pieces from the Providence Center…. and there are some remarkable stylized caricatures and teapots with faces and other art from Frederick, Maryland artist Carrie Euler.
Like the Park Plaza store where well-known framer Stephanie Lavis has been working her magic for many years, framing is also a mainstay of the new location.
Moving into the New Year, both shops have plenty of business to handle. Long involved in the community’s SHOP LOCAL initiatives, Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery looks forward to exposing the products of their artists and craftsmen to new customers by participating in community events. Be sure to look for them at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s SHOP LOCAL Fun Fest in the spring and SHOPTOBERFEST in the autumn as well as the Severna Park Voice sponsored Art In The Park event at Cafe Mezzanotte in October.
New Year’s Eve events few and far between?
To quote the popular song written by Frank Loesser in 1947, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”? Possibilities run the gamut from enjoying a fine dining experience at an area restaurant to counting down to the New Year with fireworks as the clock strikes 12.
Many people we’ve spoken to, however, are opting to spend a cozy evening at home. For those looking for something exciting to do, here are a few suggestions.
Ring in the New Year with the City of Annapolis where there will be two fireworks displays December 31 at Susan Campbell Park – a Family Fireworks display at 7 pm and a Final Fireworks display at midnight.
The Ultimate 80’s Prom with the New Romance Tribute Band at Rams Head On Stage – Light up the night on the dance floor at Ram’s Head On Stage at 25 West Street in Annapolis. The event begins at 9 pm and tickets may be ordered at AXS. For information, call (410) 268-4545.
Those are just a few local happenings. We’re opting for a cozy evening at home while getting ready for a family dinner New Year’s Day. Meantime, our best wishes for a happy New Year.
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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
We were surprised to learn that, after six years on Jumper’s Hole Road in Severna Park, AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center, LLC. would be closing on December 4th. We were even more surprised to learn, a few days later, that one of Severna Park’s most well-established and popular retailers, JOANN Fabrics and Crafts, would be closed as of January 1st.
Thanks to the efforts of owner Corey Stephens and his experienced staff, AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden has already relocated to a similarly sized property in nearby Pasadena and opened for business on December 8. We had an opportunity to tour the new garden center with Stephens last weekend.
Landscaping the front of the barn-like structure of AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden center and the land beyond the privacy fences will be a work in progress. Photos by E.J. Tegler
Situated 4-1/2 miles from its former location in Severna Park, the business is now situated near the corner of Solley Road and Rt. 177/100 in Pasadena. The barnlike structure, warehouse and surrounding field will suit the garden center well. But there is much to be accomplished before the transition from abandoned building/lot to thriving garden center is complete.
“Our move six years ago from Glen Burnie to Severna Park was quite a challenge because we’d been in Glen Burnie for 90 years,” Stephens said. “We’d accumulated a lot of material over all those years. We’d purposely kept things at Severna Park leaner and cleaner by storing a lot of historical stuff. So, the move to Pasadena was tough but not as tough as the previous one.”
He added that, even though the business was well established, there was quite a delay working everything out with Anne Arundel County. Nevertheless, they were able to hold their Grand Opening on December 11th.
“The reception to our opening here has been incredible. It really exceeded my expectations,” said Stephens. “Our Severna Park location always drew a substantial number of customers from Pasadena and we’re seeing the same folks here. We’ve also seen a lot of our Severna Park clientele come in and walk around as well as some of our former Glen Burnie customers to say nothing of newcomers.”
We started our tour of the interior with the enthusiastic owner amidst some of the merchandise customers seek out – merchandise that ranges from the organic soils and fertilizers on one side of him to Chew-Hooves, Lambs Ear, Pig Ears, Sow Ears, Knuckle Bones and Dog Treats on the other.
Owner Corey Stephens gave us a tour of AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center both inside and outside.
After noting the Welcome sign at the back of the family-owned business, we were pleased to spot the familiar brands of plant foods, grass seeds, and poultry, animal, and pet food staples we were used to seeing at the garden center’s previous locations.
The Welcome sign and implements and used on Anne Arundel County farms in the past give the interior spaces a homey feel that will be further enhanced by enlargements of historic photos. More up-to-date items include a section of bird houses, bird feeders, bird baths, bins of birdseed and even squirrel feeders.
We also couldn’t help but notice the old fashioned “General Store” feel of the place.
There is definitely a General Store feel about the place with the wooden barrels of the grass seeds AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center is best known for. There is even a pot-bellied stove included in a display of historic farm furnishings and equipment.
According to Stephens, there is more room, with the higher ceilings, for his staff to be creative and show off items from AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden’s collection of historic farm tools – implements that made it possible for Anne Arundel County to grow. A collection of photographs from the county’s farms is currently being readied to hang on the walls.
High on one wall is a collection of tools, including a two-handled saw,used to clear land that literally helped Anne Arundel County to grow. Beneath are tools used by modern-day farmers and gardeners.
Elsewhere, bundles of dried tobacco leaves and a pair of “tobacco burden baskets” are displayed.
A pair of “tobacco burden baskets”flank bundles of tobacco leaveslike those grown on many Anne Arundel County farms.
Stephens, who was proud to say he grew up on a tobacco farm, explained their purpose.
The hook you see hooked into the tobacco burden baskets to drag them along.
“The burden baskets go under the tobacco that is tied into bundles to be stored,” he said. “The burden baskets are what they ship them in. The hook to the right of them is what farmers pulled the baskets with. They’d hook into them and drag them wherever they needed to go. It was very, very tough work.”
An old scale, a plough, wooden barrels and an amazing toboggan with skis on display.
Pointing out some other artifacts including an amazing looking toboggan, several plows. wooden barrels, washboards and even a potbellied stove on a ledge above the checkout counter, Stephens noted the reason for showing them off.
A plough, a potbellied stove, feedbags and a washboard appear above the checkout counter.
“We’re trying to pay homage to my family’s farming history – over 125 years on both sides of the family including my mother’s parents, my father and my brothers and the Pumphries and their heritage as well, He said.
“We have some photos coming for the walls with farm scenes that document some of that history. We also have a collection of photos from all five locations we’ve been in over our 90 plus years in business – from Brooklyn in 1927 to Glen Burnie on Georgia Avenue in 1952 and 8th Avenue in 1977 and Severna Park in 2017 and we’re waiting for Spring to get a good shot of this location.”
Pausing by a mural of mid-20th century farm workers, we learned it was painted by Elsie Cummings. the garden center’s nursery manager at the 8th Avenue property and recently restored. The mural was used as a backdrop when AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center participated in the County Fair and Kinder Farm Park Fall Festival.
As always, products carried by AA County Farm, Lawn and Garden Center that you can’t always find everywhere include the aforementioned grass seeds formulated specifically for Anne Arundel County soils, products and equipment for raising farm animals, and birdseed for a wide range of our feathered friends.
Barrels and barrels of grass seed formulated specifically for county soils in one section while, in another section there was a range of birdseeds for various parrots, finches, cockatoos and canaries.
Though Christmas items were featured inside, we journeyed outdoors where the most obvious sign of the holidays could be found behind the privacy fencing.
Walking a bit further to what will be the plant nursery, we discovered row upon row of flats containing seedlings as well as the bare bones of a grow house and shade house.
According to Stephens, his crew transported some flats from the Jumper’s Hole Road property. Other flats are from shipments of transplants that just arrived. He explained that it’s imperative to get your stock in early. Transplants of leafy greens, onions and other hardy vegetables will grow in place while the weather is cool and be perfectly sized for selling to farmers, growers and gardeners in the spring. He also pointed out that the crew hasn’t finished unpacking from the move yet so there is still a lot of merchandise stacked behind the fencing or in the warehouse.
Flats of plants transported from the Jumper’s Hold Road property along with newly arrived shipments of transplants being grown for planting in April, May or June.Along with vegetables and perennial flowers, the garden center sells lots of Maryland native plants.
Stephens said he and his crew can’t wait to see the property come alive with bloom in the spring when the privacy fences are taken down.
He expressed relief and satisfaction at finding the new location which actually came to him through a longtime customer related to the property owner. She was upset to learn that the garden center was closing in Severna Park and in need of a new location. She urged her husband, Bud, the owner of Arundel Seafood and landlord of the then unoccupied adjoining unit, to reach out and offer it to Stephens. He did and “the rest is history”. The new property is ideal and the two businesses should help each other.
Customers will find ample parking at the garden center and a speedier checkout experience. If you haven’t visited the new location yet, you will want to consult a map online to see its exact location. The new store is located at 224 B&C Mountain Road behind Arundel Seafood. It can be a bit tricky to find as the entrance is on Solley Road.
JOANN Fabrics and Crafts about to close
Area residents and businesses were shocked to learn that JOANN Fabrics and Crafts at Park Plaza would be closing for good in January. At the end of November, just in time for Black Friday, signs appeared in the windows offering 30% to 60% discounts off all merchandise.
It is believed by several longtime tenants that the store has been located at Park Plaza for 30 or more years and may have been one of the anchor stores. It has been a popular destination and major resource for shoppers from Severna Park and the neighboring communities of Pasadena, Millersville, and Arnold and will be sorely missed.
Though we’ve attempted to get in touch with both Park Plaza and JOANN Fabrics and Crafts management, we were not able to reach them by the time we went to press. However, rumors about reasons for the closing abound.
We’d heard that the rent for the property was doubled, then heard that, though doubled, JOANN’s offered to pay it but Park Plaza wouldn’t renew the lease regardless. We’d even heard a rumor that another business wanted to acquire the unit and it was going to be remodeled to accommodate them.
In the end, a series of articles we found online that was written in January of 2023 makes more sense. The articles stated that JOANN’s planned to close eight stores across the United States. Other retailers like Big Lots, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Kohls announced plans to make similar cuts early this year.
According to employees of the Severna Park store, the JOANN Fabric and Crafts Annapolis at 150 Jennifer Road will remain open. Though less convenient, it will carry the same fabrics and crafts supplies JOANN Fabrics is known for.
LATE BREAKING NEWS JUST IN – Baltimore Business Journal reports that Mom’s Organic Market signed a lease for 11,893 square feet at Park Plaza in Severna Park.
The grocery chain expects to open the location in late 2024 or early 2025, according to a release from Baltimore-based Continental Realty Corp., which owns Park Plaza. Mom’s Organic Market has other stores are located in Hampden, White Marsh, Jessup and Timonium.
The space they’ll be taking over is likely the space JOANN Fabrics and Crafts is leaving.
Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Santa Runs end but Santa’s still appearing
Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s eagerly anticipated Santa Runs began on December 9th and visited neighborhoods throughout Severna Park for three days. Caught up in the holiday rush, we found that the Santa Runs had ended before we’d had a chance to observe the annual tradition. Thus, we were delighted to see Engine 12 with lights flashing followed by the Earleigh Heights rescue vehicle with Santa Claus aboard last weekend. They found a handy place from which to greet children in front of the Walmart store in Pasadena.
EHVFC’s Engine 12 followed by an EHVFC rescue vehicle……
…..with Santa Claus aboard. They took up a position in front of the Walmart store from which to greet everyone.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chiat 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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Plans for the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s December 1st Community Tree Lighting had gone swimmingly with sponsors, vendors and entertainers lined up – until pouring rains caused the event to be postponed to December 8th. The magical hour of 5 pm arrived with quite a crowd assembled along with four Severna Park High School cheerleaders on hand to cheer on the lighting of, not one, but two community trees.
Simultaneously, Severna Park Community Center was decorated to the hilt and getting underway with its December 8th “Cookies & Cocoa with Santa” event. As can be seen in the opening photo, SPCC community outreach director Amy Holbrook did a masterful job of decorating the portico of Boone Station Hall for Santa complete with a hearth and easy chair. Families flocked there from the outset.
Due to the rescheduling, the Community Tree Lighting ceremony was kept simple so as not to conflict with the holiday event at the community center. Arriving in Olde Severna Park at 5 pm, we were walking in from the parking lot with other attendees when first one, and then a second larger tree lit up the night sky over the assembled crowd.
The enormous historic evergreen soaring above the chamber building was first lit by former CEO Linda Zahn after the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber acquired and moved into the former Regester home at 1 Holly Avenue in 1995. Zahn had colorful lights custom made for the tree based on the design of the Naval Academy Alumni House tree.
By the mid 2000’s, the lighting of the big tree became too difficult and was abandoned in favor of a smaller tree. However, there was a longing in the community to see it illuminated again. At community members Christie and Greg Coster and Matt Wyble’s suggestion, Maryland Lighting & Sprinklers was contacted by chamber CEO Liz League and agreed to illuminate it at half the cost with community businesses donating the rest. The giant tree once more sparkled to life December 2, 2022. No less awesome this Christmas, the tree was instantly thronged with admirers.
Again, so as not to conflict, GSPACC arranged for their tree-lighting performers and vendors to appear, instead, at the community center event. Not realizing this, the crowd milled about and many wandered into the Olde Severna Park Railroad Station to see the Severna Park Model Railroad Club’s holiday train display.
The crowd milled about not realizing the rest of the program was integrated into the community center event.
Many lined up to enter the Severna Park Model Railroad Club’s holiday train display.
Luckily, cheerleaders Ivy Bauer, Caitlyn Cortez, Brennan Karney and Laurel Coard from Sevena Park High School, who helped countdown the tree lightings, led crowd members to the chamber’s pre-determined traffic crossing at B&A Boulevard leading to the community center.
Severna Park High School Cheerleaders Ivy Bauer, Caitlyn Cortez, Brennan Karney and Laurel Coard led the countdown for the tree lightings, then led crowd members across B&A Boulevard to the community center’s Cocoa and Cookies with Santa event. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
Once a smallish holiday gathering held primarily around an angel tree in the lobby, Cookies and Cocoa with Santa has grown into a sizeable event featuring an indoor Christmas market, games and displays inside the community center to entertainers in the courtyard, food vendors in Boone Station Hall with Santa in the portico and food trucks in the parking lot.
A touching “Advent & Christmas at Woods” display by the community center entrance emphasized the real meaning of Christmas. It featured Mary and Joseph, (portrayed by Jacquei Shade and John Strange), a shepherd (portrayed by Thomas Shade) and an angel (portrayed by Jessica Walsh) gathered around the Nativity scene the young lady in the photo below is studying so intently. The group also handed out Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s schedule of Advent & Christmas Eve Services.
Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church members Jessica Walsh, (the angel), Thomas Shade, (a shepherd), Jacquei Shade (Mary) and John Strange (Joseph) gathered round the Nativity scene viewed by attendees.
Christmas Eve services include 3 and 4 pm showings of the Family Christmas Pageant, a 6 pm Contemporary Candlelight Service, an 8 pm Traditional Candlelight Service and a 10 pm Traditional Candlelight Communion Service.
Entering the community center’s Christmas Market, we bumped into Board of Directors chair Ellen Kleinknecht and husband Scott who were pleased with the turnout.
“The streets are packed,” said Kleinknecht. “The board members each baked cookies to give out at Boone Station Hall but we’ve had to buy more.”
We saw evergreens, woodwork and hats among other things at Artish Soul.
Amy Heath’s Hip Mod Vintage collection sparkled. In 12 hours, she’d be at Severna Park Farmer’s Market.
The night’s biggest draw, of course, was the jolly old elf himself. Dozens of children enjoyed reciting their wish lists for him in the portico.
Santa was patient, listening carefully as every child recited their Christmas wish list for him.
However, a veritable flood of families filed past them to The Big Bean table where cups of hot cocoa were handed out.
Big Bean owners Christie and Greg Coster handed out hundreds of cups of hot chocolate.
Many attendees filtered out into the courtyard between the center and Boone Station Hall where the Severna Park High School Jazz Ensemble (courtesy of Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber tree-lighting sponsors) played Christmas carols. Additional entertainment included The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center’s Star Elite Dancers and local choirs.
Holiday festive, the Moveable Mixtures truck offered libations.
Others explored the parking lot where Movable Mixtures was providing libations while the Sweet Satisfaction food truck (a GSPACC member and tree lighting sponsor/vendor) provided mini peppermint sundaes.
Having taken it all in, we still had one more item to check off. We were invited by Director Kellie Greer to preview The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center’s dress rehearsal of “The Nutcracker” getting underway in a studio downstairs. The classical ballet by Tchaikovsky will be held December 16 at Severna Park High School beginning at 5 pm.
Choreographed by dancers Jill Weeks and Kathryn Quigly, “The Nutcracker” will showcase a condensed but delightful rendition of the ballet set on Christmas Eve with beloved favorites such as The Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Waltz of the Flowers.
We found a number of very excited dancers lined up by the costume closet where Weeks was handing out costumes which most were seeing for the first time.
Choreographer Jill Weeks, who was also directing the rehearsal, spent quite a bit of time handing costumes out to the dancers.
Immediately upon receiving crinolines, dresses and sashes, mouse costumes or whatever, the dancers slipped them on over their leotards, checking the mirrors while doing so. They could shortly be seen helping each other apply the finishing touches or tie each other’s bows.
Though tying those satin bows, the dancers in the foreground still needed to collect matching bows for their hair.
It was especially fun to see the “mice” catch their reflections in the mirror and then adjust their ears or noses.
The mice striving to achieve perfection.
Once dressed, the dancers exited to adjoining studios to wait for their cues. At Weeks’ direction, the dancers for the first act found their places. Three of the male dancers were not dance center students but friends of Jill Weeks’ daughters. They had never before danced but volunteered to appear in the production as a favor to Weeks who coached them a bit.
The music sounded and the cast engaged in a playful scene in which soldiers Johnathan and Lucas and man about town Ryan appeared for the first time ever.
From that point on, the rehearsal seemed to go fairly well. Thirty-five students from the dance program at The Dance Center will participate in the production. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance for general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Nutcracker Campaign (spcommunitycenter.org) or at the door. Greer noted that those planning to buy tickets at the door will need to use a credit card.
Jing Ying Institute’s annual Silent Auction and holiday party December 16
Billy and Nancy Greer invite the public to join them this Saturday, December 16, for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi’s holiday party and 20th Annual Silent Auction benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association. The party and auction take place from 3 to 4:30 pm at Jing Ying Institute, 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. in Arnold. There are so many wonderful items to bid on that we can’t list them all but they range from Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concert tickets, gift baskets from The Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse and The Big Bean among many others, and bracelets from Aid to Trade to Laughing Panda Chocolates.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chiat 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 byLean 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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Whether opting for a delicious taste or a divine sip to start with, guests at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s 13th Annual Taste & Sip event had an amazing array of foods and libations to choose from.
Many attendees chose to begin and end their evening with a beverage. Sharing a corner of the Chartwell Golf & Country Club ballroom, Kevin Sosnoski and Doug Morris from Goska’s Liquors poured from a selection of wines and mixed Pear & Ginger Sparklers for the guests while Greg and Christie Coster from The Big Bean offered them a selection of after-dinner coffees including one called Jack Frost as well as hot chocolate.
Jing Ying Institute’s Nancy Greer and executive director Sarah Elder trade late-breaking community news.
Ever trendy fashion-wise, Bohemian Black owner Rose Walker caught up with Big Bean owner Christie Coster to chat about the Olde Severna Park “Stroll & Shop” Coster is organizing with The Blended Essentials’ manager Danielle Bowen. The event takes place this Sunday (Dec. 10) from 4 to 7 pm and Walker is considering showing clothing from her collection there.
Big Bean owner Christie Coster chats with Bohemian Black owner Rose Walker about Olde Severna Park’s 2nd Annual “Stroll & Shop” happening this Sunday from 4 to 7 pm.
Folks who yearned for a nibble or two while socializing, gathered around one of Chartwell’s conveniently placed tables. Seen below, Debbie Kitchen, Diana Noon, Jennifer McAndrews, Barbara Gill and Donna Butman share food, friendship and the latest business buzz while waiting for three other friends to join them.
Left to right, Debbie Kitchen, Diana Noon, Jennifer McAndrews, Barbara Gill and Donna Butmanenjoyed each other’s company while sampling an assortment of foods and beverages.
Casting a glance across Chartwell’s ballroom, we noticed one of the largest displays of Silent Auction items donated by the business community that we’ve seen. In addition, there was a separate table featuring gift cards one could bid on. As the Taste & Sip event is one of the chamber’s best fundraisers, the Silent Auction is an important one.
The display of Silent Auction items was so large that it was arranged so you could weave in and out of it. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
Neil Kenworthy from Donnelly’s Dockside came to his first chamber Taste & Sip event armed with chafing dishes full of crab balls.
We’ll admit that we split our time between visiting the tables of the restaurants and businesses represented and scanning the sizeable crowd for people we knew. Brand new to chamber Taste & Sip events was Neil Kenworthy from Donnelly’s Dockside located in Arnold off of Shore Acres Drive. Known for its seafood, Donnelly’s Dockside served ever-so-tempting crab balls.
Next to Kenworthy were the adjoining tables of 206 Restaurant Group’ eateries JB’s and Park Tavern. Tastebud- teasers from JB’s included meatballs and onion dip with chips while Park Tavern had wings and garlic knots.
It was hard to resist any of the hot or cold foods offered by Mike Carter from Green Valley Market Place.
Moving down one more station, attendees found an incredible spread from Green Valley Market Place’s assistant manager Mike Carter that included a pretzel and dip platter, freshly-made crab dip, seasonal cranberry and walnut chicken salad, cheese dip, pretzel bites and crab balls. He emphasized that everything he served could be purchased ready-made at Green Valley.
A few stations further on was another restaurant new to the event, Pasadena-based Oscar’s Alehouse East. According to Brian Harper, the establishment is noted for having 36 craft beers and a diverse menu. Chef Kevin Gregario brought two of his favorite dishes – Old Bay wings and Jambalaya.
Brian Harper and Chef Kevin Gregario had some tempting dishes beneath those lids including…
Jambalaya, a Creole and Cajun rice dish seen more often in the South… but delicious.
More than a few food and beverage vendors were long-time chamber Taste & Sip participants. Foremost among them were Fishpaws Marketplace, Cafe Mezzanotte, and, of course, The Big Bean, and Goska’s Liquors.
Fishpaws’ general manager Terri Schroeter and cheese manager Terri Phoebus served assorted wines, olives and aged gouda to Emily Clement while the shop’s owner Kim Lawson checked out Silent Auction items and chatted with shop owners who’ll also be participating in Girls Night Out at Homestead Gardens Severna Park on December 13th.
Emily Clement stops to read a sign announcing that a calligrapher will be at Fishpaws Marketplace on December 16 to engrave any wine or spirit for a one-of-a-kind gift. A few seconds later, Schroeter would be filling her wineglass.
At one end of the ballroom a young singer from Priddy Music Academy had been serenading the crowd with holiday songs while at the other end people were deep in conversation. Matt Wyble, whose company Next Step Realty was the event sponsor, could be seen weaving his way through the crowd stopping to greet one group after another. When we finally caught up with Wyble, we recalled that he and former chamber CEO Linda Zahn launched the first Taste & Sip event at Homestead Gardens Severna Park.
“Fourteen years ago, in the spring of 2010, I’d just gotten out of the food and beverage business and I’d been to events similar to this one in other locations including Annapolis,” he said. “I thought, ‘Why don’t we do something like this for Severna Park?’ I approached Linda who said she loved the idea but the chamber had never had anyone willing to chair it. So I chaired it for 13 consecutive events. It started out as a fun way to kick off the holidays and now it’s grown into a tradition. There are many people here who have come to every single one of the Holiday Taste & Sips.”
Wyble added that he was using this year’s event as a customer appreciation party so there were fifteen couples new to the area being exposed to one of the chamber’s finest endeavors.
Unbeknownst to the crowd, members of The Chesapeake Harmony Chorus had been keeping undercover in a small “green room” adjacent to the lady’s room.
Music director Sally Burton and members of the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus kept undercover in a small “green room” till given the go-ahead. Costumed in holiday red, the singers assembled for carols delivered in perfect four-part barber-shop harmony.
At a signal from Liz League, they stepped out and assembled for a program of carols sung in four-part harmony. Though, for some reason, a sound system had not been provided, the crowd gathered round to enjoy them.
There were so many great vendors – too many to get to. However, we entered an alcove off the ballroom and discovered BD Provisions’ coffee roaster Phil Peters with a choice of blends from various roasts to sample.
BD Provisions’ coffee roaster Phil Peters brews nine different roasts and concocts various blends such as his popular “Morning Joe” coffee. He brought two along to sample.
Though Pat’s Select Pizza Grill’s Harris Tsap chose not to, Ally Tyler and Megan Dunaway lit up the night with strings of Christmas lights.
Making our way to the far side of the ballroom, we passed by some delectable pastries from the kitchen of Chartwell Golf & Country Club and bumped into Arnold-based Cheers & Spirits general manager Lacey Barry pouring some impressive wines aided by pal Matthew and distributor Mark Parker. Barry reminded us that Cheers & Spirits’ intricate Lionel Train display is up and running in the shop from 4 to 7 pm daily from now until Christmas.
Ice cream seemed the perfect top off for some attendees and we spotted guests walking around with ice cream from both Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and Sweet Satisfaction.
Local residents still have many more Christmas events to go and we’ll probably see you at some of them including tomorrow’s (Dec. 8) Community Tree Lighting at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber at 1 Holly Avenue at 5 pm and, at the same time, across B&A Boulevard at Severna Park Community Center’s “Cocoa and Cookies with Santa”.
Severna Park Farmer’s Market “Christmas Market” this Saturday morning
All of our favorite local vendors will be on hand at 8 am this Saturday morning, December 9th for the opening of the Severna Park Farmers Market’s celebrated “Christmas Market”. As seen in the photos below, taken in 2021, the Christmas Market is very special and a lot of fun.
The Severna Park Farmer’s Market’s 2021 “Christmas Market” drew lots of eager shoppers.
The Dance Center of Severna Park will perform “The Nutcracker” on December 16
The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center‘s upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker” will be presented on December 16th at Severna Park High School. The performance will begin at 5:30 pm, and tickets are available for just $10 each.
Choreographed by dancers Jill Weeks and Kathryn Quigly, “The Nutcracker” will showcase a condensed but delightful rendition of the ballet with beloved favorites such as The Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Waltz of the Flowers.
Thirty-five students from the dance program at The Dance Center will participate, showcasing their hard work and dedication. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance for general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Nutcracker Campaign (spcommunitycenter.org) or at the door.
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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
For those of us who love to #SHOPLOCAL, Black Friday revealed some beautiful decorations, great gift ideas and bargain prices from our local retailers. Choosing to start our shopping in Severna Park as darkness fell, we came across two lots selling Christmas trees. The first evergreen sale (an important annual fundraiser) was that of Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company at 161 Ritchie Highway.
Backtracking to Olde Severna Park, we discovered a “forest” of evergreen trees surrounding the familiar red & white striped tent of Diehl’s Produce at the corner of B&A Boulevard and McKinsey Road. We saw manager Jennifer Diehl standing just outside the tent which held even more Christmas trees, wreaths, ropes of evergreens and other holiday items.
Diehl’s Produce was absolutely surrounded by Christmas trees. Manager Jennifer Diehl is standing before the stands familiar striped tent which was also filled with small trees, ropes of evergreens and other holiday items. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
“The trees just came in this morning and they look great,” Diehl said. “We unloaded and and managed to set up most of them. Additional greenery, wreaths and holiday items are available inside the tent.”
The Blended Essential was ablaze with light and decorated with holiday garlands.
Crossing B & A Boulevard, we noted that The Blended Essentials shop was ablaze with light and a candle making workshop was underway inside.
In conversation with manager Danielle Bowen, we learned that the shop will be busy throughout the holiday shopping season.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Bowen said. “We have events like this candle making session and we have lots of special events. We’re also partnering again with The Big Bean and the shops along the strip here to do an Olde Severna Park Shop & Stroll on Sunday, December 10th from 4 to 7 pm. Though a secret for now, we’re also going to create a little something behind our shop this year that will be magical.”
One of two candle making workshops on Black Friday was conducted by Blended Essentials manager Danielle Bowen while another was conducted on the other side of the room by employee Kelsey Peters who is seen on the right.
We next took a shortcut to Park Plaza, found a parking spot by Park Home and spotted a Black Friday sale sign. Venturing inside, we discovered Christiana and J.R. Landsman pushing a stroller with son Joseph riding in front and daughter Isabel riding backwards in a compartment facing her father.
The Landsmans were visiting most of the stores in the shopping center and were browsing the well-stocked shelves looking for gift ideas.
Christiana and J. R. Landsman, son Joseph and sister Isabel (riding in the compartment facing her dad, were going from store to store seeing what was available.
In purchasing items for their holiday inventory, Park Home owners Ted and Brittany Meade considered the country’s far from good economy.
Unique ornaments with a coastal vibe, table linens in bright colors and decorative cushions are popular gifts for the home.
“We’ve tried to offer items that would make nice gifts at different price points,” Ted said. “A lot of times, especially if they have kids, people might set a limit on how much they want to spend. Linen napkins, table runners and placemats, dish towels, decorative cushions and unique Christmas tree ornaments are popular this year. We’re even carrying a line of hot sauces that some folks really like.”
While estimates on brick-and-mortar Black Friday sales won’t be available for some time. Fortune Magazine (Black Friday shoppers hold out for deeper discounts | Fortune) says that sales show US consumers are watching their wallets. Our excursion among local retailers last Friday indicates that Fortune’s observation may be correct.
A visit to Park Plaza at around 5 pm on Black Friday – prime shopping hours – revealed light shopping traffic. The parking lot was far from full and bargain hunters weren’t plentiful. Interestingly, it was the locally owned shops that seemed to have the most sustained flow of customers.
A chalkboard snowman on the Park Plaza sidewalk beckoned shoppers to The Cottage. The outer windows positively glowed with holiday lights.
Inside, shoppers browsed among a veritable wonderland with decorations and gift ideas as far as the eye could see.
Some holiday items were discounted for the day. In addition to the Black Friday deals, The Cottage locations at Park Plaza in Severna Park and at 149 Main Street in Annapolis will be hosting special events. They include Open Houses at both locations on November 30 and December 2, a Severna Park Ladies Night on December 6, and Midnight Madness events at the Annapolis location on December 7, 14 and 21.
Inside, The Cottage was a veritable holiday wonderland…but with Black Friday sale price signs popping up every now and then.
Walking toward the back of the shop, one found items ranging from sunglasses, potions, lotions and jewelry to handbags and a lovely selection of women’s clothing.
The Cottage was fairly busy at 5 pm on Black Friday. People were doing some serious shopping for Christmas gifts, and some carried shopping bags.
We spoke with several very busy clerks including Emerson Guiser who indicated that Black Friday had been busy and hectic, with no slow points, but fun.
We asked if the economy was likely to affect the shop’s holiday sales.
“I’d say business over the summer was definitely up and down and we had to change a few prices but it’s starting to have a steady pace now,” Guiser said. “I think, over the holidays, sales will be as good as last year. We haven’t had to change any prices in a long time.”
Directly across from The Cottage, at Nature Junction, some great gift ideas were on display in the windows. The shop’s interior was holiday perfect. There were lovely decorations including a Christmas tree containing handmade ornaments from one of owner Kim Stagi’s favorite artisans from Delaware. There were extraordinary items for nature lovers wherever one looked, from handsome books titled “Backyard Birds” and “Galaxies” to birdhouses, birdseed, birdbaths, lawn ornaments and products for other wildlife.
Stained glass suncatchers adorning the windows at Nature Junction would make great gifts.
Cheerful holiday decorations were interspersed with many items that would make perfect gifts for nature lovers.
Nature Junction staffers were clearly appreciative of the traffic generated by Black Friday.
“With this economy, we’ll take anything,” Stagi said.
At Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery, one of Park Plaza’s anchor businesses, sales were steady as was also the case with Side Street Framers Pasadena at 8220 Ritchie Highway – the family-owned company’s newly opened second location.
Black Friday sales were steady at Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery.
Unique handcrafted items like the Christmas ornaments created by artisan Terri Hechler are popular – especially her Chesapeake Bay crab ornaments.
To my surprise, Black Friday was one of the busiest we have ever had,” said the shop’s owner Dawn Wilson.
Wilson went on to announce that many of the local artists and artisans whose work is represented in both stores will be on hand for Side Street Framers Pasadena’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on December 9 from 2 pm to 5 pm. In addition to what’s available in the shop, there will be sidewalk tables with items created by the artists for sale and, as a surprise for children, a small sheep named Bruno will be on hand to meet them.
Never is Franklin’s Toy Store more popular than during the Christmas shopping season… and both the Park Plaza and Annapolis locations were well prepared for Black Friday. Not only were sale signs in the windows but also just inside the entrance.
Sales signs on the windows and just inside the entrance at Franklin’s Toy Store were encouraging to shoppers.
There was a large four-tiered shelving unit full of smaller toys titled “Stock those Stockings” that we noticed. It seemed to draw a glance from shoppers passing by who’d come back later to browse or buy.
Stocking stuffers any small child would love.
Last but not least on our list of must visits for Black Friday was Homestead Gardens Severna Park which, as you can see from the opening photograph, was as beautifully decorated as always. Signs for discounted prices were everywhere.
Homestead Garden’s artificial Christmas treeswere 20% off. Bellas and Glenhaven ornaments were 50% off.
Looking for the store office to get the lowdown on special prices, I spotted the familiar face of Denise Tray Rosson (who wrote the original Around The Park column in The Capital before it was taken over by Leslie Hunt and subsequently by me and carried on here as Around The Park Again).
“We were very busy throughout Black Friday,” Rosson said. “Christmas is on. We have quite a lot of sales at special discounts today but they’ll continue to be on sale. We’ll continue to have our Bella and Glenhaven ornaments at 50% off and we’ll also have 50% off our cabbage, kale, and pansies. Our Weber charcoal grills are on deep discount and our artifical trees will be going down by about 40%.”
Leading the way to a sign near the store entrance, Rosson pointed out that Homestead Gardens Severna Park was about to start a round of holiday events. They include Santa Vists which began November 25 and take place every weekend through December 17. A Santa Paws event held this Friday, December 1 from 4 t 7 pm will give shoppers an opportunity to get a photo of Santa with your dog. Lastly, the popular annual Girl’s Night Out. People need to register online for each of the events at Homestead Gardens – Garden Supplies, Nursery, and Landscaping,
Four holiday events that are bound to please. The Girls Night Out is always fun and there are discounts for attendees.
Having missed one of Anne Arundel County’s most popular holiday events – Homestead Gardens Davidsonville’s “Grand Illumination” – due to another commitment, we determined to visit the festively decorated greenhouses along Central Avenue on Saturday. We can never pass up the opportunity to see the display of Christmas lights or the sprawling train display so reminiscent of bygone days.
We were not disappointed. The Holiday Lights Display was magnificent with the translucent greenhouses shining past the sparkling trees.
The lights are a prominent feature during the holiday season at Homestead Gardens Davidsonville. The “Grand Illumination” event draws so many families from around Anne Arundel County that parking overflows onto both sides of Central Avenue. There is also a Lights of Kindness event December 1st and 3rd.
Not surprisingly, we found a mix of teens and younger and older couples…. but mostly families with children crowded around the train platform with its multiple tracks, tunnels, bridges, hills and villages. Many individuals were holding cups of hot chocolate provided by Homestead gratis.
Nothing finer than multiple trains on multiple tracks and old-fashioned Christmas villages dotted about snowy hillsides. The Homestead Gardens train engineers are miracle workers to keep the trains running smoothly.
It was touching to see the expressions on older individuals’ faces as they experienced once more scenes like those from childhood days.
We roamed through what seemed like fields of poinsettias and Christmas trees, both real and artificial and bare branched or decorated. But we had one last stop to make. The jolly old elf was occupied elsewhere on the grounds, but we just had to visit Santa’s Workshop. We found it cheery and bright and charming with the moon rising behind it.
The moon shone brightly over Santa’s Workshop. The man in the red suit was out and about but the shop was nevertheless a cheerful sight.
Here’s hoping everyone will follow our lead and #SHOPLOCAL to support our merchants and small businesses thereby preserving our communities.
Late breaking news: Community Tree Lighting rescheduled to Friday, December 8th
Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League informs us that, due to rain, the Community Tree Lighting will take place Friday evening, December 8 at 5 pm at 1 Holly Avenue.
“Thereafter, we’ll walk over to the Community Center to enjoy their festivities. They are hosting our entertainers, and our sponsors will be there too,” League said.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chiat 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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
It’s rare to find as amicable a gathering as the crowd of well-wishers attending the Thanksgiving Celebration held by sisters Winsome Brown and Danielle Morgan Brown to mark the successful first year of their business Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services.
Known for throwing wonderful parties, Winsome nevertheless worried that no one would come. However, from the moment she and Danielle opened the door to Lean On Dee’s office suite at 815 Ritchie Highway, friends and associates arrived in a constant stream. Self-appointed greeter Winsome was first joined by good friends Faith Harder Burns, Deborah Franz and Dr. LaVergne Andre.
Greeting new arrivals near the entranceto Lean On Dee’s offices, co-owner Winsome Brown is surrounded by (l. to r.) Dr. LaVergne Andre, Deborah Franz and Faith Harder Burns. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
Soon after, Courtney Capece from Committed Change Health & Wellness and Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League arrived. Capece, a member of the chamber’s Wellness Connections group, was happy to see League and hear about plans for the Chamber’s 13th Annual Holiday Taste & Sip being held at Chartwell Golf and Country Club on December 5th.
“We’ll be using Chartwell’s ballroom and dining room and there will be two bars,” League said. “In addition to ‘tastes’ from 26 participating restaurants and businesses, we’ll have a Silent Auction and entertainment. We’ve sold about 270 tickets so far but, at 300, we’ll think about getting a tent for extra space.”
Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League was delighted to see Courtney Capece from Committed Change Health & Wellness. Capece is a member of the Chamber’s Wellness Connections group.
Severna Park Voice owner/publisher Diana Lancione with LaToya Nkongolo, a therapist with Work Life Behavioral Health and Professional Training.
Lancione said the Browns have been an advertising client of The Severna Park Voice since early days when, with just a small staff, Lean On Dee managed in-home care for Alzheimer’s patients, seeing six clients each day. She’s been amazed how the business has grown.
Everywhere one looked were guests associated with Lean On Dee in some way. Ellen Christian and her friend Dave McKay were comparing notes with friend Kristi Korwek. Christian’s business refers families to assisted living homes where there are patients cared for by Lean On Dee. Korwek is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist with JPAR Real Estate in Arnold.
Seniors Real Estate Specialist Kristi Korwek chats with Dave Mackay and Ellen Christian who has a referral service for assisted living homes.
“Actually, Ellen referred Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services to me when I was putting a senior provider group together,” Korwek said. “I like to have reliable services to refer clients to. Lean On Dee was so highly recommended by everyone who knows them. Then, on top of that, my father went through some very challenging problems with his health this past year. We were able to hire some amazing caregivers from Lean On Dee and they were top notch.”
Dawn Jones sampling a selection of hors d’oeuvresfrom the buffet.
As the celebration continued, many guests migrated to a lovely room hung with family portraits where a delicious buffet waited. There were chafing dishes and trays of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, sweets, wines and other beverages from caterer Lara Toronto. Dawn Jones, a provider of brochures and informational materials for Lean On Dee, enjoyed sampling them.
As seen in the opening photograph, the evening culminated with remarks from Winsome and Danielle (the Dee for whom the company is named) and the introduction of their team including sister Ingrid McDonald and brother Tony Clarke, who have worked alongside them.
Winsome Brown reflected briefly on the creation of Lean On Dee. After working in New York’s financial sector for over twenty years, she was unexpectedly thrust into the role of a caregiver for her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010.
The sudden pressure to make life-altering choices on her mother’s behalf, without being prepared to do so, forever shaped her views about our health system and what was needed for seniors and caregivers. Soon, Brown and sister Dee, a registered nurse, formed Lean On Dee Senior Care Advocates, serving as Certified Senior Advisors and Certified Dementia Live Coaches and Caregivers. As demand for Lean on Dee’s services grew, they moved quickly from being a “no-touch” service doing home visits and assessments, and referring clients to other agencies, to a full care agency.
Three little girls and one little boy from Jamaica – sisters Danielle Morgan Brown, Winsome Brown, Ingrid McDonald and brother Tony Clarke.
“A lot of you were at our opening and ribbon cutting for Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services last year on November 17th, officially one year” Winsome said. “We’ve grown now to employ 51 caregivers. We want to thank all of our referring partners in the room who’ve trusted us and helped build us from three little girls and one little boy from Jamaica to managing the health needs of 43 clients. We are so grateful.”
Danielle also thanked everyone for being there and for the privilege of connecting with everyone in many different spaces and places. She said the family and staff genuinely appreciate all the support they’ve been given.
Sister Ingrid added that, though a small family group, they’ve carried out their passion – the Jamaican culture’s practice of caring for their elderly in their homes.
“To see Winsome and Dee’s vision grow and blossom and come to fruition is just wonderful and we’re enjoying it,” she said.
“When we first knew you, you were doing companion care with just five people who handled everything,” she said. “We’re all proud of you and want you to know that,” she said.
The evening ended with a raffle of some really fine items. Having considered several good health-related causes, they chose to donate proceeds from the raffle to the Parkinson Foundation.
Anne Arundel County Farm, Lawn and Garden Center moving to a new location
We’d heard earlier from owner Corey Stephens that Anne Arundel Co. Farm Lawn and Garden Center might be relocating. He just confirmed to us that the popular farm co-op will be moving from its current location on Jumper’s Hole Road in Severna Park to a new spot off Mountain Road in Pasadena.
For the moment, however, the Garden Center is still open and is having a big sale.
Currently located on Jumper’s Hole Road, Anne Arundel County Farm, Lawn & Garden Center has been exceptionally popular with Severna Park homeowners and gardeners for the past six years. However, the center will be closing on November 30 and relocating.
The sale taking place has some phenomenal bargains as we could see by signs posted across the property and inside the center.
There were many sales items outdoors including 50% reductions on items like flowerpots. (Just in: garden carts are sold out.)
Some bedding plants were being sold at reduced prices as well. Indoors, we saw that a few kinds of the grass seeds (the product the farm and garden store is most noted for) were discounted.
Outdoors, prices of some of the bedding plants were reduced.
Indoors, there were price reductions for some turf building products and grass seeds.
We heard that some Christmas trees were due to arrive and would be sold from the Jumper’s Hole Road location until moving to Pasadena along with the business.
Anne Arundel County Farm, Lawn & Garden owner Corey Stephens in his favorite outdoor spot keeping an eye on business.
Stephens spoke with us while keeping an eye on business from his popular outdoor perch. He said he learned a few months ago that he’d need to vacate the Severna Park property by November 30.
“When we moved to this Jumper’s Hole Road location, we knew we had a short term lease here,” he noted. “We first had a three-year lease and then another two-year lease and then, finally, another year meaning we were here for six years. We’d known the property owner had a desire to build. The COVID lockdowns postponed the end of our lease, but we found that it was finally time to move on.”
Stephens added that he considered the property a wonderful spot and wished he could stay forever. Nevertheless, he felt blessed to have it for six years and to have the most wonderful crew to work with he’s had in the 40 years he’s been in the garden center business.
Anne Arundel County Farm Lawn & Garden Center is one of the highest rated centers in the county so simply closing it was not a consideration. Thus, Stephens and crew found a “beautiful place” in Pasadena at 224 Mountain Road right behind Arundel Seafood.
“The new space will have a different layout but there will be plenty of parking and an ability to pull right up to the door,” he said. “The interior of the store will have a real twist in that we’re incorporating legacy photos and items from Anne Arundel County farms including from my family’s heritage and holdings.”
The farm/garden co-op was established in 1927 in Brooklyn, then moved to Georgia Avenue in Glen Burnie in 1952 and stayed there through 1977. The business operated from 1977 to 2014 off Eighth Avenue and finally moved to Severna Park six years ago. Now 97 years old, Anne Arundel County Farm Lawn & Garden will shortly celebrate its Centennial.
In moving to Jumper’s Hole Road, the garden center brought many of its Glen Burnie customers along with it while growing a substantial customer base from Severna Park. They are very pleased that a majority of Severna Park customers say they’ll follow them to Pasadena.
Stephens said they will be closing the Jumper’s hole location November 30 and opening in Pasadena on December 4th just in time for the holiday season. The center will be decorated for Christmas and there will be free gifts during the opening. For information and directions to the new location visitAA Co. Farm Lawn & Garden | Severna Park, Maryland (aalawnandgarden.com).
A reminder: The Community Tree Lighting takes place December 1
The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce Community Tree Lighting will be held December 1 from 5 to 6:30 pm. There will be cookies, hot cocoa, ice cream and a few other treats. Santa and The Grinch will be there too.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at Severna Park Community Center
The Dance Center of Severna Park will perform “The Nutcracker” on December 16
Another reminder that The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center is staging its upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker” on December 16th at Severna Park High School. The performance will begin at 5:30 pm, and tickets are available for just $10 each.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chiat 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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Tai Chi & Kung Fu
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Networking events staged as special occasions are a trademark of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s “Successful Women in Business” group. Each networking event gives the business hosting it maximum exposure. However, the gatherings’ most important mission is giving attendees an opportunity to share information about the products or services of their specific company or organization.
The Successful Women in Business Wine Tasting we dropped in on last Thursday at Cheers & Spirits in Arnold Station at 1460 Ritchie Highway was fun, informative and definitely a treat for the tastebuds.
Arriving just as the wine tasting was about to begin, we observed SWIB committee chairs Nancy Greer, Danielle Ortiz and Jennifer McAndrews putting finishing touches on the Door Prize table. Cheers & Spirits was looking great with gracious displays of food and wine. We were greeted by the shop’s general manager Lacey Barry who acted as hostess for the affair.
DMV Distributing’s Regional Sales Director Monica Conners (left) was invited by Cheers & Spirits General Manager Lacey Barry to provide the wines for the Successful Women In Business Tasting.She’s be pouring five impressive vintages – all of which were being offered to SWIB members at a discounted price. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
According to Barry, Cheers & Spirits took over the business in May of 2022 and was already seeking to branch out and hold some events when approached by SWIB co-chair Nancy Greer.
“We were delighted and immediately reached out to DMV Distributing for a selection of five wines to pour and offer to SWIB members at a discounted price,” Barry said prior to introducing us to the company’s Regional Sales Manager Monica Conners. “Monica will be highlighting the finer points of each wine as the tasting proceeds.”
Conners noted that , as regional sales manager, she now oversees the reps to who usually do the tastings. However, she decided to personally handle the SWIB tasting for Barry.
Danielle Ortiz, distributor for Q Sciences and co-chair of the SWIB Committee really enjoys participating in the networking events for the wide range of sites they are held at and for the casual atmosphere and sociability of each. She popped up everywhere and is seen below chatting with Chamber CEO Liz League and, later, with Tammie Neall from Anne Arundel Community College’s School of Health Sciences.
SWIB committee co-chair Danielle Ortiz and Liz League.
Tammie Neall, from Anne Arundel Community College with Ortiz.
Having checked out several Successful Women In Business events over the years, we agree with Ortiz that they are, indeed, diversified. One of SWIB’s First Cup Club events we attended was held early in the morning at the former Good Life Organic Market featuring a splendid breakfast created by the market’s on-site chef using fresh organic ingredients from the store. Another was a Kombucha making demonstration and tasting in Annapolis Home Brew’s tasting room. Another was a “Diamonds, Wine & Chocolates” event held at Zachary’s Jewelers with help from Fishpaw’s Marketplace.
Carrie Baquie, a well-being empowerment coach and True You life coach Debbie McTammany, who regularly attend SWIB events, had a great time catching up with each other and chatting about previous events. Meanwhile, McAndrews welcomed newcomer Katherine Grote to the group.
Regular SWIB networking event attendees Carrie Baquie and Debbie McTammany caught up with each other as, in the background, newcomer Katherine Grote is welcomed by committee co-chair Jennifer McAndrews.
Greer, who’d suggested the wine tasting at Cheers & Spirits to co-chairs Ortiz and McAndrews, recalled how popular “tastings” have been with the networking group in the past.
“They’ve been among our most interesting events. We’ve also been wanting to bring more attention to businesses in Arnold and this wine tasting was a perfect opportunity,” Greer said. “Learning that Lacey Barry was raised in Arnold at Winchester on the Severn was a happy coincidence.”
Cheers & Spirits general manager Lacey Barry was only too happy to satisfy Nancy Greer’s curiosity about which wines to pair with which foodsfor her holiday meals.
Longtime chamber members Barbara Gill and Jennifer McAndrews with newcomer Katherine Grote.
We ran into longtime chamber member Barbara Gill, founder of Chesapeake Coffee Connections and McAndrews who were intrigued by Integrative Family Nurse Practioner Katherine Grote’s description of her medical practice which includes “house calls” for patients.
Gill mentioned to McAndrews and Grote that she was about to mark the 13th Anniversary of Chesapeake Coffee Connections with a celebration at SOMA in Annapolis Harbour Center on November 14.
Though not a member of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber, Monica Ingson, general manager for CertaPro Painters of Annapolis, learned about the SWIB wine tasting, decided to give it a try and was pleased that she did.
Throughout the event, the women couldn’t help noticing the only gentleman in the shop behind a counter on the far side of the store which they thought might be a “bar” area. It turns out the young man was the very knowledgeable Michael May who was standing behind a “counter” from which customers could purchase a wide variety of miniatures. Next to the miniatures, a high-end area contained the shop’s most expensive products like Dom Perignon vintage Champagne, a Clase Azul premium tequila, and a rare Utopia Sam Adams in an elaborately designed porcelain bottle.
Michael May presided over a counter behind which were miniatures……
…and high -end products like Dom Perignon vintage Champagne and Clase Azul premium tequila.
As is the tradition with Successful Women In Business events, attendees next formed a line (as shown in the opening photo) and, by turns, described their businesses, organizations or services. They began with their hostess Lacey Barry who described what Cheers & Spirits has created since taking over the business in 2022 and noted that all the wines were being offered to attendees for the evening at 25% off. They then moved on through League, Ingson, Neall, (who is about to be Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce president), and everyone else in turn.
In response to Greer’s invitation to share any upcoming events, Cheers & Spirits highlighted several including bringing back the popular Polar Express Lionell Train Display designed by her father last year – which will run from December 1 thru 31. League mentioned a dozen upcoming holiday events including the Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber on December 1.
Greer took the opportunity to report that the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi Team completed the Alzheimer’s Walk raising $8,200. The team walked this year in honor of her father Glenn who passed away last February. Glenn was a loving and dedicated caregiver for Greer’s mother who’d suffered from the disease. Not yet finished raising money, Jing Ying Institute is holding a Silent Auction through December 16. (People may still donate for the cause by visiting Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).
Door prizes were awarded and the floor was turned over to Monica Conners for the highlight of the evening – a wine tasting featuring five delightful vintages including Vinyes Ocults – a Malbec from Argentina, Sidney Back – a Chardonay from South Africa, Tussock Jumper – a Prosecco from Italy, a Finca Bacara – a Monstrell from Spain and a Vinha Da Coutada Velha Red Blend from Portugal.
Conners chose a great selection of five wines to pour for her guests and she was very knowledgeable about each.
Stay tuned for the next Successful Women In Business networking event which you’ll find mentioned on the chamber’s page at Facebook.
UPCOMING “SAVE THE DATE” OCCASIONS
Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber on December 1
The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Community Tree Lighting will be held December 1 from 5 to 6:30 pm. There will be cookies, hot cocoa, ice cream and a few other treats. Santa and The Grinch will be there too.
Cellos by Candlelight Concert at Woods Church on December 2
Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church will celebrate the start of the Christmas season with a program called Gloria Deo! A Cello Christmas Concert. The concert will be held in the church sanctuary and will begin at 7 pm.
According to music director David Merrill, the program will feature a professional cello octet and small orchestra from the DC/Baltimore area. In addition, the church’s Adult Choir, Praise Team, Seek Singers, and Children’s Choir will appear along with dancers performing choreography by Elysia Merrill. The concert is Free but a ticket is required. Please visit woodstix.org.
Elves for Elders program in progress at Partners In Care
Aware that the holidays can be a difficult time for people, Partners In Care, Maryland has begun an “Elves for Elders Holiday Stocking Drive”. They are asking folks to spread holiday cheer by stuffing a stocking for an PIC member or make a donation. The stockings will be delivered by volunteers. Partners In Care needs the stockings or donations on or before Saturday, December 2. Donations can be made by visiting Donate – Partners In Care Maryland.
Chamber’s 13th Annual Holiday Taste & Sip to be held December 5
The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s 13th Annual Taste & Sip will be held from 5 to 8 pm on December 5th at Chartwell Golf & Country Club with delicious food and drink from 21 of the area’s finest purveyors. We’ll have more details soon. Meantime, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com) for an update.
The Dance Center of Severna Park will perform “The Nutcracker” on December 16
The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center has announced its upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker”. The holiday classic will be presented on December 16th at Severna Park High School. The performance will begin at 5:30 pm, and tickets are available for just $10 each.
Choreographed by dancers Jill Weeks and Kathryn Quigly, “The Nutcracker” will showcase a condensed but delightful rendition of the ballet with beloved favorites such as The Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Waltz of the Flowers.
Thirty-five students from the dance program at The Dance Center will participate, showcasing their hard work and dedication. The doors will open 30 minutes prior to the performance for general admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Nutcracker Campaign (spcommunitycenter.org) or at the door.
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 byLean 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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
There were a lot of very happy faces as booklovers, young and old, browsed through the shelves after finding their way to the new location for the American Association of University Women Anne Arundel branch’s annual book sale at Chesapeake Square in Glen Burnie.
Arriving on the second day of the sale, we were told that lots of people came up from Severna Park and Pasadena to shop, but there were also many new customers. Among them we found first timers, Madison Nobile and Jaden Rucker from Brooklyn (who are seen in the opening photo) combing through a section of novels. Both girls said they loved that the books were so inexpensive.
Planning had already begun for the 2023 AAUW Booksale following last year’s event at Park Plaza in Severna Park – the most successful the organization ever held. They’d looked forward to repeating that success this year but were disappointed to learn the shopping center had no empty storefronts available in which to hold the four-day event.
By August, with the Booksale scheduled for November 2 thru 5, booksale committee chair Alice Harrison, sent out emails asking for help in finding a new location.
“We’re currently searching for a site to hold our annual sale,” Harrison wrote. “So far we are not having any luck. Everything is leased — all the empty stores that you see around the area are said to be already leased.”
Luckily, they found a two-room space in Chesapeake Square at 6714 Ritchie Highway that was perfect. Worried people might not find them, the committee publicized the event heavily. AAUW members and volunteers worked for 7 days carefully sorting and setting up the books by category.
They opened their doors at 8 am sharp on Thursday, November 2 for a two-hour Pre-Sale period for dealers… followed by their usual 10 am opening for the public. They were happily very busy for the remainder of the day and for the three days that followed.
The new location for the AAUW Used Book Sale at Chesapeake Square in Glen Burnie. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
Luckily, the AAUW Booksale website gave good directions to the storefront in Chesapeake Square which we visited on the second day of the sale. Walking in, we immediately spotted the familiar face of AAUW member Gabby Gick who works the sale every year.
AAUW Anne Arudel member Gabby Gick replenishing a section of books.
“Though I moved to Pennsylvania, I’m still a member of the Anne Arundel branch and I come back every year to work this event because I love it so much,” Glick said. “It’s empowering for the women of our organization to put together an event like this and empowering for everyone to have access to so many great books.”
The immense collection of used books is assembled by AAUW members each year through donations by local residents at summer Book Dropoff sites they set up at shopping center or church parking lots. They also pick up books from estate sales or from residents wanting to donate their own collections. The books are stored through summer and fall, then trucked to the sale site, unloaded, unpacked from boxes, sorted and arranged in sections by members and volunteers.
A grouping of books, largely pre-dating 1940, held possible limited-edition treasures for dealers and collectors.
Books, from any and all categories, may be valuable. Book dealers from a wide geographic area pay $25 to attend the 8 to 10 am Pre-Sale on the first day. But individuals who are collectors also attend the event and are particularly attracted to a section with a sign marked “Possible Treasures”.
“One man spent two hours looking at the treasured books (printed before 1940) and others in the rest of the sale,” said Harrison. “His wife, who is also fond of reading old books, was out of town but sent him a text saying ‘Go to this book sale’.”
Romance novels and mystery/thrillers stretched across the far side of the first room.
Marked with signs, the categories were as diverse as ever. There were shelves and shelves of general fiction and romance novels. The mystery/thriller sections were amazing with books by some of the 20th Century’s most impressive and best-selling authors from the genre ranging from Dick Francis, Robert B. Parker and Ian Rankin to Michael Connelly and David Baldacci – books still in print but not available in some of our libraries.
Looking for a mystery book to buy for her brother, Janet was delighted to find herself surrounded by boxes of them.
While perusing the mystery books, we bumped into Janet who asked us for advice. She explained that, though unfamiliar with mysteries herself, she was shopping for her brother who had asked her to buy him one or more. We suggested titles by several authors we felt her brother was bound to enjoy.
The biography and history sections were heavily shopped as expected but other categories held some surprises. There was a Finance category, a State of Maryland section, multiple Science sections, Nature sections and, of course, Travel sections. Particularly interesting was a How-To section with books titled everything from “Practical Gunsmithing”, “Table-Sawing Techniques”, the “Complete Guide to Kitchens” and “The Songwriter’s Idea Book” to “Tips for Quilters” and an old original “Singer Sewing Book” (possibly collectible).
The variety of categories was amazing as was the variety of titles within each category.
Member Roxann King, who’d volunteered to work the checkout counter proudly told us that, sales wise, AAUW had had its second best First Day (following the best First Day which occurred at last year’s sale in Severna Park). She added that she’d greeted many repeat customers who shop the Booksale every year like Dorothy McGuiness.
Longtime AAUW member and volunteer Roxann King worked the checkout counter and enjoyed greeting many repeat Booksale customers including Dorothy McGuiness.
We spotted one shelf of dictionaries and several shelves of once invaluable encyclopedias as well as world almanacs …and that was just in the first room. We moved into the second room and found that it was devoted primarily to books for children and teens but also held several arts and entertainment sections.
We came across Michelle Soileau and her husband shopping there with grandson Ben. They were looking for books for their six grandchildren. Soileau said she had learned about this year’s Booksale from a member of her book club who was also an AAUW member. She’d already picked out several children’s books. However, Ben had ideas of his own. His choices somehow ended up on the floor.
Michelle Soileau was shopping for books for her six grandchildren with her husband and grandson Ben. It seemed Ben had his own choices in mind but his books somehow ended up on the floor.
Having accumulated a small cardboard box of books ourselves, we decided we’d better check out the prices which were conveniently placed on the walls of both rooms. With paperbacks just $1 and hardbacks $2, we figured we were in good shape.
On our way past one of the Old Books sections, we ran into two young men who said they were looking for some different things to read that were “not political”. They held up two books.
One, titled “Lin McLean”, was an old Western written in 1905 by Owen Wister. Even the cover was evocative of another time and place.
Even the cover of this Western novel, written in 1905 by Owen Wister, conveys a sense of history.
The second vintage book was a biography of Will Rogers written by P. J. O’Brien in 1935. The book contains a personal inscription inside the cover which reads, “Brinkley Barrett, Christmas 1935, Happy Birthday from W. G. Kinne”.
“Will Rogers, Ambassador Of Good Will, Prince Of Wit And Wisdom” was written 90 years ago by P. J. O’Brien
Following the AAUW Booksale, we caught up with committee chair Alice Harrison who seemed quite pleased.
“We found our site at a very late date and it was farther north than we had been before. But through our Facebook page (AAUW Used Book Sale) and other avenues, people found us,” Harrison said.
“The site itself in the Chesapeake Square Shopping Center gave us plenty of space to sort and display our books. We had a steady stream of visitors on each of the four days of our sale and they seemed to be very happy with our books. All in all we feel that it was a very successful sale!”
The book sale is the major fundraiser for the American Association of University Women’s scholarship program. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for girls and women who are Anne Arundel Community College grads transferring to a university and for the Women to Women program for individuals returning to the workplace or opening businesses and needing further education. For more information about the activities of the members, visit AAUW Anne Arundel County (MD) Branch
Life of Joy Foundation’s Songs of Hope benefit concert November 11
A reminder from founder Joy Cortina to get your tickets now for Life of Joy Foundation’s “Songs of Hope” benefit this Saturday, November 11 at The Church at Severn Run. “Songs of Hope” is a faith-based benefit concert supporting those impacted by suicide, depression and other mental health challenges. For tickets or information, visit Life of Joy Foundation, Inc.
Thanksgiving Celebration at Lean On Dee November 16
Sisters and owners Winsome Brown and Danielle Morgan Brown are hosting a Thanksgiving Celebration (also fondly referred to as a “Friendsgiving Celebration”) at the Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services offices at 815 Ritchie Highway, Suite 213 on November 16th and the public is invited. A raffle will be held during the event with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Association. The Thanksgiving Celebration, which begins at 5:30 pm, is an opportunity to mix and mingle with various businesses as well as celebrate going into the holiday season.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chiat 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.
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
As organizer of the multi-chamber celebration that marked the 30th Anniversary of Partners In Care, the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s CEO Liz League found it a bit like herding cats to assemble those gathered along the sidewalk.
Guests from all five Partners In Care locations arrived at the organization’s headquarters and Upscale Retail Boutique at 8151 Ritchie Highway for the anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting that accompanied it. Representatives from several chambers were there as well. Looking across the assembled crowd there were so many familiar faces including many PIC staff and volunteers, longtime chamber members Nancy Greer, Crystal Wiley Gazic and Tommy Sommers and quite a few elected officials.
There were so many familiar faces in the crowd including longtime GSPACC members like Cyrstal Wiley Gazic (second from left) and, next to her, Partners In Care staffers April Stup, Dawn Eberhardt and Anner Jennings. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
League began the anniversary celebration by acknowledging Partners In Care Maryland, Inc. for programs and services that support the independence of older adults through its unique “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Service Exchange/Time Banking program. She then introduced two of the three Partners In Care’s co-founders – Sandra Jackson and Barbara Huston. Missing was the third co-founder, Maureen Cavaiola who currently lives in California.
It was a very special moment when chamber CEO Liz League introduced Partners In Care co-founders Sandra Jackson and Barbars Huston to the crowd.
Asked by League how the women came up with the idea for such a wonderful organization, Jackson deferred to Houston, PIC’s first president and CEO.
“The three of us had just retired and were trying to figure out what to do with the rest of our lives,” Houston said. “We wanted to do something meaningful and were also recalling that our own parents continued to be very active in the community. Sandy’s husband had just written an article about ‘time exchanges’ and that idea resonated with us. It would be a way to honor and keep a record of people’s commitment in the community as they volunteered assistance to individuals who needed help. They’d be able to ‘bank’ their time serving others for similar help when they needed it.”
She added that it’s hard for some folks to ask a neighbor for help and they don’t know where else to turn. However, it’s less difficult to ask an organization for help and Partners In Care could be that bridge.
“Off we went with 13 drivers and 13 people who needed rides. The rest is history,” Huston said.
Jackson added that the 13 original volunteers were all family and friends. There was little technology when they began other than whiteboards and blackboards. Fortunately, they learned that the University of Maryland had created a data base for a time exchange in Florida.
“We persuaded them to create one for then tiny Partners In Care free of charge,” Huston said. “With help from the University of Baltimore, we tailored the data base into something that suited their own needs.”
Moments later PIC’s current president and CEO Mandy Arnold was introduced and joined Huston and Jackson, the two women she admires the most. Prior to Huston’s retirement five years ago, she’d made Arnold her deputy for a year. Arnold’s subsequent transition into the role of CEO was seamless and the positive changes and initiatives she’s implemented have been nothing short of amazing.
Current Partners In Care Maryland, Inc. president and CEO Mandy Arnold about to step forward and join Barbara Huston and Sandra Jackson in front of the crowd.
Passionate about Partners In Care’s ever-expanding role in allowing seniors to remain in place in their homes, Arnold said she always considers it a blessing and an honor to serve older adults wherever they may be. She pointed out that Partners In Care now has five locations including the original Anne Arundel County one in Pasadena, the Frederick County location in Frederick, Maryland, the mid-shore location in Easton, Maryland, the Washington County location in Hagerstown, Maryland and the Montgomery County location in Silver Spring. She’d ideally like to see PIC’s programs expanded nationwide.
“Older adults are often forgotten in our country. Our goal is to see they are not forgotten across the county and the country, Arnold said. “We also strive to build communities at a time when we are in desperate need of community.”
Her words were echoed by some of the speakers as League moved on to the next phase of the anniversary celebration. First to appear with a citation for Partners in Care was Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman who noted that the organization stepped in to supply drivers for senior center users when some of the county’s drivers were transferred and no longer available in 2018. As a result, PIC was awarded a contract to supply drivers which is still in effect.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman about to present a citationfor Partners In Care’s services to the community.
Eleven more citations were presented beginning with Karissa Kelly, Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities which works closely with PIC. Among other presenters were Anne Arundel County Councilman Nathan Volke and Maryland State Delegates Heather Bagnall, Brian Chisholm and Stuart M. Schmidt (on behalf of the Anne Arundel County Realtors Association).
A longtime Partners In Care member and volunteer, Maryland State Delegate Mark Chang was effusive in his comments about the organization and especially about his good friends Sandra Jackson and Barbara Huston. He even held up a copy of a newspaper article from 15 years ago containing of photo of himself and Jackson at an event they were participating in.
Longtime PIC member and Maryland State Delegate Mark Chang showing a newspaper article from 15 years ago to Sandra Jackson, Mandy Arnold and Barbara Huston. The photo featured a photo of Chang and Jackson attending an event.
There were two awards from the Pasadena Business Association – one from the organizations Executive Director Sandi Parish and another from President Heather Frees.
Presenters Bob Chapman, Chairman of the Board for the Northern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce (who is seen in the opening photograph) and Jennifer Dan Becaun from the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce came a distance to attend the celebration as did Paul Fry from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
League presenting one last citation from the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber.
Scott Wallace from Anne Arundel Workspace echoed sentiments shared by Arnold when he underlined that Partners In Care’s Aging In Place programs are a vital part of the community. Last to make a presentation was Liz League on behalf of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony ended with Mandy Arnold inviting everyone to step inside PIC’s offices and boutique.
The offices held a surprise. We found Kitt Band, the fourth person to become a member and volunteer with Partners In Care 30 years ago, seated beneath two signs sighting some very impressive statistics. Never in her wildest imagination did she think the organization that began with 13 drivers would grow to have more than 11,205 members.
Kitt Band, the fourth person to become a Partners In Care member and volunteer 30 years ago.
Light refreshments in the conference room and a leisurely browse through the boutique, which looked lovely, were a fitting conclusion to a fine 30th Anniversary celebration.
“For me and for Sandy, this was the final project – to bring all of the original Anne Arundel group back together again,” Huston concluded.
Woods Church annual Christmas Bazaar back in all its glory on November 18
According to committee co-chairs Beth Hadley and Pam Blumenthal, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church has been holding its annual Christmas Bazaar for more than 70 years with the exception for a temporary pause during the COVID pandemic.
An abbreviated version of the bazaar held last year was a success. Thus, Hadley and Blumenthal are happy to announce that the Christmas Bazaar is coming back on November 18th from 9 am through 1 pm with all of its traditional bells and whistled.
Hosted by the church’s Mission Ministry, the bazaar will delight holiday shoppers with a wide range of handmade knitted items, quilts from the Woods Quilters, homemade baked goods, sweets and candy and, of course, a White Elephant Sale. There will be jewelry, books and children’s books and an abundance holiday greens and arrangements.
Holiday Bazaar committee co-chairs Pam Blumenthal and Beth Hadley display one of the handmade quilts from the renowned Woods Quilters that will be on sale on November 18th.
“This year, we will have a limited amount of furniture for sale including, believe it or not, a firepit originlly priced at $200,” said Blumenthal. “We are also bringing back, for the first time in years, our famous Lemon Peppermint Sticks.”
Hadley pointed out that there will be a “Secret Santa Shop” just for children to shop for holiday presents on their own. Santa, himself, will roam throughout the building ready to lend an ear to children’s Christmas wish lists.
There will be a Raffle Basket with individual raffle tickets priced at $1 or six tickets for $5. The church will once again be serving a homemade lunch beginning at 11 am.
Both Hadley and Blumenthal noted that a tremendous amount of work is involved in putting together the annual holiday bazaar.
“We have 21 captains overseeing various aspects of the event and there are three or four volunteers per table,” Hadley said. “We are lucky to have Hons Honey from Curtis Bay as a Mission Partner this year.”
Beth Hadley holds an example of one of the clever pillows made by the Woods Quilters with a pocket for a child’s storybook.
Pam Blumenthal displays one of several signs she’s prepared to draw attention to the knitters’ tables.
There are many volunteers, but it will take a full day to set up for the bazaar. The bazaar is such a fun place to shop, see your friends and neighbors, enjoy a bite of lunch, and find some evergreens with which to decorate your home that the organizers are expecting a wonderful turnout. For more information, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).
Opus 2 Concert also at Woods Church on November 11
A reminder from David Merrill that Opus 2, a Woods Music Benefit Concert is being held Saturday, November 11 at 7 pm in the church sanctuary. He promises it will be an enjoyable evening of “debuts”. For details visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).
AAUW Book Sale to be held at new location November 2 – 5
Another reminder that the annual American Association of University Women Book Sale will be held Nov 2 through 5 at a new location at Chesapeake Square, 6714 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie (South of Ordinance Rd, west side of Ritchie Hwy). The popular sale offers a wide variety of books including fiction, biography, history, science, religion, arts and crafts, cookbooks, coffee table books, children’s books and more.
As always, doors will open for presale from 8:00 to 10:00 AM today, November 2 ($25 entry) and, thereafter, free to all from 10:00 am to 7:00 PM. The sale continues Friday November 3 and Saturday November 4 from 9:00 am to 7:00 PM and on Sunday November 5 from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM.
A reminder from Good Neighbors Group president Julie Shay that the AAMC-Luminus Bloodmobile will be at Severna Park Village this Friday, November 3 from 8 am till 2 pm. The Bloodmobile is sponsored by Good Neighbors Group, Garry’s Grill, The Big Bean and Park Books.
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.
