Author: wingsorb@aol.com

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Service

Things are rarely quiet at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company as the ears of all first responders on duty are attuned to the speaker system heard throughout the firehouse. In spite of the consistent spate of emergency calls coming through the speakers, the atmosphere was calm in Fire Chief Dave Crawford’s office.

The chief was bringing us up to date on the status of EHVFC’s plans to build a new fire house. The company held public meetings in 2018 to explain that the 66-year-old facility was failing, and that they were exploring rebuilding it. Unfortunately, that couldn’t happen because of a set-back rule requiring the firehouse to be 65 feet from the highway which it’s not. It’s closer. Engineers told the fire company it couldn’t be modified or moved. Therefore, plans were drawn up to build a new firehouse 600 feet east on the station’s 9.5-acre tract of land.

“As of now, it’s been five years since we came up with a design and began the process,” Crawford said. “We wanted to offer the land that would become available when the new firehouse was completed and the current one demolished for pad sites that could be leased to bring in funding. However, to do that, we were required to apply to the Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning to have our zoning changed from residential to commercial. In doing so, we faced five years of denials from them. Finally, the Anne Arundel County Council suggested an amendment which passed 7 to 0 and our commercial zoning was granted in March. Now, we can at least get started”.

He went on to explain that the fire company has been told by the county that it will take another 360 days to get a building permit. As EHVFC has navigated these delays, construction costs for the new building have risen dramatically due to inflation.

“The cost for the station has gone from $9 million when we started to $16 million and the cost for the adjoining hall has risen from $2.5 million to $8 million,” Crawford said. “We’ve come to see that there’s no way we can raise that amount of money from our conventional fund-raising efforts like our carnivals, bull roasts, Bingo, and banquet hall rentals.”

He added that the company has applied for grants and would love to have one but, with so many other organizations applying, it’s been like buying a ticket for the lottery. So far they’ve had no results.

As happens every year, EHVFC sent out 18,000 mailers asking for donations but only got about 4,000 back with a contribution. This is the first year they’ve ever mailed them out to businesses.

“The results were very disappointing,” Crawford said. “We sent the mailers to 1,800 businesses and got only $2,200, primarily from small businesses. The big businesses didn’t support us at all. Most were part of larger corporations with a regional or national reach and they all said ‘No Way’. Regardless, we take care of them. “

The Chief estimated that the fire company serves a nighttime population of 25,000 to 27,000 people but, in the daytime it’s up to 60,000 or 70,000 counting the workforce and student population.

“We also take care of all the assisted living facilities which give us no money,” he added. “We make numerous runs each day to all of them putting considerable stress on the equipment and apparatus that we own.”

Suddenly, in the midst of Crawford’s update, an alarm sounded over the speakers followed by a call for response for an “unconscious baby, first degree alert”.

In the blink of an eye, Engine 121 responded to the call with siren roaring and lights flashing. The firetruck barely cleared the door as we snapped the photo seen above but was quickly followed by Medic Unit 12.

Built in 1957 when the company’s fire trucks and ambulance were smaller, the aging firehouse has low ceilings. Today with two fire trucks, a rescue squad truck, an ambulance, and a paramedic unit – roughly 93 tons of fire, rescue and emergency equipment – space is tight. Even with Engine 121 and the paramedic truck out on a call, quarters were tight for the remaining equipment.

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EHVFC’s most recently purchased piece of equipment, a Special Response Unit that specializes in water and offroad emergencies – particularly in inclement weather – has to be parked outside. Though owned by the fire company, it is used statewide and nationally if need be.

After six decades of heavy use, the fire station shows significant signs of deterioration with cracks visible on both interior and exterior walls.

Second floor amenities for on-duty firefighters are outdated and in disrepair. With an open locker room, open bunkroom and single shower room for both sexes there’s little privacy. The wood paneled kitchen, break room and meeting room are timeworn and heating and air conditioning are spotty.

For 100 plus years, Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company has kept our neighborhoods safe as an independent, self-reliant department. Its grounds and firehall have also served as primary gathering places for community events.

Organized April 18, 1918 by 14 members living on Truckhouse Road, the company had no equipment, no station and a balance of $2.50. What they lacked in funds and equipment, they made up for in determination. By 1930, the volunteers moved from their original firehouse – a wooden structure on skids that migrated from property to property – to a brick facility on Truckhouse Road they built themselves. Simultaneously they progressed from a $75 horse-pulled ladder wagon to a chemical wagon on a Model T chassis.

By 1939, the firehouse housed a 500 gallon-per-minute (GPM) American LaFrance pumper and an American Fire Apparatus 400 GPM pumper on a Diamond “T” chassis. But they soon outgrew the facility.

Aided by a contractor, EHVFC members completed construction of their current firehouse at 161 Ritchie Highway in late 1957. Over ensuing decades, the fire department membership and complement of equipment grew as neighborhoods grew.
Today the company serves all of greater Severna Park (with a population of nearly 40,000 residents according to the 2020 census).

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and remains a very valuable resource for our community. The volunteers save countless lives each year not to mention businesses and properties throughout the area. EHVFC’s website lists 31 first responders, all of whom are devoted to the district as a whole and the neighborhoods in which they live.

“We serve a very densely populated district with a large proportion of property owners,” said Crawford. “The Earleigh Heights volunteers own about $50 million worth of rolling apparatus and contribute the expertise, manpower and labor to use them. (Conversely, there are 15 county-owned stations with budgets running about $350 million a year.) People don’t realize that, if EHVFC went away tomorrow, there would have to be a $1,700 tax increase for every single homeowner to cover fire and rescue operations for the district.”

Obviously, the need to raise funds for a new firehouse for the volunteers is critical. According to Crawford, some of the Anne Arundel County Council members, including District 3’s Nathan Volke, District 5’s Amanda Fiedler and District 7’s Shannon Ledbetter get the importance of EHVFC to the community and feel as strongly about the need for construction funding as he does. Hopefully, the public will take notice. Any and all donations are appreciated no matter how small. Individuals wishing to make a donation my visit Donations – Earleigh Heights VFC (ehvfc.org).

Diehl’s among local produce stands that support our farmers

In our ongoing efforts to #SupportOurLocalFarmers, farmstands, farmers’ markets and produce stands, we circled back to Diehl’s Produce in Severna Park – a favorite local business for 57 years.

Always fun to talk to, manager Jennifer Diehl acknowledged that the stand has continued to uphold a tradition dating back to the days when her father Doug made early-morning runs to the Eastern Shore for sweet corn and tomatoes or to Adams County, Pennsylvania for apples.

“Peaches are in season so we’re selling our wonderful Adams County peaches and apples right now. The sweet corn still comes from the Eastern Shore and is better than ever this year,” Diehl said.

Shielded from the sun by a filmy curtain, an entire corner of one of the tents is devoted to the peaches which look and smell great.

Diehl said the cantaloupes from both the Eastern Shore and from Carroll County are sweet and plentiful. The seeded melons, Canary melons and yellow melons are from the Eastern Shore too.

Much-sought-after tomatoes from the Eastern Shore are a perennial hit and are particularly flavorful this summer according to Diehl.

Summer vegetables ranging from string beans to cucumbers and peppers stream into the stand daily with some from Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties and others from the Eastern Shore. There are also beautiful sunflowers provided to the stand for 50 years by a local gent who also supplies summer squash.

Diehl’s Produce hours are 9 am to 6 pm daily and on Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. You can follow Diehl’s Produce daily at Facebook to see what’s just coming in.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean on Dee Senior Home Care Services

Founded in 1961, to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the independent non-profit known for 62 years as Providence Center has been renamed Providence of Maryland, Inc. and rebranded. In front of the non-profit’s headquarters on Shore Acres Road, a newly created sign was shown off by president and CEO Karen Adams-Gilchrist, Aimee Bullen and Dan Walker. Simple in design, the sign features an attractive logo and the name “Providence”.

Adams-Gilchrist explained that she believes the name change better reflects the non-profit’s goals of helping those it serves live their best lives in their communities throughout Anne Arundel and Charles counties.

Providence Center was created in 1961 to serve the needs of “children” with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 1975, when the Equal Education Law was passed enabling children with developmental disabilities to attend special education classes in public schools, Providence refocused its services to adults. Today it serves nearly 500 individuals at four locations in Anne Arundel County and recently expanded into Charles County where it maintains residential housing for group living support.

“Our biggest concern in rebranding the organization was to drop the word ‘center’ from our name because our work is now based in the community,” Adams-Gilchrist said. “We wanted to send the message that we’re supporting people to live, learn, grow and work in their communities instead of within the four walls of a single building.”

Bullen, vice-president of community relations and development, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the rebranding focuses attention on Providence’s main goal of “putting people first, helping them be the best they can be”. Many students the organization mentors as they transition from high school to the workplace end up taking jobs or paid internships at Providence headquarters where four large greenhouses are maintained year-round.

Greenhouse manager Rachel Carey oversees vocational training for developmentally challenged students interested in horticultural employment. As the same time, she supervises the planting of seeds and cuttings for environmental restoration projects and for large scale commercial growers working with the Army Corps of Engineers, Dominion Energy, Anne Arundel Community College, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and Maryland Therapeutic Riding among others. Carey gave us a little tour.

She first walked us through the largest greenhouse where we met Patrick Andreoli, Carey’s Assistant General Supervisor Manager who is invaluable in running the greenhouses. A paid staff member, Andreoli is a Providence success story and is still supported by the organization. The light and airy space of the greenhouse was filled with row after row of chrysanthemums being grown for the autumn plant sale. The sale will take place at the same time as Providence’s 8th Annual Harvest Bash fundraiser on Saturday, October 15th at 6 pm. The combination of rustic hued chrysanthemums and thousands of twinkling lights. will provide a beautiful setting for an evening featuring great food and music by the Dan Haas Band.

For those of us who like to support our local farmers and growers, each of the four greenhouses was a joy to see. We appreciated the native plant seedlings and small collection of ornamentals. However, we found the unique collections of plants like Spartina patens, Spartina alterniflora and Andropogon virginius being grown for shoreline restoration projects especially interesting. Providence provides them for shoreline restoration efforts of Anne Arundel Community College, several area riverkeepers and other organizations dedicated to protecting the Chesapeake Bay and our rivers.

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A substantial number of students gravitate to Providence’s Pottery & Arts studio at 40 Church Road in Arnold. Studio artists create beautiful and unique products for sale that make wonderful gifts. All items from Providence’s Gifts that Give product line are hand-made with the finest materials. Classes are offered at the studio for the general public along with Paint Your Own Pottery parties. To inquire about classes or schedule a paint party, visit Pottery Studio in Anne Arundel County | Providence of Maryland,

According to Bullen and communications manager Dan Walker, many local businesses sell pieces from the Pottery & Arts Studio. They include Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery in Severna Park, Annebeth’s on Maryland Avenue and Old Fox Books in Annapolis and others.

Bullen noted that Providence has been very successful in building individuals’ vocational skills and placing them with local businesses. Career Services director Jessica Holman and her staff are good at helping people determine what they’d like to do, gain the necessary skills and finding partner employers to offer them jobs or paid internships.

“We now have 72 large and small partner employers that include BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Luminus Health Anne Arundel Medical Center among others,” Walker said. “That means we have a lot of interaction within the community and the individuals we place with partner employers have a lot of interaction within the community.”

A very successful example of someone Providence matched with an employer is Tyler Kirsh. Tyler has been working at the Giant in Severna Park for the past 13 years, with support from Providence Center’s Employment Consultant Cathy Smith.

Cathy Smith enjoys working with Tyler and admires his attitude, attention to detail, creative problem-solving and his enduring work ethic. She said it’s clear he loves his job.

“It feels good to work,” said Tyler. “I don’t want to be sitting home just playing Xbox. I like being outside and talking to the employees and the customers. Just like the weather outside, somedays are better than others. Sometimes I feel tired at the end of the day, but I feel good. I like working; it makes me a better person.’

Adams-Gilchrist likes the changes brought about as a result of rebranding efforts.

“The thing I’m proudest of is that we’ve changed from being caregivers to coaches helping those we serve live their best lives,” she said.

A smaller change relates to transportation. Providence has switched from transporting individuals in large, conspicuous handicap-accessible buses like the one shown below to smaller vehicles that blend into the work environment.

For additional information about Providence of Maryland visit Providence of Maryland | Home .

AAUW Anne Arundel County Branch kicks off annual used book collections

The American Association of University Women Anne Arundel County Branch is seeking good, clean used books for its annual fall used book sale.  The organization has announced that members will collect books from 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays on August 12 and 26, September 9 and 23 and October 14 at the following locations:  

St Martin’s in the Field Episcopal Church, 375 Benfield Road in Severna Park (parking lot) Anne Arundel Community College, W. Campus Drive (parking lot off Rt 2) St Phillip’s Episcopal Church, 730 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis (parking lot)  

In addition to collecting books at the above sites, members collect books at Estate Sales throughout the year.  The Book sale will be held in early November with proceeds supporting scholarships for Anne Arundel County women. For more information see AAUW ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY USED BOOK SALE | Facebook or….. visit  http://annearundelcounty-md.aauw.net  or awharrison@yahoo.com.   

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Though the organizers had publicized the new location of Kinder Farm Park for Anne Arundel County Police Eastern District’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, they wondered if the event would draw its usual crowd. Held for the past seven years at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, it had broken attendance records for several years. In 2019, on the National Night Out event’s fifth anniversary, more than 2,000 people turned out to honor the police officers and firefighters that serve residents across the county.

Luckily, many families from the area are familiar with the park and the athletic field on which it was being held. By opening time, a crowd had begun to form, many of them drawn toward the showpiece of the event and a first for Eastern District National Night Outs – the Anne Arundel County Police helicopter seen in the opening photograph. The pilot and crew of the helicopter were offering attendees the opportunity to climb aboard. As a result, there was a never-ending line of folks eager to accept the offer – especially children.

The setting of Kinder Farm Park for this eighth year of the event was pretty – more like a sprawling village than the orderly rows of booths and display areas at the previous firehouse location. A double row of approximately 50 colorful tents that wound across the field in a semi-circle with a paved path between them and were manned by county police, emergency management and crisis response agencies and community organizations.

In addition to the helicopter, the Anne Arundel County Police were well represented as were the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Department and K-9 units.

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Among the booths, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police shared some excellent information and some really great giveaways.

Two other must-see booths were those of the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management and the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Crisis Response System.

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At the Emergency Management tent, Ashley Abati and Joe Seborowski were handing out Guides to Emergency Preparedness in three different languages plus flyers for the 2023 Emergency Preparedness Expo being held September 16 from 10 am till 2 pm at the Arundel Mills Campus of Anne Arundel County Community College.

Nearby, Crisis Response System team member Melissa was spreading the word about the services CRS provides including crisis interventions, assessments and referrals and crisis intervention teams.

There didn’t seem to be a stage or a paved performance area. Nevertheless, the opening ceremonies got underway near the announcer’s stand. A martial arts demonstration by students of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi and a K-9 demonstration took place on the grass a bit later. Every now and again, the narrow, paved pathway between the tents got a bit crowded but the flow was steady as visitors wound their way from one end to the other.

There were many games for children to play. An array of games at the Jing Ying Institute tent drew a never-ending flow of kids and kept student volunteer Melinda busy handing out prizes and candy.

Several Boy Scout of America troops offered games. The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Liz League and husband Jim ran a fishing game and SPAN, Inc. development director Michelle Sabean and her volunteers had a beanbag tossing game.

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National Night Out events were created throughout the country to give community residents and the police and firefighters who serve them a chance to get to know each other.

There was noticeably less fire and emergency equipment on display than in other years. We saw just three examples sharing space at one end of the field. Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company brought its newest piece of equipment, a Special Response Unit that specializes in water and offroad emergencies – especially in inclement weather.

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The Anne Arundel County Fire Department also had two pieces of emergency equipment on display – an Emergency Medical Services truck and an Emergency Command/Communications vehicle that attendees could walk through.

As has been the case in the past, a number of community, environmental and church organizations and small businesses were represented. We came across April Stup and Emalee Crawford from Partners In Care, Laura McElwain Colquhoun who is publisher for Macaroni Kids serving Pasadena, Severna Park and Glen Burnie, Maureen Carr York from the Greater Severna Park Council and several others. We were also pleased to see the Severn River Lions out and a group from Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church.

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Lest we forget the small businesses, we came across youngsters Preston and Greyson Hardgrave who were representing a new school about to open in Arnold called Acton Academy. The boys’ father Roman Hardgrave is the school’s headmaster.

Last, but not least, was Kinder Farm Park’s contribution to National Night Out and a popular one at that. Lamb “Rain” and his handler had come down from the farm’s barns above the field for a lengthy visit and lots of pets.

Supporting our Local Farmers

In an effort to support our local farmers and growers, we visit quite a few.

Last weekend, we were on our way to a new restaurant recommended to us by a Severna Park friend called Harper’s Waterfront at Turkey Point. On the way, we came across an adorable wagon from Starflower Farm situated next to the Marco Ridge Farm produce stand on Route 424.

Owner Angela Burdeaux, who was cutting sunflowers for a bouquet when we approached the stand told us that Starflower Farm is actually located in Bowie just across the Anne Arundel County line. The fact that Marco Ridge Farm generously allowed her to set up on their property was a welcome surprise as there is a considerable flow of traffic onto Route 424 from Route 50.

We traveled on making a left onto Central Avenue and headed toward the community of Mayo, picking up Mayo Road, bound for our restaurant destination off Turkey Point Road on Turkey Point Island. On the way, we discovered another gem, the Peninsula Farms stand where sweetcorn was selling for 50 cents an ear.

Considering that the stand is located a stone’s throw from the waters of the South River, we were not surprised to see signs for bloodworms and crab cages for sale out front.

According to Carol, who runs the business along with owner Chris, the Peninsula Farms stand has been open for 30 plus years.

“We’re Chris and Carol and everyone knows us,” she said. “The stand has always been just what you see though we’ve expanded a little over the years. The produce we sell comes from local farms.”

The interior of the stand is quaint and filled with abundant amounts of vine ripened tomatoes, ears of sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, string beans, onions, peppers, melons, peaches, plums and many other items.

You can follow Peninsula Farms (at 826 Mayo Road) at Peninsula Farms | Edgewater MD | Facebook.

Quick reminder for College Students

A quick word to let parents and students know about a workshop called Self Defense for College Students being held at Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi this Sunday, August 6 from 2 to 4 pm.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

August is about to arrive with its typical steamy temperatures but there are plenty of fun activities schedule for the month. Foremost among family-oriented events is Anne Arundel County Eastern District Police’s National Night Out which will occur next Tuesday, August 1 from 6 to 8 pm. We were surprised to learn that the event has a new location this year. It will be held the athletic field at Kinder Farm Park at 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road in Millersville.

Held in previous years at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Department, the event has been the largest of the National Night Out events in Anne Arundel County and crowds of more than 2,000 people have turned out to honor and support the police officers and firefighters that serve county residents.

According to Liz League of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce, which is one of the organizations helping plan the event, organizers decided to move the event due to the concern for attendees who tended to park along Magothy Bridge Road if the firehouse parking lots were full. She added that there is some concern that people won’t realize the event has been relocated to Kinder Farm Park.

Sara Gannon, who is heading the National Night Out planning committee, noted that information has been on the event Facebook page and other social media and people have been emailing it and sharing it.

“Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company is going to display on their front sign that we moved,” Gannon said. “Police are going to use an EMS board also.”

She added that Earleigh Heights VFC will have a piece of fire equipment at National Night Out. As in previous years, a great deal of fire and police emergency equipment will be on display.

There will also be 50 vendors participating including many of Anne Arundel County’s finest community organizations like SPAN, Inc., Northern Lights Against Substance Abuse, the Western Anne Arundel County Prevention Coalition and Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland among others.

National Night Out fosters good relationships between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.  In addition to highlighting the important services of our county’s first responders and the fire and emergency equipment they depend on, Eastern District Night Out events offer demonstrations and entertainment to enjoy, snacks to sample, brochures and handouts to collect, and numerous games for kids to play.

TGIF Cookout at the Chamber celebrates the last Friday of July

TGIF Cookouts on the office lawn at 1 Holly Avenue are one of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s favorite summer pastimes. This Friday, July 28th, the noontime-1:30 pm TGIF Cookout at the Chamber will be brought to you by Brandon Gulley of Modern Mind Connections.

There’s nothing like the aromas wafting from a grill to draw a convivial crowd for the casual cookouts. Attendees can enjoy all kinds of burgers including Veggie burgers, sides, dessert and more. Fresh popped corn provided by Pam Negron of the Negron Farmers Insurance Agency!

This event is free to chamber members and $15 for non-members.

Self-Defense workshop for College Students at Jing Ying Institute

With summer speeding by and the fall semester fast approaching, we wanted to let parents and students know about a workshop called Self Defense for College Students being held at Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi on Sunday, August 6 from 2 to 4 pm. While this self-defense workshop is geared toward students currently in college or headed to college, it is open to other teens and adults. 

There are three levels of self-defense: avoidance, escape and fighting back. The photo seen here demonstrates the second level – escape. In the photo seen here, student Melissa Wittke teamed with teacher Billy Greer for a self-defense demonstration, portraying both victim and attacker. The two illustrated defensive moves like stepping backward so one is beyond an attacker’s reach or turning an attacker’s own energy against him or her.

Supporting our local farmers by visiting farmers markets and produce stands

Cool temperatures and rain during the planting season meant slow growth for corn, tomatoes, melons and other crops from many Anne Arundel County farms. We previously visited Langton Green Community Farm in Millersville where some produce was offered for sale in late June thanks, in part, to the use of greenhouses. However, two of our favorite stands in Davidsonville, Maryland and one at Turkey Point in Edgewater did not open for daily summer produce sales until after July 4th. We’ll have more news from time to time on the farms, farmer’s markets, and produce stands in Millersville, Severna Park, Annapolis and elsewhere.

Last Saturday, we visited Chase’s Produce in South County on Route 424 (Davidsonville Road) which was offering fresh-from-the fields corn, melons and cantaloupes, cucumbers, squash, green beans and other items last Saturday. The popular produce stand had actually been open in the spring for strawberry season but then took a break. Chase’s is known throughout the county and as far away as Washington, D.C. for its Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Days.

According to both Bob Chase and wife Marge, this spring’s strawberry season was the best they’ve experienced over the eight years they’ve been growing and selling the berries.

“With cool temperatures and hardly any rain, the season was incredible. The weather could not have been any better,” Marge said. “We held the strawberry pickings daily and started the first Sunday of May and continued until June 11th which is quite long.”

In contrast, Chase’s produce season started off “quite rough”

“Though the cool weather was ideal for strawberries, we’re paying for it now because low temperatures are bad for produce,” Bob Chase said. “When temperatures finally rose and we got a little rain, crops really jumped so now there’s a lot of green in the fields.”

Chase was less than thrilled, however, with a recent hailstorm that temporarily destroyed his cucumber and squash crops. Regardless, both are now plentiful. Chase’s Produce is open seven days a week through Labor Day after which they open Friday through Sunday. You can follow Chase Produce’s schedule and keep tabs on what’s available at Facebook or by visiting Chase’s Produce – Fruits and Vegetables, Fresh Produce (chasesproduce.com).

We couldn’t resist stopping at nearby Marco Ridge Farm also on Davidsonville Road. In addition to fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, peaches, and flowers, we saw an amazing new variety of pattypan squash.

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The Marco Ridge Farm produce stand is currently open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and opens at 6 am. Follow them on Facebook.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Health Care Services

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church chair of Service and Outreach Alex McKeague and his friend Tom Patterson were on a mission in Olde Severna Park Tuesday afternoon spreading the word about a benefit concert for SPAN. The concert, being held at the church on July 27th stars Peter Mayer, singer, songwriter and lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band for over three decades.

In addition to working with Buffett, Nashville-based Mayer is a well-known touring musician with a tremendous following. He’ll be appearing in the concert with son Brendan Mayer and 20% of the event’s proceeds will be donated to SPAN.

The father/son duo tours together often. Brendan, a musician and songwriter with a following of his own, is delighted to appear with his dad for such a worthy cause.

For both men, combating hunger and food insecurity are important causes. That’s why they were impressed with SPAN’s decades-long dedication to assisting neighbors in need with food or financial assistance.

According to Alex McKeague, the idea for the concert was born during a meeting of Our Shepherd’s unique bible study group that meets weekly for “Tavern Talks: Bibles, Beverages and Bourbon”.

“A buddy of mine and I came up with the idea for the talks while our pastor was on sabbatical a few years ago,” McKeague said. “We decided to get together monthly for bible readings at each other’s homes which we’d then discuss. In doing this, we both liked bourbon so we’d try different bourbons at each meeting and critique them prior to the readings. We called our discussions Bibles and Bourbons. We soon invited other guys to join. Since a few of them didn’t share our love of bourbon, we expanded the choices and called the discussions Bibles, Bourbons & Beverages.”

He added that, as the membership grew, the meetings were referred to as Tavern Talks, a throwback to Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation, who was known for having table talks in taverns.

The bourbons and beverages were, indeed, fine. But the readings were the primary focus of the meetings. Discussions about them were lively with plenty of opportunity to comment, question or even offer an alternative viewpoint.

“After each reading, we ask ourselves ‘What is God calling us to do to help others?” McKeague said. “As a result, we’ve come up with some great initiatives. We’ve done Habitat for Humanity Chesapeake builds, Habitat for Humanity for the Eastern Shore of Virginia builds, a home expansion for a church member needing a room for her father and we built a sidewalk for an elderly gentleman in Pittsburgh. Doing something to help SPAN through this concert is an extension of that.”

With the beginning of the COVID pandemic in March of 2020, the group transitioned to holding their Tavern Talks via ZOOM. The upside was that it was easy and made it possible to hold the meetings weekly. Nowadays, the fellows are back to getting together in-person. Nevertheless, they continue to ZOOM the meetings too since some members live too far away to regularly attend.

It was through Tom Patterson’s involvement with Tavern Talks, that the members were able to engage Peter and Brendan Mayer for their concert. One of the members who has attended the Tavern Talk meetings for years invited his pal Tom to participate in one.

Patterson is not an Our Shepherd Lutheran Church member, he’s a Roman Catholic, but he truly enjoyed the bible study talk and has attended them regularly ever since.

Patterson is a longtime friend of Peter Mayer who is, interestingly, the son of a Lutheran missionary. Aware that, in addition to continuing to play with Buffet, Mayer has a group of his own that appears in the Annapolis area regularly at venues like Rams Head Onstage, he thought the duo of Peter and Brendan would be a great draw for a concert benefitting SPAN.

According to SPAN, Inc.’s director of development Michelle Sabean, the summer months are typically times of low donations, so the organization needs help to replenish the pantry and coffers. Cash donations are used to aid families with utility turn-offs, court ordered evictions, and prescription or medical needs during times of emergency.

“I’m pleased the Tavern Talk members from Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, on whose property we are located thought of holding their concert starring Peter and Brendan Mayer as a fundraiser for SPAN,” Sabean said. “I love how their group asks ‘What is God saying to us? What are we doing about it?’ They believe – love each other and love our neighbors and find many ways to help them such as this concert for us.”

Sabean and co-director Maia Grabau are particularly thrilled that the Mayers offered to donate 20% of their ticket sales to SPAN at such a critical time.

The concert will begin at 7 pm on July 27 in the church sanctuary. Tickets are $25 each and may be obtained at Peter Mayer (Severna Park concert).

Sad news from St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School

Head of School Tony Shaffer of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School shared news on Tuesday of the passing of beloved teacher Ellen Stanton on June 17th after a long illness.

He said Mrs. Stanton is fondly remembered as a life-long educator who spent the majority of her career at St. Martins in the Field Day School.

The Stanton family has established the Ellen Stanton Memorial Fund at St. Martin’s Episcopal School to support Lower School enrichment field trips, which were prominent in Mrs. Stanton’s teaching philosophy. Those wishing to support this fund in honor of Mrs. Stanton, can visit the school’s Giving Page.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Over the past couple months, a couple of new businesses have opened in Severna Park. The newest is the Tropical Smoothie Cafe which opened at 366 Ritchie Highway in the former Mariner Bank building.

Reimagined, the building is home to the area’s second Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise following an extensive renovation. The franchise for the new cafe is held by Sandip Patel who currently operates the other Tropical Smoothie Cafe at 8000 Jumper’s Hole Road in Pasadena. It now features a bright, modernistic interior with a tropical vibe.

The idea behind Tropical Smoothie Cafes is to make eating better easy with fresh, made-to-order smoothies, wraps, flatbreads and quesadillas that instantly boost your mood. 

Severna Park recently bid a fond farewell to Clement Hardware after five decades as a family business while, at the same time, welcoming its successor. In March, owner Gordon Clement sold the business to friend, former customer and family business owner Rick Miller in one of the most seamless and amicable business transactions we’ve ever seen.

By the beginning of April, Miller had taken over the business. We met with both of them and learned that Clement will stay involved in his already existing real estate business.

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Miller, who has renamed the store Park Hardware, maintained the staff and services of Clement Hardware but is updating and transforming the interior. For the first time, he entered the Park Hardware truck in the Severna Park Independence Day parade along with one from the fourth-generation family business Zeskind’s of which he is also a part.

Sadly, we’ve had to say goodbye to some of our favorite shopkeepers this year. We’ll miss their friendly faces.

April 1 was the final day of operation for Cakes and Confections Bakery Cafe. It was always such fun to chat with amiable owner and chef Michael Brown while trying to decide which yummy sweets to buy. We also had a great time meeting friends for lunch in the cafe where the quiches were superb. For 12 years Michael and Julienne Brown operated Cakes and Confections from their original location in Annapolis before moving to Severna Park in 2014. The family bakery had a wonderful customer base but, after 22 years the Browns decided it was time to retire. We wish them well.

More recently, Lisa Edelman Schneiderman and husband Glen announced that they were retiring from creating and marketing their custom pops and closing the Lisa’s Cakepops storefront off Ritchie Highway to move to Florida where most of their family lives.

Having started making cakepops in her California kitchen, sharing them with friends and then marketing them, Lisa saw her business take off after moving to Severna Park. We’d see her displaying her fabulous pops at almost every community event. After adding an e-commerce element, Lisa’s Cakepops expanded dramatically. Lisa and Glen finally fulfilled a dream of hers by opening their storefront with its commercial kitchen. By the beginning of 2023, they were producing thousands of cakepops for catalog companies along with their regular business.

An official goodbye party was held for the couple at the storefront by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber on June 29th.

A well-known local business has plans to take over the storefront/commercial kitchen’s lease and sublease it to different bakers. We’ll have more on this in an upcoming column.

Area shoppers, DIY types and antiques collectors definitely miss stopping by the Red Apron Shoppe where owners Mary Ann and Cam Neal could often be found. While not entirely gone from the scene thanks to their primary business Red Apron Estate Sales, the pair was sorry to leave the shop behind. However, a substantial increase in rent for the property made the cost of doing business there unsustainable.

In addition to filling the Red Apron Shoppe with a mix of contemporary pieces, vintage finds, and collections of China, glassware and furnishings gleaned from the estate sales they handle, the Neal’s also tried to bring back the neighborhood feel Severna Park was known for by selling penny candy for kids, homemade breads from local bakers, eggs from local farms, and crafts from local crafters. We understand that the Neals are looking for a new location for the shop though it may not be in Severna Park. Meantime, they’re offering shop items through their website.

Another long-time Severna Park business, Kirsten’s Cakery, also closed its doors in May. Owner Kirsten Klein opened her original shop at Park Plaza in 2011 but reopened Kirsten’s Cakery at its new location at 541 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Olde Severna Park in March of 2016. For over a decade, locals would meet Klein at the numerous community events she’d participate in where the Cakery’s truffles were always a hit.

We’ve been unable to reach Kline to determine if she’ll be retiring for a while to spend time with her family or moving on.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League noted that there are few new businesses opening due to the high costs associated with launching a new enterprise. However, a number of businesses are celebrating anniversaries.

“The chamber will be doing a ribbon cutting for the grand openings of the new businesses Atlantic Blue Water Service and The Sheridan in Severna Park assisted living community. Those celebrating anniversaries include Healing Paws Veterinary Wellness Center and Delmarva Financial Group,” League said.

She added that a new indoor pickle ball facility will open this fall. Though called The PutAway of Severna Park, it will actually be located on Nogales Road in Millersville.

According to business publication WIX.com, there was an 11.2% increase in producer prices from a year ago meaning businesses and consumers face a similar problem. Who will absorb the rising costs of supplies?

Amid inflation, small businesses hesitating to raise their prices must pay that difference themselves or be forced to transfer some of those costs over to customers, potentially losing loyal clients in the process.

A 2022 Goldman Sachs survey found that 91% of small business owners already struggled with the current economy’s impact on their industries, and 56% said the situation worsened since the beginning of 2023, painting a bleaker picture for the coming months.

Hopefully, area residents’ efforts to SHOP LOCAL will insulate our small independent merchants from the high costs of doing business.

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church receives environmental award

We just received word from Karen Royer that Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church has been awarded one of the five Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Sustainability Leadership Awards for 2023.

Woods Church’s environmental achievements include reducing energy usage by more than 50%, capturing storm water runoff from rooftops and paved surfaces in rain gardens and wooded areas, planting over 1000 native trees, shrubs and perennials, restoring the habitat for a variety of birds, wildlife and pollinators and refurbishing 500 sanctuary chairs for donation to other congregations in Baltimore, Delaware and North Carolina.

We were unable to report the float contest winners last week as they’d yet to be released. Luckily, we have a few of them down

Severna Park Independence Day Parade float winners

There were many wonderful parade entries and floats including the most patriotic entry – the massive Nathan McDavitt Memorial Flag. However, we’ve chosen to feature the four “Bests”.

Voted the Best Overall Float was the Linstead on the Severn community float with its well-crafted Blue Heron

The Best Overall Theme award went to Orphan Grain Train which perfectly conveyed the parade’s theme, “Bold Stripes, Bright Stars, Brave Hearts.

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The Best Commercial Float winner was Homestead Gardens 50th Anniversary Float while the Olde Severna Park community took Best Community Float prize.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

There is nothing like a long holiday weekend to explore and appreciate the many joys of summer whether headed for the beaches or hitting the local byways. We found plenty to do, see and taste close to home.

We started with a visit to Langton Green Community Farm where we’d learned produce was on sale to the public every Saturday from 10 am till 2 pm and prices were very reasonable.

Though running late and not arriving till 1:10 pm, we found there were plenty of vegetables still to buy. Farm manager Elizabeth Snyder pointed us to items on sale outside the Langton Green headquarters building that included huge heirloom tomatoes, the remaining jalapeno peppers and some charming bouquets. However, the day’s most popular items, boxes of blueberries, sold out early.

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Snyder then led us indoors where the farm maintains an excellent cold storage area to keep fruits and vegetables fresh. She explained that produce is harvested twice a week – on Tuesdays and Fridays.

“Most of what we harvest on Tuesdays is offered free to Langton Green’s residential community consumers while excess fruits and vegetables are donated to community food pantries serving low-income Maryland residents,” she said.

(The non-profit residential and farm programs support adults with intellectual disabilities while serving the community around them.)

“What we harvest on Fridays is primarily held for sale to the public,” Snyder said. “Our strawberry season from mid-May to mid- June was great this year. The plants were prolific and we sold a lot of berries. Our blueberries were in demand too – so much so that we hope to plant additional blueberry bushes. We still have some early season greens like lettuces and kale, carrots and radishes but the season for those is coming to an end.”

According to the Langton Green Newsletter, prices for veggies are reasonable. Still, we were surprised and delighted to find cucumbers, yellow summer squash and zucchini priced at 50 cents apiece.

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In order to offer tomatoes, cucumbers and summer squash early, Snyder raised transplants under lights and planted them in greenhouses like the one seen in the opening photo and the one opposite assuring an abundant supply.

She noted that the farm is currently transitioning from spring to summer fruit and vegetable crops. Soon, multiple varieties of herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes and leeks will be available.

Particularly exciting is the fact that blackberries are beginning to ripen and, by late July, Pick-Your-Own-Blackberries will be ready.

Wherever you look on the farm, there are flowers planted that are not only effective at drawing crucial pollinators like bees, moths, butterflies and insects but are beautiful. An entire field planted with a cover crop of buckwheat is abloom with white flowers – purely to draw pollinators to the tomato hoop house and fields beyond.

Watching bumblebees alight on a patch of zinnias near the Curcurbit Greenhouse was fascinating as they dashed from one flower to the next. They seemed to fly in the opposite direction of a bed of leeks next to them opting instead to enter the greenhouse.

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Beds of Anne Arundel musk melons (an heirloom variety of cantaloupe) intrigued us as did beds of heirloom corn suitable for grinding. Both are experimental but, if a success, they may end up on the sale table.

Spotting an amazing harvest of garlic curing in the sun, we determined to visit Langston Green Community Farm again. For information on the farm and to view the newsletter, visit Home – Langton Green.

July 4th at town center in Olde Severna Park

Located at the corner of Riggs Avenue and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Olde Severna Park, the judge’s stand for the 2023 Independence Day Parade was ideally situated to view the Nathan McDavitt American flag as it rounded the corner and assess the finer points of a multitude of entries.

Organized, as always, by the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsors were Chick-fil-A, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, Johnson Lumber and ServePro of Annapolis and Severna Park.

Familiar sights and sounds included patriotic color guards, fire engines, motorcycles, antique cars and Grand Marshall Wayne Gerst riding in a vintage Oldsmobile.

This year sponsored by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services, the Decorated Bike Contest riders pedaled into town followed by the Lean On Dee gang.

The Decorated Bike Contest, which dates back almost to the beginning of the event, was judged prior to the start of the parade at 9 am at the Chamber so the winners were already known. However, winners from all the contests, including the floats competition have not been officially announced. Hopefully, we’ll have them by next column.

The crowds at town center seemed to be a bit lighter for this year’s parade though just as enthusiastic. The Miller sisters Morgan, Paige and Kaitlyn, from Linstead, found a comfortable spot on the steps overlooking the intersection of Riggs and B&A Boulevard from which to watch the parade. Paige wore red, Morgan blue and Kaitlyn white.

Red, white and blue were seen everywhere one looked. Seated on a shady hill overlooking the parade, young Robbie Wilson was all about stars while his friend Mila sported stars on her clothing as well as stripes on her red, white and blue hat.

Many parade veterans were spotted in the line-up. Everyone was pleased to see that SPAN, Inc. at last obtained a truck so the macaroni and cheese, Cheerios, Giant Reduced Fat Milk and Food Pantry Cabinet wouldn’t have to hoof it. Even so, SPAN development director Michelle Sabean and several volunteers took turns pulling wagons in which to collect donations for the organization’s food pantry.

Music reappeared in the parade courtesy of the Woods Praise Band, a duo called Ivy League, some members of the Severna Park High School Band and singers from the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.

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Parade spectators generally agree that their favorite thing about the Severna Park Independence Day Parade is the community-built floats though the floats representing businesses and organizations are great too. We’ll show you just a few.

The crowds cheered loudly when Old Severna Park’s float came into view recalling the Apollo program space flights and moon landings. Olde Severna Park is always competitive in vying for the Best Community Float prize.

Linstead on the Severn created an amazing Blue Heron for its parade entry in an obvious attempt to capture the Best Community Float prize.

One more among the many was the Chartwell Young Leaders entry which went all out depicting the parade theme “Broad Stripes, Bright Stars, Big Hearts”.

We ended the holiday weekend with a stop by Diehl’s Produce followed by a fireworks display in the evening that we could view from our front porch.

We hope everyone had a fun 4th of July.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index, wholesale prices have gone down considerably over the past year. The Producer Price Index for final demand rose only 1.1 percent from May 2022 to May 2023. This is down from the increase of 11.1 percent for the 12 months ended in May 2022. Yet prices for food, household goods, clothing, fuel and other necessities remain at an all-time high.

Many individuals and families are finding it hard to cope and exploring ways to save money that they haven’t tried before. Their strategies include checking supermarket circulars for sale prices and shopping more than one store to save even a few cents. We spent Tuesday following a couple of tips from friends.

Our first stop was at Partners In Care Upscale Retail Boutique at 8151-C Ritchie Highway in Pasadena. According to PIC communications specialist Derek Milley “every day is a day to save money at the boutique thanks to our schedule of yellow, green and purple ‘tag’ sales”.

He explained that each month a calendar is posted near the counter showing green, yellow or purple tags for each week with a percentage of price discounts printed on them. (The calendars can also be seen on the PIC website.) Tuesday, we saw a predominance of green and yellow tags with a few purple ones. Green tags promised 25% off with yellow tag items 50% off. “On Tuesdays, there’s an additional 10% off every purchase for senior citizens and a daily 10% discount for veterans,” Milley said. “There are also regular Wacky Wednesday specials and, on Fridays, customers get $5 off with a $20 purchase.

Yellow tag sales (as illustrated in the opening photo) represent the biggest savings by far. With the 75% yellow tag discount, the complete set of China shown sold for $40 as opposed to price tags in the several hundred-dollar price range for sets of high-end dishes in other parts of the store.

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Were I looking for a “wear-it-one-time” to a formal wedding, anniversary celebration or gala dress, I’d have had a hard time passing up several evening wear selections bearing yellow tags.

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Switching to more practical matters, whether passionate about cooking or baking or simply looking to outfit a kitchen, customers appreciate that the boutique has an extensive amount of kitchen appliances and cookware on display. On Tuesday, quite a few items wore green, yellow or purple tags.

There were lots of practical things – from now rare but much appreciated incandescent lightbulbs to drills, gutter guards and a bird feeder. There were tablecloths, table runners and brand-new pillowcases.

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There was lots more to see and more savings to be accrued – even a sidewalk sale of $5 items put together by Chief Operations Officer Dawn Eberhardt. Before leaving, we touched base with Member Care Director Sharon Zentgraf who mentioned that Partners In Care would be hosting a Veterans Day event this autumn and also celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a Bull & Oyster Roast on November 3rd from 6 to 10 pm at La Fontaine Bleue. For more information on Partners In Care, visit Home – Partners In Care Maryland.

Our second stop on Tuesday was at Anne Arundel County Farm, Lawn & Garden on Jumpers Hole Road where we spoke with longtime owner Corey Stephens. Having always grown our own herbs, greens and tomatoes, we grew many more this year and were eager to have Stephens’ opinion about whether other families were doing the same thing.

Stephens purchased the popular farm cooperative 23 years ago when it was still in Glen Burnie before relocating it to Severna Park in 2017. Thus, he’s seen the ins and outs and ups and downs of the garden business but said he’s never seen anything like this season.

“We’ve been quite busy. People are definitely interested in saving money by growing their own vegetables,” Stephens said. “They’re also interested in eating fresh, nutritious, quality foods from their own gardens and having their children involved in growing them.”

He added that a lot more people have purchased packets of garden seeds this year which is the most inexpensive way to grow crops and flowers but takes the most time. Considering the price of lettuces and other salad greens at the supermarket, those seeds were especially popular.

“I’m sure you noticed the empty racks in our seed displays,” said Stephens. “We sold so many seeds that we had to remove 12 ft. of empty shelving and rearrange the seeds that were left.”

Garden vegetable transplants were reasonably priced and went fast this season too. As with the seed racks, there were a lot of empty spaces among the tomato seedlings well before the end of the planting season.

Pepper plants were completely sold out but some summer squash and cucumber transplants remained along with a limited number of herbs.

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The A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden staff came up with a budget-friendly option for customers who do container gardening. They are offering used pots that are perfectly good but might otherwise be discarded. The smaller pots are 10 cents apiece while the larger ones are $1 apiece.

For news, product information or for delivery, visit AA Co. Farm Lawn & Garden (aalawnandgarden.com).

Independence Day Parade fast approaches and we have late-breaking news

The Severna Park Independence Day Parade will be held Tuesday, July 4th from 10 am till 12 pm. Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League reports that the parade is sponsored this year by Chick-fil-A, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, AE2 Creative, and Maryland State Delegate &Heather Bagnall. The theme for this year is “Broad Stripes, Bright Stars, Big Hearts”. As before, the parade will travel down Benfield Road, head left onto Riggs Avenue past the judges’ stand, make a right onto Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard past the Severna Park Community Center and turn left on Cypress Creek Road and ending opposite Cypress Creek Park.

Severna Park Community Center Executive Director Sarah Elder tells us that the Severna Park Community Center will open the doors of Boone Station Hall to the public during the parade as a kind of comfort station where people may cool off or use the restrooms.

We’ve heard from SPAN’s Director of Development Michelle Sabean that the organization will have a float in the parade this year. (They’ll also accept donations as they do each year.

“In the past, we’ve often partnered with Chartwell Young Leaders and will do so again,” Sabean said. “But this time look for our truck decorated just for SPAN! We’re very excited to be using the large food items we began constructing last year and now we have a flatbed truck to display them on! Look for our Cheerios, Mac and Cheese and other items!”

We’ve heard that volunteers will be meeting on July 3 to decorate the Orphan Grain Train float. We’ve also heard that several neighborhood floats are expected to be in the parade. It’s always fun to see what the competitive neighborhoods of Olde Severna Park and Round Bay come up with.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Cool breezes wafted through the gardens, greenhouse and showroom at Homestead Gardens Severna Park as representatives from 15 wineries and 18 restaurants set up for the 4th annual “Corks for a Cause” benefit for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation on June 14th.

Completing preparations at the registration table prior to the opening of the event, BWMC Foundation volunteers Iskra Jones, Susan Iaquinta, Jamie Van Allen, and Rebecca Karner were ready to welcome guests the moment the doors opened at 6 pm.

The weather gods smiled, and the evening couldn’t have been more beautiful as distributors set up their displays along Winery Row. Among them were representatives from the Duckhorn Portfolio, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Treasury Wine Estates and McPrice Myers among others. We checked out a few.

Lisa Kurtz from Treasury Wine Estates was tipping her hat to wines from Australia and New Zealand. (Treasury Wine Estates has offices in California.)

Almost a dozen other wineries were dotted throughout Homestead’s gardens. Seen from a distance, wine consultant Ginny Murphy from Monsieur Touton Selection, Ltd. was opening bottles at Table 10 with just minutes to spare. She still had table decorations to complete. Luckily, by 6 pm, a floral tablecloth and clusters of grapes made a fitting backdrop for her well-chilled bottles of Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and a trio of reds.

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Behind Murphy, Connie Shillman and Jackie Polis had set up their display of 91 and 92 tasting point reds and whites and were listening to the tropical sounds and rhythms of steel drums nearby.

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In the greenhouse, Baltimore Washington Medical Center volunteers at two tables were arranging the foods they were about to serve.

At the first table, Jen Bonk was taste testing the Vegetable Tiki’s with dill dipping sauce donated by caterer Be My Guest and being offered by volunteers Samantha Parlaman and Syeza Aziz. Bonk is chair of New Generation Group, an organization of BWMC professionals that was a Corks for a Cause sponsor.

“One hundred percent of ticket sales go to New Generation and will be dedicated to cleaning up and upgrading the BWMC Healing Garden located behind the Tate Cancer Center,” Bonk said. “The already existing garden needs a facelift. We feel it’s an important feature for the well-being of patients and their families.”

At BWMC’s second table, Nurse Manager Kim Warner and Respiratory Therapist Michelle Mullen (seen in the opening photo) were getting ready to serve Shepherd’s Pie donated by Brian Boru.

So many restaurants participated in Corks for a Cause this year that it’s impossible to highlight them all, but we touched many bases.

In the store proper, the doors opened at 6 pm and guests surged forward. At a three-station table on the far right, Leonard Stepheon from Chapel’s Country Creamery in Easton began serving samples of handcrafted artisan cheeses. Next to him, attendees found ultra-premium charcuterie and salamis from Mitchell Berliner’s Hyattsville-based Meat Crafters impossible to resist. The crowd had yet to reach table’s end where Pam Meador from Fishpaws Marketplace stood ready with samplings of an aged Gouda called Kanal from Holland and crostini with a Provolone and Chianti spread.

In addition to being a sponsor of the event, Fishpaws was involved in organizing the wineries and owner Kim Lawson and general manager Terri Schroeter were seen zipping from table to table to make sure things were going well.

Fishpaws Marketplace would also serve as the official pickup point for any wines ordered.

“We have 15 tables selling five wines each and attendees can purchase wines by the half case or case,” Schroeter explained. “The cases will then be shipped to us by the distributors for pickup by the purchasers.”

Within moments of opening, Winery Row was overwhelmed by patrons bearing gift bags and tasting glasses.

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Carrol’s Creek Cafe got an A+ for the beautiful presentation of its tasty Rock Shrimp Gazpacho – just the thing for a summer evening.

Multi-year participant, Cafe Mezzanotte owner Tommie Koukoulis and catering director Vikki Green had several dishes simmering including hot Italian sausage and fennel meatballs.

This year’s Corks for a Cause event drew restaurants from near and far. The nearest and newest was Garten in Severna Park with a spinach and sauerkraut dip. Further afield, Hella’s in Millersville served miniature crabcakes while The Hideaway from Odenton had sliders. Columbia, Maryland-based Madrid Spanish Taverna’s Julio Koh served Paella and Squire’s Italian Restaurant from Dundalk did an amazing job preparing pizzas amidst succulents in a corner of the greenhouse.

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Corks for a Cause is such a convivial event that even vendors manning the tables have a great time. Warren Brock, who’s on the Next Generation board, was chatting with guests while minding the Nothing Bundt Cakes table where cupcakes were king. However, he’d been eyeing the Goat Cheese Stuffed Grape Tomatoes served by event coordinator Megann Cross at the Smashing Grapes’ table while she’d developed a hankering for his cupcakes. It seemed only natural for them to make a swap.

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Just about every vendor who’d attended the BWMC Foundation benefit previously commented on how much the event had grown. The total amount of money raised through ticket sales, a percentage of wine sales and silent auction sales were not yet available, but it is generally agreed that the fourth annual Corks for a Cause benefitting the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Healing Garden was quite a success. The funds will allow the Next Generation Group to replace the ground lighting with LED lights, replace aging wooden benches, install new plantings, apply paint where needed and expand programs for patients and visitors.

Woods Church congregation to celebrate member Charlie Phelps’s 105th birthday

We recently learned from Woods Counselling & Care Center coordinator Nancy Sullivan that Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church will honor member Charlie Phelps’ 105th birthday this Sunday, June 25th during worship and at a reception that follows.

A longtime friend of Phelps, Nancy Sullivan was kind enough to share some of her memories of him with us. We also spoke with his daughter Susan.

Charlie Phelps was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania on June 27, 1918.  He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and met his wife Helen while stationed at an air base in Georgia.  The couple had four children, Charlotte, Susan, Charles and Carol.

After the war, Charlie and his brother Alvin established The Phelps Brothers tree removal and clearing company.  They received a contract to help clear the area for construction of the Baltimore Beltway. 

Daughter Susan recalls that the brothers also cleared the land for the Capital Beltway and for I-70.

While involved with the Baltimore Beltway project, Charlie and Helen bought a home in the newly-built West Severna Park. He Still lives there with daughter Susan who moved in with him 10 years ago.  (Helen died in 2008).

After his retirement in 1963, Charlie and two friends formed the Retired Handmen’s Breakfast Society (REHABS) at Woods Church, a talented group of volunteer carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters who for 20 years have given thousands of hours of invaluable labor to keep Woods Church in fine repair.

REHABS meet on Thursday mornings, cook breakfast in the church kitchen and work until afternoon when Kitchen Coordinator, Carolyn Watkins, serves lunch. 

According to Sullivan, Phelps didn’t miss a Sunday of worship until he stopped driving at 103.  In honor of his 104th birthday, Woods named the large maintenance building on the campus “The Phelps Workshop.”

According to his daughter, Charlie attributes his longevity to work, staying active, and healthy food with little sugar and few carbs.

His advice to all is “Be as good as you can.”  Among his favorite things to do is to sit by the water at the West Severna Park Beach (where a sign hangs in his honor for his many years of maintenance of the beach property) and play with his great grandchildren.

Langton Green produce now available

A quick reminder that Langton Green is having sales of freshly picked produce grown in its fields every Saturday this summer from 10 am till 2 pm. We’ll have more details soon.

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The third of four performances of The Dance Center of Severna Park’s 2023 Recital at the Annapolis High School auditorium held Sunday afternoon was as lovely as it was entertaining.

Arriving at Annapolis High with time to spare and arms full of bouquets, hundreds of proud parents created a buzz of excitement as they swept into the auditorium. Backstage, the excitement level was higher as teachers and studio assistants helped with students’ costumes, and dancers scheduled for the first number warmed up.

While students’ parents, grandparents, siblings and friends filled the seats, some of the littlest attendees scooted away and merrily twirled about.

In keeping with the recital’s theme, Around Town, the program began with the opening notes of the song ” “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” by Fred Rogers followed by a welcome from the dance center’s director Kellie Greer.

From the youngest dancers to the oldest, the performers carried the theme through every number. An opening routine meant to represent The Dance Center of Severna Park began with a sea of pink exploding onto the stage. The innovative choreography allowed dancers from varied age groups and classes to flow with the tones and tempos of a medley of songs. (They were a small sampling of the more than 200 students enrolled in regular classes.)

Minutes later, a class of 3-year-olds amazed the audience as they danced the recital’s second number to composer Ede Poldini’s “Poupee Valsante” in honor of the notional Town Garden Store. Seated in a circle, the tiny dancers had stretched forward till the flower petals on their heads touched the floor. Then, as if awakening blossoms, they sat up, stretched, rose to their feet and moved in graceful circles, reaching toward the sun on their toes. As they ended the dance, they went down on one knee as if flowers closing their petals at day’s end.

As it did between each number, the stage went dark. Then, the beat picked up as piano accompanist Susan Wincek began the tune “Crocodile Rock” and the spotlights fell on a bevy of 4 and 5-year-olds who’d donned tap shoes for the dance sequence titled The Zoo.

Appearing onstage one at a time till there were seven, Viera Galliford, Julia Jones, Isabelle Maki, Mamie O’Malley, Sophia Parfitt, Miriam Warzoha and Fiona Frederick tapped their way merrily through the tune while keeping an eye on their teacher who directed them from below with hand signals.

The stage again darkened and music from the ballet “Swan Lake” began as the dance sequence titled Butterfly Garden at Quiet Waters began with one tiny dancer floating out of the darkness with butterfly wings shimmering. Dancers appeared one by one until there were a dozen.

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According to director Kellie Greer, all the dance numbers were selected ahead of time and then sponsors (in keeping with the Around Town theme) were sought for some of the segments. The fifth dance sequence was sponsored by Fox First Construction, echoing Geppetto’s trade as a carpenter, and was performed to the music of “Got No Strings” from the movie “Pinocchio”. Taps resounded through the Annapolis High auditorium as a dozen lively second year students portrayed marionettes freed from their strings.

The mood shifted as ethereal notes from a soundtrack of music from the three-act ballet “Jewels” created by George Balanchine were heard and the older Star Elite Dancers took the stage. Sponsored by local small business Red Apron Estate Sales & Shoppe, the ballet was beautiful to see performed.

“We always have a high school class at the junior recital so parents and kids can see the possibility of what their child could work toward,” Greer explained. “Our Star Elite group performs the opening number in all recitals and makes special appearances throughout our area.”

It was perhaps fitting that Chris May Realty, which handles properties all over the county, sponsored third-year Introduction to Jazz students as they set their toes a-tapping to “Hit the Road Jack” by Percy Mayfield. A similarly aged group of students sponsored by the Dance Center’s STEAM Adventures Summer Camp 2023 danced a clever piece of choreography to “I Don’t Want to Live on The Moon” – a Jeff Moss original associated with Sesame Street.

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There was admittedly a slight pause before the next number representing one of the Town’s favorite recreational areas, Kinder Farm Park. The wait was well worth it as eight 3-year-olds, clad in denim and buttons ‘n bows, galloped their hobbyhorses onto the stage to the rollicking rhythms of “Western Scene” by Irenee Berge.

Astonished that such young dancers could keep their concentration through the long dance number, sing a song midway through and then gallop offstage, the audience responded with thunderous applause, catcalls and whistles.

The lyrical melodies of “Ballet Dancer” by Irene Harrington Young and “Ballroom Whispers” by Louis Gregh combined for a graceful dance sequence featuring seven blossoming ballerinas sponsored by Severna Park retailer Dance Supplies, Etc.

Arranged in groups of three or four, the dancers virtually sparkled in the footlights.

What could have been more perfect than to have Severna Park’s Big Bean coffee shop sponsor the Star Elite Dancer’s tap routine to the recorded soundtrack of “Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” from the Kander and Ebb musical “70, Girls, 70”. They even ended the dance carrying their sponsor’s coffee cups.

An Ice Cream Shop routine featured second year students costumed as sundaes with a cherry on top who danced to the music “How Sweet it Is” from the 1968 film of the same name.

Next came one of the most charming sequences in the recital – the Kavanagh Porter Irish Dance shown in the opening photo. The spirited sequence was performed to Leroy Anderson’s “The Irish Washerwoman” and sponsored by the Kavanagh Porter Academy.

Rounding out the recital were a routine titled Flower Shop and performed to the Ellenberg tune “Fair Flatterer” and the next to last dance sequence that received a rousing round of applause. It was the highly entertaining Franklin Toys sponsored tap number to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from the movie “Toy Story”.

The Star Elite dancers ended the presentation with a stylish tribute to the Town’s Police Station, then escorted each of the groups that performed onstage for the finale. A very nice tribute was paid to the Dance Center teachers by having them cross the stage to be acknowledged by the audience.

In her closing remarks, Greer thanked all The Dance Center of Severna Park teachers and introduced them from the stage. She also thanked the studio assistants and volunteers who helped make the recital such a success. She especially wanted to extend her gratitude to accompanist Susan Wincek who played for almost every number for multiple dress rehearsals and performances. Lastly, she thanked Annapolis High School for the use of their beautiful theater and for being wonderful to work with.

The recital ended with all of the students singing the song “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”.

St. Martin’s Cardboard Boat Race as competitive as ever

Though not able to attend this fun event ourselves, we received news on the outcome of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School’s 2023 Cardboard Boat Race from Director of Development Christine Hickey.

“Our 7th-grade St. Martin’s Mustangs had great weather on Monday, May 22 for our annual Cardboard Boat Race on the Severn River,” Hickey said. “Students worked in teams for several months learning to calculate buoyancy and proper vessel design and using only cardboard and duct tape. “

Hickey added that, while the 7th-graders competed in the timed races, middle school students and staff cheered them on from the shore.

Three 7th grade teams completed the course without sinking. Winners were ranked by fastest time to complete the race afloat. The first-place winners were two intrepid young ladies, Chole and Klara, who did some mighty fine duct-taping.

Myles and Roman crossed the finish line a mere 34 seconds later.

Racing all out in almost a Dead Heat, Dominic and Matthew finished third four seconds later at 2 minutes and 59 seconds.

Eighth-graders participated by constructing observation boats used to watch the race from the water. For more information on St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School, visit St. Martins Episcopal Preschool, Elementary, Middle School in Maryland (stmartinsmd.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.