AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and
Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
For the staff at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park, having the animated elves blow a fuse while decorating for the holidays was a temporary inconvenience. The overall effect of the completed display was stunning, however. Finished just in time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, hundreds of dazzling decorations can be seen throughout the store.
Children find those animated elves fascinating, but they like watching the model train travel through the tunnel and round the tracks even better.
Mom and dad, on the other hand, can wander through forests of decorated trees and shelves of decorative or gift items.
In the greenhouse or outdoors areas, there are poinsettias and other festive blooms, evergreens, and lots of decorations like the jolly snowmen by the Homestead entrances.
According to store supervisor, Alex Crowley, Homestead Gardens will be closed for Thanksgiving but open at 9 am for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Santa will be on hand both days and there will be discounts on purchases. For hours and information, visit Homestead Gardens – Garden Supplies, Nursery, and Landscaping.
Rounding Macey’s Corner and heading into Olde Severna Park, retailers like The Blended Essentials, Savvy Consignment and Park Books are priming for holiday shoppers as well. At the Red Apron Shoppe at 4 Riggs Avenue, ornaments and gift items were spread across the floor as employees readied the shop for the season. Kelsey Ragan-Mona was busy putting together the Christmas tree that is the focal point of the shop’s holiday window display – one that will capture the attention of hundreds of people attending the Community Tree Lighting at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber directly across the street.
We next headed to Park Plaza where we discovered a signboard beckoning shoppers to Park Home which is owned by the new kids on the block, Brittany and Ted Meade.
Entering, we found the shop’s tasteful mingling of holiday decorations, gift items, and furnishings charming. Having opened the business in March of 2022, the couple has looked forward to Park Home’s first Christmas at Park Plaza.
We encountered Brittany next to a display of Christmas items put together by her mother Becky Reeves whose creativity was clearly passed down to her designer daughter.
“Our first Christmas here is exciting,” Brittany said. “Ted and I unpacked everything you see on the floor now a couple of months ago so we’re well prepared. We also arranged to be a drop-off point for Toys For Tots donations.”
Brittany added that Park Home will be having some sales on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. They also look forward to seeing the community turn out for Park Plaza’s Winter Wonderland celebration on December 3rd.
Peeking into The Wild Bird Center, we saw pretty wrought-iron arches decorated holiday style. There were gifts galore including plenty of feeders, birdhouses, corn and grain for our feathered friends.
Most all of Park Plaza is holiday-ready and we were taken with the sights and sounds.
We spotted another signboard at The Cottage and couldn’t resist going inside where the Christmas season was already underway, and the atmosphere was as merry as ever. Between Christmas elves, Buyers Carolers, Sea Glass Christmas trees, and stylish winter fashions, there was a lot for shoppers to choose from.
Cottage employees were very helpful, including Stacey Rinker who told us the Buyers Carolers pictured above on the shelves were tremendously popular as were the Sea Glass Christmas trees next to them.
“People usually pick up two or three of the carolers,” Rinker said. “They have almost a cult following.”
Betty Ann Janota, who’d come to Severna Park from New Jersey to visit her daughter Jill Davilio was captivated by the store and the many handmade items they carry.
Our last stop was at Side Street Framers and Gift Gallery where we admired handcrafted Christmas ornaments and the old-fashioned looking holiday window display.
Side Street Framers owner Dawn Wilson filled us in on the holiday happenings at Park Plaza. In addition to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, the shopping center is hosting a “Winter Wonderland” celebration on Saturday, December 3 from noon to 3 pm rain or shine. Guests will enjoy holiday music from a classic rock trio, have opportunities to play games, visit the balloonists, take selfies with the Christmas Mouse and Christmas Puppy, and meet Mr. & Mrs. Santa in the storefront next to Honey Baked Ham.
Partners In Care’s gathering of Elves for Elders December 3
Saturday, December 3rd, is kick-off celebration day for Partners In Care’s “Elves for Elders” program at the organization’s Upscale Resale Boutique at 8151 Ritchie Highway, Festival at Pasadena.
In an effort to spread Holiday cheer, PIC’s Elves for Elders volunteers will be collecting and delivering Christmas stockings/gift bags to seniors in need.
The Elves for Elders program was born out of the realization that there’s a loneliness epidemic among the elderly. Aging brings wisdom but seniors face inevitable losses as neighborhoods change over time and loved ones and friends are gone. Decreased energy and mobility contribute to a loss of independence meaning the holidays are particularly challenging – especially for those who live far from family and don’t have anyone to share them with.
Therefore, PIC’s Elves for Elders program asks for donations of Christmas stockings filled with useful items like shaving cream, shampoo or soap, warm socks, gloves or scarves, useful household items like flashlights or kitchen towels, puzzles, games or magazines, and non-perishable foods and/or gift cards…or people may prefer to donate money.
PIC volunteer Sue Origilio who heads the Elves for Elders program, said the all-day celebration scheduled for December 3rd came about several years ago as the perfect time to deliver those Christmas stockings, get together with each other, and recognize those who make the program possible.
(Having made arrangements for transportation, Origilio needs to have the stockings or donations by December 3 at the latest.)
“The Elves for Elders celebration will take place all day December 3rd,” she said. “Santa and Mrs. Santa will be on hand so bring your children or grandchildren. There will be a 50/50 raffle and there will also be a gift table with a free gift for everyone.”
For more information, see Partners In Care, Maryland | Pasadena MD | Facebook.
Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber holiday events
The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce announced the Community Tree Lighting and Open House will take place at 1 Holly Avenue in Olde Severna Park on December 2nd from 5 to 6:30 pm. Entertainment will include dancers, music, cookies, the Big Bean’s Hot Chocolate, Sweet Satisfaction’s ice-cream, and more. The event is free and both Santa and the Grinch will be there.
The chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event will take place December 6 at Chartwell Golf & Country Club from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. An evening of food, drink and music is planned where attendees can sample offerings from our local restaurants, bakeries and liquor stores in a wonderfully festive atmosphere. According to chamber CEO Liz League, tickets are still available. For tickets, email info@gspacc.com or call 410-647-3900.
Girls’ Night Out at Homestead Gardens Severna Park
Grab your gal pals and head to Homestead Gardens in Severna Park on December 7th for Girls’ Night Out from 6 to 9 pm to sample, shop, sip & stroll thru the showroom, greenhouse and nursery. Enjoy libations as you wander through thirty themed Christmas trees, finding inspiration for home decor, gifting and holiday traditions. Garden Rewards members can enjoy $10 off the purchase of items priced at $50 or more. For information, visit Girls Night Out 2022 – Homestead Gardens, Inc.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at Severna Park Community Center
According to Severna Park Community Center marketing director Amy Holbrook, Cookies & Cocoa with Santa is right around the corner. The free family-friendly event will be held December 9 from 5 to 8 pm with a Candy Cane Lane of holiday decorated automobile trunks, games, crafts, a movie and treats in Boone Station Hall as well as a dance performance by the Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite Dancers. There will also be vendors and a photo booth.
The community center is inviting local residents to be a part of Candy Cane Lane by helping fill the parking lot with decorated holiday themed trunks. Local businesses are encouraged to participate too as a way to market their businesses.
Those wanting to decorate their trunks for Cookies & Cookies with Santa can click the link below and submit their registration at https://form.jotform.com/223186349074157.
A Celtic Christmas Celebration followed by Messiah Sing-Along at Woods Church
On December 9th and 10th at 7 pm, the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church choirs will join the Teelin Irish Dance Company and the Elysian Dance Theater Company in a program called Light Has Come – A Celtic Christmas Celebration. The concert will include a full orchestra with traditional Irish instruments, guest soloists, and beautiful lighting. The concert is free, but a ticket is required at www.woodstix.org.
On the afternoon of December 17th at 3 pm a Messiah Sing-Along is being held. The singing will be led by a string quartet, Woods organist Ted Markle and soloists from the Baltimore/Washington Area. This is a free event. For more informatin on either of these events, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).
The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items perfect for holiday gift-giving or for your table.
and 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.
