Category: AROUND THE PARK AGAIN

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

Having shopped till they dropped at the jewelry and merchandise tables, a few guests at Partners In Care Maryland’s Spring Fling With Bling at Bleues On The Water waited in line to settle up before hurrying back to their tables as lunch began.

Though unfamiliar with the new Glen Burnie location for the event, most all of the attendees were familiar with the wonderful selection of jewels and merchandise from the Partners In Care Maryland Upscale Resale Boutique in Pasadena.

Among the most enthusiastic guests were friends Jennifer McAndrews and Melissa Pittman who’d visited every display, rack of dresses and jewelry counter and emerged with their share of treasures.

Asked what they liked best, the friends were had-pressed to answer given that they had liked so many things. They’d been mighty impressed by a table of fashion accessories and costume jewelry in shades of blues and greens but positively gobsmacked when they discovered a pair of pastel green designer shoes by Gucci for $50. Later, PIC volunteer Vicki Wasmus who prices merchandise for the boutique noted that, if new, they’d be priced at $250.00.

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Elsewhere, other customers were drawn to different items like the sophisticated jacket seen below. At the same table, handbag designer Kristin Sirota from Baltimore was intrigued by the design and vintage feel of the necklace she held.

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Color-coordinated displays of finery, costume jewelry and artwork drew lots of eyes and many purchasers. According to the event’s organizer Lynn Bujanowski, Partners In Care brought back its Spring Fling With Bling for the first time in four years because of multiple postponements related to the COVID pandemic.

“Though we changed our location, the number of people attending this year’s Spring Fling With Bling” increased since our previous one in 2019,” Bujanowski said. “We feel it’s due to the fact that people are happy to be going out again and once more dressing up for special occasions.”

We had only a moment to catch up with PIC president and CEO Mandy Arnold who was busy supervising the check-out area. Like Bujanowski, Arnold said the Spring Fling event was doing very well. Asked why the event had a new location this year, she noted that Partners In Care previously used Chartwell Golf & Country Club. However, in the four years during which the event was postponed, Chartwell had changed its layout and no longer had a space big enough to accommodate the event. Luckily, they were able to find Blueues on the Water which is known primarily as a wedding venue.

Every item of merchandise selected for the Spring Fling was chosen for maximum appeal. Still most attendees flocked to the glass-encased displays of fine jewelry that were highly sought after.

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As time for lunch approached, the crowd in the dining room grew thick and we saw many familiar faces. Longtime supporter Brenda Yarema, who always takes a table at Partners In Care events was bubbling with news and tipped us to the fact that the Severna Park Republican Women’s Club fashion show would take place shortly at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. We also spoke with Suzanne Price, a friend of Yarema’s who told us she’d been supporting and shopping at Partners In Care for years since her mother was a member who’d actually received transportation to doctor’s appointments and other services which was wonderful.

At one table dressed with gold and blue linens, we spoke with regular PIC shopper Sonia Peralta and volunteers Marlene Miller and Gail Burkhoff who were awaiting the arrival of the “two Judys”. Judy Kulawiak and Judy Stailey actually met during orientation to become Partners In Care volunteers.

“We hit it off and decided we’d like to work together as cashiers,” said Stailey. “Six weeks later Judy [Kulawiak] suffered a major stroke. Regardless, we have been good friends ever since.”

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Volunteer Vicki Wasmus, who we mentioned above, arrived at the table and showed off some of the jewelry she’d just purchased including a pretty necklace for her niece. Wasmus specializes in researching and pricing the merchandise donated to the Partners In Care boutique. She noted that they realize they need to set prices lower than typical second-hand market rates because sales of the merchandise largely fund the organization.

Following lunch with a main course of lasagna, the Spring Fling With Bling fashion show began. Five PIC volunteers had great fun modeling a fashionable selection of clothing from the Partners In Care Upscale Retail Boutique.

Model Jerri enjoyed a lighthearted romp across the impromptu stage wearing a high-end designer jacket over slim black slacks and strappy gold sandals. An announcement of the winner of a raffle for a diamond followed.

For information about the activities of Partners In Care, visit Anne Arundel – Partners In Care Maryland .

Ledo Pizza opening/ribbon cutting reminder

A REMINDER that Ledo Pizza Severna Park‘s new location at 342 Ritchie opened its doors Tuesday and the restaurant’s Grand Opeing and Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting will take place as planned on April 23rd at 4 pm.

Life of Joy Foundation receives Nonprofit for the Year Small Business Award

We extend our congratulations to the Life Of Joy Foundation which was recently recognized as Nonprofit for the Year during the Anne Arundel Couty Chamber of Commerce ‘s 2024 Small Business Awards breakfast. The 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization fosters a holistic approach to mental health and suicide prevention. Among the regularly scheduled events Life of Joy sponsors are two we wanted to highlight.

The next meeting of Life of Joy’s Faith & Mental Health Group is this Friday, April 19 from 6:30 till 8pm at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 110 Ritchie Highway. The peer support group for adult men and women centers all around the intersections of faith and mental health.

The second event is the upcoming Life of Joy Teen Support Group meeting that will be held Monday, April 22 at 7pm at Stage & Screen Studios at 215 Najoles Road in Millersville. For more information visit Life of Joy Foundation, Inc.

Jing Ying Institute hosts World Tai Chi Day event at Severna Park Community Center

 Each year, on the last Saturday of April, in hundreds of cities in over 80 nations, World Tai Chi events are held. The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, a participant in this global event for two decades, will be celebrating World Tai Chi Day on Saturday, April 27th at the Severna Park Community Center. As seen in the photo below, the event will be held outside, under the trees, beside the center’s Boone Station Hall from 10:00am to 11:00am. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. If it rains, the event will be held inside the community center’s gym.

During the event, there will be demonstrations of Tai Chi followed by free mini-workshops of tai chi and qigong suitable for all levels of fitness. While not required, people are encourage to register for the event at: www.JingYing.org where they can also find information about special follow-up tai chi classes on April 30, May 1, and May 3.

Good Neighbors Group’s 22nd annual Earth Day Festival April 27th

It’s hard for founder and executive director Julie Shay to believe Good Neighbors Group’s 22nd annual Earth Day Festival is happening in just nine days. The much-loved event is taking place on April 27th from 10 am till 2 pm at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

“So many exciting things are planned for our Earth Day Festival this year,” Shay says. “We’ve got community art projects, a native plant sale, yoga demonstrations, vendors, a silent auction and more.”

Two of the Festival’s sponsors will be on hand to help out. The event’s Oak Sponsor – the tattoo studio Oxblood Ink – is lending its talented artists to head the Festival’s Community Art Project. The Red Maple Sponsors – realtors Jean Andrews and Christine Joyce – are leading GNG’s Donations Before Dumpsters program. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring items to donate that can be recycled, ranging from clothes to kitchen items or tools.

BD Provisions will also be on hand with their popular Midnight Joe Coffee.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber Shop Local Fun Festival

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s spring Shop Local Fun Festival is scheduled to take place at Park Plaza on May 4th from 11 am to 3 pm.

The fun, FREE, family event will have music, shopping, dancing and more. We always find the Shop Local Fun Festival an amazing showcase for the community’s small and independent businesses. Exhibitors will be selling products and services at their booths.

For updates on the Festival and other Chamber events, visit 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 See Senior Home Care Services

It was impossible to miss the colorful 1st Anniversary sign on the sidewalk near the entrance to BD Provisions at 844 Ritchie Highway.

Fully a year after opening in April of 2023, it was reassuring to see the store’s co-owner Phil Peters standing by his 14-pound coffee roaster. He was about to roast 11 pounds of the store’s popular in-house blend, Midnight Joe – a combination of Columbian, Brazilian and Indian Monsoon beans.

BD Provision stores are noted for their on-site coffee roasting and coffee roasting is Peters’ specialty so he’s a perfect fit. He roasts every Saturday morning, creating marvelous blends from barrels of coffee beans from around the world. The store is always busy on those mornings as customers love the heavenly aroma of roasting coffee and can’t wait for their first cup.

In a celebratory mood, Peters expressed his delight that the store survived its first year and said he looks forward to many more. He noted that, when he and co-owner Debra Saltz opened Connecticut-based BD Provisions’ first out-of-state franchise last spring, they had a steep learning curve ahead of them. Saltz agreed.

“Phil and I are friends of the founders of BD Provisions and fans of their main store in Newton Connecticut, but we were novices at running such a business,” Saltz said. “Nevertheless, we felt we could succeed and were eager to learn,” said Saltz who handles all the ordering.

“Coming into this, I had no retail experience and had to pick up things on the fly. I first had to learn about all the products which ranged from grains and beans to spices, teas, coffees, oils and chocolates. The biggest challenge was tackling the ordering process on my own – figuring out how much of each bulk-buy product to stock and how best to package and present each item.”

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The partners have grown used to running the business and have made surprisingly few mistakes in ordering products that weren’t good enough to put on the floor. They love the community and all the support they have received and the ever-growing number of regular customers who come in. They are proud of bringing good quality products to Severna Park.

Peters credits Saltz’s ambitious marketing plans and use of social media to expose their products for drawing and expanding the customer base. She’s also been creative in generating a buzz in the community by marketing special products and gift baskets for holidays. He touted the great response they’d had to their selection of Halloween candy and gift items and prepackaged chocolates, drink mixes and gifts for Christmas.

“But carrying Valentine’s Day candy when no one else in Severna Park was doing so was a brilliant idea,” he said.

Likewise, Easter candies and customized Easter cookies were hits with Severna Park children.

The partners are increasingly marketing their products at community events. Peters treated guests to coffee at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Holiday Taste and Sip event.

They’ll be serving coffee at the Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Festival at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company on April 27th and will also appear at the Chamber’s upcoming Shop Local Fun Festival at Park Plaza on May 4th.

BD Provisions is forming wholesale partnerships with area restaurateurs and chefs and with other businesses that are eco-friendly and sustainable. They also host occasional classes, events and networking opportunities. They welcomed Benny’s Woodfired Pizza & Eats food truck to participate in their anniversary festivities. Peters marveled that chef/owner Ben Buglisi has a coal-fired oven inside the pizza truck.

According to Saltz, she has already placed orders for 4th of July candies, pretzels and other items in reds, whites and blues and is pleased to announce that BD Provisions has created a special gift-wrapping corner behind the main counter where manager Cornelia Wikar is helping a customer in the photograph below.

For directions or the latest information on BD Provisions, visit Severna Park Store — BD Provisions- zero waste bulk food store.

Ledo Pizza Severna Park ribbon-cutting postponed

Due to a delay in opening, Ledo Pizza Severna Park owner Martin Gorman announced that the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting originally planned for today (April 11) has been rescheduled for April 23rd at 4 pm.

Savvy Seniors meeting at Woods Church on April 16 at 1 pm

On Tuesday, April 16 from 1 till 2:30 pm, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church Deacon Steve Hilbert and Continuity of Care Coordinator will lead an “across the kitchen table” discussion focused on lessons learned through personal experience with aging parents. The discussion will touch on legal matters, advancing chronic illnesses, transitioning from independent to assisted living and palliative-hospice care. For more information, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).

Langton Green 10th Anniversary Plant Sale, April 20

As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, Langton Green Community Farm will host an Earth Day Plant Sale on Saturday, April 20 from 10 am till 2 pm. The event will be held rain or shine and there is free parking.

Located at 844 Generals Hwy in Millersville, the farm will be selling vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit plants help get every garden growing and the farm grounds will be open for those who wish to take a walk, enjoy the animals or view the murals by Cindy Fletcher.

Proceeds from the sale will support Langton Green Community Farm’s operations. The Farm provides meaningful work opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as part of Langton Green, Inc.’s vocational programs. For more information see Home – Langton Green.

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Fundraiser to be held at Historic Baldwin Hall on April 27th

The Severn Crossroads Foundation will be hosting its annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Fundraiser at Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville on Saturday, April 27 from 7 till 10 pm. Wine, craft beer, soft drinks and water plus delicious cheeses, fruits, veggies, and chocolate will be served at the social and there will be a musical performance by Richard Walton. There will also be a silent auction, raffles and door prizes. Tickets are $50 and may be obtained by calling 410-409-0187 or through email at gcampbell8185@gmail.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

The first quarter of 2024 has seen change for several Severna Park businesses and organizations. The most significant transition has been the closing and relocation of yet another well-known community enterprise. On March 25th, Ledo Pizza & Pasta closed its doors after 32 years as one of Park Plaza’s anchor businesses and began work on the transformation of its new location at 342 Ritchie Highway.

According to Ledo Pizza’s owner Martin Gorman, he bought the restaurant from previous owners in 1998 and believes it was originally opened in 1992. In the 26 years he’s operated the popular eatery, his customer base has grown by leaps and bounds. Ledo Pizza is well-known for participating in and supporting numerous charitable causes and Severna Park events. Because Gorman and his staff have become friends with so many of their patrons, he hates to leave Park Plaza.

“Unfortunately, we lost our lease and couldn’t come to successful negotiations on a new deal. Basically, the rents were raised and we couldn’t remain profitable at those rates,” he explained.

It appears that Park Plaza may be attempting to achieve lease pricing parity with new commercial construction retail sites like Town Center in Parole. Ledo Pizza is the second long-term business to leave Park Plaza based on lease cost concerns. Joann’s Fabrics closed in January.

Ledo Pizza’s new Severna Park location will already be familiar to those who visited the site’s former occupant, Cakes & Confections, (whose owner Michael Brown decided it was time to hang up his chef’s hat, retired, and closed his popular bakery).

Pulling to the curb in front of the eatery last weekend, we could see that the windows were covered with brown paper. However, we opened a door at one end, entered, and were allowed to preview the partially finished space within.

At first glance, we saw that interior construction was in various stages of completion. The walls were freshly painted in shades of pale gray and black, however, the floors had not yet been laid.

To our immediate right, we found a yet-to-be finished front counter with the kitchen area concealed behind the back wall.

To our left, there seemed to be ample room for rows of tables and booths. As soon as the flooring is down, the furnishings will be installed and signage, artwork and decorative items added.

Screens on the walls will enable sports fans to follow televised sports.

Gorman noted that all of the restaurant’s inspections have been completed and he is shooting to open this Friday or Saturday barring any problems with final inspections. He’s looking forward to seeing his customers again and mentioned that a Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting is scheduled for April 11 at 4 pm which should draw a nice crowd. For a definitive opening date and time, follow the Ledo Pizza Severna Park Facebook page.

Renovations and rebranding of Severna Park Community Center unveiled

Equally newsworthy is the recent revelation of an ambitious refurbishment, updating and rebranding of the Severna Park Community Center. Maintenance has been an ongoing priority for the community center but, after 25 plus years of operation, the facility was due a rather extensive renovation. We were taken on a tour of the facility by SPCC executive director Sarah Elder to observe some of the changes.

We first took a peek at the well-outfitted Fitness Center with its welcome mat spelling out the organization’s purpose as a place for users to Gather, Play, Grow and Thrive.

Then, we headed downstairs where Elder was eager to show off The Dance Center where much of the renovation work took place. We were impressed by the innovative transformation of what used to be a storage area beneath the stairs into a cozy children’s play space – a place where young family members can settle while older siblings attend class in one of three dance studios.

“We love our new Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center logo that was designed by its director Kellie Greer,” Elder said. “You’ll see the logo repeated throughout the lower level.”

A lovely bistro with cafe tables lies just around the corner where older kids can have a snack or do their homework while waiting for their classes to begin.

All three of the center’s dance studios have been revamped. Along with the creation of the new logos, the studios were assigned appropriate names. Instead of being referred to as Studios A, B or C, they are now the Chesapeake, Cypress Creek and Bodkin Creek Studios in honor of local bodies of water.

Primarily used for Youth Classes for ballet, tap, jazz, pointe or Cecchett, for Adult Sessions or for Star Elite Dance Program classes or rehearsals, the studios are occasionally used for other purposes. While we were there, the Cypress Creek studio was being used for an arts and crafts class.

Coming back upstairs, Elder drew our attention to the Center’s community bulletin board which had been moved from a crowed wall inside to a better location in the entrance where it grabs visitors’ attention. Below the bulletin board are shelves of pamphlets describing SPCC programs and classes, and programs offered by community center partners like the Chesapeake Ballet Company, Theater in the Park and Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi.

Walking toward the community center pool, Elder veered off to the right as she wanted show off the extensive remodeling of the men’s and women’s locker room/shower areas. She admitted they were previously somewhat shabby and needed a lot of work. The women’s locker room is freshly repainted a pleasant shade of light gray. The Gather, Play, Grow, Thrive motto carries through the entrance and the mural extending down the hallway creates a spa-like atmosphere. There is new flooring that is much improved.

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The newly redone shower room is now tiled from floor to ceiling.

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Similar updates were made to the Men’s locker room.

Renovations did not just occur in the community center building but also in the courtyard between it and Boone Station Hall (which SPCC operates for Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church). Wooden benches that had succumbed to weathering were replaced with weatherproof benches donated in memory of loved ones no longer with us.

Upgrades previously executed by the Woods Church REHAB group to the interior of Boone Station Hall included the building of storage cabinetry and a complete remodeling of the service kitchen. The REHABBERS built a wall to enclose the far side with a door but left the front counter facing the stage open. They also installed kitchen cabinets and equipment and added subway tile throughout.

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As far as rebranding is concerned, the Severna Park Community Center website is being updated to be more user-friendly. It’s now easier to find the facilities, programs, classes or events you’re interested in.

As for events, SPCC will be host to a number of its traditional events this year. For now, however, Elder said she is very excited about the community center’s third Black Tie & Boots fundraising gala on Saturday, April 27th at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. This year’s gala honors philanthropist Carl Gutschick who has been a supporter of the community center since 1998, serving on the Board of Directors and contributing his time and treasure to the center’s ongoing facility needs.

“This will be the last of our Black Tie and Boots events before switching to a new theme next year so we’ve planned a great evening with a farm to table dinner, live entertainment and many western-themed surprises,” Elder said.

She added that tickets can be purchased at the center’s front desk or online at Home – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).

Park Hardware’s Native Plant Sale scheduled for May 4th

Park Hardware will be hosting a Native Plant Sale on the store parking lot on Saturday, May 4 from 9 am till 2 pm with complimentary burgers and hot dogs for shoppers. The Park Hardware sale is the place to buy your favorite perennial native plants while supporting Providence of Maryland. Choose from selection of five native perennials in 6 inch pots at $7 apiece.

Broadway Bonanza Cabaret Performance to benefit SPAN, Inc. on April 21st

For the fourth year, Severna Park native Laurette Hankins has created a wonderful Broadway musical-themed concert and silent auction benefitting SPAN, Inc. that will take place at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Parish Hall on Sunday, April 21 at 4pm.

Pianist Anita O’Connor will accompany Hankins as she performs a wide array of show tunes hand-picked from seven decades of Broadway’s best musicals. Tickets are $25 with 100% of net proceeds going to SPAN. They may be purchased by visiting Cabaret Concert & Silent Auction – SPAN, Inc (spanhelps.org).

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Entering Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville at 5:30 pm last Wednesday, we followed the crowd to the lush surroundings of the store’s greenhouse where a festive Green Drinks gathering hosted by Annapolis Green was getting underway. Lines had formed at the Annapolis Green table where guests were checking in and/or making donations. A number of people had already entered and were viewing displays from 13 GreenGive partners.

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Held annually, the 2024 Green Drinks event at Homestead was a fun kickoff and way draw attention to the  GreenGive partner organizations ahead of their online fundraising drive that will take place June 4th and 5th. 

We’d been to a Green Drinks event before, so we reckoned we’d run into people we knew. Sure enough, we immediately bumped into Barbara Gill who we’d last seen at a Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber “Successful Women In Business” meeting. Gill, an eco-educator and Annapolis Green member, said she planned to return to Homestead Gardens on the weekend to display her line of Melaleuca “wellness” products at the Davidsonville Green Expo.

Wandering on, we visited a display for the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy located in Millersville. Over the years, we’ve visited many of the capstone restoration projects undertaken by graduates of the program and have been impressed.

Projects range from stormwater runoff and watershed restoration initiatives to reforestation efforts using native species.

Next to the WSA booth, we found Severn River Association‘s Grace Weeks deep in conversation with guest Elizabeth Rosborg who is with the Arnold Preservation Council. Weeks, SRA’s Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps member, was explaining the importance of Water Quality Monitoring in the Severn to the organization’s Oyster Restoration program.

Nearby, we found Development and Communications Director Charlotte Graves and Community Outreach Assistant Lily Hariton similarly engaged at the Arundel Rivers Federation table. Hariton explained that the Arundel Rivers Federation is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and preserving the South, West, and Rhode Rivers and surrounding watershed.

She noted that AFR’s staff includes South, West and Rhode River Riverkeeper Elle Bassett who is responsible for patrolling local waterways, tracking down sources of pollution and identifying problems that impact water quality among other things.

Board member and volunteer Pat Morrison represented Unity Gardens which offers grants of up to $1000 to non-profits such as schools, religious organizations, scout troops and community groups to purchase native plants for conservation landscaping. 

Volunteers like Morrison not only help local communities fund their projects but educate them about using the power of native plants to address issues like stormwater runoff, pollution and habitat loss.

We paused for just a few moments to check out a tasty array of hors d’ oeuvres from Annapolis-based Bread and Butter Kitchen and enjoy being entertained by local band The Sandpipers

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Strolling about again, we briefly visited the display of the newly formed Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area which was touting the state’s upcoming Maryland Day activities. The activities included partner Severn Crossroads Foundation’s Maryland Day event at their 1840’s Schoolhouse behind Historic Baldwin Hall.

Crossing the aisle between exhibits, we spied Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay with Spa Creek Conservancy board president Amy Clements. The two organizations were sharing a table.

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While Clements and other board members were touting Spa Creek Conservancy’s efforts to clean up and restore the watershed, Shay was promoting GNG’s 22nd Annual Earth Day Festival being held at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company on April 27th from 10 am till 2 pm.

Of the remaining non-profit organizations participating, we explored the Scenic Rivers Land Trust (seen in the opening photo) which is dedicated to protecting the forests, wetlands, farmlands and other open spaces that make Anne Arundel County special. We also checked out the Maryland Reentry Resource Center seen on the right in the photo below. The MRRC seeks to ease the transition of an incarcerated individual from prison or jail back into the community.

Last of all, we noted the crowd forming around Dennis Fravek and David Rose from the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian and waited our turn to speak with them. Though we’d once visited the sanctuary, we’d forgotten how large it was. Fravek and Rose reminded us that the wetlands are located within the tidal reaches of the Patuxent River in southern Anne Arundel County and protect about 1,700 acres of unique tidal freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, upland and riparian forest, creeks, meadows, pine and sand barrens, and fields along the Patuxent River.

Before leaving, we enjoyed being introduced to Annapolis Green’s executive director Tilly Coyle and the organization’s co-founder Lynne Forsman. They were both excited to tell us that the next Green Drinks is at Garten in Severna Park on May 16. The theme will be edible gardens, sourcing locally and highlighting sustainable businesses of Severna Park. Considering that Garten is surrounded by lovely gardens full of flowers and edible spring produce, it’s the perfect location.

Stay posted for information about the GreenGive and consider making a donation by visiting Annapolis Green – connect, inform & take action with local environmental info .

Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails organizing Earth Day cleanups

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails are organizing multiple clean-up locations along our trails on April 19 and 20. Volunteers are needed along the WB&A Trail at Odenton Babington Green on April 19. On April 20, the Friends will be working along the B&A Trail at Arnold Station, Hatton-Regester Green, Earleigh Heights (for vine removal), at Flower Beds #57 and #58, and at the Sun Station. They’ll also be working along the South Shore Trail at Millersville Road on April 20. If you are interested in joining the effort, contact the Friends at friendsofaatrails@gmail.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 and Tai Chi

and Lean on Dee Senior Home Care Services

Though the Easter holiday is not officially part of SPAN’s Holiday Caring Program, SPAN, Inc.’s co-directors Michele Sabean and Maia Grabau like to mark the holiday by including something special for their food pantry clients. Thanks to a generous donation from St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, Grabau was in the process of arranging 50 Easter baskets in front of the office fireplace. She had also accepted the first of a large number of Easter dinner boxes and gift cards from Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church in Millersville.

SPAN’s food pantry shelves are full, at the moment, thanks to generous donations from the Good Neighbors Group’s S(o)uper Bowl of Caring food drive in February. In addition, food donations from Boy Scouts of America troops 855, 858, and 993’s Scouting for Food Drive came in over the past two weekends and several local churches dropped off contributions.

“We’re so grateful to Good Neighbors Group and the others,” said Sabean. “The foods we’ve received from them should last us from now through the summer (when donations drop off) till fall. Donations generally pick up again in October.”

SPAN, Inc. is best known for its food pantry according to Grabau, the organization’s Director of Development. However, since the founding of SPAN by six local churches over three decades ago, the lion’s share of SPAN’s mission has been helping families in need of financial assistance.

“Help for people with utility turnoffs is where we give out the most money,” Grabau said. “We have become more of a financial assistance provider. The vast majority of people coming to our office are seeking financial assistance.”

As Sabean, who is Director of Development, leafed through SPAN’s Annual Report looking for a graph, she explained that the primary mission of the organization is to provide food or financial assistance to qualified families to help them through a critical or emergency situation. Because of extraordinarily high energy costs, utility bills are the most urgent need followed closely by home eviction preventions and medical bills.

“For 2023, donations made it possible for us to help with more than 2.5 times the amount of emergency financial assistance we do in a typical year,” Sabean said. “On average SPAN gives about $100,000 in financial assistance a year. In 2023, SPAN provided over $287,600 in financial disbursements. The need for emergency financial assistance increased dramatically with the official end of the pandemic and its additional supports.”

She illustrated her point with the graph shown below.

Grabau added that most people have no idea how much financial aid SPAN, Inc. supplies to families in its primary service areas of Arnold, Millersville, Severna Park and Broadneck and secondary service areas of Brooklyn Park, Ft. Meade, Odenton, Crofton, Gambrills, Pasadena, Crownsville, Glen Burnie, Severn and Linthicum. Thus, SPAN, Inc. headquarters at 400 Benfield Road behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church sees a constant flow of people seeking help.

What is amazing is that SPAN is a totally self-sustaining organization reliant on financial donations from individuals, local businesses and churches willing to help. SPAN fortunately has a small number of regular donors who are very generous. Nevertheless, its directors, board members and volunteers are always looking for monetary donations.

The number of SPAN Member Churches has risen from the original six to 13, all of whom make contributions.

Sabean and Graubau also oversee various fundraisers, one of which is coming up on April 21. For the fourth year, Severna Park native Laurette Hankins-O’Connell is producing a Cabaret Performance and Silent Auction to benefit SPAN. By now a tradition, the concert starring Hankins-O’Connell and accompanist Anita O’Connor will delight the audience with “Broadway Bonanza”, an exuberant and occasionally irreverent salute to a wide variety of Broadway and movie musicals.

Conceived as a way for actress and singer Hankins-O’Connell to give back to the community she grew up in, the concert will be held this year at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Parish Hall. St. Martin’s generously donated the space cost-free so 100% of the proceeds from the concert and silent auction will be donated to SPAN. Tickets for the performance are $25 and may be ordered at https://www.spanhelps.org/cabaret_concert_silent_auction.

“We’re already getting some great Silent Auction items donated by local businesses including a week’s stay at an Ocean City condo. This year for the first time, we’ll put the auction online prior to the concert so people can take part in the auction even if they can’t make it to the event,” Sabean said.

SPAN seeks donations by participating in local events including the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s 2024 Shop Local Fun Festival coming up May 4th. They’ll also be participating, as usual, in the Severna Park 4th of July Parade and collecting donations along the parade route. Both Grabau and Sabean are excited because they are already working to upgrade their float this year.

SPAN’s second biggest fundraiser, the Twelfth Annual Turkey Trot 5K or One Mile Fun Walk will be held November 2 at Kinder Farm Park. The autumn weather is usually beautiful and SPAN is able to raise a lot of money through the event from sponsors who participate year after year. Generally, there are about 200 participants including runners, walkers and volunteers. It’s so much fun that the event always draws good-sized crowds.

“We’re doing a mailing this week for Early Bird Sponsors who will receive four free entries with their donation,” said Sabean.

SPAN’s Holiday Caring Programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas are, by far, the organization’s most impressive, initiative matching donors with families needing help. Each year, between 150 and 200 families learn about the program through schools or Social Services and sign up for the program The donors are incredibly generous and, because of them, between 150 and 200 families can have happier holidays.

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Grabau, Sabean and the volunteers who work with clients are often touched by the stories of people seeking help. Many have issues that far exceed their immediate financial needs.

“One woman who came in with a very large BGE bill had recently undergone a triple bypass surgery. Shortly, after her surgery, her son was tragically murdered,” said Grabau. “She has two remaining children. Because of all she’d suffered, she was unable to work for some time and had gotten behind paying her bills. Though we cannot heal her broken heart, we try to do our part to help lighten the load for clients like her. We gave her assistance with her utility turn-off and encouraged her to sign up for the Christmas program. When people are suffering emotionally, just knowing someone cares can give them the strength to keep going.”

SPAN’s budget for monies going out far exceeds the amount brought in by fundraisers so financial donations are needed and greatly appreciated. To learn more about SPAN or to make a donation, visit SPAN Serving People Across Neighborhoods (spanhelps.org).

Partners In Care’s Spring Fling With Bling on April 17th

Partners In Care invites everyone to join them at Bleues On The Water on
Wednesday, April 17th from 11:00am – 2:00pm for the 18th Annual Jewelry Extravaganza – Spring Fling With Bling! Guests will enjoy luncheon and a fashion show, then shop an abundance of fine and costume jewelry from PIC’s Upscale Resale Boutique, as well as designer clothing, shoes, purses, and other tempting treasures.

Tickets are $40 per person and it is advised that you purchase them soon by visiting https://partnersincaremd.salsalabs.org/springfling/ as they are expected to sell out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrate Maryland Day with the Severn Crossroads Foundation

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

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

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Neighbors Group S(o)uper Bowl Record Broken

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

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

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applications for AAUW Scholarships now available

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

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

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

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

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lise agreed that the spawn is amazing to witness.

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

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

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

https://www.aayeas.org/

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

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

Jing Ying Institute students celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year

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

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

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

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