Category: AROUND THE PARK AGAIN

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

The 11 am “Tea and Tour” event hosted by the Friends of the Rising Sun Inn couldn’t have been more charming. Docents wearing colonial attire served attendees in the historic setting of the circa 1753 house museum. The first of two Tea and Tour sittings Saturday was referred to as “Elevensies”. It recreated the teas held at Rising Sun Inn by the Ann Arundel Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution after assuming ownership of the property in 1916.

According to Friends’ volunteer and docent Susan Giddings, having tea at the Rising Sun Inn was an extremely popular pastime during the period between World Wars I and II. A cabinet in one of the first-floor rooms contains a collection of China used in the Tea Room from the early 1920’s through the early 1940’s, and also for special family dinners.

However, the Friends chose to use two sets of vintage pressed glass and ribbed glass dishes that had been donated to the Inn by a DAR member.

Tea began with the filling of teacups but then servers appeared carrying three-tiered trays filled with sweets prepared by Friends of the Rising Sun Inn treasurer Kris Jenkins. Included were scones, petit fours, lemon cheesecakes, cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns… and, of course, Jenkins’ delicious lemon curd was passed around as it would have been in the past.

Giddings said she was very pleased that all of the guests for the first sitting were first-time visitors to the Rising Sun Inn and were looking forward to the tour as much as the tea.

Guests Heather Foster, Kata Kereshi, Juliet Wilson and Charles Ames not only enjoyed taking in their surroundings while sampling sweets but had fun getting to know one another.

Further back and around a corner by the fireplace, guests at other tables openly admired the way the Ann Arundel DAR chapter had restored and preserved the 270-year-old home while maintaining its age-old reputation as a cordial gathering place. Several had an interest in colonial architecture and couldn’t wait to tour the colonial era Tavern Room, observe the brick fireplaces in the kitchens below, and visit the family rooms upstairs.

Their journey through history began when Susan Giddings appeared to reveal how the custom of serving tea at Rising Sun Inn came about.

She began by explaining that Richard “Bo” Williams, the final private owner of the Inn, gifted the Tavern to the Ann Arundel Chapter in 1916 on condition that it be preserved and maintained as a historical site or museum. The women of the chapter took out a loan of $5,000 to start the restoration (equivalent to about $150,000 today).

“The women had to figure out a way to pay for it,” Giddings said. “So through the 1920’s, ’30’s and ’40’s, they operated the Tea Room and occasionally served family dinners. Unfortunately, with the onset of World War II and the rationing of sugar and other products, it became financially unfeasible to continue serving tea even though the Inn served as a Recreation Center for Ft. Meade soldiers.”

With the serving of the first sitting complete, docents Sharon Beard, Elizabeth Davies and Amy Espinoza left the Tea Room and waited in the hall and foyer for the tours to commence.

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There was much to look forward to. The tour to be led by the docents would take groups of guests to the Tavern which is located on the same floor ….

…. then upstairs to one of the family areas that is set up for tea, as seen below, and finally below stairs for a peek at the original kitchen with its double brick hearths.

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The guests that attended the first sitting truly enjoyed the tea and the tour and we imagine those attending the second sitting were equally pleased.

The next events to be held at Rising Sun Inn will be this Saturday, April 29, for an Author Tea and Tour with award winning author, Luke Salisbury with his book, No Common War. For tickets visit Public Events – The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland. A Make Your Own Mother’s Day Teacup Floral Arrangement will be held May 5 and the opening of the property’s recently restored Carriage House will take place at a date yet to be announced. For further information on the Inn and a calendar of events, visit The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland – Home.

Severn Cross Roads Foundation Flea Market and Craft Fair at Baldwin Hall

By 1 pm, we were on our way to historic Baldwin Hall to do a bit of bargain hunting at Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s Third Annual Flea Market and Craft Fair.

The indoor/outdoor event not only took place in the charming interior of Baldwin Hall where sunshine streamed through the windows…

but also spread across the rolling lawns of the circa 1861 building. The event drew a mix of Flea Market tables and vendor tables.

Community groups are always drawn to events at the Hall – especially Scouts BSA Troop 192 which is based at Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church. The troop is led by Scout Master Annie Medford who is also building manager for Baldwin Hall. The all-girl troop was seeking $10 contributions from the public to finance its annual scouting trip.

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There seemed to be more flea market tables than usual. One that drew a lot of attention was the table full of American Girl and China Dolls put together by Amy Rink.

“My daughter outgrew her doll collection and said I could get rid of all but one of them – her favorite.”

Just beyond Rink, author Maria Grosskettler had a table filled with copies of her latest mystery, “Tracks”, which revolves around a train station and is set in the small town of Berlin, Maryland where her husband grew up. To the delight of her small son, she also was selling some toys.

Other vendor tables featured girl’s clothing from Kate and Robert Ople and table of Squashmallows from Andy, Gavin and Melony and Bobby Blair.

Inside once more, we discovered Severn Cross Roads Foundation treasurer Sally Burton and other members selling boxes of donuts plus furniture, artwork, crafts and other items. Burton, who is also the Music Director of Chesapeake Harmony Chorus also mentioned that the group will appear in a free friends and family concert at Baldwin Hall on May 10.

Zippy Designz’ table with Valerie Moten at the helm had a very appealing selection of cards as well as shadow boxes and other boutique-type items for sale. Regular vendor Tateen’s Trinkets was there with an extensive display of jewelry handmade by Collene Kane.

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Heavily into downsizing, Ken and Effie Post had quite a few sports items for sale including a golf bag and clubs, tennis rackets, golf shoes and even boxing gloves as well as lots of books.

There were too many vendors and flea market sellers to mention though we did note that artist Diane Davis returned for the third year with her beautiful artwork including hand painted trays made from wine boxes. We also noticed Chelsea Pietlock, who was new to the event, offering a selection of handmade jewelry. In fact, it was her first time as a vendor at any event.

According to Severn Cross Roads Foundation member Janice Crowe, all proceeds from the flea market and craft fair go to the foundation for the maintenance and preservation of Historic Baldwin Hall. For more information and news of upcoming events, visit Home | baldwinhall.

GNG Earth Day Festival happens Saturday at Earleigh Heights VFD rain or shine

A reminder from Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay that the group’s 21st Annual Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, 161 Ritchie Highway from 9 am to 12 pm.

“We’re hoping for decent weather but, if expected rains linger, we’ll simply move inside the firehouse. We have a great festival planned.”

To check on the event, visit Good Neighbors Group | Facebook.

Field Party at St. Martin’s Episcopal School happens Saturday evening rain or shine

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School‘s annual Field Party fundraiser will be held as planned on Saturday evening at 7 pm rain or shine. As always, the field party is being held in a large lavishly decorated weatherproof tent for keeping everyone dry and enjoying the Caribbean-themed event.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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 day professional photographer David Blecman wandered into Severna Park’s newest store, BD Provisions at 844 Ritchie Highway, the sight of 200 plus barrels of organic food products astounded him. The abundance spread out before him inspired him to snap a few images. His is the opening photograph.

I was equally impressed when I visited the business Monday. My own camera never stopped clicking from the moment I arrived till the end of an informative tour I was given by owners Debra Saltz and Phil Peters.

Not since Good Life Organic Market closed have Severna Park residents been able to buy bulk foods locally and many look forward to visiting BD Provisions.

Saltz and Peters are franchisees for Connecticut-based BD Provisions – a happy situation that came about over the last few years.

“I knew the founders of the business since I went on a study-abroad in college with one of them,” Saltz said. “My husband and I would stop by BD Provisions’ main store in Newtown, Connecticut on the way to and from our home in Maine. We soon started bringing our friends, Phil and his wife, along on the trips. They loved the store as much as we did.”

By then, BD Provisions had opened a second store – a franchise – in New Milford. The friends really liked the store’s business model of providing bulk buy products that are mostly organic.

“Reasoning that we could do the same thing, Phil and I became the first out-of-state franchisees. We are the third BD Provisions store,” said Saltz.

With 240 dry bulk food items to choose from, not including oils, vinegars, teas and coffees, it was hard to know where to start our impromptu tour. The partners chose the first section of barrels we came to and opened the lids of several barrels filled to the brim with 16 varieties of competitively priced nuts.

There were regular and honey-roasted peanuts, natural roasted and salted pistachios, walnuts, pecans, and Marcona almonds as well as their own blend of Virginia peanuts with a Chesapeake spice blend.

We next approached two whole sections of candy and snacks. There were chocolates – really different things people don’t usually see like Buckeyes, various kinds of clusters like Peanut Chocolate Pretzel Clusters, Pecan Caramel Patties, and Sea Salt candies – plus dried fruits, energy bites, and snacks. All were competitively priced.

According to Saltz and Peters, snack mixes like Pineapple Habanero Crunch and 19th Hole Golf Mix are especially popular.

Heading past the Candy and Snacks section, we ran into store manager Corinne Harris who was arranging a display of nutrition-dense CBD dog treats alongside glass containers of bites and chews with tongs so customers could help themselves.

We moved past Harris toward a wall of metal containers filled with blended olive oils and vinegars that shoppers are invited to taste before buying.

We sampled a Blood Orange infused olive oil that was pleasantly light and citrusy and a Basil infused olive oil which was more robust. On the upper shelf were flavor-infused vinegars. We sampled a flavorful Pear Champagne Vinegar that somehow managed to have a fizz similar to the fizz in a glass of champagne. We were equally pleased with the Cranberry Balsamic Vinegar.

“Once they’ve tasted our vinegars or oils, shoppers almost always buy a bottle. The bottles come in three different sizes,” Saltz said.

We wandered by displays of three kinds of maple syrup, Eastern Shore honey, bourban flavored honey and an elderberry syrup that was attractively packaged with deep blue elderberries. There were drinks from eco-friendly Wild Bay Beverages in Baltimore too.

Peters, who’d temporarily left us to wait on a customer, popped up behind a display of products from local artists and gift baskets on the checkout counter.

There were also gift boxes with prepackaged mixes like those seen here that can easily be shipped.

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A Gluten Free section included barrels of grains like millet, buckwheat, rice, farrow and quinoa along with flours and pastas. Sugar-free options included a Milk Chocolate Almond Bark we tasted that was as good as or better than any made with sugar.

Two sections of barrels were devoted to pastas, cereals, oats, granolas, flours and other ingredients for baking including chocolate, cinnamon and other kinds of chips. There were time-saving premade baking mixtures for items like buttermilk pancakes and mixes for tasty party dips.

A stand-alone shelving unit contained pre-made items perfect for gifting. The top shelf included mixes for Hearty Lentil Soup, Vegan Chili, Vindaloo and Mixed Beans. The second shelf featured Rice Krispie Treats in varied flavors. The third shelf boasted hot beverage mixes like Chai Latte Concentrate and Cocoa while the bottom shelf held pre-measured ingredients for Blood Orange or Lemon Lime-flavored cocktails.

The far wall was divided into two sections. The first held a selection of 80 herbs and spices including some that are hard to find. There were also specially blended spice rubs. Shoppers can buy as much or little as they wish.

Both Peters and Saltz tout the fact that customers are able to purchase their products by the spoonful, ounce or pound – a strong selling point.

“If you only need a teaspoon of an ingredient for a recipe, you can buy a tablespoon of it rather than buying a whole bottle that would merely go to waste,” Phil said.

The second section of the wall contained a wide selection of teas and tea accessories that was equally impressive. The fragrances escaping from any one 40 glass tea jars were deep and delightful.

Many of the world’s classic teas like Assam Black, Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast were represented but there were also blended teas like Citrus Ginger, Berry and Hot Cinnamon Spice.

There was so much more to see including health and beauty products. However, Saltz and Peters saved the best things for last – a coffee roaster and bags and barrels of coffee beans from around the world. BD Provision stores are noted for their on-site coffee roasting.

Like the teas, the aromas of the different coffee beans were unique and amazing. Coffee roasting is Peters specialty. Standing by the 14-pound roaster, he scooped up some coffee beans in their raw state from a burlap sack. They were pure white. Then, for comparison, he held a scoop of beans he’d already roasted that were dark in color. They were the store’s darkest roast called India Monsoon.

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For now, the Severna Park store is roasting only on Saturdays (though the Connecticut stores roast three times a week.) Customers tell Saltz and Peters that the air outside the shop smells heavenly whenever they are roasting. The partners hope to make wholesale arrangements with area businesses to supply them coffee, thereby increasing their volume of sales and number of roasting days.

“We’ll generally roast 11 pounds of beans at a time which yields us about 10 pounds,” Peters said. “We use different beans for different blends. We currently have nine different roasts, and we have two flavored coffees – a white mocha and a toasted coconut. Our most popular in-house blend is Midnight Joe – a combination of Columbian, Brazilian and Indian Monsoon beans.”

Peters grinds various blends of coffee each morning and through the day as needed. He also sells quite a few cups of coffee.

Though open only ten days at the time of our visit, both partners said business has been brisk, with Fridays good and Saturdays packed. The shop’s location is advantageous with nearby businesses like Lisa’s Cakepops, American Home Brew, and Severna Park Lanes Bowling that draw well.

BD Provisions is looking to form wholesale partnerships with area restaurateurs or chefs and with other businesses that are eco-friendly and sustainable. They also plan to host classes, events and networking opportunities. A grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held soon by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber with a Jing Ying Institute Lion Dance. For information visit BD Provisions- zero waste bulk food store or follow them on Facebook at BD Provisions Severna Park | 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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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

Severna Park residents were astounded to learn that, after 54 years of operation on the corner of Ritchie Highway and Robinson Road, Clement Hardware owner Gordon Clement sold the family business late last month. Hundreds of messages from former clients poured in by phone, email and over social media saying how much the store and its genial owner would be missed.

Nevertheless, the hardware business reopened under new ownership on Saturday, April 1. It was an easy transition thanks to Clement who spent most of Tuesday, April 11, introducing its new owner Rick Miller to some of the store’s long-time clients.

We were honored to sit in on their final meeting of the day at Donut Shack as Clement spoke about his family’s long history with the store and to be introduced by him to Miller. One of Clement’s favorite haunts, Donut Shack was owned until 2020 by his good friend Bill Prevezanos, another longtime family business proprietor. (It’s now owned and operated by partners Ali Matthews and Ben Hilliard.)

“My father David Clement bought the store in 1969,” Clement said. My brother Jeff and I grew up working there along with our mother Edith. “We also had three siblings who worked at the store at different times but none who made it a career.”

“Sixteen years apart in age, Jeff was the oldest son and I was the youngest,” he continued. “The two of us bought the store from my parents 27 years ago in 1996. Sadly, Jeff needed to retire 17 years ago in 2007 due to early onset Alzheimer’s and I bought him out.”

Longtime residents, like Miller who grew up in Severna Park, can recall that Clement Hardware once occupied two stories of their building at 500 Ritchie Highway. Paint, wallpaper and housewares were displayed on the upper floor while hardware, electronics and tools were displayed on the bottom floor. However, in 1990, they moved the entire business downstairs.

“We actually expanded it,” Clement said. “The entire building was only 6,000 square feet and we needed more space. In the late 1980’s we’d started an expansion on our own though we didn’t own the building. Unfortunately, the savings & loan crisis hit and the banks were unable to give us a go ahead for financing. As we’d already arranged a lease for the upper story with Blockbuster, the building’s owners allowed us to go ahead anyway. Thus, we were fully involved in the new construction and doubled the space.

Thereafter, with plenty of room, the business brought in new lines of merchandise and operated smoothly.

There were occasional ups and downs like those experienced by any small business. Then came the COVID pandemic in 2020 which, unbelievably, proved quite a boon for Clement Hardware. Clement was determined to keep the store open throughout the pandemic as a service to the community.

“For the first three months, our store was so busy I didn’t see how we could sustain it,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. We generally did well through hurricanes, snowstorms, ice storms or windstorms but this seemed like a snowstorm that never ended.”

“Essentials like toilet tissue, paper towels and masks and hand sanitizers flew off the shelves but people were also coming in for tools, paint and hardware for home improvement projects. I’d hate to go through another pandemic, but it was a much-appreciated period of sustained profitability for us.”

When asked what prompted him to decide to sell the business after 54 years, Clement responded that “the stars aligned”.

He believes Rick Miller is the perfect buyer – one who will do a terrific job, will be good for the community, and be good for the Clement Hardware staff. Clement also felt the timing was right since he has a real estate business he really enjoys…and he’s turning 60 this year.

“I’ve had years and years of standing on concrete floors which are hard on the knees,” he said.

Rick Miller does seem to be a perfect fit.

“Gordon reached out to me to congratulate me in 2019 when I opened a showroom for our own family business, Zeskind’s, at Arnold Station,” Miller said. “We’d chatted before about both growing up in the hardware business.”

Zeskind’s is a fourth-generation family-owned hardware and millwork business started in Baltimore City by Miller’s great grandfather in 1925.

Miller said he is planning to change the name of the store to Park Hardware.

“I just didn’t feel right putting our family business’ name on his family business,” he said. “We came up with the concept of calling it Park Hardware because it is in Severna Park and other businesses I frequent like Park Tavern, Park Fitness and Park Home also associate their names with the community.”

Miller added that he plans to move the millwork showroom from Arnold which will be located in the back part of the store. He’ll also shift the existing decorative hardware from the front to the back along with the doors and windows and trim and cabinetry that his business has done well for decades.

“We’ll be doing a total refresh inside and out but we’re keeping everything Clement’s Hardware has offered as a service and keeping their entire staff which is very knowledgeable, Miller said. We’re keeping what they made great and hoping to make it even better, building upon that legacy.”

He noted that they’ll be reaffiliating with Do It Best – a cooperative of family hardware stores – instead of True Value and initiating some additional things like online ordering and pick-up, carrying a modest amount of lumber for finishing jobs and bringing back the lawn mower repair service once popular at Clement’s but discontinued.

Miller says there is already a Park Hardware webpage at www.parkhardware.com that will continually be updated with the latest information.

As for Gordon Clement, he’s looking forward to being able to take off for some fun at will. He’ll be heading for the beach this week and will journey to the Cayman Islands with three friends later in April. There are also some exciting travel adventures in his future. He and his wife are planning a trip to Antarctica two days after Thanksgiving. We wish him nothing but safe travels.

Clement and Miller ended the day shaking hands in the parking lot of Donut Shack across Ritchie Highway from Clement Hardware with its familiar red and white sign still in place just over their shoulders.

“It’s hard to believe,” Clement told Miller, “but when we were first open, there was no traffic light at Robinson Road and the busy section of crossroads was known throughout the area as “Malfunction Junction.”

Jing Ying Institute hosts World Tai Chi Day on April 29

The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi will join hundreds of cities all over the world in hosting World Tai Chi Day on Saturday, April 29th. As in previous years, the event will be held outdoors at the Severna Park Community Center beneath the trees on the lawn of Boone Station Hall from 10 am till 11 am. People of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.

During the event, there will be demonstrations of Tai Chi and followed by free mini-workshops of tai chi and qigong suitable for all levels of fitness. The demonstrations are fascinating to watch.

According to Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer, the mini-workshops are both fun and informative.

Greer also mentioned that, in case of rain, the event will be held inside Jing Ying’s main facility in Arnold. For more information, or to register for the event, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).

Eco Adventures 10th Anniversary and Earth Day Celebration this Saturday

Eco Adventures 10th Anniversary and Earth Day Celebration will take place this Saturday, April 15 from 11 am till 2 pm at 216 Najoles Road in Millersville. Theday of family fun will include conservation and local organizations, vendors, performances by Priddy Music Academy, Docksiders’ Gymnastics, Animal Shows, a Pirate Magic Show and more. There will be food, snow cones, Green Screen, facepainting, pony rides, a petting zoo and more.

RSVP HERE or visit Home – Eco Adventures.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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

Thanks to highly imaginative grandparents, I was entirely convinced there was an Easter Bunny as a small child even though I could never catch sight of him. It was exciting to hear the rabbit scratching at the screen door and such fun searching for the brightly colored Easter Eggs left behind among the high grasses on the family farm.

Those happy memories are why I always dye dozens of eggs on Easter Eve and why I’ve adopted an easy way of coloring them. Here’s a link to my recipe for doing so: Easter Eggs the Easy Way – sharonleestable.com.

I have a deep appreciation for anything “bunny” so, when I stopped by the Red Apron Shoppe on Riggs Avenue last Friday, I was delighted to find bunnies and Easter eggs included in a spring table setting of vintage pastel dinnerware from Russell Wright by Steubenville.

I’d actually entered the shop to do a little retail research for an article about stretching our pennies through the period of high inflation we’re currently experiencing. Robin Love, who was minding the store, was extremely helpful.

She noted that most items displayed in the shop are from the Red Apron Estate Sales side of the business owned by MaryAnn Neal and husband Cam. It’s obvious the glassware, China, furnishings and other items are high quality, in great condition, and, according to Love, relatively inexpensive.

“We’re a rescuer of things that may not have sold but are highly desirable, “she said.

Seen below are two of the articles that caught my attention, with an eye toward pricing them. The first, a three-piece soup tureen set from Holland similar to one I received several years ago as a gift, was priced at $35.00 which was likely half the price of what it would cost new.

According to Love, pillows are priced outrageously high these days selling for $40 and up. However, Red Apron Shoppe’s collection of embroidered pillows was an exception. They were priced at $10 each. In addition, some very attractive non-embroidered cushions were a great deal at $6 each.

We’ll be touching base with Red Apron Shoppe again for a future retail research column. Meantime, we’ll mention some of the upcoming events April is filled with beginning with the Jewish religious celebration of Passover, from April 5 through 13, and the Christian observances of Good Friday on April 7 and Easter Sunday on April 9. Additional events are scheduled throughout the month.

Severna Park Community Center’s Easter Splash on Good Friday

Severna Park Community Center chose the evening of April 7 to hold an Easter Splash from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Therapy Pool with a unique in-water egg hunt and a visit from Peter Cottontail. Tickets were on sale for $10 per swimmer at the desk or online at THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER – SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org). They were going fast.

The Annapolis Cup Croquet Match at St. John’s April 15

Though pricey, tickets are still available for the traditional croquet match between the Johnnie’s and Naval Academy on the front lawn of St. John’s College in Annapolis which takes place April 15 from 12 pm to 6 pm. The casual, picnic-like atmosphere with attendees dressed to the nines according to their own taste, is as much fun to observe as the match. Tickets may be purchased at croquet@sjc.edu.

Tea and Tour at Rising Sun Inn on April 22

Enjoy a cup of tea with costumed guides at Rising Sun Inn in Crownsville on April 22 while learning about the historic house’s collection of colonial tea serving pieces and tea caddy which was kept locked by the lady of the house.  The event will be held from 11 am to 3 pm. Upon arrival, guests will be served Elevenses consisting of traditional sweets and tea at 11. Afterward they’ll be given a tour of the circa 1753 Inn and Tavern learning about the building’s history and its role in Anne Arundel County history. For information and tickets, visit The Rising Sun Inn Crownsville, Maryland – Home.

3rd Annual Flea Market & Craft Show at Historic Baldwin Hall on April 22

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation has announced that their third annual fundraiser benefitting Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville will take place on April 22 from 10 am till 2 pm with vendors indoors and outdoors. For more information, visit Home | baldwinhall or, for vendor information, contact janice.a.crowe@gmail.com.

Life Purpose Course offered at Woods Counseling and Care Center starting April 24

A Life Purpose Course considered helpful for retirees is being offered by Bill Daniel at the Woods Counseling and Care Center from 4-6 pm on Mondays beginning April 10 with subsequent classes April 24 and May 1, May 8 and May 15. For costs, information, and to register, contact Nancy Sullivan at nsullivan@woodschurch.org or Bill Daniel at bdfable@gmail.com.

Good Neighbors Group’s 21st Earth Day Festival on April 29

Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay is excited that the group’s celebrated Earth Day Festival has a new home this year at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, 161 Ritchie Highway. The expansive property behind the firehouse is an ideal space in which to highlight informative earth-friendly displays from schools and environmental groups, listen to music and find great food. The festival will be held from 9 am to 12 pm.

Field Party at St. Martin’s Episcopal School on April 29

Long a highlight of the year at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School, the annual Field Party fundraiser is back on the agenda for April 29 at 7 pm. This year the field will be transformed to a Caribbean Island paradise with cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction. Tickets are available at https://stmartinsmd.org/event/field-party-gala/.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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

Not quite ready to open for the season, the atmosphere at Langton Green Community Farm in Millersville on Tuesday was relaxed. A small number of staff and volunteers was on hand to care for the farm and the animals and assist Langton Green director John Iaquinta with preparations for the year’s first public event this Saturday, April 1.

Welcoming as always, Iaquinta introduced Langton Green’s new farm manager Elizabeth Synder and Diana Davis who is director of Day Services. Looking across the fields, now coming alive with new growth, Iaquinta noted how happy they all are to welcome the public back after being completely closed down due to the COVID pandemic.

“We’ve missed being open and sharing what we have here with the community for almost three years. Nevertheless, we managed to accomplish quite a lot during that down time,” he said.

“During the first year, through donations, we were able to completely renovate our main house inside and out. The contractor had many good ideas. He enclosed the former garage giving us much more space.”

Inside, there is now a great snack bar which is loved by the staff and by the physically and intellectually disabled individuals served through the farm’s employment and day programs.

According to Iaquinta, the snack bar construction was made possible through donations of materials and equipment. The sink was donated by a Catholic church, the stove came from a firehouse, and the refrigerator, wood for the counter and countertop materials were also donations.

Opening up the interior provided much needed room for storage as well as extra window space for plant propagation aided by grow lights. There are also multi-purpose areas for arts and crafts, meetings and other activities.

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“Last year, were awarded a $100,000 grant through the Kubota Inc. Hometown Proud Program which allowed us to renovate the even older house used for our administrative offices,” Iaquinta added.

“We still have some Kubota farm equipment headed our way. We’ll use part of the money that’s left over to add more raised beds and for fencing for a new community garden space we’re creating.”

Thanks to grants from the state and county arts councils, artist Cindy Fletcher Holden was able to create additional murals during the down time which add to the sensory experiences created for the developmentally disabled individuals the farm serves as well as the general public.

Prior to heading across the fields, we stopped to say hello to the oh-so-friendly potbellied pigs who headed toward the fence when they spotted a farm crew member responsible for feeding them.

Crossing a field to the fence line, we came across community volunteer Colette Preis trimming back the blackberry vines planted several years ago. The vines are now very productive. For a brief period, blackberries will be sold to the public along with other farm produce on Saturdays.

Doubling back across the fields past the hoop house where tomatoes and squash will be grown, we reentered the greenhouse seen in the opening photo and discovered that Elizabeth Snyder is growing cuttings from those blackberry vines in pots alongside flats of tomato transplants grown from seed.

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Toward the far end of the farm, rows of blueberry bushes and fruit trees that were planted several years ago have matured along with perennial pollinator plants including coneflowers and sunflowers. Beyond those are rows of strawberry plants and, finally, a field sown with a cover crop. At one end of the orchard area is a newly built stage. A spring talent show will be held on the stage on May 13th.

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Back near the hub of things, we found chickens, multiple goats and other critters.

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The farm bunny, Chocolate Chip, was having a fine time observing all the goings on. Chocolate Chip is happiest when being fussed over by visitors.

The beloved farm cat Atticus was spotted winding his way to a water feature where he likes to check out the frogs. Atticus is such a familiar sight at Langton Green Farm that he was the subject of one of Cindy Fletcher Holden’s murals.

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It’s no wonder Atticus enjoys visiting the little pond and surrounding gardens that are tended by Langton Green volunteers. It’s so inviting there with a picnic table for meetings or other gatherings.

According to Snyder, garlic planted last fall is growing like crazy while lettuce, spinach and kale have already gone into the beds. Storage onions are being planted soon with summer produce to follow. She wants the community to know that the farm harvested 7,200 pounds of produce last season and hopes to double that this season. Farm produce will be sold every Saturday.

In addition to the aforementioned lettuce, spinach and kale, spring produce will include spring onions, bok choi, carrots, radishes, and turnips. Summer produce will include storage onions, garlic, a variety of tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot peppers, berries, eggplant, squash, cucumbers, watermelon, and herbs. Fall produce will include pumpkins, acorn squash, butternut squash, fennel, curly kale, lettuce mix, bok choi, carrots, radishes, turnips and more.

As always, produce goes for free to Langton Green’s residential community consumers. Excess produce is donated to community food pantries serving low-income Maryland residents like the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

Since its founding in 1984, Langton Green, a non-profit Anne Arundel County-based residential community has supported adults with intellectual disabilities. The farm was later established as a place where people with varying needs and abilities can work and make a positive impact on the surrounding community.

John Iaquinta says one of his staff’s goals is to make more locals aware of Langton Green where they can get away from crowded neighborhoods and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the gardens and open spaces without driving miles away.

He also noted several upcoming events including Farm Animal Yoga on Saturday, April 1 and a Touchstones Project on April 15. Particularly exciting is this year’s Earth Day Celebration planned for April 22 from 10 am till 2 pm. The Earth Day event includes Langton Green’s very first Spring Plant Sale and community seed swap.

“Pack a lunch that day and enjoy a picnic on the farm,” said Iaquinta. “And don’t forget our Spring Talent Show on May 13.

For more information, visit Home – Langton Green for follow farm activities at Langton Green Community Farm | Facebook.

Flea Market and Craft Show at Baldwin Hall on April 22

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation is hoping for a big turnout on April 22 from 10 am till 2 pm for their Flea Market and Craft Show benefiting historic Baldwin Hall. Flea Market and Crafter spaces inside the hall are still available for $25 while outdoor spaces are $15. To reserve a space, contact Janice Crowe at janice.a.crowe@gmail.com. We’ll have more on the event shortly.

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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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 by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Who better to lead a tour of the newly renovated Boone Station Hall than Bob and Karen Royer? Bob was project manager for the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church REHAB group’s renovation of both the window replacement and the interior of the former church. Karen headed the Woods Gardener’s Group that handled the refurbishment of the gardens surrounding the building, replanting the beds with native plants.

The obvious place to start was at the formal front entrance to the church.

“The window and door replacements made possible by an anonymous benefactor in April of 202l changed the whole character of the building,” said Karen.

Built in 1927 by the parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the building was purchased by the YMCA after the church relocated to 689 Ritchie Highway in 1964. But, shortly thereafter, it was acquired by Woods Church and renamed Holy Grounds Youth Center. The property then, as now, was managed by the Severna Park Community Center.

Bob Royer’s research prior to the window replacement showed that the church was built from a Sears kit by a congregation born when Severna Park was still called Boone. The building materials would have come via railroad car and delivered to the Boone Railroad Station across the road.

“Based on what we learned, it was decided to rename the facility Boone Station Hall,” Karen continued as she pointed to one of the new signs.

“Over the years, parts of the building became worn and were repaired or replaced in a less than ideal way. Luckily, the gift from our anonymous donor made it possible to do badly needed upgrades in the best possible way. We’ll start with the front door which was a solid door before and not very attractive. The glass panes in the new door look wonderful and bring additional light into the interior.”

Moving on, we passed by garden beds that were recently redone by Karen and the Woods Garden Group. The gardeners tore out a number of ornamental plants that are, today, considered toxic to birds replacing them with plant species native to Maryland.

“Our goal is to have the gardens be 70% natives and pollinator species that attract bees, butterflies, beneficials insects, birds and wildlife,” Karen said.

Heading back inside Boone Station Hall, Bob noted how pleased everyone was with the way the new windows look. (Original windows replaced at Historic Holy Grounds with help from anonymous donor – sharonleestable.com)

“They let in so much light,” he said. “The effect is further enhanced by the fact that we repainted the walls a slightly lighter shade of gray and also painted the paneling and trim.

The REHABBERS made three major improvements. They first constructed a spacious closet at the back of the hall with doors and hardware similar to those of the period and then replicated the wainscoting on each side to match the room’s original walls. The closet now provides storage space for the stacks of chairs and other materials that once cluttered the back of the room.

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A second major improvement involved removing the old unattractive panels across the balcony that are shown in the photo below and replacing them with wainscoting matching that in the rest of the building. Balconies were an architectural feature of many churches built from the 1800’s through the 1920’s and 30’s.

The renovation definitely shows off the balcony to good advantage. As can be seen below, the REHABBERS installation of wainscoting across the balcony integrates it with the rest of the hall. They added a wall clock with a classic design to draw attention to the feature. Should there be an overflow crowd, the balcony now provides an attractive option for additional seating.

You’ll also notice that the REHAB carpenters added an extra wall to close off the kitchen and installed more wainscoting and a new serving counter.

The Royers next led us to Boone Station Hall’s all-important kitchen that was totally rehabbed. Though a serving kitchen rather than a cooking kitchen that is used for celebrations and events that are catered, the kitchen was outfitted with brand new cabinetry and quartz counters as well as a large new microwave and refrigerator.

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According to Bob, the REHAB group’s carpenters are proudest of the subway tiles they installed. They are the same sort of tiles that were in vogue during the period when the building was constructed.

“We originally wanted to install a tile backsplash, but it looked so great that we extended it to the ceiling, Royer said. “Then, Severna Park Community Center executive director Sarah Elder and marketing director Amy Holbrook saw it and said it looked so good we should continue it through the rest of the kitchen. Obviously, we did just that and we have to agree that it looks great.”

Repainting the entire facility was the final touch for the renovation. The combination of diffused light from the windows, soft gray walls and white trim not only call attention to the simple, graceful lines of the architecture but create a bright, uplifting atmosphere for events ranging from weddings and family celebrations to community fundraisers, shows and concerts or even memorial or religious services.

Strictly by coincidence for us, but not for the board of trustees or staff, it was recently announced that Bob and Karen Royer are to be the honored guests for the Severna Park Community Center’s Boots & Black Tie Gala being held on April 29th.

Considering the many volunteer efforts they participate in together or separately, everyone considers the couple a wonderful choice. Karen has been a member of the community center’s gala committee for many years doing everything from making arrangements to stuffing envelopes or taking tickets. At Woods Church, she is, along with Bob, a “Congregational Watershed Steward”. She’s a longtime active member of the Woods Gardening Team helping create the church’s well-known Parking Lot Gardens and Hillside Gardens that have seen the Woods Church campus designated part of the Maryland Pollinator Pathway and heading the Boone Station Hall garden beds replanting project. She’s also a member of Good Neighbors Group’s Rogue Gardeners, cleaning up and removing vines from recreational areas and establishing new gardens throughout the community.

Both Karen and Bob are very active members of the Magothy River Association and Karen is currently the secretary. Both helped out with the Berrywood neighborhood’s Cattail Creek Restoration Project, have pitched in to restore the Magothy’s Yellow Perch population and reestablish oyster reefs, and have supported MRA president Paul Spadaro’s efforts to defeat real estate development projects that would harm the river.

As congregation members, they helped with Watershed Steward Frank Goetschius’ capstone project to reforest the area between Woods Church and Sunrise of Severna Park Senior Living. Bob has also headed Woods Church’s award-winning energy saving and sustainability initiatives and, of course, he was project manager for the window replacement project and renovation project at Boone Station Hall.

Both Bob and Karen are proud to be named honorees for the community center gala. However, they wish to highlight the Woods REHAB group for the many rebuilding and maintenance projects they tackled on the church campus and, especially, in the years since taking responsibility for community center and Boone Station Hall properties. To that end, they have invited all the REHAB group members to the gala as their guests.

“It will be the first time we’ve all gotten together socially to celebrate because, when we’re together, we’re always working,” Karen said.

For information on the upcoming community center gala or Boone Station Hall, visit THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER – SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.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 currently offers a Homeschool Kung Fu Class and again brings 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

Andy Wolverton’s journey from librarian to author began about a dozen years ago when the former teacher joined the staff of the Severna Park branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library. He truly enjoyed the work.

Over the course of his career, Wolverton moved from Library Associate to a more managerial position as a Library 1 while simultaneously developing two of the library’s most popular programs – a Great Movies film series and The Guys Book Club in 2011. The latter inspired him to write the book “Men Don’t Read, The Unlikely Story Of The Guys Book Club” published in 2022.

The book follows Wolverton’s experiences getting the club started, attracting members and growing the membership as the club evolved. It’s obvious when speaking with him that his even temperament and sense of humor played a role keeping the club running smoothly for over a decade.

The impetus to form a guy’s book club stemmed from Wolverton’s experience as a librarian wherein he repeatedly heard the phrase “Men don’t read”. He believed that men certainly do read.

One day, while chatting with a woman about her favorite books, he asked her “What books does your husband like to read?” Predictably, she answered “Oh, men don’t read.” That was a tipping point for him.

“I didn’t want to hear the phrase ‘men don’t read’ ever again and determined to do something about it,” he said. “For years I’d observed countless men coming into the library and checking out books. But I wanted to encourage more men and boys to read.”

At about this time, he noticed that guy’s book clubs were being formed. When he told his supervisor Heather Leonard that he was thinking of starting a men’s book club for Severna Park Library, she told him the Miller branch of the Howard County Library had a book club for men called Dudes on Books. Wolverton arranged to attend one of their meetings which impressed him and solidified his determination to form one.

Proceeding cautiously, he chose the name Guys Book Club for the group and picked a date in October of 2011 for the crucial first meeting. He next tackled the arduous task of picking the first book – one likely to draw the most attention – and settled on the popular non-fiction book “Unbroken”, a biography of World War II veteran Louis Zamperini by Laura Hildebrand. He publicized the first meeting and the book selection in “Happenings”, the library’s newsletter. Then he talked to every guy who came into the library about the club and invited them to come.

“Every. Single. Guy,” Wolverton said.

Finally, with much trepidation, he prepared for the first meeting, setting up a meeting room with table and chairs. Not actually surprised, but somewhat disappointed, he drew just three gentlemen to the meeting. Nevertheless, each contributed to the thoughtful discussion playing off one another’s other’s comments.

Hoping for the best, Wolverton planned the club’s second meeting for the following month choosing a sports title, “Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Ever Seen” by Christopher McDougall. In spite of talking the meeting up and inviting every guy who entered the library to attend, the second meeting drew an even more disappointing two guys, a man and his teenaged son who was a runner.

A bit discouraged and aware of library policy that, if a program didn’t draw enough people to be worthwhile after three meetings, it would be dropped, he agonized over selecting a book for the third meeting. He chose “The Maltese Falcon” written by Dasheill Hammett in 1930. The title was well known thanks to the movie by the same name starring Humphrey Bogart that premiered in 1941.

Wolverton stepped up publicity for the meeting, tacking up copies of a visually exciting poster he designed and continuing his word-of-mouth campaign. Miraculously, the meeting drew 12 guys, and its founder drew a sigh of relief. He’d finally hit a home run.

From then on, the club ran fairly smoothly, meeting every other month with Wolverton acting as facilitator. Many of the same fellows attended on a regular basis with new members joining from time to time. Their tastes soon became evident with a preference for non-fiction books, but fiction was interwoven for a change of pace. Considering the number of military retirees in our area, it was not surprising that the membership greatly enjoyed books based on military history.

By 2014, when I was invited to “sit in” on a third anniversary session, the club was drawing a dozen or more members per meeting. The gents were various ages but there was a predominance of grey hair. The book they were discussing was “The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today” by Thomas A. Ricks.

One member described the book as “pretty bleak overall” while another said it revealed how badly wars were fought after World War II. A third thought the book a good follow-on to July’s book selection “The Guns of August.”

During the early years, the club’s founder/facilitator chose all the titles for discussion himself but, by late 2015, members were allowed to nominate books for every other meeting and vote on the title to be selected.

Wolverton grew busier as the club evolved – first studying for his Master of Library and Information Science degree and then taking on additional work when promoted to a Library 1 position in charge of programming. The burden was somewhat lightened when it was decided that members who nominated a book chosen for discussion could lead the meeting if they so desired. Several proved superb discussion leaders including Paul Stillwell, a writer and military historian in his own right. Interestingly, Stillwell was one of the three men who attended the club’s very first meeting in 2011.

While not all the book selections were universally liked, the discussions were always interesting, and meetings were well attended. At this point, people thinking of forming their own book clubs began to approach Wolverton wanting to know how to do it. He gave them good advice and was, in part, motivated to write “Men Don’t Read” to guide those wishing to start a club and underscore the challenges.

Speaking of challenges, there were quite a few for The Guys Book Club including a need to meet virtually during the pandemic.

“Since we couldn’t use the library, we decided to choose classics that were available in the public domain – a nice change because we hadn’t done a lot of that,” Wolverton said. “After the library reopened, we went back to trading book selections, with me picking one and the members picking the next.”

Once, asked what their all-time favorite book was, the members astounded Wolverton by answering that it was Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” – one of their own picks. Other favorites include Candace Millard’s “The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey”, covering the president’s scientific expedition down Brazil’s River of Doubt (later named the Roosevelt River) and Millard’s “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President” about the assassination of President James Garfield.

When it was Wolverton’s turn to pick a book, he’d generally pick something to challenge them like African American science fiction writer Octavia Butler’s “Kindred”, a book taking the reader back in time to experience what it was like being a black woman in Maryland in 1848.”

Today the number of people attending book club meetings has risen from 12 or 15 to between 23 and 25. Because some members moved to other states but want to keep up with what the club is doing and participate, the club uses a hybrid system that allows them to simultaneously meet in person and virtually.

For locals, Andy Wolverton’s face is one of the most familiar and friendly in Severna Park. You not only see him amongst the stacks or at the checkout or information desks at the library, but you are as likely to see him at the counter of The Big Bean ordering take-out coffees.

Wolverton remains dedicated to encouraging more men, boys, and people in general to read – a pleasure not to be denied anyone within reach of Severna Park Library. Whether looking for a guide to establishing a book club or interested in how, by example, such clubs encourage young readers, you’ll enjoy “Men Don’t Read: The Unlikely Story Of The Guys Book Club”. You’ll find copies on Anne Arundel County Public Library’s shelves or can order your own copy of the book at http://www.amazon.com, Find Barnes & Noble Stores Near You | B&N Store Locator (barnesandnoble.com), or https://www.bookbaby.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.”  

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.

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

Darkness had already fallen Saturday evening as guests approached the steps at the entrance of beautiful Baldwin Hall at the crossroads of General’s Highway and Millersville Road. Candles glowed from each step and the dark green double doors were adorned with shamrocks setting a festive tone for what awaited them inside.

Entering the ballroom, Irish-themed decorations strung across the balcony and strategically placed elsewhere immediately caught the eye, confirming that the fundraiser was both a special social occasion and an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Looking down from the balcony, one could see that the St. Patrick’s Day themed decorations complemented the ballroom’s dark green velvet draperies perfectly…

…and there was no doubt that the Severn Cross Roads Foundation board members who maintain the hall and the volunteers helping run the event wholeheartedly embraced adding a touch of the Irish.

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According to Janice Ann Crowe, who handled publicity, Saturday’s event was the first fundraiser held for Baldwin Hall since the COVID pandemic caused Severn Cross Roads Foundation to cancel virtually all community gatherings at the venue for two years.

“We’re all so happy to see each other,” she said.

Indeed, glasses of wine in hand, guests gravitated to conversational groups at the front and back of the hall during the early part of the evening. At the center of one such group, the event’s organizer Gail Campbel explained the purpose of the fundraiser.

“During the pandemic, Baldwin Hall had no income at all because most of our funds come from rentals for weddings and similar events. Since they all had to be cancelled, we haven’t had any money coming in since 2019,” said Campbell. “So, we’re starting with this event hoping ticket sales and proceeds from our silent auction will help.”

Campbell added that the hall, built in 1861, needs a quite a bit of work.

“We’ve been applying for grants but they are hard to come by,” she said.

Preserving the building was also the topic of discussion for another group nearby with Julie Reinhart, Rick Johnson and Michele Nisewaner particularly knowledgeable about its long and interesting history.

“The hall was constructed in 1861 as the Cross Roads Methodist Episcopal Church replacing an earlier church at the site that was built in 1817,” Reinhart said. “It was moved three times – once in 1896 from its original site across Indian Landing Road for the building of ‘The Stone Church’ known today as Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, then to a second spot on Indian Landing Road in 1970 when the Educational Building was constructed. The third and final move occurred on June 2, 1981 when Baldwin Hall was moved across General’s Highway to its present location.”

She added that the building changed a bit over time. The 1861 church version had a basement where cooking was done. An extension was made to the back end following the move to Indian Landing Road in about the 1930’s and the hall was modified to include a stage still in use. Theatricals were presented there by the South Shore Dramatic Club and, later, by the Pasadena Theatre Company. Today the hall serves as a rehearsal and performance venue for the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus. Nisewaner, who arranged for the evening’s entertainment, told her friends that guest artist Richard Walton would shortly be appearing on the stage.

Like similar events, the Cheese, Wine and Chocolates benefit had something to please everyone, from chocoholics and wine lovers to music fans.

Singer/songwriter, guitarist and band leader Richard Walton entertained the crowd with original vocals while playing acoustic guitar. In the music business for many years, The Richard Walton Group has a dozen award-winning CD’s to their credit. Their newest release is “5 By Seven” available from I-Tunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

There was a fine selection of wines to enjoy, donated by General’s Wine & Spirits. There were nearly two dozen Silent Auction items from local donors to bid on. They ranged from original artwork to baskets of food and wines, luggage and other luxury items.

Then, of course, there was a lavish buffet catered by The Jive Chive with an array of fruits, vegetables and cheeses to tempt one’s tastebuds…

…and, to top it all off, there were tiered trays of gourmet chocolates and a decadent chocolate cake for good measure.

By the time Carol Ann Gass made her rounds to all the tables selling raffle tickets for a “Basket of Cheer” (literally an entire clothes basket full of wine), there was a comforting hum of conversation from attendees.

Guest Jeff Rogers, a local resident who came with family, complimented the buffet.

Jody Lohn, a neighbor close to the hall who writes the Severn Cross Roads Foundation newsletter, said she was pleased with the turnout. Lohn wholeheartedly supports Baldwin Hall and is among those concerned that the historic Cross Roads section along General’s Highway will fall victim to overdevelopment of the Crownsville area.

Organizers of the benefit for Baldwin Hall were pleased that proceeds from the event’s ticket sales, silent auction, and raffle will help defray the expenses for needed repairs and updates to the facility. They hope to bring in more revenue through grants, rentals, and upcoming events including their traditional Crab Feast and the Third Annual Craft Fair/Flea Market this autumn. To learn more about Baldwin Hall or its 1840’s School Room, make a donation, or follow upcoming events, visit Home | baldwinhall.

Severna Park Community Center launches Health & Wellness Lecture Series

Just in, we have news from executive director Sarah Elder that Severna Park Community Center will launch a new health & wellness lecture series next week. All lectures are FREE to attend, and will include a live demonstration, tasting, and free recipe cards for participants.

The interactive lecture series sponsored by realtor Jessica Verde with CENTURY 2l New Millenium will begin March 14 and go through May 25. The lectures will be held at Boone Station Hall with some scheduled for lunchtime and others for evening. They will feature a local expert speaker, a live demonstration (most often a cooking demonstration), a tasting, and a take-home recipe card.

The new series will also partner with Services from the Heart Backpack Buddies which operates a food distribution program for food insecure families out of the community center during the school year. The lectures will range from gardening at home to raise fresh vegetables to meal preparation to raising chickens and goats. Plenty of ways to stretch a penny.

For dates, times and more information about the lectures, visit Grow Your Health – THE SEVERNA PARK COMMUNITY CENTER (spcommunitycenter.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.”  

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

As executive director of the Good Neighbors Group, Julie Shay is always on the move. Stopping to chat with a friend recently, she bubbled over with the latest news from the neighborhoods in and around Severna Park where one or another GNG program or project is underway.

Excited about the project she recently took part with GNG’s newest spin-off, the Rogue Gardeners, Shay mentioned how the eight-member group worked together to remove invasive vines from the banks of the Upper Magothy River. (Five of the eight appear in the opening photo including Woods Church Gardners Group member Karen Royer, Lise and Jim Crafton, Lynda Wilkinson and Magothy River Association president Paul Spadaro.

She was even more enthused about the phenomenal success of Good Neighbors Group’s Sixth Annual S(o)uper Bowl Food Drive that was held February 9 through 12.

“We had 56 neighborhoods participate this year with 11 new ones. That definitely rivals our best year since starting the food drive in 2018,” Shay said. “The amount of food collected was enormous and exceeded previous totals. We helped fill the food pantry shelves of five recipient charities including the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, SPAN, ACAN, Celestial Manna at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church and My Brother’s Pantry.

Donations were collected at neighborhood captains designated drop-off locations and most often stored in their homes.

Once collected, donations were transported to the food drive’s designated charities and came rolling in on drop-off day every way possible, from minivans to red wagons.

The volunteers at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, SPAN, ACAN, Celestial Manner, and My Brothers Pantry were delighted to receive them and expressed their gratitude. As SPAN directors Maia Grabau and Michele Sabean reminded us at the end of the holiday season, donations slack off during the mid-winter months so donations like these are really appreciated.

On February 22nd, the Good Neighbors Group gathered in the lounge at Cafe Mezzanotte to announce the neighborhood winners for the 2023 S(o)uper Bowl Food Drive.

A total of 18,961 food items were donated all-told. The winning neighborhood by volume was Shipley’s Choice with 1,516 items collected. The per house winner was the Winchester On Severn neighborhood with 10.10 items per house. The two neighborhoods most improved were Severna Park’s Oakleigh Forest (collecting 434 more items than in 2022 and Broadneck’s Schoolers Pond (collecting 133 items more than 2022.)

Shay and the Good Neighbors Group first came to the attention of area residents through their Earth Day Celebrations which have been held in Severna Park for almost two decades, most recently at Severna Park High School. This year, however, the group was not granted permission to hold the event at the high school and had to seek another location.

“Briefly, we wondered if we should discontinue the Earth Day Celebrations since we’d been doing them for almost 20 years.,” Shay said.

“Luckily, we’ll be able hold it this year on the grounds of Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company and we are thrilled. We’d like to send some money their way to help with their efforts to build a new fire station.”

She added that Chris Myers worked with her on the organizational side in past years, with the pair running the event on their own. Fortunately, this year several people have volunteered to work with her on different aspects of the celebration. Severn River Association executive director Jesse Iliff will organize all the environmental groups, Cafe Mezzanotte owner Tommie Koukoulis will organize the food vendors, Kate Langston from SassWell will handle the wellness groups and Refill Goodness co-owner Jenny Vedroni will organize the marketplace. Students from the Leadership Institute at Severna Park High will be volunteering during the actual event. The Earth Day Celebration will be held at Earleigh Heights Fire Station at 161 Ritchie Highway on April 29th from nine to noon.

Another of Good Neighbors Group’s longest-running efforts is the Severna Park Blood Drives that are held every eight weeks in conjunction with Anne Arundel Medical Center. The blood drives are co-sponsored by Park Books, Garry’s Grill and The Big Bean with volunteers Deb Hoffman and Lynda Wilkinson handling the scheduling.

The Anne Arundel Medical Center bus is next scheduled to arrive in front of GNG headquarters at 553 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Severna Park Village is March 3 from 8 am to 2 pm.

Back in 2006, when Julie Shay founded the Good Neighbors Group, she’d sensed that Severna Park was growing at such a rapid pace that residents were losing their sense of neighborhood, their sense of community. She wanted to find a way to bring people back together by tackling projects that could help the community. Seventeen years later, the town and surrounding areas are more crowded than ever.

“The neighborhoods are so sprawling that, if you don’t have a reason to communicate with someone, you may not. However, people are extremely good-hearted if they only know how to help so I try to break things down into finite steps that we can all relate to and inspire people to say, ‘Oh, I can do that,'” said Shay.

GNG’s ever-evolving projects fulfill people’s need to be in touch and involved, especially the S(o)uper Bowl Food Drive where neighbors are communicating with each other and having a lot of fun.

When asked if there are any new projects in the organization’s immediate future, Shay named three that involve the Rogue Gardeners.

Work already began and is ongoing on the first project which involves adding aquatic grasses and native plants to land surrounding the small pond in front of Cafe Mezzanotte which can be seen from Ritchie Highway.

The second project is more of a collaboration between the Rogue Gardeners and a new group they want to support.

Shay learned from Berrywood resident Helen Chapman that she’d become fed up with people discarding trash along her community’s sidewalks and roads so she started a neighborhood Litter Brigade. The Rogue Gardeners so loved the idea that they’ve invited the Litter Brigade to join them for one of their random projects where help is needed. The group plans to gather at Lake Waterford shortly to clear the land around it of litter and invasive vines and add some native plants.

“Lake Waterford has some of the cleanest water in Anne Arundel County and is also a major spawning spot for yellow perch and we’re dedicated to preserving the pristine environment around it,” Shay said.

The Rogue Gardeners’ most exciting project – to revamp the planting beds surrounding the old Severna Park Train Station – is being undertaken in conjunction with Watershed Steward D. J. Giles and the Severna Park Improvement Association which owns the land. A Rogue Gardeners’ committee, headed by Karen Royer, Master Gardener Alison Milligan, Lynda Wilkerson and the late Ann Jackson, had already removed some invasive vines smothering the existing plantings in the left-hand portion of the garden that’s to the left of the Severna Park & Arnold Chamber building.

Shortly after the work was completed, Ann Jackson sadly passed away. The gardeners wanted to do something to honor Jackson – a Watershed Steward and accomplished gardener who’d trained many others and launched a number of community gardens and rain gardens. They group met with Jackson’s husband and Giles and proposed making that small corner of the railroad station property into an educational garden in honor of Anne. Alison Milligan will design the garden using native plants that attract bees and butterflies – a space that would draw people to the Riggs Avenue part of the small downtown that is Olde Severna Park.

Those projects are just some of the Good Neighbors Group’s activities that allow members of the community to be involved with others in something meaningful. For information on Good Neighbors Group, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group.

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.”  

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The strains of music from the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” echoed from the sanctuary of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church as a rehearsal for the show got underway last Saturday afternoon. The award-winning Broadway production, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, debuted in 1971 and remains popular 52 years later.

About half of the 40-member cast – a mix of principals, understudies and ensemble members – was on hand to rehearse specific numbers. The show has no spoken dialogue and everything is sung. With only a handful of rehearsals left before the musical’s March 24th debut, a lot of time was spent on Saturday working on the choreography of the dance sequences and general movement by the actors.

The show’s director, David Merrill, met with the cast onstage to give them a rundown of the scene they were about to rehearse. He next watched actress Emily Sergo, who plays Judas Iscariot, perform the show’s first number “Heaven On Their Minds” while assistant director Elysia Merrill (David’s wife) photographed her from different angles. The couple’s beloved Boxer dog Gisla, who attends every rehearsal, watched attentively from a comfy spot on the center aisle.

At the back of the room, Woods Church volunteer Jacquei Shade, whose son Thomas is in the production, was lending a helping hand where needed.

Sergo’s performance was enthusiastically received by her fellow actors waiting offstage.

As the rehearsal progressed, various parts of the production demanded on-the-spot instruction from choreographer Elysia Merrill who carefully coordinated the movement and placement of each actor from one scene to the next.

The cast’s entrance for the number “What’s the Buzz”, pictured above, was rehearsed several times before they segued into a segment highlighting the dancers. As the beat picked up and the actors receded toward the wings, the dancers moved front and center.

Behind them, Sarah Kent, who plays Mary, and cast member Dillon McCarrick, the understudy for the role of Jesus, sat on a platform while discussing the script.

The creative and innovative productions staged by Merrill, Woods’ Director of Music and the Arts, generally attract sizeable audiences. To accommodate them, the church uses its spacious sanctuary as a theater with the aisles on either side standing in for wings. The stepped altar area doubles as a stage and there is ample floor space.

When dance became the focus of the “What’s the Buzz” number, choreographer Elysia watched with intense concentration and occasionally interrupted the routine to offer a suggestion.

The dancers act as a bridge between scenes and play a pivotal role in moving the plot forward. However, three pieces of music, “Simon Zealottes”, “The Temple” and “Superstar” are exclusively dance numbers.

Loosely based on the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, “Jesus Christ Superstar” was controversial when it debuted on Broadway because of its unconventional portrayal of Jesus, its sympathetic treatment of Judas, its skipping of the resurrection and, among other things, its rock-based score.

As the rehearsal evolved into another scene, an impromptu script conference was needed between Elysia and actors Erica Snipes, Dillon McCarrick and Sarah Kent before they moved into place.

The actors worked on scenes featuring Jesus, using two platforms that will be disguised as scenery during the actual shows. According to the Merrills, Woods Church has a wonderful prop and set builder team.

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“Our prop master is Nancy Bishop and our set builders are Pete Bishop and John Dawson,” said David.  “We do not cover or mask the set so we must move it completely out of the sanctuary for church services or special events. John McLaughlin, our properties director, (a guard in the show) is good at setting up and tearing down the set with help from the cast.”

Elysia added that Susan Bohlman is the show’s head costumer and has two other volunteers working with her on outfitting 40 actors – all of whom can’t wait to see what they’ll be wearing.

When rehearsal drew to a close we caught up with one of the youngest actors, Violet Thompson, who is part of the ensemble and also plays a leper. The 15-year-old is a skilled, enthusiastic and expressive dancer. We inquired if she’d had other acting experience.

“Yes, I’ve done theater my whole life,” Violet said. “In addition to appearing in some of the Woods’ productions, I’ve been in a number of Jennifer Lee Kraus’s Theater In The Park shows.”

We caught up with actors Sarah Kent and David Thompson, who is playing Peter, while they were helping Merrill fold platforms prior to stowing them away.

Sarah, who is Woods’ Director of Contemporary Music, said she felt that the rehearsal went well in spite of having just half the cast to work with. She was pleased that the “What’s the Buzz” sequences were coming along nicely.

“I’ve really learned to trust David and Elysia,” Kent said. “It seems like I’m always wondering ‘how are we ever going to pull this off?’ The costuming, for example, hasn’t come together yet and I have no idea what I’m going to wear. But then… we always do pull it off.”

Kent reminded us that there will be six performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on two consecutive weekends on March 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 pm and, again, on March 31, April 1 and April 2 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 and may be ordered by visiting http://www.woodstix.org.

Woods Church brings back its annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on March 17

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church volunteer Karen Lerario dropped by the “Jesus Christ Superstar” rehearsal to share some special news.

“For the first time since the COVID pandemic, Woods Church is bringing back its popular St. Patrick’s Day dinner on March 17th at the Severna Park Community Center from 5:30 to7:30 pm,” Lerario said.

“The dinner will be catered by Park Deli instead of prepared by the Woods Church kitchen coordinator and volunteers who prepared St. Patrick’s Day fare in previous years. Park Deli has been generous to us in setting the price for adult dinners at $20, with children 12 and under $10 and a maximum price for a family dinner $60.”

The dinner will be held in the community center’s Andy Borland Gymnasium which will be decorated in St. Patrick’s Day greenery. The Woods Church Childrens Ministry is making decorative screens, one of which features a rainbow with a pot of gold.

Lerario says the menu will feature traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods including Bangers and Mash and Corned Beef and Cabbage.

There will be Irish music, a performance by the Crawford Family Celtic Dancers and leprechauns to entertain the diners. The community is welcome. Tickets may be purchased online at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org). For information, call 410-647-2550.

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.”  

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.