Category: Uncategorized

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

Riding around Langton Green Community Farm on a UTV with farm director John Iaquinta on a sunny spring day was bound to be fun. Passing by several farm workers pruning blackberry bushes and a flock of hens, we headed for one of the farm’s hoop houses to meet new farm manager Sam Garrett.

Now that he’d completed transferring seedlings from the greenhouse to the long, perfectly formed rows in the hoop house, Garrett was keeping an eye on them – especially since the roof blew off its frame a few days ago in the recent winds and had to be wrestled back on.

Luckily, the atmosphere inside was warm and pleasant when we stepped in.

“In combination with moisture and light, our well-prepared rows with their balanced mix of nutrients are perfect for growing greens, ” he said. “We’ve planted tiny seedlings of leeks, kale, spinach, lettuces and arugula and they are loving it.”

We followed Garrett back to the farm’s headquarters where he and Iaquinta led the way to a room flooded with pink light from two layers of specially designed florescent tubes. Both men acknowledged that the lighting is an experiment – one that seems to be working well.

“These are dwarf tomato plants which only grow to about 12 inches,” noted the farm manager. “You can see that they are already flowering. We have an orange variety, a yellow variety and a typical red. The fruit will be standard cherry tomato sized.”

Iaquinta added that the dwarf tomato seedlings are one among many varieties of flowers and vegetables being grown for Langton Green’s annual Spring Plant Sale being held at the Millersville-based acreage on May 3rd.

Stepping past farm cat Atticus in the hall, we entered a room with dozens more plants that were hale and hearty thanks to an abundance of windows that provided optimum lighting conditions.

The busiest place of all was a nearby greenhouse where there were hundreds of flats of seedlings at various stages of growth. Garrett and farm assistant Madison Smith (also seen in the opening photo) were pleased with the progress of the tomatoes and super healthy lettuce they are growing hydroponically along with regular plantings of the Asian salad green tatsoi, multi-colored chard and mustard greens.

Allegheny blackberry transplants were easy for Garrett to grow from cuttings, but growing cotton as an experiment has him crossing his fingers. He said it takes up to 180 days till it’s ready for harvest. He’ll plant the cotton in a few different locations to see where it does best.

Rosemary, lavender, thyme, and primrose transplants gave way to adobo and golden Bell pepper plants and several purple potato plants. Even the youngest seedlings need attention from Sam and Madison with watering and occasional weeding.

Now in its 11th year of operation, Langton Green Community Farm has undergone many changes and made considerable progress according to John Iaquinta.

“We’ve had several different farm managers over the years, each with a different agricultural background and different set of skills. They’ve made a big difference in elevating our operation to the professional gardening level.”

When the COVID pandemic hit, there was more of a shift to environmental science. The farm brought in managers focused on soil process who established a blueprint for what is being done now.

According to Iaquinta, the farm managers, workers and volunteers initially concentrated on growing summer produce. But they are now pushing to grow produce 12 months of the year. They’re planning to sustain production by growing cool weather varieties, utilizing the greenhouses, and adding some hydroponically raised salad greens.

Garrett plans to experiment with the science of aquaponics wherein you introduce a fish or a shrimp to the irrigation water for whatever plant you are growing, using their waste as the main nutrient source.

With the arrival of spring, the farm will pick up the pace. Langton Green’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program will begin on March 17th. Participants will pay an initial flat rate of $200 to get an entire summer’s worth of handpicked produce. There will be six to eight things in each box ranging from salad greens, tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables to strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and fruit from the orchard.

Iaquinta said the farm can now support up to 25 or 30 CSA customers, supply produce for farm donors and sponsors, and supply produce and fresh eggs for Langton Green’s homes for developmentally disabled individuals. They also partner with SPAN, Inc. to provide fresh produce for their clients.

As mentioned previously, Langton Green Community Farm’s Spring Plant Sale will take place on May 3rd when most of what’s being raised in the greenhouses will be offered to the public.

Between 26 and 30 community plots will shortly be made available to the public as well. There will be no charge for the plots, but participants are asked to volunteer four of five hours of labor to the farm.

Limited “Pick Your Own” days for strawberries, blueberries or blackberries are on the agenda for this spring and an online “storefront” is being launched where customers can order fruits or vegetables from the Langton Green website Langton Green Community Farm | (langtongreenfarm.com) or by visiting Facebook. The produce ordered will be handpicked on Fridays and be ready for pickup on Saturdays.

A visit to Langton Green Community Farm is always entertaining. Twenty-five adults with disabilities work there tending the livestock or working in the gardens or greenhouses. There are 35 to 40 chickens of various breeds, four goats and a similar number of pigs that children just love to visit. Artwork is woven throughout the grounds amidst raised flower and vegetable beds. Best of all, there are programs and activities to enjoy including “First Saturday” events featuring musical performances, storytelling or other forms of entertainment.

Though located off busy General’s Highway in Millersville, a visit to the farm feels like going to the country. The produce raised there is great throughout the spring, summer and fall and the prices are super competitive.

A reminder: Tickets still available for Severn Cross Roads Wine, Cheese and Chocolate St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser being held this Saturday, March 15

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation still has some tickets available for Historic Baldwin Hall’s annual event – the Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Fundraiser being held this Saturday, March 15th from 7-10 pm.  Tickets for the St. Patrick’s Day themed event may be ordered by calling 410-409-0187, by emailing: gcampbell8185@gmail.com or they may be ordered online at https:PayPal.me/BaldwinHallMD.

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

High-rise apartments, townhouses and high-density development areas resembling Annapolis Town Center (seen in the photograph above) could be in the near future for Severna Park if a bill being debated by the Anne Arundel County Council is passed.

We were alerted by friend and Severna Park resident Amy Badger Laque’s repost of a Magothy River Association Facebook post notifying the public that the Anne Arundel County Council is debating Bill 2-25 which would fast-track such high-density construction in several locations throughout the county including the Route 2 (Ritchie Highway) corridor.

Badger’s repost urged her friends to view the MRA post (including the map seen below) showing the area of the community affected and then reach out to the County Council. Like many residents who moved to Severna Park for good schools and a high standard of living, she’s disappointed and disillusioned by the overdevelopment of the area.

“For example, there are five public storage facilities within half a mile of my home off Jumper’s Mill Road, none of which are at capacity,” she said. “The amount of building is unconscionable and completely contradicts County Executive Steuart Pittman’s purported stance. It’s also a bit ironic, considering the Green Infrastructure Master Plan.”

In addition to opposition from the Magothy River Association, Bill 2-25 has also been a topic of concern at two successive meetings of the Greater Severna Park Council according to board president Maureen Carr York.

“We first met two weeks ago to discuss the matter after which board members Craig Meyers and Doug Nichols wrote up a statement of concern regarding the bill which was proposed by County Executive Pittman,” Carr said.

She further noted that, because the Council has existed since the 1960’s to preserve the character and small town feel of Severna Park, similar issues have come up before. The members are overwhelmingly convinced that Bill 2-25 and similar proposals would be overwhelmingly bad for the community and residents feel the same way.

In 2012, Carr was a member of a Citizens Advisory Committee regarding the Transportational Functional Master Plan for 2040.

“At that time, the planners were advocating for transit-oriented development and high-density housing in areas they described as ‘much bigger than Annapolis Town Center’ with high-speed buses,” she said. “We didn’t favor the plan.”

The GSPC board’s second meeting, with Amanda Fiedler, Anne Arundel County Council member for District 5 in attendance, was held February 11. Fiedler, who strives to preserve the character of the community while protecting the environment of her district, was working on an amendment to Bill 2-25.

Fiedler told us that Bill 2-25 allows an area labeled a Critical Corridor to be redeveloped, skipping “both the sketch plan and preliminary plan steps of development.”

The councilmember says “she doesn’t have as much concern with this” as there would still be public meetings about the redevelopment and the two steps apply primarily to development on undeveloped tracts of land.

The Pittman administration said the bill was intended for more blighted areas with vacant retail space, Fiedler explains. 

“The bill increases the potential residential units for a multi-family dwelling (apartment type complex) from 15 units per acre to 22 units per acre, if a commercial property is redeveloped,” she says.

It also does away with the requirement to have half the floor area of a redevelopment on a commercially zoned property actually be commercial. 

“This means the redevelopment doesn’t have to have any commercial space at all,” she adds. “It could be redeveloped to all residential.”  

Bill 2-25 also subsidizes development forcing local taxpayers to foot the bill for a 50% reduction of connection fees (water and sewer) for developers, presumably as a spur to development.

“The Pittman administration stated that the bustling retail space in Severna Park is unlikely to be appealing for redevelopment, so it probably won’t take place in the near future,” Fiedler says. 

“My position is that, if the bill was not intended for an area like Severna Park but more blighted areas, then let’s remove the bustling commercial and residential areas from the bill.  We most certainly do not need to have established active and robust communities identified as properties that are ripe for redevelopment.”

“I am working to identify amendment language that would remove the Severna Park area from Bill 2-25,” Fiedler concludes.

Having previously discussed challenges firefighters face in dealing with high-rise buildings with Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Chief Dave Crawford, we also sought his input.

“The upper floors of some three-story assisted living homes in areas we’re responsible for are a struggle to reach with our current equipment,” Crawford says. “Aerial platform firetrucks are going for $2 million today. When I first priced the firetruck we need, it was going for $731,000. Just a year later, the price has risen to one million dollars.

Crawford, in the midst of organizing EHVFC’s annual Bull & Oyster Roast taking place this Saturday, February 15 (announcement below), hopes for a good turnout for the fundraiser. The volunteer fire department is self-sustaining. Thus, it receives no money from Anne Arundel County taxpayers and must raise funds for operating expenses, equipment and a new firehouse. The chief offers some food for thought. “

“A legislator mentioned to me that 8,000 high income tax bracket homeowners have moved away from Severna Park recently. No one wants to live in a metropolis considering the examples we have of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. So, they move here and are entirely unaware that our services are not supported by taxpayers,” he says.

“We have to raise money. We sent out mailers asking for donations to 27,000 homes. Only 4,400 sent back a donation. We also sent mailers to 200 businesses and only two came back with donations…and some are huge businesses that are fully served by us.”

Crawford feels that, though not unexpected, the prospect of even denser residential development will add to the expense and burden of serving a nighttime population of 25,000 to 27,000 people that swells to a daytime population of 60,000 or 70,000 counting the workforce and students.

While more appropriate for a location within the boundaries of an already existing city, projects like the Annapolis Town Center tend to be a magnet for similar high-rise construction. Multiplex buildings are visible beyond the center in the photo below. Newly completed construction of additional high-rises can be seen nearby on Riva Road.

The Anne Arundel County Council meeting concerning Bill 2-25 is being held on February 18 at Arundel Center at 44 Calvert Street in Annapolis for those who’d like to attend. For those who wish to make their feelings known to the Council, they may submit online testimony or comments by visiting County Council Meeting – February 18 | Anne Arundel County Government (aacounty.org).

Reminder: Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Bull & Oyster Roast this Saturday

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Bull & Oyster Roast takes place Saturday, February 15 at the firehouse at 161 Ritchie Highway from 5 pm till 10 pm with food, music and fun. The menu is terrific with pit beef, ham and turkey and raw oysters, oyster stew, and oyster fritters plus all the trimmings and dessert. There will be 50/50 Boards, Big 6, Showdown Poker, Pull Tabs and Lottery Board adding to the fun. For tickets which are $50 in advance or $60 at the door see Earleigh Heights VFC (ehvfc.org).

Unity Gardens annual Spring Lecture at St. Phillips Epsicopal Church on February 22

Magothy River Association member Karen Royer tipped us that Unity Gardens has scheduled its annual Spring Lecture for 10 am on February 22 at St. Phillips Episcopal Church, 730 Bestgate Road, Annapolis.

“Unity Gardens is a small nonprofit that gives grants to civic organizations across Anne Arundel County to plant native trees, shrubs and perennials,” Royer says. “These grants help to control stormwater as well as provide habitat for birds, pollinators and wildlife. The Magothy River has benefitted from grants given to schools, churches, libraries, HOA’s, garden clubs and Scout projects in our watershed.”

This year’s lecture, titled “Nature’s Blueprint: Designing for Resiliency with Native Plants” features Ryan Drake, McCausland Natural Areas Manager of Morris Arboretum & Gardens, University of Pennsylvania. The lecture is a good way to learn about native plants and support the ongoing Unity Gardens grants. Tickets are $40. For information or tickets, visit Unity Gardens – Unity Gardens.

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

Occasionally, research for future columns takes Around The Park Again outside of Severna Park along nearby highways and byways. Last Tuesday we met with realtor Theresa Kurtz to get the scoop on residential real estate trends in Anne Arundel County. (I first met Kurtz several years ago at a Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber event while Kurtz was associated with the Severna Park Voice.) She suggested we get together at a restaurant recently opened by her friend Stephanie Fennell in Edgewater called 100 Lots Kitchen + Bar.

Serving local scratch-made food and drinks in an inviting space with a rustic flavor, the new eatery’s unusual name is an added draw for curious diners. When introduced to Fennell, we couldn’t resist asking her what it signifies. We were fascinated when she explained that the name dates back to the very beginnings of the colony of Maryland in 1632.

“My business partner and I are history nerds who were intrigued with the early history of Edgewater,” Fennell said. “Then a port surrounded by the Town of London, the area was more populous than Annapolis. In 1683, in order to grow commerce, promote town formation and assure the colony’s success, the Maryland General Assembly divided existing land holdings into 100 one-acre lots through ‘An Act for Advancing the Trade of Tobacco’. We decided ‘100 Lots’ would be a perfect name for our restaurant.”

The partners’ nod to local history is evident in the eatery’s decor. There are tobacco burden baskets on one wall. On another wall are tobacco harvesting tools and seafood industry equipment like clam rakes. Tobacco was one of the main exports from the Edgewater/Londontown area during the colonial era.

On opposing walls and along the handsome bar, the oyster industry is represented by historic photographs and pieces of equipment displayed on the walls. Vintage oyster cans arranged on a shelf above the bar illustrate that, by the mid-1800’s cannery technology had progressed to a point where canning fresh oysters from local waters was a safe alternative to shipping live oysters without risking spoilage.

Even on a rainy day like Tuesday, the interior is bright with three walls of windows.

The lighter woods of tables arranged in pairs or small groupings in the open spaces nearest the front entrance contrast nicely with the dark woods of the bar opposite them.

An adjoining room combines similar tables with booths along one wall.

Fennell, a single mother, observed that she has opened her “first” restaurant at a time when the economy is questionable. We wondered aloud how she’d had the courage for such an undertaking.

Passionate about serving good food to people, Fennell has had a lot of experience managing other restaurants. Rather than coming from a food background, she has a degree in psychology. However, she paid for college by working in restaurants. Then life happened and she ended up being in the industry for about 25 years. After having run restaurants for others, she decided it was time to run one of her own.

Nevertheless, she admits she had some qualms about taking over ownership of the business previously known as The Broadneck Grill & Cantina, a Mexican restaurant.

“It’s uncharted territory for me as I’ve never owned a business, but everything seemed to line up,” she said. “During the Covid pandemic, I was running a couple of restaurants. Everyone was super nervous but we were able to adapt to the situation so we could be prosperous. I feel that, with 100 Lots, we should always be able to adapt to what’s going on, even in these uncertain times. I’m confident in my ability to do that.”

She believes her background in psychology impacts how she approaches her business, her employees, her clientele and even the menus.

100 Lots’ menus are seasonal and change four times a year. Fennell and staff are “all about supporting local businesses”, sourcing products from local farmers like Tony Hamilton from Pond View Acres in Hughesville as well as from farmer’s markets. Her creative chef, Mike Tolle, whom she brought with her from a former restaurant, is particularly adept at turning her ideas into delicious entrees. Iris Fuentes, her kitchen manager is an expert baker.

Tuesday nights are Oyster Nights at 100 Lots when dishes like “Oysters on Half Shell” and “Oysters Rockefeller” are served. (The eatery works with the Chesapeake Bay’s Oyster Restoration Program by contributing their shells for reef building projects.)

The restaurant will be teaming up with neighbor Edgewater Liquors for 100 Lots Kitchen + Bar’s first event, a Spring Menu and Beer Tasting on March 21 at 6 pm. Given the menu, the knowledgeable gents from Edgewater Liquors have paired different beers with each of the four courses plus a dessert and they’ll be on hand to talk about each. Chef Tolle will be speaking about the spring dishes being showcased while farmer Tony Hamilton will talk about the meats chosen.

Like all foods served year-round, everything on the menu will be made from scratch including the Mozarella that is part of the appetizer. Even the sausages being used will be ground onsite. To view the menu, you can visit 100 Lots Kitchen +Bar at Facebook. We had a preview of all four courses and were fascinated to hear that the fourth course of Short Rib & Bangers served over Mashed Potatoes is being paired with a Sammy Smith Organic Chocolate beer.

Be on the lookout for my column on local real estate trends next week.

Severna Park Community Center Health & Wellness Expo on March 16

On Saturday, March 16 the Severna Park Community Center is hosting a free Health & Wellness Expo in the community center’s gymnasium from 11 am till 2 pm. Forty exhibitors from health and fitness businesses and organizations will be present. There will be swag bags, raffles and giveaways, free blood pressure and hearing screenings and other tests. For information, visit Health & Wellness Expo – 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. 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

The time of year has arrived that some journalists refer to as “the dead zone” when the flurry of holiday events is past and not much seems to be happening. Some of us decide that it’s the perfect time to get away.

According to Bloomberg, the year 2022 saw international travel rise to 63% of the level in 2019, before the pandemic struck. Global tourism for 2023 should improve considerably to reach approximately 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the tourism recovery outlook issued January 17 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The cruise industry has been particularly resilient. An article in Forbes Travel Guide citing cruise trends for 2023 noted that pent up demand caused cruise bookings to bounce back in 2022, a trend that is expected to continue.

Pasadena-based Dream Vacations owner Kelly Cornwell couldn’t agree more.

“Cruises are definitely doing well, especially cruise packages to the Carribean,” she said. “People want to go somewhere warm and they really like the all-inclusive cruises to tropical ports of call where food, drinks, gratuities and other expenses are taken care of ahead of time.”

She added that, for travelers who’d rather fly to their destination than cruise, all-inclusive resort vacations to islands like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are currently popular.

One of the things the travel agent likes best about her job is previewing some of the destinations she recommends to clients including a recent trip to Belize she made with husband Maurice.

“I’m currently working on three upcoming destination weddings which I really enjoy,” Cornwell said. “Some of the Carribean resorts actually have wedding planners on staff so I basically act as a liaison between the clients and the resorts. I don’t book air travel for those weddings, however, as guests fly in from many different locations.”

For some great mid-winter getaways, check out Dream Vacations | Cruise and Land Vacations or call 443-823-1164.

Closer to home, there are upcoming events bound to lift our spirits including one this weekend.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates Lunar New Year with Open House this Saturday

All over the world, people have been celebrating the Lunar New Year beginning on January 22. A fitting finale for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit is an Open House this Saturday, January 28, from 1 to 2:30 pm.

The Open House celebration includes a Chinese Lion Dance at 1:30, demos of kung fu & tai chi, traditional treats, crafts for children, giveaways, and door prizes. Eco Adventures will also be making an appearance with small animals.

January 28 marks the start of a Jing Ying Institute’s month-long silent auction fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org)

Singing Valentines offered by Chesapeake Harmony Chorus

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus is once again offering the perfect Valentine for that special someone in your life. You can send a Singing Valentine for less than the cost of delivered flowers. Singers will serenade your loved one with two delightfully romantic songs in CHC’s trademark barbershop style and present a red rose and card from you on Monday evening February 13 between 6:30pm – 8:30 PM or Tuesday, February 14, 2023, between the hours of 9am—7pm for just $50.

Musical director Sally Burton tells us a quintet of singers will deliver the Singing Valentines on Monday, February 13 and CHC’s award-winning Bearfoot Quartet will deliver them on Tuesday, February 14.

If your special someone is out of town, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus singers will deliver your message by phone for just $20.

Singing Valentines are a great gift for family in assisted living facilities, your best friend, a special teacher or co-worker! Please specify a preferred 2-hour window for your delivery.

To order go to https://www.chesapeakeharmony.org/svsignup

Save the Date for Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Community Social at Historic Baldwin Hall

A reminder that Historic Baldwin Hall will be holding its annual fundraiser – a Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Community Social – on Saturday, March 4 from 7 to 10 pm. The beautiful hall at 1358 Millersville Road in Millersville will provide the perfect setting for the social gathering with luscious chocolates and cheeses with wines donated by General’s Wine & Spirits. Musical entertainment will be provided by solo artist Richard Walton.

Get your tickets for this popular event ahead of time through PayPal.me/BaldwinHallMD or by calling 410-409-0187.

7th Annual Taylor Wild Memorial Golf Tournament provides $20,000 donation to Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County

Severn School physical education teacher Betz Wild recently touched base with us to let us know that the Wild family recently delivered a $20,000 donation to the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County for the Herzberg/Wild College Scholarship.

The donation is a result of proceeds from the 7th Annual Taylor Wild Memorial Golf Tournament held on November 5th. Wild revealed that 244 golfer’s turned out at Compass Pointe in Pasadena to enjoy a fun round of golf and great food from Glory Days and Adam’s Taphouse & Grille. She added that The Herzberg/Wild Scholarship awards two $10,000 scholarships to deserving Anne Arundel County high school seniors.

The scholarship is named for Eric Herzberg and Taylor Wild, both U.S. Marines from Severna Park who died defending our country. Since 2014, the scholarships have been awarded to students who exhibit the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment; the ability to persist in the face of significant personal obstacles; the ability to provide quiet leadership in their school and in their community.

According to Wild, for interested seniors, information about the scholarship can be found on the CFAAC website at Home | CFAAC.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this month by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  January 28 marks the start of a Jing Ying Institute’s month-long silent auction fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

From the Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control tent, where children were admiring “Two Toes” the bunny, to the farthest end of Severna Park High School’s front sidewalk where recycled books were being given away, the return of Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Festival was a happy occasion indeed.

Cradled in the arms of Jessica Galuardi, “Two Toes” (so named because she’s missing a couple toes) was just one of the adoptable bunnies and pups brought along to call attention to the organization, its work and its need to find permanent homes for the animals it cares for.

Opposite A.A. Co. Animal Care & Control were booths along the front sidewalk including those of Power Factor Company , specializing in solar installations, and Echoes of Nature. Popular throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, Echoes of Nature brought along its own “animal ambassadors” ranging from snakes and lizards to birds of prey like their red tailed hawk. The animal ambassadors were primarily adopted by EON from rescues and shelters.

The footprint of the 2022 Earth Day celebration seemed larger than the last time the event was held two years ago. Booths extended from the school courtyard across the sidewalks on both sides of the buildings. Even the parking lot was used to accommodate a line of trucks from charitable organizations. Among others was a truck from Millersville-based Orphan Grain Train – the ultimate recycler of much needed clothing, home goods and medical equipment that is sent to countries overseas including sub-Saharan Africa and Ukraine. Another truck was from Hope for All in Glen Burnie – a non-profit that helps those transitioning from homelessness through local residents’ donations of furniture and household goods as well as shoes, clothing and personal care items.

The sidewalk booths were busy from the moment the festival opened as can be seen in the photo below with Severna Park High students unpacking and laying out gently used books they’d collected to be given away.

Inside the courtyard, the array of exhibitors was quite diverse. Magothy River Association president Paul Spadaro and member Bob Royer’s booth not only held information about conserving the watershed but also a supply of the organization’s new educational Magothy River game. They’d spread one out across the pavement for kids and adults to play.

Royer, who also heads Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s environmental and sustainability projects, reported that the church recently won an Interfaith Power & Light Cool Congregations Annual Award for Sustainability. They also were awarded the Energy Saver Award for reducing their energy consumption by 52%. (Woods’ Renew campaign significantly reduced the church’s energy usage through installation of ultra-high efficiency HVAC systems, upgrades to LED lighting, installation of highly efficient windows and building insulation improvements for a cost savings of $30,000 per year.)

In keeping with the Earth Day Festival’s theme “Do a World of Good, Think Outside the Landfill”, there was an entire table devoted to recycled donations that attendees were welcome to add to or take home at no cost. Items ranged from a stroller to wallpaper, books, candlesticks, garden seeds, cleaning supplies, fabric and batting and a coffeemaker.

One of the simplest, yet most helpful and efficient exhibits at the Earth Day festival was that of Baltimore-based CNR Lighting (C.N. Robinson Lighting Supply Co.). CNR representative Angela Schwartz explained that the various bins on her table were marked for attendees to deposit used fluorescent and LED lights and used batteries (all of which are extremely toxic to the environment if consigned to landfills).

According to Schwartz, CNR sends the batteries collected to a company called Veolia Environmental Services which recycles them through a process that extracts environmentally dangerous metals which can be reused.

The sight of Jing Ying Institute owners Nancy and Billy Greer performing an educational Tai Chi demonstration mid-courtyard brought a smile to everyone’s face. The pair was fresh from their earlier World Tai Chi Day celebration on the lawn of Boone Station Hall where dozens of practitioners joined them in performing the art’s graceful movements. Jing Ying Institute has participated in every local Earth Day festival and, though late, the Greers were determined to carry on the tradition.

On the far side of the courtyard, Brittany Neff, Isaac Sears and Nathan Wheeler from Let’s Grow in Pasadena were selling cactus, succulent and foliage plants while entertaining customers with a running commentary about the interactive plantscape-themed private parties the company hosts. The miniature flowerpots containing easy-to-grow cacti and succulents were particularly appealing to children

One booth over, at Pasadena-based Rise Above Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, kittens and cats were the order of the day though the organization takes in other pets. The non-profit focuses on animals that need help including those injured, elderly or in need of medical care and relies on volunteers and families that are willing to foster them.

In addition to being a boon for those who like to purchase local eggs, herbs and plants, Amy Timme’s pretty Chesapeake Homestead booth was a lesson in organic, sustainable agriculture. Eggs fresh from the family farm’s flock of 60 pasture-raised chickens shared the table with adorably witty egg containers, bundles of freshly picked herbs, and pots of farm-grown plants ready to be transplanted. They included organically raised red, yellow and green pepper plants, red raspberry plants, and tomato plants among others.

“By June, our homestead farm store in Pasadena will be selling freshly picked vegetables, fruits and flowers. We’re also raising turkeys for Thanksgiving and have some jars of our homemade brine mixture for those who like to prepare early,” Timme said.

Jewelry designer Felicite Hawkins shared a table on which Sasswell co-owner Kate Langston (with Laura MacKay) had an array of health-related products. Langston and MacKay practice therapeutic massage, yoga and other healing techniques and just opened a new Severna Park location off Ritchie Highway behind Donut Shack. Hawkins, seen here trying a pair of earrings on Langston, sells her unique handcrafted jewelry on Etsy

Nearby, at the Mom’s Organic Market stand, Earth Day festival visitors were encouraged by Aaron Montillano, Alysse Betha and Scout Yardumian-Grubb to take a free banana, consider a cloth shopping bag, or drop off cell phones no longer in use. The trio was from the Jessup branch of the organic food market which got its start in Rockville, Maryland but now has branches in Washington, D.C. and five states.

Next to them, bins at hand, was Greg Brummitt from Annapolis Compost, a local non-profit with curbside collection services.

Almost at the end of booths at the far end of the school, festival attendees had the pleasure of checking out and perhaps selecting several titles from the books, by then well arranged, at the SPHS student’s Books & Our Earth Display for free.

Aware that only 20% of children are currently found to read regularly, the students were determined that more kids should be introduced to the joy and adventure found in books. Judging by their wide-ranging selection of recycled children’s storybooks, novels, mysteries, biographies and scientific tomes, there was something for everyone.

Catching up with Good Neighbors Group president and primary organizer Julie Shay as the event was winding down, she noted how happy she was to have had such a beautiful day for the 20th Annual Earth Day Festival.

For information on Good Neighbors Group’s upcoming activities, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group .

BREAKING NEWS: SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA rescheduled to Saturday, May 14

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League announced this morning that due to the National Weather Bureau’s rainy weather forecast for this weekend, the organization’s SPRING SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 14 from 11 am to 3 pm.

There will still be food, games, animals, and fun for the whole family. For additional information, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com) .

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

Even as last-minute touches were being added to the country/western decor, guests arriving early at Chartwell Golf & Country Club for Severna Park Community Center’s “Boots & Black Tie Gala” were rarin’ to go. A bevy of beauties comprised of SPCC Dance Center instructors Kellie Greer, Beth Fox, Bayley Taylor, Kirstin Weichert, and Barbara Wayson (seen above) spied the rustic arch loaned to SPCC by Maryland Therapeutic Riding and headed there to pose for a pre-Gala picture. They’d appear in an official capacity later.

Decked out in western finery, Gala committee member Jennifer Lee Kraus and husband Tim paused on arrival to admire the handsome saddle also on loan from Maryland Therapeutic Riding. Then they slipped past the entrance to put finishing touches on the Saloon Games spread throughout the patio including a raffle, three casino tables, a bourbon-tasting bar, a regular bar and more.

Jennifer Lee, the owner of SPCC-based Theater In The Park, used her creative talents to fashion silhouettes of Western dancers for the walls of the Chartwell ballroom and cowhides for the tables. Tim pitched in to craft the rustic wooden stands that held floral centerpieces donated by Severna Park Flowers and Gifts.

According to SPCC’s development director Amy Holbrook, the staff and volunteers worked all of Friday and most of Saturday to create a perfect setting for the Boots & Black Tie Gala. In addition to 45 Silent Auction items donated there were seven Live Auction items displayed including a week’s stay at a Dude Ranch in Tucson, Arizona donated by White Stallion Ranch and high-end Raffle items like the Vintage DaVinci Designs Joint Adventure Tandem Bicycle donated by Joan and Joe Tiernan.

Guests soon began arriving in earnest and the line at the reception table grew longer. At the head of the line, SPCC board member Ellen Kleinknecht and husband Scott were having fun checking out what their friends were wearing.

There is no denying that board member emeritus Andy Borland and wife Katie made quite an impression as they entered the Gala wearing matching jackets, cowboy hats and boots. Borland, a 2013 Gala honoree, chaired the 2001 Capital Campaign Fund Drive raising 4.5 million to make the Severna Park Community Center a reality by transforming an already existing outdoor pool to a magnificent facility featuring two indoor pools, a dance studio, fitness center, art room, meeting rooms and The Andy Borland Gymnasium which is named for him.

According to SPCC executive director Sarah Elder, the greatest thing about the Black Tie & Boots theme of the gala was that many gentlemen guests dressed up more than usual.

“It’s usually the women who dress up. However, the men had been calling us all week to ask what they should wear,” Elder said. “We replied that they could take the theme seriously and opt for clothing that was elegant, country-casual, or both.”

But many of the women were successful in combining both looks including board members Jean Andrews and Joan Tiernan who were wholeheartedly into the spirit of the evening.

Many couples opted for elegant including Amy and Mike Leahy. Back from Florida, Amy said she’s busier than ever working on Ann Virginia’s Pet Garden, a well-known site along the B&A Trail. She’s also a member of the Greater Severna Park Council and was recently elected president of the Severna Park Republican Women’s Club.

Dressing for the evening was a split decision for some couples. A cowgirl at heart as a volunteer with Crownsville-based Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Karen Strange chose to wear an elegant gown while her SPCC board member husband John’s new look could be coined “rugged rancher chic”.

Western chic was the order of the day for Board Vice Chair Artie Hendricks and wife Michelle who were greeted by Board Chair Jamie Bragg. Gala sponsors Randy and Jenna Waugh from Multi-Specialty Health Care were equally chic

Gala honoree David Orso and wife Dawn and their party arrived shortly. It may have felt strange for Orso to be chosen honoree as he previously led the Severna Park Community Center as chair of the board for two years, having already served on the board for four years prior. His leadership during the early pandemic period of 2020 helped to keep the center operating through very troubling times.

As a realtor leading the David Orso Team of Berkshire Hathaway, he is well known in the community. and admired for his generosity. He has worked to support numerous nonprofit organizations all over the county, from Anne Arundel Medical Center to the Lighthouse Shelter, Sarah’s House, Backpack Buddies and most recently, as a board member for Anne Arundel Community College.

Interestingly, the first person to congratulate Orso on being honored, was Jamie Bragg, himself a former Gala honoree for 2016. Bragg is now chairman of the board.

From the outset, people attending the Gala were delighted to see each other. Most were long-time community center supporters who’d missed attending in-person events over the past two years and were in a very celebratory mood.

Throughout cocktails and pre-dinner games, there was no denying the lure of the picturesque Western-styled arch loaned by Maryland Therapeutic Riding that was a perfect setting for photographs. Volunteers Griffin Smith and Brennan Cahill from St. John The Evangelist School manned the area designated for taking pictures. They not only posed guests but took the photos for them.

Dinner was great with guests served a Western influenced menu featuring entrees of Beef Fillet with Cajun Seasoning and Chipotle Sauce or Halibut with Cactus Pear Buere Blanc accompanied by Chayote Squash with Sauteed Butter and Smashed Potatoes. Luscious desserts followed along with the introduction of guest of honor David Orso who was gracious as always. Other highlights of the evening included the reappearance of Dance Center of Severna Park director Kellie Greer and her talented instructors who demonstrated and then taught guests the steps for line dancing to the tune “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”.

The Live Auction began soon thereafter and bidding was intense – especially for the White Stallion Ranch package. According to Elder, the Gala was spectacular success raising over $162,000. As the Severna Park Community Center is a self-sustaining organization, the financial support is greatly appreciated.

For information on the community center programs, visit SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org).

Jing Ying Institute to celebrate World Tai Chi Day

The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, a participant in this global event from its beginning, will be celebrating World Tai Chi Day this year on Saturday, April 30, 2022. The event will be held outside at the Severna Park Community Center under the trees beside Boone Station Hall from 10:00am to 11:30am. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. If it rains, the event will be held inside the Severna Park Community Center’s gym, located on the lower level of the main building. For information, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org)

Good Neighbors Group Earth Day Festival this Saturday

A reminder that Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Festival will be held this Saturday, April 30th from 10 am to 1 pm. The event will once again take place at Severna Park High School come rain or shine. The theme – “Do a World of Good, Think Outside the Landfill” – is all about recycling and repurposing items we use every day to create a more sustainable environment. Attendees are welcome to bring household items to the Earth Day festival to be rehomed or responsibly dispose of. For information on items you can bring, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

After almost a year of being closed because of the COVID pandemic, opening day for Anne Arundel County Public Schools was bound to present some problems. But, nowhere were the challenges more difficult than those stemming from a shortage of school bus drivers. For the transportation specialists tasked with scheduling the buses, problems became evident a few days before school started when they realized many of the drivers they’d depended on in past years weren’t coming back.

Needless to say, the first day of school was a very long one as transportation staffers scrambled to cover the routes. The lights were coming on as the gate finally closed on the lot in the photos below.

Bob Mosier, Chief Communications Officer for Anne Arundel County Public Schools noted that the routes established for the year didn’t take into account such an extensive shortage of bus drivers.

“We really didn’t have a really good handle on the situation until right before school started because we contract out the vast majority of our buses.” Mosier said. “We, at ACCPS, only operate about 55 buses. Contractors handle 600 routes. Since the contractors’ drivers don’t usually come back to school until after the teachers do, we weren’t aware of the extent of the problem. That being said, Superintendent Arlotto has been clear that we should have insisted on having better data regarding the impact of the driver shortage earlier than we did so we could communicate it to the families.”

The contractors were equally caught off-guard. According to Yvonne Keating of Smith Bus Company, with offices in Annapolis and Odenton, many of their baby boom-generation drivers decided now was a good time to retire for good. In addition to outside competition for drivers, they found competition for drivers among contractors.

For parents, it was good to see those bright yellow school buses again rolling across neighborhoods. However, there was confusion about whether their children would be picked up or not. Anne Arundel County Public Schools had doubled the number of routes each driver covered but problems persisted.

The administrators and transportation specialists worked the problem in coordination with the contractors. Things settled down as more routes were covered. Even office managers, who are required to have CDL licenses in case drivers are out sick, were pressed into service. Still, some buses were crowded.

They were making progress when a new problem cropped up. A few drivers came into contact with students who tested positive for COVID and had to self-quarantine. It seemed, for every step forward, there was a step back.

Mosier believes there is no easy fix for what is a nationwide problem. He cites three main causes, the first being market forces. Competing with Amazon, UPS and FedEx or trucking companies (all of which increased their businesses dramatically during the pandemic) for drivers has proven difficult.

“If you have a choice of Option A -get up at 4 or 5 am, go drive four bus routes, go home in the afternoon and then come back and do it all over again – or you can choose Option B – to drive for a guaranteed number of hours for a company that will pay you two or three times as much as you’d make as a school bus driver and offer you a handsome signing bonus – what choice are you going to make?, Mosier asks.

The second problem – finding and getting new drivers trained and licensed quickly – has been equally challenging. Governor Hogan has taken a step toward streamlining the licensing process by getting the Motor Vehicle Administration offices across the state to set aside times exclusively for school bus drivers.

Regardless, the training takes time. Smith Bus Company, for example, has three trainers that work with drivers. The process starts with drivers getting a learner’s permit from DMV and going to classes that cover situations like dealing with safety seats and wheel chairs. Even after obtaining their licenses, drivers must report to the Board of Education for nine hours of driving without children onboard.

Moser emphasized that the transportation staffers have implemented all the short-term fixes they can find. They’ve reworked AACPS’ 50 plus routes in order to loan county drivers to the contractors. They’ve worked with both the county and the city of Annapolis to utilize their bus services. (A partnership agreement allows any student over 12 years of age to ride any city or county bus for free to be dropped of at Annapolis or Bates Middle Schools or Annapolis High School.) The city will also loan Anne Arundel County Public Schools two certified CDL licensed drivers to drive the county buses.

“However, none of those short-term fixes produces more drivers. The long term solution to our problem is ‘bodies’,” Mosier said. “By far, the biggest piece of the puzzle is that we need more human beings in seats behind the wheel .”

“Most recently the Board of Education passed a proposal put forth by the superintendent to ask the county for $7.4 million in recurring budgetary money to provide a $5 an hour increase for all school buses drivers and attendants,” he added. “Secondly the superintendent is asking the county for $2 million in American Rescue Plan funding to provide $2,000 bonuses in both the recruitment and retention arenas,”

County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the legislation to the Council on Monday evening, October 18. The proposal for the $7.4 million is on track to be voted on in November while approval from Pittman is needed for the additional $2 million. Only the $7.4 million needs Council approval. Mr. Pittman can allocate the $2 million unilaterally. If passed, the funding still wouldn’t put drivers on a completely level playing field but would be a significant boost.

The third part of the superintendent’s plan to fix bus transportation problems is to move drivers to an eight hour workday from 6-3/4 hours meaning a little extra money. An increase in the hourly wage, in combination with the fact that school bus drivers get to work within their own communities, should make the job more appealing.

For the latest information on bus schedules, visit Transportation / AACPS School Bus Schedules & Information.

American Association of University Women’s book sale returns to Festival at Pasadena

The American Association of University Women’s Anne Arundel Branch is pleased to announce the return of its fall book sale following last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic. A highly popular event that attracts people from across the county and beyond, the 2021 AAUW Fall Book Sale will take place November 4 thru 7 at Festival at Pasadena at 8149-A Ritchie Highway.

As usual, a Pre-Sale for dealers will be held from 8:00 to 10:00 am on Thursday, November 4 for which a $20 entrance fee is required. The sale will then be open to the public (no entrance fee) on Thursday, November 4, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; and Sunday, November 7, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.   Masks will be required. Payment will be by cash or check only.

Proceeds from the sale go to scholarships for Anne Arundel County women.  For further information, visit http://annearundelcounty-md.aauw.net or you can contact Stacey Hilder at  stacey861@verizon.net or Linda King at  linda.king2939@icloud.com.

Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar

Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, at 911 General’s Highway in Millersville, is having its annual Holiday Craft Show & Bazaar on Saturday, November 6 from 9 am to 3 pm. Hosted by the Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Women, the bazaar will feature craft tables and a White Elephant Sale with books, media and holiday items. There will also be a “special visit from the North Pole”. Proceeds from sales will support UMW mission projects. For additional information: call 410-923-2637 or email TJfurlong@outlook.com.

Annapolis Rotary invites students to apply for Global Grant Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Annapolis is inviting students who live, work or study in the Annapolis area to apply for a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship. The $30,000 grant’s purpose is to support graduate education abroad. The graduate program selected must relate to at least one of Rotary International’s focus areas of peace and conflict prevention or resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development or environment. Interested applicants can learn more about the program by visiting
www.rotary7620.org and clicking on Foundation, then Global Scholars.

Applications are due to Edward Shumaker by October 31, 2021. Interviews will be held in Annapolis or remotely the second week of November in order to select one scholar for a Rotary District 7620 interview in the January to March time period. For more information, contact Edward Shumaker, Global Grant Scholarship Chair, Annapolis Rotary Club at 313-690-1974 cell/text or at edward.shumaker@gmail.com.