Easter’s on its way along with a slew of Spring events

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.

**This Red Apron Shoppe table setting featured two bunnies plus Easter Eggs among the mid-century modern dinnerware from Russell Wright.** Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler

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.

**Robin Love, who was seated on a fine-looking couch being offered for sale, was helpful in comparing the prices of items to prices of the same kinds of items when purchased new.**

“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.

**This ceramic soup tureen set cost $35.00 but could sell for as much as twice that amount elsewhere.**

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.

**Red Apron Shoppe is currently carrying a limited number of embroidered cushions that are selling for $10 apiece.**

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.