AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and by Fishpaws Marketplace
Rarely have two long-awaited events occurred at the historic intersection of Old General’s Highway, Indian Landing Road and Millersville Road known as the Severn Crossroads been held in the same timeframe. However, the month of November saw two wonderful events happen back-to-back.
The first, the Baldwin Memorial United Women in Faith Holiday Craft Show & Bazaar, happened on Saturday, November 5th after a two-year COVID-related pause. The annual event has long been a major fundraiser for the missions of Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church. The historic Stone Chapel built in 1944? is home to Baldwin Memorial UMC, the women chose to hold the bazaar in the church’s Education Building next door.
One of the earliest holiday events of the year, the bazaar was quite festive with all the traditional elements that have made it a favorite Christmas shopping destination. It was definitely one of the busiest…and no wonder. Tables laden with Christmas decorations and multitudinous gift ideas stretched from one end of the main hall to the other. We visited a number of them.
Ready-to-display holiday decorations like those made by John and Peggy Murphy were selling so well, their table would soon be empty.
Two tables down from them, vendor Laura Zlatos from Intrinsic Images was definitely into the holiday spirit sporting reindeer antlers as she sold her stained glass and fused glass jewelry and ornaments.
At one of Baldwin UMC Women’s tables that was filled with numerous handmade treasures, Susan Wittek and Debbie Snowberger showed off crocheted items, knitwear, quilts, linens and Christmas decorations as well as hand painted cribs ideal for a nursery and similarly painted highchairs
Behind them, accordionist Gene Barbato added to the merry atmosphere with a continuous flow of carols.
The holiday bazaar, a major fundraiser that provides financial support for the church’s missions, was even busier than expected – so busy that UWF’s “fabulous” bake table was in danger of selling out with an hour still to go.
Surprised by the big turnout, bake table minders Janice Ann Crowe and Margaret Sommerman were down to their last few baked goods including brownies, cookies, a sheet cake an apple cake and a trayful of Cathedral Windows (fudge with multicolored marshmallows that we can confirm was delicious). There was still an hour to go.
The handcrafted Christmas trees, stockings and hand painted China from Barbara Gill of EarthSense Solutions took up most of one wall. Gill is dedicated to saving the planet one family at a time.
There were wonderful products as far as the eye can see. Quilts, Etc. by Anne had
And who could forget the youngest entrepreneur at the holiday bazaar. Emma Clapper not only helped sell her mother Becky’s Clapper Creations but also sold the scrunchies she created.
Chesapeake Harmony Chorus presents “It’s The Music” at historic Baldwin Hall
Just across Old Generals Highway from Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ “It’s The Music” concert got underway on Sunday, November 13th at Historic Baldwin Hall at the intersection of Old General’s Highway, Indian Landing Road and Millersville Road known as the Severn Crossroads.
(Built in 1861 as Old Crossroads Church, the building served as a house of worship until replaced fifty years later by the newer Stone Chapel. It was eventually moved across Old General’s Highway to its present location and renamed Charles W. Baldwin Hall.)
From the moment 2nd Star Quartet members Patti Platt, Mary Beth Whisman, Lynda Walsh and Sally Burton kicked off their red high heels midway through the chorus of the tune “Brand New Shoes”, the crowd was with them.
The quartet’s appearance in Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ show “It’s The Music” Sunday at historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville was a thrill for them and for every member of the chorus. Burton, the chorus’ director reflected that they’d all come a long way.
During the scariest part of the COVID pandemic when choruses and choirs all but shut down, Cheseapeake Harmony Chorus members wanted to stay together and do the thing they love best – singing. Their director was determined to find a way to do it.
Now, performing before an audience for the first time post-pandemic, the chorus delivered a program with the perfect blend of songs in four-part harmony and some impressive stagecraft describing how they’d stayed afloat for the past two years. They’d decided the name for the show would be “It’s The Music” because “the music” is what kept them together.
The chorus opened the show with the curtains parting on the Baldwin Hall stage to reveal them arranged as usual but with narrator Laura Schwartz at the podium and director Sally Burton out front. By way of reacquainting themselves with their audience, they began with the song “Getting To Know You”.
What followed was a musical journey through the past two years as the group did everything possible to continue making music together. After meeting for a while on Zoom, they realized the technology didn’t work well for rehearsing their songs and looked for an alternative.
Burton came up with a great way to sing together while remaining far apart – a parking garage. She found a sound system that enabled every singer to have a microphone and a headphone with a radio receiver in it, allowing their voices to be transmitted over a special frequency so they could sing together from their cars.
Using artwork illustrating the feat, the chorus and their director, who’d donned knit cap, woolen scarf and mittens, recreated one of the rehearsals while learning the songs “How Far I’ll Go” and “Go the Distance”.
Because it was cold rehearsing in the winter in the parking garage, Burton decided it was time to move back to their regular rehearsal space at Baldwin Hall
The building’s spacious interior allowed room for the singers to rehearse safely if spaced apart, wearing masks and vaccinated for extra measure. Eileen Robinson, a nurse who’d treated COVID patients, directed them in a number representative of what that experience was like – “A Whole New World”. Two special appearances followed.
As noted before, the first special appearance featured Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ Sweet Adelines Region Nineteen award-winning 2nd Star Quartet performing “What’ll I Do” and “Brand New Shoes” in perfect barbershop harmony.
Next, guest soloist Sarah Burton Fremuth, (Sally’s daughter), took on the role of a lonely young newcomer singing in her backyard and wishing for a place to share her talents. Leaning on a garden fence singing a song called “Corner of the Sky”, she was noticed by a neighbor.
The neighbor, a Chesapeake Harmony Chorus member, invited Sarah to a rehearsal. She was warmly welcomed by the group and was delighted with their harmonic renditions of “Hallelujah” and “Consider Yourself”.
A short intermission gave audience members a chance to mingle, buy raffle tickets, or grab a snack.
Act Two began with the crowd absolutely charmed by the appearance of the Bearfoot Quartet, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ second award-winning chorus. Formed in 2013, the group consists of lead singer Peggy Coulter, baritone Patti Platt, tenor Eileen Robinson, and bass Mindy Cassel who injected a touch of humor by showing up in a kilt. Cassel thought she’d wear the garment in —- with the fact that the quartet’s first number was the lilting Scottish “Skye Boat Song” which is often accompanied by bagpipes.
Resplendent in shimmering purple, the chorus returned for four songs reflecting how much being able to stay together doing something they love meant to them. The songs were “If You Love Me”, “When I Just Wear My Smile”, “Never Gonna Let You Down” and “For Good”.
Afterward, appearing onstage surrounded by the chorus, Burton thanked everyone for coming and for their support. She also noted that on December 6, the chorus will be performing carols at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Taste & Sip event at Chartwell Country Club.
Burton ended by announcing that, for the finale, they were going to sing “a song familiar to all Sweet Adelines” and invited all those in the audience who knew “It’s The Music” to come forward and join them in singing it. Quite a few did.
Friends and family thronged the singers after the concert. Reggie Cox, who sings lead was warmly greeted by her son Trey who noted that she sings around the house all the time. Carol Gass was surrounded by husband Bob and family members Stephen and Claire and presented with a bouquet.
Following the concert, lead singer Reggie Cox received a big hug from son Trey. 
Lead Carol Gass was surrounded by her husband Bob and presented a bouquet by family members Stephen and Claire
Burton received a bouquet of cream-colored roses as well from Dr. HyeSung Hwang and Jory Bender representing members of St. Martin-in-the-Field Episcopal Church Choir with which she sings soprano.
Those interested in learning more about Chesapeake Harmony Chorus can visit Chesapeake Harmony Chorus.
Holiday Taste & Sip
A quick reminder that the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event is happening December 6th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. When we last checked there were still tickets available at Holiday Taste and Sip 12th Anniversary Celebration (gspacc.com).
The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. – a family-owned business that carry fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods and specialty items for your table.
and by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.”
