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AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Spring flowers are not the only thing popping as the weather warms. After a somewhat difficult year, the wedding business is beginning to bloom. Wedding dresses are being shopped for, venues and caterers booked, cake tastings arranged, and flowers selected as community residents rebound, recognizing that even amid the uncertainty of a pandemic, life goes on.

Mary’s Designer Bridal Boutique at 150 Jennifer Road has definitely seen business pick up now that the COVID vaccines are out according to stylist Nita Munevar.

“Weddings seem to be a little smaller than usual but are certainly larger than they were last year,” she said. “We are selling bridal gowns and dresses for the wedding party including dresses for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom.”

Mary’s Designer Bridal Boutique carries bridal gowns and related fashions and accessories from eight designers including Allure, Maggie Sottero, Sophia Tolli and others.

With some brides planning more intimate weddings, smaller venues like Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville and Historic Holy Grounds in Severna Park are experiencing a revival of interest.

Classic Baldwin Hall, built as a church in 1861, has four weddings booked for April with good availability for late spring and summer. Several weddings that were postponed are rescheduled for fall according to building manager Annie Medford.

“Once a house of worship until replaced in 1896 by Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church across the street, we currently function as a historic landmark and site rental,” Medford said. “Brides can choose to have their wedding ceremonies here as well as the reception but most prefer to have the ceremony at the church .

She said all COVID protocols are followed including a restriction to 50% of capacity for an indoor wedding and there’s ample space. However, many couples opt for outdoor marriage ceremonies and the spacious grounds of Baldwin Hall are an ideal setting.

The Severna Park landmark building known as Historic Holy Grounds, is owned by Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church and managed by the Severna Park Community Center. Constructed in 1926 as the home of St. John the Evangelist Church, its architecturally interesting interior is well suited to hosting wedding receptions. It even served as the site of a wedding show a few years ago with vendors and models wearing the latest bridal fashions.

Holy Grounds’ quaint exterior and spacious interior, with graceful windows and a railed balcony, can be beautifully decorated. There’s even a small kitchen. For an outdoor wedding, there’s an attractive portico and beautiful gardens.

According to SPCC’s marketing manager Amy Holbrook, there have already been small weddings and receptions taking place at Historic Holy Grounds with proper distancing and observation of COVID protocols.

“However, we’re having to take a break from booking events for a couple months for renovations including the replacement of Holy Grounds’ fragile original windows with new stained glass ones. After that, we have wedding receptions booked for July and August and beyond,” Holbrook said.

Wedding venues that can accommodate larger weddings/ receptions include Severna Park’s Chartwell Golf and Country Club which has a spacious ballroom.

“We’re having more weddings booked for 2022 than for 2021. But we’ve had some small weddings here for 40 guests or so that were held outside,” director of events Morgan Kilduff said. “For a larger number of guests, we’ll typically do the ceremony and cocktails outside, weather permitting, and the reception in the ballroom.

A popular waterfront destination for weddings is Kurtz’s Beach in Pasadena which, because of its size and extensive outdoor space, continued hosting weddings throughout the past year.

According to event director Ashley Mason, wedding bookings remained strong since Kurtz’s Beach has tremendous outdoor capacity and could easily shift things as COVID restrictions changed. For spring and summer, wedding bookings have picked up even more for both indoor and outdoor settings.

“We are well-booked through May and June and beyond,” Mason said.

Spring is always a busy time for caterers and, partly due to weddings, this spring is even busier said April Cunningham, owner and executive chef of Olde Severna Park-based April’s Table.

“We do have a few weddings booked for spring that are generally very intimate with 20 guests or less and a plan to sit outside under a tent to enjoy a multi-course plated meal,” Cunningham observed. “However, most of the weddings we had booked for this spring season opted to reschedule for fall, so our calendar is full September through November which we are thrilled about!”

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With regard to the fall weddings, she said most clients are still planning on a large headcount, anywhere up to 200 guests, with buffet style service.  April’s Table is equally comfortable serving small-scale plated dinners or large-scale buffet dinners.

A typical intimate wedding dinner might include passed Hors D’oeuvres like Watermelon Feta Cubes, Fresh Apricot Crostini and Gazpacho Soup Sips followed by a salad of Spring Field Greens. Main event entrees might include Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Eggplant Napoleon or Herb Rubbed Beef Tenderloin. And, of course, there’d be special desserts in addition to wedding cake.

A large wedding menu would include a grazing display board of Hors D’oeuvres like cured meats and artisan cheeses, a Hot Hors D’oeuvres station, a Slider station, and Pasta and Salad Stations to tickle wedding guests’ taste buds.

While caterers are busy, bakeries have revved up too. Kristin Witmer, head cake decorator for Kirsten’s Cakery in Olde Severna Park (who decorated the wedding cakes pictured here and above), said the bakery has been sending out wedding cake tasting kits for the past two months.

“We have quite a few custom wedding cakes scheduled for the spring and summer,” she said. Some orders are for bigger cakes and some for smaller cakes or cupcakes,” she said.

Michael Brown, owner of Cakes and Confections at 342 Ritchie Highway, an establishment also popular for breakfast and lunch quiches, salads and sandwiches, said he, too, has been sending out wedding cake tasting kits.

“We’re now having phone consultations and getting some orders. There’s a bit of a comeback and were seeing some of the earlier postponements due to COVID-19 reschedule their orders,” he added.

It’s not surprising, since Brown is noted for his decorative wedding cupcakes and his genius in arranging them, that many brides prefer to order those instead of a cake. They’ll often order extra sweets to go with them like mini-cheesecakes and tarts.

Newer Severna Park businesses like Tammi Molavi and Michelle Hickman’s j.lolly and Atalie Payne’s Atalie Day Photography are getting feelers too. Payne has a wedding photo shoot booked for August and further inquiries while a client has booked j.lolly to supply table settings for a large October wedding.

Well established photographer Laura Wegman of Laura’s Eyes Photography said, though she focuses more on corporate photography now, she has shot photos for four weddings, the largest of which had 50 guests. She has another smaller wedding coming up and an additional request.

“It’s nice to see wedding assignments and other photographic work making a comeback,” she said.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Today, Severna Park is in transition from suburban to urban. But, from its origin as a farm community named Boone, Maryland over a century ago until today, the six buildings that have housed Severna Park’s post offices have served a vital function, – connecting the community to the nation and other nations while connecting residents to each other.

A small core of family businesses supplied Boone’s families with food, household items, farm tools and fuel. But there was a serious need for mail service for communication with the outside world and for the goods and services it could provide.

Established in 1914, the fledgling Boone Post Office, quickly outgrew its original site in Grotsky’s General Store at 4 Riggs Avenue. In 1919, it moved into a newly constructed building it shared with the Boone Train Station. Two years later, when the town changed its name, the facility was renamed Severna Park Train Station. But the post office retained its original Boone name until 1925 when it became the Severna Park Post Office. It continued operating from the train station for two more decades.

After the discontinuation of train service in 1944, the mail service was run from Cliff Dawson’s Store in the old Codd Building on Riggs Avenue and later moved across B&A Boulevard to Dawson’s new store at the corner of McKinsey Road.

A need to expand further to serve the growing community prompted a move to the property at 513 Baltimore and Annapolis Boulevard in 1962 – the post office building familiar to generations of residents (seen in the opening photograph). The building housed 33 employees serving 35 neighborhoods with a combined population of 19,000 people.

Clerks manned five windows while a supervisor managed operations from a catwalk above. City and rural carriers worked in the back in plain sight of patrons

Theresa Marozza, who was a clerk there for four “happy but busy” decades, spoke with us about what it was like prior to her retirement in October of 2009.

Marozza was hired by the post office in March, 1968 as a clerk/carrier. To get the job, she had to be capable of lifting 70 pounds. Clerks were required to tote heavy mailbags, catalogs, phone books and license plates. She also had to apply for a federal driver’s license to operate mail trucks. Her $2.80 an hour salary was the most money she’d ever made.

Workdays were frenetic and the hours long. The entire staff shared a single postage meter and one adding machine. Undaunted, they sorted and canceled 15,000 envelopes and packages a day by hand on a machine that constantly ran out of ink.

“We’d hit the truck, sort all the mail and put it through the canceling machine. I’d head out front with the mail pouch at 12:10 pm to wait for a bus to pick it up. Then we’d sort the mail that came in,” Marozza said.

“We’d hit the boxes at 7 p.m., sort that, cancel it and have it ready for the truck at 7:30. Several of us would then dash home to make dinner for our husbands and children.”

Regardless, the mood was welcoming and pleasant. Employees had time to establish relationships with their customers.

Marozza remained upbeat as the post office evolved through the decades in response to automation, population growth and economics. She said the most significant change occurred when Severna Park’s first postmaster, Jerry Brockmeyer, who’d lived in the community all his life, retired in 1979. The atmosphere changed then, becoming less personal and more businesslike.

The introduction of electronic sorting machines was another difficult transition. Rather than being sorted on-site, mail was shipped to Baltimore leading to staff reductions. In 1993, the carriers – Marozza’s friends and neighbors from Severna Park – were transferred en masse to the Delivery Distribution Unit at Earleigh Heights.

Characteristically, Marozza adapted and found time to focus on her fellow clerks and customers. She loved working at the post office so much that she postponed her retirement and, afterward, remained friends with many former customers. She’s still active as a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and continues to volunteer at the Basilica of the Assumption in Baltimore and Mary’s Center, a crisis pregnancy center in Glen Burnie.

Despite Severna Park’s dramatic expansion over the next 17 years, the branch at 513 Baltmore and Annapolis Boulevard continued to serve as an anchor for the community – a place where residents ran into each other on a regular basis. But a major change took place on February 14, 2011 when the post office moved from the location it had operated at for nearly 50 years to shared facilities at the aforementioned Delivery Distribution Unit building on Magothy Bridge Road.

Exact figures aren’t available, but according to the current Severna Park Post Office, the facility processes approximately a million pieces of mail for local households and businesses. The building sees heavy traffic daily as residents visit post office boxes, drop off packages, or apply for passports. Lines are sometimes long as there are not as many clerks working as in the past. Many residents feel the location lacks the community oriented personality its predecessor had.

Following the 2011 relocation, the former post office building in Olde Severna Park sat empty until taken over and transformed by brothers Peter and Ron Zarilli in 2013 and opened as Zarilli’s Steaks and Hoagies in December of 2015. They considered keeping the clerk’s enclosure but realized it would have split the dining room. They did retain a small portion of the sorting area in the back. All through demolition and reconstruction people would wander in with letters in hand thinking the building was still the post office Peter said.

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Unfortunately, the Zarilli’s faced stiff competition from similar local businesses at the time and were unable to attract a following large enough to survive.

In February of 2017, thanks to Severna Park native Charlie Priolla and one-time partner Arturo Ottaviano, the imaginatively named La Posta Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen was born ……..and a little bit of Severna Park’s postal history preserved. The partners put their “stamp” on La Posta with the installation of a specially built wood-fired oven that reaches 900 degrees.

These days Priola, longtime owner of Mangia Italian Grill & Sports Cafe on Main Street in Annapolis, and wife Susie are at the helm serving the wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and traditional Italian entrees they are known for. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, they added outdoor tables and a charming garden to the restaurant last summer which proved quite popular.

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According to Charlie, the staff still fields the occasional question about the restaurant’s history as the Severna Park Post Office. Most are delighted to see the building in use with its original theme carried forward.

Severn River Association reports Seine Net Fishing Bill HB 843 dead

The Severn River Association reports that Bill HB 843, which would have allowed commercial seine net fishing at Lake Ogleton, Whitehall and Meredith Creeks, died in the House of Delegates on March 19. The bill was defeated, in large measure, thanks to calls and emails to the Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee which declined to move HB 843 out of committee, effectively killing the measure.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

The atmosphere at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church last Saturday was lively and reassuring. Two equally important initiatives were taking place on opposite sides of the church. On the north side, the first of 190 families began flowing through a Pop-Up Pantry that is held in the parking lot once each month.

Organized by Melissa Kurzmiller in partnership with food recovery organization Celestial Manna and in coordination with the Maryland Food Bank, Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Feed Anne Arundel, the Pop Up Pantry ran like clockwork. Fifty volunteers of all ages pitched in to collect, set up and distribute the food.

Meanwhile, on the south side of the church, a race course was being laid out for a much anticipated Christian Service Brigade StocKar Derby Race organized by Michael Binnie and Matt Vahlberg with volunteer help from various dads. Early arrivals, like Vahlberg’s son Johnathan, were eagerly showing off their hand-crafted cars. before submitting them.

Held annually, the race is open to younger CSB members but older members help out and parents, grandparents, siblings and friends turn out to cheer for their favorite entries.

Christian Service Brigade Battalion members Caleb Rassossky and Seth Ratajczak split their time between volunteering with the Pop Up Pantry (where their muscle was much appreciated) and helping set up seating, tents, race track and tables for the StocKar Derby.

Saturday was Seth and Caleb’s second time working with the pantry alongside seasoned volunteers like David and Erin Freeman. The teens mentioned how impressed they’ve been with the effort. The Freemans noted that they’d received food from the pantry in the past so they like to give back and help out as much as possible.

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“I have chemo scheduled for Monday,” David said. “So we wanted to get out and do something good to help others before that. It’s nice to be able to share with people and say ‘God bless you’. Feels good.”

Kurzmiller, wearing a bright orange vest, was in the middle of everything directing her volunteers. A busy mother of five including one special needs child, Kurzmiller became involved with the Celestial Mana program five years ago. At first she worked as a volunteer picking up food from various grocery stores. Three years ago, she became a Celestial Mana coordinator running a food distribution operation from her home.

She pointed out that Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church had run a food pantry program for 20 years. But, when the COVID crisis skyrocketed the number of families needing food assistance, Kurzmiller found she’d outgrown her home-based operation and needed a way to expand.

Luckily, SPEP was happy to partner with her. Now, with more volunteers, the Celestial Mana/SPEP partnership provides in-house food distribution twice-weekly for 400 individuals along with the once-monthly Pop-Up Pantries open to anyone needing food . On Saturday volunteers worked steadily, filling car trunk after car trunk with canned and packaged foods and fresh produce.

The pace picked up as the 1 pm closing time for the Pop-Up Pantry neared. SPEP volunteers Suzanne Behrendt and Karen Larimer and three teenaged helpers prepared to greet drivers from Baltimore Station (a residential and treatment center for homeless veterans) and another group who were coming to pick up pantry foods that were left over. (The Celestial Mana/SPEP partnership always distributes any remaining foods to others.) The moment the Baltimore Station SUV pulled in towing a wagon, they began loading it with boxes of food.

Open boxes revealed canned goods, potatoes and apples from AA Co. Food Bank and more fresh produce from the MD Food Bank. There were hot foods, including shepherd’s pies from Feed Anne Arundel – a program paid for by the county that enables local restaurants (in this case Park Tavern and Mother’s Grill) to supply hot meals. All told, the Pop Up Pantry provided food for 725 total individuals.

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A few minutes later, Battalion member Timothy Carmon led the way across the SPEP campus where a crowd was forming around the bright aluminum race track with groups of children sitting together and parents in separate groups. An elaborate trophy table and a food and beverage table were already in evidence.

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Before explaining the event (basically a Pinewood Derby), Chief Ranger Matt Vahlberg described the structure of the Christian Service Brigade which is for boys. (There is a similar group for girls called “Pioneer Girls”.)

“CSB is divided into three age groups,” Vahlberg said. “The youngest, the ‘Tree Climbers’ for children in first and second grades, and “Stockade” group, for kids from third through sixth grades, would be racing. The oldest “Batalion” group, for seventh through twelfth graders, would help operate the event.

Binnie noted that the Tree Climber and Stockade groups had been meeting outdoors at the church on Tuesday evenings where they had access to band saws and belt sanders with which to shape blocks of wood they’d been given to design and shape into model cars. It’s an activity that encourages craftsmanship and helps the youngsters develop fine motor skills.

Start time drew near and four Tree Climbers’ names were called out to pick up their cars from the “impound table”, form a line, and place them on the track for the initial heat.

The cars would be automatically launched by the officials and sensors on the track would determine the finishing order for each heat. Naturally, the race officials took extreme care in lining the StocKars up before sending them down the track.

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There was a problem with the sensors, however, and times were not recorded. While fun to watch, subsequent heats had similar problems and results were not official. It was soon discovered that intense sunlight at the end of the track was interfering with the optical sensors.

Various strategies were tried to shade the end of the track but problems with UV light persisted until SPEP congregation member Gordon Laque, who designed the track, arrived and sorted out the trouble.

Then competition started afresh for the Tree Climber and Stockade groups with much enthusiasm and competitive spirit among the participants and tremendous cheering and clapping from the audience. Winners were eventually declared in categories for speed, race design and funny car. They were:

Speed: 1st place, Andrew Binnie; 2nd place, Sam Luman; 3rd place, Nick Grunes

Race Design: 1st place: Jonathan Butzin; 2nd place, Sam Luman; 3rd place, Zane Biggerstaff

Funny Car: 1st place, Johnathan Vahlberg; 2nd place, Oliver Christie; 3rd place, Colton Canby

For more information about activities at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, visit Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church – where Jesus mends broken lives… (spepchurch.org)

Severna Park 4th of July Parade a GO!

Good news from the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce. Severna Park’s annual Independence Day Parade will be held this summer. Since, July 4th falls on a Sunday, however, the parade will actually take place Monday, July 5. Parade entries are being accepted now. For details, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com) or email Liz League at ceo@gspacc.com.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Arriving just in time to take advantage of Lisa’s Cakepops’ “Baker’s Dozen plus two free pops” anniversary special on March 13, repeat customer Jennifer Wade perused the beautiful hand-decorated pops in the display case before making her selections.

“I’ll have one Vanilla pop, one Vanilla Princess pop, two Lemons, two Chocolate Covered Vanilla,” she told owner Lisa Schneiderman.

Pausing before choosing further, she mentioned that she always comes by the shop after getting her eyebrows done next door.

Schneiderman, who personally manned the checkout counter in honor of the shop’s Second Anniversary as a storefront, explained to Wade that she based its design on that of an ice cream counter where you pick the flavors you want.

“We’re obviously featuring pops with a touch of green this weekend in honor of St. Patrick’s Day along with St. Patrick’s Day cakepop decorating kits for children,” she said. “But, we’re about to bring out our line of Easter cakepops and our Easter Pop decorating kits that encourage kids to get creative dipping and decorating their own chocolate covered eggs..”

With that, she disappeared for a second and brought out an Easter Bunny cakepop she’d just designed plus one of the Easter decorating kits. The bunnies will make their counter debut this week.

Along with them, will be Lisa Schneiderman’s ever-popular Easter chick cakepops and Easter egg pops which you can pick up from the shop or order by phone at 443-346=4011 or online at Lisa’s Cakepops – Eat Lisa’s Cakepops!

The trio of cakepop bunnies, chicks and Easter Eggs (like those below) will dress up any Easter Basket…….and are yummy to boot. In fact you might want to save some for the adults.

Families can have fun creating their own pops, however, by using one of Lisa’s Cakepops’ Easter decorating kits, thereby starting a new tradition. The kits come with six pre-formed single-dipped egg pops, a package of white chocolate to melt for dipping, and colorful sprinkles and sugars with which to decorate them.

Since becoming wholesalers in 2019, Lisa’s Cakepops finds that the Easter season is one of its busiest times. Both Lisa and her husband and business partner Glen spent part of Saturday in the kitchen finishing the final 800 of a catalog order for 12,000 Easter Pop Decorating Kits.

Lisa recounted the journey from her California kitchen to Severna Park shop owner and wholesaler. “

“A stay-at-home mom then, I spent hours in that kitchen experimenting with and perfecting my version of then-new cakeballs and cakepops,” she said.

Sharing her fanciful and delicious creations with family and friends, Lisa soon realized she could market them through a home-based business..

Shortly thereafter, Glen’s job brought the family east. She was no longer able to run her blossoming business from her kitchen and rented commercial kitchen space from Fiona’s Cakes at 836 Ritchie Highway.

By then, her products and been “discovered” and she was receiving custom cakepop orders from locals and further afield. Simultaneously, she was promoting her products by appearing at community charity events.

For a long time, she and her part-time staff of helpers were making the pops for local customers who’d order them for specific events like weddings or graduations. However, the staff suddenly found themselves getting numerous out-of-state inquiries and orders. In 2017, Lisa launched an e-commerce business through her website Lisa’s Cakepops – Eat Lisa’s Cakepops! and through Facebook at Lisa’s Cakepops | Facebook.

Local sales remained strong. So, when commercial kitchen owner Fiona D’Agostino relocated to another state, the Schneidermans took over the lease and bought all the equipment. They subsequently converted part of the kitchen to a storefront with refrigerated display cases and a counter from which to serve customers. They opened the shop on March 14, 2019 with a celebration and ribbon cutting by The Greater Severna Park & Anrold Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to e-commerce, Lisa’s Cakepops began working closely with two catalog companies, MacKenzie, Ltd. in Baltimore and Chesapeake Fine Food Group, LLC in Owings Mills.

Anniversary day remained busy. Glen Schneiderman took over the counter just as regular customer Marissa Sherman and her daughter Ella arrived to pick out their Baker’s Dozen plus two pops.

“Our family has a nut allergy and Lisa’s Cakepops doesn’t use nuts in their baking, so we’re in here often,” Marissa said,

The duo chose 15 of their favorite pops including Cookie Dough, Maple, Chocoate, Lemon and Salted Caramel and of course, green St. Patrick’s Day pops.

Recalling the first anniversary of the storefront on March 13, 2020, Lisa said the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic gave her a feeling of uncertainty. But business stabilized thanks to her loyal customers and catalog orders.

“On our second anniversary here, I’m feeling more hopeful,” she said.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

When asked by friend Stephen Mitchell what she missed most during the COVID-19 pandemic, Petra Ligmond Roche had an instant comeback.

“Getting all dressed up to attend galas or fundraisers,” she said.

Like many of us, she yearns for a return to normalcy when jobs, meetings, church services, or dinners out with friends induce us to slip out of those “remote working” pj’s or yoga pants and into something pretty that makes us feel good about ourselves.

Theresa Kurtz, a real estate agent with The Gerdes Team of Long & Foster who’s always on the go showing properties across the county, said she’s never given up dressing well. Kurtz says looking stylish lifts her spirits and inspires confidence.

Both women are delighted that shopping local for stylish clothing is now very possible. One of Roche’s favorite haunts, The Cottage at Park Plaza in Severna Park, is awash in spring colors and fashions in every size. Dressing rooms are open and impeccable there so trying on clothes is a breeze.

The Cottage’s trendier clothes are popular with teens and with the shop’s young staffers and sometime-models like Emily Humphries. Emily is seen above showing off a swingy lavender print dress by Mahi Gold with heels by Toms and a bag from Annapolis-based company Hobo.

There are styles by labels like Vera Bradley, Spartina and Tribal that appeal equally to young moms, busy professionals and women who are involved in community volunteering or social activities..

Manager Courtney Coughy said resort wear is already being shown but, for the moment, customers are particularly drawn to Vera Bradley’s colorful floral print raincoats with matching handbags.

Accessories are big this spring – especially handbags or hats in shades of aqua blue. Equally prized are casual clothes like Spartina’s playful pastel jumpsuits that can be worn with sandals or dressed up with a pair of heels.

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Next door to The Cottage, customers roamed the aisles at JOANN Fabric and Craft Store. According to manager Claudia Mbem. they have never stopped making clothes including “dressy stuff” for special occasions. Silks, satins and laces have been selling well because brides-to-be are currently making their wedding gowns or bridesmaid dresses.

Opposite Park Plaza, Kohl’s spring line of fashions is on display with labels like Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad, Apt. 9 and Chaps providing plenty of dress-up options for women. The menswear section includes sport coats, classic slacks and suits by Haggar and casual clothing and jeans by IZOD, Levis and Lee among others. Both men and women shoppers need to know their sizes, however, because dressing rooms are not open.

In Olde Severna Park, Savvy Consignment is a favorite place to browse for quality name brand clothes. Stepping inside, it’s easy to see why and to discover that Savvy’s dressing rooms are open too.

Owner Stacey Cassidy is proud of the wide array of designer label fashions she’s able to display. For instance, there’s a whole rack devoted to Lilly Pulitzer clothes. Cassidy took time to reveal a Lilly Pulitzer dress with simple, elegant lines that she’s particularly fond of, then reeled off some other high end labels.

She noted that the clothing on other racks is arranged by color and size and includes name brands like LuLu Lemon, Ann Taylor, JCrew, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Free People and Vineyard Vines. There is a more limited selection of menswear in one section of the store.

Spring is always a busy time at Savvy with mothers coming in to buy warm weather clothing for their children but these days the moms are lingering to check out something stylish for themselves.

Severna Park, Millersville, Pasadena and Arnold residents have long known that Partners In Care’s Upscale Resale Boutique at Fesitval at Pasadena off Ritchie Highway is a hidden treasure for shoppers with an eye for style. With spring in the air, shopping for clothes has picked up according to PIC’s Executive Director Mandy Arnold.

A group of volunteers known as “The Designing Women” do a great job of staging clothing in appealing vignettes.

Arnold notes that, in addition to a new jewelry counter showcasing the shop’s impressive collections, the boutique carries fashions bearing labels like Chico’s, Zulily, Talbots, Anthropologie and Banana Republic among others. They also carry menswear from name brands like JoS.A.Bank and Hugo Boss.

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Whether “dressing up” is a fait-a-compli for you – or right around the corner – it’s fun and easily doable by shopping local. You can even venture a bit further afield. Roche said she enjoys shopping at Macy’s at Westfield Annapolis Mall where dressing rooms are open or Nordstrom Rack at Harbour Center. It’s good to know those of us who like or need to try on clothes before buying them now have a choice of places to shop.

St. Martins’ Mustangs & Meatballs virtual family event

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School is hosting a fundraiser called Mustangs & Meatballs on Friday, April 23rd. It will be a virtual family event including a student variety show, Italian carry-out dinner including salad, entree and dessert for two, a bottle of wine, wine tumblers and more. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets for dinner and show – or for variety show alone – will go on sale Monday at www.stmartinsmd.org.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

For Stage & Screen Studio owners Julie Ann and Pete Garvey, the bounce back from the dark days of pandemic lock-downs has been nothing short of miraculous. While most of the entertainment industry was devastated, the Millersville-based business managed to blossom over the last several months thanks to creative, innovative ideas that kept things moving forward.

The studio’s director Pete Garvey reflected on the company’s journey from “sudden and complete halt to operations” to revitalization and steady growth.

“What happened in those first few months between March, April and May of 2020 when we were completely locked down was shocking. We’d just finished a very successful run of ‘Sound of Music’ and I was directing ‘Alladin, Jr.’ for Jones Elementary School which, unfortunately had to be cancelled,” he said. “Julie and I were like ‘what are we gonna do?’

As the couple began thinking outside the box, the idea for making a TV pilot was born. Inspired by a Netflix show featuring teenagers called “Outer Banks”, they thought “what do they have that we don’t have other than financial backing?”

Reasoning that there were plenty of natural settings in the great outdoors along Maryland and Virginia’s scenic waterways, they gently put out feelers to see if they could find a few young actors who’d be interested. Eleven signed on right away. Pete wrote a script and found a location three miles south of Severna Park on the Chesapeake Bay. Thus was born the pilot for “The Point” – a production that could be filmed safely in the open air in socially distanced fashion without sacrificing quality.

“We filmed it over three weekends and the kids loved doing it,” Garvey said. “We just finished editing it and will be releasing it in about three weeks. We are now beginning to film Episode 2 of “The Point” with twenty student actors already signed on for it.”

Simultaneous with work on the film, the studio began offering one-on-one instruction – at first virtually – but, shortly thereafter, in-person with proper COVID-19 protocols including masking and social distancing. As opposed to their previous emphasis on training students for big productions, one-on-one training allowed the staff to concentrate on the fundamental techniques of acting that make actors great and keep them in demand for work ranging from films, TV and the theater to commercials.

In those first few months, Pete redesigned the company’s website to better reflect the deep pool of talent on Stage & Screen Studios’ staff, thus planting seeds that continue to blossom.

With the approach of warm weather, the studio added small group theater camps for elementary and middle school students where participants learned fundamentals of “musical theater” including singing and choreography. Pete added a new wrinkle by doing a bit of coaching for Severna Park High School senior Ellie Heath who’s preparing for her second Maryland Poetry Out Loud State Level Competition.

The company also invested in equipment upgrades that allow them to do multi-camera live stream events or showcases directly from the studio.

At the same time, they enlarged their staff. There are now eight different teachers with impressive backgrounds in a range of disciplines. They include theatrical coach Allison Bailey, big screen/Hollywood coach Sixx Orange, performance coach Hannah Hall, stage combat instructor Claudia Rosales, choreographer Heather Harris, music director Jill L. Beram-Limatta and acting coach Dean Davis. Most exciting of all, renowned aerialist and aerial dance coach Robin Miller joined the staff.

Miller’s most avid pupil, from the outset, was Pete’s son Nicholas Garvey, an actor/dancer who has already achieved distinction in the world of ballet as an International Academy of Ballet competition winner representing The Greater Annapolis Ballet.

“With Miller’s help, Nick took to performing in the air like it was second nature. He’s used the newly developed skill to recreate the persona of Spiderman,” Pete said.

Julie and Pete Garvey bring their own considerable talents to everything the company does. As owner/manager, Julie brings her movie, TV and commercial background experience into play.

Julie has appeared in over 50 regional TV commercials and shows including performing as host of a nationally broadcast children’s show on Fox called “AquaKids”. She models professionally for national product lines and has appeared in movies including “Ladder 49”, “Syriana”, “Better Living Through Chemistry” and “National Treasure Book of Secrets”.

Director and principal instructor Pete has appeared in over 25 nationally broadcast TV shows on Discovery Channel networks, HBO and NetFlix. He’s appeared in more than 80 regional TV commercials and narrates audiobooks on Audible and iTunes. He’s also a former theater director for the U.S. Naval Academy Masqueraders, technical director for the Naval Academy Glee Club and director of the Maryland Shakespeare Festival.

For information on lessons, classes, upcoming auditions and bios for Stage & Screen Studios staff members visit Lessons | Stage & Screen Studios .

The Garveys noted that other theater or dance related programs have kept operating through much of the pandemic as well. In doing so, they’ve managed to supply some of the healthy interaction children have been missing during the pandemic. Two are in Severna Park.

Theatre In The Park

Theater In The Park founder and director Jennifer Lee Kraus found ways to adapt and weather the pandemic storm.

“Other than having to shut down last spring and not being able to have our performances, we have been able to continue our small group summer camps and in person workshops,” Kraus said. “We have just adapted to COVID guidelines to make them safe. It’s gone really well.”

Theater in the Park’s musical theater arts workshops, for kids from 5 to 18, provide opportunities for acting, singing and being part of a production. The in-person classes are held at Severna Park Community Center and Holy Grounds. A “Broadway Babies” program is currently underway and plans are already afoot for summer camps in July with a “Space Bop” theme. For information, visit Theater in the Park | Facebook .

The Dance Center of Severna Park

The Dance Center of Severna Park ‘s director Kellie Greer found a way to keep dance in the forefront of people’s minds when the Severna Park Community Center where the program is based closed in accordance with Governor Hogan’s Stay At Home order.

She created free dance lessons for children to view and practice to at home using Facebook Live – lessons that attracted would be students.

Once the community center reopened, in-person lessons were immediately offered with small class sizes, masks and proper social distancing.

Today in-person classes are held six days a week but can be virtual as well. A year-round recital schedule will be set shortly with a date and location for the first recital still to be determined. For a full description of the various classes offered, visit SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org).

Chesapeake Life Center offers grief support and summer grief programs for children

Chesapeake Life Center’s grief support programs for children and teens are now meeting in-person at Hospice of the Chesapeake’s John & Cathy Belcher Campus, at 90 Ritchie Highway. They are:

“Stepping Stones”, for children ages 6 to 12, which will meet from 10 a.m. to noon April 3. Breakfast, games and activities are included.

“Phoenix Rising” for teens ages 13 to 18 which will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, April 21, May 19 and June 16. A meal is provided along with games and activities.

“Pre-Teen Group” for pre-teens and early teens meets at the same time but in a different room as Phoenix Rising.

Groups are limited to six participants and masks must be worn. The cost for each program is $10 per participant, with a maximum of $20 per family. Pre-registration is required by calling 888-501-7077 or emailing griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org.

Summer Grief Programs for children 6 to 11 being held on four consecutive Saturdays are filled with adventure, music and art. “Adventures in Grief” takes place at Terrapin Adventures at Historic Savage Mill on May 15. A “Summer Grief Art Workshop”  for younger children will be held June 26 at a yet to be decided location.

A music-based “Rhythm and Grieve” program will be held July 17 at a Prince George’s County location yet to be determined while “Teen Adventures in Grief”, for kids 12 to 18, will take place August 14 at Terrapin Adventures. More information will be forthcoming or yoy can keep tabs by visiting http://www.chesapeakelifecenter.org/.

This year, because of COVID-19 related school closings, Severna Park High School Drama has had to structure Rock ‘N Roll Revival XXXII as a “virtual” production with a fun “British Invasion” theme.

Over its thirty-one year history, the SPHS Rock ‘N Roll Revivals have had a multitude of themes. Nevertheless, more often that not, the music of British pop stars ranging from Petula Clark and Donovan to The Beatles and Rolling Stones has been part of the productions.

Producer/director Angela Germanos found that recreating those 60’s sound tracks provided an excuse for the RNR costumers to copy Carnaby Street style mini dresses and go go boots like those worn by back-up singers Kaylie Pridgen, Erin Pryzybia and Maddie Howard while harmonizing on Clark’s “Couldn’t Live Without Your Love” in 2015.

RNR’s adult and student producers and directors reproduced the look and sound again in 2017 in a production number featuring British pop tunes that was further enhanced by the compelling choreography of Kelly DeLeon.

The look and music were back once more in 2019 for Rock ‘N Roll Revival’s 30th Anniversary show featuring a Hall of Fame Theme. The concept was not new to Annabelle Cotton and Abby Kondraki who were cast members for the fourth year, Seen here, Abby was cast as a flapper for an upcoming scene while Annabelle was a mod rocker in mini-dress and boots for hers.

So it’s quite understandable that the RNR production team chose a British Invasion theme for Rock ‘N Roll XXXII – a theme that should translate well to a digital version to be viewed online.

Germanos said a date has not been set for airing the show yet as the editing process is so complicated.

“We auditioned virtually and have been practicing virtually. We have also filmed virtually and the videographer and my co-director Atticus Boidy will be combining the vocals with the dance and adding the band to make a final production,” she said.

“We have adult vocal directors, tech director, band director and choreographers and an assistant producer but we also have student leaders for all these positions. The student leaders have been very helpful in making sure the cast and crew understand the process. We have added American Sign Language this year and it is working out very well.”

Chatting with Falcon Drama Boosters board member Jill Robinson, whose daughter Leslie is in the cast, we learned that the virtual production will have 30 songs made famous by British artists. Some are from the era when British pop rock exploded onto the American music scene courtesy of the Fabulous Four appearing on the Ed Sullivan TV Show.

She added that, for each of the songs, her daughter had a couple virtual vocal rehearsals with the vocal director, a couple virtual dance rehearsals with the choreographer and a couple virtual blocking rehearsals ending with a rehearsal combining everything for filming. Everyone has to make their own costumes at home, of course, with help from a costume lead.

“It’s like, ‘Hey, do you have black leggings and can you find a shirt that looks like this, and could you add some silver jewelry?’ Robinson said. “It’s been improvising from whatever we have and quite a challenge.”

Dances can only be performed solo since everyone films them individually instead of as a group. Then the pieces are edited together.

Meantime, SPHS Drama has something else planned to showcase students’ talents – a Virtual Improv Night on March 12 at 7 pm. For a link to Improve Night or for updates on the release of Rock ‘N Roll Revival XXXII, British Invasion, visit HOME | Falcon Drama (sphsdrama.com).

AAUW moves ahead with in-person book discussions

For the first time in a year, members of the county’s American Association of University Women met in person at the World War II Memorial in Annapolis to pick up program guides for the coming year’s activities of their Great Decisions Discussion Group. 

The group is more widely known for their book collection days at drop-by sites in Severna Park, Arnold and Annapolis in preparation for its multi-day book sales held annually at Festival at Pasadena. With literally thousands of books to choose from, the sales are well attended.

Funds raised through the sales are used to support scholarships for women.

According to AAUW publicity committee chair Cathy Crowley, Great Decisions, is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. Organized by The Foreign Policy Association, the discussions provide background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year. The Anne Arundel County branch has had a Great Decisions group for more than twenty years.

Crowley said the branch has been restricted during the COVID pandemic to accepting (or sometimes simply packing) limited numbers of donated books from family collections. She was quick to note that AAUW has other activities including book clubs and bridge clubs.

At the moment, announcements are being made about the availability of scholarships and how women can apply. For full information on three categories of scholarships offered, visit AAUW Anne Arundel County (MD) Branch.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

In its fourth year, the Good Neighborhoods Group’s 4th annual S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVE broke all previous records.

From the moment the “game was on” for the 2021 food drive taking place from February 4 though 7, donations rolled in as never before.

In addition to the original 36 Severna Park communities participating in the food drive, nine new ones from the Broaneck Peninsula joined the effort bringing the total to 44.

Over the course of four days, the neighborhood captains volunteering their homes as collection points found donations of food and household items spilling across every unoccupied space – from bins on back porches to kitchen counters, dining room tables, living room or bedroom floors to garages.

Families collected an astonishing 21,000 items that almost tripled previous records. Children, like Jace Kerley, whose mother Bethany was neighborhood captain for Chartridge, pitched in to help her sort canned goods to donate to SPAN. Mackenzie Grossman and her younger brother Emerson helped carry things as their father Jeremiah, neighborhood captain for Olde Severna Park, packed donations into the family SUV.

Delivery day, set for Super Bowl Sunday but postponed to the following two days due to weather, saw the neighborhood volunteers heading to six different food pantries to drop off donations. The goods were transported in vehicles ranging from SUVs to trucks to red wagons and personally delivered bins.

Neighborhoods on the Severn River side of Severna Park normally drop off their donations to SPAN, Inc. off Benfield Road while those living on the Magothy River side give their donations to ACAN (Asbury Church Assistance Network) on Asbury Drive. But there were so many more donations that My Brother’s Pantry in Arnold was added as a drop-off for neighborhoods on the Broadneck Peninsula. In addition, extra donations flowed to two Pop-Up Pantries and to LARS (Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services).

Multiple neighborhoods delivered donations to ACAN which were gratefully accepted by Executive Director Margo Arnoux. ACAN currently operates a Drive-Through pick-up of food boxes (in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines) Monday through Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Multiple neighborhoods on the Severn Side donated to SPAN. In fact, there were so many donations headed for SPAN that some were channeled to LARS and the Pop Up pantries mentioned previously).

The 2021 S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVES’ saw four neighborhoods bringing in 1,000 donated items each. Congratulations are due for Cape McKinsey with over 12 items donated per household. And kudos to the Round Bay and West Severna Park neighborhoods who brought in 1500 items each.

In the past, the reveal for the winning neighborhoods took place at a dinner hosted by Mezzanotte. It was a community night that benefited GNG, too. This year, Mezzanotte will deliver pre-ordered meals to the winning neighborhoods and include complimentary cannolis. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated back to support Good Neighbors Group.

Founder and executive director Julie Shay started the Good Neighbors Group in 2006 and incorporated it as a non-profit in 2017 with a goal of strengthening our communities by sharing service opportunities that have a positive social and environmental impact. She and the GMG board of directors hit on the idea for a Souper Bowl food drive in 2018 because they realized winter is a time when food pantry shelves need replenishing. They initially proposed a competition between the east and west sides of Severna Park but expanded the plan when so many communities responded.

The food drive is but one of Good Neighbors Group’s community based initiatives. In addition to year-round blood drives in cooperation with Anne Arundel Medical Center, there are seasonal projects. The group also supports environmental efforts. They launched a spring project to establish and tend a garden of sustainable native plants along the B&A Trail opposite the Ranger Station. They’ve held several Earth Day events at community schools with as many as 60 schools participating with exhibits. In summer, GNG promotes a swim team food drive.

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During a time of extensive development and population growth that, ironically, contributes to a sense of isolation in the once close-knit Severna Park community, GNG strives to bring all the neighborhoods together in ways that benefit everyone. For more information on GNG’s ongoing projects and events visit its website at Home – Good Neighbors Group or follow them on Facebook at Good Neighbors Group | Facebook.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Within seconds of getting her COVID-19 vaccination, Brightview Severna Park resident Nina Bonti affixed her orange “I Got My Covid-19 Vaccination” disc to her necklace and was showing it to Assisted Living Manager Cidnei Crumity. One of 270 plus residents and associates receiving vaccinations on February 2, Bonti was joyful.

“I’m hopeful that getting the vaccine will keep me from getting the virus and keep my friends and family safe as well,” she said.

She added that she was extremely comfortable with getting the shots and appreciated that they were available to her.

Bonti’s comments were typical of those heard by Brightview Associate Director Shannon Yunn all day. She said the vaccination clinic conducted in partnership with Walgreens Healthcare Clinic last Tuesday couldn’t have run more smoothly.

Having received their first of two shots of the Pfizer vaccine, the residents and associates were scheduled to receive their second shot 21 days later on February 23.

The CDC recommended all senior living residents receive the vaccine free of cost in the first priority wave before it becomes available to the public. Thus, Brightview Senior Living communities at South River and in Annapolis and Crofton also have conducted the clinics. Among other senior living facilities with vaccination programs underway are Spring Arbor of Severna Park, Heartlands at Severna Park and Sunrise of Severna Park.

Thanks to social distancing, masks, and other measures, the Brightview Severna Park population has remained COVID-free.

“We kept everyone healthy all year by following the CDC protocols. For instance, we didn’t serve meals in the dining room but instead boxed them for residents to pick up or have delivered to their rooms.,” Yunn said. “We even did COVID testing the day of the vaccine clinic ahead of everyone getting their shot. No one tested positive so we proceeded, with a little over 270 people arriving for their shots at pre-arranged times.”

Brightview Vibrant Living Director Barbara Sigler set the tone by being one of the first to bare her arm for a Walgreen’s pharmacist.

“I was so excited to get my first shot! ” she said. “While we’ve been staying engaged with each other in a socially distanced manner and with masks, I look forward to when we can go back to restaurants, museums, and concerts again. Getting the shots is a step in the right direction.”

Most everyone felt the same way with 99% of eligible residents opting to be vaccinated. The only exceptions were people who’d received a previous antibody treatment or had a medical problem that precluded being vaccinated.

Between cooperative residents, helpful associates, and experienced pharmacists administering the shots, the clinic ran like clockwork, Residents like Gladys DeLawder, seen here, checked into the waiting area at a pre-communicated vaccine time, had her paperwork verified by the staff and proceeded to one of three vaccination areas where she was met by a Walgreen’s representative who went over her paperwork and administered the shot. She even became the subject of a photo op.

Teamwork prevailed on vaccination day according to Yunn.

“We had so much positive feedback as to how the clinic was organized from the residents, who were pleased, and from the Walgreen pharmacists,” she said.

In a very real sense, Vaccination Day at Brightview was something of a celebration. Everyone was anxious to get back to having normal visits from family and friends. (Carefully monitored visits with health screenings and temperature checks were allowed in accordance with CDC guidelines.). In addition, Brightview Severna Park normally has something of a community feel. Many residents were previously active with local charities and choose to continue supporting them.. Thus, they’ve missed working together on their community charity projects and hope to get back to them soon.

Pleased and relieved to get his shot, resident Howard Graves liked the various signs being handed out to signify one had received the vaccine. He chose an amusing one depicting the COVID virus “cancelled”.

Equally thrilled, Brightview associate Sharon Snow and nurse Fatima Bayemake celebrated by having their photos snapped holding other signs.

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Yunn, who supervised one of the three vaccine administration areas, commented that many of the residents told her they felt excited to be a part of history and happy to take the necessary steps to move toward a sense of normalcy.

She noted that few after affects were experienced by residents or staff members – just the occasional sore arm or mild fatigue – so they’re actually looking forward to the second shot.

Jing Ying Celebrates “The Year of the Ox”

Jing Ying Institute of Tai Chi and Kung Fu begins its celebration of “The Year of the Ox” honoring the 2021 Chinese New Year this Saturday with a series of events for people of all ages.

According to Billy and Nancy Greer, owners of the Arnold-based school, offering Lunar New Year activities has been an important part of giving back to the community for the past 20 years and has included large and festive in-person events. This year they’ll skip the crowds by holding smaller in-person classes and virtual events.

Following a symbolic cleaning of the school to make room for good luck coming in for the new year, the two-week celebration kicks off this Saturday, February 13, from 1-2 pm with a “Lunar New Year Drive-By,” where families can drive by and pick up a goodie bag with a craft activity and giveaways.

Other activities include free tai chi and kung fu classes, an online tea making & tasting class, and an online cooking class.

Some of the free classes will be virtual, according to Nancy Greer. However, an in-person, evening Family Kung Fu Class for children 5 to 10 on February 18 includes an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and participants will receive a Lunar New Year of the Ox gift bag with a take-home craft.

An in-person Homeschool Kung Fu Class suitable for participants ages 5 to adult will be held February 19 from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm. This class also features an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and includes a Lunar New Year celebration gift bag with a take-home craft.

Pre-registration is required for both online and in-person classes and more information can be found at www.JingYing.org or by calling 410-431-5200.

Baby Supply Drive at Coldwell Banker Realty this weekend

Coldwell Banker Realty’s Melanie Wood announced that the office is hosting a Drive-By Drop-Off for Baby Supplies from 9 am to 5 pm in front of their offices at 572B Ritchie Highway in Park Plaza. Wood and Coldwell Banker Realty volunteers along with co-sponsor David Baca of Guaranteed Rate Affinity will be on hand to accept the donations.

All donations will be turned over to local charity Walk The Walk Foundation for distribution to all of our local food pantries.

“We’re looking for contributions of baby wipes, baby wash, lotions, diaper creams and baby shampoos. We already have enough diapers, ” Wood said.

For information on the event visit Melanie Wood of Coldwell Banker Realty – Severna Park, Maryland | Facebook.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

True blue, in more ways than one, Garry’s Grill waitresses Jennifer Tiernan-Neubauer and Angie Deaton braved the elements for a turn in the dunk tank for the restaurant’s Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics MD. on January 30. Fifteen minutes into their turn in the tank after boss Eddie Conway’s stint, they figured turning blue was a definite possibility.

Conway, who organized the Polar Bear Plunge, had finished his turn and changed into sweats to warm up. He soon joined friends Mike Hall, from Annapolis Bowl (inside the bowling pin) and Hall’s business partner Curt Pezzano on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

“I’m a little cold but pleased,” Conway said. “I spent half an hour in the tank and was happier in the water, which was heated, than out of it. It was fun though. We’ve had quite a turnout all day – a continuous stream of people buying three throws for $10.”

He added that eleven other businesses volunteered someone to be a dunk tank target including Rita’s Italian Ice, The Big Bean, Mahon Landscaping, Kevin Gattie Financial, Landmark Roofing, Larry Sells Consulting, the Matt Wyble Real Estate Team, Savvy Consignment, Kaycie Quinones, Severna Park Lanes and Rockwell Fitness.

At tables down the sidewalk, where participants lined up to buy throws, there were auction items donated by community businesses and coffee and sweets donated by The Big Bean. There’d been considerable online donations as well.

“We’re still selling throws and auction items and accepting donations, but I can confidently say we’ve raised over $20,000 for Special Olympics,” Conway said.

Meanwhile, fun in the Polar Bear Plunge Zone continued apace.

Attendees spectated and posed for photos with a giant bowling pin (a.k.a. Mike Hall) while listening to tunes from deejay Michael Kocher.

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Volunteering for a noble cause by going into the drink was no easy matter on such a cold day. Nevertheless, Tiernan-Neubauer and Deaton were game and the target was hit repeatedly during their stint. Plunging into the water, climbing out, and reliving the experience over and over again took fortitude.

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“The water’s warm, but it’s very, very cold up here on the platform,” Deaton said.

Others who volunteered time in the tank agreed heartily. Big Bean owners Greg and Christie Coster found the experience a chilly but amazing start to a busy day.

“We were in the dunking tank from 9 to 9:30 am,” Greg said.

“It was great fun!” added Christie. “We only raised about $400 but, hopefully, our coffee warmed people up.”

Always ready to support a good cause, Matt Wyble, leader of the Matt Wyble Team of Century 21 New Millennium, nominated himself the dunkee. He spent 45 minutes in the tank and raised lots of money for Special Olympics but gave all the credit to Conway.

““Eddie reached out to me two-and-a-half weeks ago with his idea to raise money for Special Olympics MD through a Polar Bear Plunge Dunk Tank. I immediately volunteered myself for the tank and committed to an hour sponsorship, even though I hate cold water, because it’s such an awesome cause.,” Wyble said. “Hats off to Eddie Conway and his entire staff at Garry’s Grill & Catering for hosting such an amazing event, especially on such short notice.”

He added that both he and Conway feel lucky to work and live in such a great community.

“To raise well upwards of 20,000 in less than 3 weeks is yet another example of this amazing place we call home,” he said.

To view Wyble getting dunked, click https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=6200946&attachment_id=409387943462917&message_id=mid.%24cAABa9U_lAet9lxIZ2V3ZcysN85rz.

With music playing in the background, spectators coming and going to cheer on dunkees or taking three throws to send them in the tank, the event proved a much appreciated slice of real life. It was also proof of the community’s independent businesses ability to come together to support a worthy cause as they’ve been doing for years. Funds donated will provide equipment, training and health screenings for Special Olympics athletes.

Annapolis Rotary celebrates its Centennial

Most famous for its annual crab feasts, which draw people from across Anne Arundel County and beyond, The Annapolis Rotary Club will celebrate its 100th birthday on February 11th.

In addition to celebrating the centennial with an soon-to-be-written history and holding its 75th Annual Crab Feast on August 6th at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, the Annapolis Rotary is planning an Anniversary Gala among other special events.

The club develops Little Free Libraries, sponsors leadership and development programs and contributes approximately $115,000 in direct financial support annually to nonprofits serving the community.

Stay tuned for news of upcoming centennial events. Meantime, for information, visit http://www.annapolisrotary.org/.