As Lisa’s Cakepops readies for Easter, it celebrates its 2nd Anniversary as a storefront

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.

With so many choices, choosing a Baker’s Dozen plus two cakepops from Lisa Schneiderman to Jennifer Wade longer than expected. Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler

“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.

Lisa’s Cakepops’ newest Easter pop design – cute white chocolate bunnies. Photos by Lisa’s Cakepops

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!

Easter chick pops are always a hot seller.

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.

Easter eggs will be featured on the counter with Easter chicks and bunnies.
Each kit comes with pre-made cakepop eggs, dipping chocolate and decorations

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.

Regular customers Marissa Sherman and daughter Ella considered carefully before ordering enough cakepops from Glen Schneiderman to fill two bags. Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler

“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.

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Thinking about dressing up again?

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..

Floral-patterned raincoats by Vera Bradley are expected to fly off the rack at The Cottage. The pattern is repeated in handbags of various sizes and shapes. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

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.

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.

After explaining that the whole rack of clothes she is standing by is devoted to Lilly Pulitzer fashions, Savvy Consignment owner Stacey Cassidy shows off a dress that is a favorite of hers.

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.

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.

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Resilient Stage & Screen Studios moves full steam ahead

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?”

On location at a Chesapeake Bay beach during the filming of “The Point”. From Left to right are. Kylie Schmitter, Brandon Chisholm, Mikaela Newman, Kaitlyn Carter, Everly Hendricks, Reilly Miller, Averi Cain and Julie Garvey recording the sound.  Photos by Stage & Screen Studio.

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.

Elementary and middle school students loved film camp. From left to right are John Blank, Jon Garvey, Steven Martin, Jr. , Kylie Schmitter, Everly Hendricks, film star/coach Sixx Orange, Helena Tawil, Ayla Cole, and Reagan Davey.

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.

Renowned aerialist and aerial dance coach Robin Miller spots her student, Nicholas Garvey, during a lesson. Garvey, a dancer with The Greater Annapolis Ballet, wanted to further broaden his talents.

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

Masked and socially distanced, kids began workshops and rehearsals for “Time Warp , The Musical” on February 6. Photo by Jennifer Lee Krause

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

Masked and socially distanced, blossoming ballerinas at The Dance Center of Severna Park. Photo courtesy of The Dance Center.

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 “Phoenix Rising” programs and camps help grieving teens support each other.. Photo courtesy of Chesapeake Life Center

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/.

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SPHS Rock ‘N Roll Revival “British Invasion” moves ahead virtually

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.

Costumes inspired by fashions from 1960’s Carnaby Street when “England Swung Like a Pendulum Do” were used for this production number during the 2017 edition of Rock ‘N Roll Revival, Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler.
Backstage with Abby Kondraki, wearing a 1920’s flapper style dress, while Annabelle Cotton wore white go go boots with her 1960’s era mini dress.

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. 

Honoring the occasion of their first get together in a year with a photograph, American Association of University Women members held program guides for their upcoming Great Decisions Discussions. In the forefront is Terry Sayler, Behind her, from left to right, are JoAnn Rich, Ada Stankard, Linda Calvert, Barbara Pratt, Mary McGrath, and Jessica Baron. Photo courtesy of AAUW.

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.

Book lovers have a great time exploring literally thousands of book. Priced so reasonably anyone can afford them, the books for children are particularly prized by young families and nursery school or kindergarten teachers.

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.

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Good Neighborhoods Group’s 4th annual S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVE triples previous record for donations

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.

Jace Kerley, son of neighborhood captain, Bethany Kerley, helped sort the Chartridge neighborhood collection. Photos courtesy of Good Neighborhoods Group.

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.

Mackenzie Grossman and brother Emerson helped carry a few packages as their father Jeremiah, neighborhood captain for Olde Severna Park , got them ready to be dropped off to SPAN.
 Robyn Scott, from Chartridge, helping sort canned goods before loading up enroute to SPAN.

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).

Margo Arnoux (ACAN Director) accepting donations from Melody Pearson, Felicia Burney, Nancy Rando (Manhattan Beach neighborhood Captain), and Gregory Hines.

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.

Robyn Scott and Jessica Hermanstorfer (Captain, for West Severna Park neighborhood) delivering donations to SPAN.

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.

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.

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Vaccination day at Brightview Severna Park

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 was among the first to receive her COVID-19 vaccination Photos by Brightview Senior Living

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”.

Resident Howard Graves liked the choice of signs verifying one had received a vaccination. He chose one symbolizing the much despised virus cancelled out.

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

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”

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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.

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Garry’s Grill raises $20,000 plus for Special Olympics with dunk tank Polar Bear Plunge

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.

Garry’s Grill & Catering owner and Polar Bear Plunge organizer Eddie Conway with Mike Hall of Annapolis Bowl (inside bowling pin) and Severna Park Lanes’ Curt Pezzano. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

“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 IceThe Big BeanMahon LandscapingKevin Gattie FinancialLandmark RoofingLarry Sells Consulting, the Matt Wyble Real Estate TeamSavvy ConsignmentKaycie 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.

Even more exiting, they kept an eye on those taking aim at the target to send dunkees into the tank.

Throws came fast and furious and spectators cheered when the target was hit sending any of the dozen plus dunkees into the water.

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.

Back on the platform, occasional shivers were par for the course for Garry’s Grill waitresses Angie Deaton and JenniferTiernan-Neubauer who endured 30 minutes of dunking.

“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

Characteristics of Crustaceans - Animal Sake

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/.

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B&A Trail continues to provide locals a healthy escape from confinement

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

From the moment Governor Larry Hogan announced major closures across the state to limit the spread of COVID-19 on March 12, Anne Arundel County residents took to the Baltimore Annapolis Trail Park in droves for exercise and a healthy release from being confined in their homes. Mild weather, from late March into spring and summer, spurred uncommonly heavy trail use.

“We definitely got a lot more people during last summer than we did during the ten years leading up to it,” said B&A Trail Park Ranger Matthew Vorce. “It was a pretty wild summer. A huge increase in visitors – more that I thought we’d ever get. Of course, visitation has died down a little since it’s gotten colder”

Vorce added that Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman was adamant about keeping the parks open so people would have a place to exercise. Since nothing else was open for months, all the parks were and remain continuously busy.

For cyclists and runners, who found their annual events and marathons cancelled, the trail has provided a way to keep on training. For families, it’s a form of entertainment and exercise that parents and children can enjoy together. For one and all, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the B&A Trail’s many treasures.

Gardening enthusiasts can view 70 volunteer-maintained planter beds coordinated by Becky Ziegler of the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails. In early spring, volunteer gardeners can be seen clearing and preparing the beds that later blossom into picturesque gardens. By summer, they’re at their peak and attracting birds, bees and butterflies .

There are even specially designed bee and butterfly habitats like one created by Scott Jacovic and son Tsedeke. The high-rise bee house they constructed attracts both mason and leaf-cutter bees that collect pollen. They also planted self-sustaining hardy perennials like coneflowers, asters, and flowering milkweed that are staged to bloom from late spring through summer to attract birds, butterflies and bees.

There’s always lots to see including a circa 1919 Severna Park Railroad Station overlooking the trail where the tracks of the Annapolis & Baltimore Short Line Railroad once stood (now a model railroad museum). Nearby, there’ s an original rail crossing sign at Riggs Avenue. Two other historic sites associated with trains exist on the Severna Park part of the trail.

The 108-year-old Baltimore Annapolis Railroad Powerhouse building is now home to Ann Arundell Historical Society’s Shop at Jones Station. Erected in 1907 as a midpoint electrical substation between Baltimore and Annapolis, it,channeled 22,000 volts of current through three 300-kilowatt transformers to lower it to 6,600 volts and feed it directly to overhead lines. In 1933, the former powerhouse became an ice house for Miss Etta’s Store & Rustic Inn and later for the Wagon Wheels restaurant. Briefly the building housed the historic society’s headquarters before moving to the Benson Hammond House in Linthicum. It subsequently became a Browse & Buy Shop. In 2015,, the Shop at Jones Station opened and sells gifts but is also a historic museum for local artifacts. For information, visit www.aachs.org.

Now serving as the Baltimore Annapolis Trail Park Ranger Station and B&A Rail Museum, another landmark building at 51 West Earleigh Heights Road was built in 1889 as a general store overlooking the tracks.

The history of the railroad displayed inside is fascinating while, outside, the surrounding marsh is a wildlife refuge where red wing blackbirds and other colorful species of birds are a delight for birdwatchers.

An abundance of Olde Severna Park shops back right onto the trail. There are several where exercisers can buy a warm or cool beverage or a snack including The Big Bean Coffee Shop, Sofi’s Crepes, and The Froyo House among others. It’s also the spot where the back entrance to Pedal Pushers bike shop is located – a shop that’s seen sales soar by leaps and bounds throughout the pandemic.

Pedal Pushers owner Rod Reddish noted that his shop was deemed “essential” and, thus, able to stay open throughout the pandemic.

“We’ve been super busy,” Reddish said. “From March 15 on, people couldn’t do anything else so riding bikes became extremely popular. It’s been crazy actually, almost weird. We ran out of stock in the summer and again near the holiday shopping season.”

He added that all the bicycle companies ran out of stock so local shops had nothing to sell for a while. He said Pedal Pushers has been in business 32 years and he’s seen trail visitation up and down “but never quite like this”.

To learn more about the pleasures of the Baltimore Annapolis Trail Park, visit B&A Trail | Anne Arundel County, MD (aacounty.org)

Theater in the Park enters a Time Warp with……….

May be a cartoon

Director Jennifer Lee Kraus reports that Theater in the Park plans to hop inside a time machine and go back in time as it holds its Musical Theater Workshop for kids ages 5-15. She notes that they’re keeping the “in person” classes to 10 children. They’ll follow all safety protocols – small classes, masks, and social distancing – while still having fun and performing. Classes will be held at Severna Park Community Center on Saturday mornings starting Feb 6th. There will be a live performance on April 24 but it’s not yet been determined whether the audience will be parents only or can be expanded. To register, or for information, visit www.facebook.com/TheaterinthePark.spcc or call 4109-212-1018.

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Orphan Grain Train volunteers deliver 500 boxes of winter clothing to Sutton, West Virginia

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Hearing pure joy in the voices of staffers from the Child Protective Services of Sutton, West Virginia made the trip volunteers Steve and Linda Zahn began six hours earlier totally worth it. They’d just delivered a donation of 500 boxes of winter clothing from Orphan Grain Train.

Orphan Grain Train volunteer Linda Zatn in the cab of the large truck used to transport 500 boxes of winter clothes and 250 coats to Sutton, West Virginia. Photos by Steve Zahn

“West Virginia, here we come,” Linda had thought as she climbed into the passenger seat of the largest truck Orphan Grain Train was able to rent. Behind the wheel, husband Steve put pedal to the metal and they were off.

A large truck was necessary because the one owned by Orphan Grain Train wasn’t big enough to accommodate the 500 boxes of clothes and an additional 250 coats they were transporting.

The Maryland branch of Orphan Grain Train – a Christian volunteer network that ships donated food, clothing, medical and other items to people in need nationally and internationally – is located at 621 East West Boulevard in Millersville. Initially slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic because they couldn’t come into the warehouse, volunteers quickly switched to making masks, scrub caps and headbands for nurses from their homes.

Soon, the non-profit resumed accepting donations from individuals in the community, consignment stores or shops and major businesses. (Most recently, they received handmade blankets, children’s toys and books through a Passport To Serve outreach program of the Anne Arundel County Chick-fil-A’s.) All donations are quarantined and sanitized in OGT’s warehouse using social distancing protocols.

Realizing that the warehouse now had an ample supply of winter clothing to donate, the Zahns volunteered to head a project to find an in-country recipient – preferably one in an economically deprived area. Following their research and a few phone calls, the couple settled on donating the clothing to the Child Protective Services in Sutton, West Virginia which serves the districts of Braxton County, Lewis County and Upshur County.

Sutton, a town of 940 people, is the Braxton county seat. According to the 2010 census, the county is home to 14,702 people with 22% of the population below the poverty line. The surrounding counties of Lewis and Upshur have similar demographics.

Child Protective Services representative Cathy George said the agency serves children from birth to 18 years of age. Having expressed the agency’s gratitude for being chosen a recipient, George made arrangements to receive the shipment at Braxton County High School.

Crossing from Maryland into West Virginia was encouraging because it meant the Zahns were two-thirds of the way to their destination.

Pulling up next to Braxton High School to unload their cargo, they were met by six staff members from the Child Protective Services of Braxton County. Luckily, the school had donated a room in which to stow the large shipment.

“The staff was thrilled to see us,” Linda reported. “They said nothing like this had ever happened to them.”

They all pitched in at once but there was a tremendous amount to unload. Shuttling it inside and stacking it was yet another matter. One of the best things about the shipment is that the clothing arrived in time for Christmas.

For the Zahns, the winter clothing/coat drive project and its satisfactory conclusion were immensely rewarding. But there’s so much more to do.

At the moment, Orphan Grain Train is preparing a shipment of items like desks, medical equipment, books and supplies for clinics that is bound for Liberia. Though not personally delivered, international shipments are rewarding too. The organization recently received a letter of gratitude from South Sudan that included a photo of kids there wearing uniforms donated to OGT by Severna Park High School. The people of South Sudan have little access to education, medical care and basic necessities and recently suffered flooding from the Nile River.

Orphan Grain Train received a thank you letter and this photo of a Sudanese high school band wearing uniforms donated by Severna Park High School. Photo from Orphan Grain Train

International projects like the South Sudan effort are an OGT hallmark. However, there is currently considerable need domestically. The Zahns believe the charity should devote more time and resources to communities nearer home, particularly since the cost of shipping donations internationally has risen dramatically to thousands of dollars.

“It would also be good to attract some younger volunteers like those from Annapolis Christian School who help us out while earning service learning points,” Linda Zahn said. For information about the non-profit or to make a donation, visit Orphan Grain Train | Passporttoserve. or call (410) 647-1621.

Garry’s Grill plans a “Polar Bear Plunge” of a different sort

No description available.

The polar bear was seen warming up in Eddie Conway’s living room for Garry’s Grill and Catering’s “Polar Bear Plunge” benefiting Special Olympics on Saturday, January 30 from 8 am till 4 pm.

The local business community is joining forces to give back for the community support they’ve received. Every hour, a different business will take over the Garry’s Grill Polar Bear Plunge Dunk Tank in a heated tent on the patio beside the restaurant. Conway will be in the tank for Garry’s Grill from 1 to 2 pm.

Some other businesses taking turns in the tank include 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. Come out and support your favorites and try out your arm. You get 3 tries for $10 to send someone into the tank while raising money for Special Olympics

You can also click Check out Garry’s Grill’s team fundraising page for Special Olympics Maryland (somd.org) for another way to support Special Olympics.

Boy Scout Troop #192 sponsoring a Clothing Drive at Historic Baldwin Hall

Boy Scout Troop #192 is sponsoring a Clothing Drive to be held at Historic Baldwin Hall on Sunday, January 31 from noon till 3 pm. The scouts are requesting that people bring their donations of clean gently used clothing wrapped in white kitchen -sized trash bags. According to Janice Crowe, president of the Trustees of Historic Badwin Hall, boys and girls from the troop, which is a brand new one, will be on hand to collect the bags. For more information, email janice.a.crowe@comcast.net.

Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber Blood Drive

On Friday, January 29, the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber will host a blood drive at their offices at 1 Holly Avenue at 10 am. Anne Arundel Medical Center is bringing a mobile unit.  Chamber CEO Liz League said the organization will take a picture of each donor and post and tag their businesses on social media. For information visit Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce | Facebook.

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Triple the need prompts ACAN to expand its food pantry operations

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

With just 15 minutes till closing time, the line of vehicles approaching the white tents in front of ACAN, Inc.’s food pantry finally slackened. Wearing their masks, volunteers Theodore Pack, Laura Chrystal, Furman Carr, Melody Pearson and Pat Rogers had carried box after box filled with lean meats, fresh produce, fruits, dairy and other items to the cars. No one would leave hungry and, best of all, they didn’t even have to get out of their cars.

Approaching the Asbury Church Assistance Network’s food pantry from behind Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church, driversvehicles rolled to a stop in front of the white tents where ACAN volunteers waited to hand them boxes of-much needed foods. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Four Anne Arundel County police cars parked behind the building meant that officers from the Northern District at Brooklyn Park were also on hand to help.

Inside, ACAN’s executive director Margo Arnoux sat at her desk catching up with her never-ending paper work. Looking around the small office, which is cluttered with overflow food pantry supplies there’s no room for elsewhere, she reflected on the enormous changes ACAN experienced during 2020.

ACAN, Inc. executive director Margo Arnoux works at her desk in her small office which also serves as a repository for overflow produce and household items the organization provides to Anne Arundel County residents in need.

Shortly after launching the pantry’s COVID Pandemic Crisis Response last March, ACAN’s beloved director Janet Pack unexpectedly passed away. She’d suffered a massive heart attack. Arnoux, who had been her assistant, couldn’t have been more shocked or devastated.

“I’d been Janet’s right hand and we’d talk at least three times a day about what we were doing and how we could bring all these dreams she had to fruition. They would now be interrupted,” Arnoux said.

“I thought there was no way I could do this job without her. But then I heard her voice in the back of my mind saying ‘Baby girl, save your tears for somebody else. You need to keep feeding those people,’ and I knew we all had to keep going and realize her dreams. Janet had taught me so much that, in retrospect, it’s like she was preparing me to carry on pandemic or not. Ironically, the day after she died, we were offered funding by Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS).”

ACAN has been providing healthy food for Anne Arundel County’s most vulnerable residents from their small building at 429 Asbury Drive for many years now. Unfortunately, with locked-down businesses and lost jobs and wages, the number of families the pantry serves has tripled. Because of COVID restrictions, the staff and volunteers abruptly changed the way they did things and geared up fast.

Prior to COVID, ACAN was an indoor self-choice pantry where customers could select the items they wanted to eat. Now, the staff and volunteers innovated a new drive-thru system, expanding into socially distanced tents and tables outside for food distribution. They also shifted to preparing grocery boxes that could safely be handed into customer’s cars.

Thanks to funding from ACDS and The CARES Act, (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020), they were able to ramp up operations to provide food for approximately 2,000 individuals each month.

ACAN differs from some food pantries in that they are partners of The Maryland Food Bank. So, in addition to accepting donations from individuals and local supermarkets or through food drives by community organizations, churches and schools, they get a substantial amount of pantry items directly from The Maryland Food Bank for which they pay a minimal amount to cover handling and packaging.

“Because the food bank receives donations in bulk, they must maintain a staff to break them down into manageable quantities,” Arnoux said. “Frankly, there’s no way we, or other other partner agencies, could handle a donation of 7,000 pounds of chicken.”

ACAN picks up an average of 10,000 pounds of food every week from the Maryland Food Bank in Baltimore and various local grocery stores using two vans. By combining donations from a local Men’s Bible Study Group and a grant from the Maryland Food Bank, they purchased a Ford transit at the end of 2019. Also, CARES funding from ACDS made it possible to repair the charity’s “baby van”, purchased earlier in 2019 with donations from the Good Neighbors Group.

ACAN has always been very open and welcoming to county residents needing food. All that is required from recipients is that they show a driver’s license proving that they are Anne Arundel County residents. Arnoux pointed out that it’s easier for first-time families hesitant or embarrassed about asking for help because they can just pull up in their cars, they are wearing their masks, and the volunteers are so welcoming.

“No one abuses the system. If you show up here, you need food,” Arnoux said.

When the food pantry was started 17 years ago by members of Asbury Church’s largely African American congregation, canned and dry goods were the primary donations they received and distributed. That changed when Janet Pack became director. She was aware that diabetes and heart disease were all too common in the African American community – in part because of poor nutrition. She was passionate about creating and maintaining a “healthy food pantry” and succeeded in finding ways to provide lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruit. She even taught classes on good nutrition.

Peeking around the door frame, police officer Sgt. Melanie Jamieson politely inquired if the volunteers would like help bringing supplies back in. According to Arnoux, it’s been great having the officers pitch in to help whenever they need it.

“We have a limited number of volunteers who are mostly older and we’d have had real trouble handling the task without their help,” Arnoux said.

Officer Jameison indicated it’s a labor of love for them.

“We do stuff throughout the county but we especially like helping ACAN because they have a lot of stuff going on here. We try to give them as much help as possible,” she said. “We love coming here. The atmosphere is amazing. Everybody is so nice and so gracious and seeing the reactions of the people who come here distraught but leave smiling just warms our hearts.”

The officers brought quite a few supplies before taking off and the dynamic group of volunteers began carrying in the rest. With most everything in, Pat Rogers and Melody Pearson checked open boxes while Theodore Pack disassembled the tents. They feed off each other’s energy and, by now, they have a very smooth and organized routine.

Space was a big challenge before the pandemic but the pantry has been shifted around so there’s room to store everything in an orderly fashion. Having the tents has actually allowed ACAN to double usable space. Nevertheless, they give away as much as they can each day so they don’t have to find room for it.

With the work finally complete, Arnoux and the volunteers took a few moments to bask in the sun in front of their little building.

ACAN depends on support from the community and its businesses. There are several ways you can donate: by mail at 429 Asbury Drive, Severna Park, Md. 21146, online at AcanSevernaPark.org or text “give” to 443-233-0870.

Good Neighbors Group’s S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVE

ACAN is one of the groups that will benefit from the Good Neighbors Group’s 2021 S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVE that begins the Sunday before the Super Bowl and culminates on Super Bowl Sunday. It’s a fun competition between neighborhoods to collect as much food as they can to restock local food pantries at a time when their shelves may be bare. To join in the fun or for information, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group.

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