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AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Saturday’s weather was steamy but the atmosphere in the large open-air pavilion at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds was exuberant. Rehearsal had just resumed for Talent Machine Company’s summer youth production of “Willy Wonka”.

Wearing masks with their costumes to meet COVID-19 guidelines and performing six feet apart, the 34-member cast of student actors aged 7 to 14 was clearly delighted to be back together singing, dancing and acting.

While immensely fun, rehearsing was serious business. “Willy Wonka” will debut at the fairgrounds this Friday, July 17 at 7:30 pm and will run Saturday, Sunday and Monday…..then resume performances on Thursday, July 23, followed by shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For the full schedule or to buy tickets, visit https://secure.ticketsage.net/websales.aspx?u=talentmachine. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

During the cast lunch break, director Katie Peacock said the ambitious production is among the most challenging in the Talent Machine Company’s 33 year history.

The young actors in TMC’s summer youth and summer teen produc-tions come from all over Anne Arundel County so rehearsals are normally held in the air-conditioned comfort of Stageworkz studios in Millersville. The shows are then performed at St. John’s College Key Auditorium. Considering this year’s challenging circumstances, staging “Willy Wonka” is a bold undertaking.

“We weren’t sure whether we’d be able to pull off either show because St. John’s Key Auditorium is closed for renovations and because of COVID-19 restrictions,” said Peacock. “Luckily, we were able to rehearse parts of the production virtually and then we found this wonderful open-air amphitheater.”

“In January, we’d picked the shows ‘Willy Wonka’ for this production and ‘Children of Eden’ for August’s teen production. Then, when COVID restrictions were implemented, we began working with Governor Hogan while searching for an outdoor venue,” the director said. “We explored many and found Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds to be very flexible and helpful. They’re awesome to work with.”

With no hugging or kissing scenes, “Willy Wonka” was the perfect show to adapt to meet the governor’s guidelines. It’s scripted so the actors are spaced reasonably far apart.

When it was determined “the show must go on”, the response from parents was positive and the youngsters who’d looked forward to appearing in the production for months were overjoyed.

TMC has strictly followed COVID guidelines including social distancing while performing and making masks mandatory for cast, staff, parent volunteers and audiences. Several staffers are tasked with taking temperatures.

After a quick run-through of one song, the kids headed to a nearby tent to change into their costumes. In the background, construction sounds were heard as parent volunteers busily built sets.

Student choreographers Whitney Green and Gabby Dean (both of whom have roles in TMC’s summer teen production “Children of Eden”) stood to one side of the amphitheater waiting for the actors to get dressed and discussing the placement of dancers for the next number.

“This is so fun for us,” said Whitney. “It’s such a magical show with so many elements and opportunities for creative choreography,”

Gabby appreciates working with director Katie Peacock and all the actors and dancers.

“It’s great coming out here everyday in the midst of these restrictions when we’re not able to get out often,” she said. “We’ve missed being together.”

Both choreographers said rehearsing for “Children of Eden” helped them understand how difficult it is for the kids to perform wearing masks which restrict their oxygen. So they give the cast frequent rest and water breaks

Costumed and masked, the actors slowly filed back into the tent led by Sydney Owens and Jackson Parlante.

About to be a freshman at Severna Park High School, Sydney is a seasoned TMC performer. Delighted to be appearing in the summer youth production, she plays the role of Mrs. Teavee whose son Mike is a “Golden Ticket” winner. Her favorite musical number is, not surprisingly, “I See It All on TV” which she performs with Finn Carroll who plays Mike.

“The show is wonderful for us. It’s been hard being cooped up so getting together with the other kids is great. This musical provides something for us to aim for and something to do,,” she said. “I’ll admit that wearing masks is challenging because they’re hot and you have to speak and sing more loudly to be understood.”

Matthew Earl, a rising ninth-grader at Archbishop Spalding High School who stars as Willy Wonka, agreed that wearing masks is complicated but well worth the effort. Possessed of a mellow tenor voice perfect for his role, Matthew really likes playing Willy.

“It’s very enjoyable. I love the singing, dancing and acting but I most love being able to create a character who is all over the place,” he said. “Masks were hard to cope with at first but became easier when the principal actors were issued clear ones that are more flexible.”

As the opening bars of “Pure Imagination” sounded, Matthew, in top hat and tails, wound his way through an audience of parents toward the stage delivering a fine rendition of the song.

Great musical numbers followed including “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket”, “Oompah Loompa” and the wonderful “Candy Man”.

Audience members of all ages will find “Willy Wonka” highly entertaining. Plenty of properly-spaced open-air seating is available. Tickets are just $15 and, as mentioned above, are available online or at the door. For further information, visit www.talentmachine.com.

GreaterSeverna Park & Arnold Chamber ribbon cutting celebrates opening of JPAR Maryland Living

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s well-known tradition of ribbon cuttings is finally back just in time for the Grand Opening celebration of JPAR Maryland Living on July 28. The chamber’s newest member, JPAR Maryland Living at 2460 Ritchie Highway in Arnold is a real estate service with listings throughout Anne Arundel County and Baltimore. The ribbon cutting will take place during JPAR’s Open House between 5 and 7 pm.

Severn River Association co-hosts GreenGive

The Severn River Association announced that it is co-hosting the GreenGive, an online fundraising and engagement-building initiative to expand participation in 10 Anne Arundel County waterway and environmental organizations. The GreenGive partner organizations are Unity Gardens, the Watershed Stewards Academy, Spa Creek Conservancy, St. Luke’s Restoration of Nature Project, the Severn River Association, the Severn Riverkeeper Program, ClearShark H2O, the Scenic Rivers Land Trust, Annapolis Green, and Arundel Rivers Federation.

GreenGive, starting on July 21 at 5 p.m. through July 22 at midnight, depends on the collective power of individuals giving online to provide the critical funds needed to protect our local waters and lands. To donate visit https://www.greengive.org/.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

July 4th found Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League alone at her desk in her office at One Holly Avenue with the chamber cat for company.

It was a far cry from 2019 when she and operations manager Petra Roche arrived early at the parade launch sites at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field and Our Shepherd Lutheran Churches on Benfield Road. The pair bounded between firetrucks, floats, vintage cars, bands and scout troops as entrants prepared to “step off” at 10 am. Thousands of people lined the parade route along Benfield and Evergreen Roads and on both sides of Riggs Avenue where it spilled into the center of town before turning onto Baltimore and Annapolis Boulevard, then veering left onto Cypress Creek Road.

For the first time since July 4, 1974 when the parade was started by the late Hammond S. Carr and realtor Lou Heck, it was cancelled due to Corona virus restrictions. Disappointment was felt by multiple generations of families who’ve attended over the years as the parade grew, changed, and drew large crowds from an ever expanding geographical area.

There have been quite a few amazing entries including several of “chicken wire genius” Lou Heck’s floats – the most memorable of which was “On Eagle’s Wings”, his nod to our country’s Native American heritage with an enormous eagle spreading his wings over a tribal chief in full headdress and an Indian princess paddling a canoe.

Seeing a stage coach crest the hill at Riggs Avenue in 2009 was quite awe inspiring. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

………and the sight of the Severna Park Republican Women’s Club’s tribute to notable American women in 2011 brought cheers, applause and numerous salutes.

Lots of things to look forward to from the chamber for greater Severna Park area residents as Americans return to reality. For information on chamber events, visit https://www.gspacc.com/ or follow them on Facebook.

AROUND THE PARK by Sharon Lee Tegler

There was no shortage of shoppers when Partners In Care Maryland opened its doors on June 1. Regular customers were elated and new customers were curious to see what the organization’s upscale resale boutique at 8151 Ritchie Highway had to offer.

To say there was pent up demand for the boutique to reopen following the COVID-19 shutdown is putting it mildly. PIC Executive Director Mandy Arnold said would-be shoppers regularly stopped outside the doors to inquire when that would happen. Others stopped to ask when Partners In Care’s other services for seniors would resume.

“Our office staff worked all but three weeks of the time we were closed down by the governor’s “Stay at Home” orders,” Arnold said. “We’ve been working the whole time on ways to safely relaunch the boutique (our main source of funding) and the PIC transportation programs vital to many seniors. We’re very pleased we’re back and operating most of our services with minimal COVID-related limitations.”

Special care was taken in preparing the boutique to reopen in accordance with recommended guidelines. However, the store retains its usual charm. The talented PIC volunteer group nicknamed “The Designing Women” went all out with a clever “red, white and blue” clothing and accessory theme in honor of the 4th of July.

Volunteers and staff arranged aisle after aisle of eye-catching displays of items ranging from clothing, china, tableware, linens and antiques to children’s toys, books and tchotchkes – all while making sure the merchandise is sanitized and neat as a pin.

Arnold described several measures taken to safeguard customers’ health including hand sanitizing stations and markings six feet apart at checkout counters. All PIC volunteers wear masks made by members.

For now, temporary COVID hours have been set from noon to 5 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Since only 12 people, including staff, are allowed in the store at any one time, customers rotate through.”

It was necessary to limit the store’s hours because not all of PIC’s member volunteers have come back. Many are seniors and, thus, vulnerable to the illness so they’re putting off their return.

Donations of clothes or other items from the public are now being accepted…..but by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 410-544-0568. Festival at Pasadena is generously allowing Partners In Care to use an empty retail space next door to accept and safely store the donations.

Once accepted, donations are held for a proscribed period of time and then go through a sanitizing process before being brought into the store. They’re then worked into the boutique’s inventory – often in clever ways. For example, The Designing Women’s came up with the idea to display classic handbags in an antique china cupboard.

Quite a few of the seniors dependent on PIC’s all important “Ride” services breathed a sigh of relief on learning limited transportation is now available for essential medical appointments or trips to grocery stores. The two-month disruption of the “rides” provided by volunteers or mobility vans was traumatic for older members who found it hard to make other arrangements.

For now, people accepting rides must wear masks. They are asked five basic questions including if they’ve experienced fever, have been near anyone ill with the virus, etc.

PIC’s popular Seniors Helping Seniors handyman services are being resumed – but for outside work only at present. The organization’s Veterans Helping Veterans Program launch party had to be postponed to a yet-to-be-determined date.

Benevolent Baskets gifts “Gratitude Bags” to essential workers

Benevolent Baskets founders Karen Lerario and Lesley Geisel wanted to express their thanks to those from from Severna Park, Millersville, Annapolis and elsewhere who donated to support the organization’s gifting of “Gratitude Bags” to essential workers who’ve carried on through the COVID-19 pandemic. The bags were loaded with snacks and beverages, sweet and savory…and even some healthy treats. 

Benevolent Baskets’ volunteers had so much fun surprising and blessing staff at fire/EMT stations, detention centers, hospitals, train stations and doctors offices in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County.

Reminder that Anne Arundel Co. Public Libraries are offering curbside pickup

The Severna Park Community Library and most other Anne Arundel County Public Library branches are offering telephone service at 410-222-6290 and curbside pickup for books from 10 am through 4 pm Monday through Saturday. Library returns may be made by placing materials in the Book Drop.

Young, talented designer and author Erica Szymanski is petitioning the US Food & Drug Administration requesting that companies be required to list the ingredients in “natural flavorings”….. many of which can trigger allergic reactions. Thus far, she’s received more than 600 signatures for her petition.

Midway through the summer of 2019, Szymanski felt she was having a banner year in spite of challenges. She graduated from Severna Park High School while simultaneously earning her Anne Arundel Community College Entrepreneur Certificate with 18 credits in accounting, marketing and promotion.

She also formed Erica Morgan Books as an adjunct to her already existing company Erica Morgan Designs and had her children’s book, “A Shark’s Tooth Fairy Tale” published by Mascot Books. In the fall, she expected to enter the University of Virginia majoring in business.

Abruptly, Szymanski’s life was turned upside down as she was sidelined by a “trifecta” of illnesses ithat included an allergy/immune disorder called Mast Cell Activation Sydrome (MCAS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)..

Believed to be hereditary, Mast Cell Activation syndrome occurs when the mast cells in an individual’s immune system trigger mutations of allergic reactions and cause symptoms like hives, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure or gastrointestinal problems.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that causes hyper mobility in joints and is closely linked to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

“When someone normally stands up, their heat rate will be elevated ,” Szymanski said. “However, POTS is a condition where, when a person moves from a lying down to a standing up position, too little blood returns to the heart. The condition can cause the person to be lightheaded or faint.”

Each syndrome is difficult to diagnose, taking an average of five years. Szymanski believes her earliest symptoms appeared when she was in middle school. By junior year at SPHS, she was diagnosed with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. By senior year, her Mast Cell Activation Syndrome came into play in a major way causing frequent illnesses. With her usual fortitude, however, she carried on dancing and even appeared in the high school’s popular Rock ‘N Roll Revival.

There are no cures for any of the three syndromes aside from managing symptoms, Like all POTS patients, Szymanski was advised to increase her intake of water and salt and take physical therapy. She also exercises on a recumbent bicycle to strengthen the leg muscles that pump blood to her heart.

As an MCAS patient, avoiding allergens is key because the condition is extremely challenging. Sufferer’s allergies can change without warning. The only way to determine which foods, medications or products are causing an allergic reaction is to keep a written food log.

Szymanksi was never allergic to mint for example. Then, one morning when brushing her teeth with a mint flavored toothpaste, she suffered a severe reaction. Within days, it was determined she’d become allergic to mint.

Achieving a balanced diet is incredibly hard and means she eats mostly unprocessed organic fruits, vegetables and chicken. If she eats processed foods, they’re minimally processed canned or frozen fruits or vegetables with three or fewer ingredients. She avoids products with natural flavors.

Szymanski’s trifecta of chronic illnesses flared shortly after graduation and the talented student was forced to take a medical gap year from university in order to stabilize her health.

Regardless, she is successfully carrying on with her entrepreneurial career through Erica Morgan Designs and Erica Morgan Books. Since published in December, 2019, “A Shark’s Tooth Fairy Tale” has been picked up online by Target, Wallmart, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The book also received a five-star rating from Reader’s Favorite. She’s done a number of book signings, visited schools, and created an online “StoryTime” for children.

Erica Morgan Books is currently helping another author publish her own book.

Erica Morgan Designs has continued marketing Szymanski’s unique decals, stickers and magnets through a network of 40 retailers in eight states. They are listed at https://www.ericamorgandesigns.com/stockists.html.

Her products are also sold in Annapolis at Whimsicality, Lilac Bijoux and HERE a pop-up shop as well as in Severna Park at Side Street Framers. She’s now doing more freelance design work including a sign and tickets for Craig Conover, a star of the reality TV show “Southern Charm“.

Through Erica Morgan Designs, she’s carried on her many charitable activities including designing, sewing and donating masks for police officers and medical workers throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Szymanski considers creating herFDA petition one of the most important things she’s done because unlisted ingredients in natural flavorings can literally threaten the health and lives of allergy sufferers.

“I was frustrated because my allergens were not among the top eight allergens required to be listed on food labels according to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Act of 2004..” she said. “Allergens not in the top eight (but prevalent among the general population) like sesame and corn, are not required to be disclosed meaning it’s impossible to know what you’re getting. Both ingredients can be hidden under ‘natural flavorings’ – flavorings that may not even be natural but chemical in nature.”

St. Martin’s 8th-graders’ graduation altered but heartfelt

On June 2, St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School held a heartfelt commencement celebration for its 8^th graders according to Development and Marketing Director Christine Hickey. Like other educational institutions closed because of COVIC-19, St. Martin’s wanted to do something special.

Hickey said graduates paraded through the campus in cars with their families receiving flowers, “Class of 2020” face masks and a personalized poster board from their teachers.  St. Martin’s held a ceremony viewed by car in back of the school where Head of School Jamey Hein celebrated the grads with a speech, graduation certificates,  awards and gifts.

Two students, Elizabeth Younkin and Nick Allen, received awards for continuously exhibiting traits of  Confidence, Compassion and Character during their time at St. Martin’s. 

Students and their families listened from afar to graduation speeches and awards. Some like Cody Fanzo had ringside seats.

The ceremony was touching and a true testament to what a small school can do even in challenging times.

Trevor Mennell and classmates carpooled in style with their families to receive their St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School graduation certificates.

Severna Park Community Library began curbside service

All Anne Arundel County Public Libraries began telephone service with contactless curbside pick-up on Monday, June 8th. For details, visit https://aacpl.net/ or call 419-222-7371.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Even before Governor Hogan announced the resumption of outdoor dining on May 29, The Big Bean staff was working round-the-clock getting ready for what owners Greg and Christie Coster hoped would be a June 1st reopening.

Their plans came to fruition Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1 as happy customers flocked to the Severna Park coffee shop’s outdoor patio beside the B&A Trail.

Like similar businesses, The Big Bean adapted during the COVID-19 shutdown by instituting hands-off curbside delivery for online orders of coffee drinks, coffee beans, breakfast cookies, and snacks.

“Thanks to wonderful community support through our online sales, we stayed afloat and hired back our staff,” Christie said. “We deep-cleaned, repainted and sanitized the shop and installed a register by the patio door. Outside, Greg spaced 55 chairs and 12 patio tables six feet apart. Customers can also enter the shop through the front entrance for takeout if they’re wearing masks. Servers will wear masks too. ”

The reopening was so successful the staff worked hard to keep up with demand Greg said. Among the patrons on Sunday were Big Bean regulars Sharon and Dan Flagler who were once again enjoying super sized coffee drinks.

“We’ve known Christie and Greg for a long time and original owner Deb Hoffman before them,” Dan said. “We admire how they’re operating from 7 am to 4 pm in a reasonable manner with safety in mind. It’s good to be here .”

Other local businesses reopening, or about to reopen, include Franklin’s Toys, Brian Boru, Park Tavern, La Posta, Vida Taco Bar, Shooters and Garry’s Grill.

At Garry’s Grill, manger Korey Earles was balanced on a ladder. He was hanging a sign over the outdoor dining area owner Eddie Conway created featuring properly distanced tables, plants and festive lighting.

Earles proclaimed the weekend’s reopening quite a success as staff members and patrons caught up with each other. Greeting customers who wholeheartedly supported the restaurant by ordering takeout and groceries through the pandemic was gratifying he said.

Tuesday, June 2 just happened to be the 12th Anniversary of the day Conway bought the restaurant from former owner Garry Anderson. Things were hopping as he happily visited tables accepting longtime patrons’ congratulations . Henceforth, Garry’s Grill will be open daily from 11 am to 8 pm Sunday through Wednesday and 11 am to 9 pm Thursday through Saturday. Breakfast is available starting at 8 am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Picnic tables with pretty umbrellas graced the sidewalk and side lawn at La Posta Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen on B&A Blvd. where pasta, woodfire pizza and vino were being served to outdoor diners by reservation only at 443-905-2840. Judging from the full parking lot, Severna Park patrons were pleased to be back.

Between tables located on the front sidewalk, iron railed terrace and a patch of parking lot, there was ample room at Park Tavern for socially distanced outdoor dining. Managing partner Greg Keating said customers were great in supporting the restaurant during the shutdown. However, the staff was thrilled to be moving forward.

“Seeing our customers again is such a happy feeling,” Keating said.

Franklin’s Toys among first small retailers to open

Toys that one can see and touch were once again at shopper’s fingertips as Franklin’s Toys reopened June 1. The store is observing all state guidelines and regulations with masks required of staff and customers and social distancing. The popular Park Plaza store will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm. (Franklin’s Annapolis location will be open too. )

SPHS Grad Bags

Pastor Dave Brown of Severna Park Baptist Church felt the COVID pandemic caused a lot of heartache for the community including students who missed out on a lot. He wanted to do something especially kind and caring for Severna Park High School graduating seniors, some of whom attend his church. With schools closed and gatherings prohibited, the seniors were forced to give up rituals they hold dear including proms and graduation. Many SPHS seniors who were Rock ‘N Roll Revival XXXI cast members were dismayed when their show was cancelled just before opening night.

With an assist from Brooke Atkinson of the Christian youth group Campus Life, Pastor Brown asked the neighboring congregations of Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Severna Park United Methodist Church and Trinity Bible Church to help put together gift bags for SPHS graduates to express love and encouragement and show them how much they mean to us.

Pooling their efforts, the churches found some very nice items for the Grad Bags

“We purchased $10 gift certificates from Chick-fil-A and added generously donated gift cards from Donut Shack and Steak and Shake,” Pastor Brown said. “We included personalized items like journals and Severna Park High lanyards plus personal letters of congratulation for each senior written by members of the four congregations.”

The churches coordinated the SPHS Grad Bag giveaways and timed them to take place June 1, 2 and 3 at Severna Park Baptist Church……mirroring the times seniors were invited to pick up their diplomas at Severna Park High.

Atkinson, a representative for Campus Life, is working to set up a branch at Severna Park High. She said she was surprised the Grad Bags were picked up so quickly by appreciative graduates – 30 Grad Bags the first day.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Memorial Day dawned bright and beautiful – an ideal day for families to celebrate the somber and meaningful yet joyful holiday together. Since parks, golf courses and beaches were reopened after being shut down because of COVID-19, the entire holiday weekend was lively. There was significant traffic along the community’s main transportation artery, Ritchie Highway, with some of it southbound to Ocean City.

In Olde Severna Park, flags fluttered in the breeze along two sides of the historic Carr Building at the corner of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard and Riggs Avenue, now home to Gardiner & Appel.

In Severna Park’s neighborhoods, it felt like life was almost back to normal. Cape Arthur’s community beach off the Magothy River saw many swimmers on Saturday. There were boaters galore and family picnickers dotted the beach. There was even a spirited volleyball game.

Cooler temperatures Sunday meant backyard barbecues were the order of the day for many. Smoke from outdoor grills drifted on the breeze carrying the familiar scents of barbecued chicken and ribs and burgers and dogs.

Lovely weather-wise, Memorial Day was an opportunity to reflect on and express gratitude for the U.S. Armed Forces personnel who have kept our country safe. It was also a great day for a walk, a bicycle ride or a quiet conversation.

Their dogs Benny and Jig at their feet, sisters Chloe and Gretchen Hogge caught up with each other while catching some rays on the Cypress Creek community dock. Benny and Jigs’ barks kept the ducks at bay but both seemed captivated by the occasional boats drifting by.

For some folks, a Memorial Day trip to Rita’s Italian Ice is a great way to officially open the summer season.

Lines of socially distanced customers moved smoothly throughout the day. Service was quick and patrons happily retreated to their cars to enjoy a variety of ices and custards.

Possibly the most popular Memorial Day pass times were individual or family walks or bicycle rides along the B&A Trail.

Built over the former Baltimore and Annapolis Short Line Railroad tracks, the trail took Memorial Day exercisers past such landmarks as the historic Earleigh Heights Ranger Station , the Old Severna Park Railroad Station and lovely Hatton-Regester Green where a somewhat lonely World War II Memorial stood in silent tribute to Severna Park’s fallen sons.

Inscribed on the monument were the names Warren L. Bonnet, U.S. Army, Edward P. Brookmeyer, U.S. Marine Corps, Robert M. Brookmeyer, U.S. Navy, Morris E. Jones, U.S. Army, Robert W. Maxwell, U.S. Army Air Force, Francis J. Milhausen, U.S. Marine Corps, Louis R. Pohlner, U.S. Army, and Nathan C. Pollard, U.S. Army. The Brookmeyers were two of five brothers from the same family that served in World War II.

Just five feet further on, beside the B&A Trail, was a sign announcing the building of a new Gold Star Memorial and Heroes Monument in the form of a pavilion in Hatton-Regester Green. It will replace the aging original pavilion while honoring Gold Star families. The memorial was made possible by donations from Severna Park residents and businesses. Donations are still accepted at www.heroesofsevernapark.com.

A short jaunt down the trail to Round Bay Road, then over the hills to Round Bay Main Beach revealed a festive and colorful scene. Though the Memorial Day turnout was a little smaller than usual, adults gathered in groups on long benches in the sun while kids

dodged in and out of the pavilions. The teenagers were irresistibly drawn to the dock with many clustered near the lifeguard station and several testing the waters. A sailboat stood ready to be boarded. All told, a fun Memorial Day…..

A glimpse of “Books In Bloom”

Hollyberry Garden Club’s Sixth Annual “Books In Bloom” floral exhibit was set to be held at the Severna Park Community Library in April as usual. Unfortunately, Anne Arundel County Public Libraries were closed in accordance with Governor Larry Hogan’s orders and the garden club members were forced to hold a “Virtual Books In Bloom”. As could be expected, they rose to the occasion.

HGC members are best known for creating and maintaining the library’s gardens and can often be spotted raking or watering. However, the women annually bring their talents inside to create floral arrangements based on their favorite books. This year they creatively crafted floral displays mirroring much loved titles using flowers from their own gardens. According to HGC’s Peggy Turnblacer, the gardeners included Alyson Figlioli, Amy Sparwasser, Sandy Allen, Dianne Kirkland, Joan Read, Susan Ford (a former member who contributed her arrangement all the way from California), Liz Carlin, Ann Edwards, Bonnie Madden and Turnblacer herself.

Here are a few.

Lee Marston is one of nine founding members being honored at the Severna Park Community Center’s 25th Anniversary Gala in October. Referred to as “the heartbeat of the community”, the center’s many programs and activities attract residents from Severna Park and neighboring communities as well as from across the state. But, according to Marston and SPCC’s executive director Sarah Elder, it nearly didn’t happen.

“Back in 1966, the late realtor Hammond S. Carr challenged Nancy Pascal, Art Morris and I to raise the funding and build the original outdoor pool for the Severna Park YMCA ,” Marston said. “The Y owned the pool and its small support building but Woods Church owned the land However, by the early 1990’s, the Y was failing financially. and we had to figure out a way to save it. That’s when the idea for a community center came up.”

In 1995, Marston and a group comprised of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church members worked tirelessly to save the pool by building a new, modern community center around it.

The Woods Church members, inspired by Rev. Terry Shoener, were very involved from day one. Member Andy Borland spearheaded a Capital Campaign which raised $4.6 million to support the transition. Borland’s outstanding fundraising efforts were aided by fellow anniversary honorees Marston, Mark Corneal, Carl Gutschick, Charlie Kreter,, Jeff Norris, Terry Schoener, John Strange and Joan Tiernan,

Completed in 1995, the facility features two indoor swimming pools, a dance studio, art room and fitness center as well as the Andy Borland Gymnasium. From theater, art and dance to swimming, martial arts and pickle ball, there’s something for everyone.

Marston and Elder are eagerly awaiting the moment the center can reopen, resume its regular schedule of classes and programs hold four exciting anniversary events.

She noted that SPCC’s schedule of classes, activities and events was upended by the virus. Governor Hogan’s Stay At Home Order of March 23 not only closed the community center to the public but forced the cancellation of the already-sold-out anniversary gala slated for April 18th. Closing caused untold hardships.

“For non-profits like us, it’s hard to hang in there. The shutdown meant no revenue coming in so we had to furlough most of the staff.,” Elder said. “Luckily, we were able to get a PPP loan so we’re bringing them back a few at a time.”

To maintain essential systems, a handful of staffers have been working in the building through the shutdown. Someone had to run water in all the pipes and make sure the mechanical systems were working and do visual inspections of the property to make sure there were no leaks in the pools. Temperatures and chemical balances had to be maintained in both.

Instead of following SPCC’s normal practice of shutting down for a week in August to drain and clean the main pool before refilling it, the staff chose to do it now. In the process, they discovered a serious crack near the expansion joint and were able to repair it along with minor leaks.

Funds must soon be raised for a full resurfacing. Past records indicate the last time the pool was resurfaced was 25 years ago when the “outdoor pool” became part of the new community center.

Repainting and renovations to freshen and update some areas of the center have been undertaken to make the facility more welcoming to visitors and users.

SPCC’s board of directors and staff are already in discussion about starting up again and rescheduling the anniversary events when they get the governor’s all-clear.

The first anniversary event is planned for September 27, a community picnic to be held offsite at Kurtz Beach in Pasadena. It’s also an event also meant as an expression of appreciation for SPCC’s hardworking staff.

The 25th Anniversary Gala will follow on Saturday, October 24 at 7 pm. For the first time, it will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Linthicum Heights near BWI. With 350 tickets sold, the organizers found they’d outgrown their previous venue Chartwell Golf and Country Club. Themed “An Evening of Glamour and Giving”, the gala is bound to be as opulent as ever.

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SPCC’s annual galas began as fundraisers for maintaining the facility and repaying mortgages and were quite glamorous.

One of the most beloved of all Severna Park Community Center fundraising events, its friendly neighborhood Spaghetti Dinner, is being brought back for the anniversary. Originally planned for March and cancelled, it will now be held in early November in the center’s Andy Borland Gym.

The fourth and final anniversary event will be a Holiday Open House held on December 6. Yet to be determined time-wise, there will also be a Grand Re-Opening to which the public is invited.

Signs of life for small business retailers at Park Plaza

According to owner Sue Gautier, The Cottage was hoping to hold a sidewalk HOBO Purse Trunk Sale on the sidewalk at Park Plaza last Friday. However, at the last minute, restrictions on sidewalk sales for non-essential businesses were kept intact though county restrictions on curbside pick-up were finally lifted.

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Egg-citing news!

Fond of our feathered friends? Comcast Business recently partnered with Severna Park residents and apprentice raptor rehabilitators Mark and Heather Jeweler to deliver a live video feed of a local nesting pair of ospreys. The ospreys have a new addition to the family. One of their three eggs has hatched .

The live video feed of the nest is from a Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)-constructed platform outside Severna Park High School. Join the hatch watch at http://www.severnaparkospreys.com.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” as the saying goes. But local marinas are hoping the lifting of COVID-19 related boating restrictions on May 5 will result in a rising economic tide.

There is little doubt that marine-based businesses suffered considerably since the ban on recreational boating and sailing imposed by Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on March 23.

Fortunately, there is pent up demand among boaters to get back out on the water according to Atlantic Marina at Ferry Point employee Adrian Meredith.”

“It all broke loose on the Magothy on Mother’s Day weekend. We’re really happy about it,” she said.

Lindsey Smith, from family-owned Smith’s Marina on the Severn River at Crownsville, noted that it took a day or two for boating traffic to build because of windy conditions. However, there were lots of boats on the water on Mother’s Day.

Since being established in 1936 by Alonzo Smith, the historic marina only rarely experienced down times. Like other boatyards, they breathed a sigh of relief when the governor’s ban was lifted.

“As soon as people got the word that they were allowed back out, we had folks down here cleaning their boats, making sure their batteries were charged and other things,” Lindsey said.

On the Severn River’s North Shore, James and Kathy Galli, owners of Severna Park Yacht Basin and affiliated repair facility Absolute Marine Services, were more than pleased to see boaters back in action.

“Boating traffic on the Severn has absolutely picked up and we’re happy,” said Kathy. “When the boating ban was lifted the other day, everybody was like ‘I want my boat, I want my boat.’ Obviously, it will take time to get everyone’s boat unwrapped and back in the water, repaired, commissioned or whatever.”

She added that many people were just not doing anything with their boats and really had no contact with them because they didn’t know about their jobs or just where things were going. Understandably, owners have been cautious about actually putting their boats in the water.

The governor’s Stay At Home order posed a severe hardship on the business because the Galli’s needed “to pay their guys to stay home”. They seriously worried that, if the order lasted much longer, they’d have to close their doors.

Luckily, many people were determined to get back on the water.

“So much boat traffic went out of here on Mother’s Day that it was amazing,” Kathy said.

Clear waters ahead?

Though unable to appear before their memberships, as usual, both the Magothy River Association (MRA)and the Severn River Association (SRA) released their State of the River reports for 2019 online.

Both reports highlighted “clearer than usual waters”, thanks, in part, to the presence of filter feeding “Dark False Mussels” and an abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) that also filters water.

MRA’s State of the River Report showed some encouraging progress. According to president Paul Spadaro, aerial surveillance from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science showed 183.4 acres of submerged aquatic grasses including redhead and milfoil throughout the watershed.

Spadaro attributes the increase in grasses over the last two years to the Dark False Mussels which thrived in fresh water in the river from extended rainfalls. The mussels filter algae and sediments from the water column, resulting in greater clarity and allowing beneficial sunlight to penetrate the depths. Once the aquatic grasses become established, they pump oxygen into their roots, thereby oxygenating sediments and releasing oxygen into the water.

The Magothy River Index, compiled annually by volunteers, registered 43, equating to a C, and higher than the organization has seen in ten years.

Creeks along the Magothy that improved from 2018 included Old Man, North Cypress, Cypress, Dividing, Mill, and the Little Magothy.

The success of the joint MRA, Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards and Berrywood community’s project to restore the headwaters at Cattail Creek was also highlighted.

“The cleanup along the banks and restoration of the stream bed was such a success that Berrywood residents are treating it like a beach,” Spadaro said.

Berrywood resident and MRA member Bob Royer agreed and said it was wonderful to see children once again playing along the creek banks as they’d done in earlier years.

The only jarring note has been the spotting and subsequent netting of a Snakehead fish in Cattail Creek by Dave LaChapelle. It is suspected that a significant number of Yellow Perch egg sacs fell prey to a Snakehead.

Severn River Association’s State of the River Report was presented “virtually” by executive director Thomas Guay to 63 members via a Zoom meeting at 7 pm on April 21. Guay announced that there was good news for swimmers in 2019 with great clarity in the water in the main stem of the river. All beaches along the main stem passed the EPA swimming test 100 percent of the time. They were scored by Operation Clearwater and Anne Arundel County as Green Beaches, meaning testing showed they were under the 104 cfu bacteria count that EPA considers safe.

The Severn River saw an absolute “explosion” of underwater grasses…..more sub-aquatic vegetation than SRA has seen in 20 years – as much as 250 acres. The underwater grasses provide habitat and food for fish, crabs and wildlife and erosion protection for shorelines.

According to Guay, SRA’s volunteer SAV Navy identified abundant Horned Pondweed in spring and Widgeon, Redhead and Sago Pondweed in summer along with non-native, Eurasian Milfoil. They were elated because more SAV meant more crabs and fish.

SRA created a river-wide, 41-station water quality monitoring program. during 2019 with a team of volunteers recording some excellent clarity readings. Mid-river monitoring stations received the best grades of B and B- for clarity with many readings better than 1 meter in the main stem. Little Round Bay scored the best with 2.36 meters.

Sadly, most of the creeks scored poorly, receiving a C, C- and even some D grades due to the influence of storrmwater runoff from impervious surfaces.

In spite of plentiful underwater grasses, the river did suffer from an extended dead zone of low oxygen conditions that lasted most of the summer. The dead zone, that inhabited the bottom half of the water column, grew to be about five square miles in size

SRA’s best news was that its oysters survived two years of low salinity. Though low salinity conditions stunted the growth of oysters raised and planted in 2018 by SRA’s oyster growers team, they survived. 

“Our hope is that they start growing again in 2020 now that salinity has returned to normal levels.” Guay said.

SRA is also working with marinas and other groups to restart the local economy and lift restrictions on recreational boating so we can all appreciate the values of clean water in our waterways. The organization is also promoting Anne Arundel County’s Responsible Boating Initiative to preserve the river’s great swimming conditions by encouraging boaters to use holding tanks and pump-up facilities

Graduation news

On April 28, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent George Arlotto announced the cancellation of all high school proms. Graduations were not cancelled at that time but Arlotto said most high school administrators were busy planning various ways to host virtual versions of Senior Awards Nights and similar events to honor soon-to-be graduates.  I’ve been unable to ascertain if Severna Park High School’s graduation – originally planned for May 28 at the Event Center at UMBC in Catonsville – will now have a virtual graduation component.

Severn School’s graduation will take place Friday, May 29 at 5:00 pm on the Alumni House Lawn (In the event of inclement weather, graduation will be held in St. John Athletic Center). The ceremony lasts approximately two hours. For information see https://www.severnschool.com.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Following Governor Larry Hogan’s Stay at Home order on March 30, Severna Park’s churches were meeting the challenge of staying connected through online streaming of worship services. Though pleased their congregations stayed home to stay safe from COVID-19, church leaders realize that most members long to return to normal religious activities and are planning accordingly.

A Saturday drive through the neighborhoods revealed eerily empty churches bearing silent witness to the absence of their flocks.

Clever signs point the way back to safe worship at several churches including Severna Park United Methodist Church at 731 Benfield Road. and non-denominational Trinity Bible Church, at 99 Truckhouse Road. Both churches recently celebrated their 50th anniversaries.

While Severna Park UMC, with 2,000 members, streams a number of religious services and activities through its Online Worship Page and virtual coffee breaks through Zoom, Trinity’s small, close-knit congregation is benefiting from similar technology.

Trinity church member Lee Lewis said she and her husband Dale have followed every online worship service, even taking communion at their dining room table. She admits it’s different.

“We miss the fellowship and miss our friends. We know it’s not really ‘about the building’ but miss the special feeling of being in the house of the Lord,” Lewis said.

Pastor Stephen Mitchell described the first time he preached a virtual sermon to an empty church as a distinctly odd experience. Easter Sunday seemed silent and surreal though Trinity church members virtually greeted each other by recording video clips on their phones.

“We’d already been streaming various events for about a year so the adjustment to virtual worship wasn’t too hard and its kept us connected,” Rev. Mitchell said. “We’ll follow the governor’s guidelines and not open till we’re sure we can do it safely. Even then we’ll proceed slowly with live streaming for those who want it. Since I’ve always encouraged everyone to hug one another, it’ll be strange keeping our distance.”

Severna Park Baptist Church and St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church have larger memberships but are having similar experiences using online technology to bridge the gap until they can reconnect with their congregations. St. Martin’s pretty church shares a campus with a K-8 school where teachers are currently employing online learning.

Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 110 Ritchie Highway has adapted well to streaming a broad range of services and activities.

“We’ve been meeting online since March 15th when the church purchased nine Zoom licenses that allow our adult, youth and children’s Sunday classes to meet virtually,” said executive director Randy Crout.” We also stream virtual Women’s Teas, pastors’ discussions, bible study and youth group meetings and have averaged 510 online visitors.”

“We are currently working on plans anticipating the eventual opening up of society, realizing it will likely be a gradual opening over a period of time and that members may have a wide range of risk tolerances.  As  a result, even when we start meeting again, we’ll maintain our online service, and meetings.”

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Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church began as a small chapel overlooking the old Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in 1912. With a membership of 2,000 plus, the church is incredibly active and helpful to the community.

Church members Liz and Doug Pringle have found the online worship services on Livestream particularly good – especially at Easter.

“All of the musical and technical people and ministers worked very hard to present Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday services which were very well received. We watched them all,” said Liz. “They decorated the church for each service with different flowers and paraments and all three ministers participated – Rev. Susan DeWyngaert, Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds and Rev. Jacob Snowden.”

She added that people enjoy the online programs the church has presented for over a year. Nevertheless, they’ll be glad to come back to Woods as soon as safely possible.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Cypress Creek Road, built in 1959, replaced the congregation’s original home in the building now known as historic Holy Grounds on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. The church was subsequently expanded to house a K-8 school. The COVID-19 church/school closures have meant masses are being Livestreamed daily as well as other programs and students are learning remotely through Zoom classes.

Many of Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church‘s founding families are still active members of the tight-knit African American congregation including the Jennings, Glenns, Johnsons and Packs. The current church at 429 Asbury Drive replaces the original one built in 1924 and shares its property with the Asbury Church Assistance Network (ACAN) food pantry.

Church administrator Carla Flemings noted that worship services and other programs are streaming and being well received. However, the staff is hearing how much “everyone is missing everyone” and they are actively planning for the reopening of the church when Governor Hogan gives the word.

“This was the first time the doors of our church have ever been closed and our members can’t wait to come back,” she said. “Reopening will be something of a reset for us and we’ll be doing things differently. We’ll revert back from holding one service to holding two services to allow proper distancing. Services will be abbreviated. People will be required to wear masks. Communion will be given using paper cups and the collection will be taken at a box at the entrance. All of that information is being readied to be communicated to our members.”

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, established in 1958, has served the community well. Located at the back of the church’s 400 Benfield Road property is SPAN, Inc. of which it is one of the founding members. In response to COVID-19, SPAN established an outdoor cupboard stocked with items from its food pantry that people may help themselves to. They’ve also expanded their hours.

Our Shepherd currently streams worship services through Facebook and YouTube and holds worship After Parties” on Zoom.

Wayman Good Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as Baldwin Good Hope A.M.E. Church was incorporated on January 3, 1885. Located first on Carpenters’ Hill in Round Bay, it relocated to its newly constructed church in, more or less its present location at 100 Hoyle’s Lane in 1907. The church subsequently built a parsonage as well as the school that would become present day Jones Elementary. Construction of the present church was completed in 1984.

Today, like all small churches, Wayman Good Hope AME is streaming virtual worship services through Facebook Live with Pastor Lois A. Poag-Ray.

These are but ten of Severna Park’s dozen-plus churches.. All are doing a fine job of keeping the faith.