SHOPTOBERFEST blows into Millersville

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The winds were blowing mightily as we approached the parking lot of the Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club in Millersville, this year’s location for the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist. The first thing we noticed was that vendors seemed to be holding on to their tent poles everywhere we looked. As seen in the opening photo, Chamber CEO Liz League’s husband Jim was holding on gamely as the ghosts above him flapped in the breeze and the SHOP LOCAL tent blew off.

The scene repeated itself throughout the parking lot. At the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi tent, Billy Greer and one of his students “minded the store and attempted to look casual” while holding onto their tent poles. As one of SHOPTOBERFEST’S Gold sponsors, the school took an active role in the event. Greer and his students performed a martial arts demonstration and Lion Dance. Nearby, owner/manager Nancy Greer told us the Jing Ying Team would be participating in the annual Alzheimer’s Walk the following day.

**Fresh from their martial arts demonstration and Lion Dance, Jing Ying Institute Kung Fu master Billy Greer** **and a student** **volunteer tried to look casual as they kept their tent grounded through muscle power.** **(The lion -which looks more like a dragon – was at rest behind them.)** Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

At the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus tent, members Diane Schwartz and Patti Platt minded the table while Mary Beth Whisman, Lisa Freeman and Marge McGugan held onto the poles. Based in Millersville at Historic Baldwin Hall, the chorus participated in the chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST for the first time and were having a ball. They’d recently added three new members and hoped to attract more at SHOPTOBERFEST. They were promoting their upcoming holiday concerts and appearances.

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus members Mary Beth Whisman, Lisa Freeman and Marge McGugan held down the tent poles while Diane Schwartz and Patti Platt handed out candy, information and flyers on upcoming holiday appearances.

Later in the afternoon, “Wonder Woman” Carol Ann Trembley Gass joined Freeman on one of the poles. That is until 2:30 pm when the tent blew over. With only 30 minutes to closing time, CHC director Sally Burton rallied the troops to take it down.

“Wonder Woman” Carol Ann Gass and Lisa Freeman tried to hold onto the tent…to no avail.

Elsewhere, things had gone on as usual. A gaggle of children who’d competed in the Costume Contest went from tent to tent with their trick or treat bags. Since there were treats at every vendor tent, they ended up with quite a haul.

**Having competed in the costume contest, this group of children carried their trick or treat bags from tent to tent.**

The adorable young witch in the photo was not the only one. Witches were everywhere.

Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services’ owners – sisters Winsome Brown and Danielle Morgan Brown – were a picture-perfect symbol of Halloween while handing out candy and information along with Micayla Alexander. The trio was touting their upcoming “Friendsgiving” event November 17th which will include a raffle.

As one can see by their two-thirds empty bowl, Micayla Alexander and “Good Witches” Daneille Morgan Brown and Winsome Brown handed out lots of candy…and information about Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services.

Winsome Brown pointed out that their tent was in a position that was, thankfully, shielded from the wind. However, she was finding the crowds lighter than at previous SHOPTOBERFESTS.

House of Design owner Rose Walker had tons of visitors including a ghoulish witch. Walker was unveiling her fall line of Bohemian Black fashions which included some lovely pieces. At one point, however, Rose and her husband Hubert were seen chasing after a rack of clothing blown onto the parking lot by the wind.

**This delightfully ghoulish witch couldn’t resist stopping by the House of Design tent to speak with owner Rose Walker about her newest fall fashions from her Bohemian Black collection.**

Nearby, volunteers from the Severna Park Museum committee were promoting and raising money for the proposed museum by raffling off a handmade coverlet representing the State of Maryland that was beautiful even when fluttering in the breeze.

**Volunteers from the Severna Park Museum committee were doing some fundraising by raffling off the beautiful handmade Maryland-themed coverlet seen fluttering in the breeze.**

There was much more to see. Hearing an announcement on the loudspeaker that the Dog Costume Contest was about to start, we hurried to the spot where emcee Larry Sells was standing with a microphone. Sells had a great time introducing a rolling “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” tableau featuring Cyndy Howell as wagon master and banner holder, her daughter Madeline Brannan as Dorothy, pups Gismo, Geo and Sangria as the Strawman, the Lion and the Tin Man and cuddly Josea in the role of Toto in Dorothy’s basket.

**Cyndy Howell faced into the wind with her “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” banner during the Dog Costume Contest while the Wicked Witch of the West** towered over pups Gismo, Gio and Sangria dressed as the Strawman, the Lion and the Tin Man. Howell’s daughter Madeline Brannan was Dorothy complete with her Ruby Slippers while cuddly Josea nestled in her basket as Toto.

Several other small dogs competed in the Dog Costume Contest including Batman and Underdog but it was latecomer Asoka who was deemed Winner of the $25 gift certificate from Franklin Toys.

We ran into SPAN, Inc. volunteers Josephine Justice and Michele Besche, who were pinch hitting for development director Michele Sabean. Among other things, they were promoting the upcoming Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot 5K being held at Kinder Farm Park on November 4th. Mere seconds later, their replica house and most of the signs blew off the table.

**Volunteers Michele Besche and Justine Justice were promoting SPAN’s various programs and food pantry as well as the upcoming Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot 5 K Run/Walk on November 4.**

Having observed SHOPTOBERFEST attendees being pedaled about in a fancy trishaw by a young man named Mark, we felt fortunate to have Nancy Greer introduce us to Sandy Bishop, the founder of Cycling Without Age Anne Arundel under the banner of BikeAAA. When Bishop’s daughters Amy and Lucy stopped by the tent, Bishop revealed that it was Lucy, who rode an electric bike to work, that inspired her to discover Cycling Without Age while researching electric bikes and trishaws. She purchased her first trishaw – one that has a small motor – at a cost of $15,000 from Denmark and began offering rides on the B&A Trail to senior citizens living in local assisted living facilities and elsewhere. She hopes to purchase a second trishaw shortly and is doing fundraisers at area restaurants to offset the cost.

Cycling Without Age volunteer Mark offered SHOPTOBERFEST attendees rides around the parking lot.

“Riding in the trishaws gives seniors or physically impaired individuals an opportunity to feel the wind in their hair and enjoy nature,” Bishop said.

It was fun seeing Jill Weissenbach’s Higgins and Friends Pet Sitting tent where dog biscuit treats were the rule of the day along with candy. Weissenbach, a vet tech, said Higgins & Friends has built an excellent reputation over a number of years for its pet sitting and special care services.

Jill Weissenbach’s Higgins and Friends Pet Sitting offered dog biscuit treats as well as candy. A veteran of many events over the years – some of which were windy – Weissenbach had the best anchored tent at SHOPTOBERFEST.

Bunnies Boppity and Butch were an irresistible addition to the Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control booth manned by Tracy Gelfer and Lauren Kefflak. They were so snuggly that Gelfer said she just loves them and might adopt them. An equally cute tan and white bunny in a different cage was also available for adoption.

Tracy Gelfer and Lauren Kefflak from Anne Arundel County Animal Control just adored cuddling bunnies Boppity and Butch and another equally cute bunny in a cage behind them. They were up for adoption though Boppity and Butch may already have a taker.

Among a number of Millersville participants Ally 4 Pets Pet Care Company was on hand with owner and vet tech Tiffany Jackson doing her best to keep her giveaways, flyers and treats anchored. In addition, the SPCA van was on hand.

There was still much to see. First-time Millersville participant Lee Priddy, a well-known musician and owner of Priddy Music Academy, brought Superman along in the person of his son Andrew, also a musician with Honey Sol.

**First time participant, Millersville-based Priddy Music Academy** **brought Superman along in the person of musician Andrew Priddy who plays with father Lee (seen holding the pole) in the group Honey Sol.**

There was so much more to see but we had a hard time getting to them all before our time was up. Last but not least, we stopped by to see the crew from Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery who looked like they’d been through a battle.

**Looking like they’d been through a battle, Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery owners Donna Phillips and Dawn Wilson and team had plenty of customers but fought the wind.**

“It was windy! We were busy holding everything down as I’m sure everyone else was doing the same,” said owner Dawn Wilson. “I think wind may need to be a consideration going forward for us. We were able to sell a good amount, but unfortunately, we sustained some damage to products because of the tumbling they took. Everyone was in good spirits and we enjoyed the day otherwise.”

One final look from above before leaving the event – a memorable but lightly attended SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist.

According to Liz League, the chamber hopes to bring events like SHOPTOBERFEST to the more far-flung communities within the Greater Severna Park area where many businesses are members. This year’s event, at the Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club in Millersville, was a fine example. It was well sponsored with three Gold Sponsors and a number of Silver and Bronze Sponsors. Gold Sponsor Ally For Pets donated $500 to Anne Arundel Animal Care and Control, Gold Sponsor Kitchen Tune-Up of Annapolis donated $500 to Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company and Gold Sponsor Jing Ying Institute donated $500 to Bike AAA/Cycling Without Age. League just announced that the chamber’s annual Taste & Sip holiday event will be held December 5th from 5 to 8 pm at Chartwell Golf and Country Club.

Annual HALLOWEEN PARTY at Jing Ying Institute Saturday

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is holding its annual free to the public Halloween Party this Saturday, October 28th between 2:30 and 4 pm. Bring a can for SPAN’s food pantry and receive a raffle ticket for every item you donate. People of all ages are welcome to enter the Costume Contest thereby gaining entry into the Grand Prize drawing and a ticket to enter the raffle. For more information, visit Halloween Party (Free & Open to the Public) | Facebook.

AAUW Book Sale to be held at new location November 2 – 5

We learned from Catherine Crowley that the annual American Association of University Women Book Sale will be held Nov 2 through 5 at a new location at Chesapeake Square, 6714 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie (South of Ordinance Rd, west side of Ritchie Hwy). The popular sale offers a wide variety of books including fiction, biography, history, science, religion, arts and crafts, cookbooks, coffee table books, children’s books and more.

As always, doors will open for presale from 8:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 2 ($25 entry) and, thereafter, free to all from 10:00 am to 7:00 PM. The sale continues Friday November 3 and Saturday November 4 from 9:00 am to 7:00 PM and on Sunday November 5 from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM.

Proceeds of the sale go to scholarships for Anne Arundel County women. Find more information at AAUW ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY USED BOOK SALE | Facebook .

Life of Joy Foundation’s 3rd Annual Songs of Hope benefit on November 11

The Life of Joy Foundation, Inc. will be holding its 3rd annual Songs of Hope Benefit event for Suicide Prevention and Holistic Mental Health on Saturday, November 11th at The Church at Severn Run at 8187 Telegraph Road in Severn. Doors open for the faith-based benefit at 5 pm for visiting with resources and other activities and the concert program begins at 6 pm. There will be music by the Life of Joy Band and others and much more. For more information, visit 3rd Annual Songs of Hope | Facebook.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)

and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.