AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Historic Baldwin Hall was looking festive even before the doors opened for Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed Wine, Cheese & Chocolate fundraiser last Saturday. The candles were lit in each window and the white lights on the shamrock tree shone through as well. Shamrock-bearing elves on each door welcomed guests to step inside.
Severn Cross Roads Foundation, Inc. was formed in the 1970’s as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization for the purpose of restoring and preserving Baldwin Hall for use as a community center. Its trustees are tasked with seeking grants and raising funds to pay for maintenance, restoration work and needed improvements. This year’s Wine, Cheese & Chocolate affair, one of the foundation’s best fundraisers, was particularly important since money is needed for a new roof.
The organization’s president Pamela Aulton and treasurer Gail Campbell had been busy inside making sure the hall was decorated to the hilt. In the entrance corridor, there were decorations in multiple shades of green. A small tree at one end sparkled with white lights, shamrocks, miniature elves and upside-down horseshoes for good luck.
Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
On one side of the hall, a festive “grazing buffet” was being set up on white linen-draped tables by local caterer The Jive Chive. The main table held charcuterie of meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies while a second table held an abundance of chocolates that ranged from high-end miniature chocolate bars to chocolate truffles and chocolate brownies.
On the opposite side, Silent Auction donations from local businesses had been arranged and ran the length of the wall
On a stage at the far end of Baldwin Hall, entertainer Richard Walton was getting set up behind an impressive line of spirits meant to be raffled off later in the evening.
Beneath the balcony at the back of the room, a selection of wines donated by Gina of General’s Wine & Spirits was being served. The Crownsville-based shop’s donation also included the spirits displayed on the stage that were part of a raffle with winners declared at the end of the evening.
No sooner had the doors opened at 7 pm, than guests streamed through the doors looking for friendly faces. As the annual fundraiser is a well-known social occasion for Baldwin Hall supporters and people from the community, the event drew many people who knew each other. Among them were Spencer and Jana Leech who were drawn to the fundraiser because they live nearby.
We next spotted Sally Burton and husband Steve. Sally is a Severn Cross Roads Foundation Trustee but she is best-known as the former director of Chesapeake Harmony Chorus which uses Historic Baldwin Hall as a rehearsal space and concert venue. She still sings with the chorus and is part of the award-winning Second Star Quartet. She told us about an upcoming performance at Baldwin Hall.
“As preparation for our regional Sweet Adeline’s competition, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus members and quartets will be performing for their first Friends and Family Night under new director Mary Beth Whisman on March 26th at 7:30 pm,” Sally said.
She then introduced us to four of Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s trustees who were overseeing the fundraiser and persuaded them to pose for a photograph with her. They included the organization’s new president Pamela Aulton, secretary Gail Campbell, Carolyn Woody and Marge McGugan.
One had only to look about to find more acquaintances. Long-time Severn Cross Roads Foundation member Janice Crowe was having a fine time talking to her pal Linda and greeting everyone who walked by. With music and conversation with friends to enjoy, the evening was moving along nicely.
We next discovered a convivial Leprechaun by the name of Mark Campbell who was wearing a tall green top hat, bow tie and vest. He was seen here, there, and everywhere, frequently appearing at the grazing buffet. We ran into him while he was carrying on a lively conversation with Susan Ingram and Jim Woody.
We moseyed on and eventually caught up with Baldwin Hall building manager Annie Medford who was chatting with friends Joanie and Rich Clough about Baldwin Hall’s need for a new roof.
“We have a cedar shake roof like the one original to the building that was last replaced about 20 years ago,” Medford told us. “It has reached the end of its life with some damage to the cedar shakes. They’ve started to curl and break off and the roof has started to leak. We’ve made repairs to prevent any damage, but we have to go ahead with a roof replacement. It’s a big project that is rarely done anymore so it will be a challenge.”
As the evening wore on, the buffet line tended to swell and then ease off a bit as people filled their plates and then returned for seconds or thirds.
The food was delicious and the sweets divine. It’s no wonder the buffet remained the most popular place to gather.
However, there were Silent Auction items still to bid on. People could be seen up and down the long row of tables writing out their bids. The auction donations included baskets of goodies from businesses like Be My Guest Caterers, baskets from a local nursery containing plants, and myriad gift certificates to area restaurants among other things.
Unable to stay to the end of the event when auction and raffle winners would be announced, I couldn’t resist one last look.
We hope to have an update on the progress of the roof replacement project soon. Meantime, you can keep up with Historic Baldwin Hall’s future activities by visiting Facebook or Home | baldwinhall.
Cheers to 35 Years for SPAN, Inc. in Severna Park the first week of April
It’s hard to believe but SPAN, Inc. is celebrating its 35th Anniversary with two events at the beginning of April. On Tuesday, April 1 at 4 pm, SPAN’s Anniversary Milestone Recognition Service and Open House will be celebrated at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 400 Benfield Road with speeches, a ribbon cutting and light refreshments.
On Saturday, April 5 from 12 noon to 4 pm, SPAN’s 35th Birthday Fest will be held at Severna Park United Methodist Church on Benfield Road in the parking lot. The public is invited to enjoy a free community celebration with live music, carnival games hosted by SPAN’s member churches and community groups, and food trucks with food available for purchase. (In case of rain, the celebration will move indoors to the Fellowship Hall.)
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. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!
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.
