AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Darkness fell quickly as Santa and the Grinch moved into position in front of the the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce at 1 Holly Avenue prior to the 5 pm opening of “Trick or Tree” on December 11. Police cars with lights blinking were already stationed by crosswalks with officers ready to assist. A moment later, the lights on the chamber’s traditional Christmas tree clicked on bathing the scene in an warm glow as a snappy version of the holiday song” Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” blared forth from speakers.
Though scaled down in size because of COVID-19 guidelines and darker than usual because there were no spotlights for choirs or dancers, the event was off to a convivial start.
Live performances were not an option this year but deejay Marcus Shaneor filled the void quite nicely with medleys of favored carols. He’d continue spinning discs for the next hour-and-a-half adding a festive note.
Santa Claus turned up accompanied by The Grinch and the two moved into position in front of the lighted Christmas tree.
Families with children soon arrived and Santa was pressed into action.
Among the first youngsters to step to his side were Lucas and Logan Wells who were happy they were “finally getting to see Santa Claus”. Their parents preserved the moment for posterity by snapping photos with their phones.
A few moments later, Lucas and Logan received goody bags.
On hand to greet everyone who came to “Trick or Tree”, the chamber’s chief executive officer Liz League explained how the event came about.
She and the chamber’s board of directors realized that, because of COVID-19, there was no way they could hold the community tree lighting and open house – a celebration that traditionally features school choirs, local dance groups and a bagpiper as well as cocoa and cookies in the meeting room. Nevertheless, they wanted to do something to mark the holiday season and to light the community tree – a historically significant custom in Severna Park. Thus, they conceived “Trick or Tree” as a substitution.
“We knew we could safely hold an outdoor event with Santa and the Grinch and the tree could still be lit. We could also treat attendees to goody bags,” League said. The children’s could be filled with pre-wrapped sweets while the adults’ bags would contain product samples, coupons and discounts on purchases from area retailers.”
The turnout was light compared to normal years when attendees turn up in droves from Severna Park, Annapolis, Arnold, Crofton, Pasadena, Millersville and even further afield. For safety’s sake, everyone was required to wear masks making it a bit hard to see who was who. Regardless, families loved the celebration.
Katie, Patrick and Sean Kenny drove up from Arnold for a little taste of Christmas spirit – not just for the goody bags given out but for the atmosphere of good cheer.
“This is wonderful,” Katie said. “It’s so nice to come out to ‘anything’. So much has been cancelled. We also came out to show support our local organizations and businesses.
Laura Wiegmann of Laura’s Eyes Photography wandered here, there and everywhere snapping photos for the chamber as a memento of Christmas 2020’s different but fun holiday event.
Arriving from the Baltimore Annapolis Trail on two wheels, bicyclist Glen Duke dismounted and removed his helmet before being greeted by a chamber “elf” and handed a goody bag. He soon struck up conversations with League, who bedazzled in her Santa hat and blinking Christmas light necklace, and a couple others.
Duke remarked that he was almost ready for Christmas having done some holiday shopping along B&A Boulevard in Olde Severna Park at Pedal Pushers. While looking for a tire for a grandchild’s bike, he found the shop had a great inventory of new bicycles. Owner Rod Reddish told him cycling became so popular over the summer that they can’t keep enough bikes in stock.
“I’d just learned that my youngest son, who is 25, was interested in taking up biking so I checked out those bikes which were great,” he said. “I had my son come down the next day and pick one out as his Christmas present. In addition to finding a perfect gift, it feels good to know I shopped local.”
Santa, who is also known as Freeman Bagnall, and the Grinch, also known as Jim League, were having a great time. Between chatting with children, they chatted with a group that included Jim’s wife, who just happens to be Liz League. Jim cleverly fielded a question about his gruesome Grinch costume.
“She makes me wear this around the house,” he joked.
Trick or Tree provided an opportunity for attendees to trade the latest buzz from the neighborhoods.
Topic #1 was the dire news that restaurants were again being restricted solely to carry out meals during the holidays which is always their busiest time of year. Many are in grave distress. During a Service Industry Support Rally held Wednesday, December 16 at Sullivan’s Cove in Park Plaza with many supporters in attendance, news broke that an Anne Arundel County judge blocked County Executive Steuart Pittman’s executive order allowing restaurants to serve indoors until December 28. Apparently, by noon Wednesday, Pittman had already rolled back his order to allow outdoor dining though the weather has turned cold.
Topic #2 was a serious concern that legislators want to increase taxes at a time when most of the community can ill afford it. Apparently, a meeting of the Anne Arundel County Council would be held to discuss the matter.
Talk finally turned to further changes COVID has brought about including the chamber’s Successful Women In Business Holiday Luncheon to have been held at Cafe Bretton. It had to be switched to a Zoom luncheon with specially prepared carryout meals from Cafe Bretton. Regardless, the chamber made it all work and the event promised to be fun.
Many thanks were extended to the chamber and Trick or Tree sponsors Chick-fil-A, Green Home Solutions, Minuteman Press, Steak and Shake, Mathnasium and Delegate Heather Bagnall for hosting the celebration – a really nice gift to the community.
Our churches celebrate Christmas
A “Live Nativity” at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church
Although Christmas Eve services and other holiday services will be online this year, Woods is inviting the public to attend the 1st Annual Woods Church Live Drive-Thru Nativity this Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The event will benefit Arundel House of Hope.
“There will be several stations for people to drive thru,” said church member Kristy Carlgren. “In accordance with COVID regulations, each station will have family members only to represent different scenes of the day of Christ’s birth. There will be hundreds of luminaries and a voice recorded story of each different scene. We are hoping this will add a little “normalcy” and excitement to everyone’s Christmas. Come and enjoy!”
In-person Christmas Eve Services
Trinity Bible Church candlelight service
Pastor Stephen Mitchell reports that Trinity Bible Church at 99 Truckhouse Road is now open for in-person services. The church will hold an in-person candlelight Christmas Eve service on December 24 at 7 pm and will also broadcast the service via Livestream. As a smaller church with a relatively small congregation, it’s possible spread out to every other pew for safe social distancing. For information or to access online services, visit www.trinitysevernapark.org.
Severna Park Baptist and Bay Life Church combine for in-person Christmas Eve Service
Pastor Dave Brown said Severna Park Baptist Church and Bay Life Church will combine to host three in-person Christmas services. The three services are being held to keep the numbers of attendees low for safe social distancing. All the services will be held at Severna Park Baptist Church at 506 Benfield Road. The first will take place on Wednesday, December 23 at 7 pm. The second and third will be held on December 24 at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm respectively. For information, visit www,spbmd.com or www.baylifechurchmd.com.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses for St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 689 Ritchie Highway has scheduled a mix of masses for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They are to be held outdoors, in the church and also Livestreamed. For Christmas Eve, an outdoor mass is planned for Larsen Field at 2 pm while there will be church and Livestream masses at 4 pm and 6 pm. A Livestream only mass will take place at 7:30 pm and a midnight mass will be held in the church.
On Christmas Day, there will be 8 am and 10 am masses in the church and Livestreamed as well as an outdoor mass at 12 pm on Larsen Field. For a schedule, visit www.stjohnsp.org.
Candlelight Services at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 110 Ritchie Highway will hold in-church Candlelight Christmas Eve services at 5 pm and 8 pm and will also stream online. Each service will end with the lighting of candles. For information or to access online services, visit www.spepchurch.org.
Streaming Online Services
Most other churches will be streaming only for Christmas Eve services including St. Martin’s-in-the-Field and Severna Park United Methodist Church.
#ShopLocal
Just a quick reminder to support our local restaurants and businesses during the holiday season and thereafter including our neighborhood bakeries. Both Kirsten’s Cakery in Olde Severna Park and Cakes and Confections Bakery Cafe at 342 Ritchie Highway are still taking orders for Christmas.
