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
It was wonderful to see chocolatier Jessica Zaleskiwicz behind the candy counter at her new shop Hon Style Sweets during its Grand Opening on May 24th. True to expectations, she and her business partner Shannon Speakman were wearing hon style fashions and hairdos complete with cute aprons.
From July of 2015 through December of 2019 Zaleskiwicz’ flair for retro decor and fashion was on display at Coco Couture in Severna Park, the independent family business for which she created unique and delicious chocolates while her mother Laura Zeitz handled the books.
From first glance when approaching the shop at 2608 Mountain Road in Pasadena, one can see that Hon Style Sweets has taken the chocolatier’s retro sensibility a step further. As per the sign on the door, the owners are also emphasizing products with a Maryland connection like Zaleskiwicz’ signature creation – her chocolate Old Bay crabs”.
Reflecting on the fact that a “chocolate shop” is kind of a retro idea in the first place, we asked what prompted Jessica and Shannon, along with partner Diane Speakman, to open Hon Style Sweets. Their reasons were similar.
When Zaleskiwicz bid goodbye to Coco Couture at the end of 2019 prior to its closing due to partnership concerns, she revealed that she still made chocolate occasionally but was working fulltime while completing her bachelor’s degree in business management. Her degree a fait accompli by 2021, she continued working.
Both partners affirmed that their main reason for wanting to open Hon Style Sweets was work related. Speakman said she’d tired of office work after 20 odd years. She loved the idea of interacting with customers as a retailer with a wonderful product to sell.
Zaleskiwicz said she hoped to get back to doing the thing she’s most passionate about. She elaborated further.
“Shannon and I are both into retro style. I grew up in Baltimore and we wanted something to be really Maryland. Shannon came up with Hon Style Sweets which captures both ideas,” she said.
“For now, I’m keeping my job but dedicating my weekends to Hon Style Sweets while Shannon runs the store during the week,” she added. “We’re both spending our extra time selling our products at community events,” she said.
We inquired of the partners why they chose to locate the shop in Pasadena and wondered whether it had anything to do with the rapidly rising cost of leasing commercial properties in Severna Park. Both indicated that the higher rents for those locations were definitely a factor as they have a budget… and they’d observed that the Pasadena community is really good about supporting small businesses. Interestingly, the new chocolate shop seems to be attracting some of the same customers that shopped at the former Severna Park location.
As for Hon Style Sweets’ line of chocolates and fudge, samples set out along the counter for Grand Opening attendees went ever so fast.
On shelves below the counter, were containers of fudge in most of the flavors appearing on the product list to the left. Behind the counter, in the kitchen area, boxes of fudge were already prepared and stacked high in preparation for selling at community events including this weekend’s Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival (see below) and the upcoming Downs Park Family Day.
Whether you love chocolates or fudge, there were so many kinds to choose from. 
We thought the Strawberry Cheesecake fudge the cat’s meow but bet the Sherbet fudge sharing its shelf would be equally yummy.
We found the Crabby Caramel with Old Bay delectable and enjoyed the Strawberry Cheesecake fudge too. There was also Milk or Dark Chocolate Bark with Old Bay as well as dark or white chocolate covered Oreos topped with molded roses (or diplomas for graduation gifts).
Of course, we can’t forget Jessica’s signature creation, the one for which she is well-known – “chocolate Old Bay crabs” sold individually or by the count.
Opening Hon Style Sweets has been a many months long journey for Shannon, Diane, and Jessica. They’ve had their space on Mountain Road next to Lisa’s Deli for a year and did all the work renovating the building, bringing it up to code and decorating it themselves. They’re so happy to finally have people see it, especially the many people that helped and supported them.
Once settled in, they’ll be adding new chocolate, fudge and Maryland-related products to their line and will add to the already busy schedule of community events they attend throughout Anne Arundel and neighboring counties.
Hon Style Sweets is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 am – 5 pm and Thursday and Friday from 11 am – 7 pm. Weekend hours are based on event participation and holidays so follow the shop’s schedule at Hon Style Sweets or on Facebook.
Is Strawberry Season Over?
We were sad when viewing a note from Marge and Bob Chase on the Chase’s Produce Facebook page that “Pick Your Own Strawberries” month had come to an end early on May 21. Every May, people come from all over Anne Arundel County and beyond to pick strawberries from patches on a Chase Farm hillside. This year’s crop was great but spoiled by off and on rains. In fact, pickers were advised to wear boots.
“We want to thank everyone who came out. But the rainy conditions have taken a toll on the berries,” Marge wrote. “Please come see us at the end of June when we open up for the summer produce season.
For farm fresh produce fresh from the field daily, check for the opening date at Facebook.
But the strawberries aren’t all gone. The biggest June event is the Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival taking place this Saturday, June 1 from 10 am to 6 pm. The annual event is free to the public though a few activities require the purchase of tickets for $1 apiece. (All proceeds benefit local charities and community groups.) Held on the beach, the festival has so many things to do. Visitors will find all sorts of crafters and vendors. They’ll be able to listen to great music from local bands and enjoy great food from local charities and vendors. At the clubhouse, they’ll be able to “dine on all things strawberries”. Activities for kids include Moon Bounces, an Obstacle Course, Pony Rides, Dunk Booths, and Sand Art. There will be Bike Demos to view, a K-9 Demo, a Martial Arts demo, and much more. In order to facilitate parking, there will even be a Berry Bus to take you where you want to go and back again. For more information, visit Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival – Cape St. Claire Strawberry Festival (cscstrawberryfestival.com) or follow the festival at Facebook.
Strawberries are also still available at Langton Green Community Farm at 844 Generals Highway in Millersville with blackberries soon to follow. They are also harvesting Bok Choi, squash, garlic scapes, and lettuce. For information on which produce is available for sale visit Langton Green Community Farm | (langtongreenfarm.com) and click Subscribe for a Farm Fresh Newsletter or visit them at Facebook.
Baldwin Hall Re-Birthday Celebration on Sunday, June 9th
Chesapeake Harmony Chorus director Sally Burton, who is also a Trustee on the Severn Cross Roads Foundation which manages Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville, informed us about a Re-Birthday Celebration being held at the hall on Sunday, June 9th at 2 pm. The public is invited to a celebration of the 43rd anniversary of Baldwin Hall’s move to its current location and the unveiling a new sign that describes the wonderful history of the 1861 building. Several local dignitaries are expected to attend. There will be a flag-raising by Scout Troops 804 and 192, music by the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus, exhibits of the history of Charles W. Baldwin Hall, tours of the 1840’s Cross Roads Schoolhouse and cupcakes for all.
For more information, visit Home | baldwinhall.
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.
