The number of families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia increases despite challenges

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon LeeTegler

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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

With our country’s aging population, it seems the number of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia has increased significantly. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with dementia. Without changes in prevention, this number could reach 14 million by 2050.

It was astonishing to learn that more than 80% of care for dementia patients is provided at home by family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. The challenges involved in doing so are monumental.

For perspective on what it’s like to provide the level of care needed for a dementia patient to continue living at home, we spoke with two women who have experienced it firsthand.

Business owner Nancy Greer and her husband Billy were deeply involved in caring for her mother Cora Willard, an Alzheimer’s patient.

On either side of their mother Cora, Nancy Greer and her sister Gail always surrounded her with love.

“My father Glenn Willard was deeply devoted to my mom and determined to care for her at home along with my sister Gail and Billy and me. “Since my parents lived in Virginia and my sister did too, Billy and I would drive down and spend every weekend helping care for my mom at what we came to refer to as “the cozy house”.

While still living in New York, Winsome Brown cared for her mother Elaine Clarke, also an Alzheimer’s patient, in her home while supported by her sister, a registered nurse, and other family members.

Sisters Danielle Morgan Brown, Winsome Brown, Ingrid McDonald and brother Tony Clarke celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the business inspired by caring for their mother.

The experience – and lessons learned from it, inspired Brown to start her Severna Park business Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services with sister Danielle Morgan Brown (Dee). They were soon joined by sister Ingrid McDonald and brother Tony Clarke. (Today Winsome is caring for her mother-in-law at home.)

A Community Educator for the Greater Maryland Alzhemier’s Association, Brown also participates in community activities where she shares the latest information about the disease.

While Nancy Greer had never seen one of the transparent backpacks on the table that Brown designed for her caregivers to use with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, she smiled knowingly. Some of the items Brown pulled from the backpack were similar to things she’d used caring for her own mother.

“The whole point of what I wanted to do is to hold on to these people’s souls even if they can’t recall everything you do with them,” she said. “They can’t remember that we played a game or did an activity ten times in a row but they are excited each time and it makes them happy.”

Serious for a moment in her role as an Alzheimer’s Association educator, Brown explained the differences between the disease and other forms of dementia.

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, making up 60% to 80% of all cases. The main features of the progressive brain disorder are abnormal brain structures called plaques and tangles.

There are three other forms of dementia. They include vascular dementia resulting from a reduction in blood flow to the brain that is sometimes associated with a stroke. A second form, dementia with Lewy bodies is a type of progressive dementia cause by build-up of a protein called alpha-synuclein that damages brain cells. A third is frontotemporal dementia, a group of disorders related to progressive cell degeneration.

Greer pointed out that, like her mother, most Alzheimer’s patients are in denial when symptoms first appear and try to cover it up. It’s difficult to persuade them to seek a diagnosis. Making plans thereafter and finding help is extraordinarily challenging.

“If you wish to care for a patient at home, it’s hard to find good services to help,” she noted. “In the later stages of my mom’s illness, we were part of an innovative program associated with the hospital that sounded good on paper but the reality was different. Caregivers came to the house for one hour to fix breakfast and dress mom. Then a van would come get her and take her to a day program, then bring her home when a caregiver would come back for a second hour to help out. The problem was that there weren’t enough caregivers and some lacked experience.”

Brown explained why that program just doesn’t work.

“It’s hard to find someone who will come and work for an hour,” she said. “A normal paycheck is for forty hours a week. But you’re asking this person to come for an hour in the morning, care for someone, then leave and come back at night for an hour. That’s only two hours a day and doesn’t provide a livable wage.

Brown’s own agency keeps its profit margins slim in order to pay good quality caregivers (CNA MEDtech’s) at higher-than-average rates of $20 per hour. The company can’t afford to provide caregivers for just two hours. Instead, using four-hour shifts provides enough monetary compensation to make working as a caregiver worthwhile and ensures a higher level of care for the patient.

Brown and Greer outlined some of the experiences typical of patients and those who care for them.

“Caring for my mom was a bittersweet experience in some ways because, while Billy and I were going down to the house every weekend, we actually grew closer to my parents.”

The family found that routine was really good for Cora. She loved flowers so they always kept fresh flowers in the house or provides lovely bouquets. She loved music so Nancy made a tape for her of 200 familiar songs.

Glenn and Cora’s routing would take them to Trader Joe’s

Gradually, she and Billy recognized that routine was actually good for both her parents and would regularly take them to Ledo Pizza and Trader Joe’s. At Ledo’s, the workers got to know us and would look out for mom and dad when they were out on their own. At Trader Joe’s, a young man from Africa and another from Pakistan admired that the couple took such good care of their parents which is more common in their countries of origin. Like the Ledo’s staff, they’d always look out for them.

But things didn’t always run smoothly.

“We could deal with Mom not knowing who we were. We just wanted her to feel loved and safe.” Greer said. “The hardest time was when she was scared. I’d sometimes be on the phone with her and she’d be saying ‘There’s a man in the house’. It was dad but she’d be terrified.”

Brown observed that there is so much more to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease than memory loss – especially the “fear factor” that her family is living with now. By now, her mother-in-law is afraid to be left alone in the house so someone must always remain behind. Simple things like eating, that everyone takes for granted, are a concern for the family because dementia patients don’t remember to eat. They forget how to cook or, sometimes, even use a fork. Not eating results in weight loss.

Eventually, dementia patients can no longer make decisions for themselves so their families must make hard-to-face decisions for them and the need for caregivers increases by the day. Barely a year after opening, Brown’s business has served more than 150 clients in their homes or for supplemental care at assisted living facilities. She notes that assisted living costs can run between $4,500 and $10,000 per month with private duty aides, if needed, an extra $30 per hour.

Both Brown and Greer are deeply worried that the country’s aging population, weakening economic situation and soaring healthcare costs are already a crisis. Basic medical care is beyond some individuals’ ability to afford, and long-term health insurance is also beyond their means. The women wonder aloud if any of the safety nets that currently exist will be available for them.

According to Brown, in spite of years spent searching for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, none has been found. However, three types of drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat cognitive symptoms. To raise funds for continued research, Brown and her team have participated in the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walks several times raising modest amounts of money.

Danielle Morgan-Brown, Winsome Brown and Michelia Gooden-Evans after the Alzheimer’s Walk at Sandy Point.

Nancy and Billy Greer and a team of their students from Jing Ying Institute have participated in Alzheimer’s Walks in Annapolis and at Sandy Point multiple years beginning in 2017. Having dedicated the first walk to the memory of Nancy’s mother Cora and last year’s walk to the memory of her father Glen, they have raised over $53,000.

Nancy and Billy Greer with the team from Jing Ying Institute posing at their first Alzheimer’s Walk in 2017 which was dedicated to the memory of Nancy’s mother Cora Willard who is seen in the photograph to the left of the group.

Nancy Greer and Winsome Brown gave us just a brief look at what it is like to care for a loved one suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at home. They urge those looking for information, seeking help, or wishing to make a donation to visit Alzheimer’s Association | Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Help.

Ledo Pizza’s opening celebration of new location followed by a ribbon cutting

It was great seeing the familiar faces of Ledo Pizza owner Martin Gorman, his staff and numerous friends from Severna Park’s business community during the restaurant’s official reopening celebration following their move to 342 Ritchie Highway.

The renovations and remodeling of the former site known as Cakes & Confections complete, the sleek exterior gave way to an equally sleek and colorful interior.

Just inside the entrance we ran into Maryland State Delegate Heather Bagnall talking with Larry Sells of Larry Sells Consulting and Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League who introduced us to Louben Repke, the owner of Dodge Arrows in Millersville. Shortly thereafter, we encountered Repke showing one of his soft-tipped arrows to Macaroni Kid Pasadena editor Laura McElwain Colquhoun and her son Quinten.

The atmosphere was lighthearted and quite noisy. We didn’t know everyone, but we spotted BD Provisions owner Debra Saltz and, later, bumped into Severna Park Voice editor Dianna Lancione and Severna Park Automotive owner Mike McNealey. It was great to see familiar Ledo staff members like waitress Katherine Ramiras as well. Ramiras said she is enjoying seeing the customers she served at the former Park Plaza location coming in.

As guests nibbled pizza and other treats from a sumptuous spread behind them, League conducted what she referred to as a “fireside chat” with Gorman in front of a colorful wall patterned after the Maryland State Flag. She began by thanking him for opening the restaurant that was a staple at Park Plaza since 1998 and congratulated him on opening the “bright and beautiful” Ledo Pizza. League noted how many social media posts she’d seen when the move to the new location was announced from people who’d had their first job a Ledo’s or their first date there. She then asked him to talk about the history of the establishment.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League interviewed Ledo Pizza owner Martin Gorman in what she referred to as a “fireside chat” prior to holding a ribbon cutting in front of the restaurant.

“Years ago I’d been in the information technology business but wanted to start a business of my own and looked into everything from car washes to hardware,” Gorman said. “I’d grown up with the Bells whose grandfather started the first Ledo’s pizza parlor in College Park in 1965. They’d heard I was interested in establishing a business and contacted me because they’d been opening more franchises including one in Severna Park. So, we opened at Park Plaza in 1998 and later expanded the restaurant to the building next to us adding 60 seats. I’ve been building on that original success ever since. We now have Ledo Pizza locations in Millersville and on Kent Island and we’re partners in the one at BWI.”

Among other things, Gorman noted that he had kept his entire staff from the Park Plaza location and paid their salaries for the three weeks they closed down to remodel and make the move.

League highlighted the fact that Ledo Pizza has been incredibly active in the community supporting numerous charities and events, a practice the owner plans to continue.

Following the fireside chat, a number of awards were presented to Gorman. Afterward, guests were invited outside by League for an official ribbon cutting. We wish Ledo Pizza Severna Park another 26 years of success.

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.

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Spring Fling With Bling first of blossoming April events

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

Having shopped till they dropped at the jewelry and merchandise tables, a few guests at Partners In Care Maryland’s Spring Fling With Bling at Bleues On The Water waited in line to settle up before hurrying back to their tables as lunch began.

Though unfamiliar with the new Glen Burnie location for the event, most all of the attendees were familiar with the wonderful selection of jewels and merchandise from the Partners In Care Maryland Upscale Resale Boutique in Pasadena.

Among the most enthusiastic guests were friends Jennifer McAndrews and Melissa Pittman who’d visited every display, rack of dresses and jewelry counter and emerged with their share of treasures.

Left to right, Jennifer McAndrews and Melissa Pittman were paying for their purchases at the check-out counter before heading back to their table for lunch. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Asked what they liked best, the friends were had-pressed to answer given that they had liked so many things. They’d been mighty impressed by a table of fashion accessories and costume jewelry in shades of blues and greens but positively gobsmacked when they discovered a pair of pastel green designer shoes by Gucci for $50. Later, PIC volunteer Vicki Wasmus who prices merchandise for the boutique noted that, if new, they’d be priced at $250.00.

Elsewhere, other customers were drawn to different items like the sophisticated jacket seen below. At the same table, handbag designer Kristin Sirota from Baltimore was intrigued by the design and vintage feel of the necklace she held.

Color-coordinated displays of finery, costume jewelry and artwork drew lots of eyes and many purchasers. According to the event’s organizer Lynn Bujanowski, Partners In Care brought back its Spring Fling With Bling for the first time in four years because of multiple postponements related to the COVID pandemic.

Color-coordinated

“Though we changed our location, the number of people attending this year’s Spring Fling With Bling” increased since our previous one in 2019,” Bujanowski said. “We feel it’s due to the fact that people are happy to be going out again and once more dressing up for special occasions.”

PIC President, Mandy Arnold, was busy at the check-out area but told us the event was doing well.

We had only a moment to catch up with PIC president and CEO Mandy Arnold who was busy supervising the check-out area. Like Bujanowski, Arnold said the Spring Fling event was doing very well. Asked why the event had a new location this year, she noted that Partners In Care previously used Chartwell Golf & Country Club. However, in the four years during which the event was postponed, Chartwell had changed its layout and no longer had a space big enough to accommodate the event. Luckily, they were able to find Blueues on the Water which is known primarily as a wedding venue.

Every item of merchandise selected for the Spring Fling was chosen for maximum appeal. Still most attendees flocked to the glass-encased displays of fine jewelry that were highly sought after.

As time for lunch approached, the crowd in the dining room grew thick and we saw many familiar faces. Longtime supporter Brenda Yarema, who always takes a table at Partners In Care events was bubbling with news and tipped us to the fact that the Severna Park Republican Women’s Club fashion show would take place shortly at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. We also spoke with Suzanne Price, a friend of Yarema’s who told us she’d been supporting and shopping at Partners In Care for years since her mother was a member who’d actually received transportation to doctor’s appointments and other services which was wonderful.

At one table dressed with gold and blue linens, we spoke with regular PIC shopper Sonia Peralta and volunteers Marlene Miller and Gail Burkhoff who were awaiting the arrival of the “two Judys”. Judy Kulawiak and Judy Stailey actually met during orientation to become Partners In Care volunteers.

“We hit it off and decided we’d like to work together as cashiers,” said Stailey. “Six weeks later Judy [Kulawiak] suffered a major stroke. Regardless, we have been good friends ever since.”

Volunteer Vicki Wasmus, who we mentioned above, arrived at the table and showed off some of the jewelry she’d just purchased including a pretty necklace for her niece. Wasmus specializes in researching and pricing the merchandise donated to the Partners In Care boutique. She noted that they realize they need to set prices lower than typical second-hand market rates because sales of the merchandise largely fund the organization.

Following lunch with a main course of lasagna, the Spring Fling With Bling fashion show began. Five PIC volunteers had great fun modeling a fashionable selection of clothing from the Partners In Care Upscale Retail Boutique.

Model Jerri enjoyed a lighthearted romp across the impromptu stage wearing a high-end designer jacket over slim black slacks and strappy gold sandals. An announcement of the winner of a raffle for a diamond followed.

For information about the activities of Partners In Care, visit Anne Arundel – Partners In Care Maryland .

Ledo Pizza opening/ribbon cutting reminder

A REMINDER that Ledo Pizza Severna Park‘s new location at 342 Ritchie opened its doors Tuesday and the restaurant’s Grand Opeing and Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting will take place as planned on April 23rd at 4 pm.

Life of Joy Foundation receives Nonprofit for the Year Small Business Award

We extend our congratulations to the Life Of Joy Foundation which was recently recognized as Nonprofit for the Year during the Anne Arundel Couty Chamber of Commerce ‘s 2024 Small Business Awards breakfast. The 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization fosters a holistic approach to mental health and suicide prevention. Among the regularly scheduled events Life of Joy sponsors are two we wanted to highlight.

The next meeting of Life of Joy’s Faith & Mental Health Group is this Friday, April 19 from 6:30 till 8pm at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 110 Ritchie Highway. The peer support group for adult men and women centers all around the intersections of faith and mental health.

The second event is the upcoming Life of Joy Teen Support Group meeting that will be held Monday, April 22 at 7pm at Stage & Screen Studios at 215 Najoles Road in Millersville. For more information visit Life of Joy Foundation, Inc.

Jing Ying Institute hosts World Tai Chi Day event at Severna Park Community Center

 Each year, on the last Saturday of April, in hundreds of cities in over 80 nations, World Tai Chi events are held. The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, a participant in this global event for two decades, will be celebrating World Tai Chi Day on Saturday, April 27th at the Severna Park Community Center. As seen in the photo below, the event will be held outside, under the trees, beside the center’s Boone Station Hall from 10:00am to 11:00am. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. If it rains, the event will be held inside the community center’s gym.

The Boone House lawn is the perfect place for participants to experience the power of Silk-Reeling “energy” (chánsī jìn), a physical movement that spirals throughout the body. Photo courtesy of Nancy Greer

During the event, there will be demonstrations of Tai Chi followed by free mini-workshops of tai chi and qigong suitable for all levels of fitness. While not required, people are encourage to register for the event at: www.JingYing.org where they can also find information about special follow-up tai chi classes on April 30, May 1, and May 3.

Good Neighbors Group’s 22nd annual Earth Day Festival April 27th

It’s hard for founder and executive director Julie Shay to believe Good Neighbors Group’s 22nd annual Earth Day Festival is happening in just nine days. The much-loved event is taking place on April 27th from 10 am till 2 pm at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

“So many exciting things are planned for our Earth Day Festival this year,” Shay says. “We’ve got community art projects, a native plant sale, yoga demonstrations, vendors, a silent auction and more.”

Two of the Festival’s sponsors will be on hand to help out. The event’s Oak Sponsor – the tattoo studio Oxblood Ink – is lending its talented artists to head the Festival’s Community Art Project. The Red Maple Sponsors – realtors Jean Andrews and Christine Joyce – are leading GNG’s Donations Before Dumpsters program. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring items to donate that can be recycled, ranging from clothes to kitchen items or tools.

BD Provisions will also be on hand with their popular Midnight Joe Coffee.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber Shop Local Fun Festival

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s spring Shop Local Fun Festival is scheduled to take place at Park Plaza on May 4th from 11 am to 3 pm.

The fun, FREE, family event will have music, shopping, dancing and more. We always find the Shop Local Fun Festival an amazing showcase for the community’s small and independent businesses. Exhibitors will be selling products and services at their booths.

For updates on the Festival and other Chamber events, visit 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.

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BD Provisions celebrates 1st anniversary in Severna Park, moves forward with community support

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

and Lean On See Senior Home Care Services

It was impossible to miss the colorful 1st Anniversary sign on the sidewalk near the entrance to BD Provisions at 844 Ritchie Highway.

Fully a year after opening in April of 2023, it was reassuring to see the store’s co-owner Phil Peters standing by his 14-pound coffee roaster. He was about to roast 11 pounds of the store’s popular in-house blend, Midnight Joe – a combination of Columbian, Brazilian and Indian Monsoon beans.

BD Provisions co-owner Phil Peters prepares to roast a blend of coffee called Midnight Joe. The blend of Columbian, Brazilian and Indian Monsoon beans is named after BD Provisions’ co-founder John Boccuzzis “Uncle Joe” who is pictured on the wall behind Peters. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

BD Provision stores are noted for their on-site coffee roasting and coffee roasting is Peters’ specialty so he’s a perfect fit. He roasts every Saturday morning, creating marvelous blends from barrels of coffee beans from around the world. The store is always busy on those mornings as customers love the heavenly aroma of roasting coffee and can’t wait for their first cup.

When roasted, the scoop of Indian Monsoon coffee beans in Peters’ left had will darken like the scoop on the left. It’s BD Provisions’ darkest roast.

In a celebratory mood, Peters expressed his delight that the store survived its first year and said he looks forward to many more. He noted that, when he and co-owner Debra Saltz opened Connecticut-based BD Provisions’ first out-of-state franchise last spring, they had a steep learning curve ahead of them. Saltz agreed.

“Phil and I are friends of the founders of BD Provisions and fans of their main store in Newton Connecticut, but we were novices at running such a business,” Saltz said. “Nevertheless, we felt we could succeed and were eager to learn,” said Saltz who handles all the ordering.

“Coming into this, I had no retail experience and had to pick up things on the fly. I first had to learn about all the products which ranged from grains and beans to spices, teas, coffees, oils and chocolates. The biggest challenge was tackling the ordering process on my own – figuring out how much of each bulk-buy product to stock and how best to package and present each item.”

The partners have grown used to running the business and have made surprisingly few mistakes in ordering products that weren’t good enough to put on the floor. They love the community and all the support they have received and the ever-growing number of regular customers who come in. They are proud of bringing good quality products to Severna Park.

Peters credits Saltz’s ambitious marketing plans and use of social media to expose their products for drawing and expanding the customer base. She’s also been creative in generating a buzz in the community by marketing special products and gift baskets for holidays. He touted the great response they’d had to their selection of Halloween candy and gift items and prepackaged chocolates, drink mixes and gifts for Christmas.

“But carrying Valentine’s Day candy when no one else in Severna Park was doing so was a brilliant idea,” he said.

It was a brilliant idea to carry tiny Valentines Conversation Hearts and red, white and pink Valentine M&M’s that children just love. Bedecked with red ribbons, gift baskets contained packages of red and white Valentine Dark Chocolate Nonpareils, Red Striped Yogurt Sandwich Cookies, Red Australian Licorice, Oatmeal and Dark Chocolate Raisin Cookie Mix and Spicy Hot Chocolate Mix.

Likewise, Easter candies and customized Easter cookies were hits with Severna Park children.

Peters serving guests coffee at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Holiday Taste & Sip event.

The partners are increasingly marketing their products at community events. Peters treated guests to coffee at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Holiday Taste and Sip event.

They’ll be serving coffee at the Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Festival at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company on April 27th and will also appear at the Chamber’s upcoming Shop Local Fun Festival at Park Plaza on May 4th.

BD Provisions is forming wholesale partnerships with area restaurateurs and chefs and with other businesses that are eco-friendly and sustainable. They also host occasional classes, events and networking opportunities. They welcomed Benny’s Woodfired Pizza & Eats food truck to participate in their anniversary festivities. Peters marveled that chef/owner Ben Buglisi has a coal-fired oven inside the pizza truck.

According to Saltz, she has already placed orders for 4th of July candies, pretzels and other items in reds, whites and blues and is pleased to announce that BD Provisions has created a special gift-wrapping corner behind the main counter where manager Cornelia Wikar is helping a customer in the photograph below.

For directions or the latest information on BD Provisions, visit Severna Park Store — BD Provisions- zero waste bulk food store.

Ledo Pizza Severna Park ribbon-cutting postponed

Due to a delay in opening, Ledo Pizza Severna Park owner Martin Gorman announced that the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting originally planned for today (April 11) has been rescheduled for April 23rd at 4 pm.

Savvy Seniors meeting at Woods Church on April 16 at 1 pm

On Tuesday, April 16 from 1 till 2:30 pm, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church Deacon Steve Hilbert and Continuity of Care Coordinator will lead an “across the kitchen table” discussion focused on lessons learned through personal experience with aging parents. The discussion will touch on legal matters, advancing chronic illnesses, transitioning from independent to assisted living and palliative-hospice care. For more information, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).

Langton Green 10th Anniversary Plant Sale, April 20

As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, Langton Green Community Farm will host an Earth Day Plant Sale on Saturday, April 20 from 10 am till 2 pm. The event will be held rain or shine and there is free parking.

Located at 844 Generals Hwy in Millersville, the farm will be selling vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit plants help get every garden growing and the farm grounds will be open for those who wish to take a walk, enjoy the animals or view the murals by Cindy Fletcher.

Proceeds from the sale will support Langton Green Community Farm’s operations. The Farm provides meaningful work opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as part of Langton Green, Inc.’s vocational programs. For more information see Home – Langton Green.

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Fundraiser to be held at Historic Baldwin Hall on April 27th

The Severn Crossroads Foundation will be hosting its annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Fundraiser at Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville on Saturday, April 27 from 7 till 10 pm. Wine, craft beer, soft drinks and water plus delicious cheeses, fruits, veggies, and chocolate will be served at the social and there will be a musical performance by Richard Walton. There will also be a silent auction, raffles and door prizes. Tickets are $50 and may be obtained by calling 410-409-0187 or through email at gcampbell8185@gmail.com.

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.

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Ledo Pizza’s new Severna Park location nearly complete, Community Center refurbishment a fait accompli

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

The first quarter of 2024 has seen change for several Severna Park businesses and organizations. The most significant transition has been the closing and relocation of yet another well-known community enterprise. On March 25th, Ledo Pizza & Pasta closed its doors after 32 years as one of Park Plaza’s anchor businesses and began work on the transformation of its new location at 342 Ritchie Highway.

According to Ledo Pizza’s owner Martin Gorman, he bought the restaurant from previous owners in 1998 and believes it was originally opened in 1992. In the 26 years he’s operated the popular eatery, his customer base has grown by leaps and bounds. Ledo Pizza is well-known for participating in and supporting numerous charitable causes and Severna Park events. Because Gorman and his staff have become friends with so many of their patrons, he hates to leave Park Plaza.

“Unfortunately, we lost our lease and couldn’t come to successful negotiations on a new deal. Basically, the rents were raised and we couldn’t remain profitable at those rates,” he explained.

It appears that Park Plaza may be attempting to achieve lease pricing parity with new commercial construction retail sites like Town Center in Parole. Ledo Pizza is the second long-term business to leave Park Plaza based on lease cost concerns. Joann’s Fabrics closed in January.

Ledo Pizza & Pasta at Park Plaza closed its doors for good on March 25th. With the restaurant’s new location at 342 Ritchie Highway still in transition with the floors waiting to be laid, the furnishings remained in place awaiting the move. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Ledo Pizza’s new Severna Park location will already be familiar to those who visited the site’s former occupant, Cakes & Confections, (whose owner Michael Brown decided it was time to hang up his chef’s hat, retired, and closed his popular bakery).

Pulling to the curb in front of the eatery last weekend, we could see that the windows were covered with brown paper. However, we opened a door at one end, entered, and were allowed to preview the partially finished space within.

At first glance, we saw that interior construction was in various stages of completion. The walls were freshly painted in shades of pale gray and black, however, the floors had not yet been laid.

To our immediate right, we found a yet-to-be finished front counter with the kitchen area concealed behind the back wall.

Ledo’s kitchen lies just beyond the yet-to-be-completed counterspace in the front.

To our left, there seemed to be ample room for rows of tables and booths. As soon as the flooring is down, the furnishings will be installed and signage, artwork and decorative items added.

Space for the tables and booths is well-designed and just waiting for the arrival of the furnishings.

Screens on the walls will enable sports fans to follow televised sports.

Screens on some walls will allow patrons to follow televised sports broadcasts.

Gorman noted that all of the restaurant’s inspections have been completed and he is shooting to open this Friday or Saturday barring any problems with final inspections. He’s looking forward to seeing his customers again and mentioned that a Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting is scheduled for April 11 at 4 pm which should draw a nice crowd. For a definitive opening date and time, follow the Ledo Pizza Severna Park Facebook page.

Renovations and rebranding of Severna Park Community Center unveiled

Equally newsworthy is the recent revelation of an ambitious refurbishment, updating and rebranding of the Severna Park Community Center. Maintenance has been an ongoing priority for the community center but, after 25 plus years of operation, the facility was due a rather extensive renovation. We were taken on a tour of the facility by SPCC executive director Sarah Elder to observe some of the changes.

We first took a peek at the well-outfitted Fitness Center with its welcome mat spelling out the organization’s purpose as a place for users to Gather, Play, Grow and Thrive.

The welcome mat in front of SPCC’s Fitness Center highlights the organization’s goal of being a place where locals can gather, play, grow, and thrive. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Then, we headed downstairs where Elder was eager to show off The Dance Center where much of the renovation work took place. We were impressed by the innovative transformation of what used to be a storage area beneath the stairs into a cozy children’s play space – a place where young family members can settle while older siblings attend class in one of three dance studios.

This cozy play area for young children is nestled beneath the stairs leading to the building’s lower level. There is even a rocking chair for a parent. The eye-catching logo on the wall was designed by Dance Center director Kellie Greer.

“We love our new Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center logo that was designed by its director Kellie Greer,” Elder said. “You’ll see the logo repeated throughout the lower level.”

A lovely bistro with cafe tables lies just around the corner where older kids can have a snack or do their homework while waiting for their classes to begin.

All three of the center’s dance studios have been revamped. Along with the creation of the new logos, the studios were assigned appropriate names. Instead of being referred to as Studios A, B or C, they are now the Chesapeake, Cypress Creek and Bodkin Creek Studios in honor of local bodies of water.

Just beyond the bistro cafe tables, the door of the Chesapeake dance studio is partially covered with symbols of cupcakes denoting birthday celebrations held in the space. Each cupcake highlights the name of a child who celebrated a birthday there.

Primarily used for Youth Classes for ballet, tap, jazz, pointe or Cecchett, for Adult Sessions or for Star Elite Dance Program classes or rehearsals, the studios are occasionally used for other purposes. While we were there, the Cypress Creek studio was being used for an arts and crafts class.

Instead of dance students at the barre, we found a class of young students working on an arts and crafts project in the Cypress Creek studio.

Coming back upstairs, Elder drew our attention to the Center’s community bulletin board which had been moved from a crowed wall inside to a better location in the entrance where it grabs visitors’ attention. Below the bulletin board are shelves of pamphlets describing SPCC programs and classes, and programs offered by community center partners like the Chesapeake Ballet Company, Theater in the Park and Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi.

A new, more convenient location for the community bulletin board catches visitors’ eyes as they pass by.

Walking toward the community center pool, Elder veered off to the right as she wanted show off the extensive remodeling of the men’s and women’s locker room/shower areas. She admitted they were previously somewhat shabby and needed a lot of work. The women’s locker room is freshly repainted a pleasant shade of light gray. The Gather, Play, Grow, Thrive motto carries through the entrance and the mural extending down the hallway creates a spa-like atmosphere. There is new flooring that is much improved.

The newly redone shower room is now tiled from floor to ceiling.

Similar updates were made to the Men’s locker room.

Renovations did not just occur in the community center building but also in the courtyard between it and Boone Station Hall (which SPCC operates for Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church). Wooden benches that had succumbed to weathering were replaced with weatherproof benches donated in memory of loved ones no longer with us.

Upgrades previously executed by the Woods Church REHAB group to the interior of Boone Station Hall included the building of storage cabinetry and a complete remodeling of the service kitchen. The REHABBERS built a wall to enclose the far side with a door but left the front counter facing the stage open. They also installed kitchen cabinets and equipment and added subway tile throughout.

As far as rebranding is concerned, the Severna Park Community Center website is being updated to be more user-friendly. It’s now easier to find the facilities, programs, classes or events you’re interested in.

As for events, SPCC will be host to a number of its traditional events this year. For now, however, Elder said she is very excited about the community center’s third Black Tie & Boots fundraising gala on Saturday, April 27th at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. This year’s gala honors philanthropist Carl Gutschick who has been a supporter of the community center since 1998, serving on the Board of Directors and contributing his time and treasure to the center’s ongoing facility needs.

“This will be the last of our Black Tie and Boots events before switching to a new theme next year so we’ve planned a great evening with a farm to table dinner, live entertainment and many western-themed surprises,” Elder said.

She added that tickets can be purchased at the center’s front desk or online at Home – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).

Park Hardware’s Native Plant Sale scheduled for May 4th

Park Hardware will be hosting a Native Plant Sale on the store parking lot on Saturday, May 4 from 9 am till 2 pm with complimentary burgers and hot dogs for shoppers. The Park Hardware sale is the place to buy your favorite perennial native plants while supporting Providence of Maryland. Choose from selection of five native perennials in 6 inch pots at $7 apiece.

Broadway Bonanza Cabaret Performance to benefit SPAN, Inc. on April 21st

For the fourth year, Severna Park native Laurette Hankins has created a wonderful Broadway musical-themed concert and silent auction benefitting SPAN, Inc. that will take place at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Parish Hall on Sunday, April 21 at 4pm.

Pianist Anita O’Connor will accompany Hankins as she performs a wide array of show tunes hand-picked from seven decades of Broadway’s best musicals. Tickets are $25 with 100% of net proceeds going to SPAN. They may be purchased by visiting Cabaret Concert & Silent Auction – SPAN, Inc (spanhelps.org).

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.

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Green Drinks in Homestead Gardens’ greenhouse a fitting kick-off for 2024 Green Give

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

Entering Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville at 5:30 pm last Wednesday, we followed the crowd to the lush surroundings of the store’s greenhouse where a festive Green Drinks gathering hosted by Annapolis Green was getting underway. Lines had formed at the Annapolis Green table where guests were checking in and/or making donations. A number of people had already entered and were viewing displays from 13 GreenGive partners.

Held annually, the 2024 Green Drinks event at Homestead was a fun kickoff and way draw attention to the  GreenGive partner organizations ahead of their online fundraising drive that will take place June 4th and 5th. 

We’d been to a Green Drinks event before, so we reckoned we’d run into people we knew. Sure enough, we immediately bumped into Barbara Gill who we’d last seen at a Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber “Successful Women In Business” meeting. Gill, an eco-educator and Annapolis Green member, said she planned to return to Homestead Gardens on the weekend to display her line of Melaleuca “wellness” products at the Davidsonville Green Expo.

It’s always fun to run into busy Barbara Gill. An ecological and wellness expert, Gill would be spotted two days later at Eco Adventures in Millersville handling a snake and on Saturday, March 23, she’d be back at Homestead for the Davidsonville Green Expo. Photographs by Sharon Lee Tegler
We stopped by the Watershed Stewards Academy table to learn about their latest restoration efforts.

Wandering on, we visited a display for the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy located in Millersville. Over the years, we’ve visited many of the capstone restoration projects undertaken by graduates of the program and have been impressed.

Projects range from stormwater runoff and watershed restoration initiatives to reforestation efforts using native species.

Next to the WSA booth, we found Severn River Association‘s Grace Weeks deep in conversation with guest Elizabeth Rosborg who is with the Arnold Preservation Council. Weeks, SRA’s Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps member, was explaining the importance of Water Quality Monitoring in the Severn to the organization’s Oyster Restoration program.

Arnold Preservation Council’s Elizabeth Rosborg chats with Severn River Association’s representative Grace Weeks about how well the organization’s five Oyster Restoration Reefs are doing.

Nearby, we found Development and Communications Director Charlotte Graves and Community Outreach Assistant Lily Hariton similarly engaged at the Arundel Rivers Federation table. Hariton explained that the Arundel Rivers Federation is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and preserving the South, West, and Rhode Rivers and surrounding watershed.

She noted that AFR’s staff includes South, West and Rhode River Riverkeeper Elle Bassett who is responsible for patrolling local waterways, tracking down sources of pollution and identifying problems that impact water quality among other things.

Arundel Rivers Federation’s Development and Communications Director Charlotte Graves and Community Outreach Assistant Lily Hariton informed guests about their organization’s role in protecting the South, West and Rhode’s rivers.
Unity Gardens board member Pat Morrison explained how communities could fund their garden restoration projects by applying to them for a grant.

Board member and volunteer Pat Morrison represented Unity Gardens which offers grants of up to $1000 to non-profits such as schools, religious organizations, scout troops and community groups to purchase native plants for conservation landscaping. 

Volunteers like Morrison not only help local communities fund their projects but educate them about using the power of native plants to address issues like stormwater runoff, pollution and habitat loss.

We paused for just a few moments to check out a tasty array of hors d’ oeuvres from Annapolis-based Bread and Butter Kitchen and enjoy being entertained by local band The Sandpipers

Strolling about again, we briefly visited the display of the newly formed Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area which was touting the state’s upcoming Maryland Day activities. The activities included partner Severn Crossroads Foundation’s Maryland Day event at their 1840’s Schoolhouse behind Historic Baldwin Hall.

The Chesapeake Crossroad Heritage Area table drew lots of visitors interested in our area’s historic sites.

Crossing the aisle between exhibits, we spied Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay with Spa Creek Conservancy board president Amy Clements. The two organizations were sharing a table.

While Clements and other board members were touting Spa Creek Conservancy’s efforts to clean up and restore the watershed, Shay was promoting GNG’s 22nd Annual Earth Day Festival being held at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company on April 27th from 10 am till 2 pm.

Of the remaining non-profit organizations participating, we explored the Scenic Rivers Land Trust (seen in the opening photo) which is dedicated to protecting the forests, wetlands, farmlands and other open spaces that make Anne Arundel County special. We also checked out the Maryland Reentry Resource Center seen on the right in the photo below. The MRRC seeks to ease the transition of an incarcerated individual from prison or jail back into the community.

Last of all, we noted the crowd forming around Dennis Fravek and David Rose from the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian and waited our turn to speak with them. Though we’d once visited the sanctuary, we’d forgotten how large it was. Fravek and Rose reminded us that the wetlands are located within the tidal reaches of the Patuxent River in southern Anne Arundel County and protect about 1,700 acres of unique tidal freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, upland and riparian forest, creeks, meadows, pine and sand barrens, and fields along the Patuxent River.

Friends of Jug Bay board member Dennis Fravel and Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary employee David Rose were eloquent in describing the wildlife and natural beauty that await visitors.

Before leaving, we enjoyed being introduced to Annapolis Green’s executive director Tilly Coyle and the organization’s co-founder Lynne Forsman. They were both excited to tell us that the next Green Drinks is at Garten in Severna Park on May 16. The theme will be edible gardens, sourcing locally and highlighting sustainable businesses of Severna Park. Considering that Garten is surrounded by lovely gardens full of flowers and edible spring produce, it’s the perfect location.

Annapolis Green executive director Tilly Coyle, on the left, and co-founder Lynne Forsman on the right spent most of their time meeting and greeting the guests. Both are looking forward to the next Green Drinks occasion at Garten in Severna Park on May 16.

Stay posted for information about the GreenGive and consider making a donation by visiting Annapolis Green – connect, inform & take action with local environmental info .

Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails organizing Earth Day cleanups

The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails are organizing multiple clean-up locations along our trails on April 19 and 20. Volunteers are needed along the WB&A Trail at Odenton Babington Green on April 19. On April 20, the Friends will be working along the B&A Trail at Arnold Station, Hatton-Regester Green, Earleigh Heights (for vine removal), at Flower Beds #57 and #58, and at the Sun Station. They’ll also be working along the South Shore Trail at Millersville Road on April 20. If you are interested in joining the effort, contact the Friends at friendsofaatrails@gmail.com.

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.

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As the need for financial assistance increases, SPAN, Inc. is looking for donations

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

Though the Easter holiday is not officially part of SPAN’s Holiday Caring Program, SPAN, Inc.’s co-directors Michele Sabean and Maia Grabau like to mark the holiday by including something special for their food pantry clients. Thanks to a generous donation from St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, Grabau was in the process of arranging 50 Easter baskets in front of the office fireplace. She had also accepted the first of a large number of Easter dinner boxes and gift cards from Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church in Millersville.

Co-directors Maia Grabau and Michele Sabean in one area of the SPAN food pantry. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

SPAN’s food pantry shelves are full, at the moment, thanks to generous donations from the Good Neighbors Group’s S(o)uper Bowl of Caring food drive in February. In addition, food donations from Boy Scouts of America troops 855, 858, and 993’s Scouting for Food Drive came in over the past two weekends and several local churches dropped off contributions.

“We’re so grateful to Good Neighbors Group and the others,” said Sabean. “The foods we’ve received from them should last us from now through the summer (when donations drop off) till fall. Donations generally pick up again in October.”

SPAN, Inc. is best known for its food pantry according to Grabau, the organization’s Director of Development. However, since the founding of SPAN by six local churches over three decades ago, the lion’s share of SPAN’s mission has been helping families in need of financial assistance.

“Help for people with utility turnoffs is where we give out the most money,” Grabau said. “We have become more of a financial assistance provider. The vast majority of people coming to our office are seeking financial assistance.”

As Sabean, who is Director of Development, leafed through SPAN’s Annual Report looking for a graph, she explained that the primary mission of the organization is to provide food or financial assistance to qualified families to help them through a critical or emergency situation. Because of extraordinarily high energy costs, utility bills are the most urgent need followed closely by home eviction preventions and medical bills.

“For 2023, donations made it possible for us to help with more than 2.5 times the amount of emergency financial assistance we do in a typical year,” Sabean said. “On average SPAN gives about $100,000 in financial assistance a year. In 2023, SPAN provided over $287,600 in financial disbursements. The need for emergency financial assistance increased dramatically with the official end of the pandemic and its additional supports.”

She illustrated her point with the graph shown below.

Sabean used the graph seen here to illustrate how the amount of financial assistance given out by SPAN had risen between 2017 and 2023. It is still rising.

Grabau added that most people have no idea how much financial aid SPAN, Inc. supplies to families in its primary service areas of Arnold, Millersville, Severna Park and Broadneck and secondary service areas of Brooklyn Park, Ft. Meade, Odenton, Crofton, Gambrills, Pasadena, Crownsville, Glen Burnie, Severn and Linthicum. Thus, SPAN, Inc. headquarters at 400 Benfield Road behind Our Shepherd Lutheran Church sees a constant flow of people seeking help.

SPAN, Inc. headquarters see a constant flow of county residents seeking financial help of one sort or another.

What is amazing is that SPAN is a totally self-sustaining organization reliant on financial donations from individuals, local businesses and churches willing to help. SPAN fortunately has a small number of regular donors who are very generous. Nevertheless, its directors, board members and volunteers are always looking for monetary donations.

The number of SPAN Member Churches has risen from the original six to 13, all of whom make contributions.

Sabean and Graubau also oversee various fundraisers, one of which is coming up on April 21. For the fourth year, Severna Park native Laurette Hankins-O’Connell is producing a Cabaret Performance and Silent Auction to benefit SPAN. By now a tradition, the concert starring Hankins-O’Connell and accompanist Anita O’Connor will delight the audience with “Broadway Bonanza”, an exuberant and occasionally irreverent salute to a wide variety of Broadway and movie musicals.

Conceived as a way for actress and singer Hankins-O’Connell to give back to the community she grew up in, the concert will be held this year at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Parish Hall. St. Martin’s generously donated the space cost-free so 100% of the proceeds from the concert and silent auction will be donated to SPAN. Tickets for the performance are $25 and may be ordered at https://www.spanhelps.org/cabaret_concert_silent_auction.

Anita O’Connor accompanies actress/singer Laurette Hankins-O’Connell as she performs “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun” from “Annie Get Your Gun” .

“We’re already getting some great Silent Auction items donated by local businesses including a week’s stay at an Ocean City condo. This year for the first time, we’ll put the auction online prior to the concert so people can take part in the auction even if they can’t make it to the event,” Sabean said.

SPAN seeks donations by participating in local events including the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s 2024 Shop Local Fun Festival coming up May 4th. They’ll also be participating, as usual, in the Severna Park 4th of July Parade and collecting donations along the parade route. Both Grabau and Sabean are excited because they are already working to upgrade their float this year.

SPAN’s second biggest fundraiser, the Twelfth Annual Turkey Trot 5K or One Mile Fun Walk will be held November 2 at Kinder Farm Park. The autumn weather is usually beautiful and SPAN is able to raise a lot of money through the event from sponsors who participate year after year. Generally, there are about 200 participants including runners, walkers and volunteers. It’s so much fun that the event always draws good-sized crowds.

“We’re doing a mailing this week for Early Bird Sponsors who will receive four free entries with their donation,” said Sabean.

SPAN’s Holiday Caring Programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas are, by far, the organization’s most impressive, initiative matching donors with families needing help. Each year, between 150 and 200 families learn about the program through schools or Social Services and sign up for the program The donors are incredibly generous and, because of them, between 150 and 200 families can have happier holidays.

Grabau, Sabean and the volunteers who work with clients are often touched by the stories of people seeking help. Many have issues that far exceed their immediate financial needs.

“One woman who came in with a very large BGE bill had recently undergone a triple bypass surgery. Shortly, after her surgery, her son was tragically murdered,” said Grabau. “She has two remaining children. Because of all she’d suffered, she was unable to work for some time and had gotten behind paying her bills. Though we cannot heal her broken heart, we try to do our part to help lighten the load for clients like her. We gave her assistance with her utility turn-off and encouraged her to sign up for the Christmas program. When people are suffering emotionally, just knowing someone cares can give them the strength to keep going.”

SPAN’s budget for monies going out far exceeds the amount brought in by fundraisers so financial donations are needed and greatly appreciated. To learn more about SPAN or to make a donation, visit SPAN Serving People Across Neighborhoods (spanhelps.org).

Partners In Care’s Spring Fling With Bling on April 17th

Partners In Care invites everyone to join them at Bleues On The Water on
Wednesday, April 17th from 11:00am – 2:00pm for the 18th Annual Jewelry Extravaganza – Spring Fling With Bling! Guests will enjoy luncheon and a fashion show, then shop an abundance of fine and costume jewelry from PIC’s Upscale Resale Boutique, as well as designer clothing, shoes, purses, and other tempting treasures.

Tickets are $40 per person and it is advised that you purchase them soon by visiting https://partnersincaremd.salsalabs.org/springfling/ as they are expected to sell out.

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.

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Local residential real estate prices trend higher as cost-of-living soars

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

If you are seeing few For Sale signs in front of homes in your neighborhood, you are not alone. Wondering why that is happening, we sought out two of our area’s busiest residential realtors.

We caught up with realtor Matt Wyble, who is Managing Partner of Next Step Realty South, in his Annapolis office. Having merged with area brokerage Next Step Realty a year ago, Wyble and his managing partners Lynn Peaper and Joe Smith III will be opening a Severna Park branch shortly.

In the meantime, with the weather warming, we’ll likely find the Severna Park native and 4th generation realtor Wyble grabbing a cup of coffee between client meetings behind The Big Bean in Olde Severna Park.

We arranged to meet with realtor Theresa Kurtz, between showings at an Edgewater restaurant last week.

Kurtz, who operates more or less independently, told us that, following a slowdown in late autumn and winter, home sales have really picked up. The real estate market she covers in the Anne Arundel, Charles, Harford and Prince George’s County areas as well as Kent Island and the Eastern Shore is so hot that only about a month’s inventory of houses currently exists. She’s now receiving multiple offers for every property. On Kent Island, she sold a house to a young man last spring and he’s already sold it for more than he paid for it.

“There’s also a huge Four Seasons 55 Plus community that’s building on Kent Island that is kickin’ and offering condos for $600,000 to a million dollars.” she said.

She admits that demand is high so it’s easy to find prospective buyers. Finding sellers is much harder, however, which is why we’re seeing so few “For Sale” signs.

It’s rare we’re seeing For Sale signs at the moment.

Wyble and partners’ Next Step Realty South team of 95 agents handles the sale of residential properties across Maryland with emphasis on Anne Arundel, Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties as well as Baltimore City and surrounding Baltimore County. He notes that Anne Arundel County sees the highest number of sales. There’s only a two-week inventory of homes available in highly desirable Severna Park and prices are soaring higher and higher.

“When I started in the real estate business with Champion in 2010, I remember our office manager saying if the governor shut down all new listings and we had to sell everything that was active before we could list something new, we had almost four years of inventory at that point,” Wyble said. “Now, in Severna Park there are between five and twenty buyers for every house. I’m seeing “Sold” signs pop up on all the properties we have listed within a very short window of time.

“Sold” signs are popping up intermittently. This Anne Arundel County property took several weeks to sell.

Kurtz believes high interest rates have definitely impacted the tight housing market.

“People who have a house to sell are saying to themselves ‘Oh, gosh, where am I going to go and not pay 7% interest?’ But sometimes they’re in a situation where they have to sell,” she said. “What works in the seller’s favor, though, is that we’re back to multiple offer situations now. The market is so competitive I just had five offers on a home in Severna Park, which has the highest per capita income in the state, that sold for $66,000 over the asking price.”

Kurtz feels that inflation’s downward pull on the economy – with credit card debt through the roof – causes people to think twice about relocating. However, she is handling sales for some “downsizers” who mostly want to move out of Maryland to states like Tennessee or North Carolina because of the tax breaks.

From Matt Wyble’s point of view, several factors are at play beyond high interest rates. He and managing partners Peaper and Smith noticed that the lengthy Covid pandemic made people realize just how important a home is to them.

“We’re now four years from the start of the pandemic when people had time to reflect on whether they liked or loved living where they were,” Wyble said. “People who lived in the city were envious of friends who lived in the suburbs and could play with their children in their backyards while they were stuck inside their apartments. People who lived in the suburbs envied those who lived in the country where there was more land or small farms. People also realized that remote work expanded their horizons. What resulted was pent up demand in the post-Covid market for houses in the burbs or the countryside. What we’re left with is the lack of inventory Covid helped create.”

For Next Step Realty South, Severna Park properties comprise the most concentrated market for buyers and command the highest prices – going for $700,000 and upward. Wyble believes the reason is threefold. In his experience, the two biggest buyer groups were people who were militarily or privately relocating for work. Another group has been made up of people like him who graduated from college and wanted to move back. Recently, there’s another group of people, from across the country, that have no ties to Severna Park but have heard about the community, its water access, and its good schools and they want to move here. Neither Kurtz or Wyble deal with rental properties but both are aware that the problem of low inventory is even more critical in that market and rents are historically high and evictions are on the rise.

The headquarters of SPAN, Inc.

Michelle Sabean, development director of SPAN, Inc., pointed to a report from the Arundel Community Development Services (which administers the federal eviction funds in this area) noting that as 2023 ended evictions were increasing with the end of Pandemic financial support.

“SPAN has seen the need for emergency financial assistance increase dramatically – more than 2.5 times the amount SPAN assists with in a typical year,” Sabean added.

While both Matt Wyble and Theresa Kurtz think residential real estate prices are likely to continue on their upward swing even if the Federal Reserve drops interest rates by a percentage point or two, there could be a few positive developments.

Kurtz said she’s recently encountered a number of downsizers. She reports that most plan to move out of the state and that may free up a few more properties.

We were finishing our interview when realtor Jessica DuLaney (with The W Home Group of Next Step Realty) walked into the office. She announced that she’d just written an offer on a house in Towson built in the 1930’s and located in a cute neighborhood, pleasing Wyble no end.

“We had seven offers with six buyers waiving the inspection. The house went for $60,000 over the asking price,” she said.

Wyble hopes to be seeing more great properties on the market. He and his partners are close to settling on a location for the Severna Park branch of Next Step Realty and he’ll keep us posted.

Celebrate Maryland Day with the Severn Crossroads Foundation

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation will be participating in a statewide Maryland Day Celebration this year. On Sunday, March 24, they’ll be hosting an Open House in their 1840’s schoolhouse behind Historic Baldwin Hall at 1358 Millersville Road. Docents will be on hand from 1 pm to 3 pm to share stories about the history of the schoolhouse and about education in the mid-19th century.

Light refreshments will be available. Severn Crossroad Foundation members invite you to bring your children and grandchildren to get a little glimpse of the history of the Severn Cross Roads area. For information, visit Winter/Spring 2024 | 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.

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A name from Anne Arundel County’s past for a newly opened eatery

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

Occasionally, research for future columns takes Around The Park Again outside of Severna Park along nearby highways and byways. Last Tuesday we met with realtor Theresa Kurtz to get the scoop on residential real estate trends in Anne Arundel County. (I first met Kurtz several years ago at a Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber event while Kurtz was associated with the Severna Park Voice.) She suggested we get together at a restaurant recently opened by her friend Stephanie Fennell in Edgewater called 100 Lots Kitchen + Bar.

Introduced to 100 Lots owner Stephanie Fennell (on the right) by Theresa Kurtz, we had fun learning about the history associated with the name.

Serving local scratch-made food and drinks in an inviting space with a rustic flavor, the new eatery’s unusual name is an added draw for curious diners. When introduced to Fennell, we couldn’t resist asking her what it signifies. We were fascinated when she explained that the name dates back to the very beginnings of the colony of Maryland in 1632.

“My business partner and I are history nerds who were intrigued with the early history of Edgewater,” Fennell said. “Then a port surrounded by the Town of London, the area was more populous than Annapolis. In 1683, in order to grow commerce, promote town formation and assure the colony’s success, the Maryland General Assembly divided existing land holdings into 100 one-acre lots through ‘An Act for Advancing the Trade of Tobacco’. We decided ‘100 Lots’ would be a perfect name for our restaurant.”

The partners’ nod to local history is evident in the eatery’s decor. There are tobacco burden baskets on one wall. On another wall are tobacco harvesting tools and seafood industry equipment like clam rakes. Tobacco was one of the main exports from the Edgewater/Londontown area during the colonial era.

On opposing walls and along the handsome bar, the oyster industry is represented by historic photographs and pieces of equipment displayed on the walls. Vintage oyster cans arranged on a shelf above the bar illustrate that, by the mid-1800’s cannery technology had progressed to a point where canning fresh oysters from local waters was a safe alternative to shipping live oysters without risking spoilage.

Vintage oyster cans from local canneries line a shelf above the bar.

Even on a rainy day like Tuesday, the interior is bright with three walls of windows.

The lighter woods of tables arranged in pairs or small groupings in the open spaces nearest the front entrance contrast nicely with the dark woods of the bar opposite them.

An adjoining room combines similar tables with booths along one wall.

Fennell, a single mother, observed that she has opened her “first” restaurant at a time when the economy is questionable. We wondered aloud how she’d had the courage for such an undertaking.

Passionate about serving good food to people, Fennell has had a lot of experience managing other restaurants. Rather than coming from a food background, she has a degree in psychology. However, she paid for college by working in restaurants. Then life happened and she ended up being in the industry for about 25 years. After having run restaurants for others, she decided it was time to run one of her own.

Nevertheless, she admits she had some qualms about taking over ownership of the business previously known as The Broadneck Grill & Cantina, a Mexican restaurant.

“It’s uncharted territory for me as I’ve never owned a business, but everything seemed to line up,” she said. “During the Covid pandemic, I was running a couple of restaurants. Everyone was super nervous but we were able to adapt to the situation so we could be prosperous. I feel that, with 100 Lots, we should always be able to adapt to what’s going on, even in these uncertain times. I’m confident in my ability to do that.”

She believes her background in psychology impacts how she approaches her business, her employees, her clientele and even the menus.

100 Lots’ menus are seasonal and change four times a year. Fennell and staff are “all about supporting local businesses”, sourcing products from local farmers like Tony Hamilton from Pond View Acres in Hughesville as well as from farmer’s markets. Her creative chef, Mike Tolle, whom she brought with her from a former restaurant, is particularly adept at turning her ideas into delicious entrees. Iris Fuentes, her kitchen manager is an expert baker.

Tuesday nights are Oyster Nights at 100 Lots when dishes like “Oysters on Half Shell” and “Oysters Rockefeller” are served. (The eatery works with the Chesapeake Bay’s Oyster Restoration Program by contributing their shells for reef building projects.)

The restaurant will be teaming up with neighbor Edgewater Liquors for 100 Lots Kitchen + Bar’s first event, a Spring Menu and Beer Tasting on March 21 at 6 pm. Given the menu, the knowledgeable gents from Edgewater Liquors have paired different beers with each of the four courses plus a dessert and they’ll be on hand to talk about each. Chef Tolle will be speaking about the spring dishes being showcased while farmer Tony Hamilton will talk about the meats chosen.

Like all foods served year-round, everything on the menu will be made from scratch including the Mozarella that is part of the appetizer. Even the sausages being used will be ground onsite. To view the menu, you can visit 100 Lots Kitchen +Bar at Facebook. We had a preview of all four courses and were fascinated to hear that the fourth course of Short Rib & Bangers served over Mashed Potatoes is being paired with a Sammy Smith Organic Chocolate beer.

Be on the lookout for my column on local real estate trends next week.

Severna Park Community Center Health & Wellness Expo on March 16

On Saturday, March 16 the Severna Park Community Center is hosting a free Health & Wellness Expo in the community center’s gymnasium from 11 am till 2 pm. Forty exhibitors from health and fitness businesses and organizations will be present. There will be swag bags, raffles and giveaways, free blood pressure and hearing screenings and other tests. For information, visit Health & Wellness Expo – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).

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.

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Severna Park coffee shop scene percolating!

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

The year 2000 saw Severna Park’s very first coffee shop opened by Deb Hoffman on Riggs Avenue in Olde Severna Park. Since that time, similar shops have come and gone. But now there’s a new kid on the block.

On Monday, February 19th, Rise Up Coffee Roasters opened its 13th location at the former Zachary’s Jewelers storefront next to Homestead Gardens at the corner of Ritchie Highway and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. Rise Up’s banner now appears beneath the eye-catching Homestead Gardens sign and is perhaps a harbinger of things to come at other Homestead locations.

Interestingly, the new location (the fifth in Anne Arundel County) is the first Rise Up Coffee Roasters’ shop to offer a drive-in option. The company’s owner Brandon Bartlett was delighted to discover that, though unused by Zacharay’s Jeweler’s, the original drive-up window for the former Provident Bank still existed. It is now operable for drivers with a coffee menu posted on the wall in clear view. As of now, the food menu is available inside but is not posted outdoors.

More about Rise Up Coffee later but, first, let’s go back to January 1, 2000 when Deb Hoffman pioneered the local coffee shop movement.

After selling her interest in a toy design company, Hoffman opened The Big Bean, the first specialty bean coffee shop in Severna Park. She’d thought of buying an existing coffee business but instead chose the aforementioned space on Riggs Avenue and B & A Boulevard. Business boomed at the tiny store as Hoffman and her first barista, Christy Sappington Coster served coffee, muffins and other delights to an ever-increasing clientele. Five year later, expansion was essential.

In 2005, the enterprise relocated nearby to 558 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard in Olde Severna Park. Then, as now, The Big Bean was a neighborhood haven geared to customer service. Fronting on B&A Boulevard, customers would be lined up at the door as early as 7 am for their morning cuppa.

Ever cheerful, Big Bean founder Deb Hoffman replaced an empty canister of the house blend with a full one following the morning rush hour in August of 2007. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Bob and Rosie Stock and their black Lab Bailey relaxed on The Big Bean’s patio on a sunny morning in August of 2007.

However, the shop’s back entrance spilled out onto the B&A Trail where wrought iron tables and chairs awaited trail users and their canine companions, then as now. Dogs could have some cool water or munch a “Doggie Biscotti” while their masters enjoyed their favorite coffee beverages along with bakery items or a cup of yogurt.

In between 2000 and 2005 when Hoffman moved The Big Bean to its second location on B&A Boulevard, other shops came along.

In 2003, entrepreneur Corky Gilbert decided the time was right for a coffee shop at Park Plaza off Ritchie Highway. That October, he opened Corky’s Hard Bean Cafe. The attractive cafe had a bistro-like ambience with comfortable couches, classic tables and chairs, and revolving art exhibits on the walls. It’s trompe l’oeil library was a popular spot for community and business meetings.

Customers loved the bistro-like atmosphere of Corky’s Hard Bean Cafe at Park Plaza. Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler

As the business matured, the establishment served full breakfast and lunch menus. There were even occasional concerts held in the evenings.

Soon after Hoffman vacated the shop where she started on Riggs Avenue, newcomer Aivy’s Corner Espress Cafe took over the location. Owners Aina and Joe Tsin created a niche for the quaint little shop by offering exquisite pastries from their renowned restaurant Moulin de Paris then located off Benfield Road.

Aivy’s was just around the corner from the B&A Trail and Hatton-Regester Green, so it was not uncommon to see someone on a park bench enjoying one of their coffees.

“This shop was the perfect place to highlight our fresh bakery products on this end of town,” Aina said at the time.

Severna Perk on Benfield Road was traditional in style. Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler

In November of 2005, Severna Perk opened on the Benfield Road corridor between I-97 and Ritchie Highway making a total of four specialty coffee shops town.

Traditional in style, with dark woods, comfortable tables and chairs, and striking photos on the walls, the shop was unique in several ways.

Severna Park resident Jen Edwards often frequented Severna Perk with baby Addison. Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler

Its owner Kaely Roe was 21 years old, having worked for City Dock Cafe and Waterman Joe’s.

The breakfast-oriented shop welcomed its patrons with traditional coffee beverages and muffins, scones and decadent strawberry cheesecake. Chocolate croissants were baked fresh each morning so they’d be warm when customers purchased them.

Sadly, within a few years, three of the four specialty coffee shops had closed their doors. However, The Big Bean was thriving, growing busier and busier and becoming a community hub.

In 2010, two interesting developments impacted Severna Park’s coffee scene. In May of that year, Starbucks opened at 503 Ritchie Highway with a Friends and Family celebration that drew a huge crowd. According to then Patch editor Leslie Hunt, the festive evening was capped off by the presentation of a $30,000 donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation by manager Marc Tippin.

Starbucks quickly became a popular destination, with its drive-up window busy at all hours of the day. The spacious interior was a popular place for friends to get together and for meetings. Among other groups the Severna Park Chess Club was fond of holding its weekly matches at the shop.

As was always the case, Severna Park Chess Club members Eric Sundel, Leonard Lee, Joe Coppola and Steve Shantzis were so absorbed in their matches that they barely remembered to drink their Starbuck’s coffees. At the head of the table, Club founder/director Rob Robinson checked on their progress. Photo by Sharon Lee Tegler

On September 10th of 2010, Mutt & Joe, a combination coffee shop and pet grooming service, was opened by Andy Smull in the space formerly occupied by Severna Perk. One side of the sign over the entrance cleverly says “Drink Coffee” while the other side says “Dog Wash”.

With scissors in hand, owner Andy Smull was ready to cut the ribbon as friends and their canine companions helped her celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Mutt & Joe. Photo courtesy of Mutt & Joe

Having celebrated Mutt & Joe’s 10th Anniversary in 2020, Smull and staff are still providing pups with mighty fine haircuts while their humans enjoy coffee and a treat.

On January 1, 2019, The Big Bean came full circle as Deb Hoffman agreed to sell the shop to her original barista Christy Sappington Coster and her husband Greg.

Greg and wife Christie Sappington Coster a few days after becoming the new owners of The Big Bean.

“Almost from the time I became Deb’s barista at that tiny shop on Riggs Avenue, I dreamed of becoming its owner,” Christie said.

The dream realized, the Costers had a very successful first year as owners. Moving forward into 2020, they found themselves, like other local businesses, facing the Covid pandemic. Through their innovative approaches and the continued dedication of their loyal customers, they survived. In fact, they did so well with The Big Bean’s beloved home in Severna Park that they expanded to a second location at 888 Bestgate Road in Annapolis. That location has also been a success and Greg and Christie are now in the process of expanding to a third location in Millersville on Nojales Road.

“We’ve already received some of the equipment we ordered and our permits. So our target for opening The Big Bean in Millersville is late Spring,” Christie said. “We’ll be keeping everyone posted.”

Getting back to the recent opening of Rise Up Coffee Roasters and their serendipitous association with Homestead Gardens Severna Park, we had an opportunity to speak to Homestead’s owner Brian Riddle who told us how it came about.

“At the time of the Covid pandemic, I briefly considered the possibility of expanding our store into the then vacant space previously occupied by Zachary’s Jewelers. But I felt the return wouldn’t be worthwhile,” Riddle said. “Since we lease the Homestead Gardens Severna Park location, I then pondered whether we could sublease the empty space to another business.”

Riddle mentioned that thought to friend John Rosso of Rosso Commercial Real Estate Services who put him in touch with Rise Up Coffee Roasters owner Brandon Bartlett who found the empty space ideal.

“I already was familiar with Rise Up Coffee and liked the way they operate their businesses so we moved ahead,” said Riddle.

The arrangement should prove beneficial to both owners. Riddle added that he would definitely consider the possibility of adding a Rise Up Coffee Roasters shop to Homestead’s other locations in Davidsonville and Smyrna, Delaware.

Good Neighbors Group S(o)uper Bowl Record Broken

As founder of Good Neighbors Group, Julie Shay was thrilled that S(ouper Bowl VII broke records this year. She wished to extend a thank-you to everyone who took part in the food drive.

Seventy-one neighborhoods participated collecting 1,939 lbs. of food for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and six local food pantries.

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.

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With crime on the rise, women sought tools to protect themselves through Jing Ying’s Self-Defense Workshop

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

According to an article in USA Today, the Justice Department will commit extra resources to assist law enforcement in Washington after the district saw a 40% increase in violent crime and a 35% increase in homicides in 2023. The DOJ said the new resources will also target carjacking, which increased 82% in Washington in 2023.

Baltimore City’s homicide numbers are down compared to 2023 according to Fox 45 News, however, there’s been an alarming rise in car thefts and carjackings. A total of 10,600 cars were stolen or carjacked in Baltimore during 2023 and, many times, a weapon was involved. In both instances, crime has spread to the suburbs.

Is it any wonder that Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi’s Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teens on Sunday was a popular place to be? Taught by recognized martial arts expert Billy Greer, the workshop was designed to raise women’s awareness of possible danger, give them the tools to avoid it and provide them means of escape if they are attacked.

Arriving at the workshop at 2 pm, attendees checked in with Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer at a Welcome Table laden with symbols of the Chinese Lunar New Year and treats for them to sample.

Attendees were greeted by Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer at the traditional Welcome Table she prepares for each of the school’s Lunar New Year events. Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler

Greer explained to them that the Welcome Table has been present at each of Jing Ying’s Chinese Lunar New Year events and special classes over a two-week period beginning February 8th.

“Our welcome table features traditional items like tangerines and chrysanthemums, coins, and various treats that change from day to day,” she said. “This afternoon, we have individually wrapped candies, flavored pumpkin seeds and other snacks.”

Within a few moments, the attendees were seated as Billy Greer addressed them during the first part of the Self-Defense Workshop.

The initial part of the workshop was devoted to principles of self-protection rather than self- defense.

Greer began by stressing the importance of maintaining awareness of what is going on around one at all times.

“We’re actually here today to talk about what we refer to as the principles of self-protection rather than self-defense,” Greer said. “The first part of that is ‘avoidance’. Avoidance of danger should be your first priority.”

Women should avoid venturing out alone to places that are poorly lit or isolated, Greer said. That might include parking lots near one’s place of employment. It’s best to be escorted or accompanied by friends or co-workers but that’s not always possible.

“If you’re alone, you first need to be on the lookout for predators,” he warned. “A predator is looking for prey – especially near workplaces on payday. Criminals don’t target confident looking individuals but, instead, watch for a person who is distracted, looking down at a phone or wearing earphones while listening to music. He might check for signs they are carrying a weapon. If they’re not, that person could be the perfect prey. So, your attitude is all important. You need to look up and around at your surroundings and project an air of self-confidence.”

Among other helpful strategies, Greer advises to check out your surroundings ahead of time through maps or GPS. If you sense one or more people following you, pay attention to your instincts. Turn around and walk in the opposite direction, crossing the street or ducking into the safety of a business or store if possible. Be warned that a predator may try to get near you by appearing to ask for the time or ask for help. Don’t be afraid to be rude and tell them to back off before they can get close enough for an attack. (Criminals don’t like to make a spectacle of themselves.)

He suggests leaving your large, attention-attracting handbag behind and carrying a small discreet purse with a strap worn across your chest that can be worn under a jacket. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash.

“In the event a criminal is able to confront you and asks for money, a watch, jewelry or other valuables, give it to them because that is what they want,” Greer said. “It’s better to lose your belongings than your life. In giving cash or valuables to an attacker, throw it behind them so they must look around or pick it up, giving you time to escape.”

Another strategy, among many good ones, was to never yell “Help!” if attacked. That will confuse people around you. Instead, yell “Call 911, call the police. I’m being robbed.”

The workshop next switched to self-defense strategies focusing on skills designed to get a woman away if a perpetrator grabs her. Greer asked attendees chose a partner and form two lines with the partners facing each other.

Each attendee was asked to choose a partner and line up in two rows facing each other before the mirror.

He next had them to turn to face the mirror before them and watch as he demonstrated the first technique designed for a quick escape from a predator that lays his hands on the victim.

The first technique involved countering an attacker’s wrist grab with one of your own, spinning away in the process.

The partners would take turns playing attacker and victim. The victim would counter the attacker’s wrist grab by pulling in her own thumb, then pushing the attacker’s hand as she quickly turns breaking her predator’s grasp while spinning away.

All the partners begin practicing the first escape technique. Instructor Chris Lee watches as “attacker” Melissa Wittke grabs the wrist of her “victim” Nikki Lee.

Putting pressure on the attacker’s wrist while spinning takes some effort on the part of the victim but will allow her to break the hold, ending up back-to-back with the attacker and able to run away.

Another technique, seen in the opening photo, requires that the victim use her body strength to pull her elbow in close to her body and pull up her arm sharply, then spin away as in the previous move. A slightly more complicated move, as demonstrated below by Greer and “victim” Liz Scherzinger is meant to break an attacker’s attempt to choke a victim and involves raising an arm toward one’s ear and bringing it down across both of the attacker’s arms turning while doing so. There were several other tactics that, with a little practice, all the attendees were able to execute.

Chris Lee and Meissa Whittke steady Bib Bob and Little Bob in preparation for participants to try their hand at “dirty fighting”.

However, if unable to get away, the another option available to the victim is to “fight dirty”. For two particular fighting dirty strategies, dummies Big Bob and Little Bob were recruited. Moved into place by Melissa Wittke and Chris Leigh, they prepared for a pummeling. Greer first demonstrated the cup-your-hand and hit the attacker’s ear with all your might strategy which he believes will stop a perpetrator in their tracks. The second move he demonstrated was bringing the heel of your hand up into the attacker’s nose which stuns, smarts and generally involves watery eyes and a bloody nose.

The workshop participants formed two lines and took turns slapping the two Bobs’ ears and driving the heels of their hands into their noses. They all found that. while the Bobs were immune to their beatings, both techniques hurt their own hands.

The final “fighting dirty” move involved sticking one’s fingers in a perpetrator’s eyes but this strategy was not tested.

Greer ended the workshop by emphasizing that the techniques demonstrated and subsequently copied by the participants were meant as a means of escape only – not as techniques for fighting. He also stressed the need to practice the techniques until they become second nature. It is not unusual for someone who’s taken the class to come back for a refresher.

Afterward, we had a chance to speak with a few participants.

Grace Finnegan and Liz Scherzinger, who were having so much fun practicing the moves, are neighbors and wine buddies who learned about the Self-Defense Workshop from a friend.

“Grace’s employee and my hairdresser Brooke attends Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi and she told us about the workshop and we thought we’d check it out, “Scherzinger said.

Finnegan decided they both be practicing the techniques on their pal Brooke or possibly on Scherzinger’s boyfriend.

Emma Alli, who came by herself but found a great partner in Lane Robinson, said her fiancée studies martial arts at Jing Ying Institute and recommended that she take the class. She would likely be practicing with him.

Like all of the attendees, Alli was pleased that the Self-Defense Workshop was benefitting The Bernie House, an organization that provides long-term transitional housing to a family made homeless by domestic violence.

Before leaving, we were reminded by Nancy Greer that the culmination of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration will take place from 2:30 to 4 pm this Saturday, February 24th with a free Open House at Jing Ying Institute complete with a performance of the Chinese Lion Dance at 3:30 and Kung Fu and tai chi demonstrations. There will be “Year of the Dragon” crafts, foods and traditions of the Chinese New Year, giveaways and prizes and more.  For information, see Chinese New Year (jingying.org)

The 4th Annual Bernie House Mardi Gras Ball takes place this Saturday

This year’s Bernie House Mardi Gras Ball fundraiser is being held this Saturday, February 24th at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel. There will be a full open bar, Cajun style food, face painting, tarot card readings and music that will get you on the dance floor.

The Bernie House provides safe shelter and support to families who become homeless due to domestic violence.

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.

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