Month: February 2021

This year, because of COVID-19 related school closings, Severna Park High School Drama has had to structure Rock ‘N Roll Revival XXXII as a “virtual” production with a fun “British Invasion” theme.

Over its thirty-one year history, the SPHS Rock ‘N Roll Revivals have had a multitude of themes. Nevertheless, more often that not, the music of British pop stars ranging from Petula Clark and Donovan to The Beatles and Rolling Stones has been part of the productions.

Producer/director Angela Germanos found that recreating those 60’s sound tracks provided an excuse for the RNR costumers to copy Carnaby Street style mini dresses and go go boots like those worn by back-up singers Kaylie Pridgen, Erin Pryzybia and Maddie Howard while harmonizing on Clark’s “Couldn’t Live Without Your Love” in 2015.

RNR’s adult and student producers and directors reproduced the look and sound again in 2017 in a production number featuring British pop tunes that was further enhanced by the compelling choreography of Kelly DeLeon.

The look and music were back once more in 2019 for Rock ‘N Roll Revival’s 30th Anniversary show featuring a Hall of Fame Theme. The concept was not new to Annabelle Cotton and Abby Kondraki who were cast members for the fourth year, Seen here, Abby was cast as a flapper for an upcoming scene while Annabelle was a mod rocker in mini-dress and boots for hers.

So it’s quite understandable that the RNR production team chose a British Invasion theme for Rock ‘N Roll XXXII – a theme that should translate well to a digital version to be viewed online.

Germanos said a date has not been set for airing the show yet as the editing process is so complicated.

“We auditioned virtually and have been practicing virtually. We have also filmed virtually and the videographer and my co-director Atticus Boidy will be combining the vocals with the dance and adding the band to make a final production,” she said.

“We have adult vocal directors, tech director, band director and choreographers and an assistant producer but we also have student leaders for all these positions. The student leaders have been very helpful in making sure the cast and crew understand the process. We have added American Sign Language this year and it is working out very well.”

Chatting with Falcon Drama Boosters board member Jill Robinson, whose daughter Leslie is in the cast, we learned that the virtual production will have 30 songs made famous by British artists. Some are from the era when British pop rock exploded onto the American music scene courtesy of the Fabulous Four appearing on the Ed Sullivan TV Show.

She added that, for each of the songs, her daughter had a couple virtual vocal rehearsals with the vocal director, a couple virtual dance rehearsals with the choreographer and a couple virtual blocking rehearsals ending with a rehearsal combining everything for filming. Everyone has to make their own costumes at home, of course, with help from a costume lead.

“It’s like, ‘Hey, do you have black leggings and can you find a shirt that looks like this, and could you add some silver jewelry?’ Robinson said. “It’s been improvising from whatever we have and quite a challenge.”

Dances can only be performed solo since everyone films them individually instead of as a group. Then the pieces are edited together.

Meantime, SPHS Drama has something else planned to showcase students’ talents – a Virtual Improv Night on March 12 at 7 pm. For a link to Improve Night or for updates on the release of Rock ‘N Roll Revival XXXII, British Invasion, visit HOME | Falcon Drama (sphsdrama.com).

AAUW moves ahead with in-person book discussions

For the first time in a year, members of the county’s American Association of University Women met in person at the World War II Memorial in Annapolis to pick up program guides for the coming year’s activities of their Great Decisions Discussion Group. 

The group is more widely known for their book collection days at drop-by sites in Severna Park, Arnold and Annapolis in preparation for its multi-day book sales held annually at Festival at Pasadena. With literally thousands of books to choose from, the sales are well attended.

Funds raised through the sales are used to support scholarships for women.

According to AAUW publicity committee chair Cathy Crowley, Great Decisions, is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. Organized by The Foreign Policy Association, the discussions provide background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year. The Anne Arundel County branch has had a Great Decisions group for more than twenty years.

Crowley said the branch has been restricted during the COVID pandemic to accepting (or sometimes simply packing) limited numbers of donated books from family collections. She was quick to note that AAUW has other activities including book clubs and bridge clubs.

At the moment, announcements are being made about the availability of scholarships and how women can apply. For full information on three categories of scholarships offered, visit AAUW Anne Arundel County (MD) Branch.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

In its fourth year, the Good Neighborhoods Group’s 4th annual S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVE broke all previous records.

From the moment the “game was on” for the 2021 food drive taking place from February 4 though 7, donations rolled in as never before.

In addition to the original 36 Severna Park communities participating in the food drive, nine new ones from the Broaneck Peninsula joined the effort bringing the total to 44.

Over the course of four days, the neighborhood captains volunteering their homes as collection points found donations of food and household items spilling across every unoccupied space – from bins on back porches to kitchen counters, dining room tables, living room or bedroom floors to garages.

Families collected an astonishing 21,000 items that almost tripled previous records. Children, like Jace Kerley, whose mother Bethany was neighborhood captain for Chartridge, pitched in to help her sort canned goods to donate to SPAN. Mackenzie Grossman and her younger brother Emerson helped carry things as their father Jeremiah, neighborhood captain for Olde Severna Park, packed donations into the family SUV.

Delivery day, set for Super Bowl Sunday but postponed to the following two days due to weather, saw the neighborhood volunteers heading to six different food pantries to drop off donations. The goods were transported in vehicles ranging from SUVs to trucks to red wagons and personally delivered bins.

Neighborhoods on the Severn River side of Severna Park normally drop off their donations to SPAN, Inc. off Benfield Road while those living on the Magothy River side give their donations to ACAN (Asbury Church Assistance Network) on Asbury Drive. But there were so many more donations that My Brother’s Pantry in Arnold was added as a drop-off for neighborhoods on the Broadneck Peninsula. In addition, extra donations flowed to two Pop-Up Pantries and to LARS (Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services).

Multiple neighborhoods delivered donations to ACAN which were gratefully accepted by Executive Director Margo Arnoux. ACAN currently operates a Drive-Through pick-up of food boxes (in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines) Monday through Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Multiple neighborhoods on the Severn Side donated to SPAN. In fact, there were so many donations headed for SPAN that some were channeled to LARS and the Pop Up pantries mentioned previously).

The 2021 S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVES’ saw four neighborhoods bringing in 1,000 donated items each. Congratulations are due for Cape McKinsey with over 12 items donated per household. And kudos to the Round Bay and West Severna Park neighborhoods who brought in 1500 items each.

In the past, the reveal for the winning neighborhoods took place at a dinner hosted by Mezzanotte. It was a community night that benefited GNG, too. This year, Mezzanotte will deliver pre-ordered meals to the winning neighborhoods and include complimentary cannolis. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated back to support Good Neighbors Group.

Founder and executive director Julie Shay started the Good Neighbors Group in 2006 and incorporated it as a non-profit in 2017 with a goal of strengthening our communities by sharing service opportunities that have a positive social and environmental impact. She and the GMG board of directors hit on the idea for a Souper Bowl food drive in 2018 because they realized winter is a time when food pantry shelves need replenishing. They initially proposed a competition between the east and west sides of Severna Park but expanded the plan when so many communities responded.

The food drive is but one of Good Neighbors Group’s community based initiatives. In addition to year-round blood drives in cooperation with Anne Arundel Medical Center, there are seasonal projects. The group also supports environmental efforts. They launched a spring project to establish and tend a garden of sustainable native plants along the B&A Trail opposite the Ranger Station. They’ve held several Earth Day events at community schools with as many as 60 schools participating with exhibits. In summer, GNG promotes a swim team food drive.

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During a time of extensive development and population growth that, ironically, contributes to a sense of isolation in the once close-knit Severna Park community, GNG strives to bring all the neighborhoods together in ways that benefit everyone. For more information on GNG’s ongoing projects and events visit its website at Home – Good Neighbors Group or follow them on Facebook at Good Neighbors Group | Facebook.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Within seconds of getting her COVID-19 vaccination, Brightview Severna Park resident Nina Bonti affixed her orange “I Got My Covid-19 Vaccination” disc to her necklace and was showing it to Assisted Living Manager Cidnei Crumity. One of 270 plus residents and associates receiving vaccinations on February 2, Bonti was joyful.

“I’m hopeful that getting the vaccine will keep me from getting the virus and keep my friends and family safe as well,” she said.

She added that she was extremely comfortable with getting the shots and appreciated that they were available to her.

Bonti’s comments were typical of those heard by Brightview Associate Director Shannon Yunn all day. She said the vaccination clinic conducted in partnership with Walgreens Healthcare Clinic last Tuesday couldn’t have run more smoothly.

Having received their first of two shots of the Pfizer vaccine, the residents and associates were scheduled to receive their second shot 21 days later on February 23.

The CDC recommended all senior living residents receive the vaccine free of cost in the first priority wave before it becomes available to the public. Thus, Brightview Senior Living communities at South River and in Annapolis and Crofton also have conducted the clinics. Among other senior living facilities with vaccination programs underway are Spring Arbor of Severna Park, Heartlands at Severna Park and Sunrise of Severna Park.

Thanks to social distancing, masks, and other measures, the Brightview Severna Park population has remained COVID-free.

“We kept everyone healthy all year by following the CDC protocols. For instance, we didn’t serve meals in the dining room but instead boxed them for residents to pick up or have delivered to their rooms.,” Yunn said. “We even did COVID testing the day of the vaccine clinic ahead of everyone getting their shot. No one tested positive so we proceeded, with a little over 270 people arriving for their shots at pre-arranged times.”

Brightview Vibrant Living Director Barbara Sigler set the tone by being one of the first to bare her arm for a Walgreen’s pharmacist.

“I was so excited to get my first shot! ” she said. “While we’ve been staying engaged with each other in a socially distanced manner and with masks, I look forward to when we can go back to restaurants, museums, and concerts again. Getting the shots is a step in the right direction.”

Most everyone felt the same way with 99% of eligible residents opting to be vaccinated. The only exceptions were people who’d received a previous antibody treatment or had a medical problem that precluded being vaccinated.

Between cooperative residents, helpful associates, and experienced pharmacists administering the shots, the clinic ran like clockwork, Residents like Gladys DeLawder, seen here, checked into the waiting area at a pre-communicated vaccine time, had her paperwork verified by the staff and proceeded to one of three vaccination areas where she was met by a Walgreen’s representative who went over her paperwork and administered the shot. She even became the subject of a photo op.

Teamwork prevailed on vaccination day according to Yunn.

“We had so much positive feedback as to how the clinic was organized from the residents, who were pleased, and from the Walgreen pharmacists,” she said.

In a very real sense, Vaccination Day at Brightview was something of a celebration. Everyone was anxious to get back to having normal visits from family and friends. (Carefully monitored visits with health screenings and temperature checks were allowed in accordance with CDC guidelines.). In addition, Brightview Severna Park normally has something of a community feel. Many residents were previously active with local charities and choose to continue supporting them.. Thus, they’ve missed working together on their community charity projects and hope to get back to them soon.

Pleased and relieved to get his shot, resident Howard Graves liked the various signs being handed out to signify one had received the vaccine. He chose an amusing one depicting the COVID virus “cancelled”.

Equally thrilled, Brightview associate Sharon Snow and nurse Fatima Bayemake celebrated by having their photos snapped holding other signs.

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Yunn, who supervised one of the three vaccine administration areas, commented that many of the residents told her they felt excited to be a part of history and happy to take the necessary steps to move toward a sense of normalcy.

She noted that few after affects were experienced by residents or staff members – just the occasional sore arm or mild fatigue – so they’re actually looking forward to the second shot.

Jing Ying Celebrates “The Year of the Ox”

Jing Ying Institute of Tai Chi and Kung Fu begins its celebration of “The Year of the Ox” honoring the 2021 Chinese New Year this Saturday with a series of events for people of all ages.

According to Billy and Nancy Greer, owners of the Arnold-based school, offering Lunar New Year activities has been an important part of giving back to the community for the past 20 years and has included large and festive in-person events. This year they’ll skip the crowds by holding smaller in-person classes and virtual events.

Following a symbolic cleaning of the school to make room for good luck coming in for the new year, the two-week celebration kicks off this Saturday, February 13, from 1-2 pm with a “Lunar New Year Drive-By,” where families can drive by and pick up a goodie bag with a craft activity and giveaways.

Other activities include free tai chi and kung fu classes, an online tea making & tasting class, and an online cooking class.

Some of the free classes will be virtual, according to Nancy Greer. However, an in-person, evening Family Kung Fu Class for children 5 to 10 on February 18 includes an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and participants will receive a Lunar New Year of the Ox gift bag with a take-home craft.

An in-person Homeschool Kung Fu Class suitable for participants ages 5 to adult will be held February 19 from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm. This class also features an introductory lesson in Kung Fu and includes a Lunar New Year celebration gift bag with a take-home craft.

Pre-registration is required for both online and in-person classes and more information can be found at www.JingYing.org or by calling 410-431-5200.

Baby Supply Drive at Coldwell Banker Realty this weekend

Coldwell Banker Realty’s Melanie Wood announced that the office is hosting a Drive-By Drop-Off for Baby Supplies from 9 am to 5 pm in front of their offices at 572B Ritchie Highway in Park Plaza. Wood and Coldwell Banker Realty volunteers along with co-sponsor David Baca of Guaranteed Rate Affinity will be on hand to accept the donations.

All donations will be turned over to local charity Walk The Walk Foundation for distribution to all of our local food pantries.

“We’re looking for contributions of baby wipes, baby wash, lotions, diaper creams and baby shampoos. We already have enough diapers, ” Wood said.

For information on the event visit Melanie Wood of Coldwell Banker Realty – Severna Park, Maryland | Facebook.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

True blue, in more ways than one, Garry’s Grill waitresses Jennifer Tiernan-Neubauer and Angie Deaton braved the elements for a turn in the dunk tank for the restaurant’s Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics MD. on January 30. Fifteen minutes into their turn in the tank after boss Eddie Conway’s stint, they figured turning blue was a definite possibility.

Conway, who organized the Polar Bear Plunge, had finished his turn and changed into sweats to warm up. He soon joined friends Mike Hall, from Annapolis Bowl (inside the bowling pin) and Hall’s business partner Curt Pezzano on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.

“I’m a little cold but pleased,” Conway said. “I spent half an hour in the tank and was happier in the water, which was heated, than out of it. It was fun though. We’ve had quite a turnout all day – a continuous stream of people buying three throws for $10.”

He added that eleven other businesses volunteered someone to be a dunk tank target including Rita’s Italian Ice, The Big Bean, Mahon Landscaping, Kevin Gattie Financial, Landmark Roofing, Larry Sells Consulting, the Matt Wyble Real Estate Team, Savvy Consignment, Kaycie Quinones, Severna Park Lanes and Rockwell Fitness.

At tables down the sidewalk, where participants lined up to buy throws, there were auction items donated by community businesses and coffee and sweets donated by The Big Bean. There’d been considerable online donations as well.

“We’re still selling throws and auction items and accepting donations, but I can confidently say we’ve raised over $20,000 for Special Olympics,” Conway said.

Meanwhile, fun in the Polar Bear Plunge Zone continued apace.

Attendees spectated and posed for photos with a giant bowling pin (a.k.a. Mike Hall) while listening to tunes from deejay Michael Kocher.

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Volunteering for a noble cause by going into the drink was no easy matter on such a cold day. Nevertheless, Tiernan-Neubauer and Deaton were game and the target was hit repeatedly during their stint. Plunging into the water, climbing out, and reliving the experience over and over again took fortitude.

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“The water’s warm, but it’s very, very cold up here on the platform,” Deaton said.

Others who volunteered time in the tank agreed heartily. Big Bean owners Greg and Christie Coster found the experience a chilly but amazing start to a busy day.

“We were in the dunking tank from 9 to 9:30 am,” Greg said.

“It was great fun!” added Christie. “We only raised about $400 but, hopefully, our coffee warmed people up.”

Always ready to support a good cause, Matt Wyble, leader of the Matt Wyble Team of Century 21 New Millennium, nominated himself the dunkee. He spent 45 minutes in the tank and raised lots of money for Special Olympics but gave all the credit to Conway.

““Eddie reached out to me two-and-a-half weeks ago with his idea to raise money for Special Olympics MD through a Polar Bear Plunge Dunk Tank. I immediately volunteered myself for the tank and committed to an hour sponsorship, even though I hate cold water, because it’s such an awesome cause.,” Wyble said. “Hats off to Eddie Conway and his entire staff at Garry’s Grill & Catering for hosting such an amazing event, especially on such short notice.”

He added that both he and Conway feel lucky to work and live in such a great community.

“To raise well upwards of 20,000 in less than 3 weeks is yet another example of this amazing place we call home,” he said.

To view Wyble getting dunked, click https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=6200946&attachment_id=409387943462917&message_id=mid.%24cAABa9U_lAet9lxIZ2V3ZcysN85rz.

With music playing in the background, spectators coming and going to cheer on dunkees or taking three throws to send them in the tank, the event proved a much appreciated slice of real life. It was also proof of the community’s independent businesses ability to come together to support a worthy cause as they’ve been doing for years. Funds donated will provide equipment, training and health screenings for Special Olympics athletes.

Annapolis Rotary celebrates its Centennial

Most famous for its annual crab feasts, which draw people from across Anne Arundel County and beyond, The Annapolis Rotary Club will celebrate its 100th birthday on February 11th.

In addition to celebrating the centennial with an soon-to-be-written history and holding its 75th Annual Crab Feast on August 6th at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, the Annapolis Rotary is planning an Anniversary Gala among other special events.

The club develops Little Free Libraries, sponsors leadership and development programs and contributes approximately $115,000 in direct financial support annually to nonprofits serving the community.

Stay tuned for news of upcoming centennial events. Meantime, for information, visit http://www.annapolisrotary.org/.