Month: October 2023

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

The winds were blowing mightily as we approached the parking lot of the Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club in Millersville, this year’s location for the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist. The first thing we noticed was that vendors seemed to be holding on to their tent poles everywhere we looked. As seen in the opening photo, Chamber CEO Liz League’s husband Jim was holding on gamely as the ghosts above him flapped in the breeze and the SHOP LOCAL tent blew off.

The scene repeated itself throughout the parking lot. At the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi tent, Billy Greer and one of his students “minded the store and attempted to look casual” while holding onto their tent poles. As one of SHOPTOBERFEST’S Gold sponsors, the school took an active role in the event. Greer and his students performed a martial arts demonstration and Lion Dance. Nearby, owner/manager Nancy Greer told us the Jing Ying Team would be participating in the annual Alzheimer’s Walk the following day.

At the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus tent, members Diane Schwartz and Patti Platt minded the table while Mary Beth Whisman, Lisa Freeman and Marge McGugan held onto the poles. Based in Millersville at Historic Baldwin Hall, the chorus participated in the chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST for the first time and were having a ball. They’d recently added three new members and hoped to attract more at SHOPTOBERFEST. They were promoting their upcoming holiday concerts and appearances.

Later in the afternoon, “Wonder Woman” Carol Ann Trembley Gass joined Freeman on one of the poles. That is until 2:30 pm when the tent blew over. With only 30 minutes to closing time, CHC director Sally Burton rallied the troops to take it down.

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Elsewhere, things had gone on as usual. A gaggle of children who’d competed in the Costume Contest went from tent to tent with their trick or treat bags. Since there were treats at every vendor tent, they ended up with quite a haul.

The adorable young witch in the photo was not the only one. Witches were everywhere.

Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services’ owners – sisters Winsome Brown and Danielle Morgan Brown – were a picture-perfect symbol of Halloween while handing out candy and information along with Micayla Alexander. The trio was touting their upcoming “Friendsgiving” event November 17th which will include a raffle.

Winsome Brown pointed out that their tent was in a position that was, thankfully, shielded from the wind. However, she was finding the crowds lighter than at previous SHOPTOBERFESTS.

House of Design owner Rose Walker had tons of visitors including a ghoulish witch. Walker was unveiling her fall line of Bohemian Black fashions which included some lovely pieces. At one point, however, Rose and her husband Hubert were seen chasing after a rack of clothing blown onto the parking lot by the wind.

Nearby, volunteers from the Severna Park Museum committee were promoting and raising money for the proposed museum by raffling off a handmade coverlet representing the State of Maryland that was beautiful even when fluttering in the breeze.

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There was much more to see. Hearing an announcement on the loudspeaker that the Dog Costume Contest was about to start, we hurried to the spot where emcee Larry Sells was standing with a microphone. Sells had a great time introducing a rolling “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” tableau featuring Cyndy Howell as wagon master and banner holder, her daughter Madeline Brannan as Dorothy, pups Gismo, Geo and Sangria as the Strawman, the Lion and the Tin Man and cuddly Josea in the role of Toto in Dorothy’s basket.

Several other small dogs competed in the Dog Costume Contest including Batman and Underdog but it was latecomer Asoka who was deemed Winner of the $25 gift certificate from Franklin Toys.

We ran into SPAN, Inc. volunteers Josephine Justice and Michele Besche, who were pinch hitting for development director Michele Sabean. Among other things, they were promoting the upcoming Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot 5K being held at Kinder Farm Park on November 4th. Mere seconds later, their replica house and most of the signs blew off the table.

Having observed SHOPTOBERFEST attendees being pedaled about in a fancy trishaw by a young man named Mark, we felt fortunate to have Nancy Greer introduce us to Sandy Bishop, the founder of Cycling Without Age Anne Arundel under the banner of BikeAAA. When Bishop’s daughters Amy and Lucy stopped by the tent, Bishop revealed that it was Lucy, who rode an electric bike to work, that inspired her to discover Cycling Without Age while researching electric bikes and trishaws. She purchased her first trishaw – one that has a small motor – at a cost of $15,000 from Denmark and began offering rides on the B&A Trail to senior citizens living in local assisted living facilities and elsewhere. She hopes to purchase a second trishaw shortly and is doing fundraisers at area restaurants to offset the cost.

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“Riding in the trishaws gives seniors or physically impaired individuals an opportunity to feel the wind in their hair and enjoy nature,” Bishop said.

It was fun seeing Jill Weissenbach’s Higgins and Friends Pet Sitting tent where dog biscuit treats were the rule of the day along with candy. Weissenbach, a vet tech, said Higgins & Friends has built an excellent reputation over a number of years for its pet sitting and special care services.

Bunnies Boppity and Butch were an irresistible addition to the Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control booth manned by Tracy Gelfer and Lauren Kefflak. They were so snuggly that Gelfer said she just loves them and might adopt them. An equally cute tan and white bunny in a different cage was also available for adoption.

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Among a number of Millersville participants Ally 4 Pets Pet Care Company was on hand with owner and vet tech Tiffany Jackson doing her best to keep her giveaways, flyers and treats anchored. In addition, the SPCA van was on hand.

There was still much to see. First-time Millersville participant Lee Priddy, a well-known musician and owner of Priddy Music Academy, brought Superman along in the person of his son Andrew, also a musician with Honey Sol.

There was so much more to see but we had a hard time getting to them all before our time was up. Last but not least, we stopped by to see the crew from Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery who looked like they’d been through a battle.

“It was windy! We were busy holding everything down as I’m sure everyone else was doing the same,” said owner Dawn Wilson. “I think wind may need to be a consideration going forward for us. We were able to sell a good amount, but unfortunately, we sustained some damage to products because of the tumbling they took. Everyone was in good spirits and we enjoyed the day otherwise.”

One final look from above before leaving the event – a memorable but lightly attended SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist.

According to Liz League, the chamber hopes to bring events like SHOPTOBERFEST to the more far-flung communities within the Greater Severna Park area where many businesses are members. This year’s event, at the Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club in Millersville, was a fine example. It was well sponsored with three Gold Sponsors and a number of Silver and Bronze Sponsors. Gold Sponsor Ally For Pets donated $500 to Anne Arundel Animal Care and Control, Gold Sponsor Kitchen Tune-Up of Annapolis donated $500 to Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company and Gold Sponsor Jing Ying Institute donated $500 to Bike AAA/Cycling Without Age. League just announced that the chamber’s annual Taste & Sip holiday event will be held December 5th from 5 to 8 pm at Chartwell Golf and Country Club.

Annual HALLOWEEN PARTY at Jing Ying Institute Saturday

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is holding its annual free to the public Halloween Party this Saturday, October 28th between 2:30 and 4 pm. Bring a can for SPAN’s food pantry and receive a raffle ticket for every item you donate. People of all ages are welcome to enter the Costume Contest thereby gaining entry into the Grand Prize drawing and a ticket to enter the raffle. For more information, visit Halloween Party (Free & Open to the Public) | Facebook.

AAUW Book Sale to be held at new location November 2 – 5

We learned from Catherine Crowley that the annual American Association of University Women Book Sale will be held Nov 2 through 5 at a new location at Chesapeake Square, 6714 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie (South of Ordinance Rd, west side of Ritchie Hwy).  The popular sale offers a wide variety of books including fiction, biography, history, science, religion, arts and crafts, cookbooks, coffee table books, children’s books and more. 

As always, doors will open for presale from 8:00 to 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 2 ($25 entry) and, thereafter, free to all from 10:00 am to 7:00 PM. The sale continues Friday November 3 and Saturday November 4 from 9:00 am to 7:00 PM and on Sunday November 5 from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM.

Proceeds of the sale go to scholarships for Anne Arundel County women. Find more information at AAUW ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY USED BOOK SALE | Facebook .

Life of Joy Foundation’s 3rd Annual Songs of Hope benefit on November 11

The Life of Joy Foundation, Inc. will be holding its 3rd annual Songs of Hope Benefit event for Suicide Prevention and Holistic Mental Health on Saturday, November 11th at The Church at Severn Run at 8187 Telegraph Road in Severn. Doors open for the faith-based benefit at 5 pm for visiting with resources and other activities and the concert program begins at 6 pm. There will be music by the Life of Joy Band and others and much more. For more information, visit 3rd Annual Songs of Hope | 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.

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

After a week marred by terrorism so brutal it caught everyone’s attention, it was heartening to find the community carrying on. A trio of weekend events provided a sense of normalcy as friends came together in different ways.

Historic Baldwin Hall came alive with melodic four-part barbershop harmonies on Sunday, October 15 as Chesapeake Harmony Chorus presented their program of popular songs called “Music through the Decades”.

For the first half of the concert representing the 20th Century, chorus members appeared onstage in costumes ranging from 1920’s flapper dresses to music director Sally Burton’s modest 1940’s dress and Mary Beth Whisman’s “Rosy The Riveter” getup, and from 1950’s poodle skirts to the 1960’s/70’s “psychedelic flower child” garb worn by members of The Bearfoot Quartet.

According to Burton, the program was put together just for the fun of performing the songs for the community but there was also a more serious purpose.

“Chesapeake Harmony Chorus is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the musical art form of a capella harmony in the barbershop style, through education, competition, performance and community outreach” she said.  “The funds we raise from the show help offset our expenses for coaches, costumes, music, and fees associated with being a local chapter of Sweet Adelines International.” 

CHC members love any opportunity to appear on the Historic Baldwin Hall stage. The hall has served as the base and rehearsal space for the singers who come from Edgewater, Annapolis, Crownsville, Severna Park and the surrounding area. So it was with pleasure that they began the concert with the number “Overture, Curtains, Lights – This Is IT!”

Then, wearing her Vietnam era nurse’s uniform, Marge McGugan, the first of five narrators, stepped forward to give a little background about the next song performed. Written in 1939 by English songwriters Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, the song “We’ll Meet Again” became one of the most famous from the Second World War era.

As the concert proceeded there would be four other narrators or emcees providing pertinent information about the song or songs being performed. They included Marjorie Rawhouser, Peggy Coulter, Carol Gass and Lisa Freeman.

CHC chose the tune “New Orleans” from the movie of the same name starring Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday to represent The Jazz Age.

The chorus next segued into a group of tunes from 1950’s-1960’s. The first, “Unchained Melody” was written for a prison film in 1955. The second, “Getting To Know You” was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1951 for the Broadway musical “The King and I”. The third, “Consider Yourself”, written for the West End and Broadway musical “Oliver” in 1960 is a particular favorite of CHC and is often sung to welcome new chorus members. In fact, there were three new members making their first appearance with the group.

A highlight of the program was the chorus’ splendid rendition of the Beatles’ 1964 hit “Eight Days a Week” which received a round of applause.

A second highlight of the concert was the appearance of CHC’s award winning Bearfoot Quartet doing a medley of mid-1960’s hits from the The Mamas and The Papas. Looking stunning in their psychedelic threads, singers Patti Platt, Eileen Robinson, Peggy Coulter, and Mindy Cassel sang the folk rock vocal group’s wildly popular “Monday Monday”, and “California Dreamin'” as well as Cass Elliott’s hit single “Dream a Little Dream of Me”.

During an intermission when Halloween-themed goodies were available and raffle tickets sold, the entire chorus retired to a backstage area for a costume change.

Narrator Carol Ann Trembley Gass then reappeared to introduce Chesapeake Harmony Chorus’ second and newest quartet, 2nd Star with Cathy White singing baritone, Sally Burton singing tenor, Lynda Walsh the lead, and Mary Beth Whisman singing bass.

2nd Star performed the song “Cheer Up Charlie” from the 1971 movie musical “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and the 1983 hit “And So It Goes” written and recorded by Billy Joel.

Wearing electric blue and black ensembles topped by their own version of the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the chorus returned to the stage for a rousing rendition of “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen from 1985. Then, moving into the 21st century, they performed “How Far I’ll Go / Go The Distance” from Disney’s 2016 animated musical film “Moanna” and the pop song “Never Gonna Let You Down” by Colbie Caillat.

Ending as they began with a mid-20th century show tune, “So Long, Farewell, Goodbye” from “The Sound of Music”, the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Following the concert, chorus members mingled with friends and admirers. A chat with Sally Burton revealed that CHC has several performances coming up soon. They’ll be at the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist being held this Saturday (Oct.21) in Millersville. They are also heavy into preparations for their Christmas concerts. Stay tuned by visiting https://www.chesapeakeharmony.org/.

Support for Israel rally on a Severna Park sidewalk

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks and bombings in Israel, we received a tip that a rally in support of the country had been planned for last Friday, October 14th at 5 pm at Severna Park High School. We were curious, drove over, and spotted a small but serious gathering of neighbors being filmed by a crew from WMAR TV. We approached from further down the sidewalk.

We reached the group just as Cape Arthur neighbors Lauren Garber and Julie Jeffers were being interviewed by a WMAR reporter. Both women held signs showing support for Israel.

We learned that the rally had been organized very quickly by Lauren Garber.

“When I saw the absolutely horrible things that happened, I felt we should do something,” she said. “Thinking about it, I remembered that, after 911, the President called for a Moment of Silence on a Friday at 6 pm which most everyone observed. I was inspired to do something similar.”

Garber, who is not Jewish felt so terrible that she contacted to her neighbor Julie Jeffers who is Jewish and was eager to help. Both women reached out on Tuesday on Facebook and Instagram to publicize the rally and many people were supportive. However, they didn’t all come out.

“I believe that, like others, they were frightened to say what they think which is so sad,” said Garber.

Further down the sidewalk, we saw Lauren’s father Joel Garber holding an America Stands with Israel sign amidst several American flag waving friends. He credited his daughter for putting the rally together and getting WMAR interested.

Committed to being out for the evening, we missed seeing the broadcast but understand that it aired along with a piece filmed in Baltimore showing a protest rally from the Palestinian point of view.

Halloween movie magic in Park Plaza parking lot

Later, after making a right turn off B & A Boulevard into Park Plaza, we discovered a wonderful free Halloween movie event taking place in the parking lot courtesy of Jody Buck who is opening a Jody Buck Real Estate office in Millersville as a team leader for Key Group of America Realtors.

The bring-your-own lawn chair event drew a crowd of parents, grandparents and children spread in a kind of semicircle around the screen to view the movie “Hotel Transylvania”.

Some of the smaller kids, sitting on blankets with snacks spread out before them, were totally engrossed in the film. Though not a Halloween “thriller” but an animated film featuring Count Dracula, it appeared to be very entertaining.

On the far side of the parking lot we caught up with Jody Buck by the popcorn machine and Halloween candy bag table.

“I’m a lifelong Severna Park resident and I wanted to do something nice for my community while simultaneously celebrating the fact that I’m opening a real estate office in Millersville,” Buck said.

Judging by the turnout, quite a lot of people were wishing her well.

SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist this Saturday

A reminder that the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s SHOPTOBERFEST with a trick or treat twist will take place this Saturday, October 2l from 11 am to 3 pm in the parking lot of Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club at 8514 Veterans Highway in Millersville.

Approximately 46 vendors and organizations will be participating and there will be games, entertainment and a costume contest for kids.

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.

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

Finding the last parking spot open at Cafe Mezzanotte was not easy but what could be more inviting for music and art lovers than the picture-perfect setting of the restaurant’s courtyard and gardens for the 3rd Annual Art In The Park. The mild breezes, pulsing beat of live music and tantalizing aromas rising from outdoor grills hinted at what lay ahead for attendees.

This year’s event was produced by the Severna Park Voice and was held as a benefit for Providence of Maryland with tickets just $25 per person. There was much to see and do. Art from local shops and galleries stretched out along the sidewalks on three sides of the courtyard.

On the fourth side, a Wine Garden and Courtyard Bar were busy throughout the afternoon and served as popular gathering places. Dress for Art In The Park was warm weather casual. Now and then, however, you’d see a woman wearing a picnic-pretty sundress for a touch of class or a gent wearing a traditional straw boater hat.

We met pottery studio manager Joan Brady and Gene Henschel, a professional ceramic artist who teaches some of the pottery classes. They said, in addition to pottery classes, there are Paint Your Own Pottery Parties and other activities to participate in. Check them out at Pottery Studio in Anne Arundel County | Providence of Maryland.

Nearby, we bumped into an entire table of folks from Providence of Maryland, some of whom we already knew. They included Karen Adams-Gilchrist, Providence’s President and CEO, Aimee Bullen, VP of Community Relations and Development, Jackie Harris-Harrell, VP of Human Resources, Robb Harrell (not facing camera), Shane George and Kristina George, the Director Quality Enhancement.

They all said they’d been surprised and delighted that Art In The Park had been designated a benefit for Providence of Maryland.

On the way to the opposite side of the courtyard, we could not possibly have missed the charming Courtyard Kitchen being run by Cafe Mezzanotte owner Tommie Koukoulis and his marvelous cadre of chefs, kitchen staff, and waiters.

Adams-Gilchrist explained a bit about how Providence of Maryland serves the community. She noted that Providence’s work begins with finding out what every single individual they serve would like for their lives. Providence tries to help them achieve that.

“It could be a job, a skill or a social activity. It could be all of that and even more,” she said.

We spoke with Amy Bullen before leaving who expressed the organization’s thanks.

“Our work would not be possible without community partners like Café Mezzanotte and the Severna Park Voice and we were so honored to be a beneficiary of this year’s Art in the Park event,” she said.  

Adams-Gilchrist, Bullen and the Providence staff are looking forward to holding their 9th Annual Harvest Fest this Saturday, October 14th at 7 pm. For information, visit Providence of Maryland | Home.

SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist on Saturday, October 21

SHOPTOBERFEST, a Shop Local extravaganza with a trick or treat theme will be held at a new location this year. The fun event will take place on Saturday, October 21 at the parking lot of the Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club at 8514 Veterans Highway in Millersville from 11 am until 3 pm.

Organized by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce, the event will have Trick or Treating with lots of goodies at each vendor booth – possibly served up by characters like last year’s Serve Pro witch.

There will be shopping, games, music and entertainment, a costume contest and a photo booth. For information, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.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 now offering a homeschool Kung Fu class and 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.

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

Looking down on the parking lot and grounds of the Severna Park Community Center where the much-anticipated Fall Festival was in full swing, we were immediately drawn to an impromptu hula hoop contest near the building’s main entrance.

An important swim meet was simultaneously taking place in the community center’s indoor pool, so we weren’t surprised to see some swimmers taking part between competitions.

Along the same side of the parking lot, there were a number of tables dressed in checkered tablecloths in autumn hues that were occupied by attendees decorating their own pumpkins. (Among them were Naisby and Eric Camponeshi and baby daughter Margaret and Tabitha and Knox Crum with son Chris who are seen in the opening photo.)

Crossing the parking lot, we met community center executive director Sarah Elder who told us the Fall Festival was made possible by sponsors KMA Law Offices and the Jean Andrews & Christine Joyce Team of Long & Foster Real Estate. She was pleased with how things were going.

“It’s a perfectly beautiful day for the Festival,” she said. “We have the Hotdog Hideout Food Truck here and several outdoor vendors. We also have indoor vendors in both the community center and in Boone Station Hall. In addition to a performance by the Dance Center of Severna Park’s Star Elite Dancers, we have Twinkle Toes doing balloon animals and we’re holding a hippity hop contest. There are raffle tickets available to win a large wheeled Yeti filled with beverages from Fishpaw’s MarketPlace. Most astonishing, we had 100 pumpkins to decorate, and they were gone with an hour.”

We did indeed notice the Hotdog Hideout Food Truck and bright red tent containing every condiment a hot dog lover could wish for.

While visiting the outdoor vendors, we ran into a few familiar faces we knew from the Severna Park Farmers Market. It was fun to see market regulars Ashley Gibbs, son Logan, daughter Everly and husband Chris from Evie & Park. The family was selling the cleverly designed handcrafted candles they are known for.

Equally familiar to us from the farmer’s market was Amy Heath from Hip, Mod Vintage who was showing a tray of beautifully repurposed vintage rings, including one with a rare purple turquoise gemstone, to customer Sheila Berar. Heath was also selling trendy, repurposed jeans jackets and other items made by her designer daughter Ellie who also owns Three Blue Bunnies. Just minutes later, Mickaela McRae and daughter Rosalyn were examining rings in the same tray shown to Berar.

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The final vendor we visited outdoors was Darrin Enlow’s Turtles and Tides which primarily featured casual wear, much of it with a surfside theme that was appealing to teens.

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The indoor vendors inside the community center ranged from those selling warmers, magnets or medicines to sweet treats like those from Buttercream by Chrissy being sold by Chrissy Venditti’s cottage food bakery run from her very own kitchen.

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The vendor space at Boone Station Hall was set up similarly with a range of products being sold. Just inside the door, CW Pies owner Natalie Ogilvie Watkins posted a welcome sign. Though small, the mini tarts she offered mimicked full-sized fruit filled pies with latticed toppings. Elsewhere products ranged from glassware to bird houses.

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Performances by Joe Gromsic and Scott Voorhees were icing on the cake for the event.

Severna Park Community Center’s Fall Festival was lovely but there is more to come. A Trunk or Treat event is planned for later.

Wellness Business Connections Group meeting ever so social at The Social

We’ll confess that hearing Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League talk about the organization’s Wellness Business Connections Group roused our curiosity. So we ventured to The Social at Magothy Gateway Shopping Center. We’d heard the meetings, held from 4:30 to 6 pm, were casual with members coming and going as their schedules demanded.

We arrived early and found the first five members already seated and engaged in cordial conversation at a long table. They included Lisa Manning from Trillium Wellness, Amy Smith from Be Balanced Natural Weight Loss Centers, Carrie Chojnowski from Thrive 4 Life Holistic Health, Joan Huke who’s a Senior Director for LegalShield, Courtney Capece from Committed Change Health & Wellness and Jill Weissenbach from Higgins & Friends Pet Sitting. Before long, Nancy Greer from Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi drifted in while Joan Huke temporarily left for a phone conference.

From her seat next to Weissenbach, Manning would lead the meeting, but the first few minutes were given over to socializing.

Manning mentioned that Wellness Business Connections is one of the chamber networking groups formed by a collaboration of health-related companies prior to the COVID outbreak and originally had about 40 members.

“We all came together because we wanted to facilitate using complimentary natural medicines along with regular Western medicines,” she said. “Unfortunately, the pandemic saw membership numbers shrink but, luckily, they have rebounded to about half that number.

Carrie Chojnowski, Amy Smith and Courtney Capece had a great time catching up with each other and trading information about their closely related businesses. Carrie and Amy especially enjoyed hearing about Courtney’s recent appearance as a runway model during the Bohemian Black Festival.

A waiter came by to take food or drink orders just as Huke rejoined the table. Then Manning called the meeting to order and gave each member a chance to call attention to their particular services.

Smith spoke first noting that Be Balanced helps men and women who are fighting hormonal changes balance their weight. Chojnowski said she is a holistic practitioner and a certified health coach for Thrive 4 Life. She is particularly skilled at helping people with their gut health which is the root of a lot of obesity and health issues.

Huke spoke next about her position with 51-year-old company LegalShield which offers families and businesses access to top law firms throughout the country 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Among the services for which they are most noted are wills and living wills and, particularly important in today’s world, regular or medical identity theft. She noted that their work also focuses on other health-related issues including accident injuries.

Capece described herself as a certified integrated nutritional health and wellness coach for Committed Change. She said her work is similar to Chojnowski’s but she is focused primarly on parents or caregivers who are stressed and overwhelmed by their every-day duties.

Some people, in what she refers to as “the sandwich generation”, are raising children while caring for parents and have literally no time left to take care of themselves. They are susceptible to feelings of guilt or isolation and weight gain or illness. She finds ways for them to slow down and do something important to them. She’ll also occasionally refer then to Smith or Chojnowski and vice versa.

Weissenbach emphasized that her link to the wellness group relates to the health of the animals Higgins & Friends cares for.

“I kind of take care of a lot of special needs animals so I identify with these folks,” she said. “I’m a vet tech and I specialize in cats, some of which are sick or have kidney issues.”

Manning and Trillium Wellness partner Carol Heckman bring different skill sets to the art and science of healing. Manning is a craniosacral therapy and biofeedback specialist while Heckman, an RN for 30 years, provides integrative nourishment to balance the body. They are focused on bringing relief to patients who are emotionally overwhelmed.

Nancy Greer, owner of Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi was one of the first businesses to join the Wellness Business Connections Group. Thanks to Greer, the benefits of the institute’s martial arts programs were well known to the group.

She notes thatTai chi is widely known to build bone density, reduce stress and alleviates symptoms of arthritis. A myriad of other health benefits includes improving balance which is particularly important for seniors.

However, Greer also wanted to invite the members to join Jing Ying students on Sunday, October 22 as they “Kick Alzheimer’s to the Curb” by participating in the Walk To End Alzheimers at Sandy Point State Park.

“My mother died of Alzheimer’s and the day following her funeral, our team participated in the Walk and was a top team fundraiser,” Greer said.

To see more details, make a donation, or join the team visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org).

Smith had to leave the meeting early but just then Joy Cortina from the Life of Joy Foundation joined the group. After greeting everyone, she told them about the “Songs of Hope Benefit for Suicide Prevention & Holistic Mental Health planned for Saturday, November 11th at The Church At Severn Run at 6 pm. For details, see Life of Joy Foundation, Inc.

As we left the meeting, the women were still enjoying each other’s company. For more information about the businesses in the Wellness Business Connections Group, visit Wellness Business Connections | Facebook.

Save the date for SHOPTOBERFEST Trick or Treat with a Twist at new location Oct 21st

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual SHOPTOBERFEST Trick or Treat with a Twist event from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, October 21st but at a new location this year. Well sponsored this year, we understand it will be held at the Severna Park Racquetball Club & Fitness Club in Millersville. We’ll have more details next week.

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 now offering a homeschool Kung Fu class and 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.