Month: October 2025

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

The sidewalks, parking lot and courtyard fairly swarmed with pint-sized pirates, princesses and poltergeists as Severna Park Community Center’s Halloween Spooktacular kicked into gear on October 25th. Adults were plentiful too, drawn to the annual event by its three-fold nature. With free games and children’s activities, entertainment and food and beverages, the Halloween Spooktacular is quite an attraction.

Integral to the Halloween Spooktacular is a well-established Trunk or Treat tradition that draws more than a dozen entries each year. A third element that takes place later in the evening is the Spooky Splash, a ticketed extravaganza that transforms the community center’s main pool into an enchanted lagoon.

Entering the event from the entrance opposite Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, the wizened witch and Little Red Riding Hood wondered what to do first but soon left the bear and tiger behind and followed the crowd.

They ended up at the event’s most popular draw, moving to the back of the line for a chance to shoot arrows at each other at the Dodge Arrows Annapolis game.

Further down the makeshift midway, Spooktacular attendees could whet their whistle at the Moveable Mixtures bar or grab a bite to eat at the Breaking the Borders food truck.

Candy was everywhere. Well before the witching hour, Jing Ying Institute’s Nancy Greer donned her costume and was practicing her cackle. She’d perfected it 100% by the time trick or treaters came by. But they weren’t frightened by the witch in the least. They liked the cackle and dipped into her urn of candy with glee.

Whether strictly for fun, or as walking billboards for businesses, nearly 20 Trunk or Treat creations vied for the crowds’ attention.

With Rex the bright green dragon dancing to the “Toy Story” soundtrack along with Woody the cowboy, it’s no wonder the Trunk or Treat entry seen below was such a hit.

Scouting was ingeniously represented by a trio of volunteers. Sidney, the skeletal Boy Scout in the middle, did his part to encourage girls and boys, K-12, to join the scouts. His human counterparts pitched in to hand out the Halloween candy.

For businesses associated with or based at the community center, publicizing them by designing an eye-catching trunk comes naturally. Both the Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center and Theater in the Park have had Trunk or Treat displays for several consecutive years.

The Star Elite dancers who usually hand out candy at The Dance Center’s Halloween entries were across the way performing a dance routine in the courtyard when the photo above was taken. Meantime, Theater in the Park’s founder/director Jennifer Lee Kraus and daughter/co-director Kylie Sjoie teamed up for double impact while highlighting the theme of their next show “Betelgeuse”. The show is already in the works but will not debut until January.

As the sponsor for this year’s Halloween Spooktacular, KMA Law Office had a big presence at the event with a spooky Trunk or Treat display that consistently drew crowds. In addition to numerous skeletons highlighting a graveyard with tombstones, there was a gigantic chair that kids loved climbing into. We couldn’t figure out what the chair represented. Was it meant to be a primitive electric chair?

The ghostly Services from the Heart, Backpack Buddies program pirate ship garnered interest and contributions from the crowd. The psychedelic display next to it dazzled Spooktacular visitors’ eyes.

Last but not least, the annual Halloween Spooktacular would not be complete without the Severna Park Elks setting up on the sidewalk for their autumn Apple and Cider Sale.

Holiday events will be next on Severna Park Community Center’s agenda starting with a Holiday Pop-Up Shop on November 14th. There are six more to come. To keep abreast of holiday events, visit Home – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).

A further update on the Arnold community’s efforts to block proposed Chick-fil-A

We’ve received new information from Arnold Preservation Council director Elizabeth Rosborg. We quote her directly,

“Public Hearings Dates before the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals  have been added since we have had an awesome turn out for testimony. December 2nd and December 4th will be Public Comment,” Rosborg said.

“I know of 11 people who want to speak, so we might have to add even more. Please keep showing up and telling the board your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. That is the great news, the not-so-great news is, each hearing date cost us about $1000 and we are out of funds. You have been very generous supporting this appeal and it is so appreciated. If you and anyone you know who supports our appeal can help defray the costs, here is the link to the Go Fund Me.  If you prefer to donate another way, please reply to this email.”

Jing Ying Institute to celebrate 25th Anniversary on November 15th

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi owners Nancy and Billy Greer invite the community to join them in celebrating the school’s 25th Anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, November 15 from 10 am to 2 pm. Throughout the morning from 10 am till 12:30 there will be mini classes for both Tai Chi and Kung Fu. Thereafter, attendees may enjoy some light refreshments, receive a packet of tea, and enter the door prize and raffle drawings. At 1 pm, the ribbon cutting and presentation of citations from officials will take place including a very special recognition.

Students should register as soon as possible for the event, so the school knows how many goodie bags to prepare. Register in advance, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a prize. To register go to: https://cp.mystudio.io/e/?=JingYing/3031/753373//1761191365.

AAUW Book 2025 Book Sale scheduled for November 6th thru November 9th

The Association of University Women (AAUW Anne Arundel) will be holding its much-anticipated 2025 Book Sale from Thursday, November 6 thru Sunday, November 9 at Chesapeake Square, 6714 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Md.

As usual, the Public Pre-Sale (primarily attended by dealers) will be held November 6 from 8 to 10 am (with an entrance fee of $40 for the pre-sale only).

Otherwise, there will be no entrance fee. Scheduled hours are as follows:

Nov. 6 & 7 – open from 10 am to 7 pm

Nov. 8 – open 9 am to 7 pm

Nov. 9 – open 9 am to 3 pm

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. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

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

It’s not often that the celebration for an anniversary kicks off at 6:30 am. Yet, that is exactly what happened as the Severna Park Community Center opened its doors to the public for a 30th Anniversary Open House from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm that culminated in a Birthday Party with a fabulous cake and cupcakes.

As was fitting for the anniversary kick-off and other autumn events, the community center was decked out with straw bales, fodder shocks and pumpkins at every entrance. According to SPCC’s executive director Sarah Elder, the Open House went very well all day long.

She noted that attendees were welcome to visit the Edward St. John Fitness Center with its Weight/Cardio gym equipment, the Aquatics Center with its Main Pool and Therapy Pool, and several meeting rooms on the main floor and The Dance Center studios and Andy Borland Gymnasium on the lower floor.

“We had free activities visitors could participate in, giveaways every hour, and we offered a 30% off sale for passes to all programs,” Elder said. “People dropped by throughout the Open House just to thank us for being here.”

The day’s activities were sponsored by board member Betty Batty’s Hello Home of Compass and culminated with a free “birthday party” on the center’s patio which looked beautiful in the setting sun. Sarah Elder assumed the role of hostess for the party and, clad in her special 30th Anniversary apron, greeted guests as they entered the celebration.

As they entered the patio, guests were serenaded by musician Reagan Keys who will be coming on board as an instructor for Bach to Rock Severna Park, the music school located at 454 Ritchie Highway near Aldi.

Bach to Rock’s new director George Evans attended the birthday party as well and was introduced to us by Elder.

Well-known in the area as a musician and entertainment manager, Evans is impressed with what the school has to offer.

“We offer private lessons for everything from guitar, bass, drums and other band and orchestral instruments to classes focused on music production,” he said.

We arrived at the all-important table featuring the birthday cake that is seen in the opening photo just in time for the singing of Happy Birthday. Ready to hand out cake and cupcakes were SPCC development director Amy Holbrook and board members Chelsea Goodman, Jessica Verde, Joan Tiernan, and Betty Batty.

The cake and cupcakes were yummy and very much enjoyed.

Meandering on, we stopped to trade a few words with Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s senior pastor J. C. Austin and Bob Royer when who should pop up but Bob’s wife Karen Royer carrying two heavy watering cans. An avid gardener, Karen is a member of the Woods Church Gardeners, the Good Neighbors Group’s Rogue Gardeners and the Severn Park Community Center Gardeners. Before enjoying a cupcake, she was determined to visit each of the center’s gardens to give the thirsty plants a drink.

Karen is part of a tribe of native plant gardeners led by garden designer Allison Milligan and including Julie Shay, Susan Minnemeyer and Susan Sache.

Before leaving, we spoke with Elder once more who reminded us that one of the community center’s premier events, the Halloween Spooktacular and Trunk or Treat event will take place this Friday, October 24th from 5 to 8 pm. There will be numerous children’s activities as well as food and beverage treats. Also, this Friday but a bit earlier, SPCC’s main pool will be open from 6:45 to 7:45 pm for Spooky Splash with a DJ and enchanted lagoon. For more information, visit Events from October 23 – December 12 – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).

Hearing on Arnold residents’ appeal against Chick -fil-A -set for December 2nd

The latest update to our September 25th column about Arnold residents’ efforts to stop a Chick-fil-A drive-thru from being built is that another hearing before the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals is scheduled for December 2nd.

We also are aware of a CBS Baltimore affiliate news report by Caroline Foreback that aired on October 16th about the Arnold community’s push-back against the proposed Chick-fil-A. We were sent a link to a video of the report by Arnold Preservation Council director Elizabeth Rosborg (who appears being interviewed by Foreback along with Arnold resident Joe Noble) which is below.

https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/video/residents-in-anne-arundel-community-push-back-against-proposed-chick-fil-a/

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus at Baldwin Hall this Sunday, October 26

The sound of music will once again echo from the stage at Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville as Chesapeake Harmony Chorus presents Musical Journey featuring songs from around the world. Featured, in addition to the chorus, will be the Bearfoot Quartet, the 2nd Star Quartet, and the Moscato Quartet. There will also be delicious foods to sample from around the world. Tickets are available online at Chesapeake Harmony Chorus or at the door.

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 whilereducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

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

An unexpectedly fine fall day, a miniature city of colorful tents on the Park Plaza parking lot, and a host of costumed children carrying bags of candy could mean only one thing. SHOPTBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist was happening. The annual event hosted by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce has become one of Anne Arundel County’s largest Shop Local events.

According to Chamber CEO Liz League, the number of SHOPTOBERFEST vendors grew substantially from past years. (We counted more than forty before losing track.) Not only had the number of families attending the event increased but the number of dedicated shoppers had also increased. League, in fact, deemed the turnout “terrific”.

Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services owners Winsome Brown and Danielle Morgan Brown observed that their booth had been busy. They and staff members Mia and Mikayla Alexander spent the day talking with visitors. Having already given out all but one of the attractive bags embellished with their company’s logo, they began to worry if the candy supply would hold out.

Since Lean On Dee was once again a SHOPTOBERFEST Gold Sponsor, Danielle stepped up to be a first-time judge for the Kids’ Costume Contest. She later mentioned to County Council member Amanda Fiedler that she found the experience fun.

Music is always a wonderful part of all of the Chamber’s Shop Local events. For SHOPTOBERFEST, attendees were treated to recorded music from DJ Michael K as well as live music from several groups. We very much enjoyed listening to a tuneful trio from the cast of The Children’s Theatre of Annapolis production of “West Side Story” singing a lovely rendition of “I Feel Pretty”.

CottonWood in the Park owner Julie Antinucci used her “witching ways” to conjure up a display reminding us that the textile arts are alive and well in Severna Park. The store has done so well during its first year of operation that Julie and husband D.J. expanded their space at 548 Benfield Road to include a separate classroom for their popular adult and children’s sewing classes. The couple would be celebrating CottonWood’s one-year anniversary the following day, October 12th.

Meanwhile, drumbeats echoing from the SHOPTOBERFEST performance space alerted us to the fact that it was time for a demonstration by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi. In addition to the ever-popular Lion Dance and martial arts and self-defense demonstrations, the crowd was treated to a masterful Tai Chi sword demonstration by “shifu” Billy Greer. Greer was wearing a Chinese Ming Dynasty HanFu uniform he was given while serving as an official for the US Challenge Tournament.

Once again Gold Sponsors for SHOPTOBERFEST, Billy and Nancy Greer announced that Jing Ying Institute will be hosting an Open House in celebration of the Arnold-based school’s 25th Anniversary on November 15.

Quentin Oliver was a busy greeting SHOPTOBERFEST attendees at the Atlantic Blue Water Service’s tent. Not only was Oliver handing out candy for the children, but he was also offering free water testing to those signing up for it. He was also raffling off an under-kitchen-sink water filtering system.

Mathnasium, located in Park Plaza, always takes part in SHOPTOBERFEST and other Shop Local events so we’ve seen them many times. But this year, we made time to chat with lead instructor Rachel Graves and learned that the tutoring center helps students K-12 make sense of math and make it interesting for them.

“We believe we can change lives through math,” Graves said. “We generally teach 150 to 200 kids a week.

We had great fun visiting the Thrifter Chicks tent where “good witch” Heather McPhee and her sister Maria Carlton were showcasing some of their smart sustainable style clothing and pieces of China including a wonderful vintage turkey platter. We chatted with McPhee while Carlton was picking out a vintage dress for a customer. We discovered they are located with Local By Design at The Gallery at 1818 Margaret Drive in Annapolis.

“We love being part of the Design District off Chinquapin & West Street where the warehouses are for working artists and designers,” McPhee said.

She also introduced us to her daughter Vivian who was just back from winning the children’s costume contest. She then pointed out a whole rack of Halloween costumes in one corner – just a few of those that the Thrifter Chicks had been giving to children for free.

Gotta Have HeART Art Studio owners Christine Martel and Jennifer MacRobbie (seen below) invited SHOPTOBERFEST attendees to come to their Paint a Pumpkin Party.

There were two tables and a wheelbarrow of pumpkins for pumpkin painters to use. We learned from Jennifer MacRobie that the studio, which is located at Park Plaza, offers inspiring art classes and creative programs for all ages.

Lastly, with such an elegant and classy image of Fred Astaire to draw the eye, how could we resist visiting the Fred Astaire Dance Studio tent where instructors Alex and Ashley greeted us. Visitors to the tent were encouraged to sign up for a chance to win a free dance lesson.

With four dozen vendors to check out, we weren’t even able to get to the booths of some of our favorite businesses like Kwon’s Tae Kwando, Fieldstone Animal Inn and Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery. We noted, however, that the flow of shoppers from booth to booth was excellent.

Liz League felt that this year’s event was a huge success and reminded us that the Chamber still has lots of community activities to enjoy – especially as the holidays approach. It’s easiest to follow them at Facebook.

Severna Park Community Center kicks off 30th Anniversary Celebration

Severna Park Community Center invites the public to join them this Friday (October 17) in celebrating 30 years with an Open House from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. There will be giveaways, free activities throughout the day and a Birthday Party on the Patio from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

Admiral Cleaners’ Call for Coats

Admiral Cleaners is organizing a coat drive to collect, clean and distribute thousands of coats to those in need throughout October and November with the support of local charities.

Families can donate their seldom used or outgrown coats by dropping them off at any of four Admirals Cleaners locations. For the location nearest you, visit Admiral Cleaners: Professional Dry Cleaning & Laundry or call 410-267-8381.

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 whilereducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

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

Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (Bike AAA) president Jon Korin enjoys pointing out the host of positive developments for area riders that the organization is responsible for. He and Sandy Bishop, manager for Bike AAA’s Cycling Without Age program, were eager to discuss some of those achievements.

The pair were fresh from being heavily involved in this year’s Lifeline 100 Century Ride on October 5th. The event was hosted by Bike AAA in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation & Parks. In fact, Korin was wearing the Lifeline 100 t-shirt issued to each participant in the ride..

It was only fitting that Korin and Bishop met me over coffee at Tom Caraker Plaza behind The Big Bean Coffee Shop. The late Caraker, best known as “The Mayor of the B&A Trail” and prominent Trailblazers member, had been one of Lifeline 100’s most ardent supporters. (The sign for the 2025 event was still posted as can be seen in the opening photo. Korin and Bishop also wanted to show off the sign honoring their friend Tom Caraker.)

The plaza is popular no matter what the weather. It’s a great place for trail users to stop for a breather and a bottle of water or an icy beverage from The Big Bean in the summer or a cup of hot coffee or cocoa in the cooler months. Food is available from the shops behind Tom Caraker Plaza as well.

According to Korin, Bike AAA’s mission is pretty much the same today as when it was launched in January of 2013, originally as a project of Leadership Anne Arundel.

“We are an all-volunteer 501C3 with the mission to promote safe cycling for transportation, recreation and fitness for people of all ages and all abilities,” he said. “We do that by advocating for more safe places to ride, better laws that protect people who are traveling outside of a vehicle be it on foot, bicycle, scooter, assisted device, scooter or other means – vulnerable road users as they’re called.”

Bike AAA has developed a variety of programs that promote cycling and safety for every age and ability.

Wheels of Hope is a bicycle refurbishment program. Volunteers collect and fix donated used bicycles of all kinds for men, women and children of all ages. Once refurbished, the program provides the bikes back to the community to people who rely on them and might not otherwise have a bike.

“A majority of our adult bikes go to people in substance abuse programs who, typically, are unable to drive. Yet, they need to get around in order to get to a job interview or a job, to attend an AA meeting, or get wherever they need to go,” Korin said.

Each bike Wheels of Hope restores and donates goes out with a helmet, bike lock and light. The program delivers hundreds of bikes a year all over Anne Arundel County through counsellors and recovery programs. They also work with a variety of partners connected with underserved youth and provide bikes to summer camps in the Annapolis area. At holiday time, Wheels of Hope provides children’s bikes to many organizations.

Another important program is Cycling Without Age. Sandy Bishop discovered an already existing Cycling Without Age program while searching for an adaptive bike for one of her daughters who rides a bike to work.

“We found that the program had been started for seniors with mobility issues in Copenhagen in 2012 and reached Wisconsin in the United States in 2014. But there wasn’t such a program here,” she said. “I met with Jon Korin and asked if Bike AAA would support such an initiative and he said yes.”

From there, it was a matter of making connections within the community for Bishop. The first connection she made through the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce was with Sunrise Assisted Living’s executive director who, German by birth, was familiar with cycling and fully embraced having a Cycling Without Age program. Sunrise subsequently provided a location for storage of the program’s equipment.

“We, in turn, offer rides to Sunrise residents and really to anyone in the community. In addition, we offer them to residents of Spring Arbor, Brightview, The Sheridan and Heartlands,” she noted.

Now in its third year of operation, Cycling Without Age provides rides for seniors with mobility limitations or dementia patients and typically uses the B &A Trail. From pick-up to drop off the rides last an hour and the passengers love it.

The program uses three adaptive trishaw bikes that have seats in front with good visibility for passengers while a pilot operates the bike from the back. All the pilots are Bike AAA volunteers. A few have been high school students. However, most pilots are 50 or 60 years of age, and one is 83. The trishaws are electric assist and are designed to be easy to ride but they require a little bit of height to see over the canopy.

Bishop arrived for our meeting at Tom Caraker Plaza peddling her own personal cargo bike which she regularly uses, among other things, for transporting tools or equipment and for shopping.

Bike AAA also runs various bike events, the biggest being Sunday’s Lifeline 100 Century Ride which was a great success. The annual fundraiser for people of all ages and abilities includes rides of various lengths and types including trail rides and children’s rides. There is also a special bike rodeo for kids.

“It’s a really wonderful charity event with all proceeds going to local non-profits,” Korin noted. “From 2014 on, we’ve generated over $400,000 for the non-profits choosing five or six different ones each year.”

Bike AAA even offers local charities the opportunity to use the event as a fundraising platform for their own organizations (with everything already taken care of from routes and food to permitting and bike techs.)

As bike safety advocates, Korin and Bike AAA representatives meet with multiple levels of local and state governments working to get bills passed. Though they’re advocating for cyclists, they are, as importantly, advocating for pedestrians too.

Both Bishop and Korin have been pleased to see Anne Arundel County making progress in creating safer conditions for cyclists. They established a Bike Advisory Commission in 2015 and, where there were no bike lanes on roadways before, there now are some and hopefully will be more. They’ve even created traffic-free Bike Safety Parks where children can learn and practice safe riding techniques.

Lastly, the county has created a system of trails that are safe for riders. They include:

The B & A Trail running 13 miles from Annapolis to Glen Burnie over the former route of the Annapolis and Baltimore Short Line Railroad.

The WB&A Trail running 13 miles from Odenton to Lanham over the former route of the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Electric Railway.

The still-being-completed Broadneck Trail starting at Anne Arundel Community College and running all the way from Cape St. Claire to Sandy Point State Park.

The newest South Shore Trail being built from Annapolis through Crownsville to the WB&A Trail in Odenton.

As we concluded our meeting, Bishop and Korin reiterated that Bike AAA hopes to persuade more people to leave the car home and bike to where they need to go for obvious reasons. It’s good for the environment, good for easing congestion, good for health and a good way to save money.

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 whilereducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

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

The Park Hardware/Zeskind’s 100th Anniversary celebration began early in the morning on September 20th. The atmosphere both inside the store and outside on the parking lot was welcoming and shoppers arriving by 8 am were treated to a Glazey Day donut.

Honoring the company’s 100 years in hardware, September 20th was also the day customers could redeem Park Bucks they’d earned. For every $1 spent between August 1 and September 19, shoppers earned $10 in Park Bucks. Thus, there was an air of expectation.

A string of events was scheduled throughout the day including a Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony. Chamber CEO Liz League officiated introducing three generations of the family business including third-generation owners Rick Miller, Sr. and wife Deborah, fourth-generation owner Rick Miller, Jr., his wife Joannie, daughter Chloe and son Jax. Chloe officially became a fifth-generation member of the family business when she joined the Park Hardware/Zeskind’s staff earlier this year.

League and the Millers reflected that the family business was started in 1925 by Rick’s grandfather and grandmother Sam and Rose Zeskind at the corner of McHenry and Payson Streets in Baltimore. Rick, Sr. grew up working with his grandfather at that store and, in 1973, he and wife Deborah bought the store from Sam.

Like his father, Rick Miller, Jr. worked at Zeskind’s from the time he was 13. Later he became its vice-president with a 50% ownership, grew the business and completed a buyout of Zeskind’s in 2019, opening a showroom in Arnold. In April of 2023, Miller arranged to buy Clement Hardware from Gordon Clement renaming the store Park Hardware and folding the Zeskind’s showroom into the back half of the building. Rick, Sr. is still very much involved with the hardware side of the business.

We found Rick, Jr. later in the day as he chatted with numerous friends, business associates and customers. Asked how the day had gone, he beamed with pleasure.

“It’s been a great day with the family getting together, even one of the Zeskind sisters (that grew up working in the store with Sam) was here,” he said. “The turnout has been wonderful with demonstrations for attendees to see, raffles to enter and great food to sample from the vendors you see located around the parking lot.”

Go Melvo Sno-Balls and the Tacos Friday truck opened their windows to shoppers for free servings at staggered times of the day.

Both Milwaukee Tools and Napoleon Grills began demonstrations and giveaways at 11:30 pm. The team from Napoleon Grills went on with their demonstrations for quite some time, grilling meats and handing out samples to anniversary celebration customers who loved them. Park Hardware/Zeskind’s also sponsored a raffle to win a Napoleon Rogue 425 Grill.

There was even an interior paint class in the parking lot at 3 pm with Bob Appolin. All-in-all a pretty fine way for the Park Hardware/Zeskind’s family to celebrate its 100th year in the hardware business. Topping off the day for many was a visit to the Zeskind’s Showroom where an abundance of doors, windows and hardware awaited them.

On entering its 101st year, the store has many more offers and activities planned. To stay abreast of what’s happening, visit Facebook.

Pumphrey’s Farm Produce Stand, an echo of Anne Arundel County’s agricultural past

By September 22nd, autumn had officially begun and there was much to see in our area. Nothing says “harvest time” like a wagonload of pumpkins – especially if they are the smaller pie pumpkins cooks are so fond of. We found them at Pumphrey’s Farm Produce Stand at 8220 Veterans Highway in Millersville.

From the rustic sign off Veteran’s Highway to the aging and weatherworn building, the Pumphrey’s Farm produce stand is one of few remaining vestiges of Anne Arundel County’s storied agricultural past. And I ask you, where else will you find homegrown lima beans?

We were cheered to find farmer Nat Pumphrey behind the counter as usual telling all who’d like to listen about his beautiful vegetables.

“They come from right here in downtown Millersville,” he says. “We have 4-1/2 acres behind the stand and a larger acreage across I-97.”

A member of the well-known Pumphrey farming family, Nat is proud of his heritage. He said the house he grew up in, behind a big red barn off the southbound side of Interstate 97, was a wedding gift from his great grandparents to his parents. Involved in the farm from an early age, he figures agriculture is in the Pumphrey DNA.

Long-abandoned farm equipment can still be spotted on occasion behind the stand as is the case with this long-abandoned tractor and even old plow beyond the stand.

No doubt, some of the antiques that are also sold by the stand come from the farm as well.

Nat Pumphrey loves to experiment with growing different types of vegetables. The hot peppers he grows are among the fieriest and are prized by chili aficionados. He also grows a wide selection of heirloom tomatoes as well as standard Big Boys and other types suitable for sandwiches.

He offers late season sweet corn as long as it lasts along with a host of melons and vegetables from the farm. As has long been the case, Pumphrey has brought in apples from Baugher’s Farm in Carroll County for the fall season.

And, of course, autumn wouldn’t be autumn at Pumphrey’s Farm Produce Stand without chrysanthemums to decorate the entrance.

Pumphrey’s Farm Produce Stand generally stays open through October until Thanksgiving depending on the weather.

Lifeline 100 Century Ride takes place this Sunday, October 5 at Kinder Farm Park

The Lifeline 100 Century Ride, a rain or shine event benefitting many local charities, takes place this Sunday with both start line and finish line at Kinder Farm Park. Information regarding registration and packet pick-up, ride start times for the 100-mile, 65-mile, 30-mile and 15-mile rides, course markings, rest stop locations, and other pertinent information can be found at Lifeline 100 Rides – Supported Bike Rides For All Riders Throughout Anne Arundel County.

Your hosts for the 2025 Lifeline 100 Rides are the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation & Parks and
Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (“BikeAAA”).

Art In The Park at Cafe Mezzanotte this Sunday, October 5th

From 1 to 5 pm, the lawns at Cafe Mezzanotte will once more come alive with the sounds of music as the 5th Annual Art In The Park takes place. Presented by The Severna Park Voice and Cafe Mezzanotte, the festival will feature live music by ISHTA with special guest Gracie Jay, local artists and art galleries, a Wine Garden sponsored by Park Hardware/Zeskind’s with 20+ wines, and an All You Can Eat Gourmet Picnic sponsored by KMA Law Office. Tickets at https://checkout.square.site/…/MVIEM4WPWSXXMVUNJX4XEKWS.

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 whilereducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!

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.