Month: February 2026

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Young singers and actors looking for a way to escape the winter doldrums couldn’t have asked for a more exciting opportunity than winning a role in Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s ambitious production of “The Prince of Egypt”. Based on the biblical book of Exodus, the musical is currently in rehearsal and will debut on March 13th.

We arrived at last Saturday’s rehearsal just in time to view a scene where armed Egyptian guards used weapons and whips to ensure that Hebrew slaves raising baskets of building blocks up pyramid walls and others carrying the blocks to the site were kept in line. There was more than a touch of drama as the action played out.

As “Prince of Egypt” director David Merrill was blocking, or choreographing, portions of the musical on Saturday, the scenes we observed were done out of order and without lines being recited. Blocking was particularly important because Woods’ musical productions are performed in the church sanctuary using the three-tiered Chancel as the stage. According to Merrill, performing there is the ultimate theater-in-the-round experience.

“We are so fortunate that Woods Church allows us to use the sanctuary for our productions,” he said. “However, doing a musical there requires that we transport every piece of scenery onto the stage at the beginning of the show and throughout each act using prop handlers/actors to move props in and out as the scenes change. When the rehearsal or performance is over, every piece of scenery and prop must be removed and the space left empty.”

We watched as the first part of scene six was rehearsed featuring two sledges full of stone blocks (actually made of foam) being pulled toward the pyramid from opposite sides of the sanctuary by actors playing Hebrew slaves.

While that was happening, Rose and Maynard were practicing in an aisle next to us – with Rose snapping his whip behind Maynard who, without benefit of a stone block mimicked holding one while practicing his moans and screams. Later, the poor slave was handed a block, and we watched the pair’s progression up the aisle with Mayard ascending the final pyramid step near collapse. Overseeing the scene from behind him, Merrill offered guidance.

According to Rose, it was fun using the whip. But he noted that he must snap it to the side, making sure not to hit Maynard…or the audience.

“Luckily, we’ll be raised up on a platform running the length of the aisle which should help,” he said. “I’ll work with our fight choreographer to be sure I’m as safe as possible.”

Though out of order, a poignant scene featuring an adult Moses, played by Ian Scrite, and Yocheved played by Sarah Kent came next. Having been raised by Egyptian Queen Tuya, Moses has just learned that Yocheved is his true mother.

In a scene that followed, Moses attacks and accidentally kills an Egyptian guard who was whipping a Hebrew slave – a complicated scene which called for the slave to fall backwards off the step and required some direction from Merrill.

While that was taking place onstage, there was a sudden stirring among actors not in the scene as they noticed some actors were beginning to appear in costume.

Excitement built as actors and dancers were seen congregating at the back of the sanctuary. Costumer Susan Bohlman and her assistant Perry Swift had begun distributing costumes.

Swift, set up in the hallway, was providing costumes for the dancers with help from volunteer Jacquei Shade.

Dancers representing slave laborers wore one sort of costume while those serving Queen Tuya found themselves in something more elaborate.

Meanwhile, longtime Woods costume designer, Bohlman was fitting the more complicated clothing worn by the actors. We encountered John Rose there being fitted for his guard uniform while Jeffrey Maynard was one of those waiting. Bohlman was satisfied with the look of Rose’s costume but cautioned him and all the other guards and slaves to take off their shirts and pants, an order with which he eventually complied.

With a large cast, Bohlman needed an immense range of costuming and, judging from her multiple racks of clothing, she could fill the bill, from Pharoh Seti’s royal robe to the slaves’ sleeveless top and simple kilt known in ancient Egypt as a shendyt.

The variety of clothing worn by women was widest, spanning both the Hebrew and Egyptian cultures and ranging from royals to townspeople or slaves. As some of the guard roles were assumed by women, there was also a necessity for capes to cover the briefer guard uniforms.

All the while, the rehearsal continued. Interestingly, the last scene rehearsed was the opening scene. It was set in the era when Egyptian soldiers, under orders to kill all Hebrew firstborn boys, snatched babies from their mothers’ arms. Consequently, newborn Moses was placed in a basket by his heartbroken mother Yocheved who sings him a lullaby as she sets him afloat on the Nile. The second part of the scene shows Queen Tuya in her garden with her own baby son Ramses. Tuya spots Moses drifting in the bullrushes, rescues him and adopts him to raise as her own along with Ramses.

The scene ends with a full chorus of Hebrews singing the song “Deliver Us”.

Woods Church will be presenting the epic musical “Prince of Egypt” featuring music and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz beginning Friday evening March 13 at 7:30 pm.

The performance dates are March 13 thru 15 and March 19 thru 21. Tickets are available now and are $20. To see times and dates for the show and to order tickets, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails highlights building of new Hatton-Regester Green gazebo

Local and B&A Trail users will be happy to know that work has begun on the construction of a new Hatton Regester Green gazebo! The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails report in the latest “Trail Talk” that Severna Park’s Hatton Regester Green was The Friends’ first project and is over 25 years old. They note that the original gazebo – the scene of many wonderful concerts and ceremonies – has been removed and the county is building the new structure. We look forward to enjoying the gazebo as the future stage for The Friends summer Concert Series.

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

After hibernating for several weeks due to snow-covered roads and near zero-degree temperatures, most of us welcomed the February thaw. Eager to get out, we were looking for something fun to do. Luckily, a number of Galentine’s Day events were being held locally and provided the perfect answer.

Three that caught our attention were held simultaneously on Thursday, February 12th including the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber Successful Women In Business Galentine’s Party hosted by Dr. Judy Yu of Dental FX in Pasadena. As it was the farthest away, we weren’t able to attend but understand from friends who did that it was a lovely event.

We were able to attend the other two held back-to-back within a couple miles of each other.

The first, at Fishpaws MarketPlace, began at 4 pm. A chalkboard sign at the entrance foreshadowed the Galentine’s Day Tasting event that awaited us inside.

Fishpaw’s owner Kim Lawson was away on a trip but, the moment we walked in the door, we were greeted by manager Terry Phoebus who encouraged us to try the Wine & Cheese Tasting Bar and introduced us to two of the Galentine Tasting event guests.

Making their way to the VanEllin table from the Tasting Bar, glasses in hand, Kristie Chisholm and Kim Marin were familiar faces to us. We’ve run into them at several events including a Homestead Gardens Girl’s Night Out in December of 2019.

“This is our regular Galentine’s Day mission,” Chisholm said. “We love this event”.

We could see why. Tastings were offered by many of the distributors whose products are carried by Fishpaws MarketPlace. Stopping by the Annapolis-based VanEllin table ourselves, we met Vanessa who, along with her mother Lynda, created the wholesale specialty baked goods company. She gave us a rundown of the samples so tastefully arranged on her table.

“We’re serving caramelized onion focaccia, a rosemary focaccia and Casanova Crunch, a bourbon butter-soaked pretzel with a bit of heat,” Vanessa said. “There are also bourbon and lemon-flavored cookies.”

Moving on, we found Glen Fewster representing Ten Ecyk Brewing Company, a woman-owned Queenstown, Maryland company operated by a team of women veterans and first responders. Fewster was offering a Mexican lager, a dark Czech lager and a Moroccan spiced coffee stout.

“I’m quite a fan of Fishpaws and have long enjoyed attending events here,” he said.

Fully into the spirit of Galentine’s Day, owner Sandy Mazza of Sandy Bottom Sparkling Rum Cocktails enjoyed treating Tasting guests to samples of her rum-based cocktail with its coconut, lemon and lime tropical vibe. Mazza notes that the product is made in Middle River, Maryland and is fond of relating her brand’s backstory.

“I was boating with friends on the Chesapeake Bay and mixed them cocktails which they loved. They encouraged me to market them. So, I did and created my brand which has done well. In fact, I’m about to introduce a new cranberry and blood orange cocktail,” said Mazza. “I’ve done this wonderful Galentine’s event previously and I feel fortunate that Kim Lawson carries my product and has been a long-time supporter.”

We were not about to leave Fishpaws’ Galentine’s Day Tasting without stopping by the table of Pam Meador, a distributor for Effie’s Biscuits. We’ve met Meador before as she has appeared in conjunction with Fishpaws MarketPlace at fundraisers for University of Maryland’s Baltimore Washington Medical Center at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park. We arrived as she was offering guest Theresa Bloom a choice between Effie’s Pecan Biscuits with Point Reyes Bay Blue Cheese from Oregon with or without a dab of local honey – all of which are carried by Fishpaws.

We loved chatting with Pam but it was 5 pm and time to move on to our next event…

…BD Provisions’ Galentine’s Sip & Shop

By the time we arrived at BD Provisions, it appeared that the shop’s second annual Galentine’s Sip & Shop event was well underway. We liked the sign greeting guests as they arrived and decided that we’d definitely “sip” some of that Midnight Joe java the Severna Park shop is known for.

When BD Provisions owner Debra Saltz conceived the idea of holding a Galentine’s Day event last year, she decided to invite some of her fellow small business owners to share the event as vendors. This year there were a total of eight vendors showing off their products.

As we entered, we immediately noticed quite a bit of activity at the back of the store. So, we headed first to an attractive display of dyed papers and handcrafted books and journals from Linthicum resident Brooke Borman’s Spill the Tea Paper Company.

“I named my business Spill the Tea Paper Company because I dye many of my papers with tea or coffee,” Borman said. “I also offer pastel papers I tint with Easter egg dyes.”

Borman’s display was back-to-back with that of another vendor so we rounded the corner and visited Severna Park resident Dawn Lautenschlager’s Purple Pugs Creations. Lautenschlagers’ wares included 3D Paper Art, Cards, gift tags and other specialities.

Leaving Purple Pugs Creations, we rounded a bend past the BD Provisions section of barrels devoted to flours, whole grains, chocolate and caramel chips and other baking staples and made our way toward the familiar presence of Caren Bach’s Baltimore-based Cookies by Caren . For the second year, Bach brought a selection of beautifully decorated heart shaped cookies perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift for someone special…or simply as a Valentine’s treat for the family.

Bach was, interestingly, set up next to the Midnight Joe coffee station. Part of the “sips” offered for the occasion; the BD Provisions coffee was a perfect chaser for the cookie samples set out for customers to taste.

Back for a second year as well, Amy Heath’s Hip, Mod, Vintage display of gorgeous reclaimed and restored vintage jewelry drew customers like bees to honey. Heath is well-known as a regular vendor at the Severna Park Farmers Market where she sells her own jewelry and other products.

Catching up with Heath, we chatted about the fact that her business has more challenges these days thanks to the fact that silver prices have risen.

“The price of silver has risen to three digits recently,” Heath said. “In September the price was $33 per ounce. By November, it had risen to $107 per ounce.”

On our way to the next vendor, we bumped into Galentine’s Shop & Stroll attendees Kary Biles and Megan Salerno at the Heigh Tide soaps display. The pair told us they were first-timers and absolutely loved the event. While Biles is from Kent Island and Salerno is a Severna Park resident, both said they’d visit BD Provisions again.

As the event progressed, we observed that every time an attendee entered the door chime rang. We heard more and more rings as event traffic picked up and the check-out counter grew busier and busier.

Meanwhile, some customers were drawn to a silver bucket containing bubbly bottles of sparkling cider from which to pour a “sip”.

Other customers moved in an entirely different direction opting to shop for chocolates or Valentine’s Day appropriate candy or heading to the center of the store where Katy Belford was giving oh-so-relaxing massages. Just behind her was Evie & Park’s Ashlee Gibbs who, like Amy Heath, we recognized from the Severna Park Farmer’s Market. For the past six years, Gibbs has made the amazing array of clean burning soy candles carried by Evie & Park.

There was one more vendor to visit – Heather Sanders, The Oyster Shell Girl, whose Fresh Oyster Bar we found fascinating. Her beautifully decoupaged oyster shells are highly decorative accessories. They also can be adapted as jewelry or other items. Since Sanders learned she could print on tissue paper she’s been able to create oyster shell replicas of flowers, state flags or even family portraits.

We found the Gallentine Day events we attended were not only convivial gatherings bringing attendees into contact with friends, but they provided great opportunities to support community retailers by SHOPPING LOCAL.

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

The scene at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church was chaotic but charming on June 5, 2016 with critters of multiple species arriving for the 8th annual Blessing of the Animals – one of many important programs created by the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds during her 23-year tenure as the church’s Associate Pastor.

Smiling broadly while conducting the Blessing of the Animals service from the top step on that day ten years ago, Rev. Reynolds explained that she was inspired to create the service following an encounter with a chipmunk on a path behind the church.

“The chipmunk stood looking at me and wouldn’t move out of my way despite gentle urging,” Rev. Reynolds said. “I finally asked, ‘Will you move if I give you a blessing?” I blessed the critter, who we later named Clarence. He seemed content and scampered away. His reaction motivated me to imagine blessing all animals.”

Following the service, Rev. Reynolds blessed a passel of pets before stopping in front of Thomas Shade who cradled a portable aquarium in his arms containing croakers Froggy & Goggles.

“The first time we met Froggy and Goggles, Thomas and his mother Jacquelynne told us the species’ life span is normally two years,” she said. “But the frogs came back to be blessed the next year, and the following year, and this is their sixth year.”

This past Sunday, February 8, the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds, preached her last service as Associate Pastor of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church. Woods’ Senior Pastor, the Rev. J. C. Austin had announced her retirement through the church’s Messenger news bulletin three days earlier.

“After 23 years of good and faithful service, the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds is retiring from both her position as Associate Pastor here at Woods and from congregational ministry in general,” Rev. Austin wrote. “In retirement, Nancy will be focusing on her psychotherapy ministry and will continue serving as the Director of the Woods Care & Counseling Center.”

He added that the combined February 8th worship service would be the last conducted by Lincoln Reynolds. Following a brief congregational meeting to formally act upon her request to retire and dissolve the pastoral relationship, there would be a reception in Nancy’s honor in the Fellowship Hall.

Rev. Reynolds’ warmly received sermon, “Into The Woods”, blended scripture, a recounting of her arrival at Woods as an ordained pastoral psychologist, and her transition to being associate pastor at the behest of the late Rev. Dr. Terry Schoener.

Rev. Reynolds was at the forefront of so many initiatives that are ongoing. She touched on many of them during her sermon and briefly spoke about a few of them with us.

“As you know, being at Woods Church has been a blessing and an opportunity to not just serve that congregation but the Severna Park community since 2003,” she said. 

“Woods has always been a kind of light on the hill and I’ve been privileged to help all of us through some difficult as well as joy filled times. Together we addressed the concerns with adolescent suicide and were able to not only decrease the numbers but also establish interventions and preventative actions that led to research and understanding the problems.  Our public schools and county organizations worked valiantly together. Parenting for a Different World, a non-profit whose mission is to provide programing and resources around resilience, coping and help seeking behaviors, grew from our community’s efforts to enhance mental health and wellness and support parents in supporting their youth.”

One of our earliest interviews with Rev. Reynolds took place in May 20, 2010 midway through extensive rehabilitation of the small white house at 17 Cypress Creek Road that would begin life anew as the Woods Counseling Center. The counseling center actually began as an initiative of Rev. Terry Schoener in 1983 and operated as The Pastoral Counseling Care Ministries from an educational wing of the church for 17 years. After Rev. Reynolds took over in 1993, the counseling center expanded adding more therapists and requiring additional space. Subsequently renamed Woods Counseling & Care Center, the facility now has eight therapists in addition to director Nancy Lincoln Reynolds.

In January of 2015 the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds hosted the showing of the film, “In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom” which explored human sex trafficking. She also was part of a panel discussion afterward with Amanda Weikel from The Samaritan Women in Baltimore, Anne Arundel Police Detective Bernard Adkins and anti-demand volunteer Nick Weikel from the Safe House of Hope. Woods’ Youth Pastor, the Rev. Nick Cheek also spoke briefly providing a child/parent perspective.

We later met with Rev. Reynolds in February of 2017 when the Parenting For A Different World program was introduced with a “call to action event” at the Severna Park Community Center. Hosted by Woods Counseling & Care Center in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Youth Suicide Prevention Awareness Team and Ellie’s Bus, the event featured University of Chicago professor and author Anna Mueller of “Adolescents Under Pressure”.

A strong supporter of a robust music ministry, Rev. Reynolds was instrumental in a collaboration between Woods Church and Wayman Good Hope AME Church’s Chozen Music Ministry to stage a concert featuring four well-known gospel groups on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Organized by Chozen members Larry Coates, Gerard Coates, Dana Anderson, and Lewis “Moone” Day, the concert was simultaneously a celebration of the gospel group’s 10th Anniversary and the release of its new CD “A Family That Prays”.

Because the Presbyterian Church requires that retired ministers worship elsewhere for a few years after leaving a church, the Woods congregation will miss seeing Nancy Lincoln Reynolds each Sunday but she won’t be far away.

“I will be directing the counseling and care center which has now grown to include collaborative organizations like the VA Center and Hospice,” she said.  “The Care Center is developing its focus on spiritual formation and development, and the five psychotherapists and clinicians will continue to offer psychotherapy treatment.”

“As for me, I very much embrace the opportunity to work with people in life challenges and mental health concerns,” Lincoln Reynolds added.  “As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I see my work as an opportunity to help provide individuals, couples and families with fulfilling and rewarding lives.”

Earleigh Heights VFC Bull, Oyster & Pig Roast February 21st

A reminder that Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company will be holding a Bull, Oyster & Pig Roast on Saturday, February 21st from from 5 to 8 pm with music and fun till 10 pm. A delicious menu including Pit Beef, Pit Turkey, Pulled Pork roasted on site, Raw Oysters, Oyster Stew, Oyster Fritters and more. For tickets, visit Home | Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with Open House Feb. 28

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi will be hosting Lunar New Year classes, activities and festivities through the end of the month culminating on February 28th with a free Open House featuring a traditional Lion Dance performance at 3 pm followed by demonstrations of Tai Chi and Kung Fu forms as well as weapons. Entertainment, crafts, and treats are all free for families to enjoy. There will be several giveaways and contests to add to the fun. For more information or to register for the free Open House, visit Chinese New Year.

Coffeehouse Concert at Woods Church Fellowship Hall – Feb. 28th

Join the Woods Church Praise Band for an evening of acoustic music. The concert begins at 7:30 pm. This is a free event with no tickets required.

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

The blanket of snow and ice left behind by the January 25th storm that made our roads impassable for days and left creeks along the Magothy and Severn Rivers frozen over is still with us. Beautiful to behold, the wintry scene remained pristine throughout the week as frigid temperatures kept most people indoors. We were all grateful not to have lost power but snow removal for highways, roads and streets was a slow process and schools were closed for an entire week.

Those used to daily outdoor exercise, found the going rough on the B&A Trail as the surface was extremely slippery.

By week’s end, many of us were going stir-crazy. Neighborhood streets were somewhat clear but too icy for me to consider driving on. Luckily, family members rescued me from being a hot house flower. Taking to the highways, which were clear with the exception of an occasional ice patch, we ended up in Annapolis at The Bean Rush Cafe, a favorite gathering spot. Most of the tables were taken.

It was wonderful to sit with the sun at my back and a steaming cup of coffee to sip. Such a cozy spot from which to survey the passing scene.

I casually observed that, once New Years Day is over, not much happens during January so I had little local news to share. February looks more promising on the social front, however. My calendar is currently marked with several upcoming events that should be fun.

I also received an important update from Arnold Preservation Council director Elizabeth Rosborg regarding a possible Board of Appeals denial of approval for the plan to build a Chick-fil-A in Arnold. I share her comments with you now.

Update on plan to build a Chick-fil-A in Arnold

In her email dated January 29th, Rosborg shared the latest news about the status of the Arnold community’s appeal to the plan to build a Chick-fil-A off the southbound lanes of Ritchie Highway.

Here’s a link to our September 25th column on the appeal.

Safety the primary concern of Arnold residents’ effort to stop a Chick fil A from being built – sharonleestable.com.

“Tonight, the Board of Appeals deliberated on our case,” Rosborg wrote. “The motion was made to deny the approval of the preliminary plan. Of the 5 board members in attendance, 3 voted to deny the preliminary plan approval and 2 voted to approve. I was so excited, I thought we had it. However, the other two absent members are required to vote. So, we will not know the outcome until the ruling is published in 60 days.”

Either way, she wanted to thank Arnold residents for supporting the appeal whether by donating to the legal fund, testifying in person before the Board of Appeals, posting signs in their yards or talking to their neighbors about the project.

“I, for one, am glad to have appealed,” she said. “To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, I am glad to have been in the area and fought the good fight…to make Arnold the best place to call home.”

Galentine’s Day events will soon be underway

Another reminder that BD Provisions invites you to join them on February 12 from 6 to 8 pm for their Galentine’s Sip & Shop. They’re partnering with other local businesses for a really fun event.

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Successful Women In Business Galentine’s Party happening on February 12 from 4 to 5:30 pm will be hosted by Dr. Judy Yu of Dental FX at 8667 Ft. Smallwood Road in Pasadena. Meet other dynamic women for networking, libations and snacks and great door prizes. As February is Heart Health Month, Dr. Yu will explain how dental health is good for your heart. Free to members and first-time guests or $15 at the door.

Bohemian Black at 1915 Towne Center in Annapolis will host a Galentine Experience on February 13 at 5:30 pm. Rose Walker fans know she’ll pull off the celebration with style. There will be mini styling sessions, a charm bar and beauty bar, fashions to shop and other fun things.

Severna Park Community Center Health & Wellness Expo this Sunday, February 8

Severna Park Community Center invites you to join them this Sunday, February 8th from 12 pm to 3 pm for a FREE Health & Wellness Expo in the Andy Borland Gymnasium. You’ll be able to check out 33 healthcare related vendors and take advantage of a variety of free screenings and tests as well as free mini chair massages. For more information, visit Health & Wellness Expo | Facebook.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi begins its celebration of Lunar New Year 2026, The Year of the Horse, with its Annual Cleaning Celebration from 5:30 to 7 pm on Monday, February 16. The celebration is meant to symbolically clean away any bad luck left over from the previous year and make room for good luck coming in for the new year. 

Lunar New Year classes, activities and festivities will continue through the end of the month culminating on February 28 with a free Open House featuring a traditional Lion Dance performance at 3 pm followed by demonstrations of Tai Chi and Kung Fu forms as well as weapons. Entertainment, crafts, and treats are all free for families to enjoy. There will be several giveaways and contests to add to the fun. For more information or to register for the free Open House, visit Chinese New Year.

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.