AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
Small wonder that, for many of us, autumn is a favorite time of year. Late season fruits and vegetables are at their peak. The weather is generally pleasant, flowers are blooming profusely and chrysanthemums, pumpkins, and apples are making an appearance at local produce stands. Nowhere was that more evident this week than at Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis at 921 Chesapeake Avenue in Eastport where there was a steady stream of customers.
A pathway marked by chrysanthemums led customers toward the red striped tents filled with produce and to the field of flowers beyond.
Shoppers hoping to pick up fall-themed porch decorations found a wide array of giant pumpkins, medium sized white or orange pumpkins, pansies, hundreds of chrysanthemums and other seasonal flowers to choose from.
Entering the tents, summer’s bounty and fall’s harvest were on offer. Late season vegetables like tomatoes, string beans, zucchini, summer squash and sweet corn were still available. But there were also pint and quart sized boxes of local Concord grapes. There were Adams County, Pennsylvania apples and pears and numerous pie pumpkins and squashes.
One glance at the pumpkin section had me thinking of recipes for pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread and pumpkin cake (many of which are in the desserts section of this website). The apples conjured up thoughts of making apple pies or apple crisps.
Jase Morin, a familiar face to Diehl’s Produce customers, was restocking the shelves with peppers and cucumbers. Morin, who is primarily a driver, has been with Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis since the stand’s opening.
Today, the stand is one of two locations owned and operated by Abby Diehl. (The other is at Clocktower Place Shopping Center on Forest Drive.)
What is particularly notable about the Eastport location is the fact that it is nestled into a neighborhood setting and easy for locals from Eastport or Annapolis to access.
Throughout our visit, customers could be seen checking their purchases out with Leo Carroll.
According to Carroll, the final day of the season for the produce stand will be October 31st. However, the staff will be back after Thanksgiving to sell Christmas trees, wreaths and evergreens.
As we enter October, there are a few events worth noting.
Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Fall Fest happens October 17th
The congregation of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 400 Benfield Road invites the community to join them for Fall Fest on Saturday, October 17th from 2 to 6 pm. There will be activities for kids and adults including Trunk or Treat, a Bounce House, a Halloween Walk, a Pumpkin Patch, Face Painting and Games plus a Biergarten and live music.
All are welcome to join the fun. Fall Fest will benefit Our Shepherd Preschool.
Severna Park Community Center’s Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 23
The Severna Park Community Center invites the community to join them for this year’s Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 23rd from 5 to 8 pm for an evening of fun. More details will be forthcoming so Save the Date.
SHOPTOBERFEST on Saturday, October 24th at Park Plaza
The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce announced that this year’s Shoptoberfest Shop Local event will be held on Saturday, October 24th at Park Plaza from 11 am till 2:30 pm. There will be lots of local vendors, a Kids’ Costume Contest with treats and prizes and more.
Park Tavern’s 5th annual Pig in the Park event on October 24th
By now a tradition, Park Tavern’s Pig in the Park event “is turning Five” and the public is invited to the party on October 24th from 2 till 5 pm. Your ticket includes an afternoon of tastings, live music, Park Tavern’s roasted pig and buffet with all the fixins, a souvenir glass, a raffle benefiting Special Olympics Maryland, and more. For information, visit Park Tavern | Severna Park, MD.
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. Jing Ying also offers a homeschool Kung Fu program this fall. 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.
