AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
The skies over Severna Park were leaden last Friday afternoon and the ground was covered with snow. Late morning snows had ended but there were still occasional flurries. The shops along Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard remained open but business was light.
The sight of snow on the peppermint candy striped tents of Diehl’s Produce didn’t seem to dissuade Christmas tree seeking shoppers.
However, the much-anticipated community tree lighting scheduled for Friday evening had to be called off and rescheduled. Instead, when 5 pm rolled around, the grounds in front of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber offices at 1 Holly Avenue were empty and the community trees remained dark.
“The snow accumulation was fairly light. But we based our decision to postpone the tree lighting from December 5 to December 11, on the fact that the grounds in front of the chamber and parking lot where the entertainment takes place were covered,” said Chamber CEO Liz League. “We have dancers scheduled to perform from The Edge Dance Complex and the snow would have made that difficult.”
Both the large and small Christmas trees are to be lit this year. Earlier in the week, lights for the immense 75 ft. tree in front of the Severna Park Railroad Station were professionally strung by IPM Pools and Patios, a task made possible by donations from various Chamber members. The lights for the smaller tree and other decorations were undertaken by the chamber staff and volunteers. Both trees were just waiting to be lit when the button was pushed. Since that didn’t happen, the scene seemed a bit forlorn.
To our delight, the moment one looked down Holly Avenue to Riggs Avenue where the lights of The Sugar Shoppe gleamed bright, the gloom lifted. Tastefully decorated, the shop was a most welcoming sight.
The evergreen wreaths, swags and lights adorning the store’s exterior were storybook cute and hinted at what awaited visitors inside.
We found Sugar Shoppe co-owner Jamie Denton busy behind the counter while, in the background, a customer was selecting some chocolates from the canisters on the shelves.
“Having to cancel tonight’s tree lighting is kind of a bummer but we now look forward to it taking place on Thursday, December 11th,” Denton said. “Tree lighting day is definitely our busiest day of the year. As you can see, however, we’re already enjoying the holiday shopping season.”
Indeed, Denton and her business partner Eloise Patton enjoyed preparing the shop for Christmas, wrapping the tree in a front window in white lights and pastel ornaments to match the store’s interior.
They stocked the shelves with canisters of decadent chocolates, caramels and malted milk balls and a host of gummy bears and M&M’s and other colorful candies perfect for stocking stuffers.
Having participated in Pink Friday in Olde Severna Park on November 21st, Denton and Patton also plan to be open for the B&A Boulevard/Riggs Avenue Shop & Stroll event benefitting the Life of Joy Foundation on December 18th. In addition to candy, their carefully chosen selection of holiday merchandise is bound to appeal to shoppers.
Winter hats and gloves, heart shaped earmuffs, cozy blankets and plush toys and games beckon from the shelves.
Snowy or not, The Sugar Shoppe is a fun place to visit and satisfy your craving for chocolate.
Hopefully, families will be able to make it to the rescheduled Community Tree Lighting at the Chamber at 5 pm this evening (Dec. 11th). Santa and The Grinch will both be there, and The Toastmasters will hand out cookies. There will be entertainment by the Severna Park Elementary School Chorus, The Edge Dance Complex, the Severna Park High School Jazz Band, the Severna Park High School Cheerleaders and the Bach to Rock Glee Club.
A Reminder: Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at the Community Center this Friday
Severna Park Community Center will host Cookies and Cocoa with Santa this Friday (Dec. 12) from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Santa will be inside and ready to pose for photos. The Big Bean will be serving cocoa and there will be delicious bites from J & G Catering. Enjoy live entertainment including a performance by the Star Elite Dancers from The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center. And there’s much more.
Jing Ying Institute’s 22nd Annual Silent Auction for Charity ends December 13th
Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s 22nd Silent Auction for the Alzheimer’s Association ends Saturday, December 13 at 4 pm during a holiday party from 2:30 to 4:30. The event is free and open to the public. You can view the auction any time Jing Ying Institute is open between now and then. For more information, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park.
“A Night of Joy” at the Shops of Olde Severna Park on December 18th
The Life of Joy Foundation, in collaboration with The Big Bean and Blended Essentials, invites you to stroll, shop and perhaps enjoy a treat at the stores along B&A Boulevard and Riggs Avenue in Olde Severna Park while enjoying “A Night of Joy” from 4:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, December 18th. There will be live music with the Life of Joy Band, raffles on items from participating businesses, ornament decorating at The Blended Essentials, and a Life of Joy Meet & Greet tent.
An Update on the Arnold Community’s Chick-fil-A appeal
We have news from Arnold Preservation Council director Elizabeth Rosborg that December 4th was the final public hearing for the Chick-fil-A appeal before the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals.
“Closing arguments will be written, however we do not have a due date yet,” Rosborg said. “The board then has 60 days to issue their decision, so maybe in February 2026, one year from when the preliminary plan was initially approved.”
She further noted that the support and donations have been amazing and so appreciated and wished to thank everyone that helped.
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.
