AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
New to being an author and signing copies of her first book, “Reinvent Yourself After 50”, Melissa Wittke is thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Curious about the title of the book and the line beneath it which urges “Reinvent your Body, Mind, and Spirit And Become the Woman God Created You to Be”, I immediately asked Wittke what inspired her to write it.
“One of the key things I wanted to impart is that there is no expiration date on your purpose or your dreams though the world may tell you otherwise,” she said. “I wanted to make people approaching their 50’s or 60’s aware that what they are going through is not so much a midlife crisis as a midlife reawakening and can be a beautiful transition.”
Turning 61 this September, and having gone through that transition, Wittke feels she’s opened a new world of possibilities and opportunities for herself. She hopes sharing knowledge she’s gained through the book can guide other women through what, for many, is a challenging time.
“It’s information I wish I’d had,” she says. “There are negative stereotypes for people that reach a certain age that I don’t buy into. But there is a choice. Women, in particular, are very hard on themselves especially when it comes to their bodies. While raising the children and caring for their families, their bodies were last on their list. They were so busy taking care of everyone else that they put themselves last. Now, however, they’ll have time to improve their health, their bodies and their spirit and to reassess what they really want to do with their lives. I like to help them see that this can be a beautiful time for them.”
To that end, the author has partnered with Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi co-owner Billy Greer, to start the online platform, Younger Body and Mind – A healthy mind in a healthy body. As you can see from the photo below, the platform has an abundance of classes and instructional videos with exercises anyone can learn to do.
The exercises are primarily based on Tai Chi and Qigong, with and without weights. However, the website encourages all forms of exercise as does Whittke.
“I do some sort of workout every day. As a Type A personality with a lot going on, I need that balance. I’m a runner, I lift weights, I swim, I do Yoga, I do Kung Fu or Tai Chi. Whatever feels good,” she says.
For two decades, Wittke has been a familiar face in the Greater Severna Park area. A technology consultant who is a senior program manager for the University of Maryland Medical Center, she’s currently working on an AI system for the hospital system which she finds exciting. She also is involved with several companies she and her husband own. Physically active, she’s a runner who frequently uses one or more of the Anne Arundel County Trails. But she’s best known, perhaps, for her longtime association with Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi.
“I began there 14 years ago as a white sash student just like everyone else,” Wittke said. Seven years later, I earned my black sash.”
During those seven years and the years that followed, she assisted with or was involved as an instructor in numerous activities, programs and workshops. She’s seen below in 2024 with Kung Fu and Tai Chi participant Nikki Lee. The pair were assisting Jing Ying’s martial arts expert Billy Greer with the school’s Self-Defense Workshop for Women and Teens by demonstrating for workshop participants the series of escape techniques taught by Greer; then joining the participants in practicing them over and over.
Incidentally, Wittke will be helping with Jing Ying Institute’s upcoming Self-Defense Workshop for Women & Teen Girls that is being held this Sunday, March 15 from 2 till 4 pm. For information, see Self-Defense Workshop for Women & Teen Girls (Fundraiser) | Facebook.
In 2025, thirteen years after earning her black sash, Wittke was honored to be part of a Bai Shi ceremony where she was formally accepted as a 13th generation disciple of Chen style TaiJi under Shifu Billy Greer.
Melissa Wittke truly enjoys and intends to continue writing. In fact, she’s currently working on two follow-on books – “Reinvent Your Marriage” and “Reinvent Adult Parenting” based, to some extent, on her own experiences.
To obtain a copy of “Reinvent Yourself After 50”, visit Shop Now – Younger Body and Mind or search for it on Amazon.
AAUW hosted ERA NOW event at Market House in Annapolis
We received a tip and the wonderful photos seen below from AAUW/AA Co publicity chair Mary McGrath about an event the chapter co-hosted on March 4th.
The League of Women Voters and the Annapolis Association of University Women hosted a Support ERA NOW event at the Market House in downtown Annapolis on March 4th.
As a part of Women’s History Month, the Driving the Vote for Equality National Tour came to Annapolis in the form of a restored 1914 Saxon roadster called The Golden Flyer Two according to McGrath. It was the same type of car driven by ERA women on their ten-thousand-mile nationwide tour to gain support for the ERA. She added that it was fun seeing women wearing the sort of clothes worn by the suffragists.
After the Market House events, attendees gathered at Old Fox Books for a talk by author Jeryl Schriever who, with husband Alex Huppe, owns and restored the car.
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.
