AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
Late summer days are worrisome times for SPAN, Inc.’s Operations Director Maia Grabau and Development Director Michelle Sabean.
“Summers are the lowest times for donations to our food pantry but hunger does not take a vacation”, said Sabean. “Last summer was the worst but this year’s supply of non-perishable pantry items is nearly depleted as well. But people come here constantly throughout the year to ask for help.”
Facing nearly empty shelves by the end of August, she put out Facebook and Instagram posts with images of those shelves and asking followers for donations of canned vegetables, canned meat, rice, potatoes, Hamburger and Tuna Helper, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup as well as basic toiletries, laundry detergent and dish soap.
Even as the posts were going out, Sabean and Grabau were grateful when a generous donation of boxes and bags filled with canned meats and beans and dry goods collected by Severna Park Cub Scout Pack 858 was dropped off.
Both women observed that, when autumn arrives, the flow of donations increases. Once schools are back in session and organizations back to their regular schedules, food drives pick up. So, by the end of September or early October, donations are arriving daily and continue to do so through March.
Sabean, who keeps the records, observed that, for the year that ended June 30th, SPAN helped 700 families with food.
“We averaged helping 60 families a month whereas the year before, we’d averaged more like 50 families a month,” she said.
Financial assistance requests from clients for the year ending June 30th remained at a substantial level. However, SPAN’s finances were much improved by the success of the 6th annual concert produced by actress and singer Hankins-O’Connell. Conceived as a way to give back to the community she grew up in, this year’s Broadway Songfest and Silent Auction created and performed by Hankins-O’Connell along with pianist and singer Anita O’Connor was held on June 7th at St. Martin’s in-the-Field Parish Hall.
The event drew well and, as always, 100% of the net proceeds from the concert and silent auction were donated to SPAN.
Sabean and Grabau are already gearing up for their organization’s 14th Annual Stride for SPAN Turkey Trot 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run which will take place Saturday, November 7th at Kinder Farm Park.
“This is our biggest event,” said Sabean. “This is our 14th year and we feel fortunate to have diverse and generous sponsors from the community. They include Edward Jones, Severna Park Automotive, the Severna Park Elks, St. Martin’s in-the-Field Episcopal School, Broadneck Pharmacy, Chesapeake Hearing Center, Creative Force Dance Center, Haas & Sons Electric, Shore United Bank, Severna Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Fence & Deck Connection, Cassilly & Appel, Barranco Severna Park, and MacDonalds.”
She added that the fact that participants can choose between the 1-mile or 5K option adding to the popularity of the event. She also noted that, instead of medals, the prizes for the different age groups participating in the 5K will be gift cards donated by local businesses.
For more information about the Turkey Trot 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run or other activities, visit SPAN Serving People Across Neighborhoods.
Trinity Bible Church 4th Annual Fall Festival happening Saturday, September 26th
Trinity Bible Church invites the public to join them for a free community event – a Fall Festival taking place Saturday, September 26th from 11 am till 2 pm. The event, taking place across church grounds at 99 Truck House Road, includes lunch (burger/hotdog, drink, chips) and an assortment of fun activities: horseback riding, moonbounce, photo booth, games and crafts, snow cones, bingo, and more. For more information, visit Trinity Bible Church or Facebook.
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.
