AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
The casual setting of the Cape St. Claire Improvement Association Club House was the perfect place to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Magothy River Association (MRA) on Sunday, September 20th and to honor the members who’ve made it all possible.
The hard-working Board of Directors was on hand in its entirety as can be seen in the opening photo. The members are, left to right, corresponding secretary Jay Crawford who handles communications and IT, Dr. Sally Hornor who is MRA Vice-President and chief scientist, Karen Royer who is recording secretary, President Paul Spadaro, Brad Knopf who oversees Oyster Restoration & Construction Site Monitoring, events coordinator and community engagement representative Lise Crafton, Cecily Steppe, a marine scientist and ecologist at the US Naval Academy, Steve Miller, and executive assistant Sandy Spadaro.
A significant part of MRA’s membership was on hand for the celebration. The atmosphere was laid back as they enjoyed a menu of tasty dishes like pulled pork and chicken, potato salad and coleslaw, Maggie’s macaroni and cheese and, best of all, plenty of steamed crabs. They also were treated to musical entertainment by popular duo Ginger & the other Dave.
From the all-volunteer Magothy River Association’s very beginnings in 1946, its members have actively participated in preserving and maintaining the health of the Magothy and its watershed. Today, the MRA membership includes 30 communities and 330 individuals.
Numerous examples of the organization’s achievements were on display around the room including newspaper clippings and images from MRA’s historic past along with photographs and articles documenting more recent successes.
As the 80th Anniversary celebration continued to unfold, it was time to recognize those who have made important contributions over the years. By way of thanks for organizing the 80th Anniversary celebration, MRA member Ashley Westbrook presented Lise Crafton with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. (Westbrook is one of the indispensable MRA volunteers who does water quality monitoring.)
Others recognized for important contributions included Charles Germain who was honored for his work creating the Magothy Water Trail videos and the award-winning films about local history he shares with the public through YouTube.
Brad Knopf was recognized for his oyster restoration work while Dr. Sally Hornor was honored for developing the annual State of the Magothy Report. Nick Price received praise for his research on the shipwrecks of the Magothy series and Jack Zuraw was honored for his tremendous support of MRA through the annual Great Chesapeake Bay Skipjack Race with his classic two masted sailboat the Jolly Dolphin.
Susan Nolte was honored for her late husband Charlie Nolte’s support of MRA and for the continuing support of the entire Nolte family.
Paul Spadaro’s efforts on MRA’s behalf are boundless. Over 30 years as the organization’s president, Spadaro sought out volunteers and board members who were professionals to help him. He’s put in a countless number of hours working in conjunction with Dr. Honor and others on programs ranging from Water Quality Monitoring, Grasses Restoration and the Yellow Perch Study to Education and Outreach. He’s led major efforts involving litigation to preserve the Magothy watershed. He’s either initiated or taken part in projects like oyster restoration, the planting of submerged aquatic vegetation, water quality analysis, and identification of the river’s flora and fauna. He’s also pushed for improved public access to the river.
Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler, a longtime supporter of MRA, was on hand to present Spadaro and MRA with a citation from The County Council of Anne Arundel County.
Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile also presented the Magothy River Association president with a citation from The Maryland General Assembly.
Spadaro proudly showed the citations to those at his table, then added them to the displays around the room.
The 80th anniversary event marked an important milestone for the Magothy River Association but was also a perfect end-of-summer gathering and chance to catch up with friends.
We bumped into Amanda Fiedler and Amy Leahy, both of whom shared concerns they have in common with MRA about the proposed plan for residential development of the Severna Park Golf Center that would affect traffic on Ritchie Highway as well as a stream running through the property.
As the end of the celebration drew near, it was time to serve the piece-de-resistance, the anniversary cake which was expertly cut by Paul Spadaro. As can be seen from the pictures below, the cake was absolutely delicious.
Having helped with cleaning up at party’s end, volunteers Teresa Miller and Ashley Westbrook beamed with smiles over a very successful 80th birthday party. Both are eager to get back to their regular MRA volunteer activities while wondering what meaningful and exciting projects lay ahead.
To follow the activities of the Magothy River Association, follow them at Home – Magothy River Association or Facebook.
Katherine’s Light Foundation, LLC awards $85,000 in grants to five organizations
Katherine’s Light Foundation announced on September 22nd that $85,000 in grant awards were given to five organizations supporting neuroendocrine tumor research, cancer care, education, and patient support.
The grants were made possible by overwhelming support from the Severna Park community at the organization’s June 13th fundraiser at Severna Park Taphouse.
In just three years, Katherine’s Light Foundation has now donated $300,000 to organizations helping those affected by cancer. This year’s grants included $50,000 to Dr. Tanya Stoyanova’s lab at UCLA to support continued NET cancer research, along with grants to Luminis Health DeCesaris Cancer Institute, Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation, Wellness House of Annapolis, and Mercy Medical Foundation.
Katherine’s Light Foundation founders Robin and Larry Sells say Katherine’s memory continues to inspire everything the organization continues to do. They are grateful to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, friend, and supporter who has helped them carry her light forward.
A reminder: Trinity Bible Church’s Fall Festival this Saturday, September 26
Hard to believe that autumn is here! Trinity Bible Church, at 99 Truck House Road, will celebrate the season by holding its 4th Annual Fall Festival this Saturday, September 26th from 11 am till 2 pm. The free community event includes lunch (burger/hotdog, drink, chips) and an assortment of fun activities ranging from horseback riding, Moon bounce and photo booth to games and crafts, snow cones, bingo, and more. Check it out at TBC’s 4th Annual Fall Festival | 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.
