Author: wingsorb@aol.com

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

With below normal temperatures from December through February, a brutal snow and ice storm at the end of January, and a lack of community activities to be involved in or events to attend, winter has seemed to stretch on forever. There were two notable exceptions and both were cause for celebration in different ways.

The earliest and most important event for the well-being of Severna Park and surrounding communities was Good Neighbors Group’s 2026 S(o)uper Bowl Food Drive. Though still battling snow and ice from the storm on the ground and temperatures in the low teens, 71 neighborhoods and businesses rallied to support the drive that began on Thursday, February 5, and ended on Super Bowl Sunday, February 8.

“The food drive is always Thursday before Super Bowl until Super Bowl Sunday,” said Good Neighbors Group executive director Julie Shay. “It went pretty well. Most likely the grand total won’t be bigger than last year, but our S(o)uper Bowl Coordinator Kathie Hamlett will have the final numbers shortly.”

Shay and Hamlett bundled up and delivered boxes and bags full of pantry items to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank drop-off point, then sorted the items.

Also doing double duty at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank drop-off were Sammie Johns and her father J.C. Johns,

Soon completed, Hamlett’s final tally for the number of items collected was 18,179 items collected for 7 pantries and the AA County Food Bank – 179 items over last year’s total of 18,000 for 6 pantries.

In addition to the AA County Foodbank, this year’s pantries included those for SPAN, Inc. (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) as seen in the opening photo, the Asbury Community Assistance Network  (ACAN), Caring Cupboard, Rock & Steward Ministry in Glen Burnie, Open Hands of Maryland, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Pantry and Tides of Grace Crisis Center on the Eastern Shore.

Braving the cold to deliver a whole SUV full of food items they collected from their Manhattan Beach neighborhood to the SPAN, Inc. pantry were Ron Aten and Rob Schuyler.

Of course, the real work began immediately after the neighborhood captains made their deliveries with grateful volunteers for each pantry working to restock shelves that had a few empty spaces once the holiday season passed.

Designed to encourage neighbors to collect food and funds to maintain local food pantries, the S(o)uper Bowl Food Drives are a wonderful way to bring people together.

This year 71 neighborhoods and businesses participated in the drive with each selecting a “captain” responsible for collecting everyone’s contributions and storing them in one location – often the captain’s home or garage. Once collected, the captains and/or helpers must transport the donations to one of the designated charities depending on which one their neighborhood is assigned.

Neighborhoods compete with each other to see which can bring in the highest number of contributions and winners are announced and honored at a Wrap celebration. This year the celebration was held at Cafe Mezzanotte on February 18th. Winning the Most Improved Neighborhood title was Linstead (which almost tripled its contributions from last year with their best year yet). The Per House winner was Harlequin (with 11.77 items collected per house). The Winner By Volume was Winchester on the Severn (with a total of 1,652 items).

According to Shay, in view of the frigid weather the Good Neighbors Group expected they wouldn’t collect as much food as in previous years but found, instead, that they exceeded last year’s donation total. As always, they’re thankful to the neighbors who stepped up to make the drive a success. If interested in signing up for the 2027 S(o)UPER BOWL FOOD DRIVE, you can reach out by emailing: souperbowl@goodneighborsgroup.org.

As the month of February ended, a second event was held by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi which has been equally supportive of the community for over 25 years. The school has raised nearly $200,000 for community charities while working daily to raise the fitness, health and wellbeing of its students.

On February 17, the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse began, and Jing Ying Institute celebrated it in style with more than two weeks of special activities.

Jing Ying’s Chinese Lunar New Year activities honored Year of the Fire Horse, highlighted achievements of students

Every year, one of the bright spots people look forward to in February is Jing Ying’s two-week celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year with a series of free classes, a “Cleaning Ceremony”, a tea tasting, and an Open House among other formal and informal activities.

Lunar New Year 2026 marked the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar and beginning the Year of the Fire Horse. (The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. In 2026, the cycle brings us to the Horse, the seventh animal in the zodiac order.)

The Lunar New Year Open House got underway on February 28th at 2:30 pm following a brief testing period for the school’s students earlier in the afternoon. A very important ceremony would be part of this year’s festivities, so many guests arrived early to find a seat.

Nevertheless, there was time to mingle. We had the pleasure of meeting friends Patti Shaffer, Fran Kushner and Nancy Zellmer who were already enjoying themselves.

Shaffer told us she’d first known Jing Ying owners Nancy and Billy Greer through Billy whom she’d met through a Tai Chi class. Kushner first met Greer when he taught a class at Pasadena Senior Center and she has been taking classes at Jing Ying Institute for 10 years now. Zelmer met Greer at Pasadena Senior Center too before beginning classes at the Institute. All three women said they like supporting the Greers because they do so much for the local community.

Formal and meaningful, the ceremony at the beginning of the Open House was conducted by Greer, Jing Ying Institute’s Shifu (martial arts master/ teacher/ father) and involved the awarding of Certificates and silk belt sashes denoting level of training or achievement to four students. The first, Everest Carmona, earned a certificate and a yellow silk sash replacing her beginner’s white sash. Alex Selley, who came next, was awarded a certificate and red sash, the second highest, and received congratulations from a line of Jing Ying’s most senior practitioners who possess black belts.

Then came the most important moments, the awarding of, not one, but two black sashes earned by long time Kung Fu and Tai Chi practitioners James Shey and Chris Selley.

Last to earn a certificate and achieve black sash status after many years of training was Chris Selley who is also the proud father of Alex Selley.

Following those presentations, Shey and Selley made speeches recounting their journeys to black belt status and thanking all those who supported them. Then they joined Greer and the line of black sash practitioners for an official photograph. We managed to catch up with both Shey and Selley to inquire what it was like making the long journey through the belt levels to become black sashes.

James Shay told us he began practicing Kung Fu and Tai Chi in 2008 but took a break in the very middle of his training.

“I was in the Navy and I left here in 2010. It took me six more years to cycle through the Navy and make my way back here to finish my journey. I’d really enjoyed the feeling of family here at Jing Ying so, when I came back, I rejoined.”

Chris Selley said he’d been a student at Jing Ying Institute since 2012, having taken up Tai Chi on the recommendation of an acupuncturist treating him for pain management following a back injury. He said working his way through the belt levels was a long journey for him.

“It took time, self-discipline and hard work though I was helped by the fact that my kids would come with me,” Selley said. “I worked on my diet, my strength, and my flexibility and mastered at lot of skills, movements and forms. But I still feel like a beginner in these arts.”

We also chatted briefly with Everest Carmona and her mother Melissa. We learned that Everest, who is homeschooled, joined Jing Ying Institute because they offered home school classes. She has definitely enjoyed them.

As can be seen from the photo below, the Lunar New Year celebration got seriously underway with a festive buffet that ran the length of the room.

At one of those tables, we found the Selley family celebrating with Chris and Alex. They were having a fine time.

We’d earlier spied an amazing cake we learned was baked by Nicole Selley in honor of her husband Chris and James Shey’s accomplishment. Each layer was iced in a color representing the sash/belt levels from white to black. Each layer was also different, ranging from vanilla and chocolate to fruit-filled, and each was absolutely delicious.

This Sunday, March 8th, in honor of The Year of the Fire Horse Jing Ying Institute has invited author Maria Allessandri from The Horse & People Project to give a presentation called Ask LikeYou Mean It – What Horses Teach Us About Communication. The free presentation will be held from 2 to 3 pm. For more information about the event, visit Chinese New Year.

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus Regional Send-Off Performance at Baldwin Hall

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus invites the public to join them for a free community performance as they prepare for their upcoming Regional Competition. The concert will be held on Wednesday, March 25th at 7 pm at Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville. It’s a great chance for fans or newcomers to hear the chorus’ latest set and see what they’ve been working on behind the scenes. No tickets are required. Just show up and enjoy.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Young singers and actors looking for a way to escape the winter doldrums couldn’t have asked for a more exciting opportunity than winning a role in Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s ambitious production of “The Prince of Egypt”. Based on the biblical book of Exodus, the musical is currently in rehearsal and will debut on March 13th.

We arrived at last Saturday’s rehearsal just in time to view a scene where armed Egyptian guards used weapons and whips to ensure that Hebrew slaves raising baskets of building blocks up pyramid walls and others carrying the blocks to the site were kept in line. There was more than a touch of drama as the action played out.

As “Prince of Egypt” director David Merrill was blocking, or choreographing, portions of the musical on Saturday, the scenes we observed were done out of order and without lines being recited. Blocking was particularly important because Woods’ musical productions are performed in the church sanctuary using the three-tiered Chancel as the stage. According to Merrill, performing there is the ultimate theater-in-the-round experience.

“We are so fortunate that Woods Church allows us to use the sanctuary for our productions,” he said. “However, doing a musical there requires that we transport every piece of scenery onto the stage at the beginning of the show and throughout each act using prop handlers/actors to move props in and out as the scenes change. When the rehearsal or performance is over, every piece of scenery and prop must be removed and the space left empty.”

We watched as the first part of scene six was rehearsed featuring two sledges full of stone blocks (actually made of foam) being pulled toward the pyramid from opposite sides of the sanctuary by actors playing Hebrew slaves.

While that was happening, Rose and Maynard were practicing in an aisle next to us – with Rose snapping his whip behind Maynard who, without benefit of a stone block mimicked holding one while practicing his moans and screams. Later, the poor slave was handed a block, and we watched the pair’s progression up the aisle with Mayard ascending the final pyramid step near collapse. Overseeing the scene from behind him, Merrill offered guidance.

According to Rose, it was fun using the whip. But he noted that he must snap it to the side, making sure not to hit Maynard…or the audience.

“Luckily, we’ll be raised up on a platform running the length of the aisle which should help,” he said. “I’ll work with our fight choreographer to be sure I’m as safe as possible.”

Though out of order, a poignant scene featuring an adult Moses, played by Ian Scrite, and Yocheved played by Sarah Kent came next. Having been raised by Egyptian Queen Tuya, Moses has just learned that Yocheved is his true mother.

In a scene that followed, Moses attacks and accidentally kills an Egyptian guard who was whipping a Hebrew slave – a complicated scene which called for the slave to fall backwards off the step and required some direction from Merrill.

While that was taking place onstage, there was a sudden stirring among actors not in the scene as they noticed some actors were beginning to appear in costume.

Excitement built as actors and dancers were seen congregating at the back of the sanctuary. Costumer Susan Bohlman and her assistant Perry Swift had begun distributing costumes.

Swift, set up in the hallway, was providing costumes for the dancers with help from volunteer Jacquei Shade.

Dancers representing slave laborers wore one sort of costume while those serving Queen Tuya found themselves in something more elaborate.

Meanwhile, longtime Woods costume designer, Bohlman was fitting the more complicated clothing worn by the actors. We encountered John Rose there being fitted for his guard uniform while Jeffrey Maynard was one of those waiting. Bohlman was satisfied with the look of Rose’s costume but cautioned him and all the other guards and slaves to take off their shirts and pants, an order with which he eventually complied.

With a large cast, Bohlman needed an immense range of costuming and, judging from her multiple racks of clothing, she could fill the bill, from Pharoh Seti’s royal robe to the slaves’ sleeveless top and simple kilt known in ancient Egypt as a shendyt.

The variety of clothing worn by women was widest, spanning both the Hebrew and Egyptian cultures and ranging from royals to townspeople or slaves. As some of the guard roles were assumed by women, there was also a necessity for capes to cover the briefer guard uniforms.

All the while, the rehearsal continued. Interestingly, the last scene rehearsed was the opening scene. It was set in the era when Egyptian soldiers, under orders to kill all Hebrew firstborn boys, snatched babies from their mothers’ arms. Consequently, newborn Moses was placed in a basket by his heartbroken mother Yocheved who sings him a lullaby as she sets him afloat on the Nile. The second part of the scene shows Queen Tuya in her garden with her own baby son Ramses. Tuya spots Moses drifting in the bullrushes, rescues him and adopts him to raise as her own along with Ramses.

The scene ends with a full chorus of Hebrews singing the song “Deliver Us”.

Woods Church will be presenting the epic musical “Prince of Egypt” featuring music and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz beginning Friday evening March 13 at 7:30 pm.

The performance dates are March 13 thru 15 and March 19 thru 21. Tickets are available now and are $20. To see times and dates for the show and to order tickets, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails highlights building of new Hatton-Regester Green gazebo

Local and B&A Trail users will be happy to know that work has begun on the construction of a new Hatton Regester Green gazebo! The Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails report in the latest “Trail Talk” that Severna Park’s Hatton Regester Green was The Friends’ first project and is over 25 years old. They note that the original gazebo – the scene of many wonderful concerts and ceremonies – has been removed and the county is building the new structure. We look forward to enjoying the gazebo as the future stage for The Friends summer Concert Series.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

After hibernating for several weeks due to snow-covered roads and near zero-degree temperatures, most of us welcomed the February thaw. Eager to get out, we were looking for something fun to do. Luckily, a number of Galentine’s Day events were being held locally and provided the perfect answer.

Three that caught our attention were held simultaneously on Thursday, February 12th including the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber Successful Women In Business Galentine’s Party hosted by Dr. Judy Yu of Dental FX in Pasadena. As it was the farthest away, we weren’t able to attend but understand from friends who did that it was a lovely event.

We were able to attend the other two held back-to-back within a couple miles of each other.

The first, at Fishpaws MarketPlace, began at 4 pm. A chalkboard sign at the entrance foreshadowed the Galentine’s Day Tasting event that awaited us inside.

Fishpaw’s owner Kim Lawson was away on a trip but, the moment we walked in the door, we were greeted by manager Terry Phoebus who encouraged us to try the Wine & Cheese Tasting Bar and introduced us to two of the Galentine Tasting event guests.

Making their way to the VanEllin table from the Tasting Bar, glasses in hand, Kristie Chisholm and Kim Marin were familiar faces to us. We’ve run into them at several events including a Homestead Gardens Girl’s Night Out in December of 2019.

“This is our regular Galentine’s Day mission,” Chisholm said. “We love this event”.

We could see why. Tastings were offered by many of the distributors whose products are carried by Fishpaws MarketPlace. Stopping by the Annapolis-based VanEllin table ourselves, we met Vanessa who, along with her mother Lynda, created the wholesale specialty baked goods company. She gave us a rundown of the samples so tastefully arranged on her table.

“We’re serving caramelized onion focaccia, a rosemary focaccia and Casanova Crunch, a bourbon butter-soaked pretzel with a bit of heat,” Vanessa said. “There are also bourbon and lemon-flavored cookies.”

Moving on, we found Glen Fewster representing Ten Ecyk Brewing Company, a woman-owned Queenstown, Maryland company operated by a team of women veterans and first responders. Fewster was offering a Mexican lager, a dark Czech lager and a Moroccan spiced coffee stout.

“I’m quite a fan of Fishpaws and have long enjoyed attending events here,” he said.

Fully into the spirit of Galentine’s Day, owner Sandy Mazza of Sandy Bottom Sparkling Rum Cocktails enjoyed treating Tasting guests to samples of her rum-based cocktail with its coconut, lemon and lime tropical vibe. Mazza notes that the product is made in Middle River, Maryland and is fond of relating her brand’s backstory.

“I was boating with friends on the Chesapeake Bay and mixed them cocktails which they loved. They encouraged me to market them. So, I did and created my brand which has done well. In fact, I’m about to introduce a new cranberry and blood orange cocktail,” said Mazza. “I’ve done this wonderful Galentine’s event previously and I feel fortunate that Kim Lawson carries my product and has been a long-time supporter.”

We were not about to leave Fishpaws’ Galentine’s Day Tasting without stopping by the table of Pam Meador, a distributor for Effie’s Biscuits. We’ve met Meador before as she has appeared in conjunction with Fishpaws MarketPlace at fundraisers for University of Maryland’s Baltimore Washington Medical Center at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park. We arrived as she was offering guest Theresa Bloom a choice between Effie’s Pecan Biscuits with Point Reyes Bay Blue Cheese from Oregon with or without a dab of local honey – all of which are carried by Fishpaws.

We loved chatting with Pam but it was 5 pm and time to move on to our next event…

…BD Provisions’ Galentine’s Sip & Shop

By the time we arrived at BD Provisions, it appeared that the shop’s second annual Galentine’s Sip & Shop event was well underway. We liked the sign greeting guests as they arrived and decided that we’d definitely “sip” some of that Midnight Joe java the Severna Park shop is known for.

When BD Provisions owner Debra Saltz conceived the idea of holding a Galentine’s Day event last year, she decided to invite some of her fellow small business owners to share the event as vendors. This year there were a total of eight vendors showing off their products.

As we entered, we immediately noticed quite a bit of activity at the back of the store. So, we headed first to an attractive display of dyed papers and handcrafted books and journals from Linthicum resident Brooke Borman’s Spill the Tea Paper Company.

“I named my business Spill the Tea Paper Company because I dye many of my papers with tea or coffee,” Borman said. “I also offer pastel papers I tint with Easter egg dyes.”

Borman’s display was back-to-back with that of another vendor so we rounded the corner and visited Severna Park resident Dawn Lautenschlager’s Purple Pugs Creations. Lautenschlagers’ wares included 3D Paper Art, Cards, gift tags and other specialities.

Leaving Purple Pugs Creations, we rounded a bend past the BD Provisions section of barrels devoted to flours, whole grains, chocolate and caramel chips and other baking staples and made our way toward the familiar presence of Caren Bach’s Baltimore-based Cookies by Caren . For the second year, Bach brought a selection of beautifully decorated heart shaped cookies perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift for someone special…or simply as a Valentine’s treat for the family.

Bach was, interestingly, set up next to the Midnight Joe coffee station. Part of the “sips” offered for the occasion; the BD Provisions coffee was a perfect chaser for the cookie samples set out for customers to taste.

Back for a second year as well, Amy Heath’s Hip, Mod, Vintage display of gorgeous reclaimed and restored vintage jewelry drew customers like bees to honey. Heath is well-known as a regular vendor at the Severna Park Farmers Market where she sells her own jewelry and other products.

Catching up with Heath, we chatted about the fact that her business has more challenges these days thanks to the fact that silver prices have risen.

“The price of silver has risen to three digits recently,” Heath said. “In September the price was $33 per ounce. By November, it had risen to $107 per ounce.”

On our way to the next vendor, we bumped into Galentine’s Shop & Stroll attendees Kary Biles and Megan Salerno at the Heigh Tide soaps display. The pair told us they were first-timers and absolutely loved the event. While Biles is from Kent Island and Salerno is a Severna Park resident, both said they’d visit BD Provisions again.

As the event progressed, we observed that every time an attendee entered the door chime rang. We heard more and more rings as event traffic picked up and the check-out counter grew busier and busier.

Meanwhile, some customers were drawn to a silver bucket containing bubbly bottles of sparkling cider from which to pour a “sip”.

Other customers moved in an entirely different direction opting to shop for chocolates or Valentine’s Day appropriate candy or heading to the center of the store where Katy Belford was giving oh-so-relaxing massages. Just behind her was Evie & Park’s Ashlee Gibbs who, like Amy Heath, we recognized from the Severna Park Farmer’s Market. For the past six years, Gibbs has made the amazing array of clean burning soy candles carried by Evie & Park.

There was one more vendor to visit – Heather Sanders, The Oyster Shell Girl, whose Fresh Oyster Bar we found fascinating. Her beautifully decoupaged oyster shells are highly decorative accessories. They also can be adapted as jewelry or other items. Since Sanders learned she could print on tissue paper she’s been able to create oyster shell replicas of flowers, state flags or even family portraits.

We found the Gallentine Day events we attended were not only convivial gatherings bringing attendees into contact with friends, but they provided great opportunities to support community retailers by SHOPPING LOCAL.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

The scene at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church was chaotic but charming on June 5, 2016 with critters of multiple species arriving for the 8th annual Blessing of the Animals – one of many important programs created by the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds during her 23-year tenure as the church’s Associate Pastor.

Smiling broadly while conducting the Blessing of the Animals service from the top step on that day ten years ago, Rev. Reynolds explained that she was inspired to create the service following an encounter with a chipmunk on a path behind the church.

“The chipmunk stood looking at me and wouldn’t move out of my way despite gentle urging,” Rev. Reynolds said. “I finally asked, ‘Will you move if I give you a blessing?” I blessed the critter, who we later named Clarence. He seemed content and scampered away. His reaction motivated me to imagine blessing all animals.”

Following the service, Rev. Reynolds blessed a passel of pets before stopping in front of Thomas Shade who cradled a portable aquarium in his arms containing croakers Froggy & Goggles.

“The first time we met Froggy and Goggles, Thomas and his mother Jacquelynne told us the species’ life span is normally two years,” she said. “But the frogs came back to be blessed the next year, and the following year, and this is their sixth year.”

This past Sunday, February 8, the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds, preached her last service as Associate Pastor of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church. Woods’ Senior Pastor, the Rev. J. C. Austin had announced her retirement through the church’s Messenger news bulletin three days earlier.

“After 23 years of good and faithful service, the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds is retiring from both her position as Associate Pastor here at Woods and from congregational ministry in general,” Rev. Austin wrote. “In retirement, Nancy will be focusing on her psychotherapy ministry and will continue serving as the Director of the Woods Care & Counseling Center.”

He added that the combined February 8th worship service would be the last conducted by Lincoln Reynolds. Following a brief congregational meeting to formally act upon her request to retire and dissolve the pastoral relationship, there would be a reception in Nancy’s honor in the Fellowship Hall.

Rev. Reynolds’ warmly received sermon, “Into The Woods”, blended scripture, a recounting of her arrival at Woods as an ordained pastoral psychologist, and her transition to being associate pastor at the behest of the late Rev. Dr. Terry Schoener.

Rev. Reynolds was at the forefront of so many initiatives that are ongoing. She touched on many of them during her sermon and briefly spoke about a few of them with us.

“As you know, being at Woods Church has been a blessing and an opportunity to not just serve that congregation but the Severna Park community since 2003,” she said. 

“Woods has always been a kind of light on the hill and I’ve been privileged to help all of us through some difficult as well as joy filled times. Together we addressed the concerns with adolescent suicide and were able to not only decrease the numbers but also establish interventions and preventative actions that led to research and understanding the problems.  Our public schools and county organizations worked valiantly together. Parenting for a Different World, a non-profit whose mission is to provide programing and resources around resilience, coping and help seeking behaviors, grew from our community’s efforts to enhance mental health and wellness and support parents in supporting their youth.”

One of our earliest interviews with Rev. Reynolds took place in May 20, 2010 midway through extensive rehabilitation of the small white house at 17 Cypress Creek Road that would begin life anew as the Woods Counseling Center. The counseling center actually began as an initiative of Rev. Terry Schoener in 1983 and operated as The Pastoral Counseling Care Ministries from an educational wing of the church for 17 years. After Rev. Reynolds took over in 1993, the counseling center expanded adding more therapists and requiring additional space. Subsequently renamed Woods Counseling & Care Center, the facility now has eight therapists in addition to director Nancy Lincoln Reynolds.

In January of 2015 the Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds hosted the showing of the film, “In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom” which explored human sex trafficking. She also was part of a panel discussion afterward with Amanda Weikel from The Samaritan Women in Baltimore, Anne Arundel Police Detective Bernard Adkins and anti-demand volunteer Nick Weikel from the Safe House of Hope. Woods’ Youth Pastor, the Rev. Nick Cheek also spoke briefly providing a child/parent perspective.

We later met with Rev. Reynolds in February of 2017 when the Parenting For A Different World program was introduced with a “call to action event” at the Severna Park Community Center. Hosted by Woods Counseling & Care Center in partnership with the Anne Arundel County Youth Suicide Prevention Awareness Team and Ellie’s Bus, the event featured University of Chicago professor and author Anna Mueller of “Adolescents Under Pressure”.

A strong supporter of a robust music ministry, Rev. Reynolds was instrumental in a collaboration between Woods Church and Wayman Good Hope AME Church’s Chozen Music Ministry to stage a concert featuring four well-known gospel groups on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Organized by Chozen members Larry Coates, Gerard Coates, Dana Anderson, and Lewis “Moone” Day, the concert was simultaneously a celebration of the gospel group’s 10th Anniversary and the release of its new CD “A Family That Prays”.

Because the Presbyterian Church requires that retired ministers worship elsewhere for a few years after leaving a church, the Woods congregation will miss seeing Nancy Lincoln Reynolds each Sunday but she won’t be far away.

“I will be directing the counseling and care center which has now grown to include collaborative organizations like the VA Center and Hospice,” she said.  “The Care Center is developing its focus on spiritual formation and development, and the five psychotherapists and clinicians will continue to offer psychotherapy treatment.”

“As for me, I very much embrace the opportunity to work with people in life challenges and mental health concerns,” Lincoln Reynolds added.  “As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I see my work as an opportunity to help provide individuals, couples and families with fulfilling and rewarding lives.”

Earleigh Heights VFC Bull, Oyster & Pig Roast February 21st

A reminder that Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company will be holding a Bull, Oyster & Pig Roast on Saturday, February 21st from from 5 to 8 pm with music and fun till 10 pm. A delicious menu including Pit Beef, Pit Turkey, Pulled Pork roasted on site, Raw Oysters, Oyster Stew, Oyster Fritters and more. For tickets, visit Home | Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with Open House Feb. 28

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi will be hosting Lunar New Year classes, activities and festivities through the end of the month culminating on February 28th with a free Open House featuring a traditional Lion Dance performance at 3 pm followed by demonstrations of Tai Chi and Kung Fu forms as well as weapons. Entertainment, crafts, and treats are all free for families to enjoy. There will be several giveaways and contests to add to the fun. For more information or to register for the free Open House, visit Chinese New Year.

Coffeehouse Concert at Woods Church Fellowship Hall – Feb. 28th

Join the Woods Church Praise Band for an evening of acoustic music. The concert begins at 7:30 pm. This is a free event with no tickets required.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

The blanket of snow and ice left behind by the January 25th storm that made our roads impassable for days and left creeks along the Magothy and Severn Rivers frozen over is still with us. Beautiful to behold, the wintry scene remained pristine throughout the week as frigid temperatures kept most people indoors. We were all grateful not to have lost power but snow removal for highways, roads and streets was a slow process and schools were closed for an entire week.

Those used to daily outdoor exercise, found the going rough on the B&A Trail as the surface was extremely slippery.

By week’s end, many of us were going stir-crazy. Neighborhood streets were somewhat clear but too icy for me to consider driving on. Luckily, family members rescued me from being a hot house flower. Taking to the highways, which were clear with the exception of an occasional ice patch, we ended up in Annapolis at The Bean Rush Cafe, a favorite gathering spot. Most of the tables were taken.

It was wonderful to sit with the sun at my back and a steaming cup of coffee to sip. Such a cozy spot from which to survey the passing scene.

I casually observed that, once New Years Day is over, not much happens during January so I had little local news to share. February looks more promising on the social front, however. My calendar is currently marked with several upcoming events that should be fun.

I also received an important update from Arnold Preservation Council director Elizabeth Rosborg regarding a possible Board of Appeals denial of approval for the plan to build a Chick-fil-A in Arnold. I share her comments with you now.

Update on plan to build a Chick-fil-A in Arnold

In her email dated January 29th, Rosborg shared the latest news about the status of the Arnold community’s appeal to the plan to build a Chick-fil-A off the southbound lanes of Ritchie Highway.

Here’s a link to our September 25th column on the appeal.

Safety the primary concern of Arnold residents’ effort to stop a Chick fil A from being built – sharonleestable.com.

“Tonight, the Board of Appeals deliberated on our case,” Rosborg wrote. “The motion was made to deny the approval of the preliminary plan. Of the 5 board members in attendance, 3 voted to deny the preliminary plan approval and 2 voted to approve. I was so excited, I thought we had it. However, the other two absent members are required to vote. So, we will not know the outcome until the ruling is published in 60 days.”

Either way, she wanted to thank Arnold residents for supporting the appeal whether by donating to the legal fund, testifying in person before the Board of Appeals, posting signs in their yards or talking to their neighbors about the project.

“I, for one, am glad to have appealed,” she said. “To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, I am glad to have been in the area and fought the good fight…to make Arnold the best place to call home.”

Galentine’s Day events will soon be underway

Another reminder that BD Provisions invites you to join them on February 12 from 6 to 8 pm for their Galentine’s Sip & Shop. They’re partnering with other local businesses for a really fun event.

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Successful Women In Business Galentine’s Party happening on February 12 from 4 to 5:30 pm will be hosted by Dr. Judy Yu of Dental FX at 8667 Ft. Smallwood Road in Pasadena. Meet other dynamic women for networking, libations and snacks and great door prizes. As February is Heart Health Month, Dr. Yu will explain how dental health is good for your heart. Free to members and first-time guests or $15 at the door.

Bohemian Black at 1915 Towne Center in Annapolis will host a Galentine Experience on February 13 at 5:30 pm. Rose Walker fans know she’ll pull off the celebration with style. There will be mini styling sessions, a charm bar and beauty bar, fashions to shop and other fun things.

Severna Park Community Center Health & Wellness Expo this Sunday, February 8

Severna Park Community Center invites you to join them this Sunday, February 8th from 12 pm to 3 pm for a FREE Health & Wellness Expo in the Andy Borland Gymnasium. You’ll be able to check out 33 healthcare related vendors and take advantage of a variety of free screenings and tests as well as free mini chair massages. For more information, visit Health & Wellness Expo | Facebook.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi begins its celebration of Lunar New Year 2026, The Year of the Horse, with its Annual Cleaning Celebration from 5:30 to 7 pm on Monday, February 16. The celebration is meant to symbolically clean away any bad luck left over from the previous year and make room for good luck coming in for the new year. 

Lunar New Year classes, activities and festivities will continue through the end of the month culminating on February 28 with a free Open House featuring a traditional Lion Dance performance at 3 pm followed by demonstrations of Tai Chi and Kung Fu forms as well as weapons. Entertainment, crafts, and treats are all free for families to enjoy. There will be several giveaways and contests to add to the fun. For more information or to register for the free Open House, visit Chinese New Year.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Though pretty while it fell, last weekend’s snow turned to sleet and icy rain as an Arctic cold front dropped temperatures close to zero. Even after the storm stopped, the heavy crust of ice atop the snow showed no sign of melting and made digging out and clearing roads an extremely difficult task.

Equally, or more problematic, were below-normal temperatures that meant that, even for those with their thermostats set lower, the heat ran continuously. For many people, the latest bills issued January 13th were double what they were for the same period of time in 2025. People are gritting their teeth when considering what their next bill will be.

Michele Sabean, Director of Development for SPAN, Inc. which provides financial assistance to people whose gas and electric bills are overdue, says people are talking about it.

“We’re not being approached for assistance yet because BGE has not been turning people off,” Sabean said. “The BGE website states that ‘in accordance with a recent order from the Public Service Commission, all residential turn-off notices have been canceled, and customers will not be disconnected for non-payment from December 30, 2025, through February 28, 2026’. This will be an issue for us because bills are still increasing during this time when they are not doing turn off notices and for many the amount owed is increasing during this time. We anticipate we’ll be feeling the effects in the near future.”

Why, we are all wondering, are our gas and electric bills so high? In view of the fact that the price of oil is going down, high home energy costs have even been an important topic of discussion during the current session of the Maryland House of Delegates.

Some important clues could be found in a Fox 45 news article written by Gary Collins on August 15, 2024 titled “Marylanders brace for skyrocketing energy costs in 2025 as fossil fuel power plants close”.

“The region’s power grid operator (PJM Interconnection LLC) and local utility companies informed FOX45 News that Maryland is facing a trifecta of escalating problems contributing to a mounting statewide energy crisis,” Collins noted.

“Energy conglomerates said that rapid power plant closures, increasing energy demands, green energy policy priorities and an outdated power grid are driving up the cost and complexity of keeping the lights on.”

The FOX 45 investigation found that price increases began with Maryland’s deregulation policy dating back to 1999.

Before deregulation, utility companies “obtained, produced and delivered electricity to their customers within their designated service areas” ensuring that customers paid the actual cost of energy production. However, with deregulation, utility companies were required to sell their power plants. Suppliers like Baltimore Gas and Electric Company had to collaborate with electric grid operator PJM and the new power plant owners to whom they sold their infrastructure to deliver power to the same customers. When many of the new owners subsequently shut down their power generation operations, BGE was forced to work with PJM to import energy from surrounding states.

Since 2018, the closure of power plants has led to a decrease of 6,000 megawatts (MW) of generated power in the state. It was expected that Maryland’s energy production would decline even further in June 2025 when the Herbert A. Wagner, Brandon Shores and Vienna power plants were set to close. 

Our own research determined that PJM and a broad coalition of the Maryland Public Service Commission, Maryland customers, and electric utilities, agreed on terms by which owner Talen Energy will operate its Brandon Shores and H.A. Wagner power plants until May 31, 2029. Both plants are located in Anne Arundel County near Glen Burnie. As far as we could tell, while scheduled to close this month, the Vienna Generating Station on the Nanticoke River in Dorchester County is still operating.

Lest we forget, the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center located in Lusby, Maryland is still in operation. Owned and operated by Constellation Energy, it is Maryland’s only nuclear power plant.

A recent article by Rico Ordona for a My Town column posted August 27, 2025 – Why Your BGE Bill Went Up — And What’s Behind The Rate Hikes – The BayNet – noted that BGE raised rates for customers in June in Baltimore City as well as Baltimore, Harford, Cecil, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Calvert counties. The price hikes effect both electricity and gas.

Ordona points out that BGE’s own press release, published in January of 2025, explained that the average monthly cost for a combined gas and electric customer would increase by $26.06 per month. The company attributed the price increases to causes ranging from increased delivery costs to supply reduction from the retirement of fossil fuel-powered generators and the Maryland General Assembly’s changes to the EmPOWER Maryland program.

The EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act of 2008 created the EmPOWER Maryland program. The Act mandated that the five largest power companies in the state offer incentives to reduce greenhouse emissions and increase energy efficiency including free or discounted energy audits, weatherization, and efficient appliances. To fund these incentives, the companies are allowed to charge their customers a fee on electricity.

According to Ordona, for residents powered by BGE, this fee increased in January from $0.00899 to $0.01028 per kilowatt-hour, or $1.16 per month for the average customer.

BGE asserted that the fee increase stems from the General Assembly changing the program’s goal from reducing electricity use to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and a mandated accounting change in how BGE collects and disburses the program’s funds.

The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel, a state agency that advocates for residential utility consumers and ensures that utilities are reliable and conform to Maryland’s environmental and climate goals, charges that BGE’s rates have risen above what would be reasonably expected to cover inflation, decreased supply and increased demand.

The Agency points out that there is a large unpaid balance for EmPOWER programs that is costing customers in interest. The General Assembly has reduced the interest rate on this balance and mandated that utilities begin paying down the principal balance to save consumers in the long run OPC maintains, but this does lead to higher costs for customers in the present.

The disagreement between BGE and OPC extends to more recent infrastructure projects such as the Baltimore Peninsula, revival project which began in 2016. Differing views on whether consumer bill increases relate to BGE’s investment in infrastructure to build-out the project bear on the rate increases Severna Park and other locales are seeing.

On December 19, 2025 Governor Wes Moore (whose penchant for Green Energy is well-known) signed an executive order focused on simplifying bureaucratic obstacles to attracting new power providers. In a December 19 press conference, Moore acknowledged that the executive order would not lower energy bills in the short term.

Moore’s order established an energy sub-Cabinet led by Maryland Energy Administration Director Kelly Speakes-Backman and a Maryland Energy Advisory Council made up of legislators, utilities, PJM and consumer advocates.

The utilities and environmental groups claim they are trying to improve the situation in Maryland but for rate-paying Severna Parkers and residents across the state, their words are cold comfort.

Quick Reminder: Save The Dates for Gallentine’s Day events

BD Provisions invites you to join them on February 12 from 6 to 8 pm for their Galentine’s Sip & Shop. They’re partnering with other local businesses for a really fun event.

Bohemian Black at 1915 Towne Center in Annapolis will host a Gallentine Experience on February 13 at 5:30 pm. Rose Walker fans know she’ll pull off the celebration with style. There will be mini styling sessions, a charm bar and beauty bar, fashions to shop and other fun things.

Stay tuned for a few more Gallentine’s Day events in next week’s column.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

“You are a wunderkind, you are an amazing young entrepreneur,” said Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League as she introduced MAD Soaps’ founder and owner Christian Buchleitner to the crowd as a ribbon cutting ceremony got underway. The ceremony was but one part of the January 16th Grand Opening for MAD SOAPS, Inc.’s new headquarters at 2830 Solomons Island Road in Edgewater.

We’d earlier interviewed Buchleitner as well as his Operations Supervisor Gavin Bryant (who is seen with him in the opening photo).

Having first met the young business owner and his then partner Travis Wray at the Chamber’s Small Business Awards on the patio at Garten Restaurant at the end of May in 2023, we were impressed. That was the first time Christian Buchleitner was chosen Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He would be chosen Young Entrepreneur of the Year for a second time in 2025 based on his outstanding level of success.

We kept an eye on Buchleitner and MAD SOAPS as the business grew. We’d actually bump into the MAD SOAPS crew at a number of the chamber events that they sponsored and/or participated in. Among other things, they entered floats in Severna Park’s 4th of July Parade including their patriotic 50th Anniversary float for 2025. Seeing the MAD Soaps gents decked out in powdered wigs and 1776 attire aboard their makeshift Revolutionary War era “ship” garnered cheers from spectators all along the parade route.

While his staff was setting up tables and chairs and making space for the caterer prior to the Grand Opening festivities, we chatted with Buchleitner about how the business began back in 2018 and evolved to the point of opening a great new facility.

“We just moved into our new building at Oak Grove Marina in Edgewater and are still settling in,” he said. “We were right next door at Gingerville Marina for three or four years prior to the move. Before that, we came from a 20 x 20-foot storage unit in Annapolis and, before that, I started the company out of my Acura MDX that I also had to sleep in for several months.”

Getting a business started was no easy matter for someone so young. Christian had graduated high school and completed almost a full year at Anne Arundel Community College when he dropped out.

“I’d been about to go into math class and cheat on a test,” he said. “I thought ‘What am I doing? I’m not really learning anything and I’m about to cheat on this test. Where is this going to get me if I cheat my way through college?”

“I decided, instead, that I was going to do something that might not pay off now, but would pay off later. That’s when I just started cleaning people’s cars at no money. Then my buddy Travis Wray joined me but, before long, he left to join the Navy. I just kept on washing cars, grinding it out. I’d walk to Starbuck’s in downtown Annapolis basically doing car washes and detailing every day for free because I knew I had to build a brand and it wasn’t going to be easy.”

That’s what Christian Buchleitner did for a long time as he established his company, originally calling it Mobile Auto Detailing. He worked on alone, offering $10 mobile car washes, figuring he wouldn’t make money for many more months. But he was certain it was vital to get his brand out there because there was a lot of competition for the detailing of boats and cars in this area.

MAD SOAPS remained a one-man operation until Buchleitner hired his first employee when he was 19 years old. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well and scared him away from hiring anyone else for about two years. Luckily, he began working on a lot of boats and the “auto” part of the name became irrelevant. That’s when a customer suggested shrinking the name to MAD SOAPS.

Finally, when Buchleitner was 21, he hired another employee and it worked out very well. MAD SOAPS grew to 5 employees, then to 10 and 15. Last year, his younger brother Jackson joined the staff.

“We’d had to start with no money, keeping our expenses at zero and just trying to prove ourselves for a long time,” he noted. “Thus, when we considered going to 25 employees this spring, we decided to scale back instead. For now, we’ll stay with 15 employees and optimize our systems thereby increasing revenue per employee versus taking on more.”

Building a name, achieving positive growth and the ability to raise prices for services was difficult but MAD SOAPS achieved those goals. The company has built its brand so well that they now draw clients from Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania.

“Clients actually bring their stuff to us now,” the company’s proud young owner said. “We evolved from doing free jobs, mobile jobs and traveling out to jobs to having people come here to our facility. Now that we’re located at Oak Grove Marina, there are clients that come by water. Though we still do a lot of cars, we mostly cater to boats in the Annapolis area these days.”

As time drew near for the Grand Opening to begin, Christian had to head off to attend to a few details but his friend Gavin Bryant had a few more moments to spend. He said he truly enjoys his job and the fun things that come with it. Bryant started working summers at MAD SOAPS in 2022 while attending college and continued doing so through 2024 when he graduated. He came to work fulltime as Operations Supervisor in 2025 and is primarily responsible for quality on all jobs. His number one priority is making sure service for each and every client is above and beyond expectations. He also does a lot of in-person estimates and diagnostics.

As attendees began to drift in, Christian greeted them personally. Among the first to arrive was BD Provisions’ owner and Severna Park & Arnold Chamber member Debra Saltz who brought a beautiful gift bag for the event’s Silent Auction that featured a handsome insulated coffee mug and a few of her shop’s excellent coffee blends.

Soon to arrive, and warmly greeted by her son, was Christian’s mother Carolyn who broke into a smile as she spied the rapidly growing Grand Opening gathering of friends, clients, business associates, chamber of commerce members and employees.

We met a wide range of attendees, from Severna Park & Arnold Chamber and Southern Anne Arundel County Chamber members to local politicians, employees and folks from the Edgewater community. Early on, we spied Liz League chatting with Maryland House of Delegates member Seth Howard who represents District 30B. The two were comparing notes about the high cost of energy for heating our homes.

A foursome of GSPACC members was at a table behind them that included Jay Wenhold from Green Home Solutions, Dave Compere from Primerica, Tommy Sommers from LogoZone and Laura McElwain Colquhoun from Macaroni Kid Pasadena & Annapolis.

While mingling with the crowd, we also bumped into Jackson Buchleitner and his girlfriend Mary. Jackson was happy to chat with us about his role in the company. He currently acts as general manager overseeing operations, working with the company’s secretary and helping with sales. Asked what he did before coming to MAD SOAPS last year, he kind of charmed us with his reply.

“Before coming to MAD SOAPS, I wanted to come to MAD SOAPS,” he said. “Christian is eight years older than I am and I was in middle school when he graduated high school and started his company. As soon as I graduated from high school, my parents gave me the option of going into the trades, the military or college. I chose the trades though they didn’t really want me to, but I wanted to. I tried out other trades for a little while but then I gravitated to MAD SOAPS. And I’ll tell you, there’s nothing better than working with family.”

With the Grand Opening well underway, GSPACC’s Liz League stepped forward with microphone in hand to conduct one of the most sincere and heartfelt ribbon cutting ceremonies we’ve observed with an assist from Julia Howes who heads the Southern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce.

League began by noting how generous Christian Buchleitner and MAD SOAPS have been to the Severna Park & Arnold Chamber since having joined the organization almost from the beginnings. She noted that MAD SOAPS has sponsored and participated in many Chamber events. They’ve also supported a host of other local charities. (They’ll next be entering a float in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Annapolis in March.)

League then asked Christian to step forward, to great applause, and began her impromptu interview by asking him how he became a young entrepreneur.

“It was not just one thing that did it,” he said. “It was a lot of different things, a lot of sacrifices I made over many years. I was motivated by things around me, by things I’d see on social media, and by following the right people. Don’t listen to everybody about everything but listen to the right people, people you want to become.”

In answer to League’s question, “How did you choose what you’re doing?”, he related much of what he’d told us but emphasized that it was hard, taking many years of breaking even or losing money to be able to advance his company to where it is now.

Responding to a question about services provided, Buchleitner noted that MAD SOAPS offers marine protection film servicing, bottom paint, gelcoat repair, ceramic coating, and mobile and shock services. More lighthearted questions like what’s the largest boat you’ve worked on and what’s the most famous car you’ve worked on elicited equally lighthearted answers – a hundred-footer at the Annapolis Yacht Club and Larry King’s Superbird Plymouth Road Runner.

Asked who he’d like to recognize, he immediately pointed to a nearby gaggle of employees, family and friends, with the simple words “All of them.”

Once again, Southern Anne Arundel Chamber’s Julia Howes stepped forward to announce those who would present citations to MAD Soaps. They included Southern Anne Arundel Chamber board member Darryl Hagner, State Delegate Seth Howard from the Maryland General Assembly, Steve Adams from the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Olivia Cook from the Southern Anne Arundel Chamber.

At last, the magic moment for the ribbon cutting arrived and most of the people in attendance crowded into a space along the far wall behind Jackson and Christian Buchleitner who wielded an enormous pair of scissors.

We imagined that the ensuing snip must have been very satisfying. The ribbon-cutting gang could soon be spotted in line at the buffet or at a table with plates full of food. Soon enough Buchleitner and MAD SOAPS would get back to business, making boats from the County and further afield sparkling and “ship shape”.

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.

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AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

For more than a dozen years Carla Flemings has served the Severna Park community as Director of Ministries for Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church . She’s also taught bible classes and handled media relations. It was Flemings who first made us aware of the 138-year-old church on Asbury Drive’s renowned Johnson Male Chorus. She also acquainted us with the dedicated volunteers of the Asbury Church Assistance Network Food Pantry.

These days, however, Flemings is becoming well-known as a first-time author with her book, “Dementia, Hope Awaits”.

It had been a while since we’d last visited her office for an interview, but we found her busy as ever bouncing back and forth between her computer and paperwork on her desk. But she did manage to save time to autograph some copies of her book while speaking with us about what inspired her to write the book.

“Dementia, Hope Awaits” was “born out of necessity,” Flemings explained.

Her mother was diagnosed with the Lewy Body form of dementia (LBD).

“Our family had lots of questions and wanted to know what the expectations were and nobody was giving us any information.”

She added that the book details what she learned about dementia in the hope that other people “do not have to start at ground zero like we did,”. The book outlines what people should expect.

“On the cover, you’ll see the words ‘read this book first’. I did that to let readers know, if they happen to be walking the journey of caring for a person experiencing dementia, that the person is no longer the same,” Flemings said. “Mom or dad may end up cussing, for example, where they have never cussed before because the part of their brain that controls language may have an issue. Different lobes control different things and, if those areas don’t get enough oxygen and the nerve endings aren’t communicating, their function is affected.”

The first chapter of the book explains the brain and the function of each of four lobes and also describes the four types of dementia. The Lewy body type of dementia experienced by Carla Fleming’s mother, for instance, is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. Symptoms can include cognitive fluctuations, delusions, visual hallucinations and movement disorders.

Flemings next addressed the issue of home care versus assisted living options, describing key factors for home care consideration or for seeking an assisted living care facility. She said she was strongly motivated to write a chapter on how to choose the “best” care for the patient.

“I break down the things you must consider if you are going to take care of the patient at home – things you will not know until you are knee-deep in it and literally experiencing on-the-job training,” she said. “The same thing applies to finding a facility to care for a dementia patient.”

“We initially started off taking care of my mother at home and did that until we couldn’t due to safety issues and the fact that my sister and I both worked. One thing it’s very important to realize is that you’d better seek the help needed before it’s too late.”

Flemings added that some people put off making a decision until the patient is so impaired it’s beyond their ability to properly care for them. By that point, if the patient is unable to understand or communicate or is incontinent a care facility may not accept them. It’s important to get your loved one into assisted care as early as possible (they are not going to get better) so they can take advantage of the benefits of living in a place where they can ride out the next few years with a quality of life that includes dietary management, medication, socialization and exercise.

“I can’t stress enough how important exercise is to a patient,” she said. “When patients exercise, the blood is flowing and carrying oxygen to their brain. When our mother exercised, she was really in-the-moment.”

One chapter is dedicated to being present in the dementia patient’s life whether caring for them at home or especially if they are in a care facility. Other chapters deal with financial, legal and end-of-life issues.

The book is also filled with practical tips and illustrations from Fleming’s own experiences on how to best deal with a variety of situations. She strongly advises that if you plan to travel with a dementia patient, “go First Class”. When traveling with her mother, she handed the flight crew one of the Grace Extended cards she had printed up and still gives out saying “The person I am with has some memory challenges. Thank you for your patience, kindness and understanding.”

We chatted with Carla Flemings about what it was like getting her first book published. She noted that, since traditional publishing is hard to find and her time was very limited, she self-published her book through Amazon which turned out to be a much easier process than she expected. She appreciated the fact that Amazon will help push your book if the content is good.

Update on development of Severna Park Golf Center property

Last week, County Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler provided an update on a bill she introduced (Bill 5-26) that, if passed, would “prevent the proposed residential development at the Severna Park Golf Center from achieving the potential 60 home density bonus they are seeking in order to fulfill a county requirement, and instead would allow for the original plan of a smaller number of homes.”

Severna Park and Arnold residents have expressed widespread opposition to the development, citing a host of issues including congestion due to what appears to be unchecked development of the Broadneck Peninsula.

Fiedler explains that the property has been zoned “residential” for many years and recently received “R5 Zoning” – a residential zoning classification that allows for medium to high-density housing, including apartment buildings, two-flats, and townhouses.

Fiedler said she’s “sad” that the proposal is on the table but acknowledges the right of every property owner to develop their property to the degree zoning allows.

Development was originally planned to include 74-75 detached single family homes as allowed by the zoning. Fiedler’s bill would still allow that number of homes to be built.

However, 135 homes are now proposed for the 19-acre (5 homes per acre) property because of a change to county law this summer in response to the Housing Attainability Act (HAA) – an Anne Arundel County bill sponsored by Councilwoman Pickard, Councilwoman Rodvien, Councilwoman Hummer, Councilman Pete Smith and County Executive Pittman.

The bill “creates an inclusionary housing policy requiring developers to make a
percentage of new units affordable to moderate income residents under certain circumstances.”

Consequently, the property developer adjusted the design of the development to “make the proposal work” according to Fiedler.

She further explained that the “anticipated revenue loss” for the developer due to the county’s Act would be offset by “a 50 percent reduced fee to connect the lower cost homes to county utilities and a density bonus of up to 150 percent if a development could achieve 100 percent of underlying zoning capacity (maximum number of units allowed).

Left unsaid is how the reduced fee and the “density bonus” would be paid for. Will county taxpayers be on the hook for payment despite widespread opposition to the development?

Fiedler said that her bill would set “a narrowly tailored moratorium on the requirements of the HAA law, within a 5-mile radius of College Parkway and Rt 2. “

She points out that the HAA bill passed 4-3 the first night it had a hearing, adding that “no amendments would be entertained to adjust it – despite concerns from the public and dissenting members of the council.”

Fiedler said she voted against the HAA bill because of the volume of homes proposed from the density bonus allowance.

“I voted against the HAA bill, not because I am against making home ownership more affordable, but because of the unintended consequences I knew the offsets/incentives could create somewhere in the county,” she stressed. “It is important to balance the need for affordable home ownership and housing with areas that can absorb the impacts of the incentives. I want to see future generations as first time home buyers in our county, but I also want to make sure they and their neighbors can get to and from daily activities as simple as grocery trips, school, doctors appointments etc., without crippling traffic congestion.”

Bill 5-26 will have a public hearing on Monday February 2nd, 7pm in County Council chambers located at 44 Calvert St. Annapolis. Each person testifying will get 2 minutes to speak.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

We were so impressed on by our first visit to Julie and D.J. Antinucci’s CottonWood in the Park after its opening on October 13, 2024 that we vowed to keep tabs on the business. We loved the shop’s mix of antique quilts and furniture, fabrics, yarns, vintage jewelry, artwork and art supplies.

We returned to the attractive shop at 548 Benfield Road yesterday afternoon. Entering, our eyes were immediately drawn to the beautiful antique quilt suspended from the ceiling. It was just one of many quilts displayed throughout the store.

The most significant change we noted was that the business had expanded, taking over a space next door. Now, instead of the original classroom area at the front of the shop with a limited amount of sewing machines, there was a dedicated classroom off to the right.

We took a quick peek but would further explore the classroom later. Meantime, a stroll down the aisles proved as interesting than ever. A display near the entrance epitomized the mix of new materials with antiques and other treasures from a bygone era.

Venturing on, we discovered row after row of the gorgeous fabrics that draw folks who enjoy sewing to CottonWood like bees to honey. There is also a tremendous selection of quality threads.

Simultaneous to CottonWoods’ opening in 2024, JOANN’s Fabrics and Crafts closed nationwide, an immediate boon for the store.

“We listened to comments from our customers about things that were missing after JOANN’s closed and added a lot of products, a lot of yarns, and a lot of different kinds of fabrics, not only for quilting, but for clothing making,” Julie Antinucci said. “We even started carrying the threads that JOANN’s carried because people so loved them.”

Along with fabrics, threads, and yarns, something new has been added. CottonWood in the Park is now selling Bernina, Juki, and Bernette brand sewing machines and they are displayed throughout the store. The store also has three technicians to service them.

Circling back through the store, we met Julie in the new classroom.

“It’s been just over a year since opening and we’ve exploded in growth,” she said. “We’ve undergone tremendous changes, the most important of which was expanding the store to a space next door and adding a dedicated classroom to teach.”

“We’ve really expanded our classes to include not only sewing and quilting but embroidery, crocheting, knitting and needlework. We also have children’s classes with a dedicated curriculum for kids,” Antinucci said.

The latest equipment for students’ use (and also for sale) includes the long arm machines seen below that hold a quilt together in three pieces for stitching.

We commented that the Antinucci’s seemed to be bringing back all of the “lost arts” associated with homemaking – skills that were prevalent through most of our history.

Both Antinucci’s agree and feel that one of the great things about CottonWood is that those arts have always been interesting but, with the advent of technology our worlds have gotten smaller and we’ve only kept those crafts alive in the home. The classroom and shop provide a lot of opportunities for people to get together while doing them.

“The friendships that are made here are what we are so proud of,” Julie said. “On Thursday nights we’ve outgrown our well-known Maker’s Table and have to bring in additional tables. The people who use our maker’s space are doing all kinds of projects from crocheting, knitting and needlepoint to journals – just a bundle of creativity. And we can eat or have birthday parties and other great things.”

Though their schedule is crowded, the Antinucci’s still go out in search of antiques and quilts. They just spent several days in Rhode Island and found some really unique items including a tiny vintage sewing machine. Since they’re planning to carry vintage clothing in the near future, they also discovered some great hand-knit sweaters. Their passion for antiques and quilts is stronger than ever and is apparent to all those who visit CottonWood in the Park.

Among new programs that are being added in the New Year is a CottonWood Quilts of Valor group they’ve started and are calling The Sewing Stars to make quilts for veterans. They just held their second meeting during which they completed three quilts with a fourth on the way. The group is sponsored by American Legion Severn Post 175 which gave them a $500 grant with which to by fabrics and other supplies.

CottonWood in the Park is open seven days a week including Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 7pm, Thursdays from 10 am to 8:30 pm, Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am till 4 pm. For more information, visit Cottonwood: A full quilt shop, antique shop and art supply shop in one, Facebook or Instagram.

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.

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Severna Park experienced a series of milestones in 2025 including the 50th Anniversary of the Severna Park Independence Day Parade (pictured above). The year began, however, with something entirely new. The Grand Opening of nurse practitioner Katherine Grote’s first-of-its-kind medical practice in the community took place on January 17th.

 For Grote, a Nurse Practitioner who worked hard to achieve success in her profession and establish a practice of her own, opening Integrative Family NP LLC was a dream come true. Her passion for taking care of people inspired her belief in treating patients on a well-rounded basis that is integrative and holistic.

In April of 2025, two separate celebrations marked the 35th Anniversary of the founding of SPAN, Inc. and honored the organization’s founders, volunteers and recipients. The first event, on April 1st, took place with an official ceremony at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church followed by a reception for attendees just across the lawn at the SPAN headquarters building.

As the reception ended, an invitation was extended to guests to join supporters at the second celebration – SPAN’s 35th Birthday Fest held Saturday, April 5th at Severna Park United Methodist Church on Benfield Road. 

Founded in 1990 by six local churches, the Severna Park Assistance Network (SPAN) opened its doors in April of that year with a mission to provide emergency assistance to families in crisis with dignity and compassion. The number of SPAN’s member churches has grown from the original six to 13 most of which were represented at the Birthday Fest.

The originals were Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, St. Martins in-the-Field Episcopal Church, Severna Park United Methodist Church and Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church. They were joined by Asbury United Methodist Church, Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, Bay Area Community Church, Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church, Our Lady of the Fields Roman Catholic Church, St. Andrew by the Bay Roman Catholic Church, Severna Park Baptist Church and Trinity Bible Church.

July 4th of 2025 saw the community celebrate the 50th Year of the Severna Park Independence Day Parade. As Grand Marshall at the head of the 50th Anniversary Parade, Severna Park historian Scott Jay was warmly received by the crowd.

With 100 parade entries, there were many floats. The Olde Severna Park Improvement Association float managed to capture the early 70’s spirit of the year the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber launched its first parade five decades ago.

 From the “Peace, Love, Groovy” sign on the front of the float to the kids on board wearing tie-dyed t-shirts, psychedelic sunglasses, and crowns of daisies in young girls’ hair, all hinted at the bygone era when float designer Lew Heck created his Peace Dove Float from chicken wire and Kleenex.

Time flew by and the culmination of the year-long Park Hardware/Zeskind’s 100th Anniversary celebration began early in the morning on September 20, 2025. A string of events throughout the day included a Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony with chamber CEO Liz League highlighting three generations of the family business beginning with third-generation owners Rick Miller, Sr. and wife Deborah. Next came fourth-generation owner Rick Miller, Jr., his wife Joannie, daughter Chloe and son Jax. Chloe officially became a fifth-generation member of the family business when she joined the Park Hardware/Zeskind’s staff early in 2025.

October 17, 2025 saw another important anniversary as the Severna Park Community Center opened its doors to the public for a 30th Anniversary Open House from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm that culminated in a Birthday Party with a fabulous cake and cupcakes.

With the sun setting in the courtyard where the party was held, Executive Director Sarah Elder acted as hostess greeting longtime and current community center members and other guests. Across the courtyard, guests gravitated toward the center’s entrance where they were invited to tour the facilities.

November 15th saw Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi celebrate its Quarter Century mark with a festive Open House hosted by owners Nancy and Billy Greer. A ceremony and ribbon cutting midway through the event was conducted by Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League and ended with special honors for a team of students led by Billy Greer. Anne Arundel County Councilwoman Amanda Fiedler presented citations to Greer and two of the three students who saved heart attack victim Scott Stengle’s life.

Before we knew it, the Christmas season arrived with numerous events to attend including The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Holiday Taste & Sip Extravaganza on December 9th at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. As can be seen from the photos below, the event was the year’s largest and most glamorous fundraiser featuring an enormous Silent Auction, some of the area’s finest food and wine purveyors and great entertainment.

Longtime participants in the holiday event included four of the 206 Restaurant Group restaurants seen above – JB’s Severna Park, Park Tavern, Donnelly’s Dockside and Oliver Brewing Company as well as Adam’s Taphouse and Grille. Entertainment was provided, among others by the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus and the Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus under the direction of Michael Gellert (seen above.)

I very much enjoyed covering local events and businesses for the Around The Park Again column over the past year while highlighting some of our area’s history. However, 2026 is lining up to be an interesting year and I look forward to sharing the latest news with you.

My best wishes to all of our readers for a very happy New Year.

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.