Category: AROUND THE PARK AGAIN

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Meeting with friend, fellow former Capital newspaper columnist, and new Reynolds Tavern owner Diane Rey over coffee and dessert in one of the first-floor tea rooms on Tuesday afternoon, we chatted about how she and husband Dave came to buy the colonial era building at the corner of Church Circle and Franklin Street. The couple had long admired the tavern but the decision to assume ownership required some serious thought.

Built in 1747 by William Reynolds as a family home, the handsome building stands as proudly as ever. Fulfilling many roles over its 277-year history – from tavern, public meeting place and city hall to town library, a bank and popular restaurant and inn, it remains a mainstay of the thriving Annapolis business community.

As any of her friends will tell you, Diane Rey has always had a passion for history – so much so that, since 2011, she has reenacted the role of Anne Catharine Green whom she describes as “the media mogul of colonial Annapolis”.

“On stepping into her husband Jonas Green’s shoes following the printer’s death,” Rey said. “She lived and worked near here on Charles Street off Duke of Gloucester and, since she was a very influential woman, she’d have attended many private and public meetings at The Reynolds Tavern.”

Rey recalled that her initial interest in the Tavern began much earlier than her stint as Mrs. Green.

“Reynolds Tavern has always been dear to me since I landed here in Annapolis right after college in the mid-1980’s,” she said. “I was working as a public relations specialist for the Anne Arundel County Libraries System when I learned from my colleagues that the building was once The Annapolis Public Library. My co-workers fondly remembered going there and loved the children’s sections which were in the basement where the 1747 Pub is now.”

Their memories spurred Rey’s desire to learn more about the building’s early and current history and, since buying the Tavern, she’s sifted through almost three centuries’ worth of records while also working twice a week in the Beer Garden serving customers to learn everything she can about the business.

Starting with the 18th century, she was fascinated to discover that William Reynolds, a hatter and dry goods salesman, designed and built the structure as a home but used the basement for his hat-making shop. Only later, in1755, did he lease part of the building to be run as a tavern by Mary Fonnerau. It was so successful that, when Mary gave it up, Reynolds ran it himself naming it The Beaver & Lac’d Hat in honor of his primary business.

The late 18th century and early 19th century saw the Tavern in the hands of prominent merchant and civic leader John Davidson.

In 1812, the Tavern and building next to it became the property of Farmers National Bank through 1936. In fact, the bank’s “cashier” or manager lived in the tavern as a home and you can still see where there was a doorway in the front parlor behind the corner cabinet (pictured on the right) that connected directly with the bank.

In 1936 The Reynolds Tavern came close to being sold to by Farmers National Bank to Standard Oil and torn down to build a filling station. It was saved by a group of preservation-minded Annapolitans who found money to purchase and convert it to The Annapolis Public Library. The structure continued as the library and, later, the library system’s headquarters till 1974 when its title was transferred to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which in turn leased it to the Historic Annapolis Foundation.

In 1984, the Tavern was leased to Historic Inns of Annapolis run by a local entrepreneur, the late Paul Pearson who owned and restored The Maryland Inn, the Governor Calvert House and Robert Johnson House. Pearson had the vision to painstakingly restore the tavern to much of its former use and glory in a modern way. It’s Rey’s belief that Pearson never got the credit he deserved for bringing the building back to life while preserving its structural integrity and authenticity.

For a brief period in the 1990’s Reynolds Tavern reverted to ownership by Farmers Bank of America, Historic Annapolis and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. However, in 2000, it was purchased by a British couple, Jill and Andrew Petit, who operated it again as a tavern with a wonderful menu and Bed & Breakfast accommodations for travelers on the second floor. The Petit’s also brought a bit of English charm to the establishment by instituting afternoon tea service daily. The Petit’s longtime Innkeepers Wes and Marilyn Burge continue the custom, holding formal teas in the south dining room with its original mantle and striking portrait of George Washington (as can be seen in the opening photo) and/or in the opposite dining room or “Rose Room” as it is now called.

The Tavern’s windows, like this one in the Rose Room, offer picturesque views of St. Anne’s Church on Church Circle or equally historic buildings on streets nearby. Dormer windows on the third floor offer a true bird’s eye view.

By the early 2000’s, Rey was writing the weekly Around Annapolis column for The Capital and had occasion to cover events at the Tavern. Like many locals, she’d also stop by with friends for afternoon tea or dine there with her husband. Thus, her love affair with the Tavern continued unabated. When she and Dave learned it was for sale on the open market in September of 2023, they were amazed… and interested.

Deciding whether to buy The Reynolds Tavern from the Petits when it came on the market was quite an odyssey according to Rey. It took time for she and her husband to wrap their arms around the concept. The idea of owning the esteemed building was very appealing and they have had previous experience with historic properties. (They own a 100-year-old house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware that they rent out each summer.)

Still, it was necessary to go through the process of checking the building out thoroughly to make sure it was sound structurally and examining what they’d be getting themselves into. They determined that it was solidly built to withstand the march of time. Most of the original flooring, stairwells, the fireplaces and mantles like the one by cabinetmaker John Shaw installed in 1812, and even hardware on the doors were still intact. They believe it’s the life moving in and out of the Tavern daily that has kept it in such good condition. Nevertheless, they realized that a 300-year-old building would require upkeep and would always need help. They’d, obviously, want to be good stewards.

Mulling everything over one cool evening while taking a walk around St. Anne’s Church, Dave and Diane glanced across Church Circle toward the building’s front porch just as a reenactor dressed in colonial era garb walked out the door.

“She just seemed so natural to us, part of the scene,” Diane said. “We kind of knew then, that we’d go ahead with the deal. And, I have to say it’s a privilege being in the position of stewarding this old building into the future though I’ll admit it is a bit daunting.”

Fortunately, the Reys were blessed that the Petit’s Innkeepers for 22 years, the Burges, agreed to stay on. Rey explained that they know every nut and bolt of the Tavern building and are expert at overseeing every part of its operation, from dining to entertainment to dealing with bed & breakfast guests.

Glancing across the dining room at that moment, Rey was delighted when she spotted two little girls sitting at a table in the corner opposite their mother and grandmother. She loved seeing three generations of a family seated together at the white linen-draped table with the girls being treated to a special meal on China plates and minding their manners while wearing their fancy dresses. It’s the sort of custom she sees repeated often at The Reynolds Tavern.

We later walked over and spoke with the Severna Park family. The girl’s grandmother Anna Wilsman said they were there to celebrate her birthday with her youngest daughter Rebecca Chisholm and granddaughters Anna and Gracie.

From her observations, from notes in the mail, and from comments on social media, Rey has come to realize just how much The Reynolds Tavern means to people in the community and travelers coming through town. They comment that they love the very look of the building – especially when Darim Traore is there with his flower stand adding a bit of European flower market flair to the scene.

In addition to working two nights a week in the Beer Garden to learn the rhythms of the Tavern and support its partnership with the Classic Theater of Maryland. Diane Rey is working hard to absorb information from the historic records. She’s helping spread the word about The Reynolds Tavern and meeting with Annapolis’ business, hospitality and tourism, government and community leaders to establish a rapport.

She’s been careful not to neglect her duties as Anne Catherine Green, however, still appearing as the latter-day media mogul at various functions in Annapolis and elsewhere. Having obtained her replica gown, Rey started portraying Mrs. Green in the fall of 2011 as the printer when she was 49.

“But we’re coming up on the reenacting date of 1774 when Mrs. Green is gearing up to call out the news that ‘the Peggy Stuart is burning’ (Annapolis’ own “Tea Party”), and there will be a big re-enactment commemorating the event in town this October 19th.”

Having given Mrs. Green her best for more than a dozen years, Rey has now reached an age where she can no longer portray a younger version of the famed printer. Green passed away in March of 1775.

“So, I’ll be vectoring out of the role this coming March and am looking for a new, younger person to recreate the role of the young Anne Catherine Green,” Rey said.

At that point, we interrupted our conversation as Rey was scheduled to meet her contractor in the Beer Garden. So we made our way past the glass cooler for champagnes, wines and beverages and scrumptious desserts.

We exited through the back door into the garden. In spite of it being one of the hottest days this summer, it was shady, breezy and oh so cool and comfortable. As we were approaching 5 pm, there were few people in the garden but later, at 7:30 pm, it would come to life with the weekly Tuesday evening historic reenactment by Sally Boyett and her Classic Theater of Maryland troop. This year’s presentation is Moliere’s “The Miser” performed to the accompaniment of a harpsichord playing in the background and with appropriate sound effects. The Beer Garden hosts some form of entertainment every evening.

I had just a moment before leaving to meet the Reys’ contractor, Mark Hall with Realistic Builders. Hall specializes in doing historic restorations and will be working on a handful of issues regarding easements and permitting.

I dashed back inside to thank our waitress Stephanie Lauck and learned that, for more information on the history of the Tavern and details regarding food, lodging and entertainment you can visit Home | Reynolds Tavern – Historic Landmark & Venue in Annapolis, MD .

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.)

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

A sudden breeze from across a farm field provides momentary relief from Monday’s heat and humidity as student employees Miranda Whetzell and Ashlynn Zimmerman hustle to help customers with their purchases of sweet corn, squash, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, peaches, berries or melons at Chase’s Produce off Route 424 in Davidsonville.

As Miranda helped a local woman select a basket of peaches, shopper Tommy from Harford County had been waited on by Ashlynn and was heading to his SUV with a perfectly ripened cantaloupe in one arm and a melon in the other.

He noted that he’s been working on a custom build nearby and drives by the stand every day on his way home.

“I stop here because fresh produce is important to me and everything is really good,” Tommy said.

In the years Miranda and Ashlynn have worked for farm owners Marge and Bob Chase, they have waited on customers from across Anne Arundel County and as far away as Baltimore County and Washington, D.C. – especially during strawberry season. The farmstand’s location off Route 50 attracts attention so they are often quite busy.

The girls are among several students the Chase’s hire each year to serve customers, help replenish fruits or veggies that run out, or store what remains at the end of the day in coolers if still fresh. These days, Marge and Bob do most of the veggie picking themselves each morning, but they’ll ask the girls for help if in a crunch. The also pitch in planting strawberries or working the stand during strawberry season.

College student Miranda will be going into her senior year at the University of Maryland in College Park this fall majoring in psychology. This is the eighth summer the Davidsonville teen has worked at the farmstand (starting at the age of 14). She noted that the money she’s made this year will see her through the fall semester. She also works at a local podiatrist’s office part time.

“Between the two jobs, I haven’t needed to take out any loans. I’ve been able to get myself through college without any debt,” Miranda said.

She added that she likes working at the produce stand because it gets her outside and is good experience. Plus, she loves talking with the customers.

According to Bob Chase, his youngest student, Ashlynn, is a good worker and a great help.

“She’s already bought herself a jeep with her earnings and (like Miranda) she’s determined to pay for her education. She saves everything she earns since she can’t depend on scholarships and college is expensive,” he said.

He added that she’s invaluable when strawberry season rolls around and it’s necessary to remove the 3,500 sandbags used to hold the row covers down over the plants during cold weather.

“It’s usually just me and Ashlynn picking up those 25 to 30 lb. sandbags. She’s as good as any boy and will work in that strawberry field as long as I let her,” said Chase.

Also from Davidsonville, multi-year farmstand employee Ashlynn says she is going to be a junior at Southern High School this fall but is already thinking of the future.

“I’ve taken a break this summer to focus on working the produce stand, but this autumn I’ll go back to working at a local restaurant to save more money for college,”

Like all of Bob and Marge Chase’s student workers, both girls go out of their way to help the shoppers, even carrying their packages to their cars for them. Both are grateful for the summer work. They’ve learned a lot and have even become expert at picking out the ripest cantaloupes and melons. They also like the perk of having their own Chase’s Produce brand shirts featuring the smiling ear of corn (sold at the stand).

Most days, Chase’s Produce is open from 2 pm to 7 pm but you can find driving directions and the farmstand schedule from now through September by visiting Chase’s Produce – Fruits and Vegetables, Fresh Produce (chasesproduce.com).

The first produce stand we ever visited, even before collecting and creating recipes for www.sharonleestable.com back in 2017, was Diehl’s Produce in Olde Severna Park when owner Doug Diehl was still on hand most days. Founded by Doug 52 years ago, the stand is ably managed today by his daughter Jennifer Diehl. Then as now, the stand was well-known for hiring students to help run the operation throughout the summer.

We encountered one of those students, Maggie Mullerby, checking out customers beneath Diehl’s shady red and white striped tents. She was quick and efficient as she weighed quantities of Adams County, Pa. peaches and fat, juicy tomatoes placed on the counter by shopper Bob Hendrix and his wife.

During a break, we learned that Maggie will shortly be headed back to the University of Rhode Island for her sophomore year majoring in Civil Engineering. She has worked for Diehl’s Produce in Severna Park for about four or five years, from the time she was in high school, earning money toward her education.

“We have students of various ages this year, a mix of high school students and a few college students like me,” she said. “It’s a great job and we often stay on for a while.”

The tent was suddenly very busy but before Maggie went back to the register, she observed that there are not many of the more traditional summer jobs available these days. A few of her friends work at summer camps but the rest mostly work for restaurants.

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Hoping to speak to Jennifer Diehl about the students she employs, we realized she’d been supervising the unloading of Eastern Shore vegetables from the Diehl’s Produce truck.

Employing students is one of the things we’re all about,” Diehl said. “It’s funny because we still see people who live in the area that are now doctors or lawyers or professionals who all worked here as students when I was younger…some as far back as 50 years ago. It’s incredible when they come back and say hi

Of course, both Jennifer and her sister Abby worked at the stand when they were students. Both of Jennifer’s daughters, Ella and Madeline (Maddy), worked the stand from the time they were about 10. Like their mother, they have chosen to remain in the family business.

Abby wanted own independent business but, wanting to carry on the family brand, created Diehl’s Produce of Annapolis at 921 Chesapeake Avenue in Eastport. She’s always quick to point out that she owes much of her success to her father Doug who taught her everything she knows. She even copied his four-tent design for her own stand.

Remembeing that working the counter at an ice cream shop was once a popular summer job, we crossed B&A Boulevard to The FroYo House Frozen Yogurt where manager Beth VanMeter assured me that, sure enough, several students are part of the staff currently. However, none were working late afternoon on Tuesday to chat with.

A few doors away from FroYo on B&A Boulevard we came to The Big Bean which sells plenty of frosty drinks and is kind of like a traditional soda fountain. From the moment the coffee shop was opened by founder/owner Deb Hoffman in —— until today when owned by Christie and Greg Coster, students have been among its employees. Walking in, we found about-to-be college student Zowie Talley working the counter and creating those icy drinks.

“I actually started working here before summer but I’ve been saving money for college,” Zowie said. “I’ll be entering the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville in August to study mortuary science with plans to become a mortician.”

We have to say that we admired the ambition and willingness to work of all of these students. Given the scarcity of traditional summer jobs the pluck of these young women is admirable.

AAUW Book Collections about to begin

We’ve had news from Catherine Crowley that The American Association of University Women (AAUW AA Co) is once again collecting used books to benefit scholarships for Anne Arundel County women.

Collections dates and times are: 9:00 am to 12 noon on August 10 and 24, September 7 and 21 and October 5.

Collection sites will be in the parking lots of St Martin’s in the Field Episcopal Church, 375 Benfield Rd, Severna Park; Anne Arundel Community College, W. Campus Drive (off Rt 2), Arnold; and St Phillip’s Episcopal Church, 730 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis.

For further information, visitAAUW Anne Arundel County (MD) Branch.  For large book donations call 410-647-7041.

The eagerly anticipated AAUW book sale will be held in early November.

National Night Out at Kinder Farm Park

A reminder that Anne Arundel Eastern District Police’s National Night Out will be held at Kinder Farm Park on Tuesday, August 6th from 6 till 8 pm.

Jing Ying Institute Camp for Kids

Another reminder that Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi has announced its August 2024 Camp for Kids taking place from August 12 through 16 from 9 am till 4pm. The camp will include intensive practice in kung fu as well as a chance to try crafts, Chinese Lion Dance, music, tumbling, tai chi and group games such as tag, dodge ball and more. 

For registration, visit https://cp.mystudio.io/e/?=JingYing/3031/540928//1705632459 .

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.)

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Fresh from a summer afternoon swim, teens Abby Roberts and Ava Burleson were in need of a pick-me-up. So they crossed Riggs Avenue, strolled down the sidewalk past Severna Park Elementary School and entered Olde Severna Park’s newest business, The Sugar Shoppe, for a taste of something sweet.

Once inside, the Severna Park teens found two entire walls of something sweet. They started at one end of the shop, near the back where the chocolates were located. Forgoing chocolate covered peanuts and malted milk balls. they worked their way forward to where the M&M’s, gummy bears and other colorful treats shone out from their bins. By the time they approached Georgia Denton, who was minding the checkout counter, each had a see-through bag containing a mix of candies.

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Denton, the daughter of owner Jamie Denton and business partner Eloise Patton (who were away at a meeting) filled us in on the origins and opening of the business.

“As long-time friends, my mother and Eloise had always wanted to open a store together – a clothing store or a gift shop or something similar.” she said. “They had some free time and, talking about Severna Park one day, they spontaneously had the idea that what the town needed was a little neighborhood candy store. So, they came up with a plan, started working on it in September and got the lease for their historic location at 4 Riggs Avenue in February. Ever since then, we’ve all been busy right here.”

There was a lot of work to do. Built in the 1920’s opposite the Severna Park Train Station, the building was briefly a grocery store but was known, for more than a decade, as Doc Codd’s pharmacy. In 1944, following the death of Dr. Francis Codd, it became Cliff Dawson’s variety store featuring liquor sales, a soda fountain and a slot machine. In 1952, Dawson’s relocated, and its former location became home to the Antique Marketplace. In the spring of 2021, MaryAnn and Cam Neal took over the retail space and opened The Red Apron Shoppe (Red Apron Shoppe a welcome addition to Riggs Avenue – sharonleestable.com) which was an offshoot of their primary company Red Apron Estate Sales. The establishment closed its doors in June of 2023.

Transforming the century-old building was not an easy task.

“We basically changed the whole place,” Denton said. “We took down a column in here, added counterspace and storage units, painted the ceilings and all the walls, added a bathroom and pretty much redid everything. The exterior has been refreshed as well – quite an investment,”

The partners opened their new establishment about a month ago and the Sugar Shoppe will be having its Grand Opening with a Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on August 22 at 5 pm.

Denton took us on a mini-tour, starting with the same wall of candy her earlier customers checked out. While noting that chocolates and caramels were, by far, the most popular sweets, she pointed to empty spaces along the shelves where bins of chocolate-covered mints and chocolate-covered Oreos had stood but sold out and were subsequently removed. Among customers’ favorites were chocolate covered peanuts and nut clusters, malted milk balls, Nonpareils and caramel creams.

Pointing to displays of beach bags and games a bit further on, Denton said the owners decided on decor and merchandise with a coastal vibe on the interior of the store echoing the fact that the Sugar Shoppe is a mere block or two from the Severn River.

Roomy but stylish beach bags, shelves filled with dinosaur-themed l paper plates and napkins, and fanciful picnic items contributed greatly to the coastal feel of the retail space.

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A second entire wall was filled with candy especially appealing to kids including a bin of dark green “military gummy guys” and brightly colored superhero or action-figure candies.

For information on hours and other details, visit THE SUGAR SHOPPE (sugar-shoppe.com) or check them out on Instagram at The Sugar Shoppe (@the_sugar_shoppe) • Instagram photos and videos.

TAI CHI BUBBLE TEA a popular destination on a sweltering July day

From time to time, we’d received tips from several Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League members that we should pay a visit to Tai Chi Bubble Tea at 572 Ritchie Highway in Park Plaza which they found fun. However, one commitment or another managed to sidetrack us.

We finally found the time to stop by early this week. Due to the soaring temperatures, high humidity and strong mid-afternoon sun, entering the cool confines of the spacious restaurant was a pleasure. We saw other shoppers with the same idea cooling off with icy smoothies, fruit bubble teas or milk teas with great names like Tai Chi Panda or flavors like Pudding, Vinilla or Watermelon and/or one of the restaurant’s healthy Ramen or Sushi menu items.

Unlike The Sugar Shoppe, Tai Chi Bubble Tea is not a new business, but it has been a successful one.

Owner Amy Chen tells us that when she opened the restaurant on Father’s Day in 2021, she was building on the success of her first Tai Chi Bubble Tea location in Annapolis. She has found Park Plaza, with its ample parking, to be a great location and the restaurant has steadily grown a loyal customer base. The eatery occasionally hosts events and celebrations like the Chinese New Year and has become a popular place for organizations like the chamber’s Successful Women In Business Group to hold meetings.

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A Self-Defense Workshop for College Students at Jing Ying Institute this Sunday

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi is holding another of its Self-Defense Workshops for College Students this Sunday, July 28 from 2 to 4 pm at the school at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Arnold. Conducted by Billy Greer, the classes are filled with useful information and are geared to raise students’ awareness of possible danger, give them the tools to avoid it and provide them means of escape if they are attacked. As you can see from the photo below, the students pair up to practice every technique demonstrated by Greer.

For information or to register, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org) .

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.) They are also doing a summer camp.

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Dark clouds threatened rain but, in the end, there were only sprinkles as the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s annual carnival got underway at 6 pm Monday evening. There was no lightning or thunder, so the carnival rides were already in motion.

People were already lining up at the coupon booths to purchase tickets for an amazing array of rides geared to appeal to attendees from all age groups.

The lighthearted atmosphere was everything you’d expect from a carnival on a hot summer night. Aromas of popcorn, cotton candy and grilling meats permeated the air and music from the merry-go-round could be heard as ever-growing crowds streamed onto the midway to play games ranging from The Duck Pond to Mini-Hoops, Water Gun Fun, or others.

Older children and teens immediately headed for some of the scarier rides like the Avalanche seen in the opening photo where kids with their legs dangling in the air were captured mid-plunge before reaching bottom and reaccelerating to the top to do it all again. They were equally drawn to the Hip Hop ride seen here and other “thriller” rides more heart-stopping than the tried-and-true Tilt-A-Whirl.

Not surprisingly, we saw lots of parents with kids of different ages waiting their chance to get onto the Ferris wheel.

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Younger children held the record, of course, for riding the merry-go-round. We watched how delighted young Charlotte Byrne’s mother Jenna was to see her daughter come round that first time.

We later had a chance to talk to the whole family. Jenna, an Annapolis resident, and sister Lydia Penoyar, from Severna Park, who said they’d been coming to the carnival every year.

While meandering the carnival grounds, we couldn’t help being drawn to a red and white striped food tent that boasted lots of tempting choices. Well-known for their grilling expertise, EHVFC volunteers had their barbecue pits fired up and the kitchen going full tilt. Along with support from the Auxiliary, they conjured up a mighty fine menu featuring sixteen food items plus beverages. In addition to traditional carnival burgers, dogs and fries there were pit beef and turkey sandwiches, pizzas, nachos with cheese, soft pretzels, chicken tenders, crab cakes and sausages with peppers and onions.

A second striped tent filled with tables on which to enjoy those taste tempters also provided views of spinning teacup rides and flying dragons.

Nearby, we found EHVFC Fire Chief Dave Crawford. As usual, Crawford was back and forth supervising every aspect of the carnival and meeting, greeting and chatting with friends and attendees.

Always happy to update us on the latest news from the Earleigh Heights Firehouse and the volunteers, he was pleased to report that the 2024 Carnival, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, was going well.

“This past Saturday night was the best night we’ve ever had crowd-wise,” said Crawford. “We may have been helped by the fact that Glen Burnie had to cancel their carnival this year due to the fact that the person who spearheaded the event passed away.

He also filled us in on the status of plans for the badly needed new firehouse.

“We’ve pretty much gotten through all the zoning, and we’ve completed the planning. Now we need to go through the permitting process and are moving forward,” the Chief said. “Hopefully, by March or April of next year, we’ll be breaking ground.”

He met with the engineers last week who reported that the fire company should be in the new station within five years. The reason for the lengthy build is that the permitting phase can take up to two-and-a-half years. (If the county could help with the permitting, it could be sped up by about a year.)

Meanwhile, the focus has to be on raising money to cover current operating expenses and for construction costs. Crawford notes that the carnival is an enormous undertaking that makes a good profit and EHFVC is lucky to able to do it.

“Board member Andrew Price works on the event all year,” he added. “The volunteers and auxiliary members that run it have done so for years and are outstanding.”

With fundraising in mind, EHVFC is holding a Gala and Silent Auction at the firehouse on September 14. Tickets will be $225 for cocktails and dinner, with a table costing $800. The company is hoping to raise $200,000. A year ago, they had to spend $735,000 for the purchase of a new firetruck that was essential for the squad. Today, that same firetruck is going for a million dollars.

The Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company has been keeping the Severna Park, Millersville, Pasadena areas safe and sound since 1918 when a group of Truckhouse Road neighbors with no protection against fire established the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company with just 14 members, so equipment, no station and a balance in the treasury of $2.50. The purchased the first firetruck in 1919 for $75 – basically a cart to haul equipment fitted with ladders, ropes, axes, buckets and lanterns that could be pulled by hand or by horse.

The same year, they constructed the first fire station – a wooden structure on skids that could be moved from one family’s property to another – and in the 1920’s purchased the first fire engine which was a Holloway Chemical Wagon on a Model T Ford chassis for $498. A more permanent station was completed in 1930 after which equipment continued to be purchased and updated through the 30’s and 40’s until 1958 when the present firehouse was completed at 161 Ritchie Highway.

HAPPENING TONIGHT – Ladies Night at Park Hardware

A tip from media representative Christine Hickey that Park Hardware is holding a Ladies Night this evening (July 18) from 6 to 8 pm. Guests can learn home DIY tips, interior design ideas, basic home repairs and more.  There will be giveaways, a wine tasting, and more. So, stop by if you have a moment. It’s bound to be fun.

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.) They are also doing a summer camp.

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

The summer of 2024 is proving quite an exciting time for the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trail’s new president Darilyn Marinelli. Having succeeded immediate past president Diane Evans, she’s now involved in plans and preparations for the organization’s 30th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, September 29th from 4 to 6 pm at Hatton-Regester Green along the B&A Trail.

We caught up with Marinelli at The Big Bean in Severna Park where she was meeting with another past president, Jack Keene, in hopes of learning more about the history of the organization and about the network of trails owned and maintained by the county’s Department of Recreation and Parks. As can be seen in the opening photo, the two were looking over the grounds in back of a line of B&A Boulevard shops including Pedal Pushers, FroYo House Frozen Yogurt, The Big Bean, Sophie’s Crepes and others.

Next week, work will begin on an ambitious trail project to turn the strip of land into “Caraker Plaza” being named in honor of the late Thomas Caraker, III. For years, Caraker rode the B&A Trail every day and became a dedicated member of a group known as the Trailblazers who acted as “goodwill ambassadors” and served as “eyes and ears” for the rangers. Known, unofficially, as the Mayor of the B&A Trail, Tom Caraker was beloved by those who met him along the trail or in The Big Bean which he frequented daily.

Heading back into the cool comfort of the coffee shop, Marinelli explained that the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization of volunteers whose goal is to protect, preserve and enhance the county’s multi-use trails by supporting the work of the Anne Arundel Department of Recreation and Parks in creating and maintaining them.

Keene, who worked for Recreation and Parks and served as the Friends group’s president for a number of years, is a fount of information about the county trail system which began with the creation of the B&A Trail along the bed of the old Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad and expanded to include five trails.

The right of way to the B&A Railroad was sold to Anne Arundel County on June 8, 1981. After the last freight train ran across the tracks in 1990, it occurred to several people that the route could be used for another purpose. A movement began to recycle the right of way by turning it into a hiking and biking park running from north of Annapolis to Glen Burnie – a 13-mile stretch.

According to Keene, the beginnings of the B&A Trail occurred with the first section laid in Glen Burnie. “It wasn’t actually a Recreation and Parks project but a rehabilitation project for downtown Glen Burnie that was federally funded and carried out by the county,” he said.

The B&A Trail was completed in 1990 and runs from Boulters Way in Annapolis to Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie.  The “rails to trails” trail park is one of the most successful in the United States. It has been duplicated many times throughout the country.

Land adjacent to the trail in Severna Park was purchased in 1995 for the first “pocket park”, Hatton Regester Green, but not completed until 1999. The Green was designed and planted by the Friends and is supported by local garden clubs and individuals. May and September concerts are held at the Gazebo on the Green and that is where the 30th Anniversary Celebration will take place.

In November of 1994, a group of ten community-minded citizens led by Stan LeBar and David Dionne established the Friends of the B&A Trail to assist the park rangers as they patrolled the newly created B&A Trail. LeBar became its first president. In 2001, the organization’s articles of incorporation were amended to become the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails.

According to Keene, the second trail to be completed was the BWI Trail – a loop trail that circles Baltimore Washington International Airport for 12 miles. In agreement with the Department of Recreation and Parks, that one was partially paid for by the Maryland Aviation Administration which helps maintain it. Like the other trails, it is patrolled by the department’s rangers.

The third trail under construction was the WB&A Trail with which Marinelli is closely associated. The WB&A Trail is a paved recreational trail from Odenton to the Patuxent River on the abandoned Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad right of way. Phase 3 of the WB&A trail is almost complete with the creation of the Patuxent River Bridge connecting the trail to the Prince George’s County Trail.

The fourth trail currently under construction is the Broadneck Peninsula Trail – a paved trail  located within the right of way of College Parkway in Arnold, Maryland. Phases 1B and Phase 5 are still to be finished.

“Technically, the Broadneck Peninsula Trail connects with the B&A Trail at Jones Station Road,” Keene said. “From the Anne Arundel Community College section onward, it will eventually go all the way to Sandy Point State Park.”

The newest trail is the 11-mile South Shore Trail. The South Shore Trail mainly uses the abandoned roadbed of the WB&A Railroad between Annapolis and Odenton. It will connect with the Colonial Annapolis Maritime Route on the east end and the WB&A Trail on the west and be a component of the East Coast Greenway and the American Discovery Trail.  

“It will more or less run parallel to General’s Highway. The first section in Millersville is complete and the second section will stretch from Millersville to the traffic circle in Odenton,” said Keene. “A small section will pass by the Annapolis Mall ending at Medical Parkway.”

All of the trails will eventually connect according to Marinelli. There are three national trails with which one or more of them connect. A signpost erected on the B&A Trail at Jones Station Road points the way to all of them. They include The East Coast Greenway going North to South from Maine to Florida, the American Discovery Trail which goes East to West from Delaware to San Francisco, California and the September 11th National Memorial Trail which runs from the World Trade Center in New York to the Pentagon in Washington to the third crash site in Western Pennsylvania and back.

The headquarters for all of the national trails is Jonas and Anne Catharine Green Park at the base of the United States Naval Academy Bridge in Annapolis.

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More immediately, plans for the 30th Anniversary year include Marinelli’s personal goal of attracting 30 new members for 30 years. She’s over halfway there, having signed up 18 new members with 12 to go before the big celebration at Hatton-Regester Green in September. The Friends are also promoting a Lasting Gift program to provide the opportunity to purchase a brick, bench, or water fountain to honor or remember a special person, pet or organization.

“Lasting Gift donations for the bulletin boards, in particular, would be appreciated as they are all showing signs of wear,” she says.

The Friends will be continuing as hosts of concert series at Hatton-Regester Green in September and continue as co-host the Planet Walk on the B&A Trail with Anne Arundel Community College.

Through spring, summer and fall, they also maintain the Flowerbeds planted and tended by volunteers all along the county trails. At Christmas the Friends assist Santa on the trail, providing beverages and snacks in collaboration with the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks.

Not to be forgotten, a small group of Trailblazers still exists to help the park rangers.

Darilyn Marinelli is delighted remind everyone to Save The Date of Sunday, September 29th when the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trail invites you to join them for the 30th Anniversary Celebration from 4 to 6 pm at Hatton-Regester Green along the B&A Trail. There will be live music from the Steel Drum Band, door prizes, drawings for a 50/50 raffle, and an outreach table from the Friends with information and items of interest. For information about the group, visit Anne Arundel County Trails | The Friends of AACo Trails (friendsofaatrails.org).

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Carnival opens tonight, July 11

A reminder that the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Carnival at 161 Ritchie Highway opens this evening. The Carnival runs from July 11 through July 20 (with the exception of Sunday, July 14) from 6 pm till 11 pm. This year, there are 40 attractions including rides, games and food. For more information, visit Earleigh Heights VFC (ehvfc.org).

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.) They are also doing a summer camp.

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi and

Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Those of us familiar with April’s Table Catering & Events were not at all surprised that the company’s 10th Anniversary Celebration was such a well-attended, joyous occasion. Countless local residents have tasted owner/chef April Cunningham’s delightful fare at a birthday, anniversary party or community event over the past decade.

The ceremony ended with a mad scramble outdoors for an official Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber Ribbon cutting. The sidewalk was narrow, so League motioned for the ribbon to be brought forward into the parking lot. Luckily, passing cars were careful.

For information on April’s Table’s catering and events, dinner club and pop-up meals, visit April’s Table Custom Catering & Events | Severna Park (aprilstable.com).

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Carnival opens July 11

One of summer’s most anticipated adventures for kids is a visit to the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Carnival at 161 Ritchie Highway. The Carnival runs from July 11 through July 20 (with the exception of Sunday, July 14) from 6 pm till 11 pm. This year, there are 40 attractions including rides, games and food. For more information, visit Earleigh Heights VFC (ehvfc.org).

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.)

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Part garden party with a tropical vibe, part wine-tasting with 75 vintages to sample with foods to complement them, and part fundraiser for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation, there is no event quite like Corks for a Cause. Sponsored and hosted by Homestead Gardens Severna Park and Fishpaws Marketplace with additional support from the philanthropic organization Next Gen, the event brings together products from some of the world’s finest vintners and foods from some of the area’s finest retailers and restaurants.

Now in its fifth year, we found the fundraiser off to a fine start with the parking lot filled to the brim and every space taken. Locating a space in a nearby lot, we entered the store and found Fishpaws’ owner Kim Lawson making sure things were running smoothly at the check-in area.

Once checked in, guests were given gift bags containing tasting glasses and other gift items put together by Next Generation. Obviously, a majority of the guests headed straight for the gardens to taste the wines and mingle with friends.

Down every long corridor of plants and flowers we’d find one or more of the wineries beneath a bright umbrella surrounded by “tasters” eager to sample a vintage or two.

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As always, Corks for a Cause was a fashionable affair with summery frocks, picture hats and colorful casualwear in evidence. Friends Christine Bennett, Brian and Meghan Wexler and Chirag Chaudhari were having “a great time” together.

Throughout Corks for a Cause, vocalist and steel drummer Orlando Phillips “musically brought the Carribean to the party” thanks to a generous entertainment sponsorship from Brad Kappel of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Annapolitan Brad and wife Barbara were delighted to be on hand for the fundraiser…especially since it was held in such a beautiful setting.

“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Barbara said as cameras clicked around them to record the occasion.

The couple stayed on, listening to some of Phillips’ tunes before moving on to explore other areas of the event.

Fresh from his own successful fundraiser at Severna Park Taphouse on June 15, Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event organizer Larry Sells fairly bubbled as he shared some good news with Severna Park Voice publisher Dianna Lancione.

“The music festival netted $50,000 and we are giving away every cent of it to The Katherine Mueller Fund for NET (Neuroendocrine Tumor) Research and three other charities including The Wellness House of Annapolis , a Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship at Anne Arundel Community College and a Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation fund to help cancer patients who can’t afford transportation, food or medications.

Sells added that further money will be raised on August 3 when Nashville recording artist Chad Bearden & Band will be appearing at the Severna Park Taphouse and will donate $5 from every ticket sold to the Katherine’s Light Foundation NET Research Fund.

Having explored vintages from about a dozen wineries ranging from J. Lohr Vineyards in Paso Robles, California to Treasury Wine Estates with vineyards in Australia and New Zealand, we headed back indoors to have our tastebuds tempted by chefs from some of the area’s finest restaurants and retailers.

Starting near the entrance, we found the staff from the Green Turtle Sports Bar in Gambrills readying servings of chips with Crab Dip.

Opposite them was a table from Severna Park’s Garten where owner Jeremy Hoffman and Chef De Cuisine Greg Anderson were serving Falafel with Hummus & Leoneh with pickled cucumber.

Nearby, The Hideaway’s clever and charming sign caught our eye. We, naturally, were curious to see what was being served by the Odenton eatery. Turns out they were offering the restaurant’s award-winning Naked Wings, Pork Sliders and coleslaw.

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Heading right, we happened upon Executive Chef Frank Copeland and John Braden Jacobs manning the Carrol’s Creek Cafe table. Always popular with the Corks for a Cause crowd, Carrol’s Creek may just have topped last year’s selection by serving Crab Salad Tarts with Aioli as well as Goat Cheese Tarts.

Shared tables can be fun and that was the case with Pretzel Chef Marcus Moore and Bake Believe Bakery’s Sarah Neiburg. Moore offered samples of Moore Crunch pretzels which one might have expected. However, we were surprised to see Neiburg’s adorably packaged hand-crafted artisan marshmallows, s’mores and mallow treats!

Obviously, there were too many purveyors of food and fine wines to keep track of, but we moved on to a few others, stopping briefly at the tables of Glen Burnie-based Arturo’s Trattoria and The Lodge from Annapolis.

At the Two Rivers Steak & Fish House table, Kasey Schaffner was doling out servings of Italian meatballs. According to Schaffner, the Pasadena restaurant is also known for its catering services and the tasty meatballs are one of the most requested items for events.

As a sponsor of Corks for a Cause, Fishpaws Marketplace’s Kim Lawson wore many hats. She was involved in organizing the wineries and distributors and acted as the point of sale for each. Fishpaws Marketplace would also serve as the official pickup point for any wines ordered.

Thus, she left the Marketplace’s official table in the capable hands of Pamela Meador and several staff members.

They chose to serve olive tapenade with special crackers along with fruit and Dutch Kanaal Cheese which is carried exclusively at Fishpaws. They also had local Poplar Hill Honey from a farm located off Route 2 in Annapolis.

Wandering back out into the gardens, we arrived just in time for remarks from Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation’s Susan Iaquinta and Next Generation Group’s new chairman Kimberly Hilliard.

Iaquinta thanked Homestead Gardens and Fishpaws Marketplace for again hosting the fundraiser and explained that the funds raised were being used to renovate BWMC’s Healing Garden which was created 20 years ago and is used for some of the hospital’s Wellness Programs including yoga sessions.

Before introducing Hilliard, she explained that the New Generation Group is made up of volunteers who raise funds for the Foundation. Hilliard also thanked Homestead, Fishpaws and all of the food and wine purveyors who helped make Corks for a Cause a success. With remarks at an end, the entire group of BWMC volunteers came together for a group photo.

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For more information about the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation or to make a donation visit BWMC Foundation | UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (umms.org).

Independence Day is fast approaching, and hints are everywhere

Folks walking, running or cycling the Severna Park section of the B&A Trail have likely noticed the patriotically decorated Gold Star Family Memorial or, on closer inspection, have noticed the small statue erected in memory of one of those lost, Eric Matthew Kavanagh, United States Army/Private First Class.

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Or, if traveling further past the Arnold Station section of the trail, they may have seen the beautiful patriotic display created by Rick and Elizabeth Rosborg and family along their front gate.

We’ve also spotted Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League out and about making arrangements for this year’s Severna Park 4th of July Parade. From what League tells us, the parade’s theme, “Stars & Stripes Forever” is bound to inspire some very patriotic entries.

League will be overseeing colorful tents being set up on the Chamber lawn for Parade sponsors, of which there are many this year.

“As before, the Parade will step off from staging areas at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Church and Our Shepherd Lutheran Church at 10 am along a route down Benfield Road onto Evergreen Road, turning left onto Riggs Avenue into the center of Olde Severna Park,” she said. “At the end of Riggs Avenue, the Parade will turn right onto B&A Boulevard, proceed past Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church and turn left onto Cypress Creek Road where it will end opposite Cypress Creek Park. Spectators can watch from anywhere along the route. There will be 20 Anne Arundel County police officers on hand to manage traffic and ensure spectators safety at major crossing points.”

She added that the Chamber is grateful that many of the Parade’s sponsors and entries have participated for many years. Among other traditions, Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services will again be sponsoring The Decorated Bike Contest and marching in the parade. The enormous Nathan McDavitt American Flag will once more be carried by a veritable army of Scouts and volunteers in memory of McDavitt and other military service members who have lost their lives serving our country. Vintage car collector Wayne Gerst will be returning to the parade with five priceless antique automobiles on rollbacks. And, of course, kids’ favorite Lion will be Lion Dancing for the crowds along the parade route with Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi martial arts students.

We understand that there will not be a high school band this year but there will be music from several groups. Notably, the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus will be returning to the Parade with a selection of patriotic tunes.

There will be new sponsors and entries… including from one business we’re curious about called Sweet Bamboo Boba which we hear is a self-serve tea shop.

Regardless of how you are spending the day, we wish everyone a happy 4th of July.

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.)

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Anticipation always runs high as dance recital weekend approaches but this year there was reason for “celebration” as 2024 marked the beginning of the Dance Center at the Severna Park Community Center’s second decade.

Themed “Celebration”, this year’s recital contained music from some of the organization’s favorite pieces from its first 10 years according to Dance Center director Kellie Greer.

“With ten years behind us, my favorite thing has been to see the children of our former dancers join us in the studio now,” Greer said.

Held once more in the theater at Annapolis High School, there were several recital performances scheduled from June 7 through 10. We chose to attend the June 8th Senior 2 Recital at 6 pm along with a good-sized audience of enthusiastic parents and grandparents…many carrying bouquets.

In keeping with its theme, the recital’s opening number fairly glittered in the lights while performed by DCSP’s Start Elite Dancers to the music “Celebration” by DJ Bobo (aka Peter Renee Baumann) – an exhilarating start to a program featuring 22 separate dance sequences with choreography by some of DCSP’s talented staff of teachers.

According to Greer, the students performing in the recital ranged in age from 8 years old to seniors in high school. The choreography they performed reflected their training in the Cecchetti classical ballet technique and Broadway-style classic tap and jazz. 

The most senior of the dancers, from the Advanced Combo 4 Class, appeared several times throughout the recital demonstrating their amazing range of skills. In their most beautiful example, they appeared on-pointe in the ballet “Raymonda” to the music of Alexander Glazunov’s “Opus 57”.

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Their expertise was displayed in a range of other numbers including some jazzy choreography to Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” and bluesy “Still Going”, and some fancy footwork in “Room Where It Happened” from the Broadway musical “Hamilton”. There was even a routine based on Hip Hop Favorites that began with the dancers seated on chairs but quickly transformed to a rhythmic romp with a dramatic ending.

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The younger students, including those from a newly created Experienced Combo 3 class of six and seven-year-olds, offered proof that they were mastering the art of the dance through a number of well-performed routines.

Luke Capitan (one of four DCSP male students) and sister Rose lent their newly acquired skills to a “Once Upon A December” routine from the movie “Anastasia” and later lent their taps to the “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” number from the movie “Toy Story”.

A glimpse of the Roaring Twenties most popular dance was offered through the dancer’s version of “Charleston” by James P. Johnson while the adorable piece of choreography based on the 1952 movie “Singin’ in the Rain” is the one seen in the opening photograph.

There were too many excellent routines to mention, but Kitri Act 3 from the ballet “Don Quixote” was another piece of choreography that captured the audience’s attention.

We mustn’t forget to mention a special solo performance by Brooke Bowerman, dancing to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight”. Brooke, a Severna Park High School graduate, a DCSP dancer for 10 years, and a studio assistant for the past few years, is leaving the community to attend Coastal Carolina University this fall majoring in business.

The show’s finale brought together the entire cast of dancers and was followed by remarks from director Kellie Greer recognizing her staff of a dozen talented teachers and choreographers, six studio assistants and studio accompanist Susam Wincek and thanking the DCSP students for their hard work and commitment.

“I know the next ten years will be even more fabulous than the first ten,” was Greer’s final sentiment.

For information about The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center, visit Dance – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).

Community rallies for Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event at Severna Park Taphouse

While courageously battling rare Neuroendocrine Cancer over a period of three years, Katherine Mueller nevertheless encouraged her friends and family to help her raise money for Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) research. Though passing away in 2021 at the age of 31, she and her group of supporters raised $128,000 through The Katherine Mueller Fund for NET Research and awarded a grant to Dr. Peter Clark at UCLA to study the disease.

Eager to carry on Katherine’s legacy by shining a light on her positive spirit, generous nature and determination, her parents Larry and Robin Sells and family started the Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event to raise funds not only for the NET Research Fund but for three other closely related organizations.

More about all four organizations after a look at the music festival – an all-day affair held Saturday at the Severna Park Taphouse that featured a dozen well-known bands. The event was attended by music lovers and Katherine’s Light Foundation supporters from throughout the greater Severna Park area.

Entering the festival past a line of attendees buying raffle tickets for a Big Green Egg barbecue grill donated by Park Hardware, we veered right toward the outdoor performance area when we spotted Ellen Kleinknecht waving to us. Ellen, outgoing Severna Park Community Center board chairman, and husband Scott support many local charities and organizations.

“I’ve known Larry Sells for a long time since both of us have been associated with the community center,” she said. “Larry does such a great job and he can fundraise like nobody’s business. This is such a worthy event. It’s very sad to lose a child but Robin and Larry found a way to continue and expand the wonderful things their daughter Katherine was doing and are making such a difference.”

Having been involved with SPCC for eight years, Ellen is stepping down as board chair this week. However, she’s already searching for new avenues to serve the community and is considering participating in a YWCA initiative to help victims of human trafficking.

Moving on, we observed that there was a sizeable and ever-growing audience spread throughout the shady Severna Park Taphouse gardens. Naturally, we turned our attention to the stage where guitarist Lee Priddy’s popular Honey Sol Band was performing. Truly a family affair, with son Andrew Priddy on drums and daughter Mackenzie Priddy on bass, Honey Sol is a local and regional favorite throughout the Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, D.C. area.  

The bands, ranging from Jay Spiegel, TMI and Sarah, Dave & The Dukes to Red Betty & The Ruckus, were well-staged in approximately 45-minute sets throughout the day leading toward evening when festival headliners, The Crayfish, would appear. From the outdoor bar to the porches and shady nooks surrounding the stage, fans could be seen enjoying the rock and blues-based sounds of Honey Sol and the groups that followed them.

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Eager to find out more about the four organizations that would benefit from The Katherine’s Light Foundation fundraiser, we spoke with Robin Sells and Mary Jermann, the executive director of one of those beneficiaries, the Wellness House of Annapolis.

Jermann actually knew Katherine Mueller through the Wellness House as a beautiful, sweet and kind young woman. She admired Katherine’s dedication to raising funds for NET cancer research while increasing awareness of the often-misdiagnosed disease.

She said the Wellness House of Annapolis – which provides a comforting place outside of the medical community where cancer patients and their families can go to relax, talk, and find comfort and has 35 helpful programs – was honored to be chosen by the board of KLF as one of the fundraiser’s recipients.

Robin, Katherine’s mother and co-founder of the Katherine’s Light Foundation, noted that her daughter’s fundraising work through The Katherine Mueller Fund for NET Research was the inspiration to carry on her mission and share her light. She went on to describe the organizations that will benefit from the fundraiser.

In addition to The Wellness House, they include Anne Arundel Community College where KLF will fund a Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship, the aforementioned Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation through the Katherine Mueller Research Fund, and a Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation fund to help cancer patients who can’t afford transportation, food or medications to help with their treatment.

We soon walked about, speaking with festival attendees at their tables. Some of the many event sponsors had entire tables full of guests. Having an absolutely wonderful time were, left to right, Eric Stverotd, Holly and Frank Mollick and their daughter Abby, sponsor Alan Gable who is owner of A.M. Gable Heating & Cooling, Michael Harris and Rich and Joy Patel.

Walking on, we ran into Savvy Consignment owner Stacey Cassidy and husband Mike who were sharing a table with Dawn and David Orso of David Orso Realty.

They seemed to know many of the other people attending the event and were clearly enjoying themselves. Both couples have sponsored and supported many charitable causes and considered the music festival fundraiser one of the best.

We finally ran into Katherine’s Light Foundation co-founder and festival producer Larry Sells talking with his pal, guitarist George Evans, who would shortly be performing. One couldn’t fail to admire Evans’ pink and blue hat.

Sells was pleased that Saturday was such a beautiful day for the music festival and absolutely thrilled that the event attracted 60 sponsors – all of whom were listed on a pink sign that was more or less the color of Evans’ hat.

He reiterated some of the information Robin provided about the organizations that would benefit from the fundraiser.

“We raise the money and give it all away,” Sells said.

To learn more about the foundation or make a donation, visit Katherine’s Light Foundation (katherineslight.org).

TGIF Cookout at the Chamber, June 28th at Noon

A reminder from Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League that the organization’s TGIF summer cookout at the Chamber is being held Friday, June 28 at noon. This month’s sponsor is SCORE.

She noted that, since 1964, SCORE has provided business resources and mentorship to more than 17 million entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners nationwide. 

“We’ll also take a moment to remember Dave Butner, long-time SCORE volunteer and friend of the Chamber who helped many people start their businesses over the years,” League said.

The cookout features burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, sides, fresh popcorn and more and is free to Chamber Members and first-time guests.

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.)

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

Born as a house of worship in 1861 when constructed at the intersection known as Severn Crossroads in Crownsville – a hotbed of Revolutionary and Civil War history – Baldwin Hall has had three different locations.

William Henry and Jane Maria Baldwin and their family donated money to build the Georgian Colonial-style structure that replaced a building that housed the Cross Roads Methodist Episcopal Church on the corner of Generals Highway and Indian Landing Road.

In 1896, Baldwin Hall was moved from its corner spot to the opposite side of Indian Landing Road to make way for a new church known as The Stone Chapel that was financed by the nine Baldwin children in memory of their parents. The granite church, styled after an English country chapel is known as Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church.

Lovely Baldwin Hall subsequently became the church’s Sunday school and was renamed the Charles W. Baldwin Hall and Church School for a Baldwin son who was a long-serving minister. Having fallen into disrepair during the 1960’s and ’70’s, it was scheduled for demolition to make room for the Baldwin Memorial Education Building. However, the Hall was saved by a group of area residents who raised money to have it moved across Generals Highway in 1981 to its third and present location. The group of residents later formed the non-profit Severn Cross Roads Foundation, Inc. which manages and maintains the building.

With each move, Baldwin Hall was reborn with a new purpose. After its final move on June 2, 1981, the building was renamed Historic Baldwin Hall and became the center of many community happenings. It continues to be a focus of community life and Sunday’s Re-Birthday Celebration marked another step in Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s dedication to preserving and linking the hall’s historic past with its present.

Baldwin Hall looked inviting as close-knit community members arrived in the shady glen where the official Re-Birthday ceremony and unveiling of new signage would take place. Many of the people who came were long-time supporters of the hall and some had even been part of the crowd gathered in 1981 when the building was jacked up on flatbed trailers and moved across General’s Highway.

A few turned to watch as members of the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus, who’d be participating in the program, moved into place along the porch rail. (The Sweet Adeline’s affiliated chorus is based at Baldwin Hall and holds its weekly rehearsals there along with occasional concerts.)

Across the lawn, Severn Cross Roads Trustee Pamela Aulton, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, moved to the podium as members of Boy Scout Troop 804 and Girl Scout Troop 192 came together in the background to form a Color Guard.

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Aulton began the program with a greeting.

“Happy Re-Birthday Historic Baldwin Hall,” she shouted as the crowd applauded. “Thank you all for coming and joining us for the 43rd anniversary of the hall’s move to its current location and for the unveiling of brand-new signage highlighting the history of the Severn Cross Roads community.”

Aulton next paid tribute to Boy Scout Troop 804 which was celebrating its 20th year at Baldwin Hall and Girl Scout Troop 192 which began there five years ago. At her command, the Scouts marched forward at a good cadence and came to a stop before the crowd.

Proudly presenting the Colors, they stood at attention as the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus sang their moving rendition of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner”and.

An especially meaningful moment occurred afterward when the Scouts led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before posting the Colors and retiring.

Following a brief encapsulation of Baldwin Hall’s history by the Mistress of Ceremonies, it was time for the highlight of the program – the unveiling of The Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s new sign. Thanks were extended to the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority for their assistance and help with funding. Then, with an assist from the organization’s president Dr. Anne Agee (as seen in the opening photograph), the covering was lifted and there were oohs and aahs and applause as the sign was revealed.

A moment later, guest Carol Benson, executive director of the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, stepped forward to make remarks and give a special citation to Dr. Agee for her leadership in historic preservation and her vision in creating the sign.

Anne Arundel County Council member for District 6, Lisa Rodvien, spoke next. She recalled that when she first ran for office District 6 did not include Baldwin Hall. But, after redistricting in 2021, she found the “special gem of Country Gothic architecture” was in her district.

“Since that time, I’ve attended wonderful events at the hall, met many community members there, and I’ve gotten to hang out here with both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. It’s great to be here to celebrate with you today,” Rodvien said.

The ceremony came to a close with the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus singing “God Bless America” followed by an invitation to attendees to join Severn Cross Roads Foundation member inside the hall for refreshments and to enjoy exhibits its history. Among other things, there were photographs of the day Baldwin Hall was moved across General’s Highway on flatbeds, coverage of the hall in The Capital’s Crownsville section from the late 1990’s as well as coverage by yours truly of Baldwin Hall’s 150th Anniversary in 2011. Lastly, there were photographs from an actual religious service held in the hall as part of that anniversary celebration.

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Visitors were invited to tour the reconstructed 1840’s Cross Roads School House behind the hall as well. If you’d like to learn more about Historic Baldwin Hall or the school house, visit Home | baldwinhall.

Self Defense Workshop for College Students scheduled at Jing Ying Institute on July 28

In response to the popularity of their self-defense training, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is scheduling a Self-Defense Workshop for College Students for Sunday, July 28 from 2 pm-4pm. While this particular workshop is geared towards students currently in college or headed to college, it is open to other teens and adults. According to Jing Ying owner Nancy Greer, if that date doesn’t work, the school is happy to put together a workshop on another date for your group.

You may pay by 6/15 and save $20 (use code EB), Pay by 7/1, and save $10 (use code Jul1). Register at: https://www.jingying.org/…/personal_protection_college.htm .

Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival at Severna Park Taphouse this Saturday

The Katherine’s Light Foundation, LLC Music Festival & Charity Event is being held this Saturday, June 15, at the Severna Park Taphouse from 12 pm till 8 pm. The band headlining this year’s event, The Crayfish, will be joined by 11 additional local bands. The Katherine’s Light Foundation was started by Larry and Robin Sells to honor the memory and carry on the legacy of their daughter Katherine Mueller who fought neuroendocrine cancer for three years until passing away at the age of 31. The foundation is raising money through the music festival for, not one, but four charities. They include s Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship at Anne Arundel Community College, the Wellness House of Annapolis, the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, and the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by visiting Katherine’s Light Foundation (katherineslight.org).

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.)

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

Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

A small, independent family business that got its start in Brooklyn Park in 1927, AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden continues to draw customers from near and far to its newest location at 224 Mountain Road in Pasadena. For 97 years, the store has attracted farmers, growers and homeowners with its friendly, knowledgeable staff and complete and unique line of agricultural products. Visiting the garden center is the ultimate SHOP LOCAL experience.

Since opening last December, the center has come a long way and, in the process, has transformed into a garden center you’re not likely to see elsewhere. The parking lot was fairly full as we pulled in from Mountain Road and we observed customers zipping in and out of the gardens.

A gentle breeze was blowing, setting up a pretty melody from windchimes by the entrance to the store. Inside, we found owner Cory Stephens who indicated how pleased he was with the way the garden center’s move from Severna Park has worked out.

“This has turned out to be an incredible location for us and I couldn’t be happier. I kept our crew intact and we’re off to a great start,” Stephens said. “During our six years in Severna Park, we had a lot of customers coming across from Pasadena. We’re now seeing the opposite effect as many of our Severna Park customers have followed us here. Best of all, some of our original Glen Burnie customers (who found driving to Severna Park a little too far) have come back to us.”

Pointing across the parking lot to a man getting into his car, he said the gentleman was a resident of Severna Park and a faithful customer who hadn’t realized AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden had moved. So earlier, he’d driven to the old location on Jumper’s Hole Road. Finding it empty, he’d seen the sign posted there listing the store’s new location and driven over to have a look. He was delighted to be personally welcomed back by Stephens.

As before, the fellow found in the interior of the store and its warehouse everything a farmer, gardener, pet owner or pet could wish for. From straw… to straw hats, from Cow’s Ears… to Knee Bones for canine customers, and, from animal feed… to grass seed in barrels from the 1900’s, there were products to meet every need.

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Stephens said he’s pleased that there is convenient parking and customers can pull up right to the door instead of walking up a hill as before. He noted that the store’s layout allows the staff to process customer purchases much faster. it’s also helpful that more space is available to display all the products out in the open. (At the old location, some merchandise had to be stored in the back meaning employees made many trips back and forth.)

It’s been interesting for Stephens to observe the effects of inflation on what people are doing this year. He’s observed that more families are trying to raise some of their own food to offset grocery store prices.

“We figured there’d be an impact,” he said. “But nursery sales have been incredible. We’ve outsold five different growers this year and plants and herbs are moving fast. You can see that people are concerned with the economy being like it is and they’re tightening their belts. We try to work with customers to get the biggest bang for their buck and get them in and out as economically as possible. We can actually see people standing their calculating how much money they’re spending in their heads and that is certainly new for us.”

Particularly noteworthy, is the amount of available wall space that has been devoted to celebrating the history of Anne Arundel County farms through Stephens ‘collection of historic farm implements. In addition to burden baskets, dried tobacco and farm implements in homage to his heritage growing up on a tobacco farm in Millersville, there are items gathered from other local farmers as well as old photographs. On one wall, there are now pictures of each of AA County Lawn, Farm and Garden’s locations over the span of 97 years (with the exception of an empty frame at the top awaiting its photo for the present Pasadena center).

Interestingly, when people started noticing all the artifacts on the walls, they began bringing in artifacts of their own to be added. Thus, thanks to the generosity of the store’s patrons, the collection is growing all the time. The most recent addition appears on a corner ledge near the ceiling.

“A donor came in with a grinding wheel that belonged to his grandfather that he wanted me to take a look at,” Stephens said. “I asked what he wanted for it. He said he wanted me to have it, so I placed it next to a very rare old sled with wooden runners that another gentleman gave me.”

He slyly mentioned that another gift from a donor would be evident as we strolled through the plant nursery. We headed there, first stopping at the outdoor sales office where clerk Lydia Murray was helping customers. We inquired about the gift – a statue for the gardens – and were directed the end of a corridor of plants by the greenhouse. Lydia said it was rumored that the statue was temporarily being referred to as “Claude”.

We followed her directions to the greenhouse where we immediately spied the newly donated piece of garden statuary.

Elsewhere in the gardens, customers were making a beeline for a just-arrived shipment of herbs and native pollinator plants.

In addition to the wide variety of flower and vegetable transplants in the nursery, there were roses, shrubs, blueberry bushes and young trees plus charming groupings of flowers and innovative little gardens planted in stock watering tanks.

On learning last June that his lease for the Severna Park location would end in November and he’d need to move, Stephens initially wondered whether he should continue with the business.

“At age 65, I had to do some soul searching. My wife remained supportive for whatever I decided while my daughter wondered if I hadn’t had enough. But I’m not emotionally or financially ready to quit. Luckily, everything worked out for the best. Our landlord, next door to us, is wonderful. We call ourselves ‘the corner of Anne Arundel and Anne Arundel’ because he is Anne Arundel Seafood and we are Anne Arundel County Farm, Lawn & Garden. People who stop by here often end up going to the restaurant and people having a meal or getting carry-out there often drift over here.”

“It sounds kind of corny, but I literally spend about 30% of my day getting well wishes and hugs and kisses and people telling me ‘thanks for continuing on and not quitting’. It means so much.”

At the checkout counter, employees Abby Fontz and Kelly Neet said that they’ve enjoyed meeting customers, old and new, and have received many appreciative comments.

To follow what’s happening and AA County Farm, Lawn & Garden visit AA Co. Farm Lawn & Garden | Pasadena, Maryland (aalawnandgarden.com) or follow them on 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.)

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.