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AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services, and

Midas of Annapolis and Pasadena

The Smithsonian Institution has long been referred to as America’s attic because of the organization’s vast collections. But, little did I realize that we could visit a nearby extension of that attic until visiting Homestead Gardens recent Green Expo. There, we discovered an interesting exhibit from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center manned by volunteers Jim Oland and Nora Terres. The pair informed us that the center is located on two adjoining campuses in Edgewater at 647 Contees Wharf Road. What truly fascinated us, however, is that the complex is situated around a historic home built in 1735 by tobacco planter William Sellman.

Celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) began as a surprise bequest. Entrepreneur Robert Lee Forrest willed his abandoned Java Dairy Farm (the ruins of which still exist) and other holdings on Maryland’s Rhode River to the Smithsonian Institution.  The research center was officially established in 1965 as the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology.

On Tuesday, we met with Woodlawn History Center Program Manager Christine Dunham and Principal Archaeology Investigator Jim Gibb. We learned from Jim that an initial grant from the Ford Foundation and subsequent grants enabled the Smithsonian to purchase additional acreage over the years. Today SERC encompasses 2,650 contiguous acres of land.

Gibbs heads the Environmental Archaeology Lab, one of 24 SERC research labs that run the gamut from Animal- Plant Interaction and Fish and Invertebrate Ecology to Forest Ecology, Nutrient Cycles, and Photobiology and Solar Radiation. His team, made up of volunteer archaeologists, has dedicated considerable time and effort to sifting through the soils of the grounds surrounding the original Sellman House (now Woodlawn House). They have unearthed evidence tracing human occupation back 3,000 years to the Native Americans (possibly Nanticoke) who used the property as seasonal hunting and fishing grounds.

“Our work is primarily involved with land usage, so we haven’t delved that much into Native American habitation,” Gibbs said. “We’re more focused on European settlers’ arrival on the land in the 1660’s. The land here mainly consisted of two tobacco plantations.”

The team has conducted digs at several sites surrounding the Sellman house including one settled by English emigrants Thomas Sparrow and his family in 1649. They’ve also unearthed a nearby site settled by the Shaw family. They named the property Shaw’s Folly and resided there until the mid 1700’s when taken over by the Sellman family. Among other things, Gibbs and the team have collected animal bones, pottery shards and other items that show how the land was being used.

The Sellman/Woodlawn house is overseen Christine Dunham. She also created the Woodlawn History Trail which starts opposite the home and runs through a great deal of the property.

The History Trail is beautiful and takes visitors across a startling amount of spectacular land, and up hills past the Java mansion ruins that must have been breathtaking at one time. The ruins are the site of extensive work by Gibbs’ Archaeology Lab team.

Dunham’s historical focus includes assembling and managing an impressive number of volunteers who serve as docents leading tours across both the Woodlawn and Waterfront portions of the SERC campus.

Dunham and Gibbs have worked well together assembling displays of the artifacts the archeology team has collected, providing ecological clues to how the Research Center’s lands were originally used and how they have changed through the centuries.

“The land here has always been under cultivation and continues to be. However, SERC currently leases the land to local farmers,” Gibbs said.

“The center hasn’t yet done any agricultural research but that’s a possibility for the future. Instead, my team has explored layer after layer of formerly farmed land and documented how there has been tremendous soil erosion and depletion of nutrients for centuries, almost from the very beginnings of cultivation here. We’ve proven that the majority of eroded soils have ended up in our tributaries, blocking their waters from flowing freely.”

The team has also been able to document what crops were raised where. For example, after switching from primarily growing tobacco, the Sellman farm preferred beef and raised cattle and the grain to feed them while the Java farm, originally owned by the Contee family, preferred pork and raised hogs.

A tour through Woodlawn House led by Dunham, would show just what the archaeology team’s knowledge was based on.

Dunham began the tour in the reception area. She first showed us a model of the Sellman/Woodlawn House. A chart above the model details changes to the home from the time it was constructed for planter William Sellman and family in 1735 and modified through two centuries of ownership by the Sellman family until the early 1900’s when a new family, the Kirkpatrick-Howats moved in. In the 1970’s, the Kirkpatrick-Howats demolished a previous wooden addition and added a passive solar wing to reduce energy costs.

in 2020, SERC rehabilitated the house, preserving the historic structure while modifying the interior to allow for public access and exhibits. Dunham next leads us through the actual entrance to Woodlawn House, entering a room that was part of the original two-room 1735 Sellman House. As can be seen below, the room still has its original fireplace that would have been used for cooking.

We moved on to an open exhibit space for items dating to the 1600’s and early 1700’s that were gathered from archaeological excavations at Sparrow’s Rest and Shaw’s Folly. The artifacts included metal and bone eating utensils, animal bones, hunting and fishing equipment, sewing tools, and keys among other items.

Panels depicting the history of the lands, plantations, inhabitants and events are also seen in this display room.

Additions to the Sellman House over the centuries were well done with high ceilings, fine woodwork and rooms that flow nicely into one another. Entering what would have been the front parlor, we viewed a magnificent fireplace complete with two portraits of gracious ladies from the Sellman family.

A second parlor lay just beyond and this room and represents the years the home was owned by the Kirkpatrick-Howat family. Family portraits of three of the Kirkpatrick-Howats are seen above the fireplace. Hidden on the wall to the left of the fireplace, a bell-pull still exists that was used to summon slaves or servants.

Dunham pointed out two historic panels with explanations of exactly which families lived in the Sellman/Woodlawn House and when. The first is dedicated exclusively to the Sellmans.

The second panel covers all of those who lived in the Woodlawn House through just short of three centuries.

A third panel grabbed our interest because it details the Sellman’s rise from being indentured servants themselves to plantation owners and slaveholders.

One of the most fascinating things concerning the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center grounds, from Christine Dunham’s point of view, is the Java Mansion site which began its existence as Annapolis merchant Nicholas Maccubbin’s mansion Squirrel Neck in 1747. It was purchased in 1820 by Lieutenant John Contee who’d served aboard the USS Constitution which defeated the HMS Java off the coast of Brazil in December 1812. He renamed the mansion Java in honor of the victory. The mansion was struck by lightning and burned in 1890 but was rebuilt. It was owned briefly by Elizabeth Kirkpatrick-Howat and her family before they purchased Woodlawn. In 1915, entrepreneur Robert Lee Forrest purchased and operated the property as the Java Dairy Farm through 1946. The farm was, for the time, a state-of-the-art operation promoting a clean sanitary environment and doing well.

In 1962 Robert Lee Forrest passed away and bequeathed his 368 acre farm and other holdings to the Smithsonian Institution. New Secretary, S. Dillon Ripley, persuaded the Institution to consider holding onto the property. Blessed with a wide range of habitats for terrestrial, wetland, and estuarine field biology and ecology, it became the Chesapeake Bay Center for Field Biology in 1965 and served as a field collecting site for Smithsonian scientists. A series of financial grants made it possible to purchase more acres of adjoining land and an old cow barn was converted to laboratory space and a dormitory. Changing its name in 1969 to the Chesapeake Bay Center for Environmental Studies, the facility was attracting lots of positive attention, drawing more and more scientists and acquiring more connecting land. In 1985, the facility was renamed the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. 

While Gibbs’ archaeology work takes place primarily at Woodlawn and nearby locations (also offsite including at a shell button making site on the Delmarva Peninsula and a copper mining site in Carroll County) the work of most of the other scientists takes place on the Waterfront Campus and the facilities there are amazing. There is the modernistic 92,000 square ft. LEED-Platinum Charles McC. Mathias building with 69,000 square ft. of office and laboratory space, on-site solar energy production and geothermal heating and cooling.

We were also able to drive by the Phillip D. Reed Education Center arranges class/ group field trips to the Rhode River site for about 5,000 school children annually and is a hub for 10,000 visitors to the Research Center’s 7 miles of hiking trails.

Soon, thereafter, we came to the SERC dock located along the Rhode River with its wet lab which also serves as a canoe and kayak launching site.

Driving further around the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center before leaving, we noticed groups of walkers taking advantage of the Woodlawn History Trail and lots of bicyclists along the other scenic trails. There is so much to see and do.

Taking Christine Dunham’s reminder that the Woodlawn History Center has limited visiting hours on weekends seriously, we decided to check. We found that Woodlawn House is now open on the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 pm for “Summer Sundays”.

Woodlawn History Center is also open on select Saturdays with dates and times listed at Woodlawn History Center | Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (si.edu). You can contact Christine Dunham at dunhamc@si.edu or 443-482-2293 for private or group tours or to check Woodlawn History Center open days.

For information on the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and its many scientific research programs, visit Smithsonian Environmental Research Center | Understanding Ecosystems for a Sustainable Future (si.edu) .

Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival at Severna Park Taphouse on June 14th

We hear that this year’s Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event being held at the Severna Park Taphouse on Saturday, June 14 from noon to 8 pm will be sensational. Held annually to honor the memory of Katherine Mueller, the event offers a full day of music, raffles, silent and live auctions, and much more. Headliners, The Crayfish, will be joined by the Lost and Found Trio Band, Miggs Rangel, dj Brian Austin, George Evans, Honey Sol, TMI and others. Proceeds from the event support Neuroendocrine Tumor Research, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Katherine Light Foundation Nursing scholarships at Anne Arundel Community College, the Wellness House of Annapolis and more. Those interested in sponsoring the event may contact Larry Sells at 443-569-9598. For more information, visit 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. 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.

And Midas of Annapolis and Pasadena, A family- owned business with four locations (Annapolis, Pasadena, Laurel and Wheaton). With 40 years’ experience and the backing of a national brand, they are committed to earning customers’ trust by offering the expertise, value and responsiveness drivers expect – “every time they visit us.”

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

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

Lean on Dee Senior Home Care Services, and

Midas of Annapolis and Pasadena

Christopher Mohns, Sr., the franchise owner of four Midas Auto Repair shops located in Annapolis, Pasadena, Laurel and Wheaton, was known and admired for his caring nature and generosity. He’d helped individuals and families going through rough times financially and in need of critical auto repairs countless times over the years.

Mohns’ good deeds were an inspiration to all of those who knew him including his wife Robin, who worked with him as a business partner. He’d talked with her in June of 2022 about expanding the number of people they could help. Sadly, two days after their conversation, he passed away at the age of 67.

Robin Mohns never, in her wildest dreams, imagined she’d be involved with a non-profit foundation. But she was determined to carry on her husband’s legacy and founded the Chris Gives Foundation shortly after his death. In addition to assisting families and individuals struggling to pay for auto repairs, the foundation funds scholarships for high school students pursuing an auto repair curriculum.

We learned about the foundation when introduced to Robin by Nancy Greer during the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Spring SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival. We’d also heard about the fundraiser being held for the Chris Gives Foundation on June 21 at the Severna Park Taphouse featuring two bands and emceed by Larry Sells and wanted to know more.

Robin met with us last week to provide more information about the foundation and the fundraiser. We also chatted about the curious path her life took from meeting Chris Mohns in 1984 to meeting him again in 2018 and marrying him a year later.

Living in Cumberland, Maryland in 1984, she’d attended a community college but decided to finish her degree at the University of Maryland in College Park. Her brother lived in Columbia at the time and she figured she’d spend the summer there and get a job to get acclimated to the area. She answered an ad for what was then the Midas Muffler franchise in Laurel, halfway between Columbia and College Park.

“When I walked in to apply for the job, I found the man who would be my future husband standing behind the counter,” Robin said. “His father owned 12 Midas Muffler shops at the time and Chris was running that one.”

After filling out an application and convincing him she was serious about the job, he interviewed and hired her. Though meant to be a summer job, Robin was good at it and worked for a total of six months. Mohns was older and she wasn’t really interested in him other than as her boss. But he did make quite an impact on her young life.

She was impressed by the way he dealt with customers, by his charitable nature, by his ability to spot people who were in distress and by his desire to help them.

“The things I learned from him like an emphasis on customer service stayed with me for many years and served me well in my career,” she said.

There was no Internet or cell phones during those years, and Robin lost touch with him. But Chris didn’t forget her. Five years later, he tried and succeeded in locating her back in Cumberland where she moved when her father became ill.

“He sent me an old-fashioned letter that I didn’t answer thinking that there was no point since we lived so far apart and I had a career. But flash forward 34 years to 2018 when we rediscovered each other on Facebook,” she said. “We reconnected and immediately knew we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives.” One year later, we married in August of 2019.”

Chris had two Midas shops at the time, but they became partners and ended up acquiring two more shops and making all business decisions for the four shops together.  

The couple continued Chris’ practice of gifting auto repairs including presenting one to Dennis McQuire on Valentine’s Day in 2020.

“I thank God for that time with my husband because he passed away so unexpectedly,” Robin said. “Thinking back, I realize there may have been some signs that he wasn’t quite as well as he seemed.”

One morning, he asked her to come into his study and told her he felt they’d been blessed to spend money on things they wanted and enjoyed, and it was now time to focus on others. They made a pact to do more to help people. Two days later he passed away.

“We were thrilled because we’d just bought a Condo in Ocean City. We were about to take out a new boat we’d bought when he suffered heart failure and died instantly,” she said.

His words from two days before, seemed to have been a message to her and an inspiration to carry on with what he’d been planning. So, a short time later, she started the Chris Gives Foundation.

“It went a little slowly since I was grieving and suddenly had four Midas auto repair shops to run,” Robin noted. “I was going through a huge learning curve figuring out how to run the shops by myself. Nevertheless, I put together a board of directors – a great group of people who are all volunteers.”

“We began by hosting an annual fundraising event. The first one, held at Baldwin Hall in Millersville in 2023, was more of a memorial to Chris and kick-off for the charity. We then started doing what my husband used to do naturally, helping people who work and make a difference but are suffering financial setbacks and unable afford critically needed auto repairs. We received referrals from churches and other organizations about people who could use our assistance.”

One family the Chris Gives Foundation was particularly pleased to help was that of disabled veteran Patrick Turner who’d just moved from Florida to Maryland with his family including a disabled child. The Turner family was distressed to learn that, to pass a Maryland inspection, they needed auto repairs totaling $4,000. They had no idea how they were going to come up with that amount of money and were extremely grateful when the foundation offered to pay for the repairs.

A second important element for the Chris Gives Foundation is something Robin strongly cares about.

“Running the four auto repair shops, I came to realize there are not a lot of eligible auto repair technicians out there. There is definitely a shortage of them,” she said. “I’m a big fan of trade schools having attended a Votech program when I was young. So, I started looking at high schools in the area that offer an auto repair curriculum and was pleasantly surprised to find three, CAT-North (Center of Applied Technology-North) in Pasadena, CAT-South in Edgewater, and Thomas Edison High School of Technology in Silver Spring.”

She began talking to all three schools about offering scholarships. The Chris Gives Foundation board met to vote on Robin’s scholarship proposal and were excited to voice their approval. The scholarship program ties in nicely with the foundation’s mission to invest in the future, empowering individuals and families by enhancing opportunities for them and hopefully strengthening the workforce.

These days learning to be an auto repair technician is complicated. Students need to have their own tools which are incredibly expensive, and they also have to learn the computer technology installed in today’s automobiles.

The foundation held its first award ceremony at CAT-North in Pasadena last week and awarded two students $750 worth of tools each. This week they’re going to Thomas Edison to award $l,500 worth of tools for two additional students.

“We chose tools because they are so vital to a career as an auto repair technician and so costly,” Robin said before personally awarding $750 worth of tools to students Alejandro Hernandez and Bladen Taylor.

She noted that both students will be introduced during the Chris Gives Foundation Fundraiser being held June 21 from noon to 10 pm at the Severna Park Taphouse.

The fundraising event features the bands Genghis Kahn and 8-Ball Deluxe and Robin’s friend and mentor Larry Sells will be the emcee.

To follow the activities of the Chris Gives Foundation visit Facebook.

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber announces July 4th Parade Grand Marshall

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that this year’s Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal is the noted town historian Scott Jay.

“It is such a fitting selection for our 50th Anniversary as Scott was born and raised in Severna Park, has lived here all his life and is our town’s local historian,” commented Chamber CEO Liz League.

Parenting for a Different World Happiness Hour at the Yoga Barn on June 6th

On Friday June 6th, from 5 to 6 pm, area residents are invited to attend Parenting for a Different World “Happiness Hour” at the Yoga Barn at 44 West Earleigh Heights Road in Severna Park.  We will be practicing breathing exercises, stretching, and other relaxation techniques to encourage healthy coping skills and self-care. It’s a lot of fun, very peaceful and perfect for anyone age about 10 on up through adults.  For more information, visit 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. 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.

And, we welcome a new sponsor this week. Midas of Annapolis and Pasadena, A family- owned business with four locations (Annapolis, Pasadena, Laurel and Wheaton) and 40 years’ experience and the backing of a national brand, they are committed to earning customers’ trust by offering the expertise, value and responsiveness they expect – “every time they visit us.”

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

Riding around Langton Green Community Farm on a UTV with farm director John Iaquinta on a sunny spring day was bound to be fun. Passing by several farm workers pruning blackberry bushes and a flock of hens, we headed for one of the farm’s hoop houses to meet new farm manager Sam Garrett.

Now that he’d completed transferring seedlings from the greenhouse to the long, perfectly formed rows in the hoop house, Garrett was keeping an eye on them – especially since the roof blew off its frame a few days ago in the recent winds and had to be wrestled back on.

Luckily, the atmosphere inside was warm and pleasant when we stepped in.

“In combination with moisture and light, our well-prepared rows with their balanced mix of nutrients are perfect for growing greens, ” he said. “We’ve planted tiny seedlings of leeks, kale, spinach, lettuces and arugula and they are loving it.”

We followed Garrett back to the farm’s headquarters where he and Iaquinta led the way to a room flooded with pink light from two layers of specially designed florescent tubes. Both men acknowledged that the lighting is an experiment – one that seems to be working well.

“These are dwarf tomato plants which only grow to about 12 inches,” noted the farm manager. “You can see that they are already flowering. We have an orange variety, a yellow variety and a typical red. The fruit will be standard cherry tomato sized.”

Iaquinta added that the dwarf tomato seedlings are one among many varieties of flowers and vegetables being grown for Langton Green’s annual Spring Plant Sale being held at the Millersville-based acreage on May 3rd.

Stepping past farm cat Atticus in the hall, we entered a room with dozens more plants that were hale and hearty thanks to an abundance of windows that provided optimum lighting conditions.

The busiest place of all was a nearby greenhouse where there were hundreds of flats of seedlings at various stages of growth. Garrett and farm assistant Madison Smith (also seen in the opening photo) were pleased with the progress of the tomatoes and super healthy lettuce they are growing hydroponically along with regular plantings of the Asian salad green tatsoi, multi-colored chard and mustard greens.

Allegheny blackberry transplants were easy for Garrett to grow from cuttings, but growing cotton as an experiment has him crossing his fingers. He said it takes up to 180 days till it’s ready for harvest. He’ll plant the cotton in a few different locations to see where it does best.

Rosemary, lavender, thyme, and primrose transplants gave way to adobo and golden Bell pepper plants and several purple potato plants. Even the youngest seedlings need attention from Sam and Madison with watering and occasional weeding.

Now in its 11th year of operation, Langton Green Community Farm has undergone many changes and made considerable progress according to John Iaquinta.

“We’ve had several different farm managers over the years, each with a different agricultural background and different set of skills. They’ve made a big difference in elevating our operation to the professional gardening level.”

When the COVID pandemic hit, there was more of a shift to environmental science. The farm brought in managers focused on soil process who established a blueprint for what is being done now.

According to Iaquinta, the farm managers, workers and volunteers initially concentrated on growing summer produce. But they are now pushing to grow produce 12 months of the year. They’re planning to sustain production by growing cool weather varieties, utilizing the greenhouses, and adding some hydroponically raised salad greens.

Garrett plans to experiment with the science of aquaponics wherein you introduce a fish or a shrimp to the irrigation water for whatever plant you are growing, using their waste as the main nutrient source.

With the arrival of spring, the farm will pick up the pace. Langton Green’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program will begin on March 17th. Participants will pay an initial flat rate of $200 to get an entire summer’s worth of handpicked produce. There will be six to eight things in each box ranging from salad greens, tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables to strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and fruit from the orchard.

Iaquinta said the farm can now support up to 25 or 30 CSA customers, supply produce for farm donors and sponsors, and supply produce and fresh eggs for Langton Green’s homes for developmentally disabled individuals. They also partner with SPAN, Inc. to provide fresh produce for their clients.

As mentioned previously, Langton Green Community Farm’s Spring Plant Sale will take place on May 3rd when most of what’s being raised in the greenhouses will be offered to the public.

Between 26 and 30 community plots will shortly be made available to the public as well. There will be no charge for the plots, but participants are asked to volunteer four of five hours of labor to the farm.

Limited “Pick Your Own” days for strawberries, blueberries or blackberries are on the agenda for this spring and an online “storefront” is being launched where customers can order fruits or vegetables from the Langton Green website Langton Green Community Farm | (langtongreenfarm.com) or by visiting Facebook. The produce ordered will be handpicked on Fridays and be ready for pickup on Saturdays.

A visit to Langton Green Community Farm is always entertaining. Twenty-five adults with disabilities work there tending the livestock or working in the gardens or greenhouses. There are 35 to 40 chickens of various breeds, four goats and a similar number of pigs that children just love to visit. Artwork is woven throughout the grounds amidst raised flower and vegetable beds. Best of all, there are programs and activities to enjoy including “First Saturday” events featuring musical performances, storytelling or other forms of entertainment.

Though located off busy General’s Highway in Millersville, a visit to the farm feels like going to the country. The produce raised there is great throughout the spring, summer and fall and the prices are super competitive.

A reminder: Tickets still available for Severn Cross Roads Wine, Cheese and Chocolate St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser being held this Saturday, March 15

The Severn Cross Roads Foundation still has some tickets available for Historic Baldwin Hall’s annual event – the Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Fundraiser being held this Saturday, March 15th from 7-10 pm.  Tickets for the St. Patrick’s Day themed event may be ordered by calling 410-409-0187, by emailing: gcampbell8185@gmail.com or they may be ordered online at https:PayPal.me/BaldwinHallMD.

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

High-rise apartments, townhouses and high-density development areas resembling Annapolis Town Center (seen in the photograph above) could be in the near future for Severna Park if a bill being debated by the Anne Arundel County Council is passed.

We were alerted by friend and Severna Park resident Amy Badger Laque’s repost of a Magothy River Association Facebook post notifying the public that the Anne Arundel County Council is debating Bill 2-25 which would fast-track such high-density construction in several locations throughout the county including the Route 2 (Ritchie Highway) corridor.

Badger’s repost urged her friends to view the MRA post (including the map seen below) showing the area of the community affected and then reach out to the County Council. Like many residents who moved to Severna Park for good schools and a high standard of living, she’s disappointed and disillusioned by the overdevelopment of the area.

“For example, there are five public storage facilities within half a mile of my home off Jumper’s Mill Road, none of which are at capacity,” she said. “The amount of building is unconscionable and completely contradicts County Executive Steuart Pittman’s purported stance. It’s also a bit ironic, considering the Green Infrastructure Master Plan.”

In addition to opposition from the Magothy River Association, Bill 2-25 has also been a topic of concern at two successive meetings of the Greater Severna Park Council according to board president Maureen Carr York.

“We first met two weeks ago to discuss the matter after which board members Craig Meyers and Doug Nichols wrote up a statement of concern regarding the bill which was proposed by County Executive Pittman,” Carr said.

She further noted that, because the Council has existed since the 1960’s to preserve the character and small town feel of Severna Park, similar issues have come up before. The members are overwhelmingly convinced that Bill 2-25 and similar proposals would be overwhelmingly bad for the community and residents feel the same way.

In 2012, Carr was a member of a Citizens Advisory Committee regarding the Transportational Functional Master Plan for 2040.

“At that time, the planners were advocating for transit-oriented development and high-density housing in areas they described as ‘much bigger than Annapolis Town Center’ with high-speed buses,” she said. “We didn’t favor the plan.”

The GSPC board’s second meeting, with Amanda Fiedler, Anne Arundel County Council member for District 5 in attendance, was held February 11. Fiedler, who strives to preserve the character of the community while protecting the environment of her district, was working on an amendment to Bill 2-25.

Fiedler told us that Bill 2-25 allows an area labeled a Critical Corridor to be redeveloped, skipping “both the sketch plan and preliminary plan steps of development.”

The councilmember says “she doesn’t have as much concern with this” as there would still be public meetings about the redevelopment and the two steps apply primarily to development on undeveloped tracts of land.

The Pittman administration said the bill was intended for more blighted areas with vacant retail space, Fiedler explains. 

“The bill increases the potential residential units for a multi-family dwelling (apartment type complex) from 15 units per acre to 22 units per acre, if a commercial property is redeveloped,” she says.

It also does away with the requirement to have half the floor area of a redevelopment on a commercially zoned property actually be commercial. 

“This means the redevelopment doesn’t have to have any commercial space at all,” she adds. “It could be redeveloped to all residential.”  

Bill 2-25 also subsidizes development forcing local taxpayers to foot the bill for a 50% reduction of connection fees (water and sewer) for developers, presumably as a spur to development.

“The Pittman administration stated that the bustling retail space in Severna Park is unlikely to be appealing for redevelopment, so it probably won’t take place in the near future,” Fiedler says. 

“My position is that, if the bill was not intended for an area like Severna Park but more blighted areas, then let’s remove the bustling commercial and residential areas from the bill.  We most certainly do not need to have established active and robust communities identified as properties that are ripe for redevelopment.”

“I am working to identify amendment language that would remove the Severna Park area from Bill 2-25,” Fiedler concludes.

Having previously discussed challenges firefighters face in dealing with high-rise buildings with Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Chief Dave Crawford, we also sought his input.

“The upper floors of some three-story assisted living homes in areas we’re responsible for are a struggle to reach with our current equipment,” Crawford says. “Aerial platform firetrucks are going for $2 million today. When I first priced the firetruck we need, it was going for $731,000. Just a year later, the price has risen to one million dollars.

Crawford, in the midst of organizing EHVFC’s annual Bull & Oyster Roast taking place this Saturday, February 15 (announcement below), hopes for a good turnout for the fundraiser. The volunteer fire department is self-sustaining. Thus, it receives no money from Anne Arundel County taxpayers and must raise funds for operating expenses, equipment and a new firehouse. The chief offers some food for thought. “

“A legislator mentioned to me that 8,000 high income tax bracket homeowners have moved away from Severna Park recently. No one wants to live in a metropolis considering the examples we have of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. So, they move here and are entirely unaware that our services are not supported by taxpayers,” he says.

“We have to raise money. We sent out mailers asking for donations to 27,000 homes. Only 4,400 sent back a donation. We also sent mailers to 200 businesses and only two came back with donations…and some are huge businesses that are fully served by us.”

Crawford feels that, though not unexpected, the prospect of even denser residential development will add to the expense and burden of serving a nighttime population of 25,000 to 27,000 people that swells to a daytime population of 60,000 or 70,000 counting the workforce and students.

While more appropriate for a location within the boundaries of an already existing city, projects like the Annapolis Town Center tend to be a magnet for similar high-rise construction. Multiplex buildings are visible beyond the center in the photo below. Newly completed construction of additional high-rises can be seen nearby on Riva Road.

The Anne Arundel County Council meeting concerning Bill 2-25 is being held on February 18 at Arundel Center at 44 Calvert Street in Annapolis for those who’d like to attend. For those who wish to make their feelings known to the Council, they may submit online testimony or comments by visiting County Council Meeting – February 18 | Anne Arundel County Government (aacounty.org).

Reminder: Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company Bull & Oyster Roast this Saturday

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Bull & Oyster Roast takes place Saturday, February 15 at the firehouse at 161 Ritchie Highway from 5 pm till 10 pm with food, music and fun. The menu is terrific with pit beef, ham and turkey and raw oysters, oyster stew, and oyster fritters plus all the trimmings and dessert. There will be 50/50 Boards, Big 6, Showdown Poker, Pull Tabs and Lottery Board adding to the fun. For tickets which are $50 in advance or $60 at the door see Earleigh Heights VFC (ehvfc.org).

Unity Gardens annual Spring Lecture at St. Phillips Epsicopal Church on February 22

Magothy River Association member Karen Royer tipped us that Unity Gardens has scheduled its annual Spring Lecture for 10 am on February 22 at St. Phillips Episcopal Church, 730 Bestgate Road, Annapolis.

“Unity Gardens is a small nonprofit that gives grants to civic organizations across Anne Arundel County to plant native trees, shrubs and perennials,” Royer says. “These grants help to control stormwater as well as provide habitat for birds, pollinators and wildlife. The Magothy River has benefitted from grants given to schools, churches, libraries, HOA’s, garden clubs and Scout projects in our watershed.”

This year’s lecture, titled “Nature’s Blueprint: Designing for Resiliency with Native Plants” features Ryan Drake, McCausland Natural Areas Manager of Morris Arboretum & Gardens, University of Pennsylvania. The lecture is a good way to learn about native plants and support the ongoing Unity Gardens grants. Tickets are $40. For information or tickets, visit Unity Gardens – Unity Gardens.

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

Occasionally, research for future columns takes Around The Park Again outside of Severna Park along nearby highways and byways. Last Tuesday we met with realtor Theresa Kurtz to get the scoop on residential real estate trends in Anne Arundel County. (I first met Kurtz several years ago at a Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber event while Kurtz was associated with the Severna Park Voice.) She suggested we get together at a restaurant recently opened by her friend Stephanie Fennell in Edgewater called 100 Lots Kitchen + Bar.

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Serving local scratch-made food and drinks in an inviting space with a rustic flavor, the new eatery’s unusual name is an added draw for curious diners. When introduced to Fennell, we couldn’t resist asking her what it signifies. We were fascinated when she explained that the name dates back to the very beginnings of the colony of Maryland in 1632.

“My business partner and I are history nerds who were intrigued with the early history of Edgewater,” Fennell said. “Then a port surrounded by the Town of London, the area was more populous than Annapolis. In 1683, in order to grow commerce, promote town formation and assure the colony’s success, the Maryland General Assembly divided existing land holdings into 100 one-acre lots through ‘An Act for Advancing the Trade of Tobacco’. We decided ‘100 Lots’ would be a perfect name for our restaurant.”

The partners’ nod to local history is evident in the eatery’s decor. There are tobacco burden baskets on one wall. On another wall are tobacco harvesting tools and seafood industry equipment like clam rakes. Tobacco was one of the main exports from the Edgewater/Londontown area during the colonial era.

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On opposing walls and along the handsome bar, the oyster industry is represented by historic photographs and pieces of equipment displayed on the walls. Vintage oyster cans arranged on a shelf above the bar illustrate that, by the mid-1800’s cannery technology had progressed to a point where canning fresh oysters from local waters was a safe alternative to shipping live oysters without risking spoilage.

Even on a rainy day like Tuesday, the interior is bright with three walls of windows.

The lighter woods of tables arranged in pairs or small groupings in the open spaces nearest the front entrance contrast nicely with the dark woods of the bar opposite them.

An adjoining room combines similar tables with booths along one wall.

Fennell, a single mother, observed that she has opened her “first” restaurant at a time when the economy is questionable. We wondered aloud how she’d had the courage for such an undertaking.

Passionate about serving good food to people, Fennell has had a lot of experience managing other restaurants. Rather than coming from a food background, she has a degree in psychology. However, she paid for college by working in restaurants. Then life happened and she ended up being in the industry for about 25 years. After having run restaurants for others, she decided it was time to run one of her own.

Nevertheless, she admits she had some qualms about taking over ownership of the business previously known as The Broadneck Grill & Cantina, a Mexican restaurant.

“It’s uncharted territory for me as I’ve never owned a business, but everything seemed to line up,” she said. “During the Covid pandemic, I was running a couple of restaurants. Everyone was super nervous but we were able to adapt to the situation so we could be prosperous. I feel that, with 100 Lots, we should always be able to adapt to what’s going on, even in these uncertain times. I’m confident in my ability to do that.”

She believes her background in psychology impacts how she approaches her business, her employees, her clientele and even the menus.

100 Lots’ menus are seasonal and change four times a year. Fennell and staff are “all about supporting local businesses”, sourcing products from local farmers like Tony Hamilton from Pond View Acres in Hughesville as well as from farmer’s markets. Her creative chef, Mike Tolle, whom she brought with her from a former restaurant, is particularly adept at turning her ideas into delicious entrees. Iris Fuentes, her kitchen manager is an expert baker.

Tuesday nights are Oyster Nights at 100 Lots when dishes like “Oysters on Half Shell” and “Oysters Rockefeller” are served. (The eatery works with the Chesapeake Bay’s Oyster Restoration Program by contributing their shells for reef building projects.)

The restaurant will be teaming up with neighbor Edgewater Liquors for 100 Lots Kitchen + Bar’s first event, a Spring Menu and Beer Tasting on March 21 at 6 pm. Given the menu, the knowledgeable gents from Edgewater Liquors have paired different beers with each of the four courses plus a dessert and they’ll be on hand to talk about each. Chef Tolle will be speaking about the spring dishes being showcased while farmer Tony Hamilton will talk about the meats chosen.

Like all foods served year-round, everything on the menu will be made from scratch including the Mozarella that is part of the appetizer. Even the sausages being used will be ground onsite. To view the menu, you can visit 100 Lots Kitchen +Bar at Facebook. We had a preview of all four courses and were fascinated to hear that the fourth course of Short Rib & Bangers served over Mashed Potatoes is being paired with a Sammy Smith Organic Chocolate beer.

Be on the lookout for my column on local real estate trends next week.

Severna Park Community Center Health & Wellness Expo on March 16

On Saturday, March 16 the Severna Park Community Center is hosting a free Health & Wellness Expo in the community center’s gymnasium from 11 am till 2 pm. Forty exhibitors from health and fitness businesses and organizations will be present. There will be swag bags, raffles and giveaways, free blood pressure and hearing screenings and other tests. For information, visit Health & Wellness Expo – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.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

The time of year has arrived that some journalists refer to as “the dead zone” when the flurry of holiday events is past and not much seems to be happening. Some of us decide that it’s the perfect time to get away.

According to Bloomberg, the year 2022 saw international travel rise to 63% of the level in 2019, before the pandemic struck. Global tourism for 2023 should improve considerably to reach approximately 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the tourism recovery outlook issued January 17 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The cruise industry has been particularly resilient. An article in Forbes Travel Guide citing cruise trends for 2023 noted that pent up demand caused cruise bookings to bounce back in 2022, a trend that is expected to continue.

Pasadena-based Dream Vacations owner Kelly Cornwell couldn’t agree more.

“Cruises are definitely doing well, especially cruise packages to the Carribean,” she said. “People want to go somewhere warm and they really like the all-inclusive cruises to tropical ports of call where food, drinks, gratuities and other expenses are taken care of ahead of time.”

She added that, for travelers who’d rather fly to their destination than cruise, all-inclusive resort vacations to islands like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are currently popular.

One of the things the travel agent likes best about her job is previewing some of the destinations she recommends to clients including a recent trip to Belize she made with husband Maurice.

“I’m currently working on three upcoming destination weddings which I really enjoy,” Cornwell said. “Some of the Carribean resorts actually have wedding planners on staff so I basically act as a liaison between the clients and the resorts. I don’t book air travel for those weddings, however, as guests fly in from many different locations.”

For some great mid-winter getaways, check out Dream Vacations | Cruise and Land Vacations or call 443-823-1164.

Closer to home, there are upcoming events bound to lift our spirits including one this weekend.

Jing Ying Institute celebrates Lunar New Year with Open House this Saturday

All over the world, people have been celebrating the Lunar New Year beginning on January 22. A fitting finale for Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit is an Open House this Saturday, January 28, from 1 to 2:30 pm.

The Open House celebration includes a Chinese Lion Dance at 1:30, demos of kung fu & tai chi, traditional treats, crafts for children, giveaways, and door prizes. Eco Adventures will also be making an appearance with small animals.

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January 28 marks the start of a Jing Ying Institute’s month-long silent auction fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org)

Singing Valentines offered by Chesapeake Harmony Chorus

Chesapeake Harmony Chorus is once again offering the perfect Valentine for that special someone in your life. You can send a Singing Valentine for less than the cost of delivered flowers. Singers will serenade your loved one with two delightfully romantic songs in CHC’s trademark barbershop style and present a red rose and card from you on Monday evening February 13 between 6:30pm – 8:30 PM or Tuesday, February 14, 2023, between the hours of 9am—7pm for just $50.

Musical director Sally Burton tells us a quintet of singers will deliver the Singing Valentines on Monday, February 13 and CHC’s award-winning Bearfoot Quartet will deliver them on Tuesday, February 14.

If your special someone is out of town, Chesapeake Harmony Chorus singers will deliver your message by phone for just $20.

Singing Valentines are a great gift for family in assisted living facilities, your best friend, a special teacher or co-worker! Please specify a preferred 2-hour window for your delivery.

To order go to https://www.chesapeakeharmony.org/svsignup

Save the Date for Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Community Social at Historic Baldwin Hall

A reminder that Historic Baldwin Hall will be holding its annual fundraiser – a Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Community Social – on Saturday, March 4 from 7 to 10 pm. The beautiful hall at 1358 Millersville Road in Millersville will provide the perfect setting for the social gathering with luscious chocolates and cheeses with wines donated by General’s Wine & Spirits. Musical entertainment will be provided by solo artist Richard Walton.

Get your tickets for this popular event ahead of time through PayPal.me/BaldwinHallMD or by calling 410-409-0187.

7th Annual Taylor Wild Memorial Golf Tournament provides $20,000 donation to Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County

Severn School physical education teacher Betz Wild recently touched base with us to let us know that the Wild family recently delivered a $20,000 donation to the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County for the Herzberg/Wild College Scholarship.

The donation is a result of proceeds from the 7th Annual Taylor Wild Memorial Golf Tournament held on November 5th. Wild revealed that 244 golfer’s turned out at Compass Pointe in Pasadena to enjoy a fun round of golf and great food from Glory Days and Adam’s Taphouse & Grille. She added that The Herzberg/Wild Scholarship awards two $10,000 scholarships to deserving Anne Arundel County high school seniors.

The scholarship is named for Eric Herzberg and Taylor Wild, both U.S. Marines from Severna Park who died defending our country. Since 2014, the scholarships have been awarded to students who exhibit the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage and Commitment; the ability to persist in the face of significant personal obstacles; the ability to provide quiet leadership in their school and in their community.

According to Wild, for interested seniors, information about the scholarship can be found on the CFAAC website at Home | CFAAC.

The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this month 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 cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress.  January 28 marks the start of a Jing Ying Institute’s month-long silent auction fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler

From the Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control tent, where children were admiring “Two Toes” the bunny, to the farthest end of Severna Park High School’s front sidewalk where recycled books were being given away, the return of Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Festival was a happy occasion indeed.

Cradled in the arms of Jessica Galuardi, “Two Toes” (so named because she’s missing a couple toes) was just one of the adoptable bunnies and pups brought along to call attention to the organization, its work and its need to find permanent homes for the animals it cares for.

Opposite A.A. Co. Animal Care & Control were booths along the front sidewalk including those of Power Factor Company , specializing in solar installations, and Echoes of Nature. Popular throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, Echoes of Nature brought along its own “animal ambassadors” ranging from snakes and lizards to birds of prey like their red tailed hawk. The animal ambassadors were primarily adopted by EON from rescues and shelters.

The footprint of the 2022 Earth Day celebration seemed larger than the last time the event was held two years ago. Booths extended from the school courtyard across the sidewalks on both sides of the buildings. Even the parking lot was used to accommodate a line of trucks from charitable organizations. Among others was a truck from Millersville-based Orphan Grain Train – the ultimate recycler of much needed clothing, home goods and medical equipment that is sent to countries overseas including sub-Saharan Africa and Ukraine. Another truck was from Hope for All in Glen Burnie – a non-profit that helps those transitioning from homelessness through local residents’ donations of furniture and household goods as well as shoes, clothing and personal care items.

The sidewalk booths were busy from the moment the festival opened as can be seen in the photo below with Severna Park High students unpacking and laying out gently used books they’d collected to be given away.

Inside the courtyard, the array of exhibitors was quite diverse. Magothy River Association president Paul Spadaro and member Bob Royer’s booth not only held information about conserving the watershed but also a supply of the organization’s new educational Magothy River game. They’d spread one out across the pavement for kids and adults to play.

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Royer, who also heads Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s environmental and sustainability projects, reported that the church recently won an Interfaith Power & Light Cool Congregations Annual Award for Sustainability. They also were awarded the Energy Saver Award for reducing their energy consumption by 52%. (Woods’ Renew campaign significantly reduced the church’s energy usage through installation of ultra-high efficiency HVAC systems, upgrades to LED lighting, installation of highly efficient windows and building insulation improvements for a cost savings of $30,000 per year.)

In keeping with the Earth Day Festival’s theme “Do a World of Good, Think Outside the Landfill”, there was an entire table devoted to recycled donations that attendees were welcome to add to or take home at no cost. Items ranged from a stroller to wallpaper, books, candlesticks, garden seeds, cleaning supplies, fabric and batting and a coffeemaker.

One of the simplest, yet most helpful and efficient exhibits at the Earth Day festival was that of Baltimore-based CNR Lighting (C.N. Robinson Lighting Supply Co.). CNR representative Angela Schwartz explained that the various bins on her table were marked for attendees to deposit used fluorescent and LED lights and used batteries (all of which are extremely toxic to the environment if consigned to landfills).

According to Schwartz, CNR sends the batteries collected to a company called Veolia Environmental Services which recycles them through a process that extracts environmentally dangerous metals which can be reused.

The sight of Jing Ying Institute owners Nancy and Billy Greer performing an educational Tai Chi demonstration mid-courtyard brought a smile to everyone’s face. The pair was fresh from their earlier World Tai Chi Day celebration on the lawn of Boone Station Hall where dozens of practitioners joined them in performing the art’s graceful movements. Jing Ying Institute has participated in every local Earth Day festival and, though late, the Greers were determined to carry on the tradition.

On the far side of the courtyard, Brittany Neff, Isaac Sears and Nathan Wheeler from Let’s Grow in Pasadena were selling cactus, succulent and foliage plants while entertaining customers with a running commentary about the interactive plantscape-themed private parties the company hosts. The miniature flowerpots containing easy-to-grow cacti and succulents were particularly appealing to children

One booth over, at Pasadena-based Rise Above Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, kittens and cats were the order of the day though the organization takes in other pets. The non-profit focuses on animals that need help including those injured, elderly or in need of medical care and relies on volunteers and families that are willing to foster them.

In addition to being a boon for those who like to purchase local eggs, herbs and plants, Amy Timme’s pretty Chesapeake Homestead booth was a lesson in organic, sustainable agriculture. Eggs fresh from the family farm’s flock of 60 pasture-raised chickens shared the table with adorably witty egg containers, bundles of freshly picked herbs, and pots of farm-grown plants ready to be transplanted. They included organically raised red, yellow and green pepper plants, red raspberry plants, and tomato plants among others.

“By June, our homestead farm store in Pasadena will be selling freshly picked vegetables, fruits and flowers. We’re also raising turkeys for Thanksgiving and have some jars of our homemade brine mixture for those who like to prepare early,” Timme said.

Jewelry designer Felicite Hawkins shared a table on which Sasswell co-owner Kate Langston (with Laura MacKay) had an array of health-related products. Langston and MacKay practice therapeutic massage, yoga and other healing techniques and just opened a new Severna Park location off Ritchie Highway behind Donut Shack. Hawkins, seen here trying a pair of earrings on Langston, sells her unique handcrafted jewelry on Etsy

Nearby, at the Mom’s Organic Market stand, Earth Day festival visitors were encouraged by Aaron Montillano, Alysse Betha and Scout Yardumian-Grubb to take a free banana, consider a cloth shopping bag, or drop off cell phones no longer in use. The trio was from the Jessup branch of the organic food market which got its start in Rockville, Maryland but now has branches in Washington, D.C. and five states.

Next to them, bins at hand, was Greg Brummitt from Annapolis Compost, a local non-profit with curbside collection services.

Almost at the end of booths at the far end of the school, festival attendees had the pleasure of checking out and perhaps selecting several titles from the books, by then well arranged, at the SPHS student’s Books & Our Earth Display for free.

Aware that only 20% of children are currently found to read regularly, the students were determined that more kids should be introduced to the joy and adventure found in books. Judging by their wide-ranging selection of recycled children’s storybooks, novels, mysteries, biographies and scientific tomes, there was something for everyone.

Catching up with Good Neighbors Group president and primary organizer Julie Shay as the event was winding down, she noted how happy she was to have had such a beautiful day for the 20th Annual Earth Day Festival.

For information on Good Neighbors Group’s upcoming activities, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group .

BREAKING NEWS: SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA rescheduled to Saturday, May 14

Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League announced this morning that due to the National Weather Bureau’s rainy weather forecast for this weekend, the organization’s SPRING SHOP LOCAL FUN FIESTA has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 14 from 11 am to 3 pm.

There will still be food, games, animals, and fun for the whole family. For additional information, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com) .

AROUND THE PARK AGAIN By Sharon Lee Tegler

Even as last-minute touches were being added to the country/western decor, guests arriving early at Chartwell Golf & Country Club for Severna Park Community Center’s “Boots & Black Tie Gala” were rarin’ to go. A bevy of beauties comprised of SPCC Dance Center instructors Kellie Greer, Beth Fox, Bayley Taylor, Kirstin Weichert, and Barbara Wayson (seen above) spied the rustic arch loaned to SPCC by Maryland Therapeutic Riding and headed there to pose for a pre-Gala picture. They’d appear in an official capacity later.

Decked out in western finery, Gala committee member Jennifer Lee Kraus and husband Tim paused on arrival to admire the handsome saddle also on loan from Maryland Therapeutic Riding. Then they slipped past the entrance to put finishing touches on the Saloon Games spread throughout the patio including a raffle, three casino tables, a bourbon-tasting bar, a regular bar and more.

Jennifer Lee, the owner of SPCC-based Theater In The Park, used her creative talents to fashion silhouettes of Western dancers for the walls of the Chartwell ballroom and cowhides for the tables. Tim pitched in to craft the rustic wooden stands that held floral centerpieces donated by Severna Park Flowers and Gifts.

According to SPCC’s development director Amy Holbrook, the staff and volunteers worked all of Friday and most of Saturday to create a perfect setting for the Boots & Black Tie Gala. In addition to 45 Silent Auction items donated there were seven Live Auction items displayed including a week’s stay at a Dude Ranch in Tucson, Arizona donated by White Stallion Ranch and high-end Raffle items like the Vintage DaVinci Designs Joint Adventure Tandem Bicycle donated by Joan and Joe Tiernan.

Guests soon began arriving in earnest and the line at the reception table grew longer. At the head of the line, SPCC board member Ellen Kleinknecht and husband Scott were having fun checking out what their friends were wearing.

There is no denying that board member emeritus Andy Borland and wife Katie made quite an impression as they entered the Gala wearing matching jackets, cowboy hats and boots. Borland, a 2013 Gala honoree, chaired the 2001 Capital Campaign Fund Drive raising 4.5 million to make the Severna Park Community Center a reality by transforming an already existing outdoor pool to a magnificent facility featuring two indoor pools, a dance studio, fitness center, art room, meeting rooms and The Andy Borland Gymnasium which is named for him.

According to SPCC executive director Sarah Elder, the greatest thing about the Black Tie & Boots theme of the gala was that many gentlemen guests dressed up more than usual.

“It’s usually the women who dress up. However, the men had been calling us all week to ask what they should wear,” Elder said. “We replied that they could take the theme seriously and opt for clothing that was elegant, country-casual, or both.”

But many of the women were successful in combining both looks including board members Jean Andrews and Joan Tiernan who were wholeheartedly into the spirit of the evening.

Many couples opted for elegant including Amy and Mike Leahy. Back from Florida, Amy said she’s busier than ever working on Ann Virginia’s Pet Garden, a well-known site along the B&A Trail. She’s also a member of the Greater Severna Park Council and was recently elected president of the Severna Park Republican Women’s Club.

Dressing for the evening was a split decision for some couples. A cowgirl at heart as a volunteer with Crownsville-based Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Karen Strange chose to wear an elegant gown while her SPCC board member husband John’s new look could be coined “rugged rancher chic”.

Western chic was the order of the day for Board Vice Chair Artie Hendricks and wife Michelle who were greeted by Board Chair Jamie Bragg. Gala sponsors Randy and Jenna Waugh from Multi-Specialty Health Care were equally chic

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Gala honoree David Orso and wife Dawn and their party arrived shortly. It may have felt strange for Orso to be chosen honoree as he previously led the Severna Park Community Center as chair of the board for two years, having already served on the board for four years prior. His leadership during the early pandemic period of 2020 helped to keep the center operating through very troubling times.

As a realtor leading the David Orso Team of Berkshire Hathaway, he is well known in the community. and admired for his generosity. He has worked to support numerous nonprofit organizations all over the county, from Anne Arundel Medical Center to the Lighthouse Shelter, Sarah’s House, Backpack Buddies and most recently, as a board member for Anne Arundel Community College.

Interestingly, the first person to congratulate Orso on being honored, was Jamie Bragg, himself a former Gala honoree for 2016. Bragg is now chairman of the board.

From the outset, people attending the Gala were delighted to see each other. Most were long-time community center supporters who’d missed attending in-person events over the past two years and were in a very celebratory mood.

Throughout cocktails and pre-dinner games, there was no denying the lure of the picturesque Western-styled arch loaned by Maryland Therapeutic Riding that was a perfect setting for photographs. Volunteers Griffin Smith and Brennan Cahill from St. John The Evangelist School manned the area designated for taking pictures. They not only posed guests but took the photos for them.

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Dinner was great with guests served a Western influenced menu featuring entrees of Beef Fillet with Cajun Seasoning and Chipotle Sauce or Halibut with Cactus Pear Buere Blanc accompanied by Chayote Squash with Sauteed Butter and Smashed Potatoes. Luscious desserts followed along with the introduction of guest of honor David Orso who was gracious as always. Other highlights of the evening included the reappearance of Dance Center of Severna Park director Kellie Greer and her talented instructors who demonstrated and then taught guests the steps for line dancing to the tune “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”.

The Live Auction began soon thereafter and bidding was intense – especially for the White Stallion Ranch package. According to Elder, the Gala was spectacular success raising over $162,000. As the Severna Park Community Center is a self-sustaining organization, the financial support is greatly appreciated.

For information on the community center programs, visit SPCC Home (spcommunitycenter.org).

Jing Ying Institute to celebrate World Tai Chi Day

The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi, a participant in this global event from its beginning, will be celebrating World Tai Chi Day this year on Saturday, April 30, 2022. The event will be held outside at the Severna Park Community Center under the trees beside Boone Station Hall from 10:00am to 11:30am. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. If it rains, the event will be held inside the Severna Park Community Center’s gym, located on the lower level of the main building. For information, visit Best Martial Arts Program in Annapolis, Severna Park (jingying.org)

Good Neighbors Group Earth Day Festival this Saturday

A reminder that Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Festival will be held this Saturday, April 30th from 10 am to 1 pm. The event will once again take place at Severna Park High School come rain or shine. The theme – “Do a World of Good, Think Outside the Landfill” – is all about recycling and repurposing items we use every day to create a more sustainable environment. Attendees are welcome to bring household items to the Earth Day festival to be rehomed or responsibly dispose of. For information on items you can bring, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group.