AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
The sidewalks, parking lot and courtyard fairly swarmed with pint-sized pirates, princesses and poltergeists as Severna Park Community Center’s Halloween Spooktacular kicked into gear on October 25th. Adults were plentiful too, drawn to the annual event by its three-fold nature. With free games and children’s activities, entertainment and food and beverages, the Halloween Spooktacular is quite an attraction.
Integral to the Halloween Spooktacular is a well-established Trunk or Treat tradition that draws more than a dozen entries each year. A third element that takes place later in the evening is the Spooky Splash, a ticketed extravaganza that transforms the community center’s main pool into an enchanted lagoon.
Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
Entering the event from the entrance opposite Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, the wizened witch and Little Red Riding Hood wondered what to do first but soon left the bear and tiger behind and followed the crowd.
They ended up at the event’s most popular draw, moving to the back of the line for a chance to shoot arrows at each other at the Dodge Arrows Annapolis game.
Further down the makeshift midway, Spooktacular attendees could whet their whistle at the Moveable Mixtures bar or grab a bite to eat at the Breaking the Borders food truck.
Candy was everywhere. Well before the witching hour, Jing Ying Institute’s Nancy Greer donned her costume and was practicing her cackle. She’d perfected it 100% by the time trick or treaters came by. But they weren’t frightened by the witch in the least. They liked the cackle and dipped into her urn of candy with glee.
Whether strictly for fun, or as walking billboards for businesses, nearly 20 Trunk or Treat creations vied for the crowds’ attention.
With Rex the bright green dragon dancing to the “Toy Story” soundtrack along with Woody the cowboy, it’s no wonder the Trunk or Treat entry seen below was such a hit.
Scouting was ingeniously represented by a trio of volunteers. Sidney, the skeletal Boy Scout in the middle, did his part to encourage girls and boys, K-12, to join the scouts. His human counterparts pitched in to hand out the Halloween candy.
For businesses associated with or based at the community center, publicizing them by designing an eye-catching trunk comes naturally. Both the Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center and Theater in the Park have had Trunk or Treat displays for several consecutive years.
The Star Elite dancers who usually hand out candy at The Dance Center’s Halloween entries were across the way performing a dance routine in the courtyard when the photo above was taken. Meantime, Theater in the Park’s founder/director Jennifer Lee Kraus and daughter/co-director Kylie Sjoie teamed up for double impact while highlighting the theme of their next show “Betelgeuse”. The show is already in the works but will not debut until January.
As the sponsor for this year’s Halloween Spooktacular, KMA Law Office had a big presence at the event with a spooky Trunk or Treat display that consistently drew crowds. In addition to numerous skeletons highlighting a graveyard with tombstones, there was a gigantic chair that kids loved climbing into. We couldn’t figure out what the chair represented. Was it meant to be a primitive electric chair?
The ghostly Services from the Heart, Backpack Buddies program pirate ship garnered interest and contributions from the crowd. The psychedelic display next to it dazzled Spooktacular visitors’ eyes.
Last but not least, the annual Halloween Spooktacular would not be complete without the Severna Park Elks setting up on the sidewalk for their autumn Apple and Cider Sale.
Holiday events will be next on Severna Park Community Center’s agenda starting with a Holiday Pop-Up Shop on November 14th. There are six more to come. To keep abreast of holiday events, visit Home – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).
A further update on the Arnold community’s efforts to block proposed Chick-fil-A
We’ve received new information from Arnold Preservation Council director Elizabeth Rosborg. We quote her directly,
“Public Hearings Dates before the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals have been added since we have had an awesome turn out for testimony. December 2nd and December 4th will be Public Comment,” Rosborg said.
“I know of 11 people who want to speak, so we might have to add even more. Please keep showing up and telling the board your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. That is the great news, the not-so-great news is, each hearing date cost us about $1000 and we are out of funds. You have been very generous supporting this appeal and it is so appreciated. If you and anyone you know who supports our appeal can help defray the costs, here is the link to the Go Fund Me. If you prefer to donate another way, please reply to this email.”
Jing Ying Institute to celebrate 25th Anniversary on November 15th
Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi owners Nancy and Billy Greer invite the community to join them in celebrating the school’s 25th Anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, November 15 from 10 am to 2 pm. Throughout the morning from 10 am till 12:30 there will be mini classes for both Tai Chi and Kung Fu. Thereafter, attendees may enjoy some light refreshments, receive a packet of tea, and enter the door prize and raffle drawings. At 1 pm, the ribbon cutting and presentation of citations from officials will take place including a very special recognition.
Students should register as soon as possible for the event, so the school knows how many goodie bags to prepare. Register in advance, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a prize. To register go to: https://cp.mystudio.io/e/?=JingYing/3031/753373//1761191365.
AAUW Book 2025 Book Sale scheduled for November 6th thru November 9th
The Association of University Women (AAUW Anne Arundel) will be holding its much-anticipated 2025 Book Sale from Thursday, November 6 thru Sunday, November 9 at Chesapeake Square, 6714 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Md.
As usual, the Public Pre-Sale (primarily attended by dealers) will be held November 6 from 8 to 10 am (with an entrance fee of $40 for the pre-sale only).
Otherwise, there will be no entrance fee. Scheduled hours are as follows:
Nov. 6 & 7 – open from 10 am to 7 pm
Nov. 8 – open 9 am to 7 pm
Nov. 9 – open 9 am to 3 pm
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.
