AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
It’s not often that the celebration for an anniversary kicks off at 6:30 am. Yet, that is exactly what happened as the Severna Park Community Center opened its doors to the public for a 30th Anniversary Open House from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm that culminated in a Birthday Party with a fabulous cake and cupcakes.
As was fitting for the anniversary kick-off and other autumn events, the community center was decked out with straw bales, fodder shocks and pumpkins at every entrance. According to SPCC’s executive director Sarah Elder, the Open House went very well all day long.
She noted that attendees were welcome to visit the Edward St. John Fitness Center with its Weight/Cardio gym equipment, the Aquatics Center with its Main Pool and Therapy Pool, and several meeting rooms on the main floor and The Dance Center studios and Andy Borland Gymnasium on the lower floor.
“We had free activities visitors could participate in, giveaways every hour, and we offered a 30% off sale for passes to all programs,” Elder said. “People dropped by throughout the Open House just to thank us for being here.”
The day’s activities were sponsored by board member Betty Batty’s Hello Home of Compass and culminated with a free “birthday party” on the center’s patio which looked beautiful in the setting sun. Sarah Elder assumed the role of hostess for the party and, clad in her special 30th Anniversary apron, greeted guests as they entered the celebration.
As they entered the patio, guests were serenaded by musician Reagan Keys who will be coming on board as an instructor for Bach to Rock Severna Park, the music school located at 454 Ritchie Highway near Aldi.
Bach to Rock’s new director George Evans attended the birthday party as well and was introduced to us by Elder.
Well-known in the area as a musician and entertainment manager, Evans is impressed with what the school has to offer.
“We offer private lessons for everything from guitar, bass, drums and other band and orchestral instruments to classes focused on music production,” he said.
We arrived at the all-important table featuring the birthday cake that is seen in the opening photo just in time for the singing of Happy Birthday. Ready to hand out cake and cupcakes were SPCC development director Amy Holbrook and board members Chelsea Goodman, Jessica Verde, Joan Tiernan, and Betty Batty.
The cake and cupcakes were yummy and very much enjoyed.
Meandering on, we stopped to trade a few words with Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s senior pastor J. C. Austin and Bob Royer when who should pop up but Bob’s wife Karen Royer carrying two heavy watering cans. An avid gardener, Karen is a member of the Woods Church Gardeners, the Good Neighbors Group’s Rogue Gardeners and the Severn Park Community Center Gardeners. Before enjoying a cupcake, she was determined to visit each of the center’s gardens to give the thirsty plants a drink.
Karen is part of a tribe of native plant gardeners led by garden designer Allison Milligan and including Julie Shay, Susan Minnemeyer and Susan Sache.
Before leaving, we spoke with Elder once more who reminded us that one of the community center’s premier events, the Halloween Spooktacular and Trunk or Treat event will take place this Friday, October 24th from 5 to 8 pm. There will be numerous children’s activities as well as food and beverage treats. Also, this Friday but a bit earlier, SPCC’s main pool will be open from 6:45 to 7:45 pm for Spooky Splash with a DJ and enchanted lagoon. For more information, visit Events from October 23 – December 12 – Severna Park Community Center (spcommunitycenter.org).
Hearing on Arnold residents’ appeal against Chick -fil-A -set for December 2nd
The latest update to our September 25th column about Arnold residents’ efforts to stop a Chick-fil-A drive-thru from being built is that another hearing before the Anne Arundel County Board of Appeals is scheduled for December 2nd.
We also are aware of a CBS Baltimore affiliate news report by Caroline Foreback that aired on October 16th about the Arnold community’s push-back against the proposed Chick-fil-A. We were sent a link to a video of the report by Arnold Preservation Council director Elizabeth Rosborg (who appears being interviewed by Foreback along with Arnold resident Joe Noble) which is below.
Chesapeake Harmony Chorus at Baldwin Hall this Sunday, October 26
The sound of music will once again echo from the stage at Historic Baldwin Hall in Millersville as Chesapeake Harmony Chorus presents Musical Journey featuring songs from around the world. Featured, in addition to the chorus, will be the Bearfoot Quartet, the 2nd Star Quartet, and the Moscato Quartet. There will also be delicious foods to sample from around the world. Tickets are available online at Chesapeake Harmony Chorus or at the door.
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 whilereducing 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.
Thanks for posting the Chick-fil-a controversy.