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.
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
