AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler brought to you by
Raindrops on the car window hinted that the tents erected to protect concertgoers attending the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation fundraiser at Severna Park Taphouse were a good idea. Chrissy and Bill Gardner, Nancy and Jesse Boyd, Robin and Larry Sells, and Sue and Bill Anderson were having a great time gathered round a table listening to various performances. All were happy to be supporting the BWMC Foundation but, as country music fans, they couldn’t wait to see the evening’s headliner, Nashville singer and songwriter Chad Bearden backed by fellow musicians Jesse Tucker and CBS sports anchor Brent Stover.
Nearby, at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, raindrops and occasional downpours dictated that the final day of the organization’s annual carnival had to be canceled due to soggy, unsafe conditions on the field. The 10-day event has long been the fire department’s biggest and most successful fundraiser. As usual, the carnival was well-run and great fun this year. However, three days of cancellations because of rain meant funds from ticket, food and raffle ticket sales were diminished. EHVFC’s fundraising efforts fell short of its goals according to Fire Chief Dave Crawford.
“We did well but the weather definitely hurt our fundraising efforts to support the fire company financially. Nevertheless, we appreciate all the support from our community. That’s always welcome,” Crawford said. “Hopefully, we’ll have a good turnout at the firehouse for the A.A. Co. Eastern Police District’s National Night Out on August 2nd.
Luckily, rain did not keep people from turning out at Severna Park Taphouse to enjoy their favorite groups. BWMC Foundation executive director Kathy Burk and the concert’s co-producer and emcee Larry Sells were great hosts. Burk personally greeted as many people as possible, including Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League, while Sells circulated through the tables.
Burk noted that the funds being raised by the event would benefit Baltimore Washington Medical Center programs like their Safe Sleep kits for infants and their many outreach programs like the food and hygiene pantries they’ve set up.
A total of 11 artists or groups would appear throughout the afternoon and evening. The best known among them were the groups Red Sky Dawn, George & Matt, Lost & Found Trio, Honey Sol and, of course, headliner Chad Bearden with special guest Brent Stover.
Devoted music fan, Jennifer Triplett of Millersville-based Treebranch Group arrived at the concert mid-afternoon and stayed through the evening.
“I arrived just in time to see one of my favorite bands, Honey Sol. I’ve seen them often as they’re involved in many events for local charities I support. I always enjoy them,” Triplett said.
Guitarist Lee Priddy’s popular Honey Sol Band is truly a family affair with son Andrew Priddy on drums and daughter Mackenzie Priddy on bass. They are seen widely throughout the Baltimore and Annapolis areas and in neighboring states. (The family’s Priddy Music Academy also lent support to the fundraiser by setting up the sound system.)
Triplett observed that the crowd kept growing through the afternoon as time for the appearance of featured artist Chad Bearden drew near. She didn’t feel rain had much of an effect on attendance for the event thanks to an excellent arrangement of tents surrounding the stage by Three Rivers Builders, Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence and Severna Park Automotive.
Three Rivers owner J.D. Olienyk was on hand all day, having supported the fundraiser by buying two tables beneath the cabanas to share with his friends. Between sets, he and wife Stephanie traded observations about the bands with tablemates Kelly and Kyle Cook, Susie Jeitner and Dave Stokes.
BWMC Foundation’s many supporters continued arriving singly, in pairs or in small groups. Among them were Scott and Ellen Kleinknecht. Ellen, a Severna Park Community Center Board of Directors member, is a particularly familiar sight at community events.
Mary Jermann, executive director of Wellness House of Annapolis, was also there with husband Matt who’s with Partners In Care. The Jermanns and Kleinknechts were among many attendees who are known to support numerous good causes.
Even friendly pups Kora and Bailey strained at owner Chelsea Simanski’s leashes to head to where all the action was. Kora made friends with a couple at the bar while Bailey was determined to head for the Big Tent.
According to Two Guys Productions’ Mike Hall and Larry Sells, the event was very successful raising $20,168 for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation. (Hall couldn’t be on hand during the event and was greatly missed.)
American Association of University Women resume used book collections
The American Association of University Women‘s Anne Arundel Co. branch kicked off this year’s used book collection at the Severna Park Independence Day Parade. Members participated in the parade and circulated among onlookers to share information about collection dates and locations.
Photos by Sharon Lee Tegler
AAUW publicity chairman Catherine Crowley said the annual book sale will be held in early November this year and proceeds will go toward scholarships for Anne Arundel County women. She added that the organization is seeking donations of good, clean, used books.
Donations can be brought to any one of the three drop off locations listed below:
St Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church at 325 Benfield Rd, Severna Park (parking lot)
The Y of Central Maryland, at 1209 Ritchie Hwy, Arnold (AACC parking lot opposite the Y)
St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church at 730 Bestgate Rd, Annapolis (parking lot)
All sites will be open from 9 am to 12 noon on August 6th and 27th, on September 10th and again on October 1st and 15th. In addition to collecting books at the above sites, AAUW members are available to collect books throughout the year at Estate Sales.
AAUW recently awarded scholarships to 11 Anne Arundel County young women who are beginning or continuing their college educations. For further information about AAUW or its scholarships, visit AAUW Anne Arundel County (MD) Branch
Around The Park Again is pleased to welcome Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. as a sponsor. Known for its wide selection of fine wines and spirits and artisanal cheeses, Fishpaws has been a neighborhood institution since the 1930’s.
