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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 & Pasadena

A tented affair held on the cusp of summer at Severna Park Taphouse, the 2nd annual Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event was a pure delight. The Festival had gotten underway at noon on June 14th and the amplified vocals, guitars and steady drum beat of one of the bands could be heard as we approached the Taphouse. We were greeted at the ticket table by volunteers Morgan Lindstrand, Amanda Shields, Caroline Barry Kwash and Toni Trombetti McAllister and handed a list of all 13 bands appearing at the event.

The Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event honors the memory of Katherine Mueller and raises funds for the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation and three related organizations – the Wellness House of Annapolis, Anne Arundel Community College where KLF funds a Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship and a Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation fund to help cancer patients who can’t afford transportation, food or medications to help with their treatment.

Moving through the Taphouse and outdoors to the terrace to enter the event, it became clear what festival producer Larry Sells meant when he said there were so many sponsors to thank that he’d have a hard time mentioning them all. An easy solution was to list all 55 sponsors on a poster attached to the outdoor railing.

From the outdoor bar and porches to the shady nooks surrounding the stage, fans could be seen enjoying the rock and blues-based sounds of the bands while sipping cool drinks or having a bite to eat.

We soon noticed that Katherine Mueller’s aunt Cynthia and uncle Sandy McWilliams had migrated to the stage below and settled on a comfy couch. They had driven four hours from New Jersey to celebrate Katherine’s fundraiser. 

Though officially the second annual Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event honoring the memory of Katherine Mueller, it was actually the third such event according to her mother Robin Sells.

“The event began as a fundraiser for Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation,” Robin said. “Katherine was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumor cancer in November of 2018. By January of 2019, she felt the need to be proactive about her diagnosis. My husband Larry suggested a fundraiser which the two of them miraculously brought to fruition by June of 2019 with the support of family, friends and the community. It was called “Fight NET Cancer with Katherine.”

Robin added that the 2020 and 2021 fundraisers were skipped due to Covid and Katherine recovering from a liver transplant and pancreatectomy in March of 2021.

“Katherine passed away on December 27 of 2021 and we were too heartbroken to have a full -sized music festival in 2022,” she said. “However, Larry and I hosted a fundraiser for the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation in July of 2022 and raised $20,000. That was prior to our forming our foundation.”

It wasn’t until June of 2023 that The Katherine’s Light Foundation became an official 501 (C) 3, LLC, non-profit organization. On Dec 1, 2023, the foundation’s first fundraiser took place at the Severna Park Tap House, featuring Chad Bearden and Raising $22,000.

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the first annual Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival took place at the Severna Park Tap House headlined, for the first time, by The Crayfish. The all-volunteer organization raised $100,000 and donated the funds, in their entirety to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation and three other cancer-related charities.

This year, at the second annual Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival, it was fun looking down on the stage during the performance of popular local band Honey Sol, with Priddy Music Academy owner Lee Priddy on guitar, daughter Mackenzie on bass and vocals and son Andrew on drums.

When we’d arrived at the festival, a group called The Grateful Dads was finishing their set before Honey Sol took the stage. We caught up with the group later surrounded by a convivial circle of friends and fans. We enjoyed chatting with “Dads” Bob Machin, Jim Cropper and Jim Menendez. They told us they were happy to have been invited back to the music festival this year for the second time and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining the crowd.

“We’re so pleased to be part of this wonderful event. It’s for such a good cause,” Machin said.

Between bands’ appearances, DJ Brian Doane (Katherine’s brother) spun a mighty fine mix of tunes from beneath a tent provided by event sponsor Landmark Roofing. Those tuneful interludes provided parents a bit of time to focus solely their kids. It was amazing to see how many families with children attended this second music festival.

According to the Sells, many of Katherine and husband Matt’s friends now have a child or two so they really weren’t surprised. They are enjoying watching them grow up.

The little ones seemed to like the music and found a number of ways to entertain themselves in the shade of the big tent.

The music festival is entirely a volunteer endeavor and, as one can imagine, involves a lot of planning and hard work by KLF board members and supporters. Larry Sells asked them to come to the stage to be introduced. They included, left to right, guitarist George Evans who “makes the music happen,” Lee Priddy who creates all the sound systems, DJ Brian Austin (Doane), son-in-law Matt Mueller, board secretary Susan Payson from North Carolina, Michael Hall, social media manager Amanda Shields, Robin Sells, brother-in-law Sandy McWilliams and Jessica Tinordi who owns Severna Park Taphouse along with husband Mark.

Time flew by and there seemed to be an air of anticipation as set ups for next band to take the stage took place. Perhaps concertgoers had seen the outdoor display of the next artist to appear. We noticed that more people were moving toward the stage area.

Maryland State Delegate Heather Bagnall and her husband Luke arrived at their seats bearing plates of Severna Park Taphouse fare.

We spotted Stacey Cassidy, the owner of Savvy Consignment, a sponsor for the event and the eventual winning bidder for a Greenworks Electric Minibike. Stacey was just back from vacation and sporting a marvelous tan.

A minute or two later, we spotted Park Hardware owner Rick Miller who had donated the Greenworks Electric Minibike that Stacey Cassidy won.

At last, the moment arrived for the country/western artist Larry Sells proclaimed “the next great thing out of Nashville”, Miggs Rangel and his band to take the stage.

The band was warmly received. In fact, the audience loved them. Their set was a nice mix of country favorites, and up-tempo tunes that had some audience members dancing in the aisles. A veteran with three deployments behind him, Rangel dedicated songs to the 250th Anniversary of the Army on Flag Day and to fathers, past and present, in honor of Father’s Day.

We noticed that Lee Priddy and his wife Tricia were enjoying the set immensely as were Wellness House of Annapolis executive director Mary Jermann, her son Marshall Kaputsos and friend Kevin McNulty.

There was still more to come. We slipped inside the Taphouse for a moment where we found volunteers Robin Mohns (seen below) and Bernie Snoops minding the Raffle and Silent Auction tables with just a few more minutes to go. Mohns’ Midas of Severna Park & Annapolis is a sponsor and she is also president of the Chris Gives Foundation which has its own music festival event coming up at Severna Park Taphouse next weekend. (See reminder below.) A short time later, as Rangel’s set ended, Larry Sells took the stage to announce the winners of both the Raffles and the Silent Auction. As can be seen from the photo below, there was a very long list of them.

At long last it was time to bring on the headliners, The Crayfish, who can be seen in the opening photo with Sells. Wildly popular with the crowd for their humor as well as for their unique brand of blues, The Crayfish were back for the second time due to popular demand. The band members, seen left to right in that photo are John Hall, Jimmy Marcos, Dave Hineman, leader Terry Glaze and Ray Rurik.

Thanks to The Crayfish’s dynamic performance, the second annual Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event ended on a high note. Donations were still flooding in as the festival ended and for several days thereafter. We’ll keep you posted when the board announces how much money was raised. Meanwhile, you can follow the activities of Katherine’s Light Foundation, LLC by visiting Katherine’s Light Foundation (katherineslight.org)

A Reminder: Chris Gives Foundation Music Festival at Severna Park Taphouse June 21st

The Chris Gives Foundation‘s 2nd annual Music Festival, featuring bands Genghis Kahn and 8-Ball Deluxe, will be held this Saturday, June 21 from noon to 10 pm at the Severna Park Taphouse at 58 W. Earleigh Heights Road.

There will be a silent auction, raffle baskets, door prizes, and a 50/50. Proceeds raised for the Chris Gives Foundation will fund critical auto repairs for needy families and scholarships or tools for students studying to become auto repair technicians.

The foundation’s president Robin Mohns noted that the music festival will be emceed by Larry Sells.

For tickets visit Chris Gives Music Event | 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 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.

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

Those who are fans of the color blue would be impressed with the repetition of the shade throughout the Crownsville-based headquarters of The Blue Ribbon Project at 45 Community Place on the grounds of the former Crownsville Hospital Center.

Approaching the substantial brick building from the parking lot, we saw the familiar dark blue sign and symbol identifying the location and blue exterior doors. Inside, the walls, doorframes, and carpets were painted lighter shades of blue creating a calming and comforting environment for the children and teens who visit. The Blue Ribbon Project is a 501(c)  (3) charity organization dedicated to supporting victims of child abuse and youth in foster care.

We were met by Assistant Executive Director Corie Jones (seen in the opening photo) who manages two of the organization’s most important programs – Backpacks of Love and Mirah’s Closet. She told us all about The Blue Ribbon Project while leading us on a tour through the facility.

“Our role as an organization is to try to help children during their transition to foster care and during their time in foster care,” Jones said. “These kids have been dealt a rough hand. We want to make things a little better for them. There are a variety of ways we can help them through eight programs ranging from Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma Support Groups to Aging Up…Not Out.

We started our tour in a cheerful upstairs hallway that Jones referred to as “our backpack hall” which is lined with quilts donated by several quilters’ guilds. The corridor leads to rooms filled with donated clothing and other items for the Backpacks of Love program.

According to Jones, Backpacks of Love is the organization’s original program.

“In Anne Arundel County, when a child enters foster care, we will deliver a backpack to them wherever they are. Whether on the side of the road, on a school parking lot, at a police station or a courthouse, we go wherever the kid is in order to get that backpack to them within an hour or two of entering the program,” she said.

Coming to a workroom filled with multicolored backpacks, we were impressed by the large number of them. Jones explained that each backpack Blue Ribbon Project volunteers put together is age and gender specific. In the backpack, a child will find two days’ worth of clothing to include underwear, socks and pajamas along with essentials like bodywash, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, a blanket, a toy and a book. For babies, there are diapers and bibs. For teens, hair ties and journals are included, and girls get feminine hygiene products as well.

Moving on to the next two rooms, we were astonished to see row after row of see-through boxes filled with apparel for kids of all ages – each row and each box carefully marked to describe its contents. Shelves at the front of the first room held clothing appropriate for older children.

Rows full of shelves in the second room contained diapers and clothing for infants, blankets and quilts, and other essentials.

Blue Ribbon Project founder, Taylor Pyles, insists that donated clothing be new. Pyles, a member of the Anne Arundel County Police Department in the Violent Crimes Section of the Criminal Investigations Division is an adult survivor of physical abuse. As a young child, he was removed from his home by the Social Services Department and placed into the Foster Care Program.

We met Pyles in 2019 at an annual Deck The Halls and Fences holiday event hosted by Fence & Deck Connection in Millersville to benefit The Blue Ribbon Project.

“I grew up in foster care here in Anne Arundel County. I remember entering foster care when I was in elementary school,” he said. “I’d been called to the administrator’s office where police and Social Services were waiting. So what I wore to school that day was how I entered the program.”

“The idea to start the Blue Ribbon Project grew out of my own experience. When kids are taken into care, it’s often an emergency situation where they’re picked up from school or elsewhere and taken away without anything that belongs to the – a traumatic experience for any child.”

Moving past a room of filled backpacks ready for delivery and a table showing examples of what’s in them, Jones echoed Pyles’ feeling that it’s important for these foster kids to have clean, new clothes to rebuild their confidence.

Jones next took us in a different direction to the spaces reserved for The Blue Ribbon Project’s newer program, Mirah’s Closet (named in memory of a caring young girl named Mirah Chhabra who died unexpectedly after diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma).

“Our hope is that, after they’ve received the backpack, the child will come back to Mirah’s Closet – a foster closet which functions like a store where they ‘shop’ for everything they need for free.”

The initial room full of clothing (seen in the opening photograph) and a room beyond also have essential items, comfort items, toys and games. Once again, all of the clothes and items donated by generous individuals are new.

“Our wonderful donors make this all happen which is incredible,” said Jones. “We couldn’t do this without support from our community.”

The Mirah’s Closet spaces are fun. We spied a playroom where younger children can enjoy themselves while waiting to be taken to shop (with an adult) – one child at a time.

The room known as Mirah’s Library is a fun environment to linger in with colorful beanbags and plush animals including teddy bears. Kids are welcome to take as many books as they like for free. The books are donated but are brand new and are chosen to appeal to a range of ages and interests.

Thoughtful donations for this space as well as for the backpacks roll in all the time. We spotted a donation of teddy bears hoping for volunteers Harriett Newquist and Kathy Duckett to add them to the plush animals awaiting Mirah’s Closet shoppers. Newquist and Duckett were part of a group of volunteers from a nearby United Methodist Church that has supported The Blue Ribbon Project for a long time. They said they were enjoying being helpful for “such a good cause”.

The teddy bears didn’t have long to cool their heels. Shortly thereafter, they joined other stuffed animals in the Mirah’s Closet room filled with toys and games, comfort items like blankets and pillows and toiletries.

We very much appreciated our chat with Corie Jones and the tour she gave us. We learned that she came to The Blue Ribbon Project as a volunteer after moving to Maryland in 2018. She later joined the organization’s leadership team and was hired to run the Backpacks of Love program and Mirah’s Closet in 2021. It was clear to us that Jones is passionate about her job. We asked her what she liked best about it.

“One of my favorite things about the job is that I get to say thank you all day every day,” she replied. “People will email me and ask what we need for the backpack program or Mirah’s Closet. I’ll tell them and they’ll respond immediately. The fact that so many people wish to help The Blue Ribbon Project is magical. I credit Taylor Pyles who is so well connected in the community for garnering a lot of our support and I can’t forget our longtime supporters like Fence & Deck Connection, Inc., The David Orso Team and others.”

For more information about The Blue Ribbon Project, to volunteer or make a donation, visit The Blue Ribbon Project – The Blue Ribbon Project or follow the organization’s activities at Facebook.

Pasadena Theatre Company presents “Puffs” through Sunday, June 15

We received a tip from Angela Germanos that three performances remain for Pasadena Theatre Company’s production of “Puffs” – a hilarious parody authored by Matt Cox featuring three individuals trying to make it through a magic school that proves dangerous for children along with a group known as the Puffs who have a thing for badgers. Performances are scheduled at Anne Arundel Community College for Friday, June 13 at 7:30, Saturday, June 14 at 2:30 pm and Sunday, June 15 at 2:30 pm. For tickets, visit Pasadena Theatre Co. (ptcshows.com).

Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Fest at Severna Park Taphouse Sat., June 14th 

A reminder that this year’s Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival & Charity Event is being held at the Severna Park Taphouse this Saturday, June 14th from noon to 8 pm. 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 support Neuroendocrine Tumor Research, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Katherine’s Light Foundation Nursing scholarships at Anne Arundel Community College, the Wellness House of Annapolis and more. 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!

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 by 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 & Pasadena

A recent segment of the “Today Show” noted that soaring prices have renewed the public’s interest in secondhand shopping. The segment’s host cited a Capital One Research report stating that 93% of Americans bargain shop online while one-third of all clothes and apparel purchased were secondhand.

You could say Anne Arundel County’s resale/consignment craze blossomed for the first time between 2007 and 2010 during the recession with four such businesses operating in Severna Park alone. The establishment of the original Partners In Care Upscale Retail Boutique came first in 2007.

In August of 2009, Stacey Cassidy learned resale shops were the recession’s fastest growing businesses and opened Savvy Consignment in Olde Severna Park. Just five months later Betsy Hein opened Twice Around The Park off Ritchie Highway. In February of 2010 Chris Trivane opened Serendipity (later Replay Sports Consignments) and Cassidy opened Savvy Home in March of 2010. In spite of the recession, all four business owners benefitted from the area’s relative affluence.

Today, two of the four businesses survive – Savvy Consignment, still in its original location at 553 B&A Boulevard in Olde Severna Park and Partners In Care Upscale Resale Boutique (now relocated to Festival at Pasadena off Ritchie Highway). To get a feel for how they are doing in today’s superheated resale market, we visited both. We stopped off first at the Partners In Care Boutique and found it quite busy. Myriad shoppers of all ages were browsing racks of clothing and shelves of merchandise and lines of shoppers formed regularly at the checkout counter.

The boutique sells limited amounts of furniture and accessories but is primarily known for its quality clothing, jewelry, fine China and housewares. A group of volunteers referred to these days as “The Stagers” arrive every Monday morning to create beautiful displays combining clothing, China, glassware and art.

Some of the shoppers we observed seemed to zone in on just what it was they wanted or needed…and often it was clothes.

Others liked being inspired, especially by the display of hats and the teal blue summer dress with its complementary pair of shoes.

According to Partners in Care volunteers who man the checkout counter and work behind the scenes, the boutique has been quite busy with men’s, women’s and children’s clothes – particularly those with high-end labels – selling well. Brand-name housewares are also flying off the shelves.

PIC’s extensive collections of China have considerable appeal for collectors. In fact, just last week a customer who has a tearoom bought a number of China cups and saucers.

Items with tags for 25%, 50% or 75 % discounts are seen throughout the store. (Items bearing green tags sell for $2 apiece.)

The boutique, a source of funding for Partners In Care, is but a part of the programs and services that support the independence of older adults through the organization’s unique “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Service Exchange/Time Banking program.

With the recent retirement of CEO Mandy Arnold, there may be a few changes according to Board member Kevin Ford. However, the Ride Share, Member Care, Handyman and Veterans Programs continue as before at the Pasadena offices and boutique and at additional PIC branches throughout the state.

You can follow the Partners In Care Upscale Resale Boutique’s latest sales at Facebook.

Moving on to Savvy Consignment, we expected the store to be busy on a Tuesday afternoon and indeed learned from the women behind the checkout counter that Savvy’s sales are booming and being busy is a constant state of affairs.

Entering the store, we were reminded that the consignment store’s owner Stacey Cassidy focuses on selling furniture and home accessories as well as clothing. The front part of the floor is dedicated exclusively to stylish vignettes of furnishings like those in the opening photo and those seen below.

Puzzled by the fact that we saw many tables and a number of super comfy armchairs, but that we didn’t see a single sofa as we normally would have, we inquired about them at the checkout counter. We learned that there were several sofas on the floor last week. However, so intense was the competition for resale couches, that they sold immediately.

We peered past the furnishings toward Savvy’s extensive collections of curated consignment fashions and weren’t surprised to see shoppers down every aisle. And no wonder, Savvy carries a number of high-end labels like Free People, Anthropologie, Lululemon, Lilly Pulitzer, and Athleta.

Cassidy has high standards and is very careful about the consignments she accepts, choosing only the best according to staffer Melissa Hahn.

Hahn went on to note that the store is a lot busier these days.

“People used to call to see which days we’d be busiest, and we’d tell usually tell them Tuesdays or which ever. Now we’re busy every day, all day,” she said. “We have almost 30,000 consigners now who bring us great furniture, clothing and accessories. So everything is selling really well.”

To become a consigner, one must pay a one-time fee of $10. Good quality men’s, women’s and children’s clothing is accepted.

While there, we observed customers of all ages, but many teens and young adults were in the mix. We ran into one young woman named Maggie Rodgers wearing a Sunset Beach North Carolina T-shirt, shorts and flip flops. She was looking at tops, holding up the cutest ones for further examination.

“A lot of my friends shop at thrift stores these days. It’s just a better way to get things,” Rodgers said.

Customers who favor high-end handbags will find many to choose from while those who like to dazzle, will want to check out glitzy summer dresses like the one seen below.

But, for specially selected high-end jewelry, handbags and other items savvy shoppers will want to investigate Savvy’s prized glass case.

Hahn and other staffers noted that some of the younger shoppers who come in mention that they like the idea of resale stores and boutiques because they feel reusing and repurposing and upcycling items that might otherwise be discarded is another way to preserve the planet.

To follow Savvy Consignment’s sales, activities, helpful hints, and comments, visit Facebook or Instagram.

Chris Gives Foundation Music Festival at Severna Park Taphouse on June 21st

The Chris Gives Foundation announced that its 2nd annual Music Festival, featuring bands Genghis Kahn and 8-Ball Deluxe, will be held on June 21 from noon to 10 pm at the Severna Park Taphouse at 58 W. Earleigh Heights Road.

There will be a silent auction, raffle baskets, door prizes, and a 50/50. Proceeds raised for the Chris Gives Foundation will fund critical auto repairs for needy families and scholarships or tools for students studying to become auto repair technicians.

The foundation’s president Robin Mohns noted that the music festival will be emceed by Larry Sells (while she and other Chris Gives Foundation board members will be volunteering at the Sells’ Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Fest at the same venue June 14th.)

For tickets visit Chris Gives Music Event | 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

and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services

His successful business decimated by the COVID 19 pandemic, Schmidty’s Kettle Corn owner Daniel Schmidt found himself broke, homeless and in the throes of a mental breakdown during the darkest period of his life.

To Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Spring SHOP LOCAL Fun Fest shoppers on May 3rd, however, Schmidt was a new vendor popping and selling kettle corn of varied flavors along with pork rinds and cotton candy.

We learned about Schmidt’s unlikely journey from success as a disabled business owner to near failure and back again to success from Chamber CEO Liz League. She’d met the young man during a multi-chamber event, found his story fascinating, and invited him to be a vendor at the Spring SHOP LOCAL event.

We briefly met Schmidt at his stand and our curiosity was peaked when he drew our attention to the fact that he was a disabled business owner. He agreed to meet us for an interview at JB’s at Park Plaza to learn more about Schmidty’s Kettle Corn. (He’d enjoyed being next to the JB’s/Park Tavern staffers, who’d been helpful, during the SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival. He wanted to give back by giving them some business.)

Schmidt, known to his friends as Danny, developed a learning disability after suffering bacterial Meningitis as a six-month-old. However, his IQ tests normal, so he never really considered himself disabled. A native Californian, he’d successfully held various sales jobs as a young man. Later, he held high-paying positions working in the health care field for a company and later for himself. He was good at it and things were going well.

It wasn’t until 2015 that he developed a serious anxiety disorder when he moved to Maryland after his wife Tracy obtained a scholarship to American University. As before, he was employed as a caregiver. But, given the stressful nature of the work, he began having panic attacks and simultaneously experienced depression. By the time he understood what was happening to him, Schmidt had lost a number of healthcare jobs along with the income they provided.

Unable to support himself, he reluctantly accepted his wife’s advice to apply for disability. While going through the disability application process, he accepted a position as a caregiver for a 66-year-old gentleman with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, the patient’s declining mental state led him to enter an assisted living facility meaning Schmidt would be losing the $25 an hour job he depended on.

“I realized at that point that, if I was going to survive, I needed to start a business of my own. (I’d worked for a kettle corn company back in California and felt that a good possibility.) I asked my client’s wife if she’d be interested in making an investment to help me get started,” he said.

She replied that, since Danny was her husband’s best caregiver, she would help him and asked how much money he needed. He answered that $5,000 would cover his costs so she wrote him a check for $5,000 with the understanding that it was a gift, not a loan, and he wouldn’t need to pay her back.

Thanks to her generous gift, Schmidt was able to open the first Schmidty’s Kettle Corn booth in July of 2018 at the Takoma Park Farmer’s Market. Sales were great throughout 2018 and 2019 for the entrepreneur and the business expanded to a number of other markets.

Unfortunately, in 2020, disaster hit in the form of the issuance of COVID 19 social distancing guidelines, curbing or closing many businesses.

“I lost seven markets and had only one left,” Schmidt said. “At that point, I had a full mental breakdown that was so bad, I didn’t want to get out of bed.”

The increasingly bleak situation took a toll on the Schmidt’s seven-year marriage, and they separated.

“I had to move out and eventually became homeless. Finally realizing that I, ultimately, had to help myself, I first lived in a motel room, then a less expensive room and even in my van but I still managed to do my kettle corn business when I could.

In a year or so, with COVID 19 ending, the business came back and Schmidt was able to sell Schmidty’s Kettle Corn at five markets. Building on that success, he expanded the company’s product line to include regular, white cheddar and caramel kettle corn, pork rinds and cotton candy. He’s now able to hire helpers.

These days, Schmidty’s Kettle Corn is available for fundraisers, events and parties. The business does lots of school fundraisers giving 20% of its profits back to the schools.

“One of my current goals is to get into retail markets,” Schmidt said. “Another is to have a storefront. Because of Maryland’s Cottage Food laws, I must operate as a homebased business and limit the scope of products I make and sell. I’m unable to sell a few products I’d like to market like caramel apples because I don’t have a commercial kitchen. It’s too costly to rent one just now but I’m thinking about doing that in the future.”

The most exciting development for the “Popcorn Man”, as he’s known to kids, is that he now has his own “Schmidty’s Kettle Corn Live” You Tube channel which has steadily grown in popularity, attracting more than 2,300 subscribers meaning it is now monetized. People seem to enjoy watching videos of him making kettle corn step-by-step. He’s achieved number 5 on top plays and is now earning consulting fees from You Tube viewers who wish to start their own kettle corn businesses.

Schmidt has always loved making and selling kettle corn dating back to the days when he learned the craft while working for a company in California. Though he’s something of a people person who enjoys interacting with customers, he’s perfected every part of the process, from kettle to sifter.

Speaking as an expert, he says to make quality kettle corn, you must use mushroom popcorn because sugar coats better on its round shape. It’s also lighter and fluffier than the butterfly shaped popcorn sold in supermarkets and has less shell.

“When popping the corn in its kettle, I’m careful to add the sugar and salt at precisely the right moment so it doesn’t burn” he noted. “I always use a wooden paddle to better distribute the sugar and salt.”

In addition to rebuilding his business, Schmidt has rebuilt and added balance to his life. He’s developed several interests and now has a number of friends. He also likes to encourage and help other disabled individuals who wish to start their own businesses. In fact, he’d like to start a non-profit to help them do so.

Daniel Schmidt has, admittedly, had more than his share of trials and tribulations. Yet, through it all, he has always had support in one form or another.

“I’d like to thank my Mom and Ed, my aunts and uncles, and grandparents and my ex-wife Tracy for helping me get my business started and being there for me for my ups and downs,” he said.

Tracy, in particular, did everything in her power to help him get his business started, financially and with her time. Though divorced, they remain friends.

Schmidt still suffers occasional anxiety attacks, but he’s learned to control them, and usually manages to ward off depression by talking himself out of it. Meantime, he loves having a successful business and is moving full steam ahead.

As a vendor, he enjoyed and was very much impressed by his first experience at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Spring SHOP LOCAL event. So much so that he plans to come back to Park Plaza as a vendor for the Chamber’s October event referred to as SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist.

Free youth event, “Balancing Life at Severna Park High and Beyond on May 27th

The Parenting for a Different World organization is holding a free talk with current and past Severna Park High School students for the benefit of younger kids and their families.  The younger students will be able to see what life can be like for kids in high school and after.

The event is being held Tuesday, May 27th from 7 to 8 pm at St. Martin’s in-the-Field Episcopal School.

 Parenting for a Different World has been hosting these talks for six years.  It’s a great way for kids to get first-hand perspective.  For more information, visit PDWorld or 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.

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

Having risen from the Park Plaza parking lot early Saturday morning, a miniature oasis of 70 colorful vendor tents looked picture perfect by the time the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Spring SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival got underway at 11 am.

A SHOP LOCAL marketplace that was bigger, busier and better than ever stretched out before the crowds. Shoppers moved busily up and down the aisles lingering from time to time to shop, collect information or giveaways, or sample various foods.

You could immediately tell from the names emblazoned on the signs or tents of businesses, that there was a nice balance of longtime SHOP LOCAL supporters like Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery, SERVPRO, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi, Franklin’s Toys, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and Ledo Pizza, more recent participants like Park Hardware, Bohemian Black, Blended Essentials, and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services, and businesses new to the event like Schmidty’s Kettle Corn, Harbor City Music Company, GYMGUYZ Personal Training, and Baking on the Magothy.

The “longtime supporters” mentioned above have actually participated in the Chamber sponsored SHOP LOCAL events from the very first one. Side Street Framers & Gift Gallery owner Dawn Wilson was instrumental in starting Severna Park’s SHOP LOCAL movement and Jing Ying Institute owner Nancy Greer was one of the initiative’s earliest and most ardent supporters. Both women have been helpful in attracting new businesses to the chamber and its SHOP LOCAL activities.

In fact, Greer introduced us to Robin Mohns, franchise owner of Midas Auto Service Shops in Annapolis, Laurel, Pasadena and Wheaton, who started the Chris Gives Foundation in memory of her late husband Chris Mohns. The foundation provides help to individuals struggling to pay for auto repairs and provides scholarships for high school students in the auto repair curriculum.

Not to be overlooked was the fact that the Spring SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival had a full day of entertainment starting off with a performance by a Priddy Music Academy Music group and a K-9 Demo from the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s office.

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi came next in the program, opting to use their demonstration to provide an insider’s look at what is involved in one of their well-celebrated Lion Dance performances. To begin, Nancy Greer explained that the “lion” is frequently mistaken for a dragon and how to tell the difference. Then, Jing Ying Institute Shifu Billy Greer and Lane Robinson demonstrated how to don the suit and perform the choreographed rhythmic movements that are part of the dance.

Finally, the lion is seen dancing away into the crowd.

Though the order of the performances changed a bit, there were still two more groups scheduled to entertain.

For the first time at the SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival, there was to be a Preview Performance by Children’s Theatre of Annapolis cast members from the May 10th show “Feeling All The Feelings”. The theatre was also promoting a trio of Summer Camps for kids and teens.

There would also be a demo by another of our favorite martial arts groups, Kwon’s Taekwondo, with the entire gang of expert practitioners on hand.

Back to strolling about, we stopped by the Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services tent and discovered that there was a new addition to the usual crew. In addition to owners Winsome Brown and Danielle (Dee) Morgan Brown, Dee’s baby daughter Callie joined the staff wearing a charming matching outfit complete with ruffles.

As usual, the Lean On Dee group was busy all day handing out Caregivers Support Kits and informational brochures about their services as well as some great giveaways.

For picking up the latest news, you can’t beat spring’s large-scale community events, and the SHOP LOCAL Fun Fest was no exception. We had a great time talking with Park Hardware/Zeskind’s owner Rick Miller and his father Rick Miller, Sr., better known as the “face of Zeskind’s” since the late 1960’s.

The pair couldn’t help bragging just a bit. Park Hardware’s 2nd annual Spring Native Plant Sale held April 26th opened at 8 am and they were completely sold out by 9 am.

“We’d tripled the amount we ordered from Providence of Maryland to 1,500 plants but were sold out within one hour,” Miller said. “I’m going to have to increase the number of plants even more for the next one.”

Both Millers were pleased to share the news that the fourth-generation hardware business will be holding its Centennial Celebration in the fall. (The business has its origins in the establishment of Zeskind’s in 1925.) It will be held in the Park Hardware parking lot and will be open to the community.

We picked up more news when we visited the Bohemian Black by Walking Roses tent and found owner Rose Walker welcoming shoppers and introducing them to her favorite spring and summer fashions. In addition to Walker’s Severna Park boutique at 45 W. Earleigh Heights Road, she has opened a second location at Annapolis Town Center.

In addition, Walker has a Let’s Be Friends Brunch & Fashion Show coming up on May 25. She’s also introduced something new dubbed SECOND HAND by Bohemian Black, A Curated Pop-Up of Pre-Loved Style.

With 70 vendors, it wasn’t possible to visit every booth, but there were many familiar faces – business owners who take part in every SHOP LOCAL event. They included Dwayne Bowie and Donnie Dove from Kogen Dojo and Dave Noce from SERVPRO of Annapolis/Severna Park.

But there were also first-timers. We ran into Jody Buck whom we’d met last year when she opened her new KeyGroup Realty office in Millersville. Then, we discovered an interesting young man named Danny Schmidt whose company Schmidty’s Kettle Corn was doing quite a business. Schmidt is proud of the fact that he is a successful disabled businessman with his own company.

Chamber member Pam Booth introduced us to Matthew Ryan, owner of the new company Baking on the Magothy. We were surprised to run into some other “first-timer’s” to the SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival – members of the nationally known, award-winning Harbor City Music Company Show Chorus.

We’d have been remiss if we didn’t seek out Ledo Pizza owner Martin Gorman. He is another of those businessmen who strongly supported Severna Park’s SHOP LOCAL movement from the moment of its inception. Amazingly, the Ledo Pizza booth was located in front of Gorman’s original Ledo’s Pizza & Pasta. Last March 25th, Ledo Pizza & Pasta closed its doors after 32 years as one of Park Plaza’s anchor businesses. Unable to come to terms on a new lease, the owner relocated the restaurant to 342 Ritchie Highway. The former location continues to sit empty.

There was plenty more to see. Suffice it to say that the Spring SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival was a hit with those who attended. Chamber CEO Liz League said she was thrilled to have such wonderful weather which definitely contributed to the festival’s success. She added that, from what she could observe, the vendors were busy throughout the event.

To follow chamber activities and events, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com).

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.

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

Had it not been for high winds, Sunday’s weather would have been perfect for Good Neighbors Group’s 23rd Annual Earth Day Festival. Held for the third year at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company, the event drew well in spite of 30-mile-per-hour gusts thanks to the promise of live music, fine food from Pitaya Mexican Restaurant, Baltimore Waffle Company, and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, and 60 vendors.

According to Good Neighbors Group founder and executive director Julie Shay, this year’s festival was supposed to be strictly an outdoor event with a detailed plan for where everything was meant to be set up. But the weather necessitated a change in plans.

“When our vendors arrived to set up, the winds were so heavy that the tables were literally blowing over and it was impossible to assemble many of the displays. We made an instant decision to move most of the festival indoors with the blessing of Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company,” said Shay. “Fortunately, we’d formed a committee of experienced volunteers to help with the festival a few years ago so we were able to turn things around on a dime. Our entertainers, food vendors and several other organizations opted to remain outdoors, but a majority set up inside the firehall.”

Initially, some attendees were confused to see so few vendors outside including me. However, I quickly figured out what happened and decided to visit the outdoor displays first.

Immediately, I spotted Stacey Boone, volunteer coordinator for The Blue Ribbon Project. Fresh from the organization’s successful fundraising gala held the evening before, Boone nevertheless chatted with festivalgoers about the 501(c)3 non-profit organization’s mission.

“We’re dedicated to preventing all forms of child abuse and we are run primarily by volunteers,” she said.

The group provides critical support to victims of abuse and neglect throughout Maryland. Blue Ribbon Project programs include Backpacks of Love and Mirah’s Closet. (Children entering into care due to emergency situations are unable to take any personal items from home.) Each child receives a Backpack of Love containing essentials like a toothbrush/toothpaste, book, toy, clothes and a blanket. Mirah’s Closet provides ‘new’ clothing, toiletries, and other items.

I next visited Fieldstone Animal Inn‘s assistant manager Kelli who noted that she had to take down her tent as it kept blowing over. Since we’d last visited the Millersville-based Inn, it had been remodeled and held a Grand Reopening celebration.

“We now have a huge parking lot and we offer luxury suites and junior suites for pets complete with TV’s and webcams,” Kelli said.

A familiar face at Good Neighbors Group’s annual Earth Day Festivals, Glen Burnie-based Hope For All founder Leo Zerhusen was once again on hand collecting donations and spreading the word about his organization which serves those in need in Anne Arundel County with furniture, housewares and clothing.

“Demand for our services is higher than ever – so much so that we are expanding to a second building,” Zerhusen said.

Before exploring further, we took note of two local bands that entertained the Earth Day Festival crowds. The first was a group called Wishbone. The second, pictured below, is known as Jelly and is, naturally, a favorite of Julie Shay as her son happens to be the drummer.

The band was conveniently located near the food vendors. To the band’s right, we spied Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League visiting the Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Truck. To the left, we noted that Pitaya Mexican Restaurant had set up a dining area with tables and was serving tacos, enchiladas and other favorites from south of the border.

Then, for the second week in a row we spotted the gents from Baltimore Waffle Company making Liege-style Belgian waffles (we’d seen them at The Severna Park Farmer’s Market the week before).

Bicycle Advocates For Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (BikeAAA) president John Korin was delighted to be outdoors soaking up the sun as was Sandy Bishop, the founder of Cycling Without Age Anne Arundel. Bike AAA is currently celebrating its 10th Anniversary as an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit focused on creating a healthier, more livable Annapolis and Anne Arundel County by promoting bicycling for transportation, recreation and fitness for people of all ages and abilities.  Now affiliated with Bike AAA, Cycling Without Age gives rides on the Severna Park section of the scenic B&A Trail to older adults or people with limited mobility in the organization’s trishaws, two of which are seen in the photo below.

Naturally, the Good Neighbors Group Earth Day Festival was bound to feature plants like those seen here from GreenLift which also had an information table inside the firehouse where we were about to head.

Glancing to our right as we entered the building, we were please to see Good Neighbors Group volunteer Jacquei Shade and several young fellows, including her son Thomas Shade, manning the Silent Auction table. There were donations of plants, gift baskets, books and other items from area businesses ranging from Homestead Gardens, BD Provisions, and Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi to Stiches of Kindness, Oxblood, Cafe Mezzanotte and Park Books.

Severna Park Elementary School children had an assist from their teachers as they completed setting up their exhibits. They were one of a number of schools taking part in the festival with ecological experiments and exhibits.

Rachel Sayed, Recycling Program Specialist for Anne Arundel County Waste Management Services had many excellent tips on how to deal with household recycling. She mentioned quite a few things my family wasn’t aware of. For instance, families can put up to three large items like a chair, a small sofa or a box spring curbside for pickup. Just place them next to your trash container on collection day. Metal items & appliances like swing sets, refrigerators or lawn mowers can even be schedule for pick-up if you submit an online request.

Sayed even handed out a great pamphlet from the county’s Department of Public Works called “Household Recycling and Trash MADE SIMPLE”.

The next table down was Peyton’s Promise (shown in the opening photo), a grassroots, non profit providing food, pet care supplies and emergency financial assistance to dog owners in Maryland. The first-time GNG Earth Day Festival vendor was selling lots of fun gifts for pets and their owners.

We next visited Wendy Preslan’s Stitches of Kindness, one of our favorite organizations that is now also a Good Neighbors Group partner. Stitches of Kindness conducts workshops to teach children how to sew various items which are then donated to charities. For Earth Day, Preslan was selling handsewn products including handbags, rag rugs, place mats and fabric bags of various sizes.

“For the Festival, I upcycled items from donated fabric scraps or denim jeans,” she said.

With 60 vendors to visit, there was no way I was going to get to everyone before moving on to my next commitment, but as I worked my way down the aisle, I spotted the familiar face of American Association of University Women president Joyce Moyeer who was collecting books for the much-looked-forward-to AAUW Booksale which takes place every November.

Moving on, we spotted two more familiar faces – CottonWood in the Park owners Julie and D.J. Antinucci. They were selling some of their fabrics, art supplies, vintage jewelry and, of course, some of the antique quilts they are known for.

Since our first interview with the couple in their Benfield Road shop shortly after they opened, the business has thrived.

“We’ve done very well, especially since the JoAnn’s Fabric stores closed,” Julie said. “We’re selling more product, and we’ve expanded to a building next door in order to have a dedicated sewing classroom.”

We had to forego visiting the Severn River Association and Magothy River Association tables and the exhibits of some additional schools. But before leaving, we just had to take a peek at one of Eco Adventures animal ambassadors – a rather small American Alligator. Attendees, especially kids, loved seeing Eco Adventures other critters.

To follow the many activities of Good Neighbors Group, visit Home – Good Neighbors Group.

Chamber’s Spring SHOP LOCAL Fun Festival this Saturday, May 3rd

The Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce is holding its Spring SHOP LOCAL Fun Fest at Park Plaza this coming Saturday, May 3 from 11 am to 3 pm. In case of rain, the event will be postponed till the following Saturday, May 10th.

We understand from Chamber CEO Liz League that there will be 70 vendors this year. There will be food, entertainment, music and more.

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.

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

Easter weekend proved a marvelous time to open the Severna Park Farmer’s Market for the season. Skies were clear with the occasional cloud and the temperatures were just right for customers to stroll about in shirtsleeves. Entering the north end of the market at 11 am, we found a busy scene indeed. In addition to shoppers who’d come on their own looking for farm fresh products for Easter dinner, there were lots of families with children and pets soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.

Pups of all sizes and breeds love coming to the farmer’s market. A favorite stop for many is The Spoiled Dog Bakery where their owners might treat them to one of owner Dianell Ashe’s gourmet dog biscuits.

Canines and their masters were also drawn to the Morris Hill Farm tent where the smell of grilling bacon, sausages and pasture-raised eggs for the breakfast sandwiches they were selling was irresistible.

“This is the first time we’ve tried offering breakfast sandwiches. We’ve been so successful that we’ve completely run out,” Haberkorn said.

Breakfast was available at the Baltimore Waffle Company tent too. Greg Grabowski, who was making the Liege Style Belgian Sugar Waffles, noted that the company was back at the market for its third year and business was good.

The Severna Park Farmers Market is a place where you’re apt to bump into people you know. Saturday’s market was no exception. We first bumped into Elizabeth Melvin who leads the well-known Freedom Choir. She was excited to let us know that the choir is about to perform its Fifteenth Anniversary Spring Concert on Sunday, April 27 at 4 pm at Eastport United Methodist Church.

We next ran into Nancy Rando, who regularly shops at the farmers’ market. Rando also had lots of news to share. Among other things, she’ll be volunteering for the 23rd year at the Good Neighbors Group’s Earth Day Festival at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company on Sunday, April 27th from 11 am till 3 pm.

Longtime vendors like The Ville’s Dills and Pat’s Produce & Gourds have a feel for the seasonal flow of the market and generally bring less product to the early markets. Thus, they take up less space than usual. Pat Hochmuth, owner of Pat’s Produce, brought about half the number of tables he uses during peak growing season and gauged things about right. Three hours into the market, he’d sold out of most of the vegetable transplants and early-season greens that lined his tables earlier.

Zahradka Family Farm had its usual complement of tables but some empty spaces by 11 am. However, they did have some very healthy-looking lettuces, collards and kale left as well as a few remaining Easter flowers.

The Severna Park Farmer’s Market has long been a place where patrons can find useful information and tips from groups like the Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners and fun from homegrown bands like The Overtones who appear there frequently. Made up of musicians from around the greater Severna Park and Arnold area, The Overtones play a range of acoustic instruments including violins, guitars, mandolins and banjos along with saxophone and accordion. They perform old-fashioned folk music that is wonderful to hear. Listening to them kind of takes one back to a simpler time.

The run on products at both The Breadery and My Nana’s Kitchen on opening day bodes well for the market vendors throughout this season. My Nana’s Kitchen owner Anita Robertson also manages the market and had a friend helping her mind the counter while she saw to the needs of the vendors.

“The market was busy this morning,” Robertson said. “We couldn’t have asked for better weather. We were missing a few vendors who couldn’t make it for Easter weekend, but they’ll be here next week and we’ll have a full house.”

We did realize that a few regular vendors were missing. Nevertheless, there were so many vendors that we ran out of time before we could get to them all. We did manage to meet newbies Damian and Genine Ferragamo from Rosy Side Farm on the Eastern Shore who had tomato and pepper plants and herbs and will later carry summer flowers and vegetables.

We barely had time for a quick hello and goodbye for vendors Evie & Park and Astral Sugar. However, we took a few moments on our way out of the market to visit longtime Hip Mod Vintage vendor Amy Heath. And, wouldn’t you know it? In keeping with the Easter Weekend opening, she included a bejeweled bunny and a pair of silver bunnies in her product display. In addition to Heath’s own recycled rings, necklaces and bracelets, Amy was carrying some of her designer daughter Ellie Heath’s Three Blue Bunnies handsewn items including floral patterned carryalls and denim potholders and mug mats. (Denim fabric is increasingly hard to come by these days.)

Located on the southbound side of Ritchie Highway at Jones Station Road, the Severna Park Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 am till noon through October.

Quick Reminders for Saturday’s events

At least half a dozen events are taking place this Saturday in the Greater Severna Park and Arnold area, some of which we’ve announced in previous columns. Two daytime events open to the public are:

Park Hardware‘s second annual Spring Native Plant Sale this Saturday, April 26th, starting at 8 am.

Jing Ying Institute‘s “World Tai Chi Day Celebration” at the Severna Park Community Center this Saturday, April 26, from 10am to 11:30am. 

Good Neighbors Group’s 23rd annual Earth Day Festival this Sunday

The 23rd annual Good Neighbors Group Earth Day Festival is being held this Sunday, April 27 from 11 am to 3 pm at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company. This event is always interesting, informative and fun. Exhibitors include environmental organizations, animal welfare organizations, recycling and composting exhibitors, alternative energy specialists, and physical and mental wellness providers. GNG’s eco-marketplace will have lots of plants as well as handmade and up-cycled offerings. 

A ‘Good Neighbors Depot’ will be available to unload unwanted items with a mind toward sustainability – the perfect opportunity to recycle, upcycle and donate what you no longer need while helping others and the planet.

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.

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

Drivers passing by on Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard on Easter morning of 2014 must have been astonished to see masses of children gathered around a flower-covered cross on the lawn of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Eleven years have gone by but, hopefully, drivers passing by this Easter Sunday of 2025 will see a similar scene. The children who appear in the photos below are now in their teens or early twenties, but a younger generation will have an opportunity to place flowers on the very same Flower Cross and attend a Family Easter Service.

Woods’ Associate Pastor, the Rev. Nancy Lincoln-Reynolds, brought the reappearance of the Flower Cross to our attention. We met with her for details in the Terry Schoener Prayer Chapel where an alcove contains a cross of a different kind. (The room was created to honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Terry Schoener who served as pastor of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church for 27 years before retiring in 2006.)

“We’re inviting the community to come to our Family Easter Service and bring flowers to place on the cross which will be prepared as before and placed in a similar location on Woods’ front lawn,” she said.

According to Rev. Lincoln-Reynolds, this year’s Easter worship service for families is being organized by Director of Children’s Ministry Kat Green. Her inspiration to resurrect the Flower Cross on Easter, the Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, is somehow very fitting at this particular moment in history.

“The Family Worship Service taking place this Easter Sunday, April 20th, will be a bit different from the one held in 2014 as it will be held in the church’s Fellowship Hall but will also be filled with the traditional elements of prayer, scripture, movement and music,” Lincoln-Reynolds added. “It will begin at 9:30 am and the procession to the Flower Cross on the lawn will occur following the service.”

The Flower Cross made its first appearance on the Woods Church lawn a little over a decade ago. Children who participated in that original event placed blossoms on the cross following a special Easter worship service for families at Holy Grounds Youth Center (now Boone Station Hall) next door. For the first time in decades, the former church was used for a religious serviced led by Woods’ youth pastor, the Rev. Nicholas Cheek.

Light streaming through the stained-glass windows of the 1920’s era chapel lent a warmth and intimacy to the space befitting a service planned with children in mind. The Easter observance featured traditional elements of prayer, scripture readings and meditations but was also lively with music and movement. Even the youngest children participated by singing and dancing to joyful hymns.

A lovely ballet was performed by Katie Lohff as Sarah Kent sang the hymn “Glorious Day”.

Poetry followed as well as a performance of “Jesus Messiah” by teens Megan Killpatrick, McKenna Lee, Rebecca Hyde and Lauren Loff.

“This is very reminiscent of what church would have been like back in the early days…home churches with entire families worshipping together,” said Rev. Cheek who was clearly pleased with the well-attended event.

Following the Easter celebration, the children selected blooms from buckets of carnations, tulips, daisies and lilies and began a procession toward the living flower cross. Looking ever so sweet in their Easter dresses, young Emma Wilson and sisters Ashley and Abigail Mears were the first children to arrive on the lawn in front of Woods Church and add Gerbera daisies to blooms placed by adults at an earlier service.

The cross was the idea of the late Elizabeth Wyble, a longtime congregation member, designer and garden expert. She’d wanted to create a living cross with fresh flowers that would remain in place through Easter season through Pentecost.

Wyble designed the 7-foot cross to be visible from Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. On the Thursday before Easter, congregation volunteers installed the frame, covered it with floral foam wrapped with chicken wire and black plastic, added greenery and watered it.

Though the first flowers were placed by adults, it needed the youngster’s contributions to fully bloom.

Wyble’s lovely and meaningful creation was a great success. Families flocked to the Flower Cross.

In a matter of moments, the cross was filled with blooms and families began posing in front of the unique symbol of Easter as can be seen in the opening photo.

Lincoln-Reynolds noted that a listing of all this week’s Easter Services at Woods Church can be seen by visiting Facebook.

Back to the present moment, the Associate Pastor bubbled over with enthusiasm about the latest happenings at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church. She was especially excited about having held the first of many Community Conversations conducted by Senior Pastor, the Rev. J.C. Austin. The objective of the event was to gather community residents, regardless of differences of opinion, political allegiance or religious affiliation to talk about some of the chaos being experienced in our changing world and how to create something good from it.

She was also pleased about the growth of the Woods Counseling & Care Center which she established in a building that formerly housed the YWCA. Jerry and Elizabeth Wyble undertook the renovation, interior decoration and landscaping of the building and were also the benefactors of a labyrinth on the grounds. Lincoln-Reynolds proudly noted that the Center now has six therapists on staff and is about to add a rabbi.

Severna Park Farmer’s Market opens this Saturday

The Severna Park Farmer’s Market returns to the Park and Ride on the corner of Ritchie Highway and Jones Station Road this Saturday, April 19th from 8 am till noon. The Easter weekend market will see the return of Ellie Heath’s Three Blue Bunnies for the 7th year and 19 additional vendors. Among them are longtime favorites Joyce’s Flowers & Herbs, Pat’s Produce and Gourds, Morris Hill Farm, The Ville’s Dills, and The Zahradka Family Farm.

World Tai Chi Day to be celebrated at Severna Park Community Center, April 26th

Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi will once again be celebrating the annual “World Tai Chi Day” at the Severna Park Community Center on Saturday, April 26, from 10am to 11:30am. There will be demos of Tai Chi & Qigong and mini workshops. Learn more about better balance, reduced stress, improved joint health, & other benefits.

The World Tai Chi celebration will be held beneath the trees on the lawn between the Severna Park Community Center and Boone Station Hall or, if it rains, in the community center’s Andy Borland Gymnasium.

Park Hardware Native Plant Sale also happens on Saturday, April 26th

 Park Hardware is holding is second annual Spring Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 26th, starting at 8 am. The sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on beautiful native perennial plants from Providence of Maryland, a leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Experts from the Anne Arundel County Bay-Wise Program will be on hand to share tips on creating a thriving, eco-friendly garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, they’ll help you become a better steward of nature in your own backyard.

Spring Girl’s Night Out at Homestead Gardens Severna Park on May 1st

Homestead Gardens Severna Park is holding its annual Spring Girl’s Night Out party on Thursday, May 1st from 5 to 8 pm. Bring your favorite gal pals for an evening of sipping, shopping, and sampling courtesy of the finest food and beverage purveyors in the community. Experience a delightful night of food, shopping, and fun…and, as a bonus, get 25% off your purchase.

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.