AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Fishpaws Marketplace and
Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
The Severna Park business scene has seen a number of firsts occur on the first day of a New Year.
January 1, 2000, saw entrepreneur Deb Hoffman open the first “specialty bean coffee shop” in Severna Park in a tiny space on Riggs Avenue at B&A Boulevard with Christie Sappington as her first barista. She called it The Big Bean and business boomed. By 2005, Hoffman had relocated the shop to its present address at 558 B&A Boulevard with a back entrance and patio along the Baltimore Annapolis Trail. The Big Bean’s success soared, and it became a hub of the rapidly growing community.
Skipping ahead to January 1, 2019 Christie Sappington Coster and husband Greg – the same Christie Sappington who had been The Big Bean’s first Barista – took over ownership of the shop from Hoffman.
Having realized Christie’s long-held dream of becoming the shop’s owner one day, the couple continued building on the establishment’s success. They did good job adapting and keeping the shop profitable through the COVID pandemic while also taking an active role in the Severna Park community.
Not every business launched in the new year was successful. However, one was transformative. As the calendar flipped from 2015 to 2016, brothers Peter and Ron Zarilli opened Zarillis Steaks and Hogies in the building that, for 53 years, was home to the Severna Park Post Office. Experienced builders, the brothers successfully transformed the building from a mail facility to a restaurant – one that sadly closed within its first year of operation.
The building underwent further changes in 2017 when restaurateurs Charlie Priola and Arturo Ottaviano joined ranks to purchase the business and open La Posta Pizzeria – La Posta meaning “the post office” in Spanish.
Once again, a New Year’s launch is about to take place according to a tip we received from Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League. She tells us Senor’s Chile Cafe Severna Park is about to open under the ownership of 19-year-old Harry Salmoran in the building that was formerly Rivera’s Mexican Cafe at 594 Benfield Road. The menu will be comprised of authentic Mexican dishes similar to those served at the Salmoran family’s Mi Lindo Cancun Grill in Annapolis.
While Severna Park’s business scene changes frequently, the way in which residents celebrate the ringing in of a New Year has remained relatively intimate.
In Severna Park’s earliest years, summer activities like carnivals and dances were held but New Year’s Eve celebrations were primarily private parties held in the homes of residents.
A reminiscence of such parties during the 1950’s was written by former resident Jill Howard and included in the book “Severna Park Reflections” published by Bay Media, Inc. and the Severna Park Old Timers.
Howard spoke of occasional dances at Round Bay Inn or cotillions at St. John’s College that young ladies from the town attended wearing lovely long gowns but carrying their slippers because they had to ride the train. Even more fun were New Year’s Eve parties held by families in the community.
“The parties given by the Samuels of Severna Park on New Year’s Eve were the most exciting – quite the event of the year,” she said. “The home was lovely and just right for parties. You could dance in a circle through the rooms [to a four piece group] and how we loved to dance.”
She added that food was special with non-alcoholic punch and ice cream and cake served at midnight. The women’s dresses were long, and they all planned them months ahead. All the men wore tuxedos.
Fast forward to New Year’s Eve 2022. Residents who like to stay at home for New Year’s Eve can add a burst or two of excitement to the evening. Maryland laws now permit the purchase of fireworks from approved retail sites on New Year’s Eve for firing off in one’s backyard.
For those wishing to go out to celebrate, we’ve checked and found that Severna Park has little going on aside from celebratory meals at neighborhood restaurants. Luckily, there’s one great option. Severna Park Bowling Lanes has been holding New Year’s Eve festivities for quite a few years and this year is no exception.
They’ll be decorating the lanes for the occasion (as seen in the opening) and will supply glitzy hats, gift bags, noisemakers and other items necessary for bringing in the New Year with style.
You can call 410-647-0811 to reserve your lane for a fabulous New Year’s Eve party. Severna Park Bowling Lane’s Family Parties are from 4 pm to 6 pm or 7 pm to 9 pm. Their Gala Celebration is from 9:30 pm to 1 am and partiers of all ages are welcome.
With Annapolis close by, many local residents head there to celebrate. Beginning in 1990, the First Night Annapolis tradition took hold and continued until recently along with annual fireworks displays over the harbor.
This year, a celebration called “The Annapolis New Year’s Eve Party” has taken over from First Night Annapolis. The celebration will unfold in stages starting in the afternoon.
There will be a family friendly event at SusanB. Campbell Park with kids’ activities and bands from 4 – 5.20 pm and fireworks over the Annapolis Harbor at 5.30 pm. The main celebrations will then move on into the evening, with crowds heading down to City Dock where a fireworks display will be set off by the mayor at midnight.
In addition to fireworks at the City Dock with live music, a New Year’s Eve Party is being held at the Vibe. For details, visit Vibe | Live Music Venue serving Food & Drinks in Annapolis (vibeannapolis.com) venue at 2072 Somerville Road.
For another celebration along the waterfront, visit New Year’s Eve Bash At The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel or attend a New Year’s Eve in ’80 garb at Ram’s Head On Stage. Tickets are available at Ultimate 80’s Prom, Live Music At Rams Head On Stage. There will also be live music at the Rams Head Roadhouse. See Live Music At Rams Head Roadhouse.
The column is brought to you this week by Fishpaws Marketplace, 954 Ritchie Hwy. carrying fine wines, spirits and beers plus gourmet foods. You’ll find a fine selection of bubbly for those New Year’s Eve toasts as well as snacks, beers and spirits for watching New Year’s Day football games.
and 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. Jing Ying’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi training is an ideal way to start the New Year off on the right foot.
