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
There’s a lot to do between now and Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church’s annual Kick-Off Sunday Picnic on Sunday, September 10 – an issue made clearer as committee chair Karen Lerario surveyed the grounds between the church and Boone Station Hall where the event will be held.
Pointing to the Boone Station Hall portico, which is often used as a stage for outdoor events, Lerario said the makeshift proscenium will provide a perfect setting for the performance of gospel music by “Chozen” from Wayman Good Hope AME Church. The popular group has performed from the portico before and enjoys being able to look out over the audience.
Upon examining the picnic tables that will be spread across the lawn, she decided they are in good condition but she’d look for some plastic tablecloths to dress them up a bit.
Committee chair Karen Lerario felt that, though weathered, the picnic tables that will be spread out across the Boone Station Hall lawn are in great shape. They can be dressed up for the picnic with some plastic tablecloths.
Lerario noted that the theme for this year’s picnic – “Come Home to Woods…A Place to Belong! – was conceived as a way to celebrate the beginning of a new year of programs and to highlight some of the church ministries.
As in past years, the church’s front lawn opposite the hall will showcase, among others, the Welcome Ministry, the Prayer Shawl Ministry with its dedicated knitters, and the Noah’s Ark Ministry (which hosts Woods’ annual “Blessing of the Animals” service).
Games for children, including the ever-popular Bounce House, will be located further down the lawn opposite the picnic area. For the first time, a Sunday Sundae Bar conceived and operated by the church’s Youth Ministry will be located in the same area.
Lerario said the Kick-Off picnic committee is very enthusiastic this year and has come up with a first ever toy swap and other new ideas. They’re also focused on letting community residents know they are welcome to attend the free event even if they are not members of the church. To that end, the committee will put out banners on B&A Boulevard and elsewhere highlighting the event.
“We want to let everyone know that our Woods Kick-Off picnic is Sunday, September 10 from 12 noon till 2 pm,” Lerario said. “We hope community residents will come out and learn more about each of our missions and ministries. The event includes food and games for the young and young at heart, a photo booth, a boxed lunch, Kona Ice snow cones, the Bounce House, a scavenger hunt, live music from Chozen, and more.”
Should bad weather take place, the event can easily be moved inside as happened last year. For directions or information, visit Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church (woodschurch.org).
Aliens out of this world and inflation’s getting there
Known for his good sense of humor, Goska’s Liquors owner Kevin Sosnoski was amused and delighted to have his own alien encounter thanks to the advertising display that came with one of the products he stocks. Congressional hearings on unidentified flying objects have been much the news of late and fully captured the public’s imagination.
On a more serious note, as owner of one of the oldest and more centrally located family businesses in Severna Park (Goska’s opened in 1930), Sosnoski was the perfect person to ask about the effect inflation is having on the community’s small businesses and retailers.
According to an article in “The Guardian”, inflation in the US is at a 40 year high – an astounding 9.1% year-over-year, according to a recent government report. We felt Sosnoski would have a sense on its effect locally.
“Oh my. Inflation has to be affecting everybody, not only shopping in my store but in everybody’s,” he said. “People only have so much income and it’s not stretching so far. They have to make wise decisions.”
Sosnoski added that he keeps a careful check on the store’s inventory and manages to hold the line on the cost of some items but must make up the difference on others by pricing them higher. The inflated prices have meant he’s had to buy a little bit more responsibly.”
“Consumers are starting to see less variety because retailers are forced to put their money into more of the blue chips,” he explained. “Instead of having 20 Chardonnays to offer, the retailer might only have 15. The lack of choice is making a difference in people’s spending habits.”
Sosnoski feels that both residents and merchants are fortunate to live in Severna Park, Pasadena or surrounding areas where they are insulated by the fact that quite a few people work for the government or government contractors. Luckily, he’s seen only a few local businesses close.
“I have seen some of the big box retailers and malls experience setbacks, however, due to online shopping or supply chain issues,” he said. “Some of those have been forced to close. The bigger chain stores appear to be affected too. That’s why I feel it’s more important to shop locally within the community than ever.”
It would seem Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce CEO Liz League agrees with Sosnoski on that point.
Out and about daily, League is a person who keeps her finger on the pulse of the business community.
“It’s funny that you’ve asked today about the effects of inflation,” League said. “There’s sort of a feeling in the air of gloom and doom. From what I’m hearing, loan officers and realtors are floundering a bit. Retailers are noticing that customers are cutting back on what they’re willing to spend. I also learned that one local retailer was forced to close because her location’s rent was going up and her suppliers’ costs had elevated. She said the necessity to raise the prices of her products meant customers were no longer buying.”
League added that she attended one of the chamber’s Successful Women In Business meetings Wednesday morning and the consensus among attendees was that the “the market is terrible”.
Since the chamber is preparing for several events including the Driving Force for Business Annual Golf Tournament on September 25 and “Shoptoberfest”on October 21, League has spoken to the owners of several restaurants including Ledo’s Pizza and Firehouse Subs.
“I found out that, in addition to rising food costs affecting their bottom line, the restaurants are still suffering from labor shortages,” she said. “They tell me they’ll advertise a position and hire someone to fill it… only to have the new employee quit after a few days.”
Orphan Grain Train the recipient of generous contributions
Bruce Coonradt, branch manager of Orphan Grain Train Maryland, recently accepted a check in the amount of $1500.00 from John Newell, president of the Vintage Tin Car Club of Maryland. The generous contribution by members of the club will support OGT’s humanitarian aid to countries around the world.
The organization recently received another donation of medical equipment and supplies from Luminous Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. The donation included gurneys as well as thousands of catheters. Recent donations from area hospitals have primarily been sent to Ukraine. For more information or to make a donation, visit Maryland | Orphan Grain Train | Sharing resources and bringing Christ’s name and character to needy people both far and near. (ogt.org) .
Autumn classes for Jing Ying Institute students
On Tuesday, September 5th, Jing Ying Institute in Arnold is offering a free trial kung fu class at 11:30 am. Open to homeschool students or anyone who wishes to attend a daytime family class, the session is part of a seven-week martial arts program focused on improving a student’s attention, focus, flexibility, strength, coordination, confidence and self-control while learning kung fu and having fun.
Participants should arrive 10 minutes early to check in and wear clothing suitable for movement, such as athletic pants and a t-shirt. For more information about the program or to register visit Homeschool Kung Fu at Jing Ying or call 410-431-5200.
On Wednesday, September 6 at 10:30am, Jing Ying Institute will begin a new session of Tai Chi classes at the Severna Park Community Center. Tai Chi helps with balance, arthritis pain, bone density, blood pressure, blood sugar, flexibility, strength, weight loss and more. The class is taught by Jing Ying Institute owner Billy Greer. Register for the session by visiting Tai Chi at Severna Park Community Center (jingying.org) or call 410-431-5200.
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.)
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.
