Chesapeake Family Digital Magazine April 2024

MURRAY HILL RENOVATION

Exploring the George Washington Parkway

adventures & events

07/ PUBLISHERS NOTE

Learning from ants

Special Section

Features 30

14/ CELEBRATING MR. TRASH WHEEL'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Join us for 'A Night at the Trashseum' Honoring Baltimore's Harbor Hero

16/ PLANT PEAS INDOORS TO WELCOME SPRING

A Fun and Educational Project for Kids

18/ CELEBRATING EARTH DAY

Explore nature, participate in community challenges, and join Earth Day festivities throughout April

19/ EXPLORING THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY

A Scenic Journey Through History and Nature

23/ MARYLAND CAMP DIRECTORY

New & Notable

09/ READS FOR YOUNG ECO-EXPLORERS

Books for young environmentalists

10/ MILSTREAM PARK

A Centreville Gem

12/ EASTERN SHORE SEA GLASS FESTIVAL AT CBMM

Join the celebration of coastal treasures and creative artisans at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

27/ THE BUSY MOM’S GUIDE TO SPRING CLEANING

Realistic Strategies for Tackling Household Chaos with Kids

30/ MURRAY HILL RENOVATION

Missing foundation leads to 3-story addition and major renovation in this Murray Hill home

FAMILY

INSPIRING INDOOR ADVENTURES

@LetsHaveFuninMD

African Art Museum

SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION

@Shanna.Trukki

Clark’s Elioak Farm

There is nothing sweeter than being with your loved ones in Howard County.

From playgrounds and farms to museums and even an enchanted forest, you’ll find engaging experiences around every corner.

PET-FRIENDLY HOCO

@TruffletheFluffle Sunflowers of Lisbon

Capture a special moment and share it with #howihoco, like these creators who had their moment shared in the 2024 Visitor’s Guide.

Vol. 33 No. 7

PUBLISHER

Donna Jefferson

djefferson@jecoannapolis. com

Max Chalkley

Nancy Parode

Sarah Yale

Lauren Burke Meyer

ART DIRECTOR

Jenny Patrick C.

AD DESIGN

Jessica Kannegieser

BUSINESS MANAGE R

Claire Darcy

ClaireK@jecoannapolis.com

ADVERTISING

Linda Benkhadra

linda@jecoannapolis.com

240-277-4215

Jacky Dooly Martin

Jacky@jecoannapolis.com

240-286-9349

PUBLISHED

Annapolis, MD 21401

Presorted

These materials are neither sponsored by or endorsed by the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and all other Maryland counties, the superintendents or the schools. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by Chesapeake Family Life of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family Life, by any means without permission, is strictly prohibited. ©2024 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

ILearning from ants

’ve found a new favorite children’s book. The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants, by Philip Bunting, has captured my attention. I’m not an ant fan, and we’ve been waging a war to keep them out of our kitchen. But Bunting’s book has given me a new respect for ants.

Ants are the ultimate recyclers. They are also experts at collaborating, building bridges by linking their bodies, and creating and caring for their colonies. They are nearly unmatched in their ability to find food, send a message back to the colony, and move the food quickly. Their colonies create richer soil that benefits the Earth.

Humans could learn from the ants. How can we leave the Earth better

than it was? Are there ways we can not be selfish and work together to care for our fellow humans and build more successful colonies?

When you walk with your kids, pick up trash wherever you see it. Are you attending a spring sporting event? Look around and pick up around the ball field. Trade outgrown sporting equipment with other team members. Use native plants in your yard. They are pretty and help feed the birds and

It’s up to us to take care of our colonies. The time to do it is now.

new & notable

Reads for Young Eco-Explorers

Books to Celebrate Environmental Discovery

Explore the magic of nature and environmental stewardship through these engaging books.

Miss MacDonald Has A Farm

By Kalee Gwarjanski, illustrated by Elizabet Vuković

In this book Miss MacDonald has a farm and she loves to grow things. Colorful illustrations match the new words to the old song. You might have to pause a beat or two if you are singing the song to study all of the pictures and learn how everything on the farm has a purpose and an ultimate use.

From planting the seeds, to weeding, pruning, and harvesting. The vegetables from Miss MacDonald’s farm are well cared for and shared at the family table.

A glossary at the end of the book details all of the tasks that Miss MacDonald has to complete before she can harvest and eat the produce from her garden.

Wild Places

The Life of Naturalist

David Attenborough

By Hayley and John Rocco

David Attenborough is 97 years old and one of the leading documentarians on wildlife and the environment. An early adopter of bringing unique places and animals to audiences through the use of television, he reached millions of people. But as time went on Attenborough noticed that the amount of Wild Places was diminishing. He changed his messaging to one of explaining how wild places need to be restored and the steps we can take to do it.

“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.”

Millstream Park:

A Centreville Gem

By Max Chalkley

Willstream Park is a staple of outdoor fun in the Centreville area. Its trails follow the Millstream branch of the Corsica River and lead you to some beautiful views and great local restaurants. The park itself is approximately 26.2 acres which makes it a perfect place for outdoor fun.

Perfect for Bird Watchers

Platforms provide perfect places for bird watchers, both experts and amateurs. Dotted throughout the local trails are guides to some of the favorite and common birds that inhabit the Corsica area. Expect to see Bald Eagles and Blue Herons.

History

Centreville Wharf was once the site of an active shipping industry in the 19th century. A few surviving structures surround the park area, one of which was Captain John Ozman’s residence. The park itself was the location of the Centreville spur of the Queen Anne’s railroad company.

Activity

Millstream is the perfect place to make a day out of a visit to Centreville. Have a picnic at the pavilion while the kids have fun on the playground. Or walk the trails and find yourself on the other side of town with more open views and great restaurants. Bring a kayak or canoe to the dedicated launching zone.

Eastern Shore Sea Glass Festival at CBMM

Join the celebration of coastal treasures and creative artisans at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

By Donna Jefferson

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will kickoff its festival season by hosting the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival on April 20–21.

Event Details

The popular celebration of all things sea glass will run 10am–5pm on

Saturday and 10am–4pm on Sunday, with all tickets valid for admission on both days. Tickets are on sale now at cbmm.org/seaglassfestival, with discounted pricing for CBMM members.

Now held twice annually on CBMM’s waterfront campus, the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival offers fun for the whole family with fantastic shopping, great food and drinks, live music on two stages, and more.

This edition will highlight more than 90 exhibitors from around the country. These artisans and craftspeople will be selling an array of unique coastal and sea-glass related goods, including jewelry, home décor, art, and more. A full listing of vendors and more information can be found at seaglassfestival.com.

Educational Sessions

In addition, sea glass expert Mary

McCarthy will be on hand both days to share her expertise with a series of sea-glass focused lectures in the Van Lennep Auditorium and shard identification before and after the talks.

While enjoying all the Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival vendors and offerings, guests are invited to explore the exhibitions and historic structures spread across CBMM’s campus and experience the new storytelling and amenities in its new Welcome Center.

The cruise boat PATRIOT will also be opening its season that weekend. Guests can save on Narrated Historical Cruises at 12:30pm and 2:30pm both days by using code SEAGLASS2024 during checkout at patriotcruises.com to save $10 off adult and senior tickets. (Note: This discount is available online only and cannot be redeemed at the ticket booth.)

Guests who purchase their tickets in advance will have a special opportunity to enter the festival 30 minutes early.

Celebrating Mr. Trash Wheel's 10th Anniversary

Join

us for 'A Night at the Trashseum' Honoring Baltimore's Harbor Hero

Waterfront Partnership’s Healthy Harbor Initiative is thrilled to host Mr. Trash Wheel’s 10th Anniversary: A Night at the Trashseum. This event marks a decade of Mr. Trash Wheel's tireless efforts in eating trash and cleaning Baltimore’s harbor. Join us for a family-friendly celebration on Earth Day and Mr. Trash Wheel’s birthday, featuring an array of activities and exhibits.

The Trashseum Experience

Step into Mr. Trash Wheel’s Trashseum, showcasing a unique collection of artifacts accumulated over the past decade. Explore an interactive model of the Mr. Trash Wheel prototype, discover notable tummy treasures, and celebrate Mr. Trash Wheel’s remarkable accolades.

Event Highlights

Engage in various activities, including entry to the Trashseum, a living litter sculpture garden by Fluid Movement, and a DIY “trashion” crafting station. Plus, all attendees will receive a special Mr. Trash Wheel “Wheely Wired” coffee mug.

Mr. Trash Wheel's Environmental Impact

Learn about Mr. Trash Wheel's significant contribution to cleaning Baltimore’s waterways. Since 2014, Mr. Trash Wheel and his family have removed over 2,300 tons of trash and debris, leading crucial environmental initiatives such as the ban of polystyrene containers and single-use plastic bags.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Location: Public Works Experience, 751 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202

Ticket Information

Early Bird (purchased before 4/1): $45.00

General Ticket: $50.00

At The Door: $55.00

Kids’ Ticket (10 and under): $15.00 (does not include drink tickets or

Supporting a Cause

Proceeds from ticket sales will directly support the Healthy Harbor Initiative’s

Get Your Tickets

visit here.

Plant Peas Indoors to Welcome Spring

A Fun and Educational Project for Kids

By Sarah Yale

W

here’s an old saying about planting your peas on Saint Patrick’s Day to bring good luck to the harvest. It might be a little past Saint Patrick’s Day but it’s still too cold for planting outdoors, since there could still be frost in Maryland. Luckily, you can plant peas indoors for a fun, interesting project for kids.

Peas are easy to grow, germinate in a week or two, flower in four to six weeks, and are ready to harvest in a few months. You can eat the pea pods that the peas grow in and also eat the peas, raw or cooked.

What You Need

Head to the local garden center to pick up some seeds, potting soil, and 4” peat pots. Read the seed packets to choose the right one for your gardening preferences. There are dwarf varieties that don’t need supports or a trellis if you want to

transplant them to patio containers, or give them as gifts. If space allows, you can grow a large crop and donate some to a food pantry or the community dining room.

Plant the Seeds

Fill the peat pots with soil packed down lightly. Water the pots and add more soil if needed. Plant one pea seed in the center of each pot by poking a hole in the soil about a half-inch deep. Cover the seed and place the pots near a warm, sunny window on a tray to catch any water drips. The room should be 65-70 degrees, with lots of sun throughout the day. Hardware stores carry plant light bulbs that fit into regular home lamps. Water when the pots look dry to discourage mold growth. Peas are selfpollinating so they can grow indoors.

Chart the Growth

Have kids make a poster or journal about your project, tracking the growth weekly. Make and color a new plant drawing on the poster or in a journal every week, after measuring the change in plant size and leaf development. The first drawing can be a pot and a seed. If your kids draw a new plant each week next to the last one, the poster will look like a graph or growth chart. Be sure to record the date and plant height each week, and anything else that the kids notice. Peas have almost as much potassium as a banana, and one cup of peas has more protein than an egg. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and carbohydrates and low in fat.

Celebrating Earth Day:

Explore nature, participate in community challenges, and join Earth Day festivities throughout April.

A

pril is all about celebrating the Earth and our environment. Participate in one or more of these activities for a greater connection.

Discover Nature in Your Own Backyard!

Every Saturday in April, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is holding open houses at P.G. County naturefocused facilities. Enjoy FREE activities including nature crafts, and more!

• April 6, 11 am - 2 pm Bladensburg

Waterfront Park

• April 13, 11 am - 2 pm Clearwater

Nature Center Mount Rainier

Nature Center

• April 20, 11 am - 2 pm Watkins

Nature Center & Old Maryland Farm

• Celebrate Watkins Nature Center 50th Anniversary! April 27, 11 am2 pm Patuxent River Park

City Nature Challenge

City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual community science challenge for cities across the globe to find and document the plants and wildlife found in urban areas.

• Observation Period: Friday, April 26th – Monday, April 29th

• Upload and Identification Period: Friday, April 26th – Sunday, May 5th

• Results Announced: Monday, May 6th

Upcoming Earth Day Events

Saturday, April 20

Earth Day Celebration: Seed Bomb

Making 2-3 p.m. Odenton Regional Library, Odenton

Earth Day Cleanup: 10 a.m. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. RSVP to: sandypoint.statepark@Maryland.gov

Earth Day Family Festival: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. National Portrait Gallery, Washington

Small Island Big Song: 8-9:30 p.m. Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax

St Mary’s County Earth Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Summerseat Farm, Mechanicsville

Stream Cleanup: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. University Park

Monday, April 22

Earth Day Celebration: 4-7 p.m.

Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, Annapolis

Exploring the George Washington Memorial Parkway

A Scenic Journey Through History and Nature

by Nancy Parode

Igrew up in Southern California, where unattractive interstates are everywhere. This is why my first experience driving Virginia’s George Washington Memorial Parkway one April long ago — a road used by commuters, to be sure, but also a parkway that connects locals

and tourists to parks, overlooks, and memorials — a magical memory. Trees blooming everywhere, daffodils next to onramps, and the sparkling Potomac River encouraged me to fall in love with the George Washington Memorial Parkway. For me, this enchantment has never ended, even

when I traveled the Parkway as part of my daily commute.

The George Washington Memorial Parkway runs between McLean, Virginia, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Along the way, you’ll find parks, hiking trails, overlooks, memorials, and wildlife sanctuaries. Whether you pack a picnic and spend a day exploring or quickly stop at one or two places, the Parkway’s attractions are enticing at any time of year.

George Washington Memorial Parkway Highlights

Parkway entrances and exits abound, making access simple. For convenience, this list of Parkway highlights is arranged from north to south.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island features walking paths and the only memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt in the District of Columbia. Naturalized pathways and the memorial to our 26th president pay tribute to TR’s achievements and his groundbreaking work as a conservation-oriented president.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac at Lady Bird Johnson Park

Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson not only made the beautification of Washington, DC, and our nation’s highways and byways her personal cause, but she also shaped the role of modern First Ladies. President Johnson’s Texas granite memorial stands in a restful grove in the park that bears his spouse’s name. Don’t miss the park’s lovely views of the Potomac River and Washington, DC.

US Marine Corps War Memorial

This iconic memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, depicts a

group of US Marines raising the Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, during a World War II battle to capture the island. Reaching the parking lot is a bit tricky, but you can walk over from Arlington National Cemetery.

Netherlands Carillon

Fifteen years after World War II ended, a dedication ceremony marked the official acceptance of the Netherlands Carillon, with its 49 bells (now 53), a gift from the people of the Netherlands to the American people. Daily automated concerts and September live Carillon concerts are well-attended during warm months.

Arlington National Cemetery/ Arlington House/Military Women’s Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery is sacred ground. Over 400,000 service members, veterans, and military family members are buried at Arlington. President John F. Kennedy and his brothers Robert and Edward (Ted) are buried here, too. Popular sights include Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by members of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment.

Arlington House and the Robert E. Lee Memorial showcase the Cemetery’s history, honor the lives of the enslaved and newly freed Black residents of Arlington House, and explain Robert E. Lee’s contributions to post-Civil War peace and

reunification efforts. The hike up to Arlington House looks daunting, but it’s worth the effort.

Don’t miss the Military Women’s Memorial, which honors women who have served in the US Armed Forces. Park in the pay garage near the entrance to the Cemetery.

Gravelly Point Park

Located north of Reagan National Airport, Gravelly Point Park attracts plane spotters, photographers, kite flyers, and families. It’s a great, if noisy, place to watch airplanes take off. Access is from the northbound Parkway only.

Jones Point Park and Lighthouse

Jones Point Park is built on land that was once a World War I shipyard. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge towers overhead. There’s a playground to the left of the parking lot entrance. Restrooms and basketball courts are located under the bridge (bring a basketball). Take the trail to the 1856 lighthouse. Between the lighthouse and the river, you’ll find the original south cornerstone of the District of Columbia.

Belle Haven Park/Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

Belle Haven Park is very popular with locals, not only for its marina and river views but also for the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. Dyke Marsh was once home to a mining operation.

Today, birders and hikers walk the Haul Trail to see bald eagles, great horned owls, tree sparrows, and many other resident and migratory birds. You can also visit the marsh by boat — Belle Haven Marina rents boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards by the hour.

Fort Hunt Park

Construction on Fort Hunt began in 1897, just before the SpanishAmerican War began. Fort Hunt transitioned to a recreational area in 1930, but the Army and Navy used it in various classified capacities during

World War II. Today, Fort Hunt Park is a popular destination due to its picnic tables, walking paths, and volleyball courts. You can also explore the existing gun batteries.

Mount Vernon Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail runs alongside the Parkway, connecting the Francis Scott Key Bridge in DC to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Park at an overlook or parking lot along the Parkway and walk/bike at your leisure.

George Washington Memorial

Parkway Travel Tips

Construction on the north end of the Parkway will impact your travel. From 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. weekdays, two Parkway lanes are open in the southbound direction, with one lane heading north. This pattern is reversed from 2:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. At other times, one lane will be open in each direction.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, currently closed for construction near the Parkway, is scheduled to reopen in late Spring 2024.

The Parkway passes through Alexandria, Virginia. You’ll encounter stoplights on this stretch of the Parkway.

Restrooms are open at most of these stops from April to October. Restrooms at Fort Hunt Park and Arlington National Cemetery are open.

updating

Annapolis Recreation and Parks Summer Camp

Annapolis, 410-263-7958

annapolis.gov/354/Camp-Information

Before & After Care

4 years-9th grade

Annapolis Recreation and Parks offers Maryland state-licensed traditional and specialty camps, with before and after care available. Activities include classic day camps with swimming at the Dunn Municipal Pool in Truxtun Park, as well as special interest camps that feature field sports, court sports, water sports, fencing, dance, cheer, STEM and art!

Benfield Sportscenter Summer Camp

Millersville, 410-987-5100 benfieldsc.com

Before & After Care

5 years-8th grade

At Benfield Sportscenter Summer Camp, we play various sports, tagging games, and other activities every day. We do not offer specific skills training, our focus is on fun and participation. Our activity schedule is not set for each day; however, our schedule always follows a similar format. Think of it as elementary school gym class, but all day long!

Upcoming Events

Every Thursday: 10:30 am Creek Critters Nature Walk

Every Monday: 10:30 am Art & Story Time

April 6: Eclipse Excitement 10:30am

April 7: Healthy Anne Arundel, 9am

April 10: Pollinator Art & Flower Bombs 10am-4pm

April 14 through May 26: Family Yoga, 9:30am Spring membership - $40 Spring Membership runs through June 30.

Annual Memberships

Capital SUP Grom Camp

Annapolis, 410-919-9402

Capitalsup.com

Before & After Care, 7 years-9th grade Returning for our 11th season in business, Capital SUP has officially launched our 9th year of Grom Camp at our Quiet Waters Park location. Camp will run from June 17 – August 26th. Kids will learn to paddle, enjoy Stand up Paddleboard games, “party barge” races, fitness fun, and our new water trampoline. Campers will go on nature walks, have adventures, do crafts, and enjoy the outdoors! All kids are required to wear life jackets while they are in the water. This is the only paddleboard camp that is licensed and uses certified lifeguards as instructors.

Filmsters Academy

Annapolis, 410-263-3023

filmstersacademy.com

11 years-18 years

FILMSTERS Academy was established to teach kids ages 11-18 the art of filmmaking. It is a hands-on, experiential learning program that allows children to discover, learn and reach their creative potential with exploration in directing, writing, producing, acting, production design, lighting, cinematography, makeup and wardrobe, and film editing. Our teachers are industry professionals and the kids will learn the latest in film production with top end technology in a real-world setting that is educational and fun.

Summer Music Camps at Naptown Sings and Plays!

Annapolis, 410-801-7936

naptownsings.com/summer-camps-andclasses

Before & After Care, 3 years-5th grade

Our Summer Music Camps are jam-packed with music, more music, and fun! Students, ages 3-11 of all levels and abilities (no experience necessary), will have the opportunity to learn to sing in our pop glee clubs, drum their hearts out in world drumming class, play various instruments, and participate in fun musical activities! In addition, our older kids (6-11) will learn an instrument: piano or ukulele. Our younger students (ages 3-5) will be immersed in a world of music exploration, from instrument playing, to rhythm and melody, and of course, fun!

Severn School-Summer at Severn

Severna Park, 410-647-7700 x2260

severnschool.com/Programs/SummerPrograms

Before & After Care

6th grade-9th grade

Choose your own adventure with Severn’s Summer Camps! From painting to filmmaking to yoga to lacrosse, we have camps for every interest and every age, including middle-school. Severn’s Teel Camps include some exciting new offerings that are sure to help campers entering grades 6-9 find their summer spark.

Smart Fit Kids Academy

Severna Park, 410-777-9398

4 years-14 years

smartfitkidsacademy.com/summer-camp Smart Fit Kids summer camps provide a great opportunity for children to stay engaged over the summer and have tons of fun! Campers will learn to work in teams and explore different interests with themed projects, arts, reading, writing, math, science, games, sports, Taekwondo, swimming, exciting field trips and more! Our camps are run by certified publicschool teachers.

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Spring Cleaning

Realistic Strategies for Tackling Household Chaos with Kids

By Lauren Burke Meyer

With three daughters ages five and under, the idea of spring cleaning is almost comical. I’m also a freelancer without childcare, so free time is basically nonexistent. Despite these challenges, I have recently found realistic ways to get my house under control.

Make it fun

This is not a trick, I promise. Get the entire family involved. Sometimes, my family has a dance party while putting toys away or while the adults clean the kitchen. Music also helps make the process more bearable, even if you’re cleaning solo. There’s something about lighting a candle that motivates, too.

Add a play element

Turn cleaning into a competition. Who can clean their area the fastest? My daughters love vacuuming alongside me with their matching Dyson vacuums, which have working suction. Mom hack: when selecting gifts or toys for your children, find ones that center around cleaning. It’s more of a hit than you’d expect. Melissa & Doug has great options like dusters, brooms, and mops to foster future helpers and cleaners!

One Room at a Time

I prioritize the spaces where we spend the most time or the ones seen most by our company. This usually means the kitchen or family room. I ask myself, what’s the best use of my time? Cleaning my oldest daughter’s desk, which is going to get messy the same day, probably isn’t the right choice. Putting away laundry always feels like a productive choice.

Eliminate clutter and chaos with storage items like containers, baskets, spice racks, stacked drawers, etc. Places like Ikea, The Container Store, and Target have more options than you’d ever imagine for storing toys and other household items.

Declutter aka Purge

Dedicate a space for organizing piles into the trash, donate, and sell categories. Every day I toss broken toys, dried-out markers, worn-out shoes – you name it. As your kids outgrow items, you’d be surprised what you can also sell. Put it in a designated pile as you notice that it

no longer fits, etc. A few avenues for selling:

Where to Sell

Facebook Marketplace: Big-ticket items like strollers, car seats, furniture, and so on are coveted. Price items to sell by searching what other people in your area are charging for the same product and slightly undercut the lowest price. Join Facebook groups in your area for increased exposure. The best part is that people can pick it up from your front porch and pay with cash or Venmo.

Note: To keep transactions safe find designated locations at law enforcement offices where buyers and sellers can meet in public under surveillance to complete in-person transactions. There’s no charge for the service. safetradespots.com

Consignment: Plato’s Closet or Once

Upon a Child are local consignment options and great for reselling clothes. Do an internet search for places in

your area. Many accept furniture, artwork, toys, strollers and more.

Yard Sales:

Organize an annual yard sale with your neighbors. Springtime is great as people are outside more and can walk from one sale to the next.

For anything that I can’t sell, I typically donate to Goodwill or other families in need. I’ve passed along maternity clothes or baby items to friends too.

Cleaning Sprints

When I get home from school pickup, all three kids need something at once. It resembles a tornado of coats, shoes, bags, arts and crafts, and water bottles. After I get my two youngest down for naps and my oldest occupied with an independent activity, I go on a cleaning sprint. Post-meals are another great time for a short cleaning sprint because you’re already cleaning dishes or putting items away. Lastly, before putting the kids to bed is another time when everyone pitches in to leave the house in the best possible state for the next day.

Do One Small Task

When you have the chance to give yourself some self-care, like a manicure or pedicure, take a minute to toss old nail polish. The same goes if it’s a date night and the babysitter has arrived while you’re finishing your

makeup. Toss old makeup brushes, mascaras, or other old items. You can also do one small task like this before bed each night. It will add up quickly!

Ask for Help

If you unexpectedly make some extra cash from selling items on Facebook Marketplace, consignment, or yard sales, you may want to consider treating yourself to a cleaning service. A few times a year, I take my kids to my parents’ house so a cleaning company can give our home a deep cleaning that I can’t always get to. If you don’t have the budget for a cleaning service, you can ask a neighbor to swap childcare so you can both have productive cleaning time. You can also ask a relative to babysit while you go through old toys so your kids don’t resist giving away ones they never play with.

In closing, my biggest piece of advice is to give yourself some grace. If you’ve just had a baby, started a new job, or had another big life change, cleaning might need to take a back seat. For me, spring cleaning is no longer a once-a-year activity. It’s a yearround habit that I chip away at. It’s far less overwhelming now. Thank goodness for that.

Murray Hill Renovation

Missing foundation leads to 3-story addition and major renovation in this Murray Hill home.

By Donna Jefferson

The Backstory

This 1935 Dutch Colonial is in a great location close to downtown Annapolis and Spa Creek, but was not quite ready for a family who liked to entertain and enjoy the outdoors. The kitchen was cramped, bathrooms outdated and not enough bedrooms for four kids. COVID stalled all renovation progress. Once construction could begin again the project took two years to complete.

The Plan

Originally the plan was to convert the back porch into the master bedroom, but closer inspection revealed that there was no foundation under the porch. Since a foundation was required for the much needed master bedroom addition, plans changed to significantly expand the kitchen, add a first floor bath and laundry, second floor master suite and third floor work space.

The Project

The expansive three-story addition includes a gourmet kitchen, second story primary suite and third floor office. Access to outdoor space was optimized.

Indoor & Outdoor Living Spaces

Gardening and outdoor time are important aspects in every day living for this family. The backdoor leads directly into the yard. A dutch door between the kitchen and dining room provide access to a large comfortable deck overlooking Spa Creek. The master bedroom boosts an additional private deck.

Wishlist

• Master suite

• Outdoor living space

• Large kitchen

• Renovate bathrooms

• Bedrooms for each child

• First floor bathroom with shower directly off of the back door

• First floor laundry

• Gourmet Kitchen & Pantry

• This is a family who loves to entertain and their guests always seem to be in the kitchen. The new light-filled space is equipped with plenty of space for cooking, storage and guests. Drawers hold neatly organized spices, and pots and pans. A cozy breakfast nook is great for quick meals and the dining room is just steps away. The walkin pantry that was part of the original kitchen has been optimized in the renovation.

First Floor Bathroom

Outdoor time and gardening can also lead to lots of dirty shoes and clothes. Not a problem with the full bathroom directly across from the back door. After a quick shower, or washing off shoes, dirty clothes can be placed in the washing machine located behind a door at the end of the bathroom.

Master Suite

The second floor Master Suite is open and light-filled with access to a private deck. The old master bathroom has been converted into a large walk-in closet. The master bathroom includes a copper tub for soaking.

3rd Floor Loft

Easily accessible from the Master Suite or hallway stairs, the 3rd floor loft is roomy and bright with windows on three sides of the room. It is the perfect place for a getaway, or office.

Project Details

SPIRE was the architectural firm for this project.

Kitchen appliances are from the GE Cafe series.

Custom Rustica doors

Anderson Low-E Glass windows

This house is currently for sale through the Tower Team at Sotheby's, click here to check it out.