LIVING
35 YEARS OF NEIGHBORS
• AI and Homework: Helping Kids Learn, Not Just Copy • Keeping Up With Faith . . . and More!
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We are thankfu l for our Expert Contributors who provide us with information and tips throughout the year.
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PRIMARY YEARS EDUCATION
Mary Ostrowski, M.A.
WEEMS CREEK NURSERY SCHOOL
410-266-5522
Mary@WeemsCreekNurserySchool.com WeemsCreekNurserySchool.com
ECO-FRIENDLY BULK FOODS & ON-SITE COFFEE ROASTER
Debra A. Saltz, Owner
BD PROVISIONS, SUSTAINABLE BULK FOODS & LOCAL ARTISAN GIFTS
443-625-2323
Manager_SevernaPark@BDProvisions.com BDProvisions.com
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Melanie Wood, Team Leader CHESAPEAKE HOME TEAM OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES PENFED REALTY
Melanie@ChesapeakeHomeTeam.Pro Cell 410-980-5732
Office 410-266-0600
RESIDENTIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Steve and Cam Kelley CLOVER CONSTRUCTION LLC 410- 458-3141
Cam@CloverConstructionLLC.com
CloverConstructionLLC.com
SENIOR HOME CARE
Winsome Brown LEAN ON DEE 410-449-4538
WBrown@LeanOnDee.com LeanOnDee.com
SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES
Courtney Capece BE CONSISTENTLY SOCIAL 301-646-0927
CMCapece@gmail.com
CommittedChangeHealth.com/BeSocial
INCREDIBLE SELECTION OF LOCALLY GROWN
plants, produce, honey, and more. We love to share our tips to help you to be a successful gardener and beekeeper. 1241 Generals Hwy, Crownsville, MD 21032 410-923-9800 @honeysmithbees www.honeysmithbees.com
TAX SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
Edward F. Herold, Jr., CPA, MST 410-956-6423
EdHerold24@gmail.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Faith Burns at FBurns@BestVersionMedia.com or 240-305-9878.
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Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Can you picture your family as our next feature family? Do you know a neighbor who might be interested? Reach out and let us know. You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: FBurns@BestVersionMedia.com Deadlines for submissions are the 5th of each month.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
Dear Residents,
As we settle into this fall season in Annapolis, I’m reminded once again of the charm and spirit that make our community so special. From the waterfront views that never fail to inspire, to the neighborhood events that bring us together, Annapolis continues to shine as both a historic town and a vibrant place to call home.
In this issue, we highlight the people, organizations, and businesses that give our community its heartbeat. You’ll meet inspiring neighbors, discover local initiatives making a difference, and find ideas for enjoying the best of our town this season. Whether it’s a family-owned shop, a nonprofit shaping brighter futures, or a neighbor pursuing a passion that uplifts others, their stories remind us of the connections that truly matter.
Annapolis Police Department (Non-Emergency) 410-268-9000
Anne Arundel County:
• Public Schools 443-222-5000
• Recreation and Parks 410-222-7300
• SPCA 410-268-4388
BGE 410-685-0123
Busch Annapolis Library 410-222-1750
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall 410-222-0133
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988 Poison Control (Maryland Poison Center) 800-222-1222 West Annapolis Volunteer Fire Department, Company 40 (Non-Emergency) 410-266-8066
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
Content Due: ........................................................... Edition Date: October 5 November November 5 December December 5 January
If the content submission falls on the weekend, please submit by the Friday before, no later than 5 pm.
Thank you for being part of the Annapolis Living family. This magazine is more than just pages—it’s a reflection of who we are as neighbors, friends, community members and business owners.
Here’s to another season of living fully, giving generously, and celebrating all that makes Annapolis home.
Warmly,
Faith
Faith Burns
PUBLISHER, CONTENT COORDINATOR AND WRITER 240-305-9878
FBurns@BestVersionMedia.com #GottaHaveFaith
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
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BAI AND HOMEWORK: HELPING KIDS LEARN, NOT JUST COPY
Submitted
© Best Version Media
by
Mary Ostrowski, M.A., Owner, Weems Creek Nursery School, Annapolis Resident
y October, the school year is in full swing – and so are the homework battles. There’s a new twist to the struggle though: AI. Increasingly, parents are seeing their kids use ChatGPT and are wondering, “Are they learning, or just copying answers?”
It’s a valid concern. After all, homework isn’t just about getting the right answer. The actual learning comes from puzzling through problems, making mistakes, and determining how to start over again.
Mastering the process of trial and error is what builds kids’ confidence in their ability to problem solve. If AI becomes a shortcut, that learning gets lost.
And yet AI is here to stay. So how do we bridge the gap between banning the use of AI and teaching children how to use it constructively and responsibly?
AI doesn’t have to be a shortcut. In fact, there’s a new tool inside ChatGPT designed specifically to coach kids rather than just give them answers. The Study and Learn feature acts like a tutor: it guides students step by step, asks questions, and encourages them to explain their reasoning.
A TUTOR, NOT A CHEAT SHEET
The Study and Learn tool works differently than the typical ChatGPT chat feature. ChatGPT is (in a simplistic manner of speaking) a knowledge and reasoning tool designed to provide information. So if you input a problem, while it may walk you through how to solve the problem, it will also provide a finished solution. Not so great for learning.
On the other hand, the Study and Learn tool prompts your child to think out loud, compare approaches, and actually practice skills. For example, if your child is stuck on fractions, you might see it ask:
• “Can you show me what you tried first?”
• “Let’s break this into smaller steps. What comes next?”
• “Here are three ways to think about this - which one makes sense to you?”
This nudges kids to engage in the conversation. They must reflect on what it is they don’t understand and formulate a question to get help. Further, parents can use it as a springboard for conversation (or even get a quick lesson themselves to better support their child with the upper-level math we all dread!).
HOW PARENTS CAN GUIDE
You don’t have to be a tech expert to make this work at home. Try these three approaches:
1. EXPLORE TOGETHER.
Sit with your child to learn how the tool works. Watch how the Study and Learn AI asks questions, then model your own curiosity for your child: “That’s interesting –can you explain it back to me in your own words?”
2. KEEP THE KITCHEN TABLE TEST.
After a session, close the app and ask, “Can you still explain the problem to me?” If the answer is yes, AI has done its job. If the answer is no, it may have slipped into shortcut territory. Either way, you know where your child may need more support.
3. SET FAMILY NORMS EARLY.
A simple rule might be: “You can use AI to practice and get explanations, but not to hand in finished work.” Discuss where and when it’s okay to use the tool. Is homework done behind closed doors in kids’ rooms? Or is it done at the kitchen table? Clear expectations keep trust at the center.
PROBLEM SOLVING IN A WORLD OF AI AI is not going anywhere. In fact, it’s already proving to be an integral part of our children’s futures.
Therefore, open and ongoing communication is crucial for everyone in the family to find their way with this new tool. The best part about using the tutor-style tool is that it empowers children to begin learning the technology while still building a habit of problem solving. Kids learn to check their own work, try different strategies, and notice when something doesn’t add up. Those are the very skills teachers want – and the ones that will carry kids far beyond homework.
AI may feel scary, but this is as good a time as any to begin the conversation and create a structure for using it. Guiding children early doesn’t just ease homework stress, it prepares them to use AI wisely in their classrooms and careers ahead. www.thedrizzleeffect.com
By Jon Gasior
© Best Version Media
hen I started doing estate planning I quickly realized the devastating impact Alzheimer’s and other dementias can have on families. I often talk to families about their planning in the event they become incapacitated as well as talk to the family members of those clients that do become incapacitated. In these discussions we are discussing the legal framework around decision making for both financial and health care. It is imperative that every single one of my clients has a financial POA as well as a healthcare POA to name someone to make financial decisions as well as health care decisions during their lifetime in the event they become incapacitated.
As an estate planner I have always been able to have these discussions about the legal paperwork needed, but it is not until my recent partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association that I can now provide a wealth of resources to families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. For example the association has a 24 hour helpline where calls are answered by medical professionals to support caregivers, particularly in times where no other resources are available.
I have had the association present webinars to my clients on topics such as early warning signs, how to keep our bodies and brains healthy and how to have conversations with your loved ones around these issues.
So often there is not the proper coordination between legal service providers, medical providers, and support systems, and it’s my goal to bridge that gap.
Our firm will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 19th at Sandy Point State Park. We would love to have you join us. Registration at 11:00 am. Walk and Ceremony at 12:00 pm. We would love to have you join us!
You can head to spgasior.com to learn more about the walk and our work with the Alzheimer’s Association as well alz.org to get access to the many free resources provided by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Prosser
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THE LIGHT HOUSE HOMELESS PREVENTION SUPPORT CENTER
35 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors
For more than three decades, The Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center has been a beacon of hope in Anne Arundel County. Located at 10 Hudson Street in Annapolis, this 501(c) (3) nonprofit is dedicated to preventing homelessness, providing shelter, and empowering individuals and families on their journey toward housing, employment, and self-sufficiency.
A HISTORY ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Founded in 1989 by local congregations, The Light House began with just 15 cots and a hot meal for anyone in need. Over the years, thanks to unwavering community support, it has grown into a comprehensive support center that now touches the lives of thousands of individuals and families each year.
In 2010, The Light House moved into its current 24,000-square-foot facility, quadrupling its residential capacity and expanding its outreach services. In 2017, the former shelter on West Street was reborn as Light House Bistro—a social enterprise restaurant offering job training and employment opportunities for program participants, while serving delicious food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
35 YEARS OF NEIGHBORS Helping Neighbors
By Faith Burns and Lara Ippolito
Photos by Debbie Wolf
© Best Version Media
PROGRAMS THAT CHANGE LIVES
Every day, The Light House provides services to over 100 neighbors in need.
• Residential Shelter: Housing for 45 individuals and up to 4 families, with wraparound support including meals, clothing, and case management.
• Safe Harbour Resource Center: Showers, laundry, clothing, food, case management, and other vital resources, serving nearly 1,000 households last year.
• Food & Nutrition: Over 86,000 fresh meals served and more than 2,000 pantry visits in 2024 alone.
• Employment & Training: Workforce development programs, including opportunities at Light House Bistro.
COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Light House’s mission is amplified by Friends of The Light House, a volunteer-led group that organizes beloved annual events including:
• Friends for Friends (May)
• Golf Tournament (June)
• Annapolis Run for The Light House (September)
• Pumpkin Patch (October)
• Bountiful Harvest Gala (October)
These gatherings raise critical funds, spread awareness, and strengthen community connections.
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We provide general contracting services by working in a concierge style relationship with white-glove attention on our projects.
LEADING WITH COMPASSION
David Alt, Executive Director, joined The Light House in 2025 after two decades in international development. For him, this role is a deeply personal calling:
“The Light House does more than provide emergency shelter; it delivers holistic services that empower clients to regain independence. My goal is to refine and expand that model so it can be replicated across Anne Arundel County and beyond.”
David recalls his first interview at The Light House vividly. As he entered the lobby, a family living in one of the residential apartments walked in—three children running ahead, their mother smiling with relief. That moment, he says, captured the true spirit of The Light House: safety, belonging, and hope.
As an accomplished leader driving impactful programs focused on the world’s most vulnerable, David brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in providing vital services to individuals and families in crisis.
With over two decades of nonprofit experience, David has effectively guided large teams and managed substantial organizational budgets. Known for delivering innovative, client-focused solutions, David has led multimillion-dollar programs in sectors ranging from child welfare and infectious disease prevention to refugee support and early childhood development.
David’s career began in Cameroon as a Peace Corps volunteer, where he partnered with farmers to implement sustainable agroforestry practices. That formative experience led to impactful roles at Population Services International and Catholic Relief Services. During his 15-year tenure at Catholic Relief Services, David oversaw an $86 million portfolio and led teams of over 100 staff across countries like Sierra Leone and Guinea, as well as virtually and domestically — including legal and wellness programs for Afghan refugees during Operation Allies Welcome.
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David holds a Master’s in International Policy Studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara. Now based in Maryland, David is eager to bring his global perspective to The Light House, contributing to its mission at an exciting moment for the organization. He’s passionate about addressing homelessness with empathy and strategic leadership, especially as national attention turns toward this urgent issue.
After an extensive search process led by our Light House Board of Directors and senior staff, we are excited to start this new chapter with David and look forward to welcoming him into our community. David’s vision, programmatic and fundraising experience, and his proven commitment to caring for his neighbors makes him a great fit for The Light House. We are confident that under his leadership, our small but mighty nonprofit organization will continue to flourish, adapt, and be a light for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
GET INVOLVED
Behind every shelter bed, pantry bag, and hot meal is a caring community. You can support The Light House by:
Volunteering: Serve meals, organize food drives, or help at events.
Dining: Enjoy a meal at Light House Bistro and help fund training and jobs.
Participating: Attend or sponsor one of their annual events.
Supporting: Support vital programs at www. annapolislighthouse.org.
LOOKING AHEAD
With Giving Tuesday and end-of-year campaigns approaching, The Light House is preparing to meet growing demand. Holiday Meal and Gift Drives will soon be open for community participation.
“The Light House is a place where acts of kindness and hard work meet,” says Alt. “Together, we are building stronger and brighter futures for our neighbors.”
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CONTACT:
The Light House, 10 Hudson St, Annapolis, MD 21401 410-349-5056 info@annapolislighthouse.org www.annapolislighthouse.org | Support: www.annapolislighthouse.org Facebook & Instagram: @annapolislighthouse
