🍦Anonymous lawsuit stalls City Dock project

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. I could do without all this cold weather nonsense but these winter moons have been spectacular.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• David Sites’ amazing boat day streak

• New county exec candidate

• Sarah Elfreth’s ripple effect

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins, & Ryan Sneddon

SPONSORED BY SCARBOROUGH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Scarborough Capital Management Celebrates 35 Years

Scarborough Capital Management proudly marks its 35th anniversary, celebrating three and a half decades of providing accessible and professional financial guidance to individuals and families nationwide.

Founded on the principle that everyone deserves access to top-tier financial advice, Scarborough set out to make financial planning accessible to everyday Americans in an era where firms cater primarily on the affluent.

"We believe that financial empowerment should be within reach of all," said Managing Partner Ian Arrowsmith. "Our journey began with the conviction that sound financial advice should not be a luxury but a necessity for every individual striving for financial security and prosperity."

THE DIGEST

To snow day, or not to snow day, that is the question. . . 🗳️

Snow days are on everyone’s mind right now for two reasons:

1. One storm just ate up all of AACPS’ built-in snow days

2. AACPS just released next year’s calendar

So we ran a poll last week and to be honest, the result surprised me. As a kid, I’d have been team snow day all day long.

We love hearing what y’all think. Thanks to everyone who left a comment. Here’s one of the more colorful ones for your reading pleasure.

“Are you kidding?? Stay inside on a snow day?!! Sure, I like a long summer break, but a few days shaved off what is already a pretty long summer break is neither here nor there. Being trapped inside on a glorious ‘free gift’ of a snow day, however, is nothing short of catastrophic! There are precious few unexpected free days in life already, let’s not rob our kids of that joy…”

David Sites breaks his own boating record

11 years ago, our Eastport neighbors over at SpinSheet came up with a crazy idea – a club for people who logged at least 100 days on the water in a single year. They called it the Century Club. And until David Sites did it last year, nobody had ever logged 365 days in a single year. But at the awards party, David (who’s a little bit competitive and a lotta bit adventurous) made the mistake of saying, “At least nobody can beat me.”

Someone quickly pointed out that 2024 was a leap year so it was possible. David hadn’t missed a day yet so he decided right then and there to go for 366. And do it he did. He says he’s not going for another year in a row. But then again, he said the same thing when we went for a ride with him in 2023. And if you check the 2025 Century Club leaderboard, he hasn’t missed a day yet. . .

An anonymous lawsuit is stalling the City Dock flood protection project

Circuit Court Judge Richard Trunnell is allowing a lawsuit to stop action on Annapolis’ planned reimagining of City Dock. The suit claims the Historic Preservation Commission violated city law and alleges procedural violations during public hearings. It also says the City of Annapolis agreed to keep the filer’s identity secret, something city officials have denied. They say not knowing the identity prevents an effective defense. ($)

And now we’re curious, what do you think about Annapolis’ plans for City Dock?

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SPONSORED BY STRETCHMED

You don’t need medicine, you need to stretch.

The New Year is a great time to prioritize your well-being and set health goals that help you feel your best. Whether you’re looking to reduce pain, improve flexibility, or enhance mobility, taking small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Let’s reset your body for optimal performance and make 2025 your healthiest year yet. Start with effective stretches to get your body moving and feeling great. One Scoop reader said StretchMed Annapolis literally changed her life. So what are you waiting for? Book your no-cost free intro stretch and assessment today! 

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

For some, it’s a 3-day weekend. For others, you might need to pull a Stanley from The Office and just take the day off anyway.

Friday

🎨🍕🧃Not Slumber Art Party! The brainchild of 10-year-old Evan, kids ages 6–10 wear PJs and enjoy pizza, snacks, games, art activities, and a movie from 6–9 PM. Bonus: parents can have a night out! Register now — 111 Chinquapin Round Rd, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401.

🎪 🤡 Do Portugal Circus: Come one, come all to the Annapolis Mall starting Friday at 7:30 PM. Marvel at death-defying acts and laugh at their clown. Shows are less than 2 hours and run until January 26. Grab tickets.

Saturday

🎻 🎹 English Country Dance: Bust out those dancing shoes! Annapolis Trad Dance and Music is hosting a lesson at 6:30 PM, with dancing from 7–9:30 PM at Annapolis Friends Meeting Hall. No experience or partner required!

Monday

✊🏾 MLK JR. Day at the Museum of HA: Celebrate MLK JR.’s legacy at the Museum of Historic Annapolis as they share our community’s diverse history and the continuing quest for equity. 11 AM to 3 PM with museum tours at 11:30 AM and 2 PM. Register.

Save the date: Maryland Day 🦀🐢🌻

We’re (Old) Bay-ond excited about the 18th annual Maryland Day! This weekend celebration of our state’s culture is just a couple of months away, but organizers have already gotten cracking on a big shell-ebration. So, be sure to mark your calendar for March 21–23, and keep your eyes on the Maryland Day site for a map, schedule, and other details as they’re announced — you’ll already see an extensive list of community partners and an event guide!

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

CIVIL NEWS

Schandelmeier and Behler vying for open District 30A delegate seat 🗳️

Sarah Elfreth’s election to Congress caused a ripple effect that may reach the Annapolis City Council. Annapolis Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier and Eastport resident Dylan Behler are vying for the District 30A delegate seat left vacant after Shaneka Henson was appointed to Elfreth’s prior position.

Schandelmeier, representing Ward 5, focuses on housing and childcare reform, while Behler, a legislative director at the Department of Natural Resources and Elfreth’s former chief of staff, emphasizes Chesapeake Bay restoration and lowering living costs. Both candidates have deep Anne Arundel County and Democratic ties. Candidates must submit applications for the seat by January 22. If not selected, Schandelmeier will seek re-election as alderman for Ward 5. ($)

James Kitchin enters county executive race

Gunning for your boss’ job is normally a one-way ticket to doomscrolling Indeed listings for your next gig. Unless your boss is term-limited. That’s why things won’t be awkward at the office today when James Kitchin sees Steuart Pittman at the water cooler. Kitchin, a special assistant to the county executive, announced his bid for the county’s top job on Tuesday. The primary isn’t for a year and a half, but he’s not the only one in. County Councilwoman Allison Pickard also wants the job. Interestingly, Kitchin will be the first county exec candidate to pay his campaign bills with public matching dollars, a brand new system passed by the County Council in 2023. That means he can’t accept donations over $250 or money from special interest groups. ($)

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WEATHER

Thursday

35 🌡️ 28 | ☁️ | 6% | SSW 9 mph (8 knots)

Friday

41 🌡️ 33 | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 W 9 mph (8 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 36ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

49 West | Jazz Wire Jam Session | 7:30–10:30 PM
Brian Boru | Ryan Keith | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | Loose Change | 6–9 PM
Market House | Sydney Smith | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Open Mic | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | Coyote Trail | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Starbelly | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | The LoveCats | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Doug Segree | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Kieran Lally | 8 PM
Killarney House | Levi Stephens | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Andy B | 8–11 PM
Market House | Alex and Faith | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Deni Starr | 10 PM
Old Stein | Skribe | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Mike Scoglio | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Nao Yoshioka | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Scott Voorhees | 8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | b.en | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Madisun Bailey | 8 PM

NAVY SPORTS

🎙 LISTEN: The Graduate Annapolis comes aboard as presenting sponsor of the Anchors Aweigh podcast

In the latest episode of the Anchors Aweigh podcast, hosts Bill Wagner and Pete Medhurst announce The Graduate Hotel has stepped up as their presenting sponsor. They talk to Jeff Clark, director of sales for The Graduate, about the sponsorship and later discuss Navy women's basketball with radio play-by-play announcer Joe Miller. Listen.

Past results

Women's Basketball (12-4)
1/15 @ Colgate | L 62-54

Men's Basketball (5-13)
1/15 vs. Colgate | L 73-66

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THANKS!

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