🍦Who's the St. Pat's Parade Grand Marshal?

AACPS launches #LiftLA, we got a new Arby's, middle school sports...

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Naptown Scoop
January 17, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no Naptown Scoop on Monday. We’ll be back bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on Tuesday.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • AACPS launches #LiftLA

  • We got a new Arby’s

  • Middle school sports

Let’s get to it.

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

A MESSAGE FROM CURRENT DERMATOLOGY

New Year, New Glow: Start Your Aesthetic Journey with a Consultation

As we begin the new year, it’s the perfect time to focus on your long-term aesthetic goals. At Current Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we specialize in personalized plans that preserve your natural beauty and address subtle changes over time.

Why Long-Term Planning Matters
Achieving a rejuvenated appearance requires consistency and a comprehensive approach. Without a clear plan, treatments may not yield the desired results. Our board-certified dermatologists use science-backed methods to maximize the benefits of advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments, ensuring each treatment complements the next.

What to Expect in a Consultation

  • Photographic Analysis: Assess your skin and facial structure.

  • Personalized Recommendations: Tailored skincare and treatments.

  • Custom Treatment Plans: Using over 13 energy-based devices, lasers, and injectables.

This year, create a plan to maintain a natural, polished look. Schedule your consultation today and start your journey to aging gracefully!

THE DIGEST

The biggest stories we published this week

🛑 An anonymous lawsuit is stalling the City Dock flood protection project. When we asked what y’all thought about it, here’s what you said:

🏫 AACPS released its 2025-2026 calendar. It includes a 3-day Thanksgiving break, six-day Easter/Spring break; closures for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Eid al-Fitr; plus three inclement weather days.

Most clicked stories of the week 🏆

Meet Michael Hughes: The 2025 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal 🇮🇪 🍀

Even if you don’t know Michael Hughes, you’ve probably heard his voice. He’s commonly found emceeing various events in Eastport like the Tug of War, Tides and Tunes, and whatever tomfoolery the Eastport Democratic Club has cooked up. By day, Michael’s the managing partner of MH Media Strategies – a full-service marketing, advertising, digital, and PR agency headquartered in his beloved Eastport.

Most other times, you can find him helping out various nonprofits, enjoying a pint at the Eastport Democratic Club, or playing drums in the band One Night Only. Here at the Scoop we’ve had the pleasure of working with Michael for years and are thrilled to see him as the Grand Marshal.

🍀 FYI: The St. Patrick’s Parade is March 9. It starts at 1 PM at Amos Garrett Blvd and runs down West Street & Main Street to City Dock. Sadly, there won’t be a Shamrock the Dock Festival this year because of the City Dock project.

AACPS launches #LiftLA campaign

It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation from the LA wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and killed more than two dozen people. AACPS wants to lend a hand with the newly launched #LiftLA campaign to support Los Angeles Unified School District families affected by the wildfires.

From January 22 to February 28, students can bring donations to schools or parents can drop them off. Make checks payable to the “Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools” with the notation #LiftLA in the memo line. Give online at www.aacps.org/liftLA.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell wrote a stirring message about #LiftLA that we highly recommend reading.

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @jarvinphotography | 📍Sandy Point State Park

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

We now have the meats

The old KFC on West Street is now an Arby’s and it is fully operational. The address is 1978 West Street (right across from ZIPs). Fun fact: I once waited in line to be one of the first 50 customers at a new Arby’s and got free meals for an entire year. I only went three times.

Foodie Friday: Italian hidden gems 🇮🇹

There’s nothing better than comfort food in the winter. So here are 3 hidden Italian gems from writer Lauren.

🍆 Giolitti Delicatessen (2068 Somerville Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401)
Giolitti is an Italian deli, market, and catering service tucked away at Annapolis Town Center. It’s easy to miss (gotta pay attention around that tricky turn) but that’d be a crying shame. The Eggplant Parm Sub is out of this world.

🍕🍷 Bella Italia (609 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401)
Specials you’ll love:

  • Mondays, 4–10 PM: Large Plain Cheese Pizza for $8.99. No coupon required.

  • Sundays: 1/2 price wine bottles all day (dine-in only).

When not eating some of Annapolis’ best cheese pizza, try the Chicken al Pesto Pizza. Loyal Bella patrons will be happy you can now order delivery! Note: they also have an Arnold location (1460 Ritchie Hwy).

🍷🥗🍝 The Italian Market (126 Defense Hwy, Annapolis, MD 21401)
At Scoop, we’re nothing if not efficient. So, combining our wine run and carryout is simply splendido 🧑‍🍳💋

Dine between 11 AM–3:30 PM and savor these meals for just $9.

  • Italian Sub with chips

  • Penne all Napoletana

  • Greek Salad

Shed your stress at Shed 🧘‍♀️

There’s a lot about life you can’t predict, like the weather or what the idiots people next to you are going to do in traffic. But one thing we can predict is you’ll find a way to relax and improve your overall wellness at Shed. This new wellness center in Annapolis offers cold plunges, saunas, a salt cave, a zen room, red light therapy, and several other ways to help you de-stress. Stop by for their grand opening tomorrow from 9 AM–5 PM at 2003 Commerce Drive, Suites E-F, Annapolis, 21401.

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.

What kinds of yoga can I do at Yoga Factory?

Yoga Factory is famous for their 26 + 2 hot yoga. But they offer so much more than that. In fact, this week, Yoga Factory is offering 103 classes across a dozen yoga disciplines at both locations, Annapolis and Crofton.

I can confirm from personal experience that everyone is incredibly welcoming to inexperienced newcomers and they offer great deals for first-time students. 10 classes in 30 days for $29 or unlimited classes in 30 days for $39.

So no matter what kind of yoga you like and no matter how experienced you are, there’s something for everyone at Yoga Factory.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

How MLK Jr. Day might affect you

In case you didn’t know, Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Some things will be closed. Some folks will be off work. But you aren’t off the hook for putting the trash on the curb. Both Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis trash service will go on as usual. Waste management facilities are closed though so no dump trips.

  • Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis offices are closed.

  • Annapolis bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule.

  • The Stanton Center will be closed but the Pip Moyer Recreation Center will be open normal hours.

  • No mail

  • Don’t go to the bank either.

  • Oh yeah, there’s also no school. Who needs school in January anyway?

  • The libraries are also closed (Sunday too) but online services are available.

We’ll close this out with one of our favorite MLK quotes.

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

😉 Looking ahead, here’s how to stay busy!

Tuesday

😻 If I Fits, I Sits: DIY Cat House: Kids ages 6 to 10 are invited to design a cat house for their furry friends from 2–3:30 PM at the Annapolis Library. You can’t bring cats, but feel free to share a kitty photo!

🥧 FASO Dine to Donate: Enjoy a delicious three-course Irish-inspired meal for $30 at the Killarney House in Davidsonville. Mention FASO and $10 will go to supporting FASO (ultimately ASO aka Annapolis Symphony Orchestra). Available all day for in-person or online ordering. RSVP by calling 410-798-8700.

🎭 Compass Rose Theater's Winter & Spring Classes: On Tuesdays until March 4, teens can better their acting, improv, or musical theater skills from 5:30–6:30 PM at Maryland Hall, room 308. Register now!

Friday

🤣 Comedy Night featuring Missy Hall: Park Books is hosting a night of laughter in their Community Space with Missy Hall from 7–10 PM. Missy’s comedy album “Miss Representation” made the Grammy entry list for funniest comedy album, so you know she’s legit. Grab tickets.

Middle School Athletics information nights ⚽️

This news should put a spring in your sporty kid’s step! Starting this spring, AACPS will offer boys and girls soccer to middle schoolers, with plans to expand offerings next fall. Student-athletes must meet academic eligibility requirements, such as maintaining a “C” average for the marking period before the season. For spring athletes, that’s the second marking period’s report card.

Families can learn about registration, schedules, equipment, and transportation from 6–7 PM on:

  • January 23 @ Arundel Middle School

  • January 28 @ Lindale Middle School

  • January 30 @ Wiley H. Bates Middle School

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

⚖️ County Council meeting

On the agenda for Tuesday’s County Council meeting:

  • Pre-built short-term buildings

  • School bus facilities

  • Severn Grove Special Community Benefit District

  • See full agenda

The meeting is at 7 PM in the Arundel Center. The public is welcome to attend. Click here to submit testimony or watch online. 44 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

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WEATHER

Friday

41 🌡️ 33 | ☀️ | 5% | 💨 WSW 7 mph (6 knots)

Saturday

43 🌡️ 31 | 🌦️ | 49% | 💨 S 8 mph (7 knots)

Sunday

34🌡️ 20 | ☃️ | 77% | 💨 N 10 mph (9 knots)

Monday

26 🌡️ 10 | 🌤️ | 2% | 💨 WNW 14 mph (12 knots)

Tuesday

22 🌡️ 9 | ⛅ | 2% | 💨 WNW 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 35ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

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
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

Saturday

49 West | Fess & His Sons | 7:30–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | The Betas | 9 PM
Brian Boru | The Loose Cannons | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Skribe | 12:30–3:30 PM
Killarney House | Blakbyrds | 7:30–10:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Michael McHenry Tribe | 10 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Neil Forever | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Severn River Band | 9 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

Sunday

49 West | The Befuddlers | 4–7 PM
49 West | Dream Punch | 8–10 PM
Galway Bay | Chris Baldwin | 4–8 PM
Great Frogs | Jacob Panic | 12:30–3:30 PM
Market House | Casey McConville | 5–7 PM
Pirates Cove | Peter James | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Show | 7:30 PM | Tickets

Monday

49 West | The Eric Scott Trio | 7:30–10 PM | Tickets

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Aaron Hawkins | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM

Upcoming Navy games & matches

Women's Basketball (12-4)
1/18 vs. Bucknell | 1 PM

Women's Basketball (5-13)
1/18 @ Bucknell | 4 PM

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THANKS!

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