🍦365 boat days in a row

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. To those doing Dry January, I salute you. I’m not one of you. But I salute you.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• New Mexican restaurant

• Board of education meeting

• MLK, Jr. Awards

Let’s get to it.

— Ryan Sneddon, Rebecca Kraybill, & Lauren Burke Meyer

This plumber-turned-photographer spent every day of 2023 on the water

Joining the SpinSheet Century Club is a goal of many Annapolis boaters. I’m personally going for it this year. But David Sites just did something that will go down in SpinSheet lore forever.

David got on the water every single day in 2023.

Whether it was his beloved Tidewater center console, kayak, or jet ski, David was on the water every day. And while his plumbing company pays the bills and occupies most of his day, his favorite part of the day is taking photos on the water.

He doesn’t do it for the likes. He doesn’t do it to show off. He just does it because he loves the Chesapeake Bay more than anyone I’ve ever met. One ride with him and that’s obvious.

The space we have to write this isn’t anywhere near enough to convey David’s generous heart, adventurous spirit, or immense love for the Bay, but if you see him on the water (probably near the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse), stop and talk to him and you’ll see what I mean. And don’t forget to DM him on Instagram. He’ll send you the pictures he’ll inevitably take of your boat.

– Ryan

SPONSORED BY BRAD KAPPEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

A new year is a time of new beginnings… 🏡

It’s exciting. What might 2024 have in store for us? Maybe for you it’s an exciting move. If you’re selling the house this year, now is the perfect time to start preparing. 

2024 will be a great time for the Annapolis real estate market and it might be the perfect time for you to sell and achieve top dollar!

Brad Kappel can connect you with the best local contractors who can help you prepare your home to make sure it’s ready to hit the market this Spring! Make Your Move in 2024 with Annapolis’ top real estate agent.

THE DIGEST

Children’s Theatre of Annapolis turns 65

The Children's Theatre of Annapolis has been putting kids in cute costumes and teaching them lifelong skills since 1959. To celebrate its 65th anniversary, CTA is throwing special events all season long. There’s a Grand Anniversary Jewel Ball on March 2, a legacy series of favorite CTA performances, digital tributes, and more. CTA was the beneficiary of Scoop’s first anniversary party so they’ll always get our standing ovation. Learn more.

USDOT grant to make Forest Drive safer

Forest Drive is on a top 10 list – but it’s not the good kind. Of all County roads, the Forest Drive corridor has a top 10 highest crash rate. That’s why USDOT just granted Annapolis $683,200 to make it safer. In July, a study of Forest Drive found ways to improve pedestrian, vehicle, and bicycle safety. The USDOT grant, combined with matching City funds, will be used to develop a citywide Safe Streets Action Plan.

MLK Jr. Awards to Honor 12 Local Activists

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards honor those whose deeds, words, and actions have helped keep Dr. King’s legacy alive. During the 36th annual awards program next Thursday (1/11), twelve civil and human rights activists will be honored. Congressman Jonathan Jackson (godson of Dr. King) will give the keynote.

Award winners include (local residents in bold): Governor Wes Moore, Midshipman First Class Max Josef Bueno, Retired Lt. Col. Joseph Butler, Delegate Bonnie Cullison, Midshipman First Class Kaylah Gillums, Erica Griswold, the Harris Family Foundation Inc., Roslyn Johnson, Jared Littmann, Dana Schallheim, James Spearman, and Ralph Thomas.

Tickets for the 1/11 celebration are $100 each. The venue is the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover and it starts at 6 PM.

Temporary Bay Bridge closures ⚠️

If your New Year’s resolution is not to get stuck in Bay Bridge traffic, listen up. Construction will alter traffic patterns through this weekend:

• Eastbound span: CLOSED Tuesday–Thursday from 8 AM–5 PM; Friday from 9 PM 8–AM the next day; and Saturday from 8 PM–9 AM the next day.

• Westbound span: Operates with two-way traffic during the eastbound closures.

Sewage spill in southeast Annapolis

About 5,000 gallons of sewage spilled into the street near the Fairwinds condo community on New Year’s Eve. Conveniently, director of public works Burr Vogel was on a family bike ride and noticed the spill. He called the office and workers had the blockage fixed up in just a couple hours. The cause was the failure of a recently installed valve.

For some sewage scale, the massive leak into Spa Creek last August was 300,000 gallons and took a whole weekend to find and fix. ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Grand Opening Event of Pitaya Mexican Restaurant

Here’s something to taco bout 🌮 The Grand Opening of Pitaya Mexican Restaurant is this Saturday (1/6) from 4:30–5:30 PM.

Meet the owners Jorge and Sophia Landaverde – who also own the delicious La Sierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Annapolis. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 PM. A Mariachi band will play after the ribbon cutting. Check it out at 497 Ritchie Highway, Suite 2 in Severna Park and register for free here.

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.

SPONSORED BY WESTERN SHORE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

The most wonderful time of the year…

… is over. But if your family got a puppy for Christmas, the adventure is just beginning! And it starts with a great veterinarian.

Western Shore Veterinary Hospital in Annapolis is taking on new patients and dozens of Scoop readers have already made the switch. Make sure your new friend gets to live life to the fullest. Become a Western Shore Veterinary Hospital client today. Mention Scoop when you drop in and get a free ice cream play toy!

CIVIL NEWS

Board of Education meeting

County Budget Officer Chris Trumbauer will provide an update on the FY2025 revenue to the Board of Education today. The Board will use that information as it reviews Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell’s proposed FY2025 operating and capital budgets. Click here to see the full meeting agenda.

The meeting is at 6:30 PM tonight (1/3) in the Board Room at the Parham Building. The public is welcome to attend. Click here to watch online or submit testimony. 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Unlimited boating without buying a boat

Embrace the waves with the Chesapeake Boating Club's extended offer! Join now to enjoy three extra months of power and sail memberships. Have the unique opportunity to explore the beautiful Chesapeake Bay with unlimited access to diverse boats. Whether you're a novice, a seasoned sailor, or a power boater, their expert team offers guidance and support. Let the Chesapeake Boating Club be your gateway to adventure. Hurry, this offer sails away after January 15, 2024! Contact them through Chesapeake Boating Club or call 410-280-2040.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

46 🌡️ 37 | 🌥️ | 4% | 💨 W 6 mph (5 knots)

Thursday

45 🌡️ 29 | 🌥️ | 4% | 💨 NW 15 mph (13 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 45ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappell and Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Larry Lay | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | Timmie & Tambo | 8 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Mixed Business | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Dave Tieff | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan | 5–8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | Daphne Eckman | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Joel Brandon | 9 PM

Thursday

49 West | Lee/Kuhl/Ballou & Reed Jazz Quartet | 7:30–10 PM
Brian Boru | Ted Garber | 6:30–9:30 PM
Killarney House | Doug Segree | 6–9 PM
O’Loughlins | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Mike Heuer | 4:30 PM
Trophy Room | Sparks & McCoy | 7–10 PM
Vibe | Open Mic Night | 7–11 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Upcoming games & matches

Women’s Basketball (4-7)
1/3 @ Boston University | 2 PM

Men's Basketball (4-7)
1/3 vs. Boston U | 7 PM

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THANKS!

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