🍦AACPS Teacher of the Year is. . .

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Chattanooga, TN was just named America’s first National Park City. Here’s our application to make Annapolis America’s first Crabcake City.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Navy's football captains

• Steuart Pittman’s budget address

• How federal budget cuts are affecting Anne Arundel County nonprofits

Let’s get to it.

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

A MESSAGE FROM 84 LUMBER

As a leader in the construction industry, 84 Lumber is renowned for providing top-notch building materials that elevate the art of home construction. With a commitment to superior craftsmanship, 84 Lumber has become a go-to destination for builders and homeowners alike.

The extensive selection of high-quality lumber and building materials ensures precision and durability, from the foundation to the finishing touches. 

In an industry where attention to detail is paramount, 84 Lumber’s associates stand out for their dedication to excellence. From framing to roofing, 84’s materials form the backbone of the home. 

Visit 84 Lumber at 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard or contact Store Manager, Bill McDonald, at 410-757-4684 or [email protected] for more information.

THE DIGEST

Chesapeake Chapters: Pieces of Gold 📖

We’re back with another edition of Chesapeake Chapters. Our latest book review is for Annapolitan Leah Kelly, if that’s her real name (confession, it’s not). Already known for children’s books, Pieces of Gold is her first novel. Part romance, part contemporary women’s fiction, Leah’s must-read novel debut is a love letter to Annapolis. Set in our beloved city, the story follows friendships among four very different women. Here’s why Pieces of Gold belongs on your TBR (to be read) list. And, we promise — no spoilers except which local spots make cameos.

25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge 🏕️

Pop quiz: How many state parks do we have in Anne Arundel County? Most of you know Sandy Point, but don’t forget Franklin Point in Shady Side and technically, part of Patapsco Valley touches Anne Arundel. Maryland has 53 state parks. And if you haven’t visited many, that’s okay — that’s where the 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge comes in.

It’s simple. You have until Nov. 15 to take 25 state park adventures, documenting with photos along the way. The best part is that a few of these adventures can be done right here in Anne Arundel County.

📷 Sandy Point fulfills “Light the Way” (see a lighthouse).
📷 Sandy Point or Franklin Point fulfill “Get to the Point!” (visit a park on a peninsula).
📷 Patapsco Valley fulfills “Home Sweet Home: Historic Homes”, “Bridges of MD State Parks”, and “FORE! Disc Golf.”

Before you start, read up on the adventures and print your checklist. Oh, and you’ll need to register. Now it’s just a matter of strapping on your adventure shoes, lathering on sunblock, and seeking adventure!

Announcing AACPS’ 2025 Teacher of the Year 🍎

A record crowd of 700+ joined last week’s 39th annual Excellence in Education Awards to celebrate 80 stellar educators. Competition for the 2025 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year was fierce, but in the end. . .

Jacqueline Sanderson, English Language Development teacher at Belle Grove Elementary School, came out on top!

She’s the first Belle Grove teacher to win. And she’s a passionate advocate for multilingual learners. “Our multilingual students are not challenges to overcome. They are the assets to our classrooms, our schools, and our communities,” she said to raucous applause moments after winning the award. Best of luck as she represents AACPS in the Maryland Teacher of the Year competition!

Federal budget cuts are hitting Anne Arundel County

The Anne Arundel County Food Bank is bracing for the loss of about $250,000 worth of food in 2025 and up to $240,000 in 2026 due to federal funding cuts. To adapt, the nonprofit is trimming expenses while maintaining food quality, shifting from ground beef to less costly proteins. Serving about 48,000 people each month, the food bank is also preparing for potential county funding changes and working to diversify its revenue sources. Its annual Feeding Hope fundraiser is set for June 12 at the Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Fluegel Alumni Center. Grab a ticket to help out — because no one should go hungry. ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Free Comic Book Day 🦸‍♂️

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s . . . free comics! Sometimes the only thing that can save your day faster than a superhero is a comic book, and in that case, Third Eye is here to save you. All three Annapolis shops (Third Eye Comics, Games, and Music & Video) will celebrate Free Comic Book Day this Saturday from 9 AM–9 PM with special sales, door prizes, giveaways, and signings by visiting creators. Don your costume and camp out so you can be among the first to get in on the fun — you might even consider checking out the free titles ahead of time. This is the kind of shopping spree that won’t actually be kryptonite on your wallet.

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 BLUE HERON PROPERTY SERVICES

Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! Your House Needs a Pollen Wash, too

I literally have not stopped sneezing in two weeks. And it’s not just me. Pollen levels are the worst on record. It’s everywhere. If you’re like me, you’re at the car wash every other day. But your house needs a wash, too.

So call Blue Heron Property Services. Their gentle soft wash clears away pollen, dirt, and grime fast – no ladders, no mess, and no more sneezing – thank goodness. . . 

Get a free estimate today from the House Wash Pros at Blue Heron Property Services!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Today’s featured event. . .

Good food, live music, yoga, healing horses — and a whole lot of heart. 🌻 Festival at the Farm isn’t just a fundraiser for Wellness House of Annapolis. It’s a day to nourish your soul, help cancer patients heal, and maybe even hug a horse named Whiskey. May 3, 1–5 PM at Mas Que Farm Road.

Theater Talk Tuesday 🎭

Music and (playful) mischief seem to be the theme this week. Here’s what’s on the theater calendar:

🎶 Modern Masterworks, Annapolis. Live Arts Maryland promises music that’s unabashedly beautiful and touches performers and audiences in this concert on Saturday.

🤰Colonial Players presents Bump, Annapolis. The final show of the Colonial Players season takes a lighthearted look at motherhood and runs through May 17.

🛥️ Classic Theater of Maryland presents Anything Goes, Annapolis. This madcap musical comedy aboard the S.S. American with songs by Cole Porter runs May 1–18.

🌤️ Compass Rose Theater holds auditions for Annie, Annapolis. Submit your video auditions to be part of this classic musical taking the Compass Rose stage in September.

2025 MIAA Lacrosse Championships 🥍

This time of year is lacrosse crunch time. Stick with us for the 2025 MIAA Lacrosse Semifinal and Championship schedules. The A Conference Semifinal Double-Header is May 13 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Catch the A&B Conference Championships on May 16 at the Johnny Unitas Stadium in Towson. Both days feature 5 PM and 7:30 PM games. Pre-sale tickets go live May 1. Venues will also sell walk-up tickets.

📺 Championship games will livestream on Legendary Sports Group and LaxAllStars YouTube channels, MIAAChampionships.com, WBAL Very Local, and ForTheFan Network via LacrosseTV.

🤩 FYI: The MIAA includes 30 private high schools located in and around the Baltimore Metro area. Some of the best lax to watch, if you ask us.

Get crackin’! Rotary Club of Annapolis Sets Date for 80th Annual Crab Feast 🦀

Get ready to shell-ebrate at the world’s largest crab feast! The Rotary Club of Annapolis is bringing back its claw-some tradition: the 80th Annual Crab Feast on August 1, 2025! It’s all claws on deck for an evening of all-you-can-eat crabs, corn, BBQ, and family fun. Over 1,000 guests from near and far will crack claws for a good cause at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with all proceeds shelling out support to local charities and nonprofits. Last year’s feast raised $30,000! Tickets and 50/50 raffle info will be available soon. Don't end up crabby, mark your calendar and join the crab-tastic fun — rain or shine!

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 Executive Pittman To Deliver Budget Address 💰

On May 1, money will literally talk. Ok, not exactly. County Executive Steuart Pittman will deliver his Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Address to the County Council from 11 AM to noon. Centered around the theme “Protecting Our People,” the budget highlights key investments that safeguard essential services and infrastructure while addressing ongoing economic uncertainty and shifts in state and federal funding. The meeting is open to the public at 44 Calvert St in Annapolis.

Can’t make it? Watch it on Arundel TV Live, Channel 38 (Verizon), or Channel 98 (Comcast/Broadstripe).

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WEATHER

Tuesday

78 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 S 16 mph (13 knots)

Wednesday

79 🌡️ 60 | ⛅ | 9% | NNW 9 mph (8 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 61ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | L.A. Guns w/ Red Reign | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Suzy Lenox | 7 PM

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friend | 5–7 PM
49 West | MR VCR & Friends | 7:30–10 PM
Brian Boru | Mallow Hill | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Kevin Lee | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Casey | 6–9 PM
Pirate Cove | Vicki Roberts Band | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Jefferson Starship | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Ryan Moran | 4:30 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Blake Horvath and Landon Robinson Named 2025 Navy Football Team Captains ⚓️ 🏈

In a unanimous vote by teammates, quarterback Blake Horvath and nose guard Landon Robinson are the 2025 Navy football team captains! Horvath set multiple school records last year, led Navy to a huge win over Army, and became the first QB to rush for 1,000 yards since 2019. Robinson, a defensive powerhouse, racked up 89 tackles, earned All-American honors, and is the team’s strongest player. NBD: he squats 650 lbs and benches 435 lbs. 💪

The Ohio natives were named Co-MVPs of the Army-Navy game and are ready to lead Navy into the 2025 season! See them in action when the season kicks off August 30 against VMI at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Upcoming games

Baseball (23-22)
4/30 @ Virginia | 4 PM

Men's Lacrosse (8-6)
4/29 vs Lafayette | 7:30 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with Blake Horvath.