🍦Sushi for Mother's Day

AACC's business pitch competition, reservations for Sandy Point, electric ferry grant in limbo...

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Naptown Scoop
May 09, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Trump’s tarriffs are infiltrating everything. Semiconductors, steel and aluminum, heck even the pope is made in America now.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • AACC's business pitch competition

  • Reservations for Sandy Point

  • Electric ferry grant in limbo

Let’s get to it.

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

Gifts for Mom + a Giveaway She’ll Love! 💐

Mother’s Day is almost here — and Annapolis Mall has the perfect stores for last-minute gifts and a can’t-miss giveaway to celebrate the MVM in your life (most valuable Mom).

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Prize Pack features goodies from Hallmark, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Starbucks, Bath & Body Works, and a 6-month membership to Retro Fitness!

And while you’re entering (just in case Mom doesn’t win), pick up last-minute gifts she’ll love from lululemon, Pandora, Yankee Candle, and more.

🛍️ Gifts, giveaways, and all the ways to make Mom’s day extra special — only at Annapolis Mall.

📱 Follow @shopatannapolismall on Instagram to enter!

THE DIGEST

The biggest stories we covered this week

📚 📺 Local author Kate Myers’ bestselling novel Excavations is getting turned into a TV show starring Amy Poehler.

🏛️ Former Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (KREE-shyah-niss KAH-rinsh) will speak at St. John’s College’s graduation this weekend. Vice President JD Vance (JAY-dee VANTS) will speak at the Naval Academy’s graduation on May 23.

🎒 Glen Burnie High School’s Brayden Morgan was elected as Anne Arundel’s Student Member of the Board of Education. After Governor Wes Moore confirms him, Brayden will be the only student board member in the country with full voting rights.

Most clicked stories of the week 🏆

Annapolis’ new electric ferry held up in grant limbo ⚡️

Getting around downtown Annapolis via public transit is easy. Just hop on Annapolis Transit or grab an electric scooter. There are even water taxis. But there could be another option – an electric ferry system from City Dock to Eastport’s 5th Street. The reason that’s a could be instead of a will be is because it all depends on a grant review. The US DOT awarded Annapolis $2.9 million for the project in 2023 but that grant is now under review. As we’ve all heard, federal grants are under a pretty large microscope right now. Only time will tell if this ferry tale has a happy ending. ($)

Some Maryland State Parks to Require Reservations 🗓️

Listen up, spontaneous friends. Starting May 24, you’ll need a reservation at Sandy Point State Park. Other parks will follow this summer. On weekends and holidays, there will be no same-day drive-up access; advance reservations are required. Why?

Post-covid crowds. Annual visitation jumped from 10.8 million to 18.7 million, causing frequent capacity closures — especially at parks with swimming access.

The upside? No more getting turned away. You can book online up to 7 days in advance starting May 19 on the MD State Parks website. Edit or cancel until 8 AM the day before. Stay calm and park on!

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Foodie Friday: Mother’s Day Sushi Guide

It’s Lauren talking food again. It may be Friday, but I’m already picking out my sushi carryout order for Sunday. My favorite Mother’s Day tradition? Sushi takeout for Mom and McDonald’s for the kids. No cooking. No dishes. Everyone wins! This plan is more popular than you’d expect, so order early to avoid hangry mamas. Here are my three favorite Annapolis spots and how I roll. 🍣

🍤 Joss Café & Sushi Bar | 195 Main St | You can’t say Annapolis sushi without mentioning Joss. My friend jokes she’s put the owner’s kid through college ordering Spring Rolls. It’s possible — they’re that good! I live for their Crunchy Ebi Roll (creamy, spicy tempura shrimp) and the Chesapeake Roll (monster-sized with shrimp tempura, crab, lettuce, cucumber, and avocado).

🦀 Tsunami | 51 West St | I never leave without an Annapolitan roll with you guessed it — crab and Old Bay. Always throw in a Spicy Tuna Roll, too. Bonus recommendation: their Ramen is excellent!

🦪 Yama Sushi Bar | 2049 West St | The Dinosaur Egg appetizer comes with Yum Yum sauce. Trust me. A must-order! My other go-tos? Dragon Roll with crab and Pearl Roll with fried oyster. Tip: ask for sushi-shaped lollipops for the kids!

AACC Business Pitch Competition awards $75k

Congratulations to Michael Charney, owner of Chesapeake Charney’s, for receiving $15,000 in funding for his catering business from the Anne Arundel Community College Business Pitch competition.

Photo: Chesapeake Charney’s

The competition is open to all credit and non-credit AACC students, and they receive coaching and guidance for developing their businesses. During the pitch session, contestants delivered business plans and financial projections to a panel of industry pros. Eight finalists split a pot of $75,000 in startup funding, with Charney taking home the most cash. You know that means those were some really tasty crabby tots. Mmmmm…..

Other winners:

💰 Kenneth Thomas – Obsessive Custom Detailing (OCD) LLC - $12,500
💰 Abigail Foster - Simple Touches Hospitality - $12,500
💰 Lucas Panzer Valdivia - Amanecer Tours - $10,000
💰 William Sedgwick – 3D Nerd - $10,000
💰 Alyssa McDaniel - Pack Dynamic - $5,000
💰 Angelia Camarillo - 4Cycles LLC - $5,000
💰 Katherine Paunlagui - Techies for the Oldies - $5,000

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.

Try It. Play It. Love It! ASA Day is almost here

Did you know the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has an award-winning musical school called the Annapolis Symphony Academy? And on May 18, they’re hosting a fun-filled celebration of music for all ages.

🎶 Enjoy two live concerts featuring Annapolis Symphony Academy ensembles
🎻 Try instruments in the Instrument Petting Zoo
 🎨 Make crafts, play games, and build your own instruments
🎼 Take a free class — beginner violin, cello, clarinet & more
🎓 Meet college reps and get expert advice

RSVP required for free classes. 📍Maryland Hall, Annapolis. Click here to reserve your kid’s spot!

CIVIL NEWS

City Council Meeting ⚖️

The Annapolis City Council has its regular monthly meeting on Monday at 7 PM in City Council Chambers (160 Duke of Gloucester Street), and this is a meeting with a few key agenda items. First up, there’s a public hearing for the city’s annual budget. Then there’s legislation on compensation for the mayor, alderpersons, and city manager, as well as the implementation of the Annapolis Ahead 2040 plan, and a plan to tear down the abandoned gas station on West Street for housing. Read the full agenda and remember you can testify in person or submit testimony online.

Anne Arundel considers 27% increase for next County Executive

Can’t lie: more than a few of us muttered, “In this economy?!?!” when we read this headline. But as it turns out, Anne Arundel’s top dog hasn’t had a raise since 2018. County executive pay rose from $133k to $142k between 2014 and 2018. It currently ranks as the 595th highest paid county position. The bill recommending a pay increase was introduced by council Chair Julie Hummer.

  • It suggests a starting salary of $180,000 for the next county executive, with a $3,000 raise every year for three years.

Hummer says the recommendation is lower than Anne Arundel’s Personnel Board (of which the county executive is not a member) recommendation of $218,000. The public hearing is June 2. ($)

💬 So, What Do You Think?

Should running Anne Arundel County come with a bigger paycheck?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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WEATHER

Friday

63 🌡️ 51 | 🌧️ | 71% | 💨 NNW 11 mph (10 knots)

Saturday

72 🌡️ 57 | ☀️ | 3% | 💨 NW 14 mph (12 knots)

Sunday

77 🌡️ 59 | ⛅ | 2% | 💨 NNE 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 68ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

49 West | Gillian Thompson, Michelle Heaton, Nate Stanley & Phil Bucci | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Honey Sol | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dan Haas Trio | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aidan and Bryan | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Pat Owens | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Dave Tieff | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Capital Chill | 8:30 PM
Great Frogs | Kavoossi | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Mike Miller | 5–8 PM
The Lodge | Grayson Moon | 8–11 PM
Market House | Faith and Alex | 7–10 PM
Market Space | Marianne Styles | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moon Cherry | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | SKy King | 5 PM
Old Stein | Timmie Metz | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Viands & Co. | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | BoDeans | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Bob Quinlan | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Fred & Wilma Duo | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Spellbound | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Ryan Keith | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Kevin Lebling | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Nate & Jim | 9:45 PM

Saturday

49 West | John Jensen | 4–6 PM
49 West | Alchemy Jazz | 8–10 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Fat Whiskey | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Lauren and Rusty | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Joel David | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Mark Desrochers| 2–5 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Tunnels End | 8:30 PM
Dark Horse | Carl Corsican | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Madisun Bailey | 1:30–4:30 PM
Great Frogs | Danah Koch | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Ciaran Quinn | 7:30–10:30 PM
Market Space | Stan Graham | 2–6 PM
Middleton Tavern | Honey Sol | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Keiron Raphael | 8 PM
Pirates Cove | Frank Raines | 7–11 PM
Rams Head On Stage | JOSEPH w/ Slark Moan | 8:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Radio Free Baltimore | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Alex Peters | 6 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Genghis Khan | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Adam Forbes | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Will Hill Band | 9:45 PM

Sunday

Coconut Joe’s | Neel Madan | 2–5 PM
Galway Bay | O'McPub Band | 4–8 PM
Great Frogs | Angie Miller | 1:30–4:30 PM
Market House | Casey McConville | 5–7 PM
Market Space | Brandt Dunn | 2–6 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Broody Wingate | 12 PM
Pirates Cove | Peter James | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Brett Dennen & River Whyless | 3 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Brett Dennen & River Whyless | 8 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | TBA | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Bloody’s & Blue Jam | 1 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Hyland Brothers | 9 PM

Upcoming Navy games & matches

Baseball (25-23)
5/10 vs. #3 Army | 1 PM
5/11 vs. #3 Army | 1 PM
5/11 vs. #3 Army | 4 PM

Women's Lacrosse (15-5)
5/9 vs. Clemson | 5 PM
5/11 vs. NCAA tournament second round | 12 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s ordering sushi for Mother’s Day.