🍦AACPS Principal of the Year

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Did you know there are really people out there who think Indianapolis is the real Naptown. . .

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Meet the Vietnamese ambassador 🇻🇳 

• Annapolis Holiday Market 🎅 

• Art Things 🎨 

Let’s get to it.

—Ryan Sneddon, Rebecca Kraybill, & Lauren Burke Meyer

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

A brand new dream home 🏡

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This gorgeous modern farmhouse style house is currently under construction on a 0.69 acre lot. It has everything you need – four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a spacious living room, and more. 

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This will be move-in ready before long. Contact Brad Kappel to make it yours today.

THE DIGEST

🏆️ AACPS principal of the year

Monday started like any other day for Heather Garris. The Tracey’s Elementary School principal didn’t expect anything extraordinary until a surprise visitor showed up. It was AACPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell to share some good news. Heather won the 2023-2024 George Arlotto Leadership Award – AKA AACPS Principal of the Year.

She’ll represent AACPS in The Washington Post Principal of the Year program and be honored alongside AACPS Teacher of the Year this spring.

Heather has served as principal since 2018 and been with AACPS since 2007. Take it from one of her students: “I love my principal because she is the best.” Congratulations, Heather!

New Outdoor Space at Severna Park Library 📚🍃

A new outdoor learn and play space opens at the Severna Park Library tomorrow (11/30) at 11:30 AM. It has musical instruments, benches, and an open area for everyone to enjoy. Even when the library is closed. The space was funded by $20,000 in grants and support from the Kiwanis Club and the Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation.

Writer Lauren here. 👋 Let me tell you. I’m thankful for any outdoor space because my three kids under five can be . . . LOUD.

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @daviddri86 | 📍Maryland Avenue

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Not your average corporate holiday party

It’s a miracle on Bestgate. The Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce is throwing its holiday party at the Atreeum at Soaring Timbers on 12/6. Enjoy food, drinks from Vintage Views Bar, a photo op with Santa, a silent auction and wreath auction, and more. Register here. Several package options are available. 610 N Bestgate Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Art Things Reopening 🎨

After serving the Annapolis area for 55+ years, Art Things is almost ready for a grand reopening. The independent, woman-owned art supply store has planned a Sneak Peek on Saturday (12/2) from 12-3 PM. Enjoy snacks and sparkling wine during this soft opening.

Attendees can also:

🎨 See the progress of the store
🎨 Meet the new owner
🎨 Add favorites to a wish list

They’ve scheduled the Grand Reopening for next Saturday (12/9). Art Things is located on the ground floor of Maryland Hall in room #108 – 801 Chase St, Annapolis, MD 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.

A MESSAGE FROM HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE

You manage everything else, why not end of life?

In a culture that often teaches us to resist discussing illness and death, having a conversation about dying can have a profound impact. What does death mean in my life? How do I want my family involved? Having these courageous conversations can mean the difference between the type of death we hope for, and one where we don’t have a say. For nearly 45 years, Hospice of the Chesapeake has been having courageous conversations with those living with illness, helping provide comfort, allowing them to spend their final months wherever they call home, surrounded by loved ones with a focus on what matters most. Learn more about their services at hospicechesapeake.org.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Annapolis Holiday Market returns this December

Annapolis does Christmas best. Now, Scoop has a hometown bias bigger than Chris Collinsworth’s Bengals bias. But consider this: two national publications agree. In the words of Only In Your State, “This is a Charles Dickens town if we’ve ever seen one.”

More proof in the (figgy) pudding: the Annapolis Holiday Market at City Dock. It’s bigger and better this year with 100+ artisans and vendors. Sip on hot chocolate and adult beverages as you browse homemade gifts. It opens on the first Midnight Madness on 12/7 and closes 12/10. Hours below:

🎅 12/7: 4–10 PM
🎅 12/8: 11 AM–9 PM
🎅 12/9: 11 AM–9 PM
🎅 12/10: 11 AM–5 PM

Save this Date 🗺️ 🇻🇳 

Not everyone can travel the world, so the International Club of Annapolis brings the world here. It hosts monthly dinners featuring ambassadors and senior policy makers. The next dinner is 12/6 with the Vietnamese ambassador. Join for cocktails, a buffet dinner, and an informal presentation by the ambassador – which usually features a Q&A. 6–9 PM at the Doubletree Hotel on 12/6. Reserve your spot.

Naval Academy holiday gate hours

Heads up! Accessing the Naval Academy is a little different during the holiday season. Check the holiday gate hours before visiting.

• Gate 1: Closed for vehicles 12/20–1/8. Open for pedestrian access 6 AM–10 PM and credentialed access 24/7.

• Gate 3: Open for credentialed access 24/7. Manned pedestrian gate is open for the Messiah Concerts (12/2 & 12/3), the Christmas Pageant 5–6:30 PM on 12/14, and the Christmas Eve service 3–8 PM on 12/24.

• Gate 8: Vehicle entry 24/7; pedestrian entry 24/7.

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

Save the Date: Sports Symposium

There’s no denying it. Annapolis takes youth sports seriously. So, mark your calendars for the Sports Symposium at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center on Tuesday (12/5) from 6:30–8:30 PM. Annapolis Recreation & Parks invites local sports organizations, individuals, and parents involved in youth sports around Annapolis to collectively craft a plan for our city’s youth sports offerings.

Recreation Division Chief LaKeisha Simmons will present on the City of Annapolis permit process. While Jessica Leys, director of Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks, will present on how the county permits athletic fields. A Q&A session will follow. RSVP to [email protected].

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WEATHER

Wednesday

39 🌡️ 30 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 SW 9 mph (8 knots)

Thursday

51 🌡️ 38 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 S 9 mph (8 knots)

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappel and Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Larry Lay | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | Dana B | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Ryan K | 6 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Mixed Business | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Frank Florence | 6–9 PM
Rams Head On Stage | PRS Eightlock feat. Paul Reed Smith | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | Daphne Eckman | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Rachel & The Rescuers | 9 PM

Thursday

49 West | Shook/Russo 4 Tet | 8–10:30 PM
Brian Boru | Nate Finn | 6:30–9:30 PM
Dark Horse | Higher Hands  | 9 PM
Killarney House | Loose Change | 6–9 PM
O’Loughlins | Kristi Alleni | 7 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Alex Bugnon | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Steve & Victoria | 5 PM
Reynolds Tavern | Kavoossi | 7 PM
Trophy Room | Edward Sparks | 7–10 PM
Vibe | Open Mic Night | 9 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Upcoming games & matches

Women's Basketball (3-3)
11/30 @ Wagner College | 7 PM

Men's Basketball (0-4)
11/29 vs. VMI | 7 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who still hasn’t winterized their boat.