🍦Annapolis Blues 🤝 Zach Bryan

Truxtun Park's new skate park, Zachary's Jewelers SMB grant, Paint Annapolis...

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. About 250 million honeybees escaped when a truck hauling them in Washington state rolled over on Friday. That must have been loud.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Truxtun Park's new skate park

  • Zachary's Jewelers SMB grant

  • Paint Annapolis

Let’s get to it.

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

At 84 Lumber, we’re proud to be a military-friendly employer—because veterans bring more than experience. They bring leadership, discipline, and a mission-driven mindset.

U.S. Army veteran and Framing Install Manager Patrick Gau is a reflection of that. His service continues to shape how he leads, works, and supports his team every day.

As we close out Military Appreciation Month and 84 Lumber’s 10th annual Operation Appreciation campaign, we’re honored to share stories like his. Check it out here.

THE DIGEST

Annapolis Blues home opener report

The Annapolis Blues reminds me of Zach Bryan. One day nobody knows him; the next he’s topping charts and selling out stadiums. This weekend was the doubleheader home opener for the 3rd year men’s team and brand new women’s team. And the Blues won on all accounts.

First, they won where it counts – on the scoreboard. The men shut out Christos FC 2-nil and women beat Richmond Ivy 1-nil. And both teams pulled off what’s become the Blues’ signature move, the attendance record. In their first home USL League Two game, the men set the league record with 12,853 (more than any regular season match last season). And in their first home USL W League game, the women set the league record with 7,289.

Onward and upward for the Blues. The women are back at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium this Wednesday and Saturday. The men are back on Saturday. Get tickets at annapolisblues.com ⚽️ 

Wednesday Night Races ⛵️

Clear the lines and hoist the main — Wednesday Night Races are underway for the season, and now that the weather is (sometimes) warmer, it’s the perfect time to watch this Annapolis tradition. Every Wednesday night through August 27 (except for July 2), starting around 6:45 PM, hundreds of sailors both casual and serious will participate in a friendly competition just outside the Annapolis harbor.

Want to watch? There’s great spectating to be enjoyed on the water or the Eastport Bridge for the exciting finish. If you don’t have a boat of your own and want in on the action, hop aboard the Woodwind or Woodwind II, both of which race every week and sell tickets six days in advance of each race.

If you want to get out on the water but don’t need to race, join the Annapolis Maritime Museum for a watch party on the Wilma Lee from 5:30–7:30 PM. This week’s watch party is extra special one with commentary by international sailing legend (and Annapolis local) Gary Jobson.

Want to race? Series 2 starts this week and registration is open.

Meet your Student Council Officers 🏫

Student leadership is shaping up for the 2025–2026 school year. Last week, the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils announced its elected officers. These students will oversee and lead the group’s mission of being the voice of student government and pushing for better academic and extracurricular opportunities for AACPS. Board members are:

✏️ Michelle Fadele, Chesapeake High School, President
✏️ Amanda Morataya, Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School, Vice President
✏️ William Andrione, Severna Park High School, Secretary of Legislation
✏️ Alana Lam, South River High School, Secretary of Communication
✏️ Paige Williams, Severna Park High School, Secretary of Service
✏️ Eliana Semanoff, Chesapeake Bay Middle School, Middle School Coordinator
✏️ Jason Semanoff Jr., Chesapeake High School, Secretary of Education

New officers will be sworn in on June 11, shortly before the end of the current school year.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Zachary’s Jewelers Launches $5,000 Small Business Grant 💸

Zachary’s Jewelers is setting the gold standard for community support with a new grant. The Zachary’s Jewelers Small Business Grant will award $5,000 to one outstanding local business that uplifts its community, invests in its people, and operates with empathy, intention, and heart. Zachary’s created the grant after drawing inspiration from their retail experience and a recent trip to Botswana, where they witnessed ethical business practices through the Diamonds Do Good initiative. All small businesses in Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas in operation for at least one year — not just in retail — are encouraged to apply by July 1.

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.

Listen To Your Body

StretchMed Annapolis is celebrating their first year of helping locals move well, feel well, and live well. Naptown Scoop readers will receive 20% off their first membership or package option they choose!

If you’re feeling stiffness, recurring pain or difficulty bending and twisting without discomfort, it’s time to pay attention!

These signs often point to tightness or imbalances in your muscles and joints. Assisted stretching helps relieve tension, restore flexibility, improve range of motion, and ultimately extend your life!

If you haven’t tried StretchMed Annapolis, follow this link to book a free stretch and start feeling better today!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Coming Up This Week 🗓️

👗 Fashion for a Cause Thursday 6–9 PM. This can’t-miss local fashion show serves as a signature fundraiser for Hospice of the Chesapeake.

🚜 Opening Day: Summer Kickoff Event at Wildberry Saturday 9 AM. It’s officially the first day of the season for Wildberry’s field market. Join them for live music, fun activities, and free yoga lessons.

🌸 Secret Garden Tour 2025 Saturday & Sunday noon–5 PM. Enjoy a self-guided tour of beautiful home gardens in Murray Hill and Presidents Hill.

🎸 Let’s Go! Music Festival Friday–Sunday. Catch performances by Young the Giant, Third Eye Blind, and more at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds.

🐶 Walk for the Animals Sunday 8 AM–noon. This pet-friendly walk benefits Anne Arundel SPCA’s many animal welfare programs.

👟 Annapolis Great Strides Saturday 11 AM. Join the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for a 0.6-mile fun walk to raise money and awareness.

Truxtun Skate Park grand opening celebration 🛹

After months of grinding and shaping, Truxtun Skate Park is back with better flow and no fences. Thanks to state grant support, City funds, and a GoFundMe honoring local skater Tameron Barish, the park got a total redesign with a $437,499 price tag. Skaters can now shred new ramps, rails, and open space shaped by community input. The Annapolis Department of Recreation and Parks directed the work. Skate park expert Dave Bernier led the design with Pillar Design Studios. And Artisan Skate Parks handled construction. Drop in for the grand opening celebration on June 7 at 10 AM with demos, clinics, and giveaways! 🎉

Anne Arundel Arts Month + Paint Annapolis 🎨

If there were ever any doubts about our county’s picture-perfect arts scene, Anne Arundel Arts Month (June 1–30) and Paint Annapolis (June 1–8) will settle them. The month-long celebration features live performances, festivals, showcases, and competitions. New this year is Bounce! (June 12–15), an artist-led initiative spotlighting local art spaces with immersive pop-ups, interactive displays, and public installations.

Paint Annapolis offers a uniquely French experience: artists painting “en plein air” — capturing the beauty of the outdoors in real time, right in DTA. You can view their work on display from June 1–21. After an event like “Dueling Brushes,” we’re confident it will impress! 🖼️

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse 150th Anniversary 📆

It’s been almost a year since we put Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse’s 150th anniversary on our calendars. For good reason — attendees will see a special video by the late Jimmy Buffet on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The Master of Ceremonies will be historian, author, and Scoop office neighbor David Gendell. VIPs like Governor Moore, Mayor Buckley, and more will speak too. The United States Lighthouse Society and Visit Annapolis are hosting the celebration from 6:30—9 PM with live music from the Eastport Oyster Boys, dinner, a wine pull, and door prizes. Sponsors and ticket sales will help fund an engineering solution to elevate the lighthouse. Tickets are finally on sale!

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

City Council Meeting ⚖️

Tonight’s City Council meeting at 7 PM is a big one — the council will vote on whether or not to adopt the annual budget for FY2026. The city budget covers all operating costs as well as capital costs and capital improvement projects. If passed, it will go into effect on July 1. The council will also vote on resolutions concerning fees and fines for FY2026. See the full agenda. The meeting will be held at City Council Chambers — 160 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis 21401. Sign up to give testimony.

County Council Meeting ⚖️

Remember a couple of weeks ago when we asked what you think about the county executive getting a raise? (48% of Scoop readers said yes, the raise is justified.) Tonight, the County Council votes on that ordinance at its monthly meeting. Also on the agenda: zoning requirements for tiny homes and regional commercial complexes, appointments for the police accountability board, and amendments on Rules of Procedure of the County Council. See the full agenda. The meeting starts at 7 PM at the Arundel Center (44 Calvert Street, Annapolis 21401). Sign up to give testimony.

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Join the historic Hammond-Harwood House this spring

Explore Presidents Hill, which has never been featured on the tour before, as well as Murray Hill. Both areas of Annapolis are rich with history, varied architecture, and beautiful spring gardens. You will visit intimate and charming outdoor spaces featuring gardens both large and small, ranging from formal, old boxwood to informal perennial, from secluded retreats to quiet oases off busy streets. Want the unique chance to peek behind these walls, get your tickets today! The self-guided garden tour runs 12–5 PM June 7–8.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Monday

74 🌡️ 58 | ☀️ | 1% | 💨 N 8 mph (7 knots)

Tuesday

79 🌡️ 63 | ☀️ | 3% | 💨 S 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 66ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Monday

49 West | Stephie James & Flynn | 7:30–10:30 PM

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Brian Boru | PJ and Neal | 6–9 PM
The Point | Kavoossi | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Bridgette Michaels | 6–9 PM
Rams Head Roadhouse | Ray Weaver | 7 PM

🎙️ Paying Tribute to Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk

Bill Wagner of the Anchors Aweigh podcast joined John Schofield and Chris Servello of the Sing Second podcast for a joint tribute to Naval Academy athletic director Chet Gladchuk, who has announced his impending retirement. This special episode was taped at the Fluegel Center during a Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation "Fete to Chet."

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who plays for the Annapolis Blues.