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🍦Black Market Bakers opening 2 new stores

🍦Black Market Bakers opening 2 new stores

Annapolis' 2026 budget, Commissioning Week preview, the local dudes who ran 100 miles for Parkinson's...

Naptown Scoop
April 16, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This email newsletter costs nothing and brings joy. Unlike taxes.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Annapolis' 2026 budget
Commissioning Week preview
The local dudes who ran 100 miles for Parkinson's fundraising

Let’s get to it.

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

Brad Kappel’s Home of the Week: Brand New Luxury Minutes from the Bay Bridge

Welcome to 208 Tower Drive — a stunning, just-completed home in Stevensville’s sought-after Tower Gardens community.

Set on 1.25 acres, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence offers over 4,500 sq ft of beautifully designed living space with every detail thoughtfully curated. From the gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances to the dual primary suites — one on each level — this home delivers comfort, style, and flexibility for modern living.

Enjoy water views from your private balcony, relax with top-tier finishes throughout, and take full advantage of community perks like a private Chesapeake Bay beach, boat ramp, and pier.

Whether you’re hosting a summer crab feast or watching the sunset from the water’s edge, this is Eastern Shore living at its best — with easy access to Annapolis, D.C., and beyond.

Contact Brad Kappel today to schedule your private showing.

THE DIGEST

100 miles + $135,000 for Parkinson’s 🌧️

Last week, we wrote about three local men — Nick Manis, Jeff Begin, and LJ Urie — running 100 miles across Maryland to honor the late Brian Adam of Severna Park and raise money for Parkinson’s research. On Friday, the big day of run came, and with it came torrential rain. But these three runners weren’t deterred and made it from Centreville to Ocean City on foot despite the soggy weather. So far, they’ve raised $135,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and they’re still accepting donations. So if you’re feeling generous about supporting a good cause . . . well, make it rain.

Western Shore Veterinary Hospital offers your pets the finest wellness care, state-of-the-art diagnostics, dental treatment, and surgery ranging from spays/neuters to sophisticated treatments. You can find them online, by phone at 443-936-0660, or at 910C Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Dog of the Week: Meet Cody 🐾

Not every dog at the SPCA is going to be an easy adoption, but every dog still deserves love. That’s why we’re shouting out Cody this week. He’s an 8-year-old Alaskan malamute-husky mix who enjoys lounging in cold weather and getting belly rubs. He came to the SPCA in November 2019, and he’s been waiting for a forever home with someone who has malamute-husky experience and can handle dog behavioral issues. Maybe that’s you! So if you don’t have other dogs, cats, or small kids, stop by to meet Cody at the SPCA’s Wing 1.

Mayor Buckley introduces $200 million operating budget as his last in office

Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley has proposed the final budget of his eight-year tenure. The $200 million appropriated for city expenses is an $8 million increase from last year’s operating budget, and plans on using roughly $184 million in city revenue along with $15 million from reserve funds. Back in March, City Council heard plans to increase the salaries of city employees, adopting recommendations from the Salary Review Commission, who argued that Annapolis employees’ salaries are generally lower than nationwide averages. It’s unclear just how much individual salaries would increase, but the Police Department will receive a roughly 3% increase, while the Fire Department will receive a 9% raise overall. Property taxes are expected to remain the same: roughly $1.94 for every $100 of assessed value. ($)

The City’s finance committee will now review the budget for the next two months before the city council adopts a final version by June 30.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Black Market Bakers announces two new locations!

In a statement that made us swoon and made that Atkins diet guy shudder, Anne Arundel County is getting not one but two new Black Market Bakers stores! First up is the old Wagon Wheel restaurant in Churchton, catering to South County scone aficionados (we’ve read your letters). The second is located at 1804 West St., which is going to make us choose between a sourdough sandwich and Taco Bell, which shouldn’t be a hard decision but in all honesty, we never claimed to have taste. Or self respect. Either way, it doesn’t matter what they stuff their cruffins with: We’ll take three. Both locations will open later this year. We’ll keep you updated.

Ribbon Cutting: Vintage Vibe Finds / Artfully Acquired 🎀✂️🎀

We’re calling in XL scissors for this 2-in-1 ribbon cutting. Mark your calendars for the Vintage Vibe Finds and Artfully Acquired celebration on Thursday, April 17 from 10:30 AM to noon. Both hidden gems are located at 40 Hudson Street, Suite 107, Annapolis (around back in the auto industrial park). The name and motto — “Peace, love, and VINTAGE” — say it all. Vintage Vibe Finds offers, you guessed it, high-quality curated vintage items. Think clothing, jewelry, handbags, furniture, and more. Artfully Acquired sells pottery, art glass, jewelry, prints, and mirrors. Explore the shops and take home something one-of-a-kind. ✨

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.

Getting a New Puppy? You’re Not Alone.

Puppies are adorable — and a lot. From midnight bathroom breaks to surprise vet visits, they keep you on your toes.

That’s why having the right vet before getting your adorable little doggy is so important. Western Shore Veterinary Hospital helps new puppy owners navigate everything from routine stuff like essential vaccines and diet to unexpected scary stuff like seizures or broken bones.

Their experienced team understands the challenges (and joys) of puppyhood and offers guidance you can count on.

Whether it’s your first dog or your fifth, Western Shore Veterinary Hospital is here to help your new best friend grow up happy and healthy.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

USNA Commissioning Week Schedule of Events

It’s the Annapolis version of Fleet Week, full of white uniforms, Blue Angels, and sweaty plebes attempting to climb a lard-soaked tower. It’s wild, it’s crazy, it’s part of what makes Annapolis such a unique place to live. Just don’t think about the traffic.

Here are the big events, but check the full schedule to get an idea of everything happening and for specific locations. Also be sure to check the Naval Academy visitor requirements if you’re unfamiliar.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14:
8 AM: Class of 2028 Herndon Climb. Naval Academy Campus aka The Yard. Open to the public.

TUESDAY, MAY 20:
11 AM: Blue Angels arrival and circle
2 PM: Blue Angels practice day (rain date: 11 AM, May 21)
Route 450 bridge will be closed from 10 AM to 1 PM, then 1:45 PM to 4 PM
Both open to the public. Kinda hard to close the skies. . .

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21:
2 PM: Blue Angels flight demonstration
Route 450 bridge will be closed from 1:45 PM to 4 PM
Open to the public.

THURSDAY, MAY 22:
11 AM: Color Parade. Naval Academy Campus aka The Yard. Open to the public

FRIDAY, MAY 23:
9 AM: Class of 2025 Graduation. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Invite-only but watch for the 10:04 AM Blue Angels flyover.

Save the date: Annapolis Spring Italian Festival 🍝

Looking for an Italian escape? No passport needed! The Annapolis Lodge will host their Spring Italian Festival on Sunday, May 4. Come celebrate Italy’s rich culture from 10 AM to 3 PM with live music, kids activities, shopping, and of course food and libations! Inside scoop: try the meatball sub. 🤤 The family-friendly event offers free entry and parking. Proceeds will benefit local and national charities, including the Foundation for Autism and Alzheimer’s Association — 620 Ridgely Ave, 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.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

Glam Up For A Good Cause 👖 💎

It’s time to sparkle — the Denim & Diamonds Bash is almost here! Join us for fun giveback events:

💎 April 17, 5–7 PM: Kendra Scott – 20% of purchases benefit Denim & Diamonds.
💍 April 20–25: Bloomstone Jewelers – 20% off, plus 5% donated.
💅 April 19–26: Paint Nail Bar – Portion of services donated + free nail art.

Glam up and give back. See you there!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

59 🌡️ 43 | 🌥️ | 1% | WNW 18 mph (16 knots)

Thursday

63 🌡️ 47 | ☀️ | 1% | NW 11 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 53ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Thursday

NAVY SPORTS

Upcoming games

Baseball (20-17)
4/16 @ Bucknell | 3:30 PM

Women's Lacrosse (9-5)
4/16 @ Lehigh | 6 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 tried Black Market Bakers.

🍦Black Market Bakers opening 2 new stores

Annapolis' 2026 budget, Commissioning Week preview, the local dudes who ran 100 miles for Parkinson's...

TOGETHER WITH

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