🍦Holly Jolly Hideaway

AACPS redistricting, Light House Bistro's granola, state house restoration...

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. The first story in the What’s Happenin’ section today is probably the funnest thing we’ve seen in Annapolis in months. And yes, I know that’s not a real word.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • AACPS redistricting

  • Light House Bistro granola

  • State House restoration

Let’s get to it.

—Ryan Sneddon, Rebecca Kraybill, & Lauren Burke Meyer

P.S. Happy early birthday to Norman Rogers! 🎂

Annapolis Rotary lives up to its motto

Do you know the Rotary’s motto? Service Above Self. And the Annapolis Rotary Club is living that out to a tee. Scoop went to their weekly meeting yesterday to receive a $2,100 check for Annapolis Hope. The Rotary earned the money by running the concession stands during Navy’s 27–24 victory over North Texas on October 7. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Rotarians, for supporting Annapolis Hope.

Scoop Publisher Ryan Sneddon with Rotary Treasurer Anne Wolfe (L) and President Bob Reedy (R)

On another note, the Rotary is accepting applications to be the beneficiary of its 2025 Black Tie and Diamonds Gala. Applicants must be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and applications are due by January 15, 2024.

2024’s Black Tie and Diamonds beneficiary is Charting Careers (just like our Anniversary Party). The party is Saturday, March 9 from 6–10 PM at the Graduate Hotel. Click here to get tickets.

SPONSORED BY THE CHOPTANK ANNAPOLIS

Exclusive New Year’s Eve Party 🍾 

New Year’s Eve. It’s one of the best nights of the year. We all have traditions – watching the ball drop, fireworks, college football. Well here's a new tradition for you: The Choptank’s exclusive New Year’s Eve Gold Party.

Yes. This year, the Choptank is hosting its first-ever New Year’s Eve party.

All-inclusive tickets include a buffet and appetizers, premium open bar, an espresso martini bar, and the best view of the Annapolis fireworks. In other words, everything you need to make this year’s New Year’s Eve your most memorable one yet

Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell out quickly. Be part of a new Annapolis tradition.

THE DIGEST

Top clicks of the week 🏆

The Severn River Bridge isn’t just for cars

It’s for pipes, too. Mounted beneath the bridge that crosses the Severn (and carries Route 50 traffic) is a big ole gas pipe. That pipe was just replaced for the first time in 70 years and it wasn’t easy. BG&E even made a little model of the bridge to figure out where it should go. The new, larger pipe serves 6,000 natural gas customers around Annapolis. In its new spot, traffic doesn’t need to stop during maintenance – all it takes is a truck and a mechanic who definitely isn’t afraid of heights. 😆

State House restoration enters phase 2 🛠️

After the dome was restored earlier this year, phase two of the MD State House restoration is now in progress involving:

  • Enhancing accessibility

  • Restoring windows

  • Repairs to the State Circle retaining wall

  • And much, much more

It’s the first large-scale restoration project for the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use since its completion in 1779. The price tag is roughly $49 million. And something no local wants to hear? Construction may impact parking on State Circle . . . Luckily, road blockages or closures will be temporary and typically occur during off-peak hours. ($)

Bates Middle School students star in documentary

Wiley H. Bates Middle School students are the new stars of a special film. During the 2022–2023 school year, local film company 410 Films spent time with students and staff as they expressed themselves through art and interviews. The result is a 50-minute documentary exploring identity, belonging, and community. Watch the trailer here. The film debuted last night and we can only hope there was a red carpet. ($)

P.S. If 410 Films sounds familiar, it might be because the owner, Devin Conway, filmed our incredible Blue Angels Reels in May.

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @forwardbrewing | 📍418 Fourth Street

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Light House Bistro starts distributing its famous granola

Light House Bistro has been making its signature cranberry pecan granola for years. Now, you can order it online or wholesale. Or just stop by several local shops to get it ASAP.

The idea came from Beth Rocca, the Bistro’s director of social enterprises, who pitched it to Leadership Anne Arundel. LAA’s Flagship Class of 2024 then wrote up a business plan, showing how the project will give training and job opportunities to the Light House’s clients. And the rest is history.

You can buy the granola right now at the Light House Bistro – 202 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401. Michele Bouchard (Market House) and Monica Alvarado (Bread & Butter Kitchen) have also agreed to distribute the granola starting December 1.

You can also buy it at the Chocolate Binge Festival on December 3 and online. All profits benefit the Bistro.

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 WESTFIELD ANNAPOLIS

Get ready for a whimsical journey to Whoville for Westfield Annapolis' enchanting Grinch Storytime event! Back by popular demand, they have added another story time on December 10 from 4–5:30 PM. This delightful occasion invites families to gather for a heartwarming reading of Dr. Seuss's beloved classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The festively adorned setting promises a whimsical atmosphere that will captivate children of all ages. Immerse yourselves in the joy and wonder of the season as you create cherished memories with loved ones. Make it a special family outing and experience the magic at Westfield Annapolis! Don't miss out on this festive celebration! Reserve your tickets now!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Holly Jolly Hideaway opens tonight

I’m just gonna say it. The Holly Jolly Hideaway is THE place to be this season. It’s Annapolis Town Center’s secret speakeasy located above Santa’s Cottage and it is incredible. Vintage Views pours the drinks (so you know they’re good) and there are literally dozens of theme nights and “Carol-oke” nights. Check out our Ultimate Holiday Activity Guide for those dates.

The Holly Jolly Hideaway is open Thursdays through Sundays from tonight until December 23. Thursday/Sunday hours are 6–11 PM. Friday/Saturday hours are 5–11 PM. 21+ only except for ticketed events.

P.S. There’s no signage so bring your friends or a date here and you’re guaranteed to impress them with your incredible local knowledge — unless, of course, they also read the Scoop. . .

Other weekend events

Navy vs. ECU | Saturday (11/18) @ noon | Tickets
HERE. a pop-up shop holiday edition | Opens Friday (11/17) @ 10 AM | 4 Church Circle
Quiet Waters Park ice rink opens | Check here for hours
Lights on the Bay | Opens Sunday | Make reservations
Movers and Shakers (aka Dancing with the Stars Scoop) | Saturday @ 7 PM | Get tickets
Tree lighting at Town Center | Friday from 7–8 PM | RSVP required
Circus at Westfield Annapolis | 6 shows over the weekend | Dates and tickets

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 Council meeting

On the agenda for Monday’s County Council meeting:

  • Additional early voting center at Broadneck Library

  • Accumulation of disability leave

  • See full agenda

The meeting is Monday (11/20) at 7 PM at the Arundel Center – 44 Calvert Street Annapolis, MD 21401. You can now view all public meetings and agendas here. Watch online or submit testimony here.

Redistricting gets the green light 🟢

The Board of Education voted 5-3 on Wednesday to redistrict schools in the county. The plan will bring new boundaries to 48 schools, starting with the northern county in fall 2024. The rest of the county won’t follow until fall 2026.

AACPS isn’t just redrawing lines for the heck of it. Some schools are over 100% capacity and others are well below capacity. Important note for rising juniors, the plan includes permission to stay put for your senior year. Because someone has to know the building well enough for the senior prank. . . ($)

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WEATHER

Friday

65 🌡️ 53 | 🌥️ | 8% | 💨 S 10 mph (9 knots)

Saturday

55 🌡️ 39 | 🌥️ | 10% | 💨 NNW 17 mph (15 knots)

Sunday

56 🌡️ 40 | ☀️ | 2% | 💨 WNW 12 mph (10 knots)

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

49 West | Mark Schatz & Bryan McDowell | 7:30–9:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Ewald Trio | 9 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dead Eye Stare | 9 PM
Brian Boru | George Evans | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Kieran Lally | 8 PM
Galway Bay | Brandon, the Wandering Bard | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Pete Best | 5–8 PM
Jalapeños | Tom Lagana | 7:30–10:30
Killarney House | Meg & Angie | 7–10 PM
Market House | Alex G and Faith E | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Pretty Big Deal | 10 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | The Shatners | 8–11 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7–10 PM
Rams Head Roadhouse | Music Room | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | John Phillips | 5 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Soren Mattson | 10 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Red Betty & The Ruckus | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Lost & Found Trio Band | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mac Heat | 9:45 PM

Saturday

49 West | Dean Rosenthal’s 4 Piece Racket | 7:30–9:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Nightcap | 8 PM
Brian Boru | National Bohemians | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Bill Zee | 8 PM
Horse | Good Talk Russ | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Aaron Hawkins | 5–8 PM
Killarney House | John Luskey | 7–10 PM
Market House | Last Ditch Effort | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Mike Henry Tribe | 10 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Tommy McGee | 8–11 PM
Pirates Cove | Kevin Lee | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Marc Roberge w. Stephen Kellogg | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Sandra Dean Band | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Nate Finn | 10 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Rebound | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Tim Atkinson | 5–9 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Will Hill Band | 9:45 PM

Sunday

49 West | Dream Punch | 7:30–9:30 PM
Brian Boru | Big Brother's Porch | 4–7 PM
The Choptank | David Sparrow | 8 PM
Dark Horse | Madisun Bailey & Keil McMurray | 7:30 PM
Galway Bay | Brian Gaffney | 4–8 PM
Killarney House | Dave Tieff | 3–6 PM
Market House | Troll Tribe Duo | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | John Luskey | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Peter Noone | 4:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Peter Noone | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | West Street Revival | 7 PM

NAVY SPORTS

NEW: Navy Football Podcast 🎙️🏈

As the Mids prepare to face the ECU Pirates in what will likely be their last game of the season at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, football insiders Bill Wagner, Eric Kettani, and Keenan Reynolds break down Navy’s blowout win against Alabama-Birmingham last weekend and hope for a repeat this weekend on Senior Day. Click here to listen.

Tickets are still available. Kickoff is at noon and the weather looks perfect for football – 55 and sunny.

P.S. We say “likely their last game” because it’s possible that Navy gets selected for the Military Bowl – but they’d probably need to win out to have a chance.

Upcoming games & matches

Men's Basketball (0-2)
11/18 @ UC San Diego | 7 PM

Men's Cross Country
11/18 @ NCAA Championship | 11:10 AM

Navy Football (4-5)
11/18 vs. East Carolina | 12 Noon

Men’s Hockey (3-10) 
11/17 vs. Temple University | 8:30 PM
11/18 vs. William Patterson University | 5:30 PM

Men's Squash (6-1)
11/18 @ Penn | 6 PM
11/19 vs. Bates | 11 AM

Women's Swimming & Diving (4-1)
11/17-18 @ West Virginia Invite | 10 AM

Men's Swimming & Diving (5-1)
11/17-18 @ West Virginia Invite | 10 AM

Men's Water Polo (19-5)
11/17 vs. #7 Johns Hopkins | 4:30 PM
11/18-19 vs. TBD | TBA

Women's Volleyball (18-8)
11/17 @ Colgate (Semifinal) | 7 PM
11/19 @ Patriot League Tournament - Final | 2 PM

Wrestling (4-0)
11/18 @ Navy Classic | 9 AM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who is in the Annapolis Rotary Club.