🍦Introducing Dog of the Week

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Today is a national day of mourning for the death of President Jimmy Carter. The stock market’s closed, USPS isn’t delivering, and most federal employees aren’t working. Schools, banks, and most other businesses will open. Our last national day of mourning was December 5, 2018 in honor of the death of President George H.W. Bush.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Familiar face wins sportswriter of the year

• Navy wants to play 13 football games

• Who’s making our videos?

Let’s get to it.

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

Who’s making all those awesome videos we’re posting?

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Gavin Middleton, Naptown Scoop’s new social media superstar.

Gavin’s a recent Towson University grad who was born and raised in Annapolis. Although as you can see, he has a penchant for climbing mountains Annapolis can’t satisfy. Lucky for us, he also has a penchant for making gorgeous movies.

In the 5 weeks since he started with us, Gavin’s already. . .

• Been on a boat with Santa Claus

• Made 3 viral videos

• And petted his first alpaca

Gavin’s favorite food is a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on an everything bagel. His favorite movie maker is Casey Neistat (mine too). Something from his bucket list is cliff jumping at Phelps Lake in Grand Teton National Park. And his favorite camera is a 1988 Polaroid Impulse that once belonged to his dad.

If you haven’t seen Gavin’s videos, I highly recommend hopping over to Instagram and doing so. Nobody captures our town like Gavin.

A MESSAGE FROM MORABITO FAMILY DENTAL

Trusted dental care that makes anxiety melt away

The weather outside may be frightful, but visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be. At Morabito Family Dental, we make it easy to smile your best. With convenient appointments from 7 AM–8 PM & on Saturdays, you can start the new year off with a smile. Plus, we offer $0 cleanings for most insured patients & great in-house coverage options for uninsured patients.

Schedule today & start 2025 off right! Book your appointment online here or give us a call at 443-603-9000. Morabito Family Dental is proud to care for the smiles of our Annapolis neighbors. We look forward to your visit!

THE DIGEST

Dog of the Week: Meet Sebastian 🐾

We’d like to introduce you to our first-ever Dog of the Week from the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. His name is Sebastian, and he’s a 2-year-old beagle mix who’s been at the SPCA for nearly a month. If you’re interested in meeting him, stop by 1815 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403.

🐶🐱 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to support Sebastian and other pets awaiting their forever home. The SPCA needs dog walkers, cat socializers, petite suite socializers, and other jobs. Learn more.

4K Annapolis Blues fans ⚽️

We know where you’re going to be able to find at least 4,000 soccer fans this summer: in the seats at the Annapolis Blues FC games. The team just announced it has hit 4,000 ticket holders for the 2025 season for the men’s team and is closing in on 3,500 for the women. So if you want to join thousands of other fans for some of our favorite sporting events of the summer, don’t hold off. Order your season seats.

Bill Wagner: Sportswriter of the Year 🏆

If you live in Annapolis and follow sports, there’s a good chance you’ve read the great Bill Wagner. The Capital Gazette reporter has covered Navy and Anne Arundel County sports for decades and is only the second Capital reporter (after Joe Gross) to be named National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year. He was selected from 6 finalists representing Maryland and now joins honorees from each of the other 49 states and D.C. ($)

P.S. Bill Wagner is also the co-host of our two Navy sports podcasts – Anchors Aweigh and the Navy Football Podcast.

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

SPONSORED BY X-GOLF ANNAPOLIS

Look who loves X-Golf

Governor Wes Moore and family stopped by X-Golf Annapolis last week for some seriously impressive swings. And while he definitely works harder than us, X-Golf is a great office for those “work” from home days.

X-Golf lets you create your own golf league. You provide a group of 8–20 people; they provide a climate-controlled venue with cutting-edge simulator technology, prizes, and food and drink specials.

Leagues run 6–10 weeks with morning and evening options. And if you mention Scoop when creating your morning league, you’ll get 25% off! Call 410-571-5944 or email [email protected] to register today.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

Looking to get out after a snowy week? You’re not alone. Here’s how.

Friday

❄️ Winter Teen Lock-In: Celebrate winter and chill at this after-hours Annapolis library party from 5:30–7:30 PM! Enjoy treats, hot chocolate, games, and crafts. Ages 11 and up. Register now.

Saturday

🖼️ All Artists Reception: Gallery 57 hosts their New Year Artists’ Reception from 2–4 PM. Discover new works, meet the artists, and enjoy conversation, creativity, and refreshments.

💡Cozy Winter Lanterns Craft: Take a break from dressing your toddler in a zillion layers for the snow and build a winter-themed lantern. All materials supplied. Goes 10–11 AM at Chesapeake Children’s Museum (25 Silopanna Rd in Annapolis). Get tickets.

🎼 Twelfth Night Concert: Experience the 12th day of Christmas as the King of Mischief and Queen of Competence are crowned. This rescheduled concert, featuring Empressa Ensemble, begins at 7 PM with a 6 PM wine reception prior (included in ticket price). Only HHH member tickets remain.

Sunday

🦮☕️ Homestead Gardens & Rise Up Coffee Training Walk: Head to 522 Ritchie Hwy in Severna Park for some dog socialization training. Pups work on manners while owners paws for a coffee break. Training runs 11–11:45 AM.

MD Artist Open Studio 🎨

April 5–6 might seem like a long way off, but artists are already registering for the Artist Open Studios at Maryland Hall. During these two days, artists will be able to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at life as a visual artist. They’ll show off their work in exhibits, give demonstrations, and participate in artist talks. Interested in being part of it? Sign up now.

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

Continued snow impact on AACPS

Aside from 3 unscheduled days off and a 2-hour delayed start today (1/9), things have been totally normal at AACPS this week. But it’s not just school day activities that are way out of whack. Two other things got rescheduled that we thought you may want to know about:

• All-County Band Auditions: Think your kid’s got what it takes to make the big leagues? Auditions scheduled for January 8 have been rescheduled to January 13 at Severn Run High School. High school check-in is 4:30–6 PM with auditions from 5–7 PM. Middle school check-in is 6:30–8 PM with auditions from 7–9 PM.

• Public Budget Hearing: The public meeting scheduled for January 7 at Severn Run High School will now be held January 14 at 6 PM, still at Severn Run. There’s also a public budget hearing in the Parham Building in Annapolis tonight (1/9) at 6 PM.

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WEATHER

Thursday

31 🌡️ 21 | ☀️ | 2% | WNW 20 mph (17 knots)

Friday

33 🌡️ 27 | ⛅ | 4% | 💨 WNW 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 37ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

Brian Boru | Ray Wroten | 6:30–9:30 PM
Killarney House | Doug Segree | 6–9 PM
Market House | Micheal Miller | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | Future Country, Josh Mudge, Meagan Griffith & Jiffy | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Honey So | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Enslow | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Meg & Bryan | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Kieran Lally | 8 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Market House | Alex and Faith | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moon Cherry | 10 PM
Old Stein | Eddie Pasa | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Last Train Home | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Radio City | 9 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Kick Back Clasics | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Michael Miller | 8 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Navy & Army football ask to play 13 regular-season games 🏈 🗓️

Navy and Army are throwing their challenge flags. The NCAA Football Oversight Committee is reviewing a proposal from both schools to allow their football teams to play a 13th regular-season game before the AAC championship. Why? The Army-Navy game occurs six days after the College Football Playoff (CFP) field is decided, leaving these teams with only 11 results for playoff selection, compared to 12 for other FBS teams.

Previously, CFP rules for the 4-team playoff accommodated the Army-Navy Game. But, with the new 12-team format, this provision was removed, making the game irrelevant for playoff and conference standings. If approved, Army and Navy might forfeit a bye week or schedule their opener in Week Zero.

Next Steps: NCAA committees and FBS conference commissioners will discuss early this year, with a decision potentially impacting the 2026 season. ($)

🎙️ Star QB Blake Horvath joins the Anchors Aweigh Podcast

We’ve got a great Anchors Aweigh Podcast for you this week. First up, we put a spotlight on Navy gymnastics with coach Kip Simons. Gymnastics opens the season this weekend at the West Point Open. They’re back in town with the Navy Classic next weekend. Then Bill Wagner chatted Navy basketball with play-by-play announcer Matt Sabados who has been filling in for Pete Medhurst. And finally, we’re stoked to present a conversation between Navy’s star QB Blake Horvath and Navy football legend John Sai. Blake’s 95-yard TD run in the Armed Forces Bowl broke Sai’s long-standing record from 1963. We think you’ll love this one. Listen here!

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with Governor Wes Moore and ask if he wants to meet up for a scramble at X-Golf.