🍦Is that lamppost holding an umbrella?

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, the newsletter that wakes you up, like that whip crack in the song Sleigh Ride.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Walk the Walk seeks sponsors for holiday gift program 🎁

• Maritime Welcome Center sails ahead 🌊

• Cypress Restaurant now open in SP 🍽️

Let’s get to it.

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

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THE DIGEST

Walk the Walk needs our help 🎁

Time to be Santa for a kid in need! The Walk the Walk Foundation is seeking sponsors and donors who can support its annual Sponsor a Child program. This year, they’re hoping to give presents to 600 underserved local children. As of time of pres, 43 children still need sponsors!

You can be part of the mission’s magic by sponsoring a child with 4-6 gifts (for a total of a recommended $50-65 per child), and Walk the Walk will provide you with a wish list to help. But you’ll need to act with elf-like efficiency here—gifts are due back to Walk the Walk Foundation by Friday. Don’t have time to shop? Walk the Walk is accepting donations for gift cards so parents can shop for their kids. Sign up.

Severna Park community mourns longtime music teacher

Longtime Severna Park High School (SPHS) music teacher and band/orchestra director R. Thomas Powell passed away recently on November 28, 2024. He began and ended his career at SPHS, developing an award-winning music program from 1967 until his retirement in 2014 — a 47-year career.

Some of the highlights of Mr. Powell’s career:

• Fulfilling his dream of hosting a Tournament of Bands at SPHS starting in 1978.

• SPHS marched in the Jimmy Carter Inaugural Parade, January 1977

• Held Band Camp each summer to begin working on the fall show before the start of school

• Traveled with students to perform in Disney World; Gatlinburg, TN; Winchester, VA; and many other locations

• . . . And this one is just for the band kids: Fair Share, dance cards, the Hallelujah Chorus, band jobs, stepping off on the right foot, “the smell of diesel,” and the cadence everybody wanted to dance to.

Scoop Editor Chelsea here. As a student of Mr. Powell’s for 4 years in the SPHS Marching Band, I can attest to the common theme of the hundreds of condolence messages that have been posted online since his passing: that Mr. Powell was a teacher who changed lives. Not just lives, but futures. He challenged students to work harder, work together, and be leaders. He was relentlessly dedicated not only to developing a quality music program, but also to mentoring young adults who were ready to confidently pursue whatever their passion may be beyond high school.

Funeral services are private but a Celebration of Life for alumni band family is planned. The family requests those who wish to honor his legacy, “In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Mr. Powell’s name to a local music or arts program of your choice. ‘Keep music alive.’”

Maritime Welcome Center sails ahead 🌊

The Annapolis Planning Commission approved plans for the $8.6M Maritime Welcome Center, replacing the aging harbormaster’s office at City Dock. Designed with public input, the downsized modern building (formerly budgeted at $10M) will feature water access, educational spaces, a waterman’s co-op, spaces for Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, and the harbormaster’s office.

BCT Design Group Architect Brice Turner calls it modern yet compatible with historic surroundings. While the City Dock project’s flood barrier system faces legal hurdles, the welcome center’s funding is independent. Advocates say it will enhance downtown appeal, but critics say it consumes valuable public space. Construction timelines await Historic Preservation Commission review. ($)

New lampposts, who dis? 💡

Is that lamppost…holding an umbrella? If you’re referring to the new lampposts outside Weisman Park in downtown Annapolis, then yes — yes, they are. The artistic lampposts are part of a recent effort to enhance safety and visibility at the park. This comes in response to concerns residents have expressed. The lampposts are named Luna and Sirius, and Shaw’s Welding in Annapolis crafted them specifically to look like people holding an umbrella as a way of looking like they are providing shelter as well as light. Other improvements include brick sidewalk repairs, new ground cover, and removal of invasive species.

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📸 @jarvinphotography | 📍Sandy Point State Park

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Cypress Restaurant now open 🍽️

New restaurant alert.🚨 Cypress Restaurant opened at 552 Ritchie Hwy, Suite L, in Severna Park in late November. It replaces Sullivan’s Cove in the Park Plaza Shopping Center. From fresh seafood to flavorful starters and hearty entrees, their menu is full of delicious options. A few items the Scoop team plans to try: 🦪 Oysters, 🦀 Crab Cakes, 💚🍅 Fried Green Tomatoes, 🐟 🌮 Mahi Mahi Tacos, and 🍔 Cypress Signature Burger.

Cypress Restaurant is open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 AM to 10 PM, and Friday/Saturday, 11:30 AM to 10 PM.

Onelife Fitness coming to Annapolis Mall

You’ll have another option for achieving those New Year’s resolutions in 2025: Onelife Fitness just announced its going to be opening a new location (its 12th in Maryland) at the Annapolis Mall.

No opening date has been set, but word is the gym will offer a 54,000-square-foot sports club with an indoor saltwater pool, expansive strength training areas, group fitness classes, personal training and stretch services, a recovery studio, and other cutting-edge amenities.

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.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Theater Tuesday 🎭

We have another week of holiday performances ahead of us! Here’s what’s on the calendar.

🎅 Colonial Players presents A Visit from St. Nicholas
Get the story behind Clement C. Moore’s classic poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in this one-act play full of historical details and holiday cheer, running through Dec. 15.

❄️ Classic Theatre of Maryland presents White Christmas
This stage adaptation of the 1954 classic film brings together all your favorite Irving Berlin songs (including the title number) and runs at Classic Theatre of Maryland through Dec. 19.

👻 Classic Theatre of Maryland presents A Christmas Carol
Also onstage at Classic Theatre of Maryland this month is A Christmas Carol, the Charles Dickens tale about Ebeneezer Scrooge’s Christmas Eve encounter with three ghosts, running through Dec. 29.

🎄 Talent Machine presents A Jolly Holiday
The Talent Machine Company’s annual holiday revue hits the stage this weekend with a cast of 42 youth ages 7-18 in a lineup of festive song-and-dance numbers.

🩰 Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents The Nutcracker
Our state’s premier professional ballet company opens its annual production of this holiday staple at Maryland Hall with performances this weekend and next weekend.

Midnight Madness expands with Christmas markets

Midnight Madness is getting even jollier this week with the first block of West Street transforming into the Holiday Artisan’s Market, a winter wonderland with talented crafters, live music, food vendors, and much more.

On the other end of Main Street, the City Dock Holiday Market will have over 100 artists assembled for an entire weekend of good cheer. These are the best nights to get out and enjoy our beautiful town while also finding the most unique gifts of the year.

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

A Message from 84 Lumber

As a trusted name in the construction industry, 84 Lumber is recognized for providing top-quality building materials and outstanding customer service, helping to bring every home project to life. For over 65 years, 84 Lumber has been earning the trust of both builders and homeowners through the dedication of its seasoned associates. Manager of 84 Lumber Annapolis, Bill McDonald, is ready to help you get started on your next project. Stop by 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard for your free estimate today.*

Make a Difference This Holiday Season 🎀

Want to spread cheer and make an impact? A sponsorship with Bosom Buddies Charities is the perfect way to support a meaningful cause while showcasing your brand. From innovative technology to support treatment to impactful community outreach, your sponsorship will help change lives. Join us in creating a brighter, healthier future! Check out our sponsorship levels and find the perfect fit for your business. Learn more here.*

Thank You for Supporting the Jingle Bell Run!

The DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation (DPCF) wants to say thank you to everyone who participated in the 13th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk of Annapolis. 500 participants lined the trails of Quiet Waters Park to bring light to the fight against lung and ovarian cancers. We are 100% volunteer-driven and proud to report that over $100,000 was raised this year, which will directly support our mission. Our DPCF Race Committee thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Save the date for the first Saturday of December 2025 to jingle again in Annapolis‘s healthiest holiday tradition!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Tuesday

54 🌡️ 52 | 🌧️ | 52% | 💨 SSE 7 mph (6 knots)

Wednesday

60 🌡️ 33 | 🌧️ | 100% | SW 15 mph (13 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 45ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM

Wednesday

49 West | Pam & Paula Classical Duo | 5–7 PM
49 West | The Songbird Collective | 7:30–10:30 PM
Brian Boru | Madisun Bailey | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Loose Change | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Fantastic Cat with the Tall Pines | 7 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Timmie Metz Duo | 9 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Just announced: NC State vs. ECU Military Bowl 🏈

North Carolina State and East Carolina University will face off against each other in the Military Bowl right here in Annapolis at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28. Kickoff is at 5:45 PM. Get tickets.

Army-Navy Football game 🏈 ⚓️

We’re four days out from the “greatest rivalry in college football.” Navy faces Army on Saturday, December 14 at 3 PM. This year’s football game — which takes place at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD — marks the 125th time the Mids competed against the Black Knights. The rivalry began in 1890 with Navy beating Army, 24-0. Navy's record vs. Army stands at 62 wins, 55 losses, and 7 ties. CBS will air the game. Y’all know the drill. GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY! 📣

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THANKS!

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