🍦Do you know the Snowball Man? 🍧

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, your daily dose of local news with a splash of birthday confetti.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Scoop by the Numbers 🍦 

• Chesapeake Bay passenger ferry system ⛴️

• Ballet in the Garden 🩰

Let’s get to it.

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

Do you know the Snowball Man? 🍧

By now, everyone knows we love our ice cream at the Scoop. But DYK we also love snowballs? And many locals know Mr. Rob, the infamous snowball man with the patience of a saint, who always magically appears at the perfect time when you’re craving that icy treat.

Scoop Writer Lauren interviewed Mr. Rob recently and learned more about his beginnings, his work day, and what has kept him in the biz for 42 years. The core memories from his long-term customers . . . well, they’re the marshmallow on top! Get the scoop on this local hero in Scoop’s Journal.

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At Current Dermatology and Cosmetic Center we provide medical and surgical dermatology care, the full spectrum of cosmetic laser and injectable treatments, and have the areas’ most sought after aesthetician, Heather Hultzer, providing aesthetic services such as HydraFacial, chemical peels, and microneedling.  And the best part is your entire skin care plan is curated, directed, and monitored by a board-certified dermatologist who can accurately prescribe which treatments are best for your individual skin needs.  Thousands of Annapolis residents have already discovered the benefits of visiting our comprehensive skin care center and have glowing skin to prove it! Go to currentderm.com to begin your simplified skin care journey today.

THE DIGEST

Scoop by the Numbers 🎂

Happy Birthday to us! To celebrate, here are some fun facts about Naptown Scoop’s first four years:

• The first Naptown Scoop newsletter went out on August 17, 2020 to 70 subscribers.

• 390 – Approximate number of email newsletters sent out in the past 4 years 💌

• 26 – Number of crabcake reviews Ryan and various co-hosts have completed 🦀

• 43 – Number of minority and women-owned businesses we have partnered with

• $325,000 – Through several fundraising campaigns like Annapolis Hope, Naptown Scoop has helped raise over $325,000 in the past 4 years for charitable causes ❤️

• Drumroll please: As of Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 10:48 PM . . . we have 20,008 email subscribers! 🥳 

Thanks to all the new subscribers this week and to all our supporters from Day One! Cheers to another 4 years! 🥂

Chesapeake Bay passenger ferry system ⛴️

A new report on a proposed Chesapeake Bay passenger ferry in Anne Arundel County and other waterfront jurisdictions shows it could boost regional economic growth but would incur a $2.5 million loss in its first year. The Cambridge Systematics study outlines potential routes, ridership, and vessel needs for seven ferries.

None of the six newly released routes have been finalized. The ferries would operate Thursday through Monday from mid-April to mid-October.

The system could generate 143 jobs and $2.6 million in tax revenue but requires substantial community support and investment. Next steps will include engaging community leaders, confirming site readiness, developing a funding plan, and establishing a schedule. ($)

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

Auspicious Alley

📸 @jarvinphotography | 📍Main Street

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

SPONSORED BY YOGA FACTORY ANNAPOLIS & CROFTON

Yoga for a cause

Over 6.7 million Americans, including 127,000 Marylanders, are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Want to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s? Yoga Factory is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association for a donation-based yoga class, Saturday August 24th from 2–3:30 PM. Come enjoy a relaxing yoga session and learn about the Alzheimer's Association’s free resources, programs, and services for those living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. You can also show your support by adding a flower to the garden of hope and registering for the Anne Arundel County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Sign up on the Yoga Factory app.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Coming up this week

This week’s events are plentiful; so many choices! If any city can handle it, we can!

Wednesday

🍋🌻 Reclaimed of Annapolis is hosting a Lemon Vase Flower Arrangement event from 6–8 PM. With your $65 ticket, you'll get sunflowers, accompanying florals, jars, decorative citrus, crafting assistance, plus a complimentary glass of wine & summer treat. Registration details here.

🌎 🍽️ Eat Around the World Family Potluck: Bring a homemade or store-bought dish for 10 people that’s important to your family for a potluck dinner from 6–8 PM! Your food should be ready-to-eat (no reheating or cooking at the Annapolis Library).

Friday

📻🧑‍🎤🎶 80s Bingo: Enjoy an evening of 80's music and a unique twist on Bingo at Prism Annapolis (49 Spa Rd)! Get a legwarmer up on the competition and start reviewing your favorite songs & trivia from the popular decade now! Doors open at 6 PM, first game is at 7 PM. Grab tickets before they’re gone.

🚴‍♂️ DMV Cycling Event: The Push’N Pedals Cycling Club, DMV Cycling Alliance, & the Office of Mayor Gavin Buckley will host ‘Ride Against Hate’ to raise awareness on racism & cycling safety in Annapolis. Meetup is at 8:45 PM at the old Sears parking lot at Annapolis Mall. At 9:30 PM, the group will go downtown for a 10-mile ride. Riders should wear reflective gear & use bike lights.

Saturday

🚤 Kids on the Creek: The event is expanding to include activities at Severn Sailing Association & the adjacent Eastport Yacht Club. All activities, boat rides, and food are free. Boat rides along Spa Creek start at 11 AM and are first-come, first-served.

🌼 Flower Pounding with Plants on Tea Towels: Unleash your creativity in Homestead Gardens’ Botanical Pounding Workshop using flowering plants on tea towels. Davidsonville is sold out, but Severna Park’s workshop is available, 2–4 PM. Costs $85; all materials are included. Get tickets.

Sunday

🚤 River Days @ Quiet Waters: These festivals offer free public water access & activities on our local rivers. You must register for entry, as space is limited. Boat ride tickets are also free but must be reserved separately. 11 AM to 3 PM.

🐶🐾 Puppy Plunge: Enjoy live music, food trucks, a tiki bar, merchandise, vendors, & beach access for $10 per car at the YMCA Camp Letts gate (4030 Camp Letts Rd, Edgewater, MD). 100% of proceeds will benefit the SPCA. 11 AM to 2 PM.

Musical Monday 🎵

Two contrasting but intriguing music performances are on the calendar for this week. Here’s what we recommend:

🎶 Chamber Music of Annapolis presents Fine Wine and Finer Music on Tuesday at 7:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. Enjoy music by global composers while sampling wine from Annapolis’ own Bin 201.

🎶 Classic Theatre of Maryland performs its monthly cabaret with ‘50s and ‘60s hits in The Best of the Jukebox on Monday and Tuesday at 7:30 PM. Music numbers are fully costumed and choreographed, accompanied by the theater’s house band.

Ballet in the Garden 🩰

Ballet Theatre of Maryland opens its latest season with Ballet in the Garden, which is, well, a ballet in the garden. The production brings together a series of classical works performed in the charming garden setting at Hammond-Harwood House. The production includes pas de deux excerpts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, An American in Paris, and Capriccio Espagnol, among others. Arrive early to grab a glass of wine (included with ticket price) and reserve your seat before the show begins. The performance is September 14 at 5 PM.

🎟 Important note about tickets: Ballet Theatre of Maryland reminds patrons to avoid third-party ticket sites, which may sell counterfeit tickets at inflated prices. Buy tickets directly through Ballet Theatre of Maryland or EventBrite.

Hot Fudge Summer: The Scoop’s Weekly Keep-Kids-Busy List 😎

Parents. We’ve almost made it. It’s the last week of summer for AACPS kids. Here’s a roundup to finish summer on a high note! 🎵

🌊 🌿 Monday 8/19: Bay Buddies: Parents and Preschoolers: Delight your preschooler with songs, stories, and lessons about our maritime and ecological heritage. Explore the great outdoors on a memorable hike. 10–10:45 AM. Costs $15. Registration required – Park Campus, 7300 Edgewood Rd, Annapolis, MD

📖 ⛲️Tuesday 8/20: Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime is designed for little ones 3–7 years old with a book reading, song, and craft from 10–11 AM. This week’s book is Home Is . . . Register.

🔷 Wednesday 8/21: Blue Blocks on the Green: Let kids explore their creative spirit with giant blue blocks made of dense foam! Every Mon, Wed, and Fri, 8 AM–5 PM (weather permitting) through 10/30/24. Free at Annapolis Town Center - East Village Green, next to P.F. Changs.

⚾️ 🐕 Wednesday 8/21: Bowie Baysox Home Game - Woof Wednesday: Bring your four-legged best friend to the game. Dogs must be leashed with proper vaccination tags. Game starts at 6:35 PM. Get tickets.

🌳 Thursday 8/22: Historic London Town and Gardens: Visit a lost colonial town and garden sanctuary on the South River. Can’t make it Thursday? They’re open Wed–Sun, 10 AM–4 PM. Parking is free. Get pricing and tour info.

🧘‍♀️Friday 8/23: Center yourselves with “WonderTime Yoga with Frolic the Fox” at 10 and 11 AM. Enjoy 45 mins of imagination-filled songs, stories, and movement at Yoga Barn. Teachers are 1/2 off in August with code TEACH24. Book now.

Save the date: Kunta Kinte Festival on September 14

A full day of celebratory activities is planned for the 34th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival on September 14 from 10 AM–7 PM at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Admission is free. There will be 150+ vendors, local and national artists, and a children’s activity tent. Get more info.

Who was Kunta Kinte? According to the festival website, “Kunta Kinte was one of 98 enslaved people brought to Annapolis, Maryland aboard the ship Lord Ligonier in 1767, and despite many years in bondage, he never lost his connection to his African heritage. Kunta Kinte's experience symbolizes the struggle of all ethnic groups to preserve their cultural heritage.”

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

Close out summer with a clean home

August is finally here, and while summer’s winding down, the to-do lists are stacking up. While you tackle back-to-school, let Blue Heron Property Services bring your house back to life. Their special Soft Wash cleaning method and expert window cleaning services will leave your home sparkling, so you can enjoy the rest of summer with one less task on your mind. Call and get a quote today.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .

Monday

86 🌡️ 64 | ⛈️ | 47% | 💨 WNW 10 mph (8 knots)

Tuesday

74 🌡️ 58 | ☀️ | 4% | 💨 NNW 12 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 82ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

Monday

49 West | Tommy Womack with Jay Byrd | 7:30–10 PM

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Pirates Cove | Cole Larravide | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Parijita Bastola | 8 PM | Tickets

SPORTS

Past results

Women's Soccer (0-2)
8/18 at Rice | L 2–1

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who knows Mr. Rob.