🍦Local biz gets Shark Tank deal

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Can I just say I love this 60º degree weekend thing we got going? I don’t love the 40º weekday thing we got going on but hey, a win’s a win. Come on, Spring.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• 2025 Small Business Awards

• Helicopter rescue training

• Taste of Spring on West Street

Let’s get to it.

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

SPONSORED BY MURTHY FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

It’s all about balance

Why should you trust your face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon?  With many types of aesthetic providers in practice today, it is important to make an informed decision when choosing elective or reconstructive procedures on the face or scalp.  Dr. Namita Murthy, a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon has spent more than a decade in rigorous surgical training to achieve this level.  Dr. Murthy’s comprehensive surgical training covered a wide breadth of experience including cosmetic facial aesthetic surgeries, skin cancer reconstruction, facial rejuvenation procedures and hair restoration.

At Murthy Facial Plastic Surgery, we have a high level of commitment to providing excellent, individualized service to help you look and feel your best.  We offer unrushed, thoughtful consultations allowing for both education and solutions. We use an innovative, fully HIPAA compliant platform that allows direct, immediate physician access.

Dr. Murthy blends a natural aesthetic with advanced surgical techniques to deliver refined results.  Discover the best aesthetic treatment that fits seamlessly into your busy life!

THE DIGEST

City of Annapolis Offices Closed for Maryland Day ❤️💛🖤

Don’t forget — Maryland Day is tomorrow, March 25. Annapolis City Offices and The Stanton Center will close in observance of the holiday. Everything else — transportation, trash, recycling, etc. — will operate on a regular schedule.

AACPL reveals new driving simulator

We’ll admit it. The Scoop team got pretty excited thinking this might be a racecar driving simulator. But the Busch Library recently put in a state-of-the-art driving simulator to help new drivers get on the road. Simulator hours don’t count toward training hours for new drivers, but they are free, unlike driver’s safety courses. You can practice things like adverse weather conditions, parking and braking, and heavy traffic. We’re not sure if there’s a governor on the gas pedal - try it out and let us know how she runs!

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @annapolisrunfest | Naval Academy Bridge

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Small Biz Awards 🏆

Running a business is tough! Even a successful one (at least according to my friends). The annual Small Business Awards show a little extra love to the companies and organizations out there serving our community (and our economy) in all kinds of ways. This year, the recipients are:

🍰 Small Business of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes
🛠️ Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Integrity Construction Group
🍹 Minority-Owned Business of the Year: Los Hermanos Tequila
💻 Emerging Business of the Year: Fount & Flourish
🛝 Nonprofit of the Year: Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Awardees are honored tomorrow night at a ceremony beginning at 5 PM at the Graduate Hotel (126 West Street, Annapolis, 21401). Get info and tickets.

Annapolis Hockey Startup Duzter Hits Shark Tank 🦈 🏒

Two of Annapolis’ own took their shot on Shark Tank on Friday. Father-son duo Martin A. and Martin E. Negron created Duzter, a protective hockey gear brand. After seeing a skate-induced injury, the St. Mary’s junior enlisted his father, a manufacturing expert, to develop a cut-resistant polymer material to protect arteries and the neck—now in high demand after hockey player Adam Johnson’s tragic 2023 death. Duzter now sells products for kids and adults globally.

After a failed 2023 audition, they landed on Shark Tank this season, seeking $200K for a 10% stake in their business. One by one, the sharks declined, building the usual drama. Until Mark Cuban offered a non-negotiable $200K for a 20% stake. Congrats to the Martins on their new partnership! 👏 ($)

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 ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL

At St. Anne’s School, we do things a little differently. Here, students have many opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and projects every day, and particularly on Design Daze–days dedicated to collaborative, project-based, STEAM-filled fun! This year, students took a walk on the wild side and designed and built zoo exhibits made entirely out of cardboard, and then showcased their creations during a student-led expo.

So if you’re looking for a school that inspires the next generation of thinkers and doers, check out St. Anne’s School of Annapolis.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

On-Water Rescue Demonstrations at USNA 🚁

Let’s start by saying that what’s happening on Saturday is just a training exercise — but that doesn’t make it any less cool. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard personnel have a scheduled safety training seminar and on-water rescue demonstration on Saturday from noon – 1 PM in the Severn River off seawall adjacent to Dewey Field. The public is invited to watch as aircraft and boats practice safety and rescue operations. Participating will be:

🆘 A Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter
🆘  A Coast Guard response boat
🆘  A Navy 44 Mark II Sail Training craft
🆘  Other USNA training sailboats

Afterward, select vessels will be available for observation. A portion of the Severn River will be closed during the demonstration. The best place for viewing is from the Naval Academy’s seawall on Sims Road. Visiting protocol for the Naval Academy is still in place.

Homestead Gardens hosts Davidsonville Green Expo

Since 2010, the Davidsonville Area Conservation Association has hosted the Green Expo, bringing in vendors and exhibitors focused on sustainable, environmentally-friendly gardening. The free event brings in over two dozen experts to host seminars, workshops, and classes, along with providing tons of information and discounts on everything you need to get your green thumb going. Saturday, 10:30 AM – 2 PM at Homestead Gardens – 743 West Central Avenue in Davidsonville.

CTA’s Battle of the Bands 🎸

Check, check, one-two-three — bands are getting ready to rock at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis’ first ever Battle of the Bands. The countdown is on to see which of 9 local bands will win the top title this Saturday from 4–8 PM at CTA’s theater (1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, 21409). Competing in the battle are:

🤘 Apex Arts Rising Stars
🤘 Jude Strawley (Solo Act)
🤘 DOMN (Denny’s Open Mic Night)
🤘 Warehouse
🤘 Savage In Nature
🤘 Don’t Fret
🤘 P Squared
🤘 Great Filter
🤘 Saving Bruce

The day will also include food trucks and a silent auction. Get tickets.

Grab your wet wipes: We’re two weeks away from the Maryland Chicken Wing Festival!

Is your homemade hot sauce ready for some primetime attention? Want to decide who has the best wings in the region? Let’s get into an argument over which is better: the drumstick or the flat. And whose boyfriend can we dare to enter the pepper eating contest? With great bands, insanely good food, and fun contests, the MD Chicken Wing Festival is a fun event that will make (and keep) the whole family happy. Saturday, April 5, AACo. Fairgrounds, 1450 General’s Highway, Crownsville.

Save the date: Taste of Spring on West Street 🍽️ 🌸

A few of our favorite things are popping up on April 27 from 12–3 PM . . .

• Seasonal bites from 9 local restaurants (Level, Tsunami, Picante, and more!)

• Live music and entertainment

• Raffles and PRIZES

Taste of Spring is an outdoor event on the first block of West Street. Funds raised support Dinner Under the Stars and IWSA events. Tickets are $60 and include gratuity for servers. A quick glance at the delectable menu proves it’s a steal. Get your tickets before they’re all picked. 🌷

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

⚖️ City Council Meeting

Tonight’s (3/24) city council meeting at 7 PM will cover lots of hot topic items in the City Council Chambers (160 Duke of Gloucester St). Expect clarification of parking and impounding violation citations, FY 2025 changes to executive pay ranges, as well as AACPS early dismissal discussions.

Peruse the full agenda. The public is welcome to attend or give testimony.

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Annapolis Book Festival Returns

Join us at the Annapolis Book Festival on Saturday, May 3 for a full day celebrating the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written word. The Festival is celebrating its 22nd year, bringing nationally renowned authors to the community to discuss their books and the craft of writing and featuring a day filled with children's activities, live music, food trucks, and huge used and new book sales. Find out more about this free community event!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Monday

56 🌡️ 45 | 🌧️ | 84% | 💨 SSW 10 mph (9 knots)

Tuesday

61 🌡️ 43 | ⛅ | 12% | 💨 WSW 12 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 50ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Monday

49 West | Open Mic | 7:30–10:30 PM

Tuesday

The Point | Kavoossi | 5–8 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Weaver | 6–9 PM
Rams Head Roadhouse | Kristi Allen | 7 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Past results

Women's Basketball (19-12)
3/22 @ Old Dominion University | L 63-42

Baseball (12-11)
3/21 vs. Bucknell | W 4-3 (10 inn.)
3/22 vs. Bucknell | W 6-4
3/22 vs. Bucknell | W 13-12
3/23 vs. Bucknell | L 8-1

Women's Lacrosse (7-3)
3/22 @ Bucknell | W 17-6

Men's Lacrosse (6-3)
3/22 @ Holy Cross | W 9-8 OT
3/22 @ Loyola | 5:30 PM

Men's Rugby (14-1)
3/22 @ No. 13 Mary Washington | W 27-22

Upcoming games

Baseball (12-11)
3/25 vs. Coppin State | 3 PM

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THANKS!

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