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🍦Local Legends in Business

🍦Local Legends in Business

International Bog Day, 2026 Annapolis Blues Tickets, American Athletic Conference Rebrands...

Naptown Scoop
July 23, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte is returning to menus on August 26. That’s 4 days later than last year, but still way too early. It should be illegal to sell PSLs before the official first day of fall.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

International Bog Day
2026 Annapolis Blues Tickets
American Athletic Conference Rebrands

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

Brad Kappel’s Home of the Week: Forest Retreat with Severn River Views

Tucked into the trees of Epping Forest, 1753 Ebling Trail offers a rare blend of privacy, architectural charm, and community — all just minutes from downtown Annapolis.

This 3 bed, 3.5 bath home unfolds across 2,400+ square feet, with vaulted ceilings, a dramatic two-story solarium, and partial views of the Severn River. The open main level flows effortlessly between kitchen, dining, and living spaces, all linked by a stone bridge and framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.

Outside, lush landscaping surrounds an expansive stone patio with water features — perfect for quiet mornings or al fresco dinners. Upstairs, each bedroom has its own bath and private rooftop deck.

As part of the gated Epping Forest community, you’ll enjoy access to a beach, deep-water marina, clubhouse, trails, and year-round social events.

Offered at $995,000 — it’s Annapolis living, reimagined in the woods.

Schedule your private tour with Brad Kappel today.

THE DIGEST

PlayAnnapolis begins search for new executive director

The non-profit PlayAnnapolis, which provides recreational opportunities for local kids, is on the hunt for a new executive director following the news that Neilye Garrity is leaving the position. Garrity is currently the campaign director for Jared Littman’s mayoral campaign, and she said she might accept a position within his administration if he is elected. Applications for the position closed July 15, and the new executive director will hopefully be installed by the fall sports season. ($)

Western Shore Veterinary Hospital offers your pets the finest wellness care, state-of-the-art diagnostics, dental treatment, and surgery ranging from spays/neuters to sophisticated treatments. You can find them online, by phone at 443-936-0660, or at 910C Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Pet of the Week: Meet Cheyanne

While it’s her pretty face that will stop traffic, this pup is ready to be appreciated for more than her looks. Cheyanne began her career on the North Carolina circus circuit where she debuted as “Shy-Shy: Clown’s Best Friend.” As you can imagine, that gig was a bust because everyone knows clowns have no souls and are incapable of relationships. So after an awkward few weeks with a handler who went by the name “Mr. Blisters,” Cheyanne managed to escape with a Lancome rep who launched her as the New Face of Macy’s Department Store.

After an ugly cease and desist from the Target dog, Cheyanne was again looking for work. Her current plan is to move into domestic markets, where Instagram pups can have millions of online followers. But more than anything, what Cheyanne wants is an owner who knows she’s much more than just a beautiful face.

Cheyanne has been at the SPCA since March 2025.

Saw this on Reddit and had to laugh

And for what it’s worth, Consistent_Fruit_619, just because you’re right about this, it doesn’t mean you’re not crazy. But your husband might want to get his memory checked.

Former County Executive John Gary passes away at 81

John Gary, who served as County Executive 1994–1998, passed away earlier this month at the age of 81. The Republican is remembered by associates from both sides of the aisle for his time in politics, which also included nearly a decade in the Maryland House of Delegates before he became county executive. He’s maybe best remembered for a “Wheels for Work” program to provide used cars to low-income residents. County Executive Steuart Pittman praised his “leadership and dedication.” ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Annapolis Business Titans You May Not Have Heard of

Yesterday we learned that the founder of the world-renowned Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Warren Winiarski, attended college at St. John’s (Class of 1952). Then we got curious what other notable business people might have Annapolis ties. So without further ado, ladies first.

VMware co-founder Diane Greene was born and raised in Annapolis. Her first business was selling crabs for $5 a pop. She and her co-founders sold VMware in 2003 for a little more than that – a cool $625 million.

While she grew up in China, Mei Xu studied journalism at UMD and not long after founded Chesapeake Bay Candle in her Annapolis basement. She sold it to Yankee Candle’s parent company for $75 million in 2017. You can read her story in the book, Burn.

Can’t forget about the nonprofits. Trudy McFall co-founded Homes for America – one of the largest nonprofit affordable housing developers in the country – in Annapolis in 1994. It is still headquartered right here.

John Seward Johnson III – co-founder of BuzzFeed – also graduated from St. John’s College with a double major in philosophy and mathematics.

Ever wondered who John and Cathy Belcher are when passing the hospital? They emigrated to the US from Canada so John could become CEO of a company called ARINC (now Collins Aerospace found on Riva Road). He built it into an international billion-dollar powerhouse before it was sold.

And what about Annapolis’ superyachts?

Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and MicroStrategy co-founder Michael Saylor have both been known to keep their yachts in Annapolis. Bisciotti’s is the 130-foot Winning Drive and contrary to popular belief, Tiger Woods never owned it. Tiger’s 155-foot yacht is called Privacy.

The 154-foot Usher is not owned by the “Yeah!” singer. It’s owned by Saylor, who named it after a piece of MicroStrategy software. Occasionally, you’ll catch his other yacht, a 147 footer called Harle in town, but you’re much more likely to find it in the Mediterranean.

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Celebrate International Bog Day!

No, this event is not an opportunity to lead your ex into the swamp and disappear them forever: this is instead a fun, family-friendly event where we can all explore all the fascinating ecosystems that are bogs - soft, spongy areas that trap sediments and help provide clean water to the Bay’s tributaries. On July 25th, bring anyone trusting enough to Arden Bog on the Gumbottom Branch of Plum Creek off the Severn River (that’s really the address - it’s not meant to evade police surveillance) for a day of scavenger hunting, hiking, and bog-building.

International Bog Day was first introduced by the Scottish Wildlife Trust in 1991, and is today celebrated around the world on the fourth Sunday in July. This month’s event is sponsored by Underwood & Associates in partnership with the Center for Ecosystem Recovery, Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection, and the Severn Riverkeeper.

Blues News ⚽️

The 2025 season for the Annapolis Blues might be over, but they’ve got two big announcements for any soccer fans reading this: First, season tickets for 2026 are already on sale, which will get you access to home matches — including pre-season, regular season, friendlies, and playoffs — as well as swag, merch discounts, youth clinics, and other perks.

Then there’s the Claw 4 Cup youth soccer tournament on August 17 at Severn Run High School. There are boys and girls divisions for U9–14, high school JV, and high school varsity. Teams can play up but not down. Registration is still open.

Save the date: For the Love of the Library

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 19, when the Anne Arundel Public Library will celebrate For the Love of the Library, an annual event and fundraiser to support critical programs like kindergarten readiness, teen programming and lifelong learning for adults. This year’s event will feature NYTimes best-selling author Brigid Kemmerer, an auction, whiskey and wine pulls, and much more. Early bird tickets are available until September 8, so grab your seats 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.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

Pickleball’s Big Weekend Is Back

Get ready! The Annapolis Pickleball Club Bay Capital Mortgage Open is hitting Truxtun Park September 12–14 for three days of fierce rallies and fun vibes. Whether you’re chasing medals in singles, doubles, or mixed, or just want to soak up the action, this tournament’s the place to be. Registration is open at $60 through August 31, and all proceeds support the SPCA. Join the fun and register now.

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

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Thursday

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NAVY SPORTS

Zach Cielewich to play in MLS NEXT All-Star game ⚽️

Let’s talk about a local teen who is goal-ing places. Rising Severna Park High senior Zach Cielewich, who plays goalkeeper for the Baltimore Armour of MLS NEXT (that’s Major League Soccer’s premier youth program), as well as the Annapolis Blues, was recently selected for the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game. This is the latest achievement in Zach’s soccer career, which will next take him to the nation’s capital for D.C. United’s Under-19 academy squad starting next month. After that, it’s on to play for University of Maryland. We’re rooting for you Zach. ($)

American Athletic Conference rebrands to the American Conference

The American Athletic Conference (which Navy plays football in) is now simply the American Conference, the group announced recently, marking a new era in the Conference’s brand ethos. "The American has built a brand that differentiates us in a crowded collegiate landscape by establishing and elevating what makes us distinctive," said Commissioner Tim Pernetti. "This modernization is rooted in who we are and where we're headed. It prioritizes clarity, momentum, and the competitive advantage driving every part of our conference forward.”

Our take: We like it. It’s giving Justin Timberlake in The Social Network. Drop the “athletic.” It’s cleaner.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who has a Maryland State Parks pass.

🍦Local Legends in Business

International Bog Day, 2026 Annapolis Blues Tickets, American Athletic Conference Rebrands...

TOGETHER WITH

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