🍦Meet Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Two little mice fell into a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned. The second mouse, wouldn’t quit. He struggled so hard that eventually he churned that cream into butter and crawled out.

If you know what movie that’s from, respect to you, my friend.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• 2025 Small Business Awards

• Outdoors-focused film festival

• What is a social impact circle?

Let’s get to it.

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

A MESSAGE FROM MORABITO FAMILY DENTAL

Oral Health Affects Your Heart Health!

Similar to how your ankle bone is connected to your knee bone & your hip bone is connected to the backbone, your mouth’s oral health is actually indirectly connected to your heart health! Inflammation & bacteria from gum disease can travel through the bloodstream & spread to the rest of the body, leading to clogged arteries & if left untreated, heart attacks. This is why it's so important to get your teeth cleaned regularly!

With convenient appointments from 7 AM–8 PM & on Saturdays, you can protect your heart & start the new year off with a smile. We offer $0 cleanings for most insured patients & great in-house coverage options for uninsured patients.

Schedule today & start 2025 off right! Book online or call us 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

Introducing Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park 🌳

It’s always rewarding and inspiring to see something good come from something bad. That’s what Anne Arundel County plans to do with the old Crownsville Hospital, as detailed in the master plan released yesterday. The former hospital property, which the county acquired from the state a little more than 2 years ago, was once a segregated mental health facility where Black patients suffered horrific abuse. Anne Arundel County plans to turn the property into something that will serve the community, following years of outreach, planning, and input.

According to the proposed plan, Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park will encompass nature trails, athletic fields, and playgrounds. Inside the old hospital will be space for educational facilities and art studios, among other uses. Most important among the plan is the fact that the site’s complex (often painful) history won’t be forgotten. The overall goal: to create a national example of reclamation, remembered history, and healing.

No date has been announced for the start of development, though the plan does break down phases once the project begins.

Annapolis Women's Social Impact Circle 👩‍💼🤝

Did you know 20+ nonprofits in Anne Arundel County are led by women CEOs, executive directors, presidents, and VPs? A new initiative, the Annapolis Women's Social Impact Circle, aims to support them through the many challenges that come as a lady leader. The first cohort's free preview session is set for February 25, 5:30–7 PM at Fount & Flourish, a co-working space in Downtown Annapolis (100 Cathedral St, Suite 7). Know an awesome woman leading one of the many nonprofits that keep our community strong? Share this opportunity (and your gratitude) with her!

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @wyatt_wingfoot | 📍It’s a secret

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Chamber Chamber on the Wall, What Small Biz is the Fairest of them All? 🏆

Calling all standout small business owners! The Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2025 Small Business Awards, happening March 25 at the Graduate Hotel in Annapolis. Categories include Small Business, Emerging Business, Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Non-Profit of the Year. Nominations close February 28—so take a moment to nominate a deserving business!

Want to support the event too? Sponsorships are available. Email [email protected] for details.

Get up to 70% off 727 Sailbags 👜

For the first time ever, 727 Sailbags is holding a warehouse sale at its 110 Compromise Street store in downtown Annapolis. This French company specializes in bags made from recycled sailcloth (hello, stylish and eco-friendly!) and this sale is your chance to get up to 70% off on exclusive collections, end-of-series pieces, and rare collector’s items. The sale starts tomorrow and runs for a long weekend through President’s Day (Feb. 17).

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 COMPASS STUDIO TILE & FLOORING

Would you buy a sofa without sitting on it?

Didn’t think so. And you shouldn’t choose flooring without feeling it. That’s why we love Compass Studio Tile and Floor. 

Their stunning and expansive showroom lets you see, touch, and fall in love with the perfect surfaces for your home. From luxurious hardwood to exquisite tile, Compass has textures, colors, and quality you simply can’t experience on a screen.

Stop by to find the perfect foundation for your space!

Compass Studio Tile & Flooring
302 Harry S Truman Pkwy
Suites A-C
Annapolis, MD 21401

410-224-0700 Tile
410-268-4848 Flooring

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

How do Annapolitans say stir crazy? Harbor fever? Dock crazy? Whatever it is, we have it. But here’s how we’re beating it this weekend.

Friday

💌 Hearts and Crafts: Preschoolers can make gifts for their loved ones at this Valentine's Day-themed art party! 10:30–11:30 AM at Discoveries: the Library at the Mall.

Saturday

💃🎻 English Country Dance comes to the Historic London Town and Gardens! Lesson at 6:30 PM, then dancing 7–9:30 PM at the waterfront pavilion. Regency attire is encouraged. Think Jane Austen or Bridgerton styles. No experience or partner required. Register for a night to remember!

🪘Creative Connections: Community Gatherings: All skill levels are welcome at Ni Dembaya’s African drum and dance back-to-back classes from 1–3:30 PM. Register for one or both classes at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum (84 Franklin Street Annapolis, MD 21401).

Sunday

🌱HG Kids’ Club: DIY Propagation Chain: Homestead Gardens hosts crafting with plant propagation, offering kids a creative way to grow new plants at home. Visit HG in Davidsonville, 10–11 AM or Severna Park, noon to 1 PM. Tickets: $10. Online registration required.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival 🦀

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is pretty nice to look at, whether it’s IRL or up on the big screen. Part of the goal of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is to explore topics about climate change, wildlife, sustainable agriculture, energy, water conservation, and indigenous cultures — all through the medium of film. Tickets are on sale now for the film fest opening March 4 at 6 PM at Maryland Hall’s Bowen Theatre. From there, the film festival will move on to subsequent screenings throughout the weekend in Virginia and D.C. The event is sponsored and organized by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and tickets are available online 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

You’re gonna need a smaller boat (maybe) 🚤

Can you park your dinghy at City Dock? It depends on how big it is. As the city code currently stands, you can’t have dinghies longer than 12 feet at street end parks. But Mayor Gavin Buckley was about to introduce — and then retracted — legislation that would’ve allowed boats up to 17 feet. Dinghies of this length currently have to be docked at Ego Alley. The legislation was supposed to go before the Annapolis City Council on Monday, but Mayor Buckley plans to rework it. TBA what those changes to the legislation will be. ($)

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Win a Dream Getaway & Make a Difference!

Escape to a stunning oceanfront villa in Turks and Caicos—your own private beach, a pool, and unbeatable views! Only 300 raffle tickets are available, and they’re going fast. Don’t miss your chance to win at Bosom Buddies Charities’ Annual Ball on March 29th. Want to support a great cause? Sponsorships help fund life-changing treatment and outreach while giving your brand the spotlight. Find the perfect fit and make an impact today! Learn more here.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Thursday

47 🌡️ 29 | 🌧️ | 79% | 💨 WSW 17 mph (15 knots)

Friday

36 🌡️ 28 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 NW 14 mph (12 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 36ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

Brian Boru | Miggs | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | Stephen Henson | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | A Donny Hathaway Experience | 8 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Open Mic | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | TBA | 8–11 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Timmie Metz Band | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Ferro & Friends | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aidan Ewald and Co. | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Hunter Rich | 8 PM
Great Frogs | Katie Fisher | 5–8 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Patrick Donovan | 8–11 PM
Market House | Alex G Lee and Faith E | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moon Cherry| 10 PM
Old Stein | Ryan Keith & Thomas Coster | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Steve McCoy | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Over the Rhine | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Mike Miller | 8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Kick Back Classic | 7 PM

NAVY SPORTS

Navy Baseball Kicks Off the Season!

Navy baseball opens the 2024 season this weekend with a three-game series against Richmond. We talk to second-year head coach Chuck Ristano to break down the personnel and preview the program's prospects. The Anchors Aweigh podcast also introduces a new Navy Women's Lacrosse Insider in Stephy Samaras. Listen. 🎙️

Past results

Women's Basketball (15-8)
2/12 @ Lehigh | L 56-74

Men's Basketball (9-17)
2/12 vs. Lehigh | W 63-60

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THANKS!

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