🍦Navy reveals Army-Navy uniform ☠️

Jolly Express Cruise, Give back with Whole Lotta Love, Quiet Waters Retreat survey

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Naptown Scoop
November 21, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop – we’re the gravy to your stuffing. Happy National Stuffing Day, by the way.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Jolly Express Cruise 🎅

  • Give back with Whole Lotta Love ❤️ 

  • Quiet Waters Retreat survey 🌳 

Let’s get to it.

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

Make Magical Memories at Annapolis Mall’s Santapolis

The holidays are here, and Santa can’t wait to meet your family at Santapolis: A Magical Holiday Experience, now through December 24, next to Crate & Barrel at Annapolis Mall.

Capture the season with professional family photos starting at just $39.99. Reserve in advance to skip the line and enjoy two free gifts:

🎄 10 free holiday cards and 50% off your Shutterfly order
🎄 A personalized digital message from Santa via Portable North Pole

Walk-ins are welcome too, but reservations guarantee your spot! Don’t miss Sensory-Friendly Santa on December 8 or Pet Photos on select Mondays.

THE DIGEST

When in drought 💧

It’s been a dry fall, and that means Anne Arundel County — along with pretty much every other jurisdiction in Maryland — is facing some kind of drought. We’re currently under a drought warning, meaning our goal as a county is to reduce our water consumption by 10-15% by taking steps like:

✅ Running dishwashers and washing machines only when full
✅ Watering gardens and lawns at the coolest part of the day
✅ Taking showers instead of baths

Secretary Serena McIlwain of the Maryland Dept. of the Environment says there’s no immediate water shortage, but these steps will ensure responsible water use while the department monitors the situation. ($)

Anne Arundel County at a glance 📉

Excuse us while we put on our data hat . . . 🤓 Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) released their November 2024 report. Some key findings for our county:

  • Unemployment Rate: 2.4% in September 2024 (1.9% in Sept. 2023)

  • Home Sales in Oct. 2024:

    • Avg Sold Price: $601,972 ($574,253 in Oct. 2023)

    • Total Units Sold: 598 (542 in Oct. 2023)

Get the full picture (charts, graphs, and all).

County seeks feedback on Quiet Waters Park Retreat development 🌳

The Retreat at Quiet Waters Park, a 19-acre parcel of land overlooking the South River, has been in talks for development since 2020, when Anne Arundel County acquired it. Now, three plans are being circulated for its development and the county would like your opinion. The Department of Parks and Recreation, who designed the master plan concepts, has focused on three specific themes for the area: Wellness and Mindfulness, Arts and Culture, and Wildlife Sanctuary and Habitat Restoration. Click here to take the survey.

Y’all were so excited to check out David Sites’ Lighthouse calendar and we left you in the dark with a faulty link. We apologize! Try this link instead to order this stunning calendar, which may we just add, would make a great holiday gift. A portion of calendar proceeds supports the United States Lighthouse Society.

Give back with Whole Lotta Love ❤️ 

‘Tis the season for giving, and local group Whole Lotta Love is helping local families who are in need this season. Want to help? Read on and be sure to follow Whole Lotta Love on Facebook for updates and details.

Here are two efforts they’re leading right now:

Sweatshirt collection 🧥

More than half (about 60%) of students at Annapolis High School come from economically disadvantaged families, and Whole Lotta Love is determined to alleviate some of those worries.

Donate sweatshirts in sizes S-3XL for high school students as part of the Annapolis Angel Tree. New sweatshirts/hoodies can be dropped off with Ms. Whayland or Ms. Nunan at Annapolis High School before December 13.

Thanksgiving meals  🦃
Help provide Thanksgiving meals for 5 Anne Arundel families in need by contributing monetary donations—an estimated $100-125 can cover Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four, and some of these families have double that number. Contact Whole Lotta Love via Facebook to donate.

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

📸 @treeolowphoto | 📍Market Space

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

Did you know 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size?

Discover the perfect fit with a complimentary, expert bra fitting at our boutique at 152 Main St. in the heart of Annapolis! Enjoy a personalized shopping experience in a warm, inviting space. We offer a curated collection of luxurious yet affordable brands, including UGG and PJ Salvage, along with exclusive pieces you won’t find in department stores. Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful—visit us today and find the perfect fit that’s all about you!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

When you need a Thanksgiving prep break, here are some ideas . . .

Thursday

🛍️ She Sale: The seasonal consignment opens to the public at 6 PM at the Columbian Center (335 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD). Score ladies and juniors boutique clothing, plus home decor items without the boutique price tags! Registration isn’t needed to shop – just to consign!

Friday and Saturday

🛍️ She Sale: Open 10 AM–5 PM on 11/22. On 11/23, it’s 25% off day from 10 AM to 3 PM. – Columbian Center (335 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD).

💡🐕‍🦺 Lights & Leashes: For just two enchanting nights (11/22 and 11/23), you and your furry friends can stroll through Lights on the Bay from 5–9 PM.

Saturday

🎄🍪Holiday Bazaar: Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church hosts fun for all ages, 9 AM to 1 PM. Shop holiday greens, baked goods, jewelry, handmade items, and more! Free parking/entry at 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park.

🦃 Turkey Gobbler Charity Pickleball: Grab your paddle for the inaugural charity event for kids and adults at “Pip” Moyer Rec Center. Goes 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Click “Special Events” for more info. Register by November 22.

👩‍🍳❤️💛🖤Tavern Talk: Cooking Maryland's Way: At 1 PM, hear food historian Joyce White discuss inspiration for her book — Cooking Maryland's Way: Voice of a Diverse Cuisine — and Maryland's early culinary influences. Tickets include lecture, Q&A, book signing, and Inn tour. – Rising Sun Inn, Historic Tavern and Museum, 1090 General's Highway, Crownsville

📖 Bookmaking at ArtFarm: Learn basic bookmaking from 10 AM to 1 PM. Create and take home a pamphlet stitch book and a four-signature book. Get $25 off the Beginner Workshop with code: doublebooked

Sunday

🛍️ She Sale: Open 9 AM to 1 PM at Columbian Center (335 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park). It’s 50% off day!

Pink Friday 💕 🥂

It’s almost time to pop the pink bubbly! Tomorrow is Pink Friday, which occurs the Friday before Black Friday. The event encourages shoppers to support small businesses first. In honor of the holiday’s fourth year, we’re giving a shout-out to two businesses celebrating:

HERE. a pop-up shop: Besides bubbly all day, grab pink champagne marshies (while they last), and score a free gift when you spend $30+. Open 10 AM–6 PM. Permanent jewelry event from 11 AM–5 PM.

The Cottage: Enjoy storewide sales, gifts with purchase, and gift card giveaways. Open from 10 AM–8 PM at their Annapolis and Severna Park locations.

🛍️ Want more small business shopping inspo? Check out our ultimate holiday gift guide for shopping local!

Jolly Express Cruise 🎅

Oh what fun it is to ride in a . . . cruise boat? That’s right — Watermark is bringing back its ever-popular Jolly Express Cruises. Hop aboard a festively decorated cruise boat for a 45-minute water tour while enjoying hot cocoa, holiday music, and good cheer. Wrap up in a blanket to stay warm and cozy, or purchase an alcoholic beverage to savor. Jolly Express Cruises start this weekend and are available on select days throughout November and December. Get tickets.

🗓 Save the date: Annapolis Baygrass Festival 2025

We know we’re announcing this one a little bit early, but the Annapolis Baygrass Musical Festival just locked in dates for next year. Plan to jam with a great lineup of bands on September 20-21, 2025 at Sandy Point. The lineup won’t be announced until late winter, but a limited number of blind-faith tickets are now available at 10% off last year’s lowest rate. Remember – every jam saves the bay! 🦀

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.

WEATHER

Thursday

51 🌡️ 38 | ⛅ | 3% | 💨 WNW 14 mph (12 knots)

Friday

44 🌡️ 42 | 🌧️ | 66% | 💨 WSW 19 mph (17 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 58ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

49 West | Jazz Wire Jam Session | 7:30–10 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Jennifer Schimpf | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | PJ and Neal | 6– PM
Dark Horse | Corsicans | 8 PM
Killarney House | Madisun Bailey | 6–9 PM
Market House | Troll Tribe | 7–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Christie Lenée | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | Mitch Woods with The Dave Chappell Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Dan Haas Band | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Ricky Wise Trio | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | The National Bohemians | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Kevin Koa | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Jparis | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Fantasm | 8:30 PM
Great Frogs | Madisun Bailey | 4:30–7:30 PM
Killarney House | Mike Tony Scoglio | 7:30–10:30 PM
Market House | Local SongWriters Music Showcase | 8:30–11:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Velvet Horizon | 10 PM
Old Stein | Alexander Peter’s Duo | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Blues Vultures | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Michael K | 8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | The Shatners | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mike McHenry Tribe | 9:45 PM

Fear the Bones. That's the motto of the Jolly Rogers, the most lethal squadron in Naval Aviation. And that's who Navy's special uniforms for this year's Army-Navy game will honor. The Navy created the Jolly Rogers in 1943 and by the end of WW2, they had racked up over 150 kills. 78 years later, they're still one of the Navy's most elite squadrons in the F/A-18F Super Hornet. One thing's for sure, Navy's going to have a tough time with the undefeated, #19 ranked Army, but they're sure gonna look good doing it.

P.S. If you want to read more about the Jolly Rogers and these uniforms, click here. The Army-Navy game is on December 14 at FedEx Field.

🎙LISTEN: Live broadcast of Anchors Aweigh from Dry 85 on Main Street

It’s time for a special episode of the Anchors Aweigh podcast live from Dry 85 downtown. Host Pete Medhurst is joined by Navy water polo coach Luis Nicolau to discuss this weekend's Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference tournament. They’ll chat with Rob Friedrich, who is leading the Naval Academy Athletic Association's new Varsity Letter Winners Association. Listen now.

Upcoming Navy games & matches

Men's Hockey
11/22 vs. Towson | 7 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone whose favorite part of the big meal is . . . you guessed it . . . stuffing.