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🍦Naptown's Star Baker is ...🌟 🍪

🍦Naptown's Star Baker is ...🌟 🍪

Top spots for photos with Santa, Annapolis Green to close, SnowPaths new program

Naptown Scoop
December 06, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, the newsletter that always lets Rudolph join in any reindeer games.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Top Spots for Photos with Santa 📸
Annapolis Green to close after 18 years 💚
Track this: SnowPaths ❄️

Let’s get to it.

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

And the Naptown Star Baker is . . . ✨🍪

Thanks to all the Scoop readers who submitted recipes to our inaugural cookie contest! We enjoyed reviewing your entries, and after some rigorous voting and taste testing, we can announce the three winning recipes, now available on the Journal.

Guess what else is super sweet? Black Market Bakers, who helped us out with these amazing bakes, is putting the winning recipe on their menu next week! So if you want to try them (and not bake them yourself), head over to 155 Mitchells Chance Rd in Edgewater to grab some. Thanks again to the O’Leary family and all the amazing bakers who helped us out this week.

So without further ado, here are your 2024 Great Naptown Bake Off Star Bakers:

🥇Grand Prize Winner: Maryalice Brady: Fudgy Salty Peanut Butter Bar Cookies
🥈Second Place: Florence August: Mom’s Pralines
🥉Third Place: Sheri Green: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Delights

Want to see full coverage of our taste test and all the behind-the-scenes, sugar-slinging action? You’ll have to check out our Instagram.

Meet Tica: Chief Happiness Officer of the Brad Kappel Team

Every great team needs a heart — and for the Brad Kappel Team, that’s Tica, their adorable golden retriever and Chief Happiness Officer.

From her morning walks in Winchester on the Severn to charming Annapolis locals, Tica is always ready to spread joy. A true Chesapeake adventurer, she loves paddleboarding, boat rides, and chasing toys on the shore. Her favorite treats? Pup cups from Rita’s and quality time with her stuffed fox, Foxy.

Living by the water doesn’t just elevate your lifestyle — it creates endless adventures for your furry friends too!

Learn more about Tica and the Brad Kappel Team’s approach to real estate at bradkappel.com.

THE DIGEST

Major Stories

🤩 EYC Lights Parade: Know Before You Go: Annapolis will SHINE BRIGHT on Saturday, December 14 during the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade. To prepare for the light-filled night, we’re sharing the best boat views, parking tips, what to bring, road closures, and more. ⛵️

🔎 Reminder: Scav on the Ave wraps up on December 12. Our Journal article has everything you need to know to join the fun, interactive scavenger hunt and win prizes on and around Maryland Avenue.

📚 Book it to the B.I.G. book sale: This story got a lot of attention so it seems that many of you like B.I.G. books, too. Shop 70,000+ gently used books, DVDs, and puzzles for just $1–$3 at the B.I.G. Book Sale on 12/6 from 3–5 PM and 12/7 from 8 AM–2 PM. Donate books 24/7 at the shed outside B.I.G.’s warehouse (451 Defense Hwy, Annapolis).

Top clicks of the week 🏆

Monday: EYC Lights Parade: Know Before You Go ✨⛵️🚤✨
Tuesday: Lights Parade Dinner Cruise 🛥
Wednesday: Book it to the B.I.G. book sale 📚
Thursday: Local by Design Midnight Madness

Track this: SnowPaths ❄️

If you’re somebody like Danny Kaye who longs to clear a path and lift a spade of snow (or at least, you can’t wait for the Office of Emergency Management and Department of Public Works to do it), there’s now an online tool for you. Annapolis City is launching SnowPaths, which gives you the latest updates on which roads are salted or plowed, or just prioritized for essential emergency travel. It makes it easier (and safer) to plan any commutes you need to make during dangerous winter weather. When you pull up the tool, you’ll see an interactive map with real-time info about which roads have been serviced. Now the thought of the next snowstorm seems a lot less stressful!

Annapolis Green to close after 18 years 💚

It almost sounds like a pun to say Annapolis Green started as a grassroots effort, but it’s the truth — this eco-conscious nonprofit group started in 2006 thanks to the initiative of local residents Elvia Thompson and Lynne Forsman. Over the years, they’ve advocated environmentally friendly policies and cultivated awareness of how to live more sustainably. Accomplishments of theirs include Plastic-Free Annapolis, No Butts in the Bay, Here We Grow, and many more. Now Annapolis Green is transitioning its programs to other groups and closing down at the end of 2024. A farewell Green Drinks Annapolis event will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5:30–7:30 PM at the Graduate Hotel’s Trophy Room.

Don’t forget: Bay Bridge Input Meeting

If you’ve got questions about the recently announced plans for a new Bay Bridge as a way of alleviating traffic, now’s your chance to hear directly from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) or share any of your thoughts. MDTA has two open houses coming up next week, starting with one on Monday 6–8 PM at Broadneck High School (1265 Green Holly Drive, Annapolis).

Can’t make it? There will be another one just across the bridge on Wednesday 6–8 PM at Kent Island High School (900 Love Point Road, Stevensville). There’s no formal presentation, but the study team will be on site to provide information, answer questions, and receive comments. Get info.

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Where were we Wednesday? 📸

ANSWER:

If you’ve been to visit Santa or posed with the popular moose on the bench across the street, you may have seen this stunning Christmas tree in the Annapolis Town Center. They have a lot of fun holiday events coming up, so you still have plenty of chances to see the tree and all the lively decorations.

Thanks for playing and congrats to @disneystring, @jessicamalie, and @kickinitkurtzberg for being the first three to answer correctly. 🎉

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Where to snag your Santa photos 🎅 📸

Sure—there’s always a ton of holiday hoopla to choose from . . . But it’s important to pause (sometimes even paws with our furry friends) and pose with Santa. We’re sharing three ways to grab a pic with Father Christmas and capture those magical memories, including classic, cozy, and free options. Discover the top “3 Spots to Snap Photos with Santa.” Don’t forget to say cheese! 🧀

Foodie Friday

Here are three scrumptious things to fill our tummies this holiday season:

Libations just released their NYE Menu and it’s something to toast to! Buffet and champagne served from 5–9 PM. $60 per person. Make your reservations today! 🥂
Black Market Bakers: Thanks to our friends at Black Market Bakers for their hospitality and help on our Great Naptown Bake Off! Did you know, besides delicious treats, they also serve lunch? Grab yourself a Ham & Gruyere Baguette or a Caprese on Foccacia the next time you visit. 🥖
Galway Bay Irish Restaurant and Pub’s authentic Irish Egg Nog is always festive and delicious. Great for hosting or gifting. 🥛+🥃 = 🤤

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

On the agenda for Monday’s City Council meeting:

City of Annapolis Departmental Reorganization
Changes in Exempt Service Job Classifications
Fair Cannabis Employment Practices
See full agenda

The meeting is at 7 PM in City Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend. Click here to submit testimony or watch online. — 160 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

A Message from 84 Lumber

Visit 84 Lumber Annapolis this winter to elevate your home’s curb appeal and efficiency with Andersen Windows & Doors. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of your renovation, whether you’re looking for a quick update or a complete transformation. Visit our Virtual Showroom before you stop by at 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard to discover our curated selection of Andersen products and start refreshing your home today!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Friday

37 🌡️ 28 | 🌤️ | 1% | 💨 NW 16 mph (14 knots)

Saturday

40 🌡️ 33 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)

Sunday

54 🌡️ 39 | ⛅ | 9% | 💨 SSW 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 47ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

NAVY SPORTS

🎙 LISTEN: Navy Swimming & Diving Looks to Maintain Dominance of Army

In this latest episode of the Anchors Aweigh podcast, hosts Bill Wagner and Pete Medhurst put the spotlight on Navy swimming and diving, plus they interview Navy men's coach Bill Roberts and women's coach John Morrison. Listen now. 🏊‍♀️

Upcoming games

Women's Basketball (6-3)
12/7 vs. Stetson | 12 PM

Men's Basketball (3-6)
12/7 @ NJIT | 2 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who will be doing some baking this weekend.

🍦Naptown's Star Baker is ...🌟 🍪

Top spots for photos with Santa, Annapolis Green to close, SnowPaths new program

TOGETHER WITH

And the Naptown Star Baker is . . . ✨🍪

SPONSORED BY BRAD KAPPEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE