🍦Annapolis Boats Roasted

Blazers . Bourbon . Cigars, Annapolis Pride Rescheduled, BOE Meeting...

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Naptown Scoop
July 22, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Spotted a kayaker towing a YETI cooler labeled “NOT BEER” last night on Spa Creek. We didn’t check, but we’re 94% sure it was beer.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Blazers . Bourbon . Cigars

  • Annapolis Pride Rescheduled

  • BOE Meeting

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

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THE DIGEST

We asked ChatGPT to roast Annapolis’ most popular boat brands

Even though Wardour residents are still licking their wounds from last week’s ChatGPT neighborhood roast, we aren’t pulling back. Who should we roast next?

Grady White – It was designed for fishing but you haven’t fished a day in your life despite an impressive collection of Huk shirts that still have tags.

Boston Whaler – You’ll tell anyone who listens that “it’s unsinkable.” Which is a good thing because you always hit at least three crab pots between here and Thomas Point.

Regal – You wanted luxury, performance, and style. Instead you got a floating Nissan Altima and a far too highly monthly payment.

Pursuit – You tell people it’s a “serious fishing boat” but the only fish it’s ever seen was on the raw bar at The Choptank.

Chris-Craft – You’re nostalgic for a golden era of boating you didn’t even live through, but at least your varnish budget keeps everyone’s favorite guy in business.

Donzi – It’s not about enjoying your boat. It’s about making sure nobody in a three-mile radius can enjoy theirs.

Hinckley – It’s called a “picnic boat,” but if someone actually tries to eat on board, so help you God they will be wiping aioli off the varnish with your monogrammed towels until teak grows naturally in Maine.

Back Cove – Your financial advisor told you it was the sensible choice, but you still linger near the Hinckleys at the boat show like your golden retriever watching the grill on steak night.

Sea Ray – You tell people it’s “perfect for entertaining,” but the only thing you’ve been entertaining lately is selling it to get a Grady White.

Scout – You bought the Scout for the same reason you bought Range Rover. It looks great at the house and it might go somewhere interesting one day.

Fleming – You say it’s about the journey, not the destination. Which is a good attitude because you’re definitely not arriving any time soon.

5 questions with Dr. Mark Bedell, AACPS superintendent 🤔

The number of the day is 5. That’s because we’re 5 weeks away from the first day of school for AACPS, and to get all of us excited for the start of the new school year (we know, we know), we’re taking a look at 5 questions the Capital recently asked Dr. Mark Bedell. He’s the superintendent of AACPS, having stepped into the position in 2022.

He’s overseen a lot in the few years he’s been with Anne Arundel County, including the opening of two new schools. But if you want to get to know him, his philosophy, and his approach to education a little better, you’ll want to read his responses to questions like:

❓What is the purpose of K-through-12 education?
❓What do you think makes Anne Arundel a unique place to learn and/or teach?
❓With generative AI taking a role in everyday life and posing challenges for schools regulating academic integrity, what does academic integrity mean to you?
❓What advice do you have for a student who applies themselves in school, but they’re not really sure what to do when they graduate?
❓A new cellphone policy rolled out last year. How successful was it? And do you think students should anticipate anything changing next year?

👉 See his answers. ($)

Civil War artifacts on Spa Road?

It’s Annapolis, so it’s entirely possible. And so the Heritage Commission of Annapolis is asking the City to perform an archaeological survey on the 932 Spa Road property, which is set to become a 700-unit affordable housing development. But construction is pending an environmental cleanup due to a 20th century landfill leaving some traces of harmful chemicals in the soil. But if you look back further than the last 100 years, as Heritage Commission vice chair Robert Wordon did, you’ll find that the same property was once a farm owned by John Walton, a hotel owner in downtown Annapolis who used the farm and 28 enslaved people to support his hotel’s needs. The farm grew crops, harvested lumber, and kept livestock until 1881, when Union troops used the land for training purposes.

Wordon has asked that the City perform an archaeological survey of the site before allowing construction to begin. He’s researched the property and found where certain remains of the Civil War soldiers may be found, but also wants to see if there are ancestral burial sites. Ward 8 Alderman Ross Arnett has agreed to sponsor the resolution if Wordon can provide further details; expect to see movement on this within the next two weeks. ($)

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Want to be Wealthy in Retirement? Get Active Now

80 is the new 70. While this is great news, it could come with more expenses. If you decide to retire at 65, that means there’s a 25% chance you’ll need to have at least 25 years of money for retirement stashed away.

Some financial advisors estimate that you’ll need about 70% of your annual income each year in retirement, which means a couple earning a median income should aim for approximately $39,000 per year. Multiply that over 25 years and you’re looking at almost 1 million to painting your current lifestyle.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Theater Talk Tuesday

🕳️ Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre presents Groundhog Day Opening July 31. ASGT closes out its 2025 season with this musical adaptation of the ‘80s comedy about a weatherman stuck reliving Feb. 2 over and over again.

⚗️ Classic Theatre of Maryland presents The Imaginary Invalid Tuesdays 7:30 PM. Enjoy this outrageous comedy about a hypochondriac’s rebellious love-struck daughter, in the outdoor courtyard of Reynolds Tavern.

👫 Classic Theatre of Maryland presents Much Ado About Nothing Thursday-Sunday. Don’t miss closing weekend of Shakespeare’s bawdy enemies-to-lovers comedy.

🎵 Annapolis Opera presents Stories Through Music Dates/times vary. Annapolis Opera is on tour this summer with family-friendly presentations at the library. Upcoming performances at a branch near you include Crofton on Wednesday at 6 PM, Edgewater next Tuesday at 6 PM, and Busch Annapolis on July 30 at 6 PM.

🦒 CTA Production Summer Camp presents Madagascar Jr. Friday-Saturday. Campers with Children’s Theatre of Annapolis take the stage with this adaptation of the popular DreamWorks favorite.

🧛‍♂️ Auditions for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Colonial Players July 27–28. Colonial Players is seeking 5 performers who can play a variety of characters in this hilariously absurdist riff on the story of Dracula. Performances Oct. 24–Nov. 5.

🦁 Auditions for Narnia the Musical at Pasadena Theatre Company July 26 and 28. Singers, actors, and dancers ages 8–99 are invited to step through a magical wardrobe and audition for this musical version of CS Lewis’ classic fantasy. Performances in November (dates TBD).

Save the date: Blazers . Bourbon . Cigars 🥃

Alright fellas — it’s your turn. Tickets for Blazers . Bourbon . Cigars on Thursday, September 25 dropped. Think the Paca Girlfriends Party . . . but for dudes. Same iconic spot: the William Paca House & Garden, 6–9 PM (VIPs get in at 5 PM). Expect smooth bourbon (and other liquor), fine cigars, killer food from Annapolis’ top chefs, and a chance to mix with top local leaders. We kinda hate the word networking but if that’s your thing, there’s no other place to be on September 25.

It’s the best guys night of the year. And though it should go without saying. . . dress your best. 21+ Rain or shine.

Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival rescheduled for October 18

The fifth annual Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival was originally scheduled for May 31 (one day before Pride Month in June). But the weather had other plans. So the very colorful parade is now scheduled for October 18. It will start at 10 AM and recently retired US Space Force Colonel Bree Fram will still be the grand marshal.

Get your Rotary Club Crab Feast tickets today!

The Rotary Club of Annapolis is a fun group that takes things seriously. And when it comes to their crab feast, they take things very seriously. For the last 80 years, the Rotary Club has hosted their annual all-you-can-eat Crab Feast as a major fundraiser for the community. It’s so big, they have to hold it at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. But get your tickets now because online sales cut off on July 31 and same-day tickets cost a little more. August 1, 5–8 PM. $95 adults, $35 kids 12 and under.

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

BOE Meeting 🍎

Redistricting is a hot topic these days. At its July 23 meeting (happening at noon), the Anne Arundel County Board of Ed will get Superintendent Dr. Bedell’s Phase 2 redistricting recommendation after months of public input. The plan, part of a process that began in February 2024, is set for final adoption in November and would take effect in the 2026–2027 school year. Dr. Bedell’s recommendation will be posted afterward at aacps.org/phase2redistricting.

The meeting — open to the public in the Parham Building’s Board Room, 2644 Riva Rd — also marks the debut of Student Member Brayden Morgan of Glen Burnie High. Brayden is the only student in the nation with full voting rights on a local board. Find the agenda, how to comment, and how to watch online.

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NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .

Tuesday

83 🌡️ 70 | ☀️ | 2% | 💨 ENE 9 mph (8 knots)

Wednesday

84 🌡️ 72 | 🌤️ | 10% | ESE 8 mph (7 knots)

NAPTOWN SCOOP LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN IS POWERED BY. . .

Tuesday

49 West | Open Mic | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Anthony Broccolina | 6–9 PM

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
49 West | Greg Holloway & Ella Gahnt | 8–10 PM
Brian Boru | Faith and the Faithful | 6–9 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Chris Montcalmo | 5–8 PM
Dinner Under The Stars | Spirit of Jazz w/ Geno Marriott | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Historic London Town | Groove Spot | 6–7:30 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Maryland Hall | Yachtley Crew | 8 PM | Tickets
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | End Of The Line | 8 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Devanney Brothers | 9 PM

THANKS!

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