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🍦RAR is open (Chessie’s Wharf)

🍦RAR is open (Chessie’s Wharf)

Capital Gazette sold, flood grants, Davids confirmed…

Naptown Scoop
January 17, 2024

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Heads up if you’re heading to the hospital, masks are now expected at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Why? Covid hospitalizations across the country have risen for 9 straight weeks.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Local businessman buys Capital Gazette
USNA’s 65th Superintendent (and 1st female)
Vote for the coyote name

Let’s get to it.

— Ryan Sneddon, Dylan Roche, & Lauren Burke Meyer

RAR opens Chessie’s Wharf in West Annapolis

RAR owner Chris Brohawn proudly poses in his new West Annapolis location

Restaurant owners are the most patient people in the world. Two years after announcing, RAR Brewing opened Chessie’s Wharf in West Annapolis yesterday. And as any hearty Annapolitan knows, there’s no better bar day than a snow day.

Just 20 minutes after opening, all of RAR’s indoor seats were full. Even though they have heaters, nobody wanted to sit outside for some reason ☃️

Chessie’s Wharf is a full-service bar and restaurant with a full liquor license. They also offer an ever-growing range of nonalcoholic options. On that note, owner Chris Brohawn says RAR has been family-friendly since its beginnings on the Eastern Shore and Chessie’s Wharf will be no different.

There are 38 beers on tap – 28 from RAR and 10 guest taps. Here’s a peek at the food menu. I think you’re gonna like these prices.

Chessie’s Wharf is located at 609 Melvin Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401. They have some parking spots but there’s plenty of street parking nearby. It’s open 11 AM – 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 AM – 11 PM Friday and Saturday.

You’ll be proud to tell people where you live 🏡

Melvin Road, Bay Drive, Coachway. . . Some street names are just better than others. This is one of them – Good Luck Lane. And the home at 2902 is the star of the show.

This spacious 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home has an efficient floor plan featuring formal living and dining rooms, a family room, and kitchen that flow together like a beautiful mosaic. It’s also been recently refreshed with new carpet, refinished hardwood floors, and neutral paint throughout.

But the highlight of this home is the primary suite. As it should be. It’s spacious and accommodating with a king bed and sitting area. The luxurious spa-like bath includes a jacuzzi, double vanities, and a walk-in shower. Situated in a small enclave of homes with access to the South River, this home is the perfect blend of location, waterfront living, and privacy.

Contact Brad Kappel for your private tour today.

THE DIGEST

One Last Chance to Name the Coyote

Sometimes we make mistakes (but only sometimes). And it turns out a technical glitch last week stopped a few of you from voting for the name of the Thomas Point Lighthouse decoy coyote. So we’re giving you one last chance to vote. (That’s today!) Willing to bite? Vote here .

Most names are pretty self-explanatory, but if you think that one human name sounds out of place. . . well, that’s because it’s the name of the fisherman who suggested the coyote.

Davids confirmed as USNA Superintendent ⚓️

Rear Adm. Yvette M. Davids is officially the Naval Academy’s 65th superintendent and first woman to serve in the role. The surface warfare officer and 1989 USNA graduate’s resume includes commanding the USS Curts, USS Bunker Hill, and Carrier Strike Group 11.

Davids said, “In the lasting words of Navy legend Admiral Grace Hopper, who in 1985 spoke to my Plebe Class, ‘A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for. Sail out to sea and do new things.’ Which we will do together.”

Annapolis sailor crosses Atlantic solo in 21-Footer ⛵️

Annapolis sailor Peter Gibbons-Neff recently completed the 2023 Mini Transat race – a 4,020-nautical mile solo sail across the Atlantic. If 4,000 miles doesn’t sound mini, it’s because it isn’t. The name comes from the boats – which are only 21 feet long.

Peter completed the race in 19 days, a culmination of 3+ years of preparation and training. It wasn’t entirely smooth sailing though. A destroyed rudder cost him several days and lots of momentum. He got back on track though, finishing 57th out of 58 finishers. 32 boats didn’t even finish.

Congratulations, Peter! Read the full story on Chesapeake Bay Magazine.

Community rallies behind Annapolis veteran

Fifty years after saving two toddlers from a burning car, Annapolis veteran Robert Henson needs a little help of his own. Robert lives near Truxtun Park with his 43-year-old daughter, Robin Henson, who has cerebral palsy. Both use wheelchairs and live on Social Security. They lack the funds to renovate and repair their home to make it more accessible.

Just like how Robert sprang into action when he rescued Michelle Moreland (then age 4) and Dana Moreland (then age 2), Annapolis has done the same. The Anne Arundel County Veterans Commission created a GoFundMe to help Robert pay for the repairs.

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP

Snow Day

📸 @visuals_by_marcus

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

David Smith buys Capital Gazette (via Baltimore Sun)

Hedge fund Alden Global Capital sold the Baltimore Sun (which owns the Capital Gazette) to Sinclair Broadcast Group executive chairman David Smith for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition was announced Monday. While David Smith bought the Sun personally, he did say there are ways the Sun and Sinclair may work together. For the time being, Tribune Publishing will continue to handle many backend tasks like HR, paper layout, etc. ($)

Background: Sinclair Broadcast Group is the second-largest TV station operator in the country after Nexstar Media. David was CEO from 1988 to 2017 and his family remains the controlling shareholder. Alden Global Capital has owned the Baltimore Sun through Tribune Publishing since 2021.

AAEDC offers money for organizations affected by last week’s flooding

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation is extending a lifeline to Annapolis’ businesses affected by last week’s near-record flooding. Grants (not loans) of up to $50,000 are available to businesses/nonprofits located in the City of Annapolis to repair property, replace equipment/inventory, or supplement income lost because of closure. Click here to learn more and apply.

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.

Small town feel, big time talent

Let me ask you a question. Would you rather be a number in a system at a huge hospital or get personalized care from a doctor who really knows you? Thought so. . . But consider this.

Our pets deserve the same. Western Shore Veterinary Hospital is locally-owned and delivers compassionate care and a small town feet to every patient.

There’s no rush, patient quotas, or scripted upsells you don’t need. Just the excellent care your pets deserve. Reach out today to experience the Western Shore Veterinary Hospital difference.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

St. John’s College announces winter “lecture series”

In an ideal world, colleges and universities aren’t just for enrolled students, but a center of learning for the entire community. On that note, St. John’s College just announced its winter/spring “lecture” series. I quote the word lecture because some are true lectures while others are concerts or plays.

Lectures happen on Friday nights at 7:30 PM at Mellon Hall on the downtown campus. They’re 100% free and open to the public. In true St. John’s fashion, each has some time built in for questions and answers. Click here to see a schedule of all the events.

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

Board of Education meeting

On the agenda for tonight’s Board of Education meeting:

Maryland Report Card
Construction status report
See full agenda

The meeting is at 6:30 PM at the Parham Building – 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. The public is welcome to attend. Click here to learn more about giving public testimony or attending virtually.

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Sail into Adventure!

Dive into the thrill of sailing with Keelboat Sailing Camp — an exciting, educational program for teens! Learn tacking, gybing, wind awareness, and sail control. Earn a US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification upon completion. Enjoy daily lunches and a cool crew shirt. July 15-19, 9 AM-4 PM, for ages 12 and up. Limited spaces, secure your spot! Adult courses are also available. Contact JWorld Annapolis at 410-280-2040 or visit their website.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

30 🌡️ 21 | ☀️ | 2% | 💨 W 11 mph (10 knots)

Thursday

39 🌡️ 32 | ☁️ | 5% | 💨 S 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 40ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Thursday

NAVY SPORTS

What to expect from Navy’s new offensive coordinator

Let’s be honest. 2023 wasn’t a great year for Navy football. But 2024 is looking up. Last week, Drew Cronic announced he was leaving his coaching position at Mercer and coming to Annapolis to be Navy’s new offensive coordinator. Cronic’s not just a highly regarded figure in college football — he also has a unique approach to offense. One he’ll be bringing to Annapolis.

He calls it the “hybrid Wing-T/Sling-T” if he has to name it anything but head coach Brian Newberry is already calling it something else, “the new Navy offense.” Something else Navy football fans will like to hear. . . Cronic likes to throw the ball. He says he’d like to throw as much as 25% of the time. ($)

Navy Baseball Back Up to Bat on Feb 16

Get ready for another excuse to add #GoNavy to your social posts. We’re less than a month away from the start of Navy baseball, according to the schedule head coach Chuck Ristano announced last week. The Mids play 51 games this season, including 25 at home at Bishop Stadium. The first game of the season is February 16 at Elon and the first home game is February 21 against Georgetown.

Past results

Women's Basketball (5-10)
1/13 vs. Lafayette | W 56 - 47

Men's Basketball (6-9)
1/13 @ Lafayette | L 78 - 62

Men's Gymnastics
1/12–13 @ West Point Open - Team/AA | 2nd of 5 teams

Men's Squash (10-7)
1/12 @ St. Lawrence | W 5 - 4
1/13 vs. Brown | W 7 - 2
1/14 @ Hobart | L 7 - 2

Women's Swimming & Diving (5-3)
1/12–13 @ Notre Dam | L 291 - 62
1/12–13 vs. Princeton | L 295 - 58

Men's Swimming & Diving (7-3)
1/12–13 @ Notre Dam | L 219 - 134
1/12–13 vs. Princeton | L 199 - 154

Women's Track & Field (0-1)
1/13 vs. Princeton | L 103 - 74

Men's Track & Field (1-0)
1/13 vs. Princeton | W 92 - 87

Wrestling (6-2)
1/12 vs. South Dakota State | L 30 - 13
1/13 vs. Oklahoma | L 24 - 11

Upcoming games & matches

Women's Basketball (4-10)
1/17 @ Lehigh | 6 PM

Men's Basketball (6-8)
1/17 vs. Lehigh | 7 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with Drew Cronic.

🍦RAR is open (Chessie’s Wharf)

Capital Gazette sold, flood grants, Davids confirmed…

TOGETHER WITH

RAR opens Chessie’s Wharf in West Annapolis

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