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🍦The circus is coming to town

🍦The circus is coming to town

Local political change is brewing, St. John's College spring lecture series, Severna Park HS graduate making waves in the ACC...

Naptown Scoop
January 08, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Did you know Naptown Scoop isn’t just useful for finding out the happenings around Annapolis, but also for new Scrabble words? There’s a great one today in The Digest. It starts with E and includes a Y.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Local political change is brewing
St. John’s College Spring Lecture Series
Severna Park HS grad making waves in ACC field hockey

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins, & Ryan “Wanna play Words with Friends?" Sneddon

Rare Waterfront Jewel on Spa Creek

Opportunities like this are once in a lifetime.

This stately French villa on Spa Creek, designed by a renowned local architect, offers unparalleled elegance and breathtaking waterfront living in the heart of Annapolis. With 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and awe-inspiring Palladian windows that frame panoramic views of Spa Creek and Annapolis Harbor, this home is a masterpiece.

The gourmet kitchen, flanked by formal and casual living spaces, is a dream for entertaining. The waterside primary suite is a sanctuary with vaulted ceilings, a spa-like bath, and a private balcony perfect for soaking in sunrise views. With two deep-water piers, your boat is always ready for a Chesapeake Bay adventure (or a quick jaunt around Spa Creek).

Nestled at the end of a quiet street yet walkable to downtown, this home offers the perfect balance of serenity and convenience.

Schedule your private showing with Brad Kappel today and discover the rare luxury of Spa Creek living.

THE DIGEST

Cleared or covered? ❄️

Plow patrol has been out and about the past few days (and nights) geting the streets cleared and all of us back to our normal lives. But if it’s been a while since you’ve seen a plow or a salt truck down your street, you can look up the snowplow status of Anne Arundel County streets and see exactly how many trucks are in your area, when your street was last serviced, and what other streets are still unplowed.

Photo: Gavin Middleton/Naptown Scoop

Snow alert: Free parking in City of Annapolis garages ends today

Heads up if you moved your wheels into a City of Annapolis parking garage to get out of the way of snowplows. Snow emergency routes are once again open for parking and as of 9 AM today (1/8), free parking in City of Annapolis garages is over. Make sure to move your car before 9 AM to avoid charges.

USNA visitation clarification

On Monday, we shared that the Naval Academy has suspended General Public Visitation. Good news: you can still go to USNA sporting events and cheer on men's and women's basketball, wrestling, as well as men's and women's indoor track & field. Some tips:

Ride the shuttle from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Avenue). Enter at Gate 5. Shuttle runs 1 hour before to 1 hour after events. Parking is $10; shuttle is free.
Park downtown and walk on via Gate 1 at the Visitors Access Center.

A valid picture ID (driver's license, student I.D., or passport) is required for ages 18+. Ages 17 and under without an ID must be with an adult.

St. John’s College announces Spring Lecture Series

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to be more well rounded, then we know where you’ll be for the next few Friday nights. Because just about every Friday from now until April 25, St. John’s College is hosting a concert or lecture in its Francis Scott Key Auditorium. Anyone (not just students) can attend at no cost. The topics vary wildly as do the speakers – some are St. John’s faculty (AKA tutors); some are coming all the way from Tel Aviv. Oh, and this isn’t just a sit-and-listen lecture. That’s not the St. John’s way. Each lecture has a question period at the end so you can truly engage with the topics.

You can see the full list of speakers and topics right here. And Galway Bay is right around the corner if you want to continue pondering over a pint (or three).

Save the date: Sacred Spaces coming in Feb. 🖼

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum opens a new exhibit on Feb. 8 with artwork by DMV-based Jabari Jefferson. Titled Sacred Spaces, the exhibit features never-before-seen artwork made from salvaged materials that pay tribute to Black history and culture while advocating sustainability in art. A reception, which also serves as a Black History Month celebration, will open the exhibit on Feb. 8 from noon – 4 PM.

🔎 Did you notice the name change? You might have noticed that what used to be just the Banneker-Douglass Museum is now officially the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman museum. Last year, Gov. Wes Moore signed a law changing the name of Maryland’s official museum on Black heritage to include renowned abolitionist Harriet Tubman. She joins fellow Marylanders Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass as one of the museum’s eponyms.

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Scarborough Capital Management Celebrates Recognition as a Forbes Top RIA Firm for the 2nd Consecutive Year

Scarborough Capital Management has been named one of the Forbes Top RIA Firms for 2024 for the second year in a row. This recognition highlights the firm’s on-going commitment to providing client-focused, fiduciary-driven financial advice.

Managing Partner Greg Ostrowski attributes the firm’s success to his dedicated team and loyal clients:

"Our team’s unwavering commitment to our clients’ financial well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Being named to the Forbes Top RIA list is a testament to the trust our clients place in us. As we celebrate 35 years, we remain focused on helping clients achieve their financial goals."

Please see the important third-party award disclosure here.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

King’s Legacy in AA County

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream lives on across the nation and right here in Anne Arundel County. Next week, ahead of MLK Day, the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Anne Arundel County holds its annual awards dinner on Wednesday, 6–10 PM, at Maryland Live! (7002 Arundel Mills Circle #7777, Hanover, MD 21076). The banquet honors 12 local leaders who carry on King’s legacy and continue his work:

Newly elected Senator Angela Alsobrooks
American Legion Cook-Pinkney Post 141, led by Commander Curtis D. Jones
AACPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell
Annapolis Deputy Police Chief Stanley Brandford
Major A. Ebony Brimhall, U.S. Marine Corps
Carol Brooks
Shirley Hicks
Marketing and PR executive Carroll Hynson Jr.
Former Capital Gazette editor Rick Hutzell
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman
Midshipman Sofi Stalker
Anne Arundel NAACP President Steven Waddy

New York Times bestselling author and journalist Clay Cane will deliver insights on race, culture, and politics in his keynote speech. And funds raised by the banquet will go toward a monument honoring Parren J. Mitchell, Maryland's first Black congressman, known for his advocacy of affirmative action. Get tickets.

The circus is coming to town 🎪

Some of you probably feel it’s exhausting to be surrounded by clowns, animals, and daredevils – but at the circus, that’s part of the excitement! So tell me, do you wanna go where it’s colored in all the colored lights? Where the runaways are runnin’ the night? Step inside the big top when Do Portugal Circus comes to town. The classic old-school traveling circus sets up tent in the Annapolis Mall parking lot January 17–26 with matinee, early evening, and nighttime performances. Get tickets.

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

Political change is brewing 🗳️

Ahem. I should specify, local political change is brewing. We don’t write about the other kind. Five-term Ward 8 alderman Ross Arnett won't seek reelection, opting for more personal time in Annapolis. After 18 years, Ross says it’s time to “step aside and do other things and let other people have a go.” Who exactly? The Ward 8 candidates are Frank Thorp and Will Cunha, both Naval Academy graduates. Will also co-owns Oscar’s Coffee in Eastport.

Other City Council candidates:

Ward 1: Tom Sells (declared but not filed), Harry Huntley (incumbent), Ron Gunzburger
Ward 2: Karma O’Neill (incumbent)
Ward 7: Rob Savidge (incumbent, declared but not filed)

Mayor candidates:

Jared Littman (Former alderman and K&B Ace Hardware Co-owner)
Rhonda Pindell Charles (Current Ward 3 alderwoman)

Reminder: Only City of Annapolis residents can vote. Some Annapolis addresses like Ryan’s fall outside city limits and don’t vote. Peruse all the 2025 election info (including how to file yourself) right here. ($)

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EXTRA SPRINKLES

Win a Dream Beach Getaway! 🏖️

Escape to a breathtaking oceanfront villa in Turks and Caicos! Just steps from the shore, this stunning home features spectacular views, a private beach, and its own pool! Only 300 tickets are being sold, and they’re selling fast – don’t miss out on your chance to win. The raffle is part of the Bosom Buddies Charities’ Annual Ball on March 29th, with this year’s theme “Living in the Moment”. Get your ticket today and enter to win this unforgettable getaway!*

Don’t Miss the Kickoff to the Annapolis Maritime Museum's Winter Lecture Series!

Join us Thursday, January 9th, at 7 PM as we launch our annual Winter Lecture Series—eight engaging evenings. This year’s lineup features dynamic speakers exploring maritime history, local heritage, science, and art. Annapolis Hall of Fame sailor Gary Jobson is our opening night presenter. A celebrated commentator for NBC’s Olympic coverage and a veteran of the America’s Cup, Jobson will share insights from these iconic events, offer a glimpse into the future of sailing. Seats fill quickly — reserve yours today!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

31 🌡️ 20 | 🌥️ | 3% | WNW 17 mph (14 knots)

Thursday

32 🌡️ 31 | 💨 | 2% | WNW 21 mph (18 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 37ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Thursday

NAVY SPORTS

SPHS grad named ACC field hockey Goalkeeper of the Year 🏑

From fourth string to ACC Goalie of the Year, it’s been a year for Boston College field hockey goalkeeper Charlotte “Charley” Kramer. The former Falcon redshirted in 2023 but started all 21 games this year, amassing 74 saves and leading BC to the ACC Tournament championship game and NCAA Tournament. Charley (a four-year starter) won two state championships for Severna Park, Maryland’s most storied field hockey program with a record 25 state championships. Former Falcon and writer Lauren bets we see more from Charley — maybe even an Olympic appearance! ($)

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with your Scrabble nemesis (also a great Scrabble word).

🍦The circus is coming to town

Local political change is brewing, St. John's College spring lecture series, Severna Park HS graduate making waves in the ACC...

TOGETHER WITH

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