Naptown Scoop
Posts
🍦The State of Black Annapolis

🍦The State of Black Annapolis

Volunteer renovation of the Bywater Boys and Girls Club, AACPS' 2025 Mo Gaba Award winners, Paws at the Mall is moving...

Naptown Scoop
January 29, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. An Alabama family is getting free Krispy Kreme donuts for a year after having their baby in the parking lot during a snowstorm. I bet they wish they’d pulled into the Outback Steakhouse down the street.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Volunteer renovation at the Bywater Boys and Girls Club
AACPS’ 2025 Mo Gaba Award winners
Paws at the Mall is moving

Let’s get to it.

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

The Most Stunning Home on the Severn River

Welcome to the Friary, where history meets unparalleled luxury.

This isn’t just another ad for us. It’s personal. Because ever since I saw it as a kid, I wanted to see it for myself. And thanks to Brad, now I have. And it didn’t disappoint.

It’s more than a home – it’s an Annapolis icon with a heck of a history. And a secret vault. . .

The inside is awe-inspiring. From the chapel-turned-ballroom (it used to be a monastery) to the limestone rotunda (with the coolest echos ever). Now some numbers. The Friary has 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 18 fireplaces. Yeah, I counted.

Outside spread across 23 acres, there’s a 60-foot infinity pool (with windows inside the home), tennis court, roof garden, tea house, and a 6-slip private dock accessible via funicular. Or a whole lot of stairs. We’ll take the funicular.

There’s nothing else like it. Click here to see inside.

THE DIGEST

Bywater Boys & Girls Club undergoes volunteer renovation 🔨

Over 50 volunteers, led by student volunteer group ASEZ (Save the Earth from A To Z), just gave The Boys & Girls Club at Bywater a much-needed makeover. Improvements included fresh blue paint, new carpet, and reorganized spaces for a more welcoming environment. Contributions also came from Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Home Depot, and K&B Ace Hardware co-owner (and Annapolis mayoral candidate) Jared Littmann. The club serves 17 students (ages 6–18) with afterschool programs, field trips, and STEAM education. Fun facts: Bywater has an award-winning LEGO League Robotics team and was Anne Arundel’s first Boys and Girls Club back in 1988! 🤖 ($)

AACPS 2025 Mo Gaba Award winners

Congratulations to these four AACPS students:

Micah Shiflett of Brooklyn Park Elementary School
Aryana Bowles of Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School
Andre Turnage, Jr. of Wiley H. Bates Middle School
Javien Johnson of Northeast High School

They’re this year’s recipients of the Mo Gaba Positivity and Perseverance Awards, given annually to students who demonstrate exceptional ability to overcome obstacles, show kindness, and have a positive attitude. Each school will receive a banner and $500 for a school initiative promoting kindness and positivity.

Mo Gaba was an AACPS student who faced incredible challenges. By the time he graduated middle school, he had spent 75% of his life in the hospital. And yet, he remained positive until he passed away in July 2020 at the age of 14.

Dog of the Week: Meet Bentley Craig 🐾

This week, we’re introducing you to Bentley Craig, a little guy that the SPCA describes as “a lot of dog in an itty-bitty package.” Allegedly, this 10-year-old terrier mix can be a bit stubborn. Maybe I’d be the wrong adoptee because when I see that little face, I’m pretty sure I’d let him do whatever he wants. But if you’re someone who can set boundaries and structure — and would be down to take this affectionate bundle of fur for walks or play ball — you can visit him at the SPCA. His May 2022 intake date may surprise you, but it’s because he needs an experienced owner committed to training him.

P.S. This week’s dog of the week was chosen by writer Dylan, proud owner of a corgi named Tyrion.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

@NAPTOWNSCOOP

jarvinphotography
View more on Instagram
jarvinphotography
Add a comment...

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

SkinSpirit Grand Opening at ATC 🧖‍♀️

Glow big or glow home! ✨Luckily, SkinSpirit can now help with that at the Annapolis Town Center. The skincare leader’s new state-of-the-art facility offers Botox, dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, facials, body contouring, and more. Celebrate at the grand opening on February 5 from 5–7 PM with sips, bites, live demos, and raffles. Plus, the first 150 bookings get a SWAG bag with products and offers worth over $300. Book now and get 20% off any new-to-you treatment at the event.

Don’t let FOMO give you wrinkles — RSVP here.

Paws at the Mall is MOVING! (And having a great sale)

Big changes for Paws at the Mall, our favorite SPCA satellite ever. The kittens, bunnies, guinea pigs, and much more are moving to another location within the Annapolis Mall, but it will be a smaller space. So they’re having a MEGA sale on their animal toys, clothes, crates, you name it. This is a great time to stock up on some squeaky toys, if you ask us. The sale runs through Sunday.

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.

Modern Life, Ancient Wisdom: A Yoga Philosophy for Everyday Living

Ready to take your yoga journey beyond the mat? Join Yoga Factory on February 1 and 2 from 1–4 PM for an immersive workshop that may just change the way you live.

Led by Ally Hughes-Hetrick, you’ll dive into Yoga Sutras and the 8-Limb Path of Ashtanga where you’ll find practical tools to integrate yoga’s transformative teachings into your daily life. Each day includes a guided class, meditation, pranayama exercises, and interactive discussions.

It’s open to all experience levels, from no experience to certified experts. Ready to explore the heart of yoga philosophy? Reserve your spot today!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

State of Black Annapolis Speaker Series Returns

In honor of Black History Month, the Busch Library on West Street will once again host the “State of Black Annapolis” on four Tuesdays in February. Now in its fourth year, the series brings in historians and local experts to discuss often overlooked aspects of Annapolis’ Black history. Complimentary dinner offered by Black-owned catering companies will be provided.

February 4: The Cost of Free Labor in Colonial Annapolis and the Intersection of the Free Black Community
February 11: How to build a Black Art District in Annapolis
February 18: The Other Annapolis: A Modern Perspective
February 25: The Foundation Builders: A celebration of Black educators, elected officials, entertainers, and entrepreneurs.

Interested? Meet at 4:30 PM in the Main Meeting room of the Busch Library.

CTA announces Battle of the Bands 🎸

It’s time to get your band out of the garage and up onstage! Children’s Theatre of Annapolis recently announced it’s holding a Battle of the Bands on March 29, and any band with members ages 13+ is invited to enter. Just send a video to [email protected] with your band name, number of members, and why you’d make a great fit for this debut event. The registration deadline is Feb. 21.

On March 29, bands will perform for a live audience and judges from 4–8 PM at the CTA theater. An afterparty and awards ceremony will follow 8–10 PM. Winners will receive $500 and a professional photo shoot with Wendy Hickok Photography.

Be sure to check out the rules before registering. Then schedule some practice sessions and bake the neighbors some brownies (with a side of ear plugs).

Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival Registration Opens 🏳️‍🌈

With today’s temps expected to hit the 50s, we’re dreaming of parade season. ☀️ Which is good timing because the fifth annual Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival just opened registration. The festival is at the Bates Athletic Complex. Stay tuned for the parade route, grand marshal, and post-parade events. The parade and festival are both Saturday, May 31.

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.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

First class temporary restroom solutions, available next-day

At Royal Flush, we’re proud to rent the best restroom trailers in Maryland. Whether it’s a few week renovation or a six-month semi-permanent solution, we have what you need. Our luxury restroom trailers are air-conditioned, heated, and boast running water. We stock them with brand-name soaps, lotions, and amenities and keep them cleaner than anyone else. So when you need temporary restrooms (even if you need them tomorrow), call Royal Flush.*

Calling All Sponsors for Denim & Diamonds!

The success of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (LHAAMC) Denim & Diamonds Bash is dependent on strong community and corporate support, and we need your help! Become a sponsor by Jan. 31 and make a real difference for your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors in our community. Proceeds will support LHAAMC’s pediatric mental health and substance abuse care programs and services.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Wednesday

53 🌡️ 31 | 🌤️ | 3% | W 19 mph (17 knots)

Thursday

46 🌡️ 38 | 🌤️ | 4% | SW 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 33ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Thursday

NAVY SPORTS

Upcoming games

Women's Basketball (14-5)
1/29 vs. Lehigh | 7 PM

Men's Basketball (7-14)
1/29 @ Lehigh | 7 PM

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who has a band.

🍦The State of Black Annapolis

Volunteer renovation of the Bywater Boys and Girls Club, AACPS' 2025 Mo Gaba Award winners, Paws at the Mall is moving...

TOGETHER WITH

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