🍦What's a Kleynimal?

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. You ever just want to quit your job and become the Homestead Gardens model train conductor?

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• Miracle in West Annapolis

• New Year’s Roundup

• USNA Ball Run

Let’s get to it.

— Ryan Sneddon, Rebecca Kraybill, & Lauren Burke Meyer

SPONSORED BY MORABITO FAMILY DENTAL

Dr. David Morabito and Dr. Robert Morabito recently fulfilled their annual tradition of cutting their own Christmas tree. And they'd love to hear about your traditions & holiday plans during your next visit to Morabito Family Dentistry!

Remember, most dental insurance plans include two free teeth cleanings a year. Unlike many practices, Morabito Family Dental has convenient hours and open appointments now. This Saturday morning my friend, Andrew, asked if I knew any dentists in Annapolis. Obviously I recommended Morabito Family Dental and Andrew was done with his appointment by 2:30 PM!

Morabito Family Dental is a one-stop shop for all your dental needs – from general dentistry, cosmetic, full mouth rehab,  implants, Invisalign, sleep apnea appliances, whitening and root canals. Give them a call a 443-603-9000 or schedule an appointment online. They look forward to welcoming you to the family.

THE DIGEST

463 miles of sweat + tradition

Today, close to 200 midshipmen from the 13th Company will start running the Army-Navy game ball 463 miles from Bancroft Hall to Foxborough, MA in 8–12 mile segments.

The Ball Run originated in 1982 from the desire to get the “unlucky” 13th company off the Yard. In its 41-year history, this run is the longest yet.

Another Army-Navy tradition happening this week: Patriot Games. On Friday, mids and cadets will face off in tug of war, races, pull-up competitions, and more in Boston. This is open to the public. Click here to see the challenge locations.

Broadneck’s historic season ends in heartbreak 🏈

Last Friday, Broadneck’s football team fell 21–0 to Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School in the 4A state championship. That’s Wise’s sixth championship in the last 20 years. And while it stings like heck (trust me, I lost a heart-rending hockey championship my senior year), congrats on a memorable season, fellas.

The Bruins had a historic run, appearing in the state championship for the first time in 20 years. ($)

Military Bowl matchup set 🐴

The 2023 Military Bowl is set for 12/27 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium with Virginia Tech vs Tulane. Keeping with tradition, the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will lead the game day parade to the stadium. Step off is at City Dock at 10 AM. Game tickets start at $35.

If you’re “meh” about the game but “yay” about the neigh 🐴, head to Miracle in West Annapolis on 12/26. That’s right, West Annapolis and not West Street like last year. There will be food trucks, vendors, games, and activities for all ages. The main event, the Clydesdales prancing around, starts around 1 PM.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Kleynimals Celebrates 13th Anniversary 👶🏻

If they had their way, babies would put everything in their mouths.

At least that was Kirsten Chapman’s experience. When her youngest son tried putting everything — including her car keys — in his mouth, she created an alternative.

Stainless steel keys with adorable animal faces. Kleynimals.

Kleynimals is an amalgamation of the words “Clean Key Animals.” And while the idea was born right here in Annapolis, it’s since appeared on the Martha Stewart Show and been praised by Jessica Alba!

Even though it’s way more expensive, Kirsten is committed to manufacturing in the USA. Years ago, when she couldn’t meet demand, Kirsten enlisted the help of Providence, a local organization that supports people with developmental disabilities. She continues that practice today.

Celebrate Kleynimals’ 13th anniversary with the babies in your life with a 10% Scoop discount. Just enter the code NAPTOWN at checkout. Click here to shop online.

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

December Lookahead 👀

Your December dance card is full of shopping, football, speedos, horses, and all things merry and bright. Here are the can’t-miss events this month.

Midnight Madness: One of Annapolis’ best traditions. Downtown Annapolis shops stay open and late and many offer refreshments on 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21. Shops are open until midnight the first two dates and 11 PM on the last.

Annapolis Holiday Market: Visit City Dock for a fun, festive way to shop small and local this holiday season.

🎄Thursday (12/7) at 4-10 PM
🎄Friday (12/8) at 11 AM-9 PM
🎄Saturday (12/9) at 11 AM-9 PM
🎄Sunday (12/10) at 11 AM-5 PM

Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade: A uniquely Annapolis tradition. Bundle up on Saturday 12/9 from 6–8 PM to see almost 50 boats decorated with creative light displays. Check out Scoop’s guide to do it like a pro.

Santa Speedo Run: You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a large crowd of speedo-wearing Santas running through Downtown Annapolis. Join in the fun as a spectator or brave runner on Saturday (12/16) at O’Brien’s. Registration begins at 11 AM. The run starts at 12:30 PM.

Miracle in West Annapolis & Military Bowl: See the Digest above.

Theatre Talk Tuesday 🎭

Summarized in 5 words because we like a challenge.

• Festive music and Broadway fun → Live Arts Maryland Celebration of Christmas. 12/8 at 8 p.m. Tickets.

• Youth, life, love, and connectedness → I and You @ Compass Rose Theatre. 12/8–10. Tickets.

• Dancing snowflakes and leaping toys → Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s Nutcracker. 12/9–17. Tickets.

• Grumpy man learns to love → A Christmas Carol @ Classic Theatre of Maryland. Through 12/24. Tickets.

• Singing sisters bring yuletide miracle → White Christmas @ Classic Theatre. Through 12/24. Tickets.

P.S. You don’t need to crack your wallet just to see the Nutcracker. Third-party websites jack up the prices so make sure to buy directly from the Ballet Theatre of Maryland. The website is here.

Roundup: New Year’s Eve in Annapolis 🥂

The countdown to 2024 is on. And so is the countdown to making New Year’s Eve plans . . . From parties with water views to parties that are literally on the water, we’ve rounded up Annapolis’ best NYE parties for your late night December 31 revelry. Check out these 6 options, ranked from ballin’ on a budget to ballin’ like Bezos.

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.

WEATHER

Tuesday

46 🌡️ 38 | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 NW 6 mph (5 knots)

Wednesday

44 🌡️ 33 | 🌥️ | 13% | 💨 NNW 12 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 50ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Tuesday

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Copper Creek Pub & Ale House | Jazz Jam | 8–10 PM
The Point | Kavoossi | 5 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Pokey LaFarge w/ Louisa Stancioff | 8 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | b.en | 7 PM
Trophy Room | Sparks & McCoy | 7–10 PM

Wednesday

49 West | Dave Chappell | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Larry Lay | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | 50 West | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Nate Finn | 6 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Aaron Hawkins | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Madisun Bailey | 6–9 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Peter Mayer | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | Daphne Eckman | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Troll Tribe Duo | 9 PM

SPORTS

Special Navy Football Podcast: Joe Cardona 🎙️

If you’re heading to Army-Navy this weekend, you won’t want to miss this Navy Football Podcast. Our team caught up with 2015 Naval Academy graduate and two-time Super Bowl Champion, Joe Cardona. While the Mids and the Black Knights are playing at Gillette Stadium for the first time this weekend, Joe plays 9 games a year there as a New England Patriots long snapper.

Listen to Joe peel back the layers on Gillette Stadium and the beautiful New England region where this weekend’s game is set to go down for the first time in Army-Navy history.

Upcoming games & matches

Men's Basketball (2-4)
12/5 @ George Washington | 7 PM

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THANKS!

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