🍦What's The Sheller? 🦀

ACAN turns 20, Weekend Preview, Board of Elections warning

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, the local newsletter that’s like an espresso shot for your inbox.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • ACAN turns 20! 🎉

  • Weekend Preview ☀️ 

  • Board of Elections warns of texting scam 📲

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Chelsea Harrison, & Ryan Sneddon

Another Year of Together in Teal at Annapolis Mall

Ovarian cancer touches more lives than you think. Almost 20,000 women are diagnosed every year. That’s why the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition wants to invite you to the 2024 Annapolis Together in TEAL Signature Walk.

It’s happening Sunday, September 22 at Annapolis Mall and it’s a day to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and raise money for a world where no one loses their battle with ovarian cancer.

Join for a mile-long walk (half inside, half out), live entertainment, and complimentary refreshments. There’s even a Spirit Tent for the kids!

Over 600 people are already registered. And when you fundraiser $100, you get the official Together in TEAL t-shirt. So grab your family and friends or make some new friends. Every step counts.

We hope to see you at Annapolis Mall on September 22.

THE DIGEST

Shelby’s Sheller 🦀

Crab pickers rejoice! There’s a new tool on the market that’s making it easier than ever to get through your shells, thanks to an invention by Anne Arundel County’s own Shelby Blondell. The patented tool known as The Sheller combines a mallet, picker, and bottle opener all in one.

Shelby, who is also a singer-songwriter, got the idea back in 2017 when she was out for crabs and realized the inconvenience of rotating three separate tools. She put her degree in business entrepreneurship to work and designed a tool that didn’t exist up until that point.

Thanks to her vision, The Sheller is now available for our next crab feast. We still prefer crabcakes though. ($)

Leaf blower legislation withdrawn for now 🍁

The county council is leaf-ing one idea behind, at least for now: a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers exceeding 70 decibels of noise from 50 feet away.

Legislation to ban these kinds of leaf blowers was introduced to the council by Lisa Rodvien of District 6, who later withdrew it after feedback from local businessowners. Rodvien’s goal was 1. reduce the environmental impact and 2. to reduce noisy disturbances. Similar legislation has already been passed by the City of Annapolis and Montgomery County.

But after hearing from the community — particularly landscaping businesses that rely on gas-powered leaf blowers — Rodvien realized there was “lack of comfort” around making such a change, though she did suggest she may try again in the future. ($)

Annapolis City Council bill banning new drive-thrus 🚘 🍔

To drive-thru or not to drive-thru? That is the question. The Annapolis City Council is considering legislation to ban new drive-thru windows in the city, drawing mixed reactions. Facilities that would fall under this new zoning change are fast-food restaurants, banks, and pharmacies.

Alderman Rob Savidge – inspired by a trip to the Netherlands – introduced the bill (O-6-24). Supporters believe it aligns with future city planning goals and promotes pedestrian-focused development, while opponents, including Rhonda Pindell-Charles, express concerns about its impact on businesses and older residents. Alderman DaJuan Gay seeks to exempt banks and pharmacies. The bill will proceed through the committee process with possible amendments. ($)

Maryland State Board of Elections warns of texting scam 📲

Another day, another scam. The Maryland State Board of Elections warns of a texting scam, claiming recipients aren’t registered to vote for the 2024 election. The “URGENT” messages, originating from the number 833-572-1128, ask users to click a link to sign up and vote. Administrator Jared DeMarinis stresses that the Board’s official texts include links to government websites and don’t request personal info. Verify your registration at elections.maryland.gov and report suspicious messages through the Board’s portal.

🗳️ Key Voting Info: The Board will send mail-in ballots to military and overseas voters starting September 21 and domestic voters on September 23. Maryland residents who receive mail-in ballots can fill them out and place them in a local drop box. Early voting takes place October 24–31. Polls will be open all seven days from 7 AM until 8 PM. General election day is November 5.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Celebrate ACAN turning 20! 🎉

46,924 — that’s how many people Asbury Church Assistance Network, better known as ACAN, helped last year. That comes as the food pantry celebrates its 20th year in operation this year. To recognize the milestone, ACAN has a celebration and open house planned for this Saturday 10 AM–1 PM at its location, 429 Asbury Drive, Severna Park. A formal ribbon cutting for the occasion takes place at 10:15 AM. RSVP with the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce.

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.

A MESSAGE FROM STRETCHMED

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

We have one thing to sing as the weekend approaches . . .

“Ba-dee-ya, say, do you remember? Ba-dee-ya, dancin' in September.💃🕺

Friday

🌱 Garden Chores + Coffee: Head to Homestead Garden’s Davidsonville location for this week’s theme, “Building Healthy Soil.” Discuss gardening topics while enjoying coffee and donuts from 10–11 AM. Register for free.

Saturday

🎨 34th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival: The free event at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium from 10 AM–7 PM features over 150 vendors, local/national artists, and a fun-filled children’s activity tent.

⛵️ Hospice Cup: America’s largest charity regatta, with 100+ boats and nearly 1,000 sailors, raises funds for hospice care in our region. See the schedule for their 43rd year. Register to race.

🍳Wildberry Field Market: Shop local with one of the 150+ small businesses, vendors, and creators from 9 AM–1 PM. Wildberry’s Farm Stand will have its usual farm fresh eggs and seasonal produce. Admission is free. — 1047 St Stephens Church Rd, Crownsville, MD

Saturday and Sunday

🦪Shuck yea! The Maryland Seafood Festival comes to town this weekend – rain or shine – at Sandy Point State Park. It’s open 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Get tickets. 🦀

🏰 Maryland Renaissance Festival: The fest continues Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM–7 PM. Tickets are still available for Saturday. Bring cash and read our other MDRF tips before you go!

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

Diamonds & Pearls: Where flavor, fun, and music collide!

Grab a friend and experience Acqua Al 2’s can’t-miss event with:

  • Fresh oysters from Black Tie Oyster

  • Bite-sized delights

  • Special cocktails, plus a bar stocked with your favorites

  • Live music from local band Higher Hands

…and hosted in our beautiful private dining space. Join us on October 10th from 6-8 PM, and enjoy a night of fun with us. Learn more here.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .

Thursday

79 🌡️ 65 | 🌤️ | 11% | 💨 E 8 mph (7 knots)

Friday

79 🌡️ 64 | ⛅ | 9% | 💨 ENE 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 75ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

Thursday

AMM September Sunsets | Left of the Dial and Ryan Keith Band | 5:30–8 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Patrick Donovan | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | O'McPub Band | 6:30–9:30 PM
Killarney House | Kristi Allen | 6–9 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Bird Daddy Project | 4–7 PM
Market House | Suzy and Alex | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Roadhouse | Annapolis Songwriters Festival | 8 PM | See Lineup
Rams Head Tavern | Victoria & Steve | All Day
Rams Head Tavern | Annapolis Songwriters Festival | 8 PM | See Lineup
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Aaron Hawkins | 6 PM

Friday

49 West | Annapolis Songwriters Festival | 11 AM–3 PM | See Lineup
49 West | Lenny Marcus Trio | 8 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Nate Finn | 9 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | DeadEye Stare | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Meg & Bryan | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Ryan Cobb | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Dave Tieff | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Noelle & Jeff Band | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Songwriter's Festival | 7–11 PM
Great Frogs | Justin Singleton | 4:30–7:30 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 8–11 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Mike Miller | 4–7 PM
Market Space | Stan Graham  | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moran Tripp | 10 PM
Mother's Peninsula Grille | Loose Ties | 8 PM
Old Stein Inn | Pressing Strings | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 6–9 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Annapolis Songwriters Festival | 6 PM | See Lineup
Rams Head Roadhouse | Annapolis Songwriters Festival | All Day | See Lineup
Rams Head Roadhouse | Boroy | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Annapolis Songwriters Festival | All Day | See Lineup
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Genghis Khan | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Red Betty & The Ruckus | 6 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Justin Berdeguez | TBA
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mr. VCR | 9:45 PM

SPORTS

Upcoming Navy games & matches

Women's Cross Country
9/13 @ Spiked Shoe Invitational | 10 AM

Men's Cross Country
9/13 @ Spiked Shoe Invitational | 10:45 AM

Men's Tennis
9/13 vs Joe Hunt Invite | 10 AM

Women's Soccer (5-4)
9/12 vs. UPenn | 7 PM

Women's Volleyball (0-6)
9/13 vs. Quinnipiac | 10 AM
9/13 @ George Mason | 7 PM

THANKS!

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