TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Annapolis. Winter’s tough for many Annapolis restaurants. There are fewer tourists, cold weather keeps us inside, and although it’s good for your health (and we salute you for doing it), Dry January isn’t great for restaurants. So if your budget allows, give your favorite local spots a little extra love this winter.
In today’s Naptown Scoop:
Neighborhood resolutions
AACPS budget hearing
MLK Jr. Awards
Let’s get to it.
— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins
SPONSORED BY BRAD KAPPEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
Brad Kappel’s Home of the Week: Hillsmere Living Near the Water
Set in the heart of the Hillsmere community, 133 Lake View Drive offers a lifestyle that balances neighborhood charm with easy access to Annapolis and the water. This is the kind of place where daily routines feel a little calmer and weekends naturally slow down.
The home is thoughtfully positioned within one of Annapolis’ most loved neighborhoods, known for its strong sense of community and proximity to waterfront amenities. Whether you are heading into town, enjoying the community amenities, or simply taking a walk, Hillsmere delivers a setting that feels established and welcoming.
This property is an excellent opportunity for buyers looking to be close to it all without sacrificing comfort or character. It is a home that fits easily into everyday life while still feeling special.
See the house in person this Sunday at an open house hosted by Alex Clark.
Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM.
THE DIGEST
If Annapolis neighborhoods had New Year’s resolutions
It’s New Year’s resolution season. Some people are adamantly against making them (cough, Ryan, cough), but we’re taking a walk around the ole Annapolis block and designating resolutions.
Eastport: No drinking until 3 PM. Noon on the weekends. Unless we’re hungover, on the boat, entertaining the in-laws, walking the dog, watching the news, or if it’s a day that ends in Y . . .
DTA: DIY is the theme of 2026. Maybe — just maybe — we’ll make an exterior upgrade. With Historic Preservation Commission approval, of course.
Hillsmere: We’re resolving to embrace minimalism by selling some of the many cars on our property. A family of four has no need for seven vehicles.
West Annapolis: We’re going to do something wild and crazy this year, like parking a car too close to a mailbox. We don’t always have to be quiet and orderly. Sometimes we can paint our shutters a color that’s a little too bold.
Bay Ridge: We resolve to get the Hinckley off the dock on more occasions than just Blue Angels. But you know it’s just so much work to wash and dry it after every trip. . .
Forest Drive Corridor: We’re going to practice patience. So what if we have to sit in traffic? Nothing is urgent. We can be there in an hour, right?
Murray Hill: Stop saying “It’s original” every time someone notices something is crooked. Accept our imperfections. If we had imperfections, we mean. Which we don’t.
Arundel on the Bay: Through yoga and meditation, we’re collectively addressing our speed bump-induced high blood pressure, heartburn, and general rage. This is not court-ordered, we swear. Don’t look us up on Case Search if you like your mailbox.
Sherwood Forest: Walk more; give the golf cart a rest.
Epping Forest: Be nicer to people who don’t know what a skipjack is.
Cape St. Claire: We’re not going to start drama. We swear.
Welcome to the first Dog of the Week for 2026. We’re excited to share that the sponsorship of this popular weekly feature is up for grabs again. We just have two rules: businesses sponsoring this section must be dog-centric & you’ve gotta commit for the full year. It’ll cost less than you think. Email [email protected] to get your dog-focused business here!
Chesapeake Chapters: Go Clean, Sexy You 📖
You don’t get the nickname Hot Chocolate Lauren by eating a lot of salads, and yet here I am reviewing my first cookbook, Go Clean, Sexy You. With more than 100 simple recipes, the book offers a holistic approach to healthier living — focusing on whole foods and seasonal detoxes. If author Lisa Consiglio Ryan sounds familiar, it’s because she’s the founder of Annapolis Juice Shop (formerly RASA) on Maryland Ave and owner of Whole Health Designs. Lisa’s also a certified health and nutrition coach. With her guidance, I tried these three recipes.
🥣 Lucky Soup: I now know what collard greens and black-eyed peas (the veggie, not the band) look like, and that yes, I can make soup. My husband’s “better than expected” comment might as well be a five-star Yelp review.
🍠 Sweet Potato Salad: From Buddy the Elf breakfasts to salad taster, yes, I have range. This was my favorite recipe and a definite repeat: sweet potatoes + pumpkin seeds + cilantro + avocado + lime juice + olive oil + apple. Where have you been all my life?
🎃 Yay Bars: Fans of no-bake protein balls will love this dessert. My daughters loved dumping in the oats, protein powder, pumpkin seeds, raisins, etc. My youngest even asked for seconds.
Bottom line: I felt so good while eating these foods and even better after. Available at Park Books, and in eBook and hardcopy formats at Old Fox Books.
Anne Arundel Women Giving Together 2026 grant applications are open
Back in May, the Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) organization announced that they had given out $226,316 in funding to non-profits focused on improving the lives of women and children around the county. The organization supports the work of non-profits creating access to equitable healthcare, reducing food deserts, and creating safe, secure environments. If this sounds like something your nonprofit’s doing, check out their instructions and submit your application by January 31 to be considered for their next round of funding.
Board of Ed seeks virtual comments for budget hearing
The AACPS BOE is meeting twice this week to discuss the proposed FY 2027 operating and capital budgets, and they’ve opened the public comment registration for participation in the January 8 hearing. If you’d like to have your opinion heard, sign up here and then prepare your statement of two minutes or less. As we say here at Naptown Scoop, brevity is king. Virtual testimony registration closes at noon today (Jan 7). If you’re interested in learning more, a workshop on January 20 will be broadcast live on the AACPS YouTube channel. The hearing is scheduled for January 8 at 6 PM in the Parham Building, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis.
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NAPTOWN SCOOP LOCAL BUSINESS IS POWERED BY. . .
Mealey Signs turns 90 🪧
In 1936, the Hoover Dam opened and Chex cereal hit the market. So with that context, it’s pretty impressive to think that was also the founding year for Mealey Signs. This local family-owned business celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2026. It has an expansive reach, creating signs that can be seen as far as Florida and for businesses as high profile as Baltimore’s Hyatt and Marriott hotels, but it’s still just a six-man operation owned by Tim Mealey, grandson of founder John Edward Mealey Sr. — that’s 90 years of business all in the same family. Although Tim is fielding offers to sell the business, he plans to stay on until he hits 50 years of service in 2036, which will also be when the company turns 100. ($)
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.
SPONSORED BY SCARBOROUGH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
16 Financial Resolutions for Every Life Stage
It’s that time of year when we realize we may have indulged a little too much, and maybe our bank account is feeling the impact. But not to worry. With a little foresight and planning, you can get back on track and help make the most of your money.
That said, there are many strategies that you could employ right now, no matter what stage of life you’re in - whether you are a young professional, starting a family, sending kids to college or even ready to retire. These tactics can range from setting a budget, and participating in your 401k plan to monitoring your spending and credit as well as having conversations about finances with your family, to even just staying fit and healthy. Read all about these strategies in more detail in our latest blog here.
You can be on your way to your most prosperous year yet, and Scarborough can help. Contact us today at scmadvice.com.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Save the Date: AACPS State of the Schools 🍎
If “State of the Schools” sounds official, it is. The AACPS State of the Schools is an exclusive gathering of our county’s business, education, and community leaders. On Thursday, February 5, Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell will cover student performance and what’s next on the AACPS syllabus (aka strategic plan). Start the day with an A-grade breakfast, networking, and student-led displays at Blackwall Barn & Lodge in Gambrills. The bell rings promptly at 9 AM (arriving at 8:30 AM is recommended). Wondering what to wear? Business casual works. Grab your ticket.
38th Annual MLK, Jr. Awards Banquet honors locals
Next Friday, many of the area’s most influential leaders will gather in Glen Burnie to celebrate work inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The evening celebrates individuals and organizations who embody Dr. King's enduring principles of social justice, equality, and community service. This year’s keynote speaker is Governor Wes Moore, who is also being honored with the night’s Courageous Leadership Award. Joining him in recognition are:
Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth
Dr. Shawn Ashworth
Reginald Broddie
Shay Cook
Midshipman First Class Tymique D. Goodman
Gordenia Henson
Cleveland Horton II
Reverend Noland Henson and Pastor Terry Henson
Dr. Karen Johnson
Elease Johnson
Dr. Alisha Malloy
Jesse Raudales
Annapolis Alumni Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The event kicks off at 6 PM on Friday, January 16 at La Fontaine Bleu, 7514 Richie Highway in Glen Burnie. Tickets are available here.
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
Wednesday
57 🌡️ 35 | ⛅ | 8% | 💨 WNW 11 mph (10 knots)
Thursday
51 🌡️ 41 | 🌤️ | 8% | 💨 ESE 5 mph (4 knots)
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 37ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Wednesday
49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
49 West | The Geckos | 8–10 PM
Brian Boru | Suzy & Shaun | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Alex Lee | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Skribe | 9 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Troll Tribe Duo | 9 PM
Thursday
49 West | The Annapolis Round Up | 7:30–10 PM
Brian Boru | Aaron Hawkins | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | Crispy & Cortese | 9 PM
Killarney House | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
The Lodge | Jennifer Schimpf | 5–8 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Chris + Chris | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Tell Me Lies | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Chris Sacks | 5 PM
Upcoming games
Women's Basketball (7-6)
1/7 @ Bucknell | 6 PM
Men's Basketball (10-5)
1/7 vs. Bucknell | 7 PM
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THANKS!
Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who has paint swatches on the wall right now. We vote for Dover White.
