🍦Army stole the wrong goat

Good morning, Annapolis.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Merry Christmas! This holiday season, as you check your lists twice, don’t forget to include coming in for your teeth cleaning! With candy canes, cookies & sweet treats everywhere, it’s the perfect time to give your smile a little extra care. Naughty or nice, everyone deserves a fresh, healthy smile!

At Morabito Family Dental, we know how busy plans can get, especially around the holidays—that’s why we are open from 7 AM to 8 PM & on Saturdays, so you don’t miss out on any school or work. Cleanings are free for insured patients, & we can get you in & out within an hour!

Morabito Family Dental is proud to care for the smiles of our Annapolis neighbors. We make dentistry affordable with our in-house plan for uninsured patients & maximize insurance benefits for those with insurance, including free cleanings for most plans. Call us today at (443) 603-9000 or visit us online to schedule your appointment. We look forward to your visit!

Entering his eighth (and final) year as County Executive, Steuart Pittman delivered his final State of the County address on Tuesday, highlighting the work left to cover before he exits his term. Pittman addressed his own skepticism for political optimism, but said that the government can be effective if it engages community members in the required work. In the immediate future, Pittman’s looking to retain government workers, increase affordable housing options, and prioritize several key park projects. His next county budget is set to be released on July 1, and he plans to hold several town halls around the county before releasing numbers.

Newly inaugurated Mayor Jared Littmann announced yesterday that Annapolis city attorney D. Michael Lyles is leaving his post — effective immediately. In the meantime, Assistant City Attorney Kerry Berger will fill the role. She’s no stranger to leading the legal team during transitions while the City searches for a permanent replacement.

The Office of Law handles all things legal for Annapolis — from advising the Mayor to helping City Council draft legislation. Under the City Charter, it’s officially part of the Mayor’s domain.

Mayor Littmann has asked HR to kick off the recruitment process for a new attorney.

Psst. . . want to hear a secret? It’s the second installment of Midnight Madness tonight. OK, not a secret, but still a big deal. If you’re like Ryan and behind on your holiday shopping, tonight’s your chance to ease that stress. And even if you are finished, it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself while supporting our favorite local businesses. So head downtown tonight and SHOP LOCAL. Here’s your guide to all the best gifts for everyone on your list (including you)! 🎁

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With the closing of the beloved Wildberry Farm markets, many of us were wondering what’s next for owners Bridget and Matt Jones, who built the vendor market on land that’s been in Matt’s family for multiple generations. But wait no longer: the couple recently made the rumors of the brewery plans official by announcing the transitioning of the land into hops and barley fields where they will operate a farm brewery. “We built something beautiful these last five years,” Bridget said on Instagram. “It was messy, magical, imperfect, community-filled. And we’re ready for what comes next as Wildberry evolves.”

There’s currently no set opening date for the brewery. We’ll keep you updated.

Naz’s Halal Food (NHF) is officially open on Riva Road — and it’s bringing serious flavor. Founded by cousins (and former NYC public school teachers) Naz and Kareem, the brand started as a food truck in Queens circa 2009 and has grown to 50+ locations with plans for 60 by the end of this year. Expect fast-casual favorites where Mediterranean meets American: kabobs, gyros, cheesesteaks, rice platters, burgers, wings, and even mac-and-cheese bites. Annapolis, your new go-to halal spot has arrived at Beacon Square.

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.

Hi there! We’re the Halsteads—a mother-daughter travel advisor team ready to help you plan your next unforgettable getaway. Travel is in our DNA. My dad spent his career with Pan Am, and his love for global travel and adventure is a legacy we’re proud to carry on.

There’s still time to give the gift of travel this holiday season. Imagine this time next year, celebrating in the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, or Asia with the whole family—grandparents, kids, everyone together. Whether you’re dreaming of an all-inclusive, warm-weather escape, a relaxing cruise, a journey through Europe, or even an African safari, we’re here to make it happen.

If you’re looking for trips filled with laughter, memories, and meaningful adventures, we’d love to help—give us a call or contact us here. And, be sure to keep an eye out for our February invitation to a local travel event… a happy hour that's going to feel like stepping into an Alpine winter wonderland!

FRIDAY

Severna Park Community Center | Cookies & Cocoa with Santa | This free community gathering offers complimentary snacks and a much-anticipated visit from Santa.

SATURDAY

B&A Bike Trail | Santa on the Trail | Santa and his elves will make their way along the bike trail with designated stops to hand out candy canes and collect for AA Food Bank. | 9 AM

Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum | Annual Kwanzaa Celebration | This vibrant festival honors the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) and reflects on Black heritage. | 10 AM – 4 PM

St. John’s College | Annapolis Holiday Market | Do your holiday shopping with all these local artisans and vendors. | 11 AM – 9 PM

Downtown | Santa Speedo Run | Don your skimpiest holiday apparel and do a 5K through downtown, with a party to follow at O’Briens. Bring a toy donation. | 12:15 PM

Spa Creek | EYC Lights Parade | Take in the sights of some of the most festively decorated boats you’ll ever see as they make their way along Spa Creek. Check out our guide for all the details. | 6 PM

Today is the second Thursday in December. Which means it’s the second night of Midnight Madness downtown. That’s when many shops stay open late for your holiday shopping. Many also arrange entertainment and/or refreshments. It’s a 10/10 atmosphere and one of our favorite Annapolis traditions so don’t miss it.

Parking info: Holiday parking is in effect so you get two free hours at metered spots and one free hour at the Mills-Hillman Garage. Parking’s always free at the Calvert Street Garage on weekdays after 6 PM if you don’t mind a cold walk. And the Park Place Garage is a special $5 flat for Midnight Madness with a warm shuttle all night long.

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.

The city is inviting Annapolis residents to join a webinar discussing the Annapolis Climate Action Plan, which is being updated. Share ideas, join in conversations, and throw out your concerns in an effort to shape priorities and actions in the City’s updated plan. The new plan is being designed to align with Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act, which requires a 60 percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2006 levels by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045. If you have ideas for how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and better prepare for climate impacts, sign up for the webinar. Wednesday, December 17 at 7 PM.

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The 14th Annual DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run and Walk was a huge success! Over 400 participants jingled along the trails of Quiet Waters Park on Saturday, December 6th in festive attire of all types. Heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors, race participants and volunteers! The DPCF raised $97,000 to directly support causes that bring light to the fight against lung and ovarian cancers! For more information or to donate, visit us at dpcancerfoundation.org.*

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38 🌡️ 29 | 🌤️ | 1% | 💨 WNW 15 mph (13 knots)

39 🌡️ 31 | 🌤️ | 2% | 💨 W 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 44ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

🎵🌳 = Outdoor Concert

49 West | Annapolis Round Up | 7:30–10 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Sean Bera | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Wroten | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | O'McPub Band | 6–9 PM
🎵🌳Middleton Tavern | Naptown Sings | 5–8 PM
Middleton Tavern | Michael Kocher | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Tony Lardieri | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Peter Mayer | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Chris Sacks | 5 PM

49 West | Jeff Muller & Friends | 7:30–10 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Anniversary Party with Starbelly | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | The Wet Cowboys | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aidan and Bryan | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Tim Atkinson | 8 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 5–8 PM
Killarney House | Suzy & Shaun | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Grayson Moon | 5–8 PM
Market House | Alex G Lee and Brandon Freelump | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moon Cherry | 10 PM
Old Stein Inn | The Bayfield Brass Quintet | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Dust on the Bottle | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Fred & Wilma | 9 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | 3rd Shift | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Honey Sol | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Rachel & The Rescuers | 9:45 PM

So apparently, the Naval Academy and West Point have a longstanding tradition of pranks on each other (we know the Mids would never stoop so low). But since the ‘50s, Army has been trying to kidnap (goatnap?) Bill the Navy mascot ahead of the Army-Navy football game every year. Navy has successfully protected Bill from being stolen all but 12 times, so clearly Army isn’t all that good at goatnapping — they just keep trying though.

Goatnapping failures escalated this past weekend when Army cadets posted a video to social media of a goat they claimed was Bill, but actually wasn’t. Still TBD whether they got the wrong goat by mistake or they were trying to pass a fake goat off as the real one to boost morale. As of this writing, Bill is still in Navy care, and Army’s goatnapping success rate is still at 12 out of the past 72 years.

Worth noting: Mascot stealing has been banned since the early 90s.

Also worth noting: This isn’t the first time Army’s stolen the wrong goat.

Hockey (8-9)
12/12 vs. Army | 7 PM

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