🍦City Dock breaks ground

Good morning, Annapolis. Fun fact: LEGO has a set depicting a kid getting an MRI that they don’t sell but rather donate to hospitals. 96% of the hospitals report reduced anxiety when kids get to play with it before their MRI. Can they make an adult one, too?

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

It’s hard to believe, considering how long construction crews have been down at Susan Campbell Park, but the City Dock Project officially broke ground. On Monday morning, elected officials in hard hats were ceremoniously shoveling out the first piles of dirt. The initiative is five years in the making and is set to keep downtown safe from flooding events through 2060.

The project is designed to protect City Dock from floodwaters up to 8.77 feet above sea level. For reference, in 2003 Hurricane Isabel brought floods 7.2 feet above sea level. Last week, we saw waters just shy of 4.5 feet above the usual. The whole kit-and-caboodle is set to cost $87 million, funded in part with a $32 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but that money has not been dispersed to the city yet. ($)

There’s a lot to celebrate at Annapolis Mall this week — and it all starts with new arrivals and holiday magic.

Talbots has officially opened their brand-new location and this Saturday, stop by for their Grand Opening Event to shop timeless classics, modern must-haves, and exclusive offers to mark the occasion.

Swarovski has also joined the lineup, bringing its world of brilliance and crystal craftsmanship to shoppers just in time for gifting season.

And of course, the man in red makes his big entrance this Friday! Bring the family for Santapolis: A Magical Holiday Experience, complete with photo ops and plenty of cheer.

Celebrate the season’s best at Annapolis Mall. Plan your visit.

Just like when your spelling test is graded, everyone’s asking: Whatcha get? It tracks, because the Maryland Report Card was handed out. The number of AACPS schools earning 5 stars rose 36% in the 2024-25 school year compared to the previous year, with a record 15 schools now holding the state’s top rating. Before parents whisper, “Who’s on that list?” read on.

🏫 Five-star schools: Severna Park High and Chesapeake Science Point, plus the following elementary schools: Arnold, Belvedere, Benfield, Central, Crofton Woods, Davidsonville, Folger McKinsey, Hillsmere, Jones, Millersville, Severna Park, West Annapolis, and Windsor Farm.

🌟 Other feathers in its cap (or gold stars?), 95% of schools have 3 or more stars (vs. 86% statewide), and 53% have 4 or more stars (vs. 43% statewide). ($)

After two years of delays, New Village Academy (NVA) — a new public charter high school in Anne Arundel County — will open in August 2026 in a newly built facility at Annapolis Mall.

Backed by Civic Builders, which is financing and managing the $11.6M project, construction will begin soon, with a groundbreaking celebration on November 18. Civic Builders will sublease the facility to NVA. Once the school has an established financial history in three to five years, it’ll assume the lease.

NVA will offer a tuition-free, project-based learning model featuring internships, real-world problem-solving, and community partnerships. “Discover NVA!” Information Sessions are Nov. 10 and Dec. 9, 6–7:30 PM, at Discoveries: the Library at the Mall.

🗓️ Applications for students entering grades 9–12 are open through January 15, 2026, via the AACPS Parent Portal. Learn more.

In the “This is a good start” news department, the City announced a new fee structure for parking violations at the Mills-Hillman Garage. Late fees drop from $50 to $33.50, which includes the $3.25 hourly rate (lowest hourly rate), $25 violation fee, and $5.25 administrative fee. City residents still get two hours of free parking, and holiday hours between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

You may have seen the garage’s new name. Noah Hillman, it’s original sole namesake, was a respected alderman who helped form the Historic District and wrote legislation for the parking garage back in the early 1970s. Before that, as a lawyer for the Anne Arundel School Board, he represented the Board in 1939 when Walter Mills, the Black principal of Parole Elementary, sued for equal pay under the 14th Amendment. Thurgood Marshall represented Mills in court, who won the case — later cited as a precedent in Brown v. Board of Education.

“What I’m hoping will happen is someone will put a biographical memorial to explain who Noah Hillman and Walter Mills were,” said Carl Snowden, head of the Caucus of African American Leaders, who proposed the change. “Both minorities, one Jewish and the other Black, and each played a significant role in the city of Annapolis and its history.” ($)

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There are a few things in life that are indisputably great. You know, like cake, helping a neighbor, and a warm coat on a cold day. Here’s something that combines all three: Nothing Bundt Cakes is collecting coats for Hope for All through next week. Take your clean, washable, gently used coats to any location now until Saturday, Nov. 15, and Hope for All will connect your donation with someone in need:

❄️ Annapolis Towne Centre Blvd. Suite 130, Annapolis
❄️ 1404 South Main Chapel Way, Suite 114, Gambrills
❄️ 580 Ritchie Hway., Suite 1, Severna Park

Scoop tip: We heard they’re offering a free bundlet when you donate a coat. Consider it a heartwarming act and a mouthwatering snack in the same trip.

We see you — taking advantage of this gorgeous weather to get your Christmas decorations up early. No shame in your game. But if you’re getting into the season already, better be ready to also do a little holiday shopping as well. Wildberry Market, which is always our go-to for local, handmade gifts you can’t get anywhere else, recently announced they’re shuttering the field market after this season and transitioning into a brewery. What this means is that there are only a handful of markets left. With the forecast calling for sunny skies and 65 degrees this weekend, there’s no better time to head out to Crownsville. (Your blow-up Santa and his rooftop reindeer can wait another weekend.) Saturday, 9 AM–Noon — 1047 St Stephens Church Rd., Crownsville

There’s more to love about Heroes Pub than just its beer selection and appetizer sampler. The local watering hole at 1 Riverview Ave, Annapolis is hosting a Toy Drive on Thursday, November 13, 5–7 PM. Bring an unwrapped toy to spread cheer and get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy happy hour vibes, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. Can’t make it? You can still donate online. Let’s make the holidays brighter for Annapolis kids!

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.

Annapolis and Eastport | Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival | 10 events over two weekends (Nov. 7-16) make this one of the best music festivals in the city.

Timonium | 51st Annual Maryland Irish Festival | The Timonium Fairgrounds host this fun festival with food, music, and dancing from the world’s greatest island. Friday, 6–11 PM; Saturday, Noon–11 PM; Sunday, Noon–6 PM.

Eastport | Art Between the Creeks Fall Reception | Snacks and bar, local art by talented creators, and great conversation make this one of our favorite annual events. | Friday, 6–9 PM.

Annapolis | Comic and Music Fair | Art Farm has a fun event planned for comic creators and collectors. Saturday, 11 AM–3 PM.

Eastport and Annapolis | The Tug | Teams representing either side of the city compete in the largest international tug-of-war. It’s just what we do. | Saturday, Noon.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge | Bay Bridge Run | Run or walk 10K over the Chesapeake Bay in this epic event. Sunday, 7 AM.

Market House | Naptown Flea | Thrifters have had this on their calendars for months. Glad to finally see it happen! | Sunday, 1–6 PM.

Inner West Street | Taste of Fall on West Street | Restaurant samples, live music, dancing, and much more. | Sunday, 2–5 PM.

Consider it a plot to preserve history: Brewer Hill Cemetery Association has a community engagement session and town hall coming up next week on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 PM at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center — 1101 Smithville Street, Annapolis. During the session, speakers will dig into how best to preserve the city’s oldest Black cemetery and honor its legacy. Community leaders and even some families who have ancestors buried in Brewer Hill will hear from preservationists and historians about how this sacred ground can be respected so its history will live on with dignity. RSVP.

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.

At Monday’s County Council meeting, legislation carried forward from October received further discussion. Bill 76-25, which requires residents to clear snow/ice from sidewalks in front of their homes, got amended. The amendment specifies that less than 3 inches of snow needs to be cleared within 24 hours and more than 3 inches of snow needs to be cleared within 48 hours. The bill is scheduled for a final vote at the council’s next meeting on Nov. 17. Legislation that did pass was Bill 86-25, which lets police captains to collectively bargain like other public safety employee (it passed unanimously, 7-0). Watch the full meeting for details and other votes.

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Lace up for the 14th Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run & 3K Walk, hosted by the DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation on Saturday, December 6 at Quiet Waters Park. Hear the jingle of hundreds of runners and walkers raising funds to fight lung and ovarian cancers. 100% volunteer-driven, DPCF directs every dollar to local cancer treatment programs. Festive costumes, music, refreshments, and family fun await! Learn more, volunteer, donate, or register at dpcancerfoundation.org.*

Join Anne Arundel Young Life on Thursday, November 20, for their signature gala at the Fluegel Alumni Center, made possible by the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation. Enjoy cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and exciting auctions — all in “Starry Night Chic” style. Proceeds support Young Life’s mission to reach local teens with hope, purpose, and community. Get your tickets here. RSVP by October 30th.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

57 🌡️ 43 | ☀️ | 1% | 💨 NW 12 mph (10 knots)

63 🌡️ 56 | ⛅ | 3% | 💨 S 15 mph (13 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 58ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Gio Hidalgo & Nate Stanley | 7:30–10 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Grayson Moon | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Anton Tuvelman | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | Doug Segree | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Dan Navarro w/ Jesse Lynn Madera | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Tavair Dominque | 9 PM

49 West | Tom Mitchell’s 1st Fridays | 8–10 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Severn River Band | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Michael McHenry Tribe | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Faith & The Faithful | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Christopher Dean | 8 PM
Galway Bay | Chris Baldwin | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Cameron Mae | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | The Hyland Brothers | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Grayson Moon | 5–8 PM
Market House | Leslie Webber and Friends | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Noelle & Jeff Band | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Bread & Cheese | 5–8 PM
Old Stein Inn | Eddie Pasa | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Scoglio Duo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head Roadhouse | Aaron Hawkins | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Russell Jacobsen | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | The Shatners | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Ryan Moran | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mr. VCR | 9:45 PM

Women's Basketball 
11/7 @ Delaware | 7 PM

Men's Basketball (1-0)
11/7 vs. Tulsa vs. Rhode Island | 6 PM
11/7 vs. Yale | 8:30 PM

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Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who plays with LEGOs as an adult. 🧱