Good morning, Annapolis. TIL there is an entire Reddit community dedicated to mocking Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance that gets a million visitors every week – twice as many as her actual fan page. Finding fun facts for these intros takes us down some weird rabbit holes. . .

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

New year, same great service at 84 Lumber Annapolis!

Whether you’re renovating a historic rowhome, building a custom deck, or managing your next job site, 84 Lumber Annapolis is your one-stop destination for quality materials and expert support.

From small home projects to large-scale construction, our knowledgeable team is on-site to answer questions, recommend products, and keep your project moving forward - on time and on budget. Build with confidence at 84 Lumber Annapolis where materials, design, and expertise are all under one roof.

Visit 84 Lumber’s Annapolis location at 1690 Balt-Annapolis Boulevard or contact Store Manager, Bill McDonald, at 410-757-4684 or [email protected] to get started with your next project!

Got that leadership quality? Then listen up. Leadership Anne Arundel (LAA) is accepting applications for its Flagship Program Class of 2027, an immersive leadership program for those ready to make a difference in Anne Arundel County. Running from September 2026 to June 2027, the program meets monthly for full-day sessions and brings together a diverse cohort for hands-on learning in civic engagement and leadership development. Applications are due March 31, 2026; need-based tuition assistance is available.

Notable fact: More than 1,800 grads of LAA’s core programs serve throughout the Baltimore–Washington region.

That’s the message Park Elementary School teacher Jennifer Sell has for the Board of Education, currently considering a 2 percent cost-of-living raise for teachers based on recommendations from Superintendent Mark Bedell. Sell and many others showed up Tuesday night to discuss the upcoming FY2027 budget, which rolls in at a whopping $1.9 billion (yes, billion with a “b”). Back in December, when Bedell first proposed the budget, he stressed that it focused on “people over programs,” and was created to address potential economic setbacks, such as an impending decrease in federal funding. But teachers say they’re being left out of this equation, and that salary increases aren’t keeping up with inflation. With a hiring freeze currently in effect, expect to see this come up in the meeting tonight and again in the upcoming workshop on the 20th. Tonight’s meeting is at 6 PM in the Parham Building, 2644 Riva Road. ($)

ICYMI, flu season is bad this year. And while the flu and other respiratory illnesses are at their peak circulation, Luminis Health is temporarily requiring visitors to wear masks in clinical spaces, effective immediately. And if you have the flu (or flu-like symptoms), you might not even have to go in person — get virtual care via CareConnectNow.

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!

Publisher’s note: I can’t believe I forgot to schedule this yesterday. Two weeks off and I’m out of practice. My own dog would be ashamed.

Out of all the trouble your rebellious teenage daughter could get into, having bad table manners really isn’t the most stressful thing you could imagine — right? So when the team over at the SPCA says 2-year-old Rottweiler mix Lainey is in her rebel teen era, but she really just needs to work on her table manners . . . well, you start to understand she’s just a playful, spirited, slightly mischievous big bundle of love. A bundle of love that needs training from an experienced owner and a kid-free home, but a bundle of love nevertheless. She joined the SPCA in summer 2024 and is known for her affection. Can’t you tell by looking at that derpy smile? Stop by the SPCA to meet Lainey in person.

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This winter, we’re leaning into the hygge philosophy. Even if it was 60 and sunny yesterday. What’s hygge? A Danish idea of finding warmth and contentment during the long, cold season by embracing coziness, connection, and simple pleasures like warm food, hot drinks, and time with loved ones. These spots fit the bill.

🌶️ Davis’ Pub: There’s nothing like a back table and a bowl of chili.

🦀 O’Learys Seafood Restaurant: A great spot for a date night, or just a drink at the cutest bar in town.

👻 Reynolds Tavern: Saddle up downstairs and debate with friends if the historic spot is haunted. Spoiler: we think yes.

🍕Fox’s Den: Pizza + red wine + underground vibes = pure warmth and joy

🦪 Sailor Oyster Bar: DYK oysters are an aphrodisiac? Sample if you don’t believe us. And always get a window table if one’s open.

🇮🇪 Galway Bay: Bring on all the Irish comfort food: fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and don’t forget a pint! Bonus: No TVs.

📖 ☕️ Old Fox Books: It doesn’t get cozier than a coffee shop in a bookstore.

🍤 O'Loughlin's Restaurant: Got a winter birthday? Celebrate with crab soups, spiced shrimp, mussels, burgers, and more.

🧣Garten: The warm-blooded may brave outdoor dining beneath their heaters and blankets. Try the Brie-wich or Chicken Schnitzel. Inside’s great, too.

If you’ve ever waited in line for Vin 909 to open, then you know their food, drinks, and atmosphere are superb. And, while the cozy restaurant doesn’t take reservations, the Vin 909 winter wonderland wine dinner is a rare chance for a guaranteed seat. On Monday, January 19, at 6:30 PM, ticket holders will enjoy Chef Scotty’s special seasonal winter menu with hand-selected wine pairings featuring hidden gems from France. See the drool-worthy menu, then grab tickets.

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 New Year is a great time to prioritize your well-being and set health goals that help you feel your best. Whether you’re looking to reduce pain, improve flexibility, or enhance mobility, taking small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Let’s reset your body for optimal performance and make 2026 your healthiest year yet. Start with effective stretches to get your body moving and feeling great.

One Scoop reader said StretchMed Annapolis literally changed her life. So what are you waiting for? Book your no-cost free intro stretch and assessment today!

Look y’all. In terms of the usual kind of events that go in this section, there aren’t many. But that’s winter in Annapolis. However, Theater Talk Tuesday always has great indoor fun. As does the Live Music Lowdown.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

DoubleTree Hotel | Maryland Yuletide Celebration | Two nights of winter fun including balls, music, dancing, a cash bar, and a renn fair marketplace. 6–11 PM.

SATURDAY

Hammond-Harwood House | Fireside Revelry: A Colonial Twelfth Night Celebration | This candlelit concert revives seasonal music and poetry that once filled Annapolis homes during the Twelve Days of Christmas. 6 PM.

SUNDAY

Truman Parkway | Anne Arundel County Farmers Market | See what local vendors have to offer at this winter market. 9 AM–Noon.

Gallery 57 West | A Day of the Arts | Enjoy live in-gallery demonstrations by two featured artists, Kathy Strouss and Robert Neales, as they share their creative process. 1–3 PM.

Maryland Hall | Annapolis Symphony Academy winter concert | Hear music from the Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra and Orion Youth Orchestra as they play alongside their Annapolis Symphony Orchestra mentors. 5 PM.

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.

District 1 democrat Pete Smith is running for County Executive with an eye toward affordability. Specifically, affordable homes. Late last year he introduced legislation to the County Council to build “cottage homes” (technically less than 800 square feet) to provide greater opportunities for home ownership, particularly at a time when the median home price is over half a million dollars. But Smith’s bill ran into some hiccups due to density allowances around the county, zoning allowances that let developers build units in exchange for providing a public benefit. On Monday night, the Council unanimously voted to lower density allowances in single family residence districts, clearing one obstacle for Smith’s vision. The next meeting is January 20. ($)

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51 🌡️ 39 | 🌤️ | 8% | 💨 E 4 mph (3 knots)

55 🌡️ 49 | 🌦️ | 43% | 💨 S 8 mph (7 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 37ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

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
Market House | SVV Duo | 6–9 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

49 West | Jeff Muller & Friends | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Mac Heat | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dan Haas Trio | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aidan and Bryan | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Jennifer Schimpf | 5–8 PM
Market House | Faith and the Faithful | 8–11 PM
Middleton Tavern | Sidewalk Soul | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | David Sparrow | 5–8 PM
Old Stein Inn | Eddie Pasa | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | The Backburners | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Alison Brown Quintet | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Broroy | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | George Evans | 9 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Shiftwork | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Local Souls | 5 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mr VCR | 9:45 PM

Women's Basketball (8-6)
1/7 @ Bucknell | W 77-51

Men's Basketball (11-5)
1/7 vs. Bucknell | W 76-55

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