🍦I like B.I.G. books 📚️

Good morning, Annapolis. This is Naptown Scoop, where we spent the entire day yesterday talking about, filming, and eating cookies to find the best of the best. That’s how much we love you, Annapolis.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

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

Make Christmas unforgettable with a tree that’s just right for your family. Need strong branches for heavy ornaments, excellent needle retention, or that classic holiday fragrance? Homestead Gardens offers six unique varieties, ranging from 3-14 feet, to suit every style.

While you're here, explore the area’s best selection of seasonal houseplants, including over 20 stunning poinsettia varieties.

Bring the family and beat cabin fever by visiting our locally famous train display. It’s a fun way to make holiday memories while picking out your perfect tree.

Thank you for making us part of your holiday traditions. Visit homesteadgardens.com to learn more.

Stumped on gift ideas? We’ve got a tree-mendous suggestion for any occasion (whether it’s the winter holidays or anything else throughout the year). Maryland DNR lets you give the gift of a tree. That’s right — you can buy a tree in your name or the name of a special recipient for anywhere between $40 and $400. You get a certificate in the mail, and your tree will be planted on public land in your county (or your recipient’s county) during the next growing season. It’s a gift that not only makes the area a little greener and a little prettier but also attracts wildlife and reduces soil erosion. You can buy just one tree, two trees, or even a grove of trees. Order online.

We know it always stinks to hear streets are going to be closed for 3 weeks. But closing down parts of Jefferson Street and Boucher Avenue in Eastport gives Annapolis DPW’s contractors the chance to inspect and rehabilitate ~1,700 feet of sewer mains, which ultimately extends their life. Work began yesterday and is expected to take about 3 weeks. Closures include:

🚙 Jefferson Street from Boucher Avenue to Burnside Street (except for residents with driveways)
🚙 Boucher Avenue starting at Jefferson Street (except to residents of the immediate area)

Note that emergency vehicles will not be able to pass.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Each Wednesday, watch this space for a random snap from somewhere in Annapolis (and surrounding areas 😉). Where are we? Only true Annapolitans will know. Tell us your guess on Instagram or Facebook.

And don’t forget! Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

Don’t take it from us. Take it from the Washington Post. As reported by health and wellness columnist Gretchen Reynolds, “If your body is flexible, you’re likely to live longer than someone whose body and joints are tight and rigid, according to the first, large-scale study of the links between flexibility and mortality.” In the study by Claudio Gil S. Araujo, 3,139 men and women between ages 46 and 65 completed an evaluation of overall flexibility. Researchers followed them for more than a decade. They found that people with the stiffest joints — especially women — were substantially more likely to die prematurely than those with greater flexibility. Assisted stretching decreases pain, improves posture and mobility, and increases longevity. One Scoop reader said StretchMed Annapolis literally changed his life. So what are you waiting for? Book your no-cost intro stretch today.

Holiday magic is stirring at Annapolis Town Center. ✨ Now through January 2, you can stop by to enjoy inclusive, family-friendly festivities that are sure to fill you with seasonal cheer. Here’s what’s on the schedule:

🎄 Santa Paws (Dec. 3, 10, 17) — bring the fur babies for photos with Santa
❄️ Sensory-Friendly Santa (Dec. 8) — a designated day with reduced lights, reduced music, and a specially trained Santa
🎁 Ugly Sweater Day (Dec. 11, 18) — Come in your most festive, silly, or ugly sweater to snap a pic with Santa
🤶 Pajama Party (Dec. 15, 19) — show up cozy for this all-day pajama space for a unique holiday photo op
🎅 Santa’s Cottage (through Dec. 24) — visit with Santa for photos and sharing wish lists
🕯 Hanukkah Celebration (Dec. 25 – Jan. 2) — Light a candle each night with family and friends to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah

Find a full list of events and register.

Shop 70,000+ gently used books, DVDs, and puzzles for kids and adults on Friday (12/6), 3–5 PM and Saturday (12/7), 8 AM–2 PM. Prices are a steal at $1–$3 (cash or check only) at the Books for International Goodwill (B.I.G.) book sale. In the last 27 years, B.I.G. — a Parole Rotary Club of Annapolis project — has sent over 9.5 million books to underserved populations worldwide. All profits fund shipping books. Donate books 24/7 at their shed in front of their warehouse at 451 Defense Highway in Annapolis. Don’t miss this novel event!

Contact [email protected] for more info.

All aboard for a holiday fundraiser! Watermark will host a festive event on the Harbor Queen on Saturday, December 14, from 5–8 PM. Enjoy tunes, beverages from the cash bar, and front-row seats to the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade. Now in its 13th year, Watermark has selected The Light House, a homeless prevention support center, as the Queen of All Fund Drives beneficiary. Instead of tickets, bring a suggested $10 or more donation and needed items like canned fruit, condiments, and gift cards. Don’t miss this light-filled night of giving!

No “case of the Mondays” here. Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano will open its doors at 36 West Street in Annapolis on Monday, December 16 to support the Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians (AMFM). They’ll be open for lunch and dinner and donate 15% of sales to AMFM for the Annapolis Christmas Show. Hurry and make a reservation online or by calling 410-267-9950.

Make it a full-on date night and walk across the street after dinner for the AMFM Annapolis Christmas Show (12/16 and 12/17, both at 7 PM) at Rams Head on Stage. These shows feature some local faves like Dublin 5, Naptown Brass Band, Doug Segree, Meg Murray, Angie Miller, and Skribe.

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.

On the agenda for today’s Board of Education meeting:

Use this hub to submit testimony or watch online. The meeting is at 10 AM at the Parham Building. You can attend in-person or watch online.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

43 🌡️ 40 | 🌥️ | 3% | SSW 14 mph (12 knots)

43 🌡️ 29 | 💨 | 24% | WNW 24 mph (21 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 47ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Nicky Stacy | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Madisun Bailey | 6–9 PM
The Point | Kavoossi | 5–8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Russ | 9 PM

49 West | Jeff Antoniuk and Helluvaband | 7:30–10 PM
Brian Boru | Ted Garber | 6:30–9:30 PM
Killarney House | Loose Change | 6–9 PM
Market House | Suzy and Alex | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Los Lobos | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | PJ and Neal | 5 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Tony Streamella Band | 6 PM

Women's Basketball (6-2)
12/4 vs Dartmouth | 7 PM

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who ate a lot of cookies yesterday. 🍪