🍦Joe Toolan enters County Council Race

Good morning, Annapolis. The average American eats nearly 22 lbs of candy a year. Most of it is consumed around Halloween, so if you’re behind, you better get unwrapping.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Joe Toolan — environmental professional and former Annapolis Pride chair — has announced his candidacy for the Anne Arundel County Council District 6 seat. The district includes Annapolis, the USNA, and nearby communities. Toolan, 29, serves as fund director for the national nonprofit GreenLatinos and previously worked for the Chesapeake Bay Trust, managing over $100M throughout his career. The Pasadena native, now an Annapolis resident, aims to expand green spaces, invest in sustainable energy programs, and support affordable housing, education (think smaller classes), and community-based policing. Toolan would replace Democrat Lisa Rodvien, who isn’t seeking reelection in 2026. He’s the first to enter the District 6 race. ($)

Get ready for a weekend of fun, fresh gear, and good vibes. GOAT USA is officially open at Annapolis Mall and on October 25–26, you’re invited to the party.

Join us Saturday at 10 AM for the ribbon cutting, meet the founder in person, and say hi to Chuck the GOAT himself (he’s kind of a big deal). Plus, snag an exclusive Grand Opening sticker just for stopping by.

And because the GOAT knows how to celebrate, you’ll get 20% off when you buy 3 items and if your total hits $100 after discount, you’ll score a free backpack (while supplies last).

It’s the GOAT opening weekend. Don’t miss it.

You can tell a lot about someone from their favorite candy. First they’re sour, then they’re sweet. Or they’ve got a tough shell with a soft center. It’s basically astrology — but stickier. See the Scoop team’s candy vices.

Duffy: Butterfinger
Ryan: Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews (interestingly Duffy’s least-liked candy 😂)
Elle: Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate
Dylan: Mounds (he’s a big dark chocolate fan)
Lauren: Charleston Chew (don’t knock it until you’ve tried this classic)
Mike: Our chocoholic shared his top 3: Kit Kat, Twix, and Junior Mints.

🍫🍭What’s yours?

Ready to talk redistricting? The AACPS Board of Education meets tonight to share insight into its six proposals potentially affecting hundreds of students. The meeting is at 6 PM in the Parham Building (2644 Riva Road, Annapolis). The BOE will address all proposals tonight, and the public can provide input at upcoming board meetings on October 27 or November 3. Can’t make it? Written comments are accepted until the Saturday before each meeting.

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Grump’s Cafe is far from grumpy — and never is their friendlier side more obvious than when they’re promoting Feed It Forward. This program makes it easy for you to treat a neighbor in need to a meal. Here’s how it works: You buy a certificate for $15, and Grump’s adds $5 to the total value of the certificate for a $20 total. You can either pass the Feed It Forward certificate on to somebody you know, or leave it at Grump’s for a stranger who needs it to pick up.

And don’t worry — your beneficiary doesn’t have to spend it all on one meal. If there’s a balance left after purchase, the new total gets written on the back of the certificate for next time.

Calling all farmers, seafood producers, and processors. The Maryland Dept. of Agriculture (MDA) announced registration for its Maryland’s Best Expo set for Feb. 3, 10 AM-3 PM at Navy Stadium. This two-decade tradition offers Marylanders in these industries a chance to show off their products and connect with the 300 retail, restaurant, and institutional buyers who attend. Interested in participating? Get details and register.

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.

Some concerts take you on a journey. This one will transform you.

Join the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for Darkness to Light, the largest concert of Season 64, and possibly the most emotionally powerful. Sibelius’ haunting The Swan of Tuonela and Mahler’s epic Symphony No. 5 will take you on a journey from Finnish myths of the underworld to an inspirational finish. Leonard Bernstein conducted Mahler’s Fifth during the funeral mass for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Luchino Visconti used the music in his film “Death in Venice”. You may recognize it from commemorative events following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Tickets start at $25, and Scoop readers get BOGO (Buy One Get One FREE) tickets with code SCOOP.

November 7–8, 7:30 PM at Maryland Hall. Reserve your seat today.

Forest Drive | SOFO’s final drive-in movie night of the year (plus costume party) | Come for Moana 2 in the Bay Ridge Plaza parking lot, but stay for the costume party, food from Grump’s, and much more. Walk-ups are free | Friday (10/24) from 6:30 PM on (movie starts at dusk)

Annapolis | AND Creative Film Club presents Nosferatu, the 1922 classic of German Expressionist cinema. Friday (10/24) at 6 PM at AND Creative Studio, 1851 McGuckian St.

Truxtun Park | Pip Moyer Rec Center’s Harvest Festival is a fun family event with face painting, a spooky magic show, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, and more Halloween fun on Saturday (10/25). Free but register in advance. 10 AM to 2 PM at Pip Moyer Rec Center at Truxtun Park.

Annapolis | USNA Football (6-0) takes on Florida Atlantic (3-4). Kickoff is at 3:30 PM. Saturday, Oct. 25.

West St, Maryland Ave, and Main St | Annapolis Scarecrow Stroll 2025 | Starting Oct. 25 through Nov. 2, scarecrows line DTA streets. Vote for your fav with #AnnapolisScarecrowStroll2025.

Downtown Classic Movie Night at the Reynolds Tavern features the 1974 comedic-horror classic Young Frankenstein (Steen? Stine? We always get it wrong). Sunday, Oct. 26 at dusk.

As always, check out our Halloween Happenings Guide for seasonal events. And don’t miss these new additions to our list:

Crownsville | Haunted Barn & Hayride | If you’re into the scary stuff. It’s not happening Halloween weekend so get your thrills in this weekend | Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Downtown | Hammond-Harwood House Pumpkin Walk | Much less scary. Put the whole family in costumes and follow Frolic the Fox on a costume parade around the historic Hammond-Harwood House | Friday, Oct. 24, 4 PM — 6 PM

It’s celebration time this weekend at Local By Design (1818 Margaret Ave., Annapolis). They’re hosting their monthly market this weekend with all sorts of fun (and great shopping). The Arts District center has something for everyone — even pets. There’s a happy hour at 4 PM on Friday, and Saturday features complimentary local beers and bratwurst noon - 5 PM. On Sunday, bring your pet and join the Bark-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest (winner will be chosen at 3 PM).

The brainchild of the identical twin sisters at Shop Cupla, What’s Up Witches is a ghoul-friends event with secret gardens, spooky cocktails, and much more. Expect tarot readings, scary stories from the Eastport Witches, and plenty of bubbling cauldrons. BYO Broomstick. 5 PM to 8 PM tonight along Maryland Ave.

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.

63 🌡️ 45 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 W 13 mph (11 knots)

60 🌡️ 45 | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 WNW 11 (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 64ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | The Jonathan Epley Guitar Trio | 7:30–11 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Stephen Henson | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Wroten | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | August West | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Mark Hopkins | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Bryan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | GA-20 and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Steve & Victoria | 4:30 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Benfield Rush Band | 6 PM

49 West | Lonesome October | 8–10 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Davidson Exchange | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dan Haas Trio | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Doug Segree | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Jimmy Solesky | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Mook Jones | 5–8 PM
Galway Bay | The Langer's Ball | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Sophie Bernitt | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Faith and The Faithful | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Aaron Hawkins | 8–11 PM
Market House | Adam Forbes | 8:30–11:30 PM
Market Space | Marianne Styles | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | The Goat Charmers | 7–10 PM
Old Stein Inn | Eddie Pasa | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Thomas Dolby | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Black & Tan | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | George Evans | 5 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Michael Miller | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Fessup | 9:45 PM

You have to hand it to the sailors of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race: Over the windy weekend, they surfed down the bay in 20-40 knots of breeze. And they did it on traditional vessels with way more than just two sails. (We were sitting at home worrying about our porch cushions blowing away.) The Pride of Baltimore II earned line honors by reaching Thimble Shoal Light first (elapsed time: 14:44:06 — over 16 hours faster than the 2024 results). The Schooner Virginia (carrying a sail plan of a gaff mainsail, gaff foresail, two gaff topsails, fisherman's staysail, regular staysail, and two jibs) placed first in corrected time and took home top honors.

👀 Want the full story? Chesapeake Bay Magazine has the recap.

Women's Soccer (9-5-3)
10/24 vs. Lafayette | 5 PM

Women's Volleyball (8-10)
10/24 vs Lafayette | 7 PM

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Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s already broken into their Halloween candy.