🍦Pink Friday

Good morning, Annapolis. Thank you to all of our readers who pointed out our unfortunate typo yesterday. Current AACPS superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell is the first Black man to serve as AACPS superintendent. We forgot to specify man.

AACPS’ first Black superintendent was Carol Parham (also the first female) who held the role from 1993 to 2002.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces a wide range of tax changes aimed at helping Americans across different life stages—from early-career workers to families and those approaching retirement. Whether you're earning tips, raising kids, or planning your estate, the bill includes new deductions, expanded credits, and planning opportunities designed to support your financial goals. Our three-part blog series breaks down what you need to know for all of these areas. Some key highlights:

If you need help creating a financial strategy, contact the team at Scarborough Capital Management and get the conversation started.

Annapolis takes pride in being an inclusive city, but it’s interesting to consider the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure everyone feels that way. The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is a nationwide metric of more than 500 cities on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ+ people, and in 2017, Annapolis scored a 58 percent. This year, Annapolis can celebrate receiving a perfect score on the evaluation (seven of the 10 Maryland cities included received perfect scores). “Annapolis earning a 100 on the MEI shows what is possible when a city commits to fairness and inclusion,” said Jake Trudeau, Chair of Annapolis Pride, who referenced the collaborative effort between local advocates, community partners, and City officials. To see the full list, check out the Human Rights Campaign’s website.

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Parley Room has officially aged very nicely for three years, so to celebrate, this sophisticated cocktail bar on State Circle invites you to come raise a toast. Stop by on Saturday starting at 3 PM for $8 cocktails and to get a copy of their new Classic Cocktail Recipe Book. The team behind the recipes — including John Miller, Andrew Fox, Anthony Grasso, and bartenders past and present — will be signing copies. You can sip while you’re there, and then shake or stir your next drink using their recipes at home. 25 State Circle, Annapolis.

DYK it’s Pink Friday Eve? Pink Friday is a nationwide effort to shop small before Black Friday. Lucky for us, lots of local stores are partying, we mean participating.

Mango & Main: Maryland Ave’s boutique is going full holiday party mode from 5—7 PM with bubbly and charcuterie (our love language). Don’t forget about the permanent jewelry, complimentary gifts with purchase, and included gift wrapping! Plus, 10% of profits support a local food pantry.

Whimsicality: Start shopping unique gifts, furniture, and accessories on their website on 11/20, at 8 PM. In-store celebrations (1350 Cape Saint Claire Rd, Annapolis) begin 11/21 at 11 AM.

HERE: We’re not teachers, but those Tipsy Teacher wine bottles look amazing. Enjoy wine tastings and pink cupcakes on 11/21 from 4—6 PM. Busy Friday? Another wine tasting is 11/22 from 12—3 PM. 6 Fleet St, Annapolis

The Cottage: Celebrate Pink Friday at 149 Main St, Annapolis (10 AM—8 PM) and 562B Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park (10 AM—7 PM). Enjoy storewide sales, double reward points, gift card giveaways, complimentary sips and sweets, and new arrivals in gifts, clothing, jewelry, and décor.

Kim Hovell: Enjoy 10% off at the artist’s flagship store (151 Main St). Receive a complimentary holiday 3-wick candle with purchases of $200+ (in-store only). Sale runs 11/21–22 at 12 AM (the late hour has us assuming her online collection counts too. Excludes artwork.

The “I don’t need anything” friend. The hobbyist who already owns everything. The impossibly picky one. Yep . . . we love one of them, too.

Luckily, in our Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide, there’s a perfect gift for everyone. And NEW this year — reader recommendations made the list. Like Santa’s scroll (or maybe a CVS receipt), we’re rolling out a joyfully long list of the best local finds to sleigh your holiday shopping. Gift-giving starts here.

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.

School board votes. Local events. Issues that matter to your daily life.

The Baltimore Banner brings you clear, trustworthy local news about the people and stories shaping Annapolis.

Your neighborhood. Your news.

TheBaltimoreBanner.com

THURSDAY

Annapolis Mall | Santapolis | Santa’s workshop is open for business! Believers big and small come get your picture with the man. Open through Dec. 24.

Maryland Ave | Burn While Reading Bookswap | Come to Shop Cupla to swap books and make your own bespoke candle. 5–8 PM.

FRIDAY

Annapolis | Season to Season Open House | Grab a cup of cocoa and check out Season to Season’s magnificent wreath and live garland, or make a custom wreath to take home. 9 AM to Noon, 2 Womack Drive.

Sandy Point State Park | AACSPCA Lights and Leashes | Take your pup for a two-mile walk through some of the most beautiful holiday lights around. Food trucks, treats, and drinks on-site. Through Saturday, 5–9 PM.

Luminis Anne Arundel Medical Center | Jingle & Mingle | The Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce creates a winter wonderland with a North Pole shopping experience, food and drink from Vintage Views, silent auction, and much more. Winter white attire is encouraged. 6 PM in the Doordan Institute. Don’t forget the codes SCOOP and SCOOPVIP for $15 off tickets and $25 off VIP tickets.

Edgewater | Bookish Friendsgiving | Wyrd Bookstore has a fun night planned for those who would rather be on the couch with a cup of tea reading. 5–7:30 PM.

SATURDAY

Davidsonville | Grand Illumination | Homestead Gardens knows how to get the lights twinkling. From the opening of the beer garden to the arrival of Santa, head out for a day of fun. Noon - 9 PM at Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville.

Maryland Hall | AACO Day of Acknowledgement | A day devoted to education and equity. 10 AM to 2 PM.

SUNDAY

Sandy Point State Park | Lights on the Bay | The pets are gone the iconic drive-thru light display is open for business.

MARKETS

Crownsville | Fall Field Market at Wildberry | Celebrating the golden season. 9 AM to Noon.

Deale | SoCo’s Thanksgiving Holiday Market | Farmers, bakers, all-round merry makers. 10 AM to 2 PM.

Quiet Waters Park | Holiday Artisan Market Reception | Gorgeous gifts you won’t find anywhere else. 1:30–3:30 PM.

Harry S. Truman Pkwy. | Anne Arundel County Farmers Market | Grab a loaf of sourdough and all the fresh stuff you’ll need for the week ahead. Saturday and Sunday.

Today’s the official start of the holiday season at Annapolis Town Center. That’s because tonight is the grand illumination of the shopping center’s big tree. Festivities start at dusk on the green between Tatte and PF Chang’s. The Greater Annapolis Ballet performs at 5:30 PM, and Santa will arrive around 7 PM for an official countdown and to light the tree. DJs, giveaways, and complimentary cookies will make spirits as bright as the tree itself. (Holiday hack: Stay warm by snagging a drink from Tatte.)

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.

49 🌡️ 46 | ☁️ | 8% | 💨 E 4 mph (3 knots)

56 🌡️ 50 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 SSE 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 51ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

Blackwall Hitch | Marilyn Hucek | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Doug Segree | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | Chris Diller | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Mark Hopkins | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Vienna Teng | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Aaron Hawkins | 4:30 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Tony Streamella Band | 7 PM

49 West | Justin Trawick | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | The Slugs | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | TrioSonic | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Ciaran Quinn | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Christopher Dean | 8 PM
Great Frogs | Joe Bryan | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Kevin Pollock and Doghouse Blue | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Andrew Bell | 5–8 PM
Market House | Faith and the Faithful | 7–10 PM
Maryland Hall | Keb' Mo' w/ Anthony D'Amato | 8 PM | Tickets
Middleton Tavern | Shatners | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Rommel Miranda | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | John Luskey | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Scott Voorhees | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Bob Quinlan | 10 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Wild Grey Hairz | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Guava Jelly | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Simba Band | 9:45 PM
Studio 333 Collective | Shana Oshiro & Friends and SoulJourners | 7:30 PM

Women's Basketball (4-0)
11/19 vs. Rider | W 67-56

Women's Volleyball (13-13)
11/21 @ American (PLT-SF) | 6:30 PM

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