🍦Private island heading to auction

Good morning, Annapolis. Just days before the government shutdown, the government completed the forfeiture of 14 ancient Egyptian artifacts illegally smuggled into the U.S. worth over $6 million. Believe it or not, the final destination for at least one piece was right here in Edgewater. We can’t help but wonder if the would-be buyer’s reading these very words right now.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

October is Careers in Construction Month, and 84 Lumber is proud to recognize the hard work and dedication of our associates. This national campaign shines a light on the wide range of opportunities within the construction industry. While roles like general contractors, electricians, and plumbers are well-known, careers at 84 Lumber extend far beyond. From logistics and supply chain to design and management, our associates help shape the future of construction.

In a world increasingly driven by technology, it's easy to overlook the value of skilled trades, but these roles remain essential to our communities and economy.

With locations in 34 states and continuing to grow, 84 Lumber offers a variety of career paths nationwide. From day one, associates are empowered to demonstrate their potential and grow within the company. Our Manager Trainee (MT) program equips individuals with the industry knowledge and leadership tools needed for long-term success.

For career opportunities, visit www.84Lumber.com/careers

On November 1, Maryland’s Emancipation Day, the Anne Arundel County government is issuing a formal apology for the impact slavery has had on generations of Black Americans. The apology is part of “A Day of Acknowledgement: Confronting the Legacy of Slavery,” which will offer the historical context and is a partnership between the AACo. government and the Maryland State Archives. After the formal ceremony, attendees are welcome to join panel conversations about reparations and existing opportunities that address and can improve disparities in health, wealth, and education. 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, November 1 at Maryland Hall.

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Lauren wants to know. Not because she’s a busy mom and needs a me day (although that may be true). But because she loves sharing reader recommendations with y’all. She’s also putting together Naptown Scoop’s annual holiday gift guide and gift cards always have a place on the list. And yes, we totally understand if you don’t want to share so you can still book the best appointments.

But if you do want to share, please reply to this email.

We took a peek at AAEDC’s fresh Anne Arundel County’s Q2 economic report so you don’t have to (but if you’re into spreadsheets, we salute you). Here's what jumped out when we compared it to Q1 2025 — with a sprinkle of “how we’re doing vs. last year” for good measure:

🏠 Housing: Up, Down, All Around

🧠 Translation: Fewer homes are selling, fewer new ones are getting built, but the ones that do sell are going for more.

✈️ BWI: Flying Fewer Skies

🧠 Translation: Fewer folks flying through our airport, but summer travel may boost Q3.

Understandably, hotel tax revenues are down 6.4% versus this time last year. Want the full report, visit aaedc.org.

Less a rebrand than a recommitment, Fello, formerly known as The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, is transitioning to better reflect its services to Marylanders with disabilities. Over the last 64 years, Fello’s work has supported tens of thousands of community members in obtaining employment, accessing support services, and finding accessible housing. And now, to better connect with community members, they’re moving from their office on Spa Road into the Annapolis Mall. The 5,900-square foot Community Hub will have offices and meeting rooms making it easier for families to connect, access support, and feel welcomed in an inclusive environment. It’ll even have an accessible restroom with an adult-changing station – huge for folks with mobility disabilities. If you’d like to get involved or simply check out the new space, click here.

Half of St. Helena Island, an island overlooking Round Bay, is on the auction block and offers the chance to own an exceptionally beautiful piece of Chesapeake Bay history. The 6.5-acre parcel comes with a 6,100-square foot Federal-style home, a caretaker's suite, and a separate guest house, all wired for modern living with cable TV, cell service, and electricity. That might sound standard to us landlubbers but it’s pretty rare for a private island.

The gorgeous four-bedroom home was built in the 1920s and has a colorful history, serving as a home, “Hospital for Crippled Children”, and a social club which was raided for illegal slot machines. While there are no roads on the island (you don’t need them), the docks can accommodate a 110-foot yacht.

The auction runs October 22 to 30 with starting bids expected to be $1–1.9 million. But if you love the idea of a home in the middle of a Bay, put in your best offer now. Because if you buy it before the auction, you can avoid the auction house’s 12% fee. It’s currently listed with friend of the Scoop Brad Kappel at $2.98 million.

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.

It’s the Great Pumpkins, Charlie Brown Annapolis. Stroll through town to spot giant pumpkins brought in by trucks and forklifts, each tipping the scale from 600 to 1,500 pounds! Snap, video, share, and tag your gourd-geous pics with #GreatAnnapolisPumpkins and @VisitAnnapolis for a chance to win local prizes. These monster beauties will be carved into massive Jack-o’-Lanterns on the Friday before Halloween (also worth seeing 🔪). Find them on Main Street, Maryland Avenue, the Visitors Center, St. John’s College, and more places. Please don’t climb or carve.

Sure, driving is convenient. But as we like to say (which always gets us some weird looks), sitting is the new smoking. Plus, you miss the community connections from crossing paths with a neighbor and being able to say hi. This is why Annapolis is one of many communities observing Walktober 2025, when we’re being encouraged to walk whenever and wherever we can. Our local observance is a partnership among the City of Annapolis, the Annapolis Department of Transportation’s Bike, Pedestrian, and Micromobility Program, and the Maryland Department of Transportation.

So, what’s one the calendar? Coming up this week is:

✅ Tomorrow is Germantown Elementary’s Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day

✅  Thursday is the Safety: Designing Walkable Communities for All walkinar hosted by the MDOT

✅  Friday is Eastport Elementary’s Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day

And that’s just this week. Next Wednesday is Annapolis Middle School’s chance to observe Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day, and there are all-ages evening walks planned for routes throughout Annapolis all next week. Get details on other upcoming events and make walking part of your everyday life.

👑 Fairytales on Stage with Compass Rose Theater Tuesdays beginning Oct. 14. This class for ages 5-11 encourages students to exploring character development and storytelling by using movement, dance, song, and drama to bring classic stories to life.

🌥️ Compass Rose Theater presents Annie Sep. 19-Oct. 26. The Compass Rose season begins with this family-friendly musical about a plucky orphan who knows the sun’ll come out tomorrow.

🥸 Classic Theatre of Maryland presents The Importance of Being Earnest Oct. 1-19. Two men escape their social obligations by adopting fake identities, both of them under the pseudonym Earnest.

Coming soon…

🧛‍♂️ Colonial Players presents Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors Opening Oct 24. This hilariously absurdist take on the classic vampire story may cause bloodcurdling screams — of laughter.

💔 Children’s Theatre of Annapolis presents West Side Story Opening Oct 24. Young lovers are caught between rival gangs in this musical set to open the new season at CTA.

🔥 Annapolis Opera presents Don Giovanni Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Mozart’s masterpiece about a libertine leading a life of indulgence and deception returns to Annapolis for the first time in 23 years.

🎼 The Phantom of the Opera with live music from Larry Molinaro Oct. 30. No, not the Broadway musical—this is the silent film starring Lon Chaney, and its musical accompaniment for the showing will be performed live by St. Anne’s Church organist Larry Molinaro.

🦁 Pasadena Theatre Company presents Narnia the Musical November 14-23. Step through the magic wardrobe and enter the world of a divine lion and wicked ice witch.

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.

Parents of AACPS students, listen up: the Board of Education recently voted to move forward on redistricting recommendations from Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell that would affect students around the county. This month, the BOE is holding two public hearings to discuss the proposals and allow comments from concerned parents and caregivers. To see if your student will be reassigned to a new school, check out the redistricting plans here. Meetings are scheduled for 6 PM on Monday, Oct. 13 and 27, in the Board Room at the Parham Building, 2644 Riva Rd in Annapolis.

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77 🌡️ 68 | ⛅ | 8% | 💨 S 13 mph (11 knots)

70 🌡️ 51 | 🌧️ | 90% | NNW 14 mph (12 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 72ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West |  Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Point | Kavoossi | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Sierra Hull & John Craigie | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Madisun Bailey | 6 PM

49 West | Pam & Paula Classical Duo | 5–7 PM
49 West | Songbird Collective | 8–10 PM
Brian Boru | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Dinner Under The Stars | Bayside Big Band | 6:30–8:30 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Kevin Lee | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | PJ & Neal | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Chris Diller | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aaron Hawkins | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | American Aquarium w/ Leon Majcen | 8 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Fred & Wilma | 9 PM

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with an adult who orders off the kids menu. 44% of adults do according to hospitality point of sale company Lightspeed Commerce.