TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia became the tallest church in the world on Thursday after a part of its central tower was lifted into place. But I’ve always found Sagrada Familia interesting for a different reason – it’s the world’s longest-running construction project. The first brick was laid in 1882 and it’s not expected to be complete until 2034.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • WRNR’s comeback

  • AACPS principal of the year nominees

  • County Council meeting

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Santa, the Grinch, and Holiday Fun, All in One Trip

Instagram Reel

The holidays are happening at Annapolis Mall! Snap your Santa photos, then add some mischief with the Grinch. Enjoy Storytime with the Grinch and make family memories that stick.

From photos. to Grinch-approved storytime and heartwarming giving, the mall has your holiday plans covered. Do more than shop, make memories, share smiles, and kick off your season with magic and fun.

THE DIGEST

The biggest stories we covered this week

🗳️ Annapolis’ general election results were certified. Jared Littmann will be the new mayor.

🪢 Eastport won the annual Slaughter Across the Water although it was the Slaughter Up and Down Second Street this year due to City Dock construction.

🎓 AACPS announced this year’s graduation dates.

George Artlotto Leadership finalists announced 🍎

3 elementary school principals, a high school principal, and a charter school principal walk into an awards ceremony. Even if it sounds like the opening to a joke, it’s anything but that — these educators are among our county’s best. That’s why they’re finalists for the George Arlotto Leadership Award, which is presented to the county’s Principal of the Year. They’ll be honored in the AACPS Education Foundation’s Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony in April 2026:

✏️ Jessica Alvear, Ridgeway Elementary School
✏️ Cheryl Ann Cox, Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School
✏️ Ryan Durr, Meade High School
✏️ Kim Jakovics, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie
✏️ Jed Kling, Windsor Farm Elementary School

Who will be Principal of the Year? One of these finalists will receive the title next month and represent AACPS in the 2026 Washington Post Principal of the Year program.

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

LOCAL BUSINESS

Foodie Friday: Scoop’s favorite soups for chilly days

These frigid temps lately leave no question. It’s soup szn. Cozy up with a piping bowl of . . .

🥣 Davis’ Pub: Chicken and sausage gumbo. When the off-menu dish is the soup du jour it’s a hearty choice.

🔥 Choptank: More Gumbo! (Sensing a pattern? Ryan’s a big gumbo guy.)

🍛 McGarvey’s: Take advantage of the Monday special: Red Beans and Rice. Is it a soup? Not really but we’re counting it.

🍜 Nam’s Pho: Pho show, we can’t leave this Eastport hidden gem off the list.

🥔 Galway Bay: The vegetarian-friendly Potato Leek Soup is a pure pot-o-gold — especially with that side of Irish soda bread for dunking.

🦀 Carrol’s Creek: Cream of Crab that’s souper rich and claw-some.

WRNR continues comeback 🎙️

If this sounds like good news, you’re right. Annapolis’ legendary 93.5 WRNR is turning the volume way up with new partner Jay Stevens, a longtime industry exec joining Kirk Litton’s Cortona Media. He replaces Steve Kingston, who’s now focused on his music-themed cannabis dispensary. Former hosts Dave Ziemer and Neci will also return to the airwaves: Dave from 7 AM to noon and Neci 2—7 PM weekdays.

After its July 4 relaunch, the beloved alternative rock station proves live, local radio still reigns. Catch WRNR at 93.5 FM, 810 AM, WRNR.com, and on the TuneIn and Live 365 apps!

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.

Annapolis, it’s time to raise your spirits—literally. Join Homestead Gardens for Girls Night Out at our Davidsonville store on November 19 and Severna Park on November 20, both from 5–8 PM. Enjoy festive drinks, early holiday inspiration, and 25% off regularly priced items (some exclusions apply). Despite the name, it’s not just for the ladies—bring anyone who appreciates good company, good style, and a well-timed seasonal discount. Consider it the perfect warm-up to the holidays: a little shopping, a little sipping, and a well-deserved night out.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

What we’re up to this weekend

FRIDAY Severna Park | Decorating Your Christmas Tree the Homestead Way | Learn insider tips and creative techniques that make tree decorating simple and stunning. $5 at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park. 1–2 PM.

SATURDAY Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | Navy Football takes on South Florida State. After two straight losses after starting with seven wins, the Midshipmen are on the hunt for a must have W. Our friends from the Bay Paddle are tailgating before and after the game, so make sure to grab a ticket and connect. Kickoff at Noon; tailgating 10 AM to 5 PM.

Arnold | Last beer day at Old Barn Brewery | Enjoy farm-fresh beer and tasty barbecue one last time before this brewery puts 2025 to bed. | 301 Bay Dale Drive, Arnold.

ALL WEEKEND Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival is finishing out its Annapolis run with a bang: multiple concerts around town offer great opportunities to check out great performances in non-traditional venues.

  • Friday: Unified Jazz Ensemble @ Eastport United Methodist Church (7 PM).

  • Saturday: Ed Hrybyk Trio @ Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library (11 AM) and Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble @ the Unitarian Universalist Church (3 PM).

  • Sunday: The Freedom Choir @ St. Luke's Episcopal Church (3 PM) and Joshua Redmond Quartet at Maryland Hall (7 PM).

Santapolis at Annapolis Mall Now through December 24, Annapolis Mall has created a wonderland for kiddos and kiddos-at-heart. Get your picture with the Man, the Myth, the Legend before it’s too late. Walk-ins welcome.

Markets

Crownsville | Fall Field Market at Wildberry | Only four more markets left! Get your unique gifts before it’s too late. Saturday, 9 AM to Noon.

Harry S. Truman Park and Ride | AACo. Farmer’s Market | Go for the seasonal produce, stay for the unique gifts you’ll find nowhere else. | Saturday, 7 AM to Noon; Sunday, 9 AM to Noon.

Lothian | Honey Harvest’s Third Sunday Market | Over 20 local makers bring everything from elderberry syrup to seafood. And yes, there’s honey. | Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM. 5801 Brooks Woods Road, Lothian.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.

CIVIL NEWS

County Council set to meet Monday night

Mondays are all about business, and the County Council takes this seriously. The agenda for this month’s meeting includes proposals for modifying snow removal requirements; the Odenton Town Center Master Plan; and legislation to propose new guidelines for public facilities standards in new development. Attend the meeting or watch online at 7 PM. 44 Calvert St.

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

EXTRA SPRINKLES

Annapolis’ Healthiest Holiday Tradition Returns!

Lace up for the 14th Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run & 3K Walk, hosted by the DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation on Saturday, December 6 at Quiet Waters Park. Hear the jingle of hundreds of runners and walkers raising funds to fight lung and ovarian cancers. 100% volunteer-driven, DPCF directs every dollar to local cancer treatment programs. Festive costumes, music, refreshments, and family fun await! Learn more, volunteer, donate, or register at dpcancerfoundation.org*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

WEATHER

Friday

57 🌡️ 45 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 W 11 mph (10 knots)

Saturday

58 🌡️ 56 | ☁️ | 24% | 💨 SE 8 mph (7 knots)

Sunday

60 🌡️ 41 | ⛅ | 21% | 💨 WNW 17 mph (15 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 53ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

49 West | Jeff Muller & Friends | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Rick’s Revolving Doors | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Josee Molavi Band | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aidan and Bryan | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Kieran Lally | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Jerry & The Heartaches | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Russell Jacobsen | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Stephen Henson | 5–8 PM
Market House | Faith and the Faithful | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moon Cherry | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Chuck DeFontes | 5–8 PM
Old Stein Inn | Timmie Metz | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Marshall Crenshaw | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Bob Quinlan | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Chris & Emily | 9 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | The Shore thing | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Brett Beuhler | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mike McHenry | 9:45 PM

Saturday

49 West | Dean Rosenthal’s 5 Piece Racket | 7:30–10 PM
Blackwall Hitch | FessUP | 9 PM
Brian Boru | The National Bohemians | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Oliver Dyer | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Crash the Limo | 9 PM
Dark Horse | Starbelly | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Laura Brino | 1:30–4:30 PM
Great Frogs | Pressing Strings | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | O'McPub Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Mike McHenry Band | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Nicky Stacy | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Frank, Elvis & Raines | 7–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Sister Hazel w/ Carl Wockner | 1 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | The Carole King & James Taylor Story | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | The BirdDaddy Project | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Reagan Kent | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Rebound | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Red Betty & The Ruckus | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | The Leftovers | 9:45 PM

Sunday

49 West | The Befuddlers | 4–7 PM
Galway Bay | Nate Finn | 4–8 PM
Great Frogs | Michael Miller | 1:30–4:30 PM
The Lodge | Tony Gatlin | 11 AM – 2 PM
Market House | Ben McNulty | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Doc Lohn | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Carole King & James Taylor Story | 1 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Will Hoge Band w/ July Moon | 8 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | West Street Revival | 7 PM

SPORTS

Broadneck cheer makes history with 1st state title

There was a fall during the county championship routine. An ankle was sprained the day before states. But that didn’t stop the Bruins cheer squad from walking (albeit with a limp disguised as swagger) into the Class 4A State Championship competition like they absolutely owned the place. And it was this mentality that helped them over the finish line, executing near-flawless dance performances and cheer stunts that put them just a hair’s breadth over top competitors Glen Burnie (three state championships) and Meade (also three titles) and take home top honors. We need to give a big shoutout to junior Janae Woodward, who made sure that the 2025 Championship’s highest flyer was wearing Broadneck maroon and gray. Congratulations, Bruins! And you can check out their insane performance at the 13:36 mark here.

Upcoming games

Women's Basketball (2-0)
11/16 vs. Florida | 1 PM

Men's Basketball (1-2)
11/14 vs. Washington (Md.) | 6 PM

Football (7-2)
11/15 vs. USF | Noon

Hockey (7-7)
11/14 @ Towson University | 8 PM

Men's Rugby (5-0)
11/15 @ No. 6 Army | 4 PM

Women's Volleyball (12-12)
11/15 @ Colgate | 4 PM

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

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with a boy named Sue.

Keep Reading

No posts found