TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Annapolis. Ever wonder why we capitalize “Good morning” up here? It’s because we are eternal optimists, always trying to find the best in everything and we believe in starting these emails in a positive manner. And on that note, we hope you have an even better Tuesday than you could have ever imagined.
In today’s Naptown Scoop:
USNA tops college rankings
Witch Paddle
Board of Education meeting
Let’s get to it.
— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

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THE DIGEST
USNA tops U.S. News and World Report rankings as usual ⚓️
Like a proud parent, we’re sharing USNA’s recent honor from U.S. News & World Report. Our favorite military academy always ranks high on their list but these are surefire ways to command any Thanksgiving dinner table conversation:
#5 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie with California Polytechnic State University)
Oh, and did we mention our Mids ranked ahead of Army and Air Force? Yeah. They did. U.S. News also awarded them a score of 96 out of 100, which we all know is grade A material! ($)
Annapolis certifies 2025 candidates
After last week’s election audit, the Board of Supervisors of Elections has officially certified the following candidates for the November 4th General Election.

The polls will open at 7 AM (click here to see where your ward votes) and close with the last person in line at 8 PM. Info (including candidate websites which include their platforms) on all candidates can be found here.
P.S. Want to learn more about who’s running in Ward 1? The Capital Gazette has profiled both incumbent Democrat Harry Huntley and his challenger, unaffiliated Tom Krieck, so you can make an informed decision.
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NAPTOWN SCOOP LOCAL BUSINESS IS POWERED BY. . .
Women’s Clothing Boutique comes to lower Main St.
There’s always a little game of Retail Musical Chairs happening on Main Street, with businesses closing or moving with a little blink-and-you’ll-miss-it quality. But we were both sad and happy to see that Vitola 121, the cigar shop located at 121 Main St., closed and is now home to Abby Adams Boutique, an Indiana-based women’s clothing and jewelry boutique. Abby Adams, which is owned by a Gold Star family, has four locations in the Hoosier State, focusing on women’s and kids’ clothing, home items, and jewelry. The Main Street shop is adorable and currently open for business.
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.

SPONSORED BY SCARBOROUGH CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Born After 1980? Here's Your 10-Point Guide to Investing
If you were born in the 1980s or ’90s, chances are you have a busy life with mounting financial responsibilities. Maybe you have student loans, a mortgage, or even young children to care for. While it may seem decades away, saving for retirement is something that should be getting as important as driving your kids to soccer practice or a trip to the grocery store.
While knowing putting money away for your future self is important, many people your age can’t help but wonder if they’re doing it correctly – or how to start. Read this guide from Scarborough Capital Management for 10 points to consider.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
“The Life of a Showgirl” album release events (Taylor’s Version)
Whether you’ve been a Swifty for nine months or 19 years, there’s something to be said for celebrating the music of America’s top-selling artist en masse. The energy, the vocalizing, the bracelets: you can’t beat the contagious energy. So get involved! Here are five events to get out and celebrate the release of the Future Mrs. Travis Kelce’s latest studio album.
Everything Sounds Sweeter on Vinyl
Taylor’s dedication to vinyl is as strong as her dedication to curtain bangs, and we are fully behind both. Third Eye Comics will have all albums in the store on Friday, along with discounts on other merch, Taylor on the speakers, and all formats of her music. Come be with your people for this historic event. Friday, Oct. 3. Opens at 11 AM.
See Taylor on the Big Screen
Both the Annapolis Mall 11 and Landmark Annapolis Harbor theaters will be hosting release parties starting at 3 PM on Friday. Get your tickets now because at the time of writing, many of the shows were completely full already.
Showgirls Make Prism Shimmer
Prism Annapolis is hosting launch parties for Swifties young and young-at-heart with their Album Drop Party. The kids have the place from 4:30 PM until 7:30, and adults take over at 8 PM. There will be food, drinks, merch, and much more. Get your crew and get ready to dance the night away. Friday, Oct. 3.
The Life of a SUP Girl
Capital SUP is hosting an on-the-water listening party to Taylor’s music with a paddle and friendship bracelet-making workshop following. This beginner-friendly paddle is much more fun than singing along on the treadmill, if you ask us. Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 AM.
Channel Your Inner Swiftie
Younger fans will love Compass Rose Theatre’s Taylor Swift Musical Theatre Workshop, a one-hour education in the dancing and singing it takes to be Taylor. They’ll wrap things up with a full-on dance party - we need them to do an adult version of this. Friday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 PM.
Save the date: Annapolis Witch Paddle 🧙♀️🧹🌊
Calling all witchy women! The coven reunites Sunday, October 26. They stir up spells and paddle, because hey, it’s Annapolis. Witches launch from Truxtun Park at 2:30 PM and glide down Spa Creek at 3 PM, boards (and brooms) in tow, to descend upon Ego Alley. Grab your black hats, cloaks, and wetsuits. Then join the spellbinding spectacle that only Annapolis can conjure.
P.S. Warlocks (aka men) are welcome, too.
P.P.S. What do y’all think of a Hocus Pocus threequel along the Chesapeake Bay? We’re into it!

Courtesy of Annapolis Witch Paddle’s Facebook page.
Theater Talk Tuesday 🎭
Now playing…
🌥️ 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.
Coming up…
🥸 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.
🧛♂️ 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.
💐 Compass Rose Theatre presents Pride and Prejudice Opening Nov. 14. This clever, modern-paced retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved novel will add sparkle to your holiday season.
Get involved…
🏫 Compass Rose Theater opens registration for fall classes Explore all aspects of the theatrical arts with professional teaching artists.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis holds auditions for Holes Oct. 11-12. Auditions for this nonmusical production are open to ages 12-18.
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
BOE Meeting ✏️
Pencil in your calendars for the next Board of Ed meeting tomorrow (10/1) at noon in the Parham Building (2644 Riva Rd). On the agenda are kudos for the educator, employee, and volunteer of the month, along with reports from the PTA, Policy Committee, President, and Superintendent. The public is welcome, but space is limited. Get the scoop on submitting public comments. Can’t make it? Watch on AACPS-TV or YouTube.
Bradley O’Neal enters Delegates race 🗳️
Bradley K. O’Neal last week officially announced his run for the House of Delegates in District 30A. As a lifelong resident of Annapolis and a graduate of Annapolis High School, Bradley has made his campaign about inspiring youth, protecting seniors and retirees, addressing local issues, and promoting environmental stewardship. Prior to politics, his background includes time as a professional baseball player, Eagle Scout, beekeeper, and entrepreneur. Bradley enters a race running alongside incumbents Delegate Dylan Behler and Delegate Dana Jones, who have both announced runs for re-election to hold the district’s two seats in the House.
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EXTRA SPRINKLES
Barktoberfest Annapolis
This Saturday, October 4th, at Annapolis Town Center! Enjoy craft beers, Bavarian bites, live music, and plenty of tail-wagging fun. Enter the dog costume contest, join the stein-holding competition, or play yard games with friends. General admission is free, and wristbands for those drinking come with a suggested donation that supports the SPCA of Anne Arundel. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with your pup. Get tickets here.*
*indicates sponsored advertising content.

NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .
Tuesday
76 🌡️ 62 | ☁️ | 14% | 💨 NNE 9 mph (8 knots)
Wednesday
70 🌡️ 56 | ☀️ | 0% | NNE 12 mph (10 knots)
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 74ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Tuesday
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Blockbuster & Chill | 6 PM
Wednesday
Brian Boru | The Langer's Ball | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Loose Change | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Lene Lovich | 8 PM | Tickets

THANKS!
Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who always has a movie quote ready for any situation.