🍦Townhomes at Severna Park Golf Center?

Good morning, Annapolis. A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store last weekend, smashed several bottles on the bottom shelf, and helped himself. And get this. . . animal control found him face down on the floor next to the toilet.

A Richmond-based print-on-demand company called Bonfire noticed and has already made “Trashed Panda” shirts. As we write this, the shirts have only been available for about an hour and they’ve already sold 160 – raising $1,600 for the local animal shelter.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

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We know probably more than a few of our readers are headed to Baltimore for the sold-out Army-Navy game at M&T Stadium next weekend. If you’re one of them, plan a little bit of extra time to get through security. That’s because Donald Trump is planning to go. Maryland Stadium Authority says it’s not unusual for politicians and other high-profile figures to go to games like Army-Navy, but . . . well, the president is the president, and that means even more security. We know because we’ve seen all the Secret Service movies. Kickoff isn’t until 3 PM, but parking lots will open at 9 AM and stadium gates will open at 11 AM. This gives you a few extra hours to tailgate get through the extra screening process.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (who also chairs the Maryland Democratic Party) received a public reprimand after the county ethics commission found he violated the ethics code by including “partisan political commentary” in his official weekly newsletter. His “Election Reflection” edition highlighted various Democratic wins and framed them as a “temperature check” on voter sentiment.

The commission ruled that using county resources for partisan messaging crossed the line and didn’t constitute usual constituent services. Pittman agreed to resolve the issue without a formal complaint or hearing and said he hadn’t intended to violate the rules and will continue to communicate transparently without crossing the line. ($)

Publisher’s Note: And hey — we know something about newsletter wrist-slaps ourselves . . . TBH, we find Pittman’s newsletter to be mostly well-written, informative, and personal. That is not an endorsement. We do not do endorsements. But we do know a thing or two about newsletters and Pittman’s is usually pretty good. If you’re a county resident, we recommend it.

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Grab your oven mitts because the local internet is hot about this. It’s come to everyone’s attention that the owners of the Severna Park Golf Center might not be interested in hosting your family’s annual Thanksgiving putt-putt tournament (or watching you never practice any club but the driver even though you know your short game needs work).

There is a community meeting on Tuesday to discuss a 130 to 135-unit townhouse development where the putt-putt course, driving range, and par 3 course currently stands. Plans and applications haven’t been submitted so this is in the very early stages. The meeting is at the Severna Park Library in the Community Meeting Room at 6 PM on 12/9. 45 West McKinsey Road, Severna Park, MD 21146

Tell the kids that 6–7 is old news: The new number we won’t shut up about is 93.5 FM. That’s the new channel for independent rock station WRNR, which is returning to the airwaves after a hiatus while it changed ownership. Celebrate the station’s return with a Return of WRNR party at Annapolis Market House this upcoming Monday, 6–9:30 PM. Admission is free and Nate Finn’s playing tunes. Stop by to meet the new WRNR staff and mingle with some of your fellow fans.

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.

SATURDAY

Quiet Waters Park | DeCesaris/Prout Jingle Bell Run/Walk | Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while raising awareness of lung and ovarian cancer. 9 AM.

West Annapolis | West Annapolis Holiday Market | Over 30 vendors, Santa sightings, fire pits, and more. 11 AM – 4 PM.

Millersville | Kinder Park Jingle Bell Hayride | Superfun day for the family (make sure to RSVP in advance for Santa photos). 10 AM – 1 PM.

Crownsville | Wildberry Vintage Christmas Market (final market ever) | It’s their final market before transitioning into a brewery. Come say hi (and goodbye - sniff) to the whole family. 1–4 PM.

SUNDAY

Lothian | Honey’s Harvest Farm Market | Vendors provide organic, fresh produce, pasture-raised meat, wild-caught seafood, natural soap, wine, craft brew, spirits, jewelry, and so much more. 11 AM – 3 PM.

West Annapolis | Italian Christmas Market | The Sons and Daughters of Italy have a great bazaar with all the gifts and snacks you love (it’s time to buy your panettone). 10 AM – 3 PM.

Eastport | Eastport Christmas Market | Oscar’s Coffee and Horn Point Marina host this fun annual market - the perfect place to find special gifts while supporting the community. Noon – 4 PM.

West Street | Chocolate Binge Festival | It’s more chocolate than you can imagine, but there’s so much more in store. Come check it out. 11 AM – 4 PM.

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum will be celebrating Kwanzaa with cultural experiences, performances, and collective storytelling that invite reflection on Black heritage, resilience, and joy. Create a West African Adinkra necklace; check out the music, dances, and storytelling of the Performing Arts Center for African Cultures. You can also indulge in the bold flavors of East African cuisine from Swahili Village. There will also be a Black-owned vendors market selling handcrafted goods, jewelry, books, and fashion that celebrate Black creativity and cooperative economics. Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 AM – 4 PM.

We’ve been writing about Midnight Madness all week. To the point you might be getting tired of it. But that’ll only be because you haven’t been. It’s impossible to overstate how festive and fun the atmosphere is during Midnight Madness. So here’s a quick last-minute pitch and guide.

First, what is it? Midnight Madness is when a bunch of downtown Annapolis shops stay open late for holiday shopping. They might also offer deals, snacks, drinks, or entertainment. Sometimes all of the above.

Second, bundle up. It’s gonna be cold tonight.

Third, parking. . . Annapolis holiday parking is in effect so you get two free hours at metered spots and one free hour at the Mills-Hillman Garage. Parking’s always free at the Calvert Street Garage on weekdays after 6 PM if you don’t mind a cold walk. And the Park Place Garage is a special $5 flat for Midnight Madness with a warm shuttle all night long.

Fourth, alpacas. Don’t ask questions. Just go to Alpaca International on Main Street and you’ll see what we mean.

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.

The Annapolis Maritime Museum is a community anchor where oysters, skipjacks, and Bay culture come together. Members help protect the Chesapeake, support local education programs, and enjoy year-round perks like discounted events, early registration, and waterfront experiences. If you want a deeper community connection, this is your place. If you want hands-on Bay learning for your kids, this is your place. Support a nonprofit keeping Annapolis history thriving. Become a member today. Join here.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

44 🌡️ 28 | 🌤️ | 6% | 💨 NW 13 mph (11 knots)

33 🌡️ 30 | 🌨️ | 48% | 💨 E 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 46ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Jeff Antoniuk & Helluvaband | 7:30–10 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Grayson Moon | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Ted Garber | 6:30–9:30 PM
Killarney House | Doug Segree | 6–9 PM
Market House | Daphne Eckman | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Johnny Poulos | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | A Peter White Christmas w/ Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | A Peter White Christmas w/ Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala | 9:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Steve & Victoria | 5 PM

49 West | Tom Mitchell & Friends | 8–10 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Nate Finn | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Michael McHenry Tribe | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Poehemia | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Jon Watkins | 8 PM
Galway Bay | The Hyland Brothers | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Tim Atkinson | 5–8 PM
Killarney House | Viands & Co. | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Andy B | 5–8 PM
Market House | Suzy Lenox | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Noelle & Jeff Band | 10 PM
Old Stein Inn | Johnny Poulos | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Pure Prairie League | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Aaron Hawkins | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | One Step Down | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Shiftwork | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Tommy McGee Band | 9:45 PM

We’ve chatted plenty about Heisman Candidate and Campbell Trophy finalist senior QB Blake Horvath. But with a 9-2 team, other Mids making us proud, too. Senior nose guard Landon Robinson was just named American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and junior long snapper Rayne Fry earned Long Snapper of the Year.

Robinson’s the first Navy player to win the defensive honor, and Fry is the program’s first special teams honoree. Robinson has 54 tackles, a team-high 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 7 hurries. He leads the American in sacks per game — rare for an interior defensive player.

Fry’s been steady all year as Navy’s long snapper for field goals, PATs, and punts. Surprisingly, they were Navy’s only First-Team selections despite a 7-1 conference record. See the Navy players on the second and third teams.

P.S. Selection Sunday is this weekend, when bowl matchups are announced. Navy is expected to receive a good bid.

Men's Basketball (5-5)
12/3 @ Delaware State | W 66-59

Women's Basketball (5-2)
12/4 @ Radford | 6 PM

Men's Hockey (8-9)
12/5 vs. Temple University | 7 PM

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Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who will think calling raccoons “trash pandas” might just be the funniest thing they hear all week.