🍦Who needs a new book club?

Good morning, Annapolis. Business Insider just ranked Maryland as the 9th hardest-working state in our great union. That makes us the hardest-working state in the Mid-Atlantic. Unless you count Virginia (which scored #6).

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Beginning September 15, 2025, 84 Lumber proudly joins the nation in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, we honor the cultural contributions of the Hispanic community, recognize the strength of our diverse workforce, and celebrate the associates who help drive our success.

This year, we’re proud to partner with David Parraguirre, also known as The Mexican Carpenter. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, David moved to the U.S. at age 14 and discovered his passion for the construction industry. Today, he’s a successful builder, entrepreneur, and mentor, empowering and educating the next generation of tradespeople.

At 84 Lumber, we believe our people are our greatest asset. Throughout the month, we’ll highlight the incredible stories of our Hispanic associates through special profile features that honor their achievements, celebrate their heritage, and showcase the impact they make across our company and communities every day.

In some ways, this election cycle seems to have lasted eight years. But finally, the candidates are done debating, the voting booths are ready, and Annapolis is ready to start the process of changing the guard. Here’s what you need to know.

To be eligible to vote, you must be a citizen of Annapolis proper. To see if your address lies within the boundary, check out this map.

Are you registered to vote? The deadline to register was August 18, so check if you’ve registered in the past by clicking here. The site will also tell you whether or not identification is necessary.

There are eight polling locations, and they’re all open between 7 AM and 8 PM. You must vote at your assigned polling location (which is set by ward. What ward am I?). If you’ve requested a mail-in ballot, make sure it’s postmarked or dropped off at a polling location by 8 PM today to be counted.

Once you’e at your polling location, be ready to wait in a short line. Parents are allowed to take up to two children under the age of 18 into the booth with them; however, leave your phone in your bag. No electronics are allowed.

Each ballot will reflect two democratic candidates for mayor: Rhonda Pindell-Charles and Jared Littmann. The winner of this primary will go forward to run against republican candidate Bob O’Shea in November. Wards 1, 3, 4, and 6 have contested primaries for City Council.

You can find the names of candidates before you’re holding your ballot by seeing practice ballots here (scroll for your respective ward).

📘 Want everything in one spot? Check out our Primary Election Voting Details Guide for today’s election.

Have more questions? Be sure to check out the city’s website for everything else.

This week’s spotlighted book is the debut novel of Scoop writer Dylan, The Purple Bird, which came out back in 2019 — but is still finding new readers. This YA fantasy adventure follows three teens who discover a purple-feathered mythical creature named Archit who is on a quest to become human. They go with him to the world of Nalgordia, which they discover is under siege by a force of evil, and only a human has the power to stop it. It’s like if you set Chronicles of Narnia in the ‘90s and made a Muppet the main character. You can find a copy anywhere books are sold (like Amazon or Barnes & Noble), but why not shop local at Park Books, Wyrd Bookstore, or Old Fox Books?

Bonus: You can also catch Dylan signing books at Page After Page Books at the Renaissance Festival this Saturday.

We’ve always said that the true sign of a relationship isn’t saying “I love you,” but rather, “Sure, I’ll give you a ride to BWI.” But now, to prove your commitment, you may just need to say, “Sure, I’ll give you a ride to . . . Jared.”

Anne Arundel County just launched the BWI Express as a shuttle between the Annapolis Mall and the airport, with stops in Crownsville and Millersville. The shuttle runs on a schedule between 6 AM and 9 PM, but you’re encouraged to call two hours in advance just to confirm your ride. Teens will need a note from a parent or guardian to ride solo. And yes, the pickup and drop-off location at the mall really is just across from Jared – just in case you want to make any grand gestures before takeoff. 💍

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Hyatt Commercial is offering a rare sale of 1750 Forest Drive, an approximately 120,750-square-foot Class A office property on over 8 acres. Recently redeveloped with $20M in upgrades — including a dramatic three-story atrium and modern amenities — the property is 76% leased to tenants like the IRS, EPA, and National Park Service.

This is the largest commercial space to hit the Anne Arundel market in years, and in one of Annapolis’ most desirable locations. It last sold in 2016 for $9M when it housed the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund, which is now in Baltimore.

Naturally, we’d like to play the Price Is Right game. Envision our best Bob Barker voice: “Come on down!”

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 never too early to teach your children about money. Starting them off on the right financial foot may be one of the best things you can do for them. Scarborough helps clients every day with their financial planning needs. Many client situations are complex – there’s no “one-size fits-all” solution.

Follow these six lessons if you want to help teach a young person solid financial basics:

1. Pay yourself first.
2. Save early, save often.
3. Pay off your credit card every month.
4. Delay gratification.
5. Buy whatever kind of car you want, but get a good, used one.
6. Invest in yourself.

There are several ways to begin the conversation with kids about money and get them started on their way to better financial habits. And while getting them to eat their greens might be a struggle, hopefully, the ideas above will make discussions about money a little easier. Contact Scarborough Capital Management to see how we can help.

🎩 Colonial Players presents An Ideal Husband. Sept. 5–27. Colonial Players opens its new season with this witty Oscar Wilde comedy about a politician trying to hide his sordid past.

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

🌎 Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra presents Music of the Americas: A Celebration of Life & Culture. Sept. 21. Celebrate the musical diversity of the Americas with this performance full of incredible rhythms and melodies.

Looking ahead…

🧛‍♂️ 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 Romeo and Juliet-inspired musical set to open the new season at CTA.

There’s been much in the news about the latest budget recommendations for county schools, including a $230.2 million capital budget overhaul. But also on the agenda is the issue of redistricting, with the Board open to hearing public comment. If you’d like to sign up to share testimony, do it now because only 10 speakers will be permitted. Two minutes each. For the full agenda, click here. The meeting is on Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the board room of the Parham Building @ 2644 Riva Road.

These days, there’s a book club for everyone. No matter your age or favorite genre, plot your next read and join the club!

📚 Park Books: Groups include Twisted Fiction, Thirsty Thursday (Romance), Murder She Read, and more. Bonus: Book club picks are 15% OFF as a thank you for shopping local.

📚 Wryd Bookstore: The Memoir group may be full, but Fantasy, Time Travels (Historical Fiction), Romantasy, and others are open.

📚 New Annapolitans: This 730+ member social club for newcomers offers six clubs covering Non-fiction, Memoir, Fiction, and Historical Fiction.

📚 AACPL: Like a Romance book with a predictable ending, our public libraries offer the largest variety of book clubs. Choose Your Own Adventure (ages 6–10), Teen Book Lovers (11+), Comics & Graphic Novels Club (adults), plus many others. Use their events calendar to find the club for you.

Rebuilding Together Anne Arundel County’s Third Annual Golf Tournament hits the green Thursday, October 16, at the picturesque Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville. The day tees off at 9 AM with foursomes on the one-of-a-kind course that replicates iconic holes from Augusta and TPC Sawgrass. Every drive, chip, and putt from the day’s 18 holes supports critical home repairs for seniors, veterans, families, and neighbors in need across Anne Arundel County. Swing into action — sign up to play, sponsor, or donate.

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.

75 🌡️ 65 | 🌦️ | 52% | 💨 NE 17 mph (15 knots)

70 🌡️ 65 | 🌧️ | 74% | NE 12 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 76ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

🌳🎵 = Outdoor Concert

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Annapolis Songwriters Festival | See lineup | All Day
Brian Boru | Ray Weaver | 6–9 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Michael Schenker w/ Jared James Nichols | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Faith & Faithful | 6 PM

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Bobby Reed | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | Ryan Moran & Friends | 8:30 PM
🌳🎵 Dinner Under The Stars | Spice Bank | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Michael Waskey | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Suzy & Shaun | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Idol Kings | 8 PM | Tickets
Severna Park Taphouse | Ray Weaver | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Chris Dean | 9 PM

Men's Soccer (1-2-4)
9/16 vs. UMBC | 7 PM

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