Annapolis Olympian + Dog Bar + TV Shows: Anne Arundel's Good News Of 2021

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — This year was full of crazy news and scary headlines, but Anne Arundel County also had its fair share of heartwarming stories. Let's take a look back on all those joyful moments.

Maryland cheered for an Annapolis native in the Summer Olympics. The windsurfer finished in the top 15 of her event. Additionally, a sailing nonprofit made headlines with its plans to build a new marina for locals with disabilities. Residents also smiled when they learned that the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center donated hundreds of Christmas presents to children in need.

Those grins continued when a dog-friendly bar opened in Millersville. Other top business stories included an ice cream parlor that expanded and a pizza shop that launched.

Locals turned on the TV to catch Anne Arundel County residents on baking, dating and antiquing shows. A music festival also debuted at the fairground over the summer.

Families welcomed multiple educational achievements this year. Anne Arundel Community College was named one of America's top prep schools. The institution also cut the ribbon on a high-tech health and life sciences building. Plus, officials celebrated the teacher of the year.

Locals additionally weathered a flood and a tornado in recent months. The community then rallied to support the victims with grants and fundraisers.

Here are the county's 15 best stories of 2021:

Community

Annapolis To Tokyo: MD Olympian Got Her Start On Chesapeake Bay

An Olympic windsurfer from Annapolis learned to sail on the Chesapeake Bay. She then represented Team USA in the Tokyo and London Games.

Sailing Nonprofit Builds Marina For Marylanders With Disabilities

A therapeutic sailing nonprofit is building a marina for Marylanders with disabilities. The $5 million center will increase boating equity.

Glen Burnie Hospital Workers Donate 500 Christmas Gifts To Kids

Glen Burnie hospital workers donated more than 500 Christmas presents to Maryland kids. The toy drive was sponsored by The Salvation Army.

Business

Dog-Friendly Bar, Restaurant Opens In Anne Arundel County

A dog-friendly bar and restaurant opened in Millersville. It sells craft beers and specialty hot dogs.

Always Ice Cream Company Opens New Shop In Edgewater

An ice cream parlor opened new shops this year in Annapolis and Edgewater. The company now has three locations in Anne Arundel County.

Maryland Couple Opens New Pizza Shop In Gambrills

A Maryland couple recently opened a new pizza shop in Anne Arundel County. This is their second eatery in the region.

Entertainment

New NBC Baking Show Features Father, Son From Annapolis: WBAL

A new baking show featured a father and a son from Annapolis. The partners competed for $50,000 in a contest hosted by celebrities.

MD Woman Searches For Love On 'The Bachelor'

An Odenton woman hoped to find true love on "The Bachelor." Meet Mariela Pepin, a pageant winner, a boater and a romantic.

'American Pickers' Films In Anne Arundel County: Report

The "American Pickers" TV series filmed an episode in Anne Arundel County.

New Music Festival Debuts In Anne Arundel This Summer

A new music festival took place at the Anne Arundel County Fairground this July. Acts included Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray and Gin Blossoms.

Education

AACC Ranked Among Top Community Colleges, Will Seek Aspen Prize

AACC was ranked among the nation's top community colleges. The school now seeks the title of America's best two-year institution.

$117M AACC Building Opens, Touts Tools For Health + Life Sciences

A new health and life sciences building opened at Anne Arundel Community College. The $117 million space has dozens of high-tech labs to support the school's award-winning nursing program.

Teacher Of The Year Celebrated In Anne Arundel County

AACPS named the 2021 Teacher of the Year. The winner takes students on "an educational adventure" and "makes learning fun," a report said.

Disaster Recovery

18 Anne Arundel Businesses Win Grants To Recover From Flood

Several Anne Arundel businesses won grants to help them recover from this fall's historic flood. The relief package totaled nearly $650,000.

Anne Arundel Tornado Victims Now Eligible For Grants From MD

Anne Arundel tornado victims can now get grants. Residents organized concerts and fundraisers to support their neighbors affected by the Sept. 1 twister, which spawned from Tropical Depression Ida and damaged the Annapolis area.

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Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County news.