The Southern Maryland Stories That Made Us Smile In 2025

CALIFORNIA, Md. — In a year filled with challenges and change, some stories stood out for lifting spirits, celebrating milestones, and showing the strength and heart of our Southern Maryland communities.

From heroic acts to historic honors, from grand openings to quiet moments of cultural pride—these were the feel-good stories that made readers smile, cheer, and connect in 2025.

Below, we count down the top feel-good stories of the year:

10. Locally Owned HCK Hot Chicken Heats Up Waldorf With Jan. 10 Opening

Published: Dec. 22, 2025
By: Jessica Jennings
Link: https://thebaynet.com/locally-owned-hck-hot-chicken-heats-up-waldorf-with-jan-10-opening/

Summary: Locally owned HCK Hot Chicken announced it would open its first Maryland location in Waldorf on Jan. 17, led by husband-and-wife team Cody and Shalita Steele. The restaurant planS to offer sauced-to-order Nashville-style hot chicken with customizable heat levels, marking the brand’s debut in the state and the start of future expansion in Southern Maryland.

9. Ceremony Of Return Reburies 17th-Century Remains At Historic St. Mary’s City

Published: Sept. 23, 2025
By: JB, Senior News Producer
Link: https://thebaynet.com/ceremony-of-return-reburies-17th-century-remains-at-historic-st-marys-city/

Summary: Hundreds gathered at Historic St. Mary’s City on Sept. 20, 2025, for the Ceremony of Return, which reburied 17th-century remains uncovered through decades of archaeological work at the Brick Chapel site. The solemn event honored Philip Calvert, his family, and dozens of other early Maryland colonists, marking a significant moment of remembrance and historical closure.

8. Exclusive: Trifecta At Harbor Island Marina Menu Reveal And Opening Date Announcement

Published: Oct. 24, 2025
By: Carrie Cabral
Link: https://thebaynet.com/exclusive-trifecta-at-harbor-island-marina-menu-reveal-and-opening-date-announcement/

Summary: Trifecta at Harbor Island Marina announced its grand opening for Oct. 30, unveiling a Polynesian-inspired menu that blended Southern Maryland favorites with updated comfort dishes and seafood. The family-owned restaurant, opened by Lusby-born sisters Ashley Mason and Meagan Cox with their mother April Sisk, celebrated generations of local restaurant experience and a deep connection to the Solomons community.

7. Waldorf Ribbon-Cutting Celebrates Ivy & Pearls Of Southern Maryland’s New Headquarters

Published: April 18, 2025
By: Jessica Jennings
Link: https://thebaynet.com/waldorf-ribbon-cutting-celebrates-ivy-pearls-of-southern-marylands-new-headquarters/

Summary: Ivy & Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities Inc., alongside Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Nu Zeta Omega Chapter, celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Waldorf with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 16 attended by community leaders and elected officials. The event highlighted the organizations’ continued commitment to service in Charles and St. Mary’s counties while also marking an ongoing celebration of Nu Zeta Omega’s 45 years and IPSMCC’s decade of community impact.

6. Is Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham Worth The Hype?: A Non-Local’s First Impression

Published: Dec. 21, 2025
By: Brandon Gamez
Link: https://thebaynet.com/is-southern-maryland-stuffed-ham-worth-the-hype-a-non-locals-first-impression/

Summary: A non-local writer explored the history, availability, and cultural significance of Southern Maryland stuffed ham to see if the regional dish lived up to its reputation. While the author found the taste to be just okay, the experience highlighted that stuffed ham’s true value lay in its deep-rooted tradition and role in shaping local identity.

5. From Rage To Relief: Local Couple Opens SMASHRx, A New Kind Of Therapy Experience

Published: Nov. 7, 2025
By: SMASHRx
Link: https://thebaynet.com/from-rage-to-relief-local-couple-opens-smashrx-a-new-kind-of-therapy-experience/

Summary: SMASHRx opened in Lexington Park as a new therapeutic experience created by local couple Christina and Eric Wood Sr., offering rage rooms and creative outlets designed to help guests release stress and heal in a safe, supportive environment. The business also emphasized community impact through its Healing Through Chaos initiative, partnerships with mental health organizations, and plans to expand with additional experiences in 2026.

4. Toot’s Bar Begins New Chapter With New Ownership

Published: Dec. 2, 2025
By: Jessica Jennings
Link: https://thebaynet.com/toots-bar-begins-new-chapter-with-new-ownership/

Summary: Toot’s Bar in Hollywood entered a new chapter in December under new ownership by Greg Reynolds and Timothy Quade, who brought a community-focused vision rooted in preserving the bar’s local legacy while making thoughtful updates. The owners planned renovations, expanded outdoor entertainment, and future food service, while committing to keep cherished features like the memorial wall intact.

3. Maria Derisavi Crowned Miss Maryland 2025, First Iranian-American And First Winner From St. Mary’s County

Published: June 27, 2025
By: Miss Maryland
Link: https://thebaynet.com/maria-derisavi-crowned-miss-maryland-2025-first-iranian-american-and-first-winner-from-st-marys-county/

Summary: Maria Derisavi was crowned Miss Maryland 2025 on June 21, becoming the first Iranian-American winner in the organization’s history and the first titleholder from St. Mary’s County. A 22-year-old summa cum laude graduate, she earned more than $11,000 in scholarships and prepared to represent Maryland at the Miss America competition while advocating for resilience programs for low-income students.

2. Maryland Seabee Awarded Navy’s Highest Non-Combat Medal For Saving Fellow Sailor

Published: Aug. 20, 2025
By: Tony Ciarleglio
Link: https://thebaynet.com/maryland-seabee-awarded-navys-highest-non-combat-medal-for-saving-fellow-sailor/

Summary: A Navy utilitiesman from Lusby, Maryland, Utilitiesman 1st Class Steven Schumacher, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal on June 27 for saving a fellow sailor after a nighttime maritime training accident off the coast of Southern California. Despite being injured himself, Schumacher rescued an unconscious sailor from the water, an act of heroism that earned the Navy’s highest non-combat decoration.

1. Lemmon Retires After 37 Years Of Distinguished Service To The Navy

Published: Aug. 30, 2025
By: NAVAIR News
Link: https://thebaynet.com/lemmon-retires-after-37-years-of-distinguished-service-to-the-navy/

Summary: Rear Adm. John Lemmon retired on Aug. 22 after a distinguished 37-year career in the U.S. Navy, celebrated by hundreds at a ceremony at Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River. His career advanced naval aviation through leadership, innovation, and service in key operational and executive roles, leaving a lasting impact on the Navy and the nation.

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