On Thursday evenings, the strains of bluegrass music can be heard pouring from the stage at Bentztown restaurant. The bluegrass jams, which attract a dozen or so musicians, delight restaurant patrons and continue a legacy of live music in Downtown Frederick.
BY NANCY LUSE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD
STICKER SHOCK
The price of a home in Frederick County has grown by more than 25 percent in the past decade, making the dream of owning a home out of reach for many local residents, especially first-time buyers. Beyond the broader market forces, are any local factors at play in driving up costs? And what can be done to make home ownership more affordable?
BY JOSEPH PETERSON / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD
GREAT STEAK
For the carnivores of the world, the debate rages over what cut of beef makes for the best steak. The filet mignon? Ribeye? New York strip? How about the best preparation? Grilled or range top? Listen to local chefs about their approaches to steak, whether it is at a white tablecloth restaurant or in a home kitchen.
BY APRIL BARTEL / PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD
Gone Hollywood
Guy Fletcher / Editor-In-Chief / gfletcher@fredmag.com
Few things can break the calm of a day in Frederick, USA, like a good celebrity sighting. Despite our purportedly sophisticated ways, we still love some slack-jawed gawking whenever someone famous pops up at a local shop or restaurant.
I vividly remember the stir created when Henry Winkler tweeted about his visit Downtown in 2016. Winkler was in town as part of the Frederick Speaker Series, but his stroll down Market Street sent social media into a frenzy. And no one minded that he posted about visiting “Fredrick.” I mean, The Fonz was here! He can call us whatever he wants.
A similar phenomenon took hold last month when celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his television production crew appeared on Rosemont Avenue at Callahan’s Seafood Bar & Grill. People
pretty much lost their minds. Social media just blew up with reported sightings, photos and video clips. Even the Frederick Police Department got into the act, posting a photo of two officers with the chef.
Ramsay, for the uninitiated, is a British fellow best known for screaming at the people he is trying to help. His targets are usually other chefs or restauranteurs that do not live up to the lofty Ramsay standard (he has earned three Michelin stars). He is known to use colorful language such as “garbage” and
“raw” to describe food—that is, when his words are not hidden by bleeping sounds. Yeah, Ramsay is not everyone’s cup of tea. But, as a slight aside, I will say he has an excellent holiday turkey recipe that has been road tested to perfection in the Fletcher kitchen a few times. If you have ever struggled with a dry, flavorless Thanksgiving bird, go find his tutorial on YouTube and you will not be sorry.
But back to his visit to Frederick.
First, a little confession, of which I am none too proud: I am in my fourth decade of living in Frederick County and it was only last year that I dined at the venerable Callahan’s for the first time. On that evening, my wife and I were supposed to attend a nearby event, but we had the incorrect date, so Callahan’s it was.
Having watched Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares (and other shows like it) many times, I can see why Callahan’s was chosen for a makeover. These programs love local favorites that feel homey but are maybe a bit dated in décor and menu and in need of a refresh. My wife and I enjoyed our meal at Callahan’s, especially the outstanding crab dip, but could see it being a Ramsay subject.
Of course, the danger in these transformation shows is you could end up changing too much and lose the charms that made the establishment so popular in the first place, but I imagine the management at Callahan’s knows where the line is that shall not be crossed.
So, best wishes to Callahan’s and Chef Ramsay. Just don’t change the crab dip, please. Frederick, meanwhile, can return to normal, at least until Lady Gaga shows up antiquing.
Have a safe and happy April. FM
MAKE HER SMILE THIS MOTHER’S DAY!
MOTHER’S DAY is one of the biggest shopping and dining days of the year!
If your business is offering a special brunch, spa package, unique gift, or unforgettable experience make sure local shoppers know about it!
Frederick Magazine is the go-to source for locals looking to celebrate Mom in style.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your business in front of thousands of engaged readers!
“My husband and I are preparing for Retirement, and one of our largest expenses is going to be Healtchare. What should we expect?”
B.P. – Frederick, MD
In a 2023 survey, 37% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your confidence, however, being aware of potential healthcare costs during retirement may allow you to understand what you can pay for and what you can’t.
Health-Care Breakdown
A retired household faces three types of healthcare expenses.
1. The premiums for Medicare Part B (which covers physician and outpatient services) and Part D (which covers drug-related expenses). Typically, Part B and Part D are taken out of a person’s Social Security check before it is mailed, so the premium cost is often overlooked by retirement-minded individuals.
2. Copayments related to Medicare-covered services that are not paid by Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (also known as “Medigap”) or other health insurance.
3. Costs associated with dental care, eyeglasses, and hearing aids – which are typically not covered by Medicare or other insurance programs.
It All Adds Up
According to one study, the average 65-year-old couple can expect to need $315,000 saved to cover healthcare expenses in retirement.
Should you expect to pay this
amount? Possibly. Seeing the results of one study may help you make some critical decisions when creating a strategy for retirement. Without a solid approach, healthcare expenses may add up quickly and alter your retirement spending.
UNCOVERED About Face
By Amy L. Metzger Hunt / Curator, Heritage Frederick
In planning this year’s exhibits at the Museum of Frederick County History (see page 18), one of Heritage Frederick’s goals was to take a deeper look at two individuals who were once-prominent community figures but whose names are best known today for their respective namesake city park and Hood College building. That was the idea behind Two of Kind: Joseph D. Baker & Emory L. Coblentz, which examines the contributions and legacies of two men who lived remarkably similar lives.
This portrait of Baker, donated in 1984 by the four children of his daughter, Charlotte Markell Baker King, has been aging quietly in storage, in need of some attention. The canvas, painted in the 1930s by Erik Guide Haupt, was sagging on its stretcher, had areas of paint loss and was torn near the upper left corner. To make the painting exhibition-ready, Heritage Frederick turned to Maryland Art
Two of Kind and other
Heritage Frederick’s exhibits are on view Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Conservation of Baltimore, a studio that works closely with museums and private collectors throughout the region, including the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the Maryland Center for History and Culture. Under Maryland Art Conservation’s care, the Baker portrait was lined, re-stretched and repaired. The painting surface was cleaned, the tears patched and the missing paint replaced. The work was made possible through the donations of four Baker family members, great-grandchildren of Baker’s younger brother, Daniel.
You are invited to visit and view the Baker portrait as it hangs in a place of honor alongside a likeness of Coblentz and learn all about the extraordinary lives of these two men and their significant contributions to Frederick County.
Spring is in bloom at the Baker Park Bandshell and playground, which will likely be abuzz with activity when Frederick County Public Schools enjoy spring break April 12-21. FM
By Michael DeMattia
Photography
SHOPS
BEAUTY, FITNESS, SALONS & SPAS
Daisy’s Salon
Frederick Wig Company
JKW Beauty toned studio
Unique Studio Hair Salon
GALLERIES / HOME DESIGN
Eastside Artists’ Gallery
Primitive Homespuns Take Root
GIFT SHOPS
The Frederick Basket Company
The Lerner Collection The Little Pottery Shop
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Bella’s Closet
Footlights
Ivy’s Haven
A Perfect Fit Bra Boutique
Talbots & Talbots Petites
Teresa’s Treasures
CRAFTS & SUPPLIES
Charlotte’s Cottage Quilt Shop
Frederick Clay Studio I Made This!
Primitive Homespuns Wool & Needleworks
FOOD & DRINK
Frederick Coffee Co. & Café
Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream
Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen
Shab Row Tea Emporium
SERVICES
Amada Senior Care
The Cook’s Kitchen
The Cutting Board Parent Resource Center
Stadtkind Photography
Steve Hissey Guitar Studio
Wolfe’s Antique Furniture Restoration &
From Tones to Toys
By Guy Fletcher
In planning the annual exhibits at the Museum of Frederick County History, the staff at Heritage Frederick often finds itself researching subjects and assembling displays from several unrelated topics.
That’s intentional.
“We try to have a selection of exhibits that will appeal to a wide variety of people,” says Amy L. Metzger Hunt, curator. She points to this year’s six exhibit areas that celebrate topics like toys, music, banking, influential historical figures and others. “We didn’t want to do all one sort of thing and have one note or one flavor.”
The largest of the exhibits this year is Melodic Memories , which features historic instruments and compositions, including an early church organ and the oldest surviving published music in county history, all in a living room setting.
“We make this space feel like you are in a parlor in a house because, for most
of Frederick County’s history, that was the primary place where music was performed or enjoyed,” explains Jody Brumage, Heritage Frederick archivist.
Melodic Memories also features a re-created stage where visitors can learn about the county’s ties to famous performers such as Patsy Cline, Jimmy Dean, Guy Lombardo and others. There is also a drum from the Bartsonville Cornet Band, founded by the grandfather of famed jazz trumpet player and composer Lester Bowie.
Perhaps the most interesting selection in the exhibit is one of its smallest, a July 9, 1978, letter from composer Irving Berlin to historian and retired Frederick Judge Edward S. Delaplaine, a
biographer of Francis Scott Key. During the 1960s and ’70s there was some public discussion about replacing The Star-Spangled Banner as the national anthem with Berlin’s God Bless America , a move Berlin himself opposed and reminded Delaplaine of in the letter: “I do indeed remember corresponding with you and I still feel just as strongly today as I did then about changing our National Anthem.”
Next door to Melodic Memories is Two of Kind , an exhibit dedicated to the lives and legacies of Joseph Dill Baker and Emory Coblentz, influential figures in county history. “It’s really just a celebration of what the two people
did for Frederick,” says Doug Propheter, executive director of Heritage Frederick.
Upstairs at the museum, visitors can satisfy their whimsy and maybe even some childhood memories with Timeless Toys . As the names suggest, the exhibit features dolls, games, trains and other toys, some of which date back to the 19th century, that were once enjoyed by local children.
“We talked a lot about people coming into one of our exhibits and seeing just old portrait, old portrait, old portrait, and we don’t want to be that kind of museum,” says Metzger Hunt.
“We want you to understand how [the exhibits are] connected to people in our community and places in our community.”
The Museum of Frederick County History is located at 24 E. Church St. and the exhibits will remain on display Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec. 13. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. There is no charge for admission on Wednesdays and guided tours are available on Fridays at 1 p.m. For more information, go to www.frederickhistory.org.
NEW STUDENT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER NAMED
Linganore High School junior Alex Thomas has been elected the next student member of the Frederick County Board of Education. He was chosen from a field of five final candidates for the one-year term that begins July 1. Until then, he will shadow current representative Elijah Steele from Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
In addition to his upcoming role on the board, Alex is the president of the Linganore class of 2026, leading the planning of class events and fundraisers. He is also active in the Frederick Association of Student Councils, where he currently serves as legislative affairs coordinator after previously holding the publications director position. Thomas is also involved with the Maryland Association of Student Councils as the convention committee chair and is a member of Frederick County Public Schools’ Citizens Advisory Council. In the community, Alex has volunteered with Rebuilding Together Frederick, the Libertytown Lions Club and the Boy Scouts of America.
The student member role brings a student perspective to the Board of Education as they are expected to present
the diverse viewpoints of students, improve communication between the student body, staff and board members, and actively engage students in discussions about board policies and decisions.
LOOKING BACK AT 40 YEARS
Our yearlong examination of 40 years of Frederick Magazine is like cracking open a monthly time capsule. This month we go back nearly a quarter of a century to the April 2001 issue.
Like the magazine you are reading now, there was a dining theme in that issue of Frederick Magazine, but the focus was on brunch, not steak (see page 48), in the feature story aptly titled, “The Civilized Meal.”
“To paraphrase an old Jerry Seinfeld comedy bit, people like brunch for what it is not. Brunch is not breakfast and it’s not lunch—it’s the best of both meals, without the basic stuff that make daily meals boring,” wrote Kendi O’Neill.
The most interesting—and, frankly, sad— part of the story is that of the eight restaurants O’Neill featured, only one, Dutch’s Daughter, is still in business. Gone are such great names once associated with local dining as The Braddock Inn, the Old South Mountain Inn, The Province, the Turning Point Inn and the most recent departure, Firestone’s.
It’s a lesson in the fickle nature of the dining industry and perhaps a reminder to patronize a beloved locally owned establishment while it is here, instead of simply lamenting its departure.
Dear Dina
DEAR DINA: I am getting married in October. I have a sister with special needs who is nonverbal. She is very clingy and adores my fiancé. I have requested she sit with my parents during the ceremony, so they can make sure she doesn’t become a disruption. And after further consideration, I have requested that she not be present at the reception. I know she will be very upset; I just don’t want any of us to be worried about her when we should be enjoying our wedding. My parents are so upset and now I feel awful, but I know if she’s there she won’t leave us alone. What would you do?
SIGNED, LOST BRIDE IN FREDERICK
DEAR LOST BRIDE: This is your day, congratulations! It’s understandable that you want it to be enjoyable for the entire family, especially for your parents, as your sister’s primary caregiver. That’s admirable. But don’t ignore that pang in your conscience. Your sister is family. You will spare yourself regret by having her in attendance, even if it’s just for a part of the reception. This is a wonderful day for making memories for everyone. My suggestion is to hire someone to accompany and care for your sister during the ceremony and reception. Looking back, you’ll be happy you did.
Dear Dina is written by Dina Carole, host of the Morning Show on Key 103 (WAFY-FM). You can ask her questions anonymously at any time by going to key103radio.com and clicking on the “Features” tab. Listen to answers weekday mornings at 7:45 and 9:45.
CLUTCH THE FUTURE
Once again, the evening of glamor and fun came with a purpose at Hood College’s Coblentz Hall for the Clutch the Future purse auction. Hundreds of attendees bid on and purchased purses in all shapes, sizes and designs. Proceeds support the programs of Woman to Woman Mentoring. www.womantowomanmentoring.org
TOP 50 MANUFACTURERS
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development recently held a reception to honor local manufacturers who were selected to appear in this year’s Top 50 publication, a partnership between OED and Frederick Magazine . www.discoverfrederickmd.com
HERITAGE CENTER GROUNDBREAKING
A ceremonial start was held recently for the renovation of property at the corner of Carroll and All Saints streets for the African American Heritage Center, honoring the significant historic contributions of Frederick’s black community. Elected officials and other local leaders and supporters celebrated the start of what has been a dream for decades. www.aarchsociety.org
Photos courtesy
Qionna
Irby
pix
FAT TUESDAY PARADE
The Midnight Baker and Punk ‘N Peasant, makers of pierogis, hosted a Mardi Gras procession to celebrate the season and also to formally announce their openings at Maryland Bakes commercial shared kitchen, 1450 W. Patrick St. Midnight Baker owner Cece Decoteau hails from Louisiana.
LEPRECHAUN LUAU
Who says St. Patrick’s Day cannot come with some Hawaiian flair? The 13th annual Leprechaun Luau took place at the Frederick Fairgrounds with plenty of green beer, music, food and dancing. Proceeds from the event support the signature service project of the Rotary Club of Frederick. www.theleprechaunluau.com
50 YEARS OF EXPO
The 50th Home & Garden Expo, hosted by the Frederick County Building Industry Association and featuring more than 160 exhibitors, was held recently at the Frederick Fairgrounds. www.frederickbuilders.org
VISITOR CENTER UNVEILS NEW EXHIBITS
New exhibits were recently unveiled at the Frederick Visitor Center. Aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, the new exhibits include a large mural map created by artist Matt Long. www.visitfrederick.org
Photos courtesy Wizer Productions
then & now
WEST PATRICK STREET
Facing the High Price of Housing in Frederick County
Picture, if you will, a recent college grad armed with an engineering degree entering a stable industry and making $80,000 a year. Frugally responsible, that 20-something grad who went to a local school to save money, might have gotten married maybe even had a baby. The young family is well on their way along the path of life, except for one thing: They’re still living in the basement of the grad’s parents.
It’s the kind of situation that’s increasingly more common as housing prices in Frederick County have become unaffordable to many who want to live here. What once seemed like a destined next step in The Game of Life is now a jarring reality check where the gameboard has been pulled out from under the rising generation of would-be homeowners.
It’s not a problem unique to Frederick, as factors like higher mortgage rates, increased building costs and a decades-in-the-making housing shortage have affected housing markets nationwide. But in Frederick County and many other parts of Maryland, housing costs have exponentially surged. Various organizations have gauged the median home price in the county to be between $450,000 to $540,000, more than 25 percent higher than a decade ago.
For first-time buyers who live and work in Frederick County, especially those who ticked all the boxes for progressing along the previously assured route, a disorienting realization has settled in that finding a home near work and family is now often out of reach. For many eager-to-desperate buyers, the short answer has been to push wider the geographic boundaries of their search.
Realtor Hannah Houck points to one couple who are clients of hers—both employed who currently live and work in Frederick. Their day-to-day lives center on Frederick, but they’re currently looking at homes close to an hour away in Berkeley County, W.Va.
“I hate to say this, but my first-time homebuyers are moving out of the county,” says Houck, 26. “It’s really hard because the price point for a starter home has changed so much. People love it here, but they can’t get that first home here.”
Fewer Housing Types
Beyond being more affordable for her clients, Houck points to a greater diversity of housing projects and builders in West Virginia that Frederick just doesn’t attract. “There’s a lot of regulation when it comes to building and zoning with Frederick so we don’t have a diversity in builders,” she says, “because not all small builders have the money or the time and resources to go through the red tape.”
In places like Berkeley County, there are more independent builders buying up plots of land and building communities on a smaller scale, she says, while in Frederick, “they’re not doing projects like that, here.”
Ryan Trout, an advocate for affordable housing who lives in Frederick, agrees.
“There’s not a diversity of housing types because we’ve made building housing illegal in some cases,” he says, referring to zoning measures that prohibit duplexes and other multi-unit dwellings in areas designated for single-family homes. Trout suggests this kind of restrictive zoning was, in part, rooted in a history of discriminatory policies designed to separate neighbors along racial or class lines.
“We decided that we could legislate every single use in typology to try to get rid of ‘nuisances,’ so now you start carving up, saying, ‘Well, you can’t put that next to this, and you can’t do that here, that’s too many people, you can’t put an apartment next to a single-family [development] because apartments, in and of themselves, are a nuisance, right?’” he says.
By Joseph Peterson
Photography by Mark Youngblood
In addition, Trout adds that certain antiquated building code requirements like the two staircase minimums for fire escapes, work in tandem to lower inventory and drive costs even higher.
income bands lived back in the day, but all together within a very small, densely built area,” she says, citing it as model for other communities in the country.
It’s a model that Mitchell says can now effectively serve affordable housing needs as well as showcase the impact that even large-scale affordable housing developments can have in reigniting economic vitality.
“All these things layer on top of each other, and they make things more and more expensive and less feasible to be able to build. That restricts the supply, which then increases the housing costs because you have more demand for fewer units. So we end up in this cycle,” he says.
Lessons in Historic Charm?
For Frederick to rethink how it approaches the issues of housing density and inventory diversity available at all income levels, it may find some inspiration in its past— namely, its historic Downtown, a place still hotly desired on the market today, but where many homes are smaller, closer together and where residents can easily walk to work and other areas of commerce and entertainment.
There are some subtle clues of yesteryear’s economic and class distinctions in the historic district, says Mary-Ellen Mitchell, CEO of Housing Frederick, a nonprofit focused on educational resources for prospective home buyers.
“Historically speaking, in Downtown Frederick we can tell the people who had wealth from the people who didn’t have wealth by how much sidewalk is in front of your house,” she says, explaining how distance from the street came at a premium, and homes that sat farther back were taxed for the privilege.
“So, when we drive down and we look at the townhomes, the rowhomes, you can kind of see where different
As an example, there is Railroad Square, a four-story complex of 45 apartment homes in the heart of downtown Brunswick’s commercial and waterfront areas. The project is being developed by the nonprofit Interfaith Housing Alliance that promotes affordable housing.
“Who else is going to come in and invest $20 million in Brunswick, right? It’s a city that has had a lot of economic challenges since the transition away from the railroad,” she says, referencing the town’s history as a major rail yard.
“So, when we talk about the fear that exists that affordable housing
is going to take away from the value of my own home, Brunswick is a classic example [of the opposite], because now they are bringing retail back into downtown. They’re refurbishing this beautiful old main street.”
When surging home values dramatically outpace household income, the growing disparity affects more than first-time home buyers, and can leave the working class, those in need of subsidized housing, and aging retirees who are looking to downsize priced out of the market as well.
Considering how fast that disparity has widened in recent years, Mitchell says affordability for many of Frederick’s residents who bring in what only recently used to be considered respectable salaries, is simply no longer there.
Challenging Assumptions
Hugh Gordon, president of Frederick County Association of Realtors, and current chair of the Affordable Housing Council, says affordability begins by examining how to create more density as a way to address the housing shortage.
“There [needs to be] a change in the culture of what housing might look like in the future, what it has to look like in the future, because nobody can afford the large single-family homes anymore,” he says.
The son of a former mayor of the City of Frederick, Gordon has spent most of his life here, except for a brief period at the beginning of his marriage when he and his wife bought a Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit, a classification of non-subsidized affordable housing in Montgomery County.
“An MPDU is a great way to fill that gap, you know? We were very happy in the McKendree community that we were in in Montgomery Village, and sold it for profit afterwards,” he says, allowing that the rules for selling and profiting from MPDUs “used to be a lot more liberal than they are today. ... But, you know, it did allow us to have the equity we needed to move up here when we did.”
“Low income in this community is … you probably cannot buy a home if you make $60,000 a year,” she says, particularly when trying to qualify for a loan at current interest rates that could require an additional $50,000 a year.
Recently, The Frederick News-Post’s editorial board called attention to the lack of smaller starter homes, downsizing options and affordable rental units throughout the county. “We need the right kind of houses. Smaller ones,” one January editorial said. But it’s something else the editorial called
for that’s much harder to quantify: A widespread change in public perception around the stigma of what “affordable housing” means among those who may believe its existence near them could lower the value of their own property.
That belief comes from skittish protectionism for the euphemistic nest egg, as Ryan Trout explains. “What we’ve done in this country is we’ve tied together shelter and asset building. Once you have the shelter, what you want to do is you want to maximize the asset, right? And, so, you don’t want to risk that,” he says.
But the statistics don’t corroborate the concern, he says, echoing an argument made by other housing advocates. “All the data show that affordable housing near [a single-family dwelling] or greater density does not lower your property value,” Trout says.
Silver Lining?
The hope among many is that the current housing challenges are a catalyst for better collaboration and effective strategy going forward.
“The city [government] right now is going through a strategic plan,” Gordon says, homing in on what gives him hope, which is that the City Council is “taking a hard look at their strategic plan for housing, moving very purposefully, engaging everybody in the community that probably should have some say in what the final plan looks like,” he says.
Meanwhile, Frederick County is engaging in a review of its own housing plan and is hosting a series of open houses to gather more community input this spring.
“I just was part of a group with county,” Gordon says. “It was called the Housing Element group. … And what they really are looking at is how Frederick County is going to develop over the next 50 years to best meet the needs of the county,” he said, including tackling cardinal questions of where development should occur, in what form and how it could be accomplished.
With some trepidation, Gordon hints at the nagging difficulties with public perception and stubborn stereotypes as well, particularly around low-income and affordable housing. But there seems to be growing commitment among the experts, from real estate to policy to nonprofit advocacy, that some of the work ahead lies in convincing the broader public that having sufficient housing for all income levels will serve to benefit the entire community.
Changes in public opinion usually have to begin with the policy influencers at the table. It’s a pivot Gordon says many of the key players in Frederick are intentionally making.
“I do see light at the end of the tunnel,” he says. Gary Bennett contributed to this story. FM
Opening New Doors
Habitat for Humanity Condo Project Builds Opportunity
On West All Saints Street, a unique project is coming together that is not only expanding affordable housing in the community but also creating a model that could be replicated elsewhere in Frederick County or other parts of the country.
Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County and Zavos Architecture+Design (ZA+D) have joined resources on the aptly named The West All Saints Street Project. The project, at All Saints’ intersection with Ice Street in Downtown Frederick, is turning a building that sat empty for more than 20 years into 12 condominium units.
What many saw as distressed property, Habitat for Humanity and Zavos saw as a potential opportunity to provide much needed, reasonably priced housing with pricing based on the number of occupants and financial criteria.
“Bringing these partners together formed the foundation of the partnership that has led to this successful redevelopment,” says Eric Anderson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity.
The West All Saints Street Project, which will become 12 units of affordable housing, is the most ambitious project the organization has undertaken in its history. The first homeowner moved in early this year, with completion of the project projected for 2026.
The project includes units of two and three bedrooms, all equipped with features such as high-efficiency HVAC equipment and water heaters, low-flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances, LED fixtures, and paints and adhesives with lower volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and cause health problems. The features reflect
The Habitat for Humanity project, which will eventually feature 12 condominiums equipped with modern appliances and fixtures, includes a mural on its Ice Street wall.
By Jeanne Blackburn
Mark Youngblood
photo
Photos
courtesy
Paul
Mose
ZA+D’s mission to create “positive change in the communities in which we work, through thoughtful and emotive design ideas,” says Bruce Zavos, president.
“We work collaboratively with our clients to enhance the social and built fabric of these communities by providing appropriate and sustainable design solutions. ZA+D educates our clients and community about the valuable and necessary role architects play in our society,” he adds.
The idea for the project came together even before the COVID-19 pandemic. “At that time, I was on the Habitat board and they were looking to build more [multiple-unit] houses rather than the [single house] as they had done in the past,” says Zavos. “I presented the board the opportunity at the West All Saints property to develop multiple units in lieu of the one-off approach. The board agreed and engaged us to prepare plans for the project in 2020.”
But challenges plagued the site, which was in a land trust controlled by Habitat for Humanity to help reduce costs to the homeowners. “The project had to be a condo due to shared parking,” explains Zavos. “Regulatory and legal hurdles, a pandemic and its associated delays, rising costs due to inflation, and supply chain issues” were other challenges, Anderson says.
“While community land trusts are not uncommon, Habitat’s homeownership team
worked with several legal experts to find a way to successfully register this particular model—unfortunately absorbing the cost to do so—and those efforts were rewarded with recent legislation that cleared that particular hurdle. Now, this type of model is an option for not just fellow Habitat affiliates across the state, but other affordable workforce housing developers as well,” Anderson adds.
The West All Saints Street Project is unique “not just to our organization, but also the state of Maryland; it’s the first community land trust to feature condominiums as homeownership opportunities.”
An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, the local chapter’s mission is to foster strength, stability and self-reliance through safe and affordable homeownership, a key component in establishing and maintaining strong and stable communities. With the support of volunteers, donors and community partners, the organization works toward housing solutions in Frederick County.
“We need land to develop these opportunities and partners to work with us on securing that land and building these communities together, so that through time and teamwork we can overcome this affordable housing crisis,” Anderson says.
The site of the condominium project sat empty for more than 20 years. What many saw as distressed property, Habitat for Humanity saw as an opportunity to expand affordable housing in Frederick.
It’s the first community land trust [in Maryland] to feature condominiums as homeownership opportunities. “ ”
—Eric Anderson, executive director, Habitat for Humanity
Mark Youngblood photo
TRENDING
stylin’
At Frederick events I can always spot my hats. It’s like, oh, my gosh. “ ”
—Morgan Eyler
BOUTIQUE GEARED TO WESTERN WEAR
Morgan Eyler, owner of Howdy Y’all Boutique, works on the creations she sells with a fire extinguisher and flame suppression blanket at her side. “I have to be very cautious,” she says, as she uses a blow torch to burn designs into baseball caps and brimmed western headgear.
Eyler buys the hats and puts her creativity to work, adding the torched effects as well as “ribbons and a bunch of things. I try to think up never-seen-before designs,” The burned-hat craze noticeably took off when country singer Lainey Wilson started wearing them on and off the stage. “In the last three years it’s really picked up a lot. A lot of people want to wear these hats to her concerts.” Eyler’s dream is to see Wilson rocking one of her creations.
The 19-year-old Thurmont entrepreneur, who has a social media business as well as the on-line boutique, offers clothing, jewelry and other accessories for sale. A scarf, called a “wild rag,” is a version of a farmer’s bandanna and has been snapped up by fashionistas tying it around their necks or using it as a belt. Eyler also has a line of bracelets, anklets and necklaces made with what appears to be barbed wire. “It’s not real barbed wire,” she assures, it just has the look.
Eyler sometimes has pop-ups to show off her fashions and eventually would like to see a brick-and-mortar store, a goal that’s certainly possible given her enthusiasm and hard work. www.howdyyallboutique.com
tell us TRENDING
Sasha Carrera Writer, Actor
You’ve worked
in
Los Angeles and are now back in Frederick, getting ready to film Spinsters from a script you wrote. Tell us more.
My first film, Mr. Hopewell’s Remedy, was inspired by a visit to the old Urbana recycling center with my mom when I was visiting home. The story takes place in Frederick, but I made the film in L.A. The film I’m making now, I started writing in L.A., and it also takes place in Frederick. After having moved back to care for my mom, I decided, why not make the film here, using the actual places I was writing about?
What are some differences, good and bad, between working in a small city and L.A.?
The great thing about working in a small city is that so many people want to help. The community has really come together to lend its time and talents to help us realize this story that unfolds in places they all love. I think they understand what an opportunity this is to share our town with audiences everywhere and encourage more filmmaking in Maryland in general. In L.A., films are seen as a nuisance more than an opportunity.
What prompted you to follow this career? I started writing as an offshoot of acting. I’ve been a performer my whole life, starting with ballet as a child and theater when I went to college. Writing is a natural extension of acting for me—it’s all about creating characters and telling stories and, so far, my writing has always included characters I want to portray.
It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s my way of digging into as much human experience as possible—exploring and understanding other lives and then expressing
them with the hope that others get a deeper experience and understanding, too.
What was your inspiration for Spinsters? Unlike what happened to Carrie and the gang in Sex and the City, Big never showed up for most of the women I knew, which made us this new generation of spinsters. Historically, unmarried daughters played a huge role in a family’s life as second mothers to siblings’ children and caretakers for their elders—things my friends and I were doing, But, as accomplished, attractive, funny, sassy, smart women, we certainly didn’t fit the old biddy image that “spinsters” evokes. I wrote Spinsters to change our concept of what that is and to open our imaginations to different versions of “happily ever after.”
Your grandmother, Ethel Loeb, was a well-known Frederick News-Post columnist, what do you remember most about her? My grandmother was larger than life. She loved Frederick and Frederick loved her. Everyone seemed to roll out the red carpet for her, and there were a lot of red carpets because she went to every social function, restaurant and performance, bringing us along with her. She was interested in everything and everyone and in her column, The Great Frederick Fare, she made her readers interested too, which was her way of soaking up as much life as possible. When you watch Spinsters, you’ll see where her spirit lives on. www.spinstersfilm.com
Enduring Brand
Gladhill Furniture Celebrates 110 Years in Middletown
By Karen Gardner / Photography by Mark Youngblood
MIDDLETOWN—Gladhill Furniture’s five-story building still looms over town, as it has for 110 years, on that same angled footprint just off Main Street. Parking can be a challenge, unless you know to find a space behind the store.
The location could have been a liability when Jim Nicholson bought the business and building in 1998, but he decided to lean into it. “This goofy store just adds to the mystique,” he says.
Customers love coming to the Middletown store from throughout Maryland and surrounding states. Gladhill delivers as far away as Ocean City and Delaware. In 2017, a new storefront was added, and more upgrades were made early this year. “Keeping the building presentable and up to date is important.”
Gladhill was founded in 1915 by Calvin and Lola Gladhill. Calvin had been making caskets and the family opened a funeral home along with the furniture store. Mission-style furniture was popular then, and Calvin used his woodworking skills to meet the demand. The two businesses operated side by side at 10 Walnut St. in Middletown until 1981, when the funeral business was sold to Donald B. Thompson.
The family kept the furniture store going for another 17 years, with the family’s third generation in charge. By 1998, however, Betty Ray Gladhill Romane decided to sell the business, and Nicholson bought the store and the familiar building.
Nicholson, now 63, started in the furniture business as a truck driver in 1983, delivering furniture. He then went to work for Wolf’s Furniture in Frederick before Gladhill’s came up for sale. “It was such a great opportunity,” he says.
Gladhill Furniture was founded in 1915 as an offshoot of a funeral business. Right: Betty Ray Gladhill Romane, former owner and granddaughter of the founders, and Jim Nicholson, current owner.
Buying a furniture store in the late 1990s wasn’t easy, however. The American furniture business was changing; manufacturing was once primarily in America, but cheaper labor and materials drove much of the production to Asia and other parts of the world. Americans had more choices in quality and style.
But there are those who want American-made furnishings. “We offer lasting, historical family heirlooms,” Nicholson says. “We’re very USA driven.” Many of the 60 manufacturers Gladhill carries are small, family-owned companies, including some from the Amish and Mennonite communities. Another is Gat Creek, a maker of solid wood furniture in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. And Gladhill still carries high quality products from a few large companies like La-Z-Boy and Stickley Furniture.
The sofas for sale at Gladhill Furniture in Middletown look like sofas you’d likely see in many furniture stores. “[But] 80 percent of what you pay for in furniture you don’t see,” says Rebecca Lewis, a sales representative at Gladhill, pointing at a sofa made by Smith Brothers of Indiana.
“This has a solid maple frame. … There are different density foams.”
Nearly all the furniture at Gladhill is made in North America, with most coming from U.S. manufacturers. Nonetheless, Gladhill has adapted with the furniture business.
Today’s customer is primarily interested in upholstered furniture, Nicholson says. While Gladhill carries traditional solid wood furniture, much of its business is in sofas, recliners, sectionals and all types of upholstered seating. One section of the store is devoted to fabrics and leathers to help customers get the right look. Gladhill also offers custom design services free to all customers to help them find furnishings that suit their home and lifestyle.
“Ninety percent of our orders are customized to the right fabric or leather and style,” he says.
Gladhill’s brand has also been built on strong community partnerships with organizations like the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company, the Frederick Rescue Mission and the YMCA of Frederick County, among others.
“We’re the oldest furniture store in Maryland,” Nicholson says. “We’re part of a vanishing breed.”
The familiar Gladhill Furniture building with its lighted sign is as much of a Middletown landmark as Zion Lutheran Church and the town’s prominent Victorian homes.
We offer lasting, historical family heirlooms. “ ”
—Jim Nicholson, owner, Gladhill Furniture
biz bites
BUSINESS
Lena Clark Law Office Celebrates a Decade
The Law Office of Lena A. Clark, 129 W. Patrick St., Unit 11, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. An estate planning, probate and elder law attorney, Clark’s practice focuses
on wills, trusts, special needs law, estate planning, trust and estate administration, and on related areas of federal and state tax laws. Since opening, the practice has worked with
more than 1,700 clients in the Frederick area.
“Every family deserves a plan that protects what matters most,” she says, “and we’re proud to be a trusted guide in the process.”
Prior to starting her practice, Clark worked at law firms in Washington, D.C., Bethesda and Frederick. She is a graduate of the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington.
Lilypons Water Gardens Closes AboveAir Moving to Larger Facility
Starting as Three Springs Fishery, raising fish for pet stores, and later shifting to Lilypons Water Gardens, which provided homeowners with backyard ponds and aquatic plants, the Adamstown landmark closed last month after 108 years in business.
The four-generation family business had a colorful history, most notably its association with opera singer Lily Pons, who visited in 1936 and entertained a crowd of visitors. Margaret Koogle, the great-granddaughter of founder George L. Thomas Sr. told The News-Post that no one in the fifth generation had an interest in continuing the business. The property falls under the Frederick County Rural Legacy Program and cannot be developed, she says.
City’s Business Development Specialist Named
Kennedi Wilson is the new Business Development Specialist with the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development. Wilson’s background includes being an entrepreneur, writer and arts advocate. She holds a master’s degree in business management and leadership from Notre Dame of Maryland University and is the found er and owner of OUT40, a Frederick-based urban media platform established in 2013.
Wilson actively serves on the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture by appointment of Gov. Wes Moore and is a member of the International Association of Professional Writers & Editors.
AboveAir Technologies, a manufacturer of computer room air conditioning solutions, is expanding into an approximate 110,000-square-foot facility at Matan Com panies’ Wedgewood West Industrial Park. This move marks a significant milestone for the company, which was acquired by AirX Climate Solutions in July 2024.
AboveAir was founded in 2003 by Matt Miller, a lifelong county resident and a graduate of Governor Thomas Johnson High School and the University of Maryland. He founded the company after working for a local HVAC manufacturer.
“This expansion is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the growing demand for critical environment HVAC solutions,” Miller says. www.aboveair.com
on tech
BUSINESS
By Jeni Lubbert
Photography for Everyone
Smartphone cameras have revolutionized photography, making it accessible to everyone. With advanced technology packed into compact devices, capturing professional-quality photos is easier than ever. Here’s a look at the best smartphone cameras of the year and some tips to elevate your photography skills.
Top Smartphone Cameras
• Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max features a cutting-edge triple-camera system with a 48MP sensor and advanced Photonic Engine technology for stunning detail and color accuracy. The upgraded periscope telephoto lens offers 6x optical zoom, making it perfect for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
• Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra model pushes boundaries with a 200MP main sensor and improved AI-based processing for lifelike images. Its enhanced Space Zoom (up to 120x) ensures crisp shots even from far away, while the advanced night mode delivers exceptional lowlight photography.
• The Pixel 9 Pro combines Google’s signature AI capabilities with a 50MP main sensor. New features like Magic Editor 2.0 and enhanced Real Tone make it easier to capture and edit professional-quality photos. Its lowlight performance and astrophotography modes are industry-leading.
• OnePlus’s 12 Pro boasts a Hasselblad-tuned camera system with a 64MP main sensor. It excels in capturing vibrant colors and dynamic range, while its fast shutter speed and focus tracking are ideal for action shots.
Tips for Stunning Photos
• Use natural light: Take advantage of natural light for vibrant and well-lit photos.
Avoid harsh midday sun; golden hour just before sunset and just after sunrise offers the best lighting.
• Clean your lens: A quick wipe can make a big difference in clarity.
• Experiment with angles: Try different perspectives to add depth and interest to your shots.
• Use portrait mode: For professional-looking portraits, use the dedicated mode to blur the background and highlight your subject.
• Edit thoughtfully: Apps like Lightroom and Snapseed allow you to enhance your photos without over-editing.
With cutting-edge smartphone cameras, anyone can capture breathtaking photos. Whether you prefer the precision of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the versatility of the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the AI magic of the Pixel 9 Pro, there’s a device to suit every photographer. Embrace these tools and start exploring the world through your lens.
Jeni Lubbert is a Project Manager at 270net Technologies, a website design and digital marketing firm in Frederick. Contact her at 301-663-6000, ext. 615, or visit www.270net.com.
Steak isn’t an everyday indulgence for most. It’s often the highlight of a celebration—a date-night splurge, a feature on a festive menu or a payday reward. As one of the world’s leading beef producers, the United States has an enduring love affair with a perfectly cooked steak.
While grocery prices may fluctuate, inspiring home cooks to explore alternative proteins and budget-friendly cuts, our craving for a rich, savory steak never truly fades. To explore what makes the perfect steak experience, we reached out to some of Frederick County’s top chefs and restaurateurs to discuss their signature dishes and to gain expert insights on selecting the best cuts and tips for cooking steak to perfection at home.
But first, a word of caution before choosing a steak. It’s important to remember that taste is personal. Whether you prefer your steak barely kissed by the heat or well-done, the best cut is the one that suits your preference.
For those who enjoy a robust bite, chefs hail the New York strip steak for its balance of tenderness and beefy flavor. Cooking over
high heat with a simple dash of salt and pepper allows its natural qualities to shine.
But for a more delicate texture, filet mignon is the ultimate indulgence. This cut, taken from the tenderloin along the spine, is prized for its leanness, buttery softness, and mild flavor. (Chateaubriand is filet mignon’s double-sized cousin, taken from the thickest part of the loin and usually served for two.)
At The Carriage House Inn in Emmitsburg, chef Stephanie Wilson notes that filet is the top request for weddings and other milestone events. “It’s a top-tier showstopper when you really want to give your guests something indulgent,” she explains. But great steaks don’t have to be the most expensive to be tasty. Wilson says she’s also fond of hanger steak, also called hanging tender or butcher’s cut because, historically, the butcher would save it for themselves.
In Monrovia, Jorge Fuster of Wilcom’s Inn champions the “petite filet,” or teres major, a cut from the chuck primal. “The petite filet combines so many aspects of a great steak,” he says. “It has the perfect chew—not too soft, not too tough—and
great flavor.” Although somewhat difficult to butcher, Wilcom’s trims each large piece into hefty barrel-shaped portions or medallions for classic preparation. Here, the tips of the teres major muscle are transformed into savory kabobs or Peruvian stir fry.
Celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio, the gustatory guru at the new Wye Oak Tavern in Visitation Hotel, favors the ribeye for its rich marbling and intense flavor. “There’s a really good fatto-lean ratio, so it’s always juicy. It doesn’t dry out. It’s my favorite cut of steak.” He highlights its rib cap as “one of the best bites of steak.”
At The Red Horse, the granddaddy of Frederick’s steakhouse scene, general manager Don Cline, is a ribeye fan, too. His restaurant is home to a monster 32-ounce, bone-in ribeye, a hand-cut showstopper featured on their specials list at least once a month. Guests can watch the grilling action through a picture window in the main dining area. Red Horse’s prime rib, another signature offering, is slow-roasted to perfection with a proprietary seasoning blend.
Rich Regan of Monocacy Crossing appreciates premium steaks but regularly delves into the nuances of lesser-known cuts, including coulotte, bavette (sirloin tip) and hanger steak. “These cuts develop deep, meaty flavors while
Chef Brittney Tyeryar and Travis Barber, The Red Horse
still retaining some tenderness due to their loosely packed muscle structure,” he explains. “The more a muscle is used, the more flavor it develops.” These cuts are best cooked quickly over high, direct heat.
Raising the Steaks
Frederick’s reputation as a culinary hotspot is deeply connected to its agricultural heritage. While many restaurants rely on distributors, local butchers like Hemp’s Meats in Jefferson, Shuff’s Meat Market in Thurmont and Wagner’s Meats in Mount Airy provide expert knowledge, custom preparations and a direct link to local farms.
Wye Oak Tavern in the Visitation Hotel proudly serves Roseda Farms’ Black Angus beef, among other sources. Roseda is a Maryland-based farming collective that includes meat sourced from farms near its Buckeystown outlet. Voltaggio says, “It’s great to be working with local beef from Maryland.”
Pam Moser of Moo Cow Creamery at Walnut Ridge Farm knows a thing or two about quality beef, too. Her family has been farming in Frederick County for nearly 90 years. In 2020, the Mosers opened a farm market where buyers
can go directly to the source. It now features the farm’s homegrown meats, including beef, chicken and pork, along with A2/A2 dairy products like fresh milk, butter, cheeses and ice cream.
“It all starts in the beginning, when the animal is born and follows how it’s cared for all the way through,” says Moser, explaining how conscientious treatment informs the taste of the meat. Her cows and beef cattle have access to pasture at their pleasure and are finished on a nutritionist-managed diet that includes grass. “We can offer a fresher product. You can come
here, meet us, the farmer, and learn about the product that you’re buying,”
Delectable Dishes
Oftentimes, the true joy of a steak dinner—or any meal—comes from letting someone else
handle the cooking. Throughout the county, chefs are ready to impress with thoughtfully curated, meticulously prepared and creatively inspired dishes.
Regan considers himself a purist when it comes to steak. “We try to be restrained, to honor the work of the farmers who provide the meat.” His steaks are simply seasoned with salt
Chef Bryan Voltaggio, Wye Oak Tavern
and pepper, then finished with a compound butter, usually a blend of shallot, garlic, parsley and lemon that mixes with pan drippings for a luxurious accent sauce.
At the Carriage House, diners mark their calendars for the king cut 16-ounce prime rib special on Thursdays. A few other favorites can be found, like the USDA Prime New York strip steak au poivre with mushroom cream sauce or the butter-basted filet with merlot demi-glace. The filet Oscar adds jumbo lump crab meat, bearnaise sauce and a raft of fresh asparagus.
At Wilcom’s Inn, brunch is reason enough to get out of bed. The menu boasts more than 40 “tasting-sized” dishes, including the petite bistro filet that can be dressed in tangy chimichurri. A la carte steaks are dusted with Wilcom’s signature rub, starring Peruvian ají panca peppers and garlic.
Anchoring the Golden Mile, the Red Horse may seem posh, but Cline insists it’s a family-friendly venue with a sublime take on steak.
“We purchase only the best beef in its whole loins, locally if we can, and we hand trim and cut all of our steaks.” That goes for T-bones, rib chops, tenderloins and striploins. “Our porterhouse comes from a local butcher. We wet age the whole loins for 30 days.” For specials,
Chef Stephanie Wilson, The Carriage House
“we also dry age them several times a year over pink Himalayan sea salt.” Steaks are then chargrilled over an open flame.
Voltaggio is also a fan of aging steaks to bring out their concentrated (and sometimes bold) flavors. His place offers a unique shell steak, which is a bone-in New York strip, and a ribeye from Roseda Farms, both aged 45 days. He says one trick to serving a great steak is to start with a thicker cut. “That allows us to cook it and rest it so there is more opportunity to get the perfect temperature.”
Home Cooking
While dining out provides a polished experience, cooking a great steak at home is well within reach with the right approach. Regan emphasizes how an animal is raised, fed and even its age and breed will impact the flavor of the meat. He also advises keeping seasoning simple to “let the steak flavor speak through.”
Fuster of Wilcom’s Inn highlights three key factors for home cooks: marbling, texture and seasoning. Finding a balance between them ensures a satisfying steak every time.
One common mistake home cooks make, according to Cline of Red Horse, is not allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking. “What ruins a great steak depends on who you ask, but I like mine medium-rare—not overcooked,” he says.
Carriage House’s Wilson notes that professional kitchens have an advantage with higher heat capabilities and robust ventilation systems, but home cooks can still achieve great results by being patient. “A good sear and some time to let the steak rest go a long way,” she advises.
Moo Cow Creamery’s Moser suggests a simple but delicious finishing touch: “When you bring your steak in to rest, take a dollop of garlic butter and let it melt over the top. It’s the perfect combination.”
For those nervous about overcooking, Voltaggio recommends investing in an instant-read thermometer. “People get scared of ruining an expensive cut,” he says. “A thermometer takes the guesswork out of it.” His go-to method involves searing the steak on both sides in a cast iron pan, then transferring it to a 250-degree oven until reaching an internal temperature of about 125 degrees.
“If you take your time and use the right tools,” he says, “you can create a steakhouse-quality meal at home.” FM
Spring
diningshowcase
Dining in Frederick County appeals to our growing population and diverse palates. Local restaurants offer delicious tastes from around the globe as well as popular dishes created in local kitchens. Whatever the reason and whatever the occasion—date night, a special celebration or a gathering on the town with friends—you’ll find it right here.
Avery’s Grille
Bonnie’s at the Redbird
Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood
Il Forno Pizzeria
JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House
Lucky Corner
Modern Asia
The Red Horse
Spring diningshowcase
Menu Highlights
Appetizers: Crab Dip, Clams, La La’s Famous Wings, Scallops, Flying Dog Beer Battered Rockfish Bites, Old Bay Steamed Shrimp, Oysters on the 1/2 Shell.
Come into Avery’s Maryland Grille for the freshest seafood in town. We source locally when possible for our crabs, oysters, crab meat, clams and soft-shells. We have 2 full service bars featuring craft beers, plenty of tv’s for sports including the NFL Sunday ticket. Enjoy AYCE crabs on the outdoor deck or try one of our signature steaks, ribs, fresh fish and more prepared on a wood-burning grill.
Dining Hours
Mon-Sun 8am-8pm Highlights
Delicious food, great service, yummy desserts, reasonable prices. Homey atmosphere is soothing in these unsettling times.What more could you want?!
Gravy. All you can eat specials throughout the week. Deserts - Pies, Pies, and more Pies! Smith Mountain Cake, and the famous Red Byrd Cake
Bonnie’s At The Red Bird’s located in beautiful Keedysville is a must try. From Breakfast to Dinner they have it all covered. Homestyle cookin’ done right. You want breakfast, come for the omletes or the chipped beef. You want lunch, come for the club, burgers, salad or soup. You want dinner, come for the crab cakes, fried chicken or a steak. And you can’t forget Desert… Oh you have to save room for pie or Red Bird Cake. The holidays are hectic—but you don’t have to stress about cooking! Let us handle the feast while you enjoy the festivities. Our scratch-made holiday meals are crafted with love and packed with flavor, so you can savor every moment without lifting a finger
Spring diningshowcase
Hours
Sunday-Thursday 11am - 10pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 11pm
Highlights
Lobster Pasta - 1 lb. of cold water Lobster Meat tossed in our Signature Vodka Cream and served over House-made Linguine. Topped with Fresh Basil and Asparagus points.
Filet Imperial - 10 oz. Filet Mignon topped with a portion of our award-winning Crab Cake and fresh Lobster. Paired with Grilled Asparagus and Mashed Potatoes.
Seafood Platter - Flounder, Shrimp, Scallops, Crab Cake paired with vegetable du jour. Crab Cake Platter - One or two of our enormous award-winning Crab Cakes served with roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus.
Choose from our wide array of appetizers and entrées and savor our homemade pasta, seafood, chicken and much more. Enjoy endless salad and homemade bread sticks. Indulge your thirst with Classical Chianti, Lambrusco, or any of the fine wines at Fratelli’s or enjoy an Espresso Martini. For dessert, try our special homemade Cheesecake or Tiramisu.
Dining Hours
Sun–Thu: 11:30am–10pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am–11pm
Menu Highlights
Appetizers: Fresh Salads, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Wings, Buffalo Dip, Crab Dip. Entrées: Pasta il Forno, Italian Sausage Linguine, Amazing Pizzas: Crab, Greek, Carnivores Dream, Traditional Margherita. Beverages: Full bar with great wine selections and 12 craft beers on tap.
il forno Pizzeria is family-owned and has served Frederick for over 25 years. We pride ourselves on our original recipes and homemade pizza dough. Recently we added a second Ambrogi Italian woodburning oven straight from Naples, Italy. We feature 11 flat screens and a full bar with daily happy hours. So whether you are looking for a quiet dinner for 2 or a large group, il forno Pizzeria is your spot.
Espresso Martini
Seafood Platter
Filet Imperial
Lobster Pasta
Spring diningshowcase
JOJO’S RESTAURANT & TAP HOUSE
Dining Hours
Mon-Tue Closed • Wed-Thurs 11am-12am Fri-Sat 11am–2am • Sun 11am-12am
Kitchen closes at 9pm | Late night menu after dinner service
Highlights
Salmon served with fresh vegetables and risotto. Steak & Cheese made with tender shaved steak, caramelized grilled onions, cooper sharp American Cheese on a toasted sub roll, served with fresh cut Fries. Jumbo Shrimp in a Creamy Garlic Sauce served over garlic toast. Smith Island Red Velvet Cake.
JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House offers American comfort food with a Maryland seafood twist. Enjoy casual dining with family and friends in our dining room or join us on the Tap House side and enjoy a variety of Belgium’s finest beers, American craft beers and local favorites, craft cocktails and late night munchies. For private events, reserve our semi-private dining room that is perfect for rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings and cocktail parties.
Dining Hours
Sunday–Thursday: 11am–9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am–10pm Kitchen Closes 15 minutes before closing Dine-in, Carryout, or Catering Menu Highlights
Appetizers: Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, Grilled Beef Rolls, Firecracker Shrimp and Mini Pancakes.
Entrées: Vermicelli with Coconut Beef, Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Pork Belly, Cubed Beef Steak, Chicken with Chili and Lemongrass. Drinks: Lychee Martini and Raspberry Ginger Mojito.
The Lucky Corner you know and love is still in Frederick! Our Family-owned restaurant stood at the corner of South Market & 7th Street since 2005, but recently moved to the Westview Village Shopping Center. Our restaurant offers beautiful and elegant decor with a full bar. We continue to offer a variety of authentic and traditional dishes with a Pan- Asian fusion. We also offer delicious desserts such as tiramisu and mango and sticky rice. Come join us for a mouth watering experience.
Appetizers: Shrimp Tempura, Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, BBQ Spare Ribs and Gyoza.
Entrées: Crispy Beef, Shrimp and Broccoli, Phoenix Chicken, Hunan Shrimp, Green Jade, Chef’s Special dishes.
Drinks: Fruit smoothies (Avocado, Banana, Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry), Full Bar with specialty cocktails like the Ginger Martini
Known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes, Modern Asia offers diners a wide variety of authentic Chinese, Vietnamese & Thai cuisine. Enjoy the relaxed, yet stylish ambiance enhanced by attentive service, with guests appreciating thoughtful touches such as complimentary hot towels and cookies at the end of the meal.
The Red Horse is a classic American steakhouse known for its warm, inviting atmosphere, traditional charm and professional wait staff. It offers a cozy dining experience with a menu featuring aged choice beef steaks, and fresh seafood. The Red Horse also offers banquet space on the restaurant’s lower level and is complete with its own full bar, separate entrance, and restrooms. This is the perfect space for receptions, business meetings and dinners. Hours
Open Daily from 3pm - 9pm
Highlights
Start your meal with an appetizer of fresh, regional Oysters prepared as requested. For your main entrée try our Tuscan Surf & Turf of Jumbo Shrimp and sliced Steak over a parmesan cream sauced fettucine with sundried tomatoes and spinach or enjoy a delicious Steak cooked to order. Finish your meal with a slice of Lemon Cake.
Crispy Beef
Phoenix Chicken
Green Jade Shrimp Tempura
RED HORSE
Baking Power
Sage Cakery’s Sweet Business Combines Art with Flavor
By Colin McGuire / Photography by Mark Youngblood
URBANA—Baking is in Nikkie Byrd’s blood.
From a young age, the Monrovia native has felt at home in the kitchen. It began with her first job making doughnuts. She was only 14 years old, but the experience lit a fire within her—so much so that she ended up taking cake decorating classes.
“My mom said, ‘Hey, let’s go take some classes together,’” Byrd says. “I have always been really passionate about art and I thought it was another art medium that I could explore. There are a lot of unique things you can do with sugar.”
She pauses before chuckling to herself.
“That this type of art can be immediately destroyed by eating it is also the beauty in all of it.”
That led to Sage Cakery, a bake shop in Urbana that prides itself in never using pre-made mixes or preservatives and crafts all of its creations from scratch. It’s the chance of a lifetime for Byrd, who moved away from training to become a registered herbalist to throw herself into the business.
Opening in May 2019, the challenge of starting her own business was intensified less than a year later when the world shut down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As she reflects on that challenge, she stresses how much her surrounding community supported her through the unprecedented times.
The festive creations at Sage Cakery— from scratch-made wedding cakes and cupcakes to macarons and other cookies—have their origins in owner Nikkie Byrd’s dual interests in baking and art.
“The community support was absolutely paramount for where we were and we would not have made it through those times without it,” Byrd says. “Word about us traveled far and fast because there wasn’t much else to do back then. It expanded our customer base tenfold and the business grew faster than ever. I love being so integrated with the local community.”
Part of Sage Cakery’s magic comes from the unique decorations it offers for each cake. Byrd had to step back from that part of the process when she decided to shift her focus to managing the business full-time. She misses being more hands-on with the artistic elements but knows the transition was best for business.
Byrd’s life and business partner, Kurtis Esworthy, now holds the title as lead baker. Esworthy previously worked as a roofer but ultimately joined Byrd, who taught him how to bake in the shop. While talking about both Esworthy and the rest of her team, Byrd is adamant about how
blessed she is to have such a strong support system.
As for potential future blessings, Byrd said she would love to grow her business from a storefront into a venue space someday. Hosting weddings, yoga retreats and workshops are all aspirations she’d love to incorporate into the bakery’s brand as time unfolds.
For now, though, she’s happy she made the decision to not only open Sage Cakery, but see it through the struggles of its first pandemic-influenced years. Knowing that she’s carrying on a journey that began when she was a child is as fulfilling as anything she’s experienced before.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into opening a brickand-mortar storefront of any kind,” she says. “I was very afraid I’d put my literal everything into it and it wouldn’t work out and it would all be for nothing. … But I knew it would have killed me slowly if I didn’t try, and here we are. The spirit for this was always in me. So now, I’m just going to keep trying to bring the best I can every day.”
That this type of art can be immediately destroyed by eating it is also the beauty in all of it.
—Nikkie Byrd, owner, Sage Cakery
Part of the secret to Sage Cakery’s success comes from the unique decorations it offers for each creation it bakes.
tiny plates ON THE TABLE
MARCO’S PIZZA NOW IN FREDERICK
Calling themselves “a slice of the community,” Marco’s Pizza recently opened in the Frederick Shopping Center, Suite 15A, on 7th Street. The franchise, which originated in Ohio just outside of Toledo, has been baking pies since 1978 and is said to be one of the fastest growing pizza brands in the country. In addition to pizzas, the shop also features calzones, wings, subs, salads and pizzoli, which is house-made dough stuffed and rolled with a choice of ingredients, as well as pizza bowls that have all the fixings of pizza, minus the crust. For dessert there are double chocolate brownies and cinnamon, and sugar topped pastries. www.marcos.com
BREWER’S & ROCKWELL TEAM UP
Two of Frederick’s most well-known brands—Brewer’s Alley and Rockwell Brewery—are shaking up the local craft beer and dining scene with a unique partnership that blends award-winning brews with an iconic local menu. The new collaboration, Brewer’s at Rockwell, introduces an innovative food service at Rockwell Brewery Riverside, 8411 Broadband Drive, where guests can seamlessly enjoy Brewer’s Alley’s fan-favorite dishes alongside Rockwell’s artful beers.
The owners say this isn’t just a business deal—it’s a testament to how collaboration fuels innovation in Frederick’s hospitality scene. With a streamlined ordering system and a commitment to enhancing the brewery experience, Brewer’s at Rockwell is set to become a go-to destination for craft beer lovers and foodies alike. www. rockwellbrewery.com and www.brewers-alley.com
LOCALS IN THE ‘SUB OLYMPICS’
A team from the Jersey Mike’s Frederick location—Cody Thorton, Maddie Canuhe and Karrie Lerch—took part in the National G13 Sub-Making Championship last month at the company’s national conference in Orlando, Fla. To reach the finals, the trio competed against nearly 3,000 teams from across the country. The Frederick trio has 20 years of combined experience working at Jersey Mike’s. In addition to fresh slicing all the meats and cheese (provolone, ham, proscuittini, capicola, salami and pepperoni), contestants dress a sub with lettuce, tomatoes and onions, and show off their “sprinkling” skills, adding “the juice” (red wine vinegar/olive oil blend) before cutting, wrapping and bagging each sub. Teams are judged on speed and flawless execution.
POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP OPENS
What began in a Chicago neighborhood antique shop in 1996, where the owners served sandwiches to their customers, is now a national chain with Frederick on the receiving end of this popular sandwich palace.
Recently the former Moe’s Southwest Grill space at 211 Shorebird St. was transformed into Potbelly, known for its toasted sandwiches, including one called a “Wreck,” which includes turkey, ham, roast beef, salami and Swiss cheese. Potbelly also offers a veggie melt and a Cubano, as well as its Mediterranean with chicken, feta, hummus, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and cucumbers. Or, you can take the simple route with grilled cheese. Also on the menu are salads, soup, mac and cheese, and chicken pot pie. Cookies and shakes, including one that tastes like banana pudding, round out your meal. www.potbelly.com
cravings ON THE TABLE
10 Tavern
10 E. Main St., Thurmont. 301-271-7422 Classic all-American cuisine. $
agave 137 Tequila Bar & KiTchen
137 N. Market St, Frederick. 240-439-4367 Best margaritas, tacos and entertainment on Market St. $$
airways inn
310 Aviation Way, Frederick. 301-228-2100 Sandwiches, salads and more. Adjacent to airport. $
H a.K.a. Friscos
4632 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick. 301-698-0018. Upbeat sandwich shop also offering house-roasted meats, salads and potatoes. $$
aleKo’s village caFé
4304 Old National Pike, Middletown. 301-371-3500. Greek, vegetarian and vegan specialties, subs and salads. $
anchor Bar
5605 Spectrum Dr., Frederick. 240-651-5580. Home of the Original Buffalo Wing. $$
anTrim 1844 smoKehouse resTauranT
30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown. 410-756-6812. Open daily for dinner. French-American cuisine. Reservations required. $$$
aTlanTic grille
3531 John Simmons St., Suite D-05, Urbana. 301-810-5220. American steak and seafood restaurant. $-$$$
ayoKa aFrican cusine
100 W. Patrick St., Suite M, Frederick. 240-626-1801. Enjoy a taste of authentic African dishes. $$
H Beans & Bagels
49 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-2165 Light breakfasts and lunches. $
Beans & Dreams
203 E. Main St., C, Middletown. 240-490-7070 Café and coffee shop. $
H BeeF ‘n Buns ‘n ParaDise
1448 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-898-2075 Big burgers and great ice cream selections. $
Belles’ sPorTs Bar & grill
1202 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-9623 Great ribs and other American fare. $
Bellisario’s Pizza
934 N. East St., Frederick. 301-662-9233. Sauce and dough made fresh daily. $$
H BenTzTown
6 S. Bentz St., Frederick 301-301-8430. Southern fare. $$-$$$
Big PaPi’s
5711 Industry Lane, Frederick. 240-651-5969 Authentic Mexican dishes. $-$$
H BlacK hog BBq & Bar
118 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-662-9090 221 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-9600 3323 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0070. 100 Middletown Pkwy, Middletown. 240-490-8147. Specializing in various styles of barbecue. $$
Bollinger’s resTauranT anD uncle DirTys Brew worKs
210 N. Church St., Thurmont. 301-668-1522. Home-cooked meals, fresh baked pies, cakes and desserts. $$-$$$
BoneFish grill
Brewer’s alley
124 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-631-0089. Contemporary American regional cuisine and microbrewery. $$
BuFFalo wilD wings
210 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-1333
Chicken wings, sandwiches and other family fare. $
Bushwaller’s
209 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-695-6988. Irish fare in an attractive pub setting. $$-$$$
The Buzz caFé
11801 Fingerboard Road, Suite 3, Monrovia. 301-865-4900. Scratch bakery and café that eatures breakfast and lunch items as well as custom cakes and goodies. $-$$
cacique
26 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-695-2756. Fine Spanish and Mexican cuisine. $$-$$$
H Café Bueno
255 E. 4th St. 301-620-8858. Authentic Mexican food. Burritos a favorite. $-$$
H caFé nola
4 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-6652 Bistro café. Coffee, tea and sandwiches. $
1700 Kingfisher Drive, Frederick. 301-8982027. 5100 Buckeystown Pike, #194, Frederick. 301-668-6301. A variety of hot gourmet sub sandwiches. Dine in, takeout and catering available. $
flaminG Grill & Buffet
1003 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-664-3388. Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine. $-$$
120 Frederick Road, Suites B&C, Thurmont. 301-271-2858. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, sushi bar, Asian fusion, dine in, carryout, catering. $-$$
H south mountain cReameRy
50 Citizen’s Way, Ste. 101, Frederick. 301-383-8790. We take your favorite sweet and savory treats to a whole new level. Sweet: sundaes, milkshakes, and more. Savory: Farm-fresh pizzas, made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. $-$$
south maRket sandwich co
105 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-651-3797 A quaint, gourmet sandwich shop. $$
staRvin maRvin PizzeRia and subs 6942 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-695-7827 New York–style pizza, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and more. $
sumittRa thai
12 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-668-2303
Thai favorites including satay, pad thai and garden rolls. $-$$
suRf house isLand cantina 8925 Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 240-341-7157. Authenic surfer food and drinks. $$
sushi nomu
4969 Westview Drive, Frederick. 240-656-1330. Asian sushi. $-$$
suvai biRyani
11791 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-363-8725. Mixing classic recipes with a modern twist. $$
Taco Bar
1450 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5716
Authentic Mexican fast food. $
TeMpo di pasTa
244 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-780-8517. Gourmet Italian dishes. Handmade pasta. $$
taichi bubbLe tea
5866 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. 240-815-7961. Bubble teas, fruit teas, ramen, poke bowls, sushi burritos and rice bowls. $$
taj mahaL baR & gRiLL
1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-682-2213
Authentic Indian fare featuring home made spices. Serving lunch and dinner. Wine and beer available. $-$$
tRoPix Pots cuisines baR & gRiLL 490 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 240-877-4858 Authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine. $$-$$$
ugLy dumPLing exPRess
5267 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-732-7705. Known for dumplings with a variety of fillings. $S
uP on maRket bistRo
301 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-831-4847
Charming restaurant/bistro offering full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. Uniqueness and variety with a touch of elegance. $-$$$
vaLLey gRiLL sPoRts baR Hollow Creek Golf Club, 50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown. 301-371-0400
Contemporary American cuisine. $-$$
H wag’s
24 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-694-8451 Classic hamburgers and fries. $
white Rabbit gastRoPub 18 Market Space, Frederick. 240-651-1952
Craft beer house serving high-end beer and food. $-$$
wiLcom’s inn 11234 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-798-8686. Iconic local landmark. International steakhouse and sports bar. $-$$
the wine kitchen on the cReek 150 Caroll Creek Way, Ste. 160, Frederick. 301-663-6968. Wine bar with American bistro fare. $$
H zi Pani café bistRo 177A Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-620-1932. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual dining with full bar. $-$$
Bluegrass on the Menu
Thursday Jam Sessions a Hit at Bentztown
By Nancy Luse / Photography by Mark Youngblood
The weekly bluegrass jam sessions at Bentztown restaurant and bar are a good excuse to start your weekend early with a rousing group of musicians who will have you up and dancing as soon as you’ve finished your deviled eggs and pulled pork.
The ringmasters for the show, which starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. without a break, are Jason Hannan, who makes his living in the music business, and Matthew Geiger, who sells tractors and is described by Hannan as “one of the best bluegrassers around.”
“Typically, we have no less than 10 musicians and average 20 or so,” Hannan says of the group that comes through the door carrying their guitar, banjo and mandolin cases, ready to tear up some songs. “This is one of the highlights of my week,” Geiger says. “It’s a blast.”
Bluegrass, a music genre rooted in America, surfaced in Appalachia in the 1940s, the name derived from Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. It’s a fitting background sound for the patrons of Bentztown, 6 S. Bentz St., where down-home southern cooking, craft beer and handcrafted cocktails are on the menu.
When the venue opened last year, Greg Brown, owner of Bentztown, along with Brewer’s Alley and Monocacy Brewing Company, promised to bring live music back to the building that started out as a garage and later became a succession of restaurants and bars through the years. Brown especially wanted to feature local musicians.
“Bentztown reached out to me,” Hannan says, and word quickly spread to singers and
Thursday night bluegrass jams at Bentztown bring out between 10 and 20 musicians who put on a two hour-show to the delight of the restaurant’s patrons.
pickers who knew the place from when it was the Blue Side Tavern. “This was the hub for gigs and after gigs,” he says. Something similar is happening once again.
“The place seems to be into a Nashville vibe, and I think it’s clever of them to mesh with the Frederick bluegrass scene,” says Hannan, who is originally from Mississippi. Geiger hails from Montgomery County.
For two hours the music flows effortlessly, but there’s a method to making sure it all works. Hannan and Geiger liken their roles to being “referees,” saying they don’t have a strict playlist of songs, but they’re able to present a cohesive, uninterrupted flow.
“There’s an etiquette to how we do it,” says Geiger. The group mostly performs bluegrass standards, with some original songs mixed in. The musicians routinely move around the stage, sliding up front for a featured stint at the microphone, then strolling back to join the rest.
“Bluegrass is very similar to jazz in that there’s a lot of improvisation,” Han-
nan says, whether it’s someone adding a fiddle to the mix or a slide guitar. Hoots of appreciation from the audience also keep it fun.
On this particular Thursday night, there’s a chilly wind blowing outside, but the restaurant is warm and cozy.
A stray musician comes in late but is soon included on stage. There are couples out on dates and tables filled with family and friends. Conversations pause when someone hears a song they like, but that’s the beauty of bluegrass and this venue. You can actually talk and be heard while the music is playing, important to the boomers in attendance.
A good hour into the music two women get up to dance, followed by a few others answering to the urge to do more than just sit at a table and tap their feet.
The bluegrass jams have been going on for a couple of months with new fans every week. One of the staffers says she always volunteers to work Thursdays because of the music. It’s nice to imagine down the road, when spring weather is here for keeps, the garage doors being flung open to catch a warm breeze and the band playing on.
Bluegrass music is purely American, surfacing in the country’s Appalachian region in the 1940s. The name is derived from the band Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
This is one of the highlights of my week. It’s a blast. “ ”
—Matthew Geiger, bluegrass jam organizer
artsy SPOTLIGHT
Boomtown Part 2
Work has started on the second part of Boomtown, a docufilm by Frederick resident Salyer McLaughlin of Big Picture Media. The first installment, running for 40 minutes, centered on the obstacles Downtown Frederick faced after a devastating flood in 1976 and the changing economic times. The story weaves history with touches of fiction and is told through main character Amos Brown, a photographer at The Frederick News-Post. Adding to the narrative were civic leaders from that time who inspired community resilience.
In part two, set in current times, it is Brown’s granddaughter, Lexie, who tells the story. “She looks back on his days in Frederick,” McLaughlin says, “seeing the impact of these events in the 1970s to look at where we are now.” Lexie is an artist, and the focus is “how Frederick became an arts community,” jumping off from scenes in the first film including the city’s purchase of the Tivoli movie theater, 20 W. Patrick St., and its transformation into the Weinberg Center for the Arts. “It will cover why so many artists are moving this way.”
McLaughlin sees the filming of part two to be less complicated since it takes place today and there is no need for period costumes, automobiles and the like.
Bettie Awards Recognize Young Artists
Linganore High student Dorian Lukaszewicz with his work Veil of Silence is this year’s $1,000 grand prize winner of the Bettie Award for Young Artists, sponsored by the Delaplaine Arts Center.
Students who were also recognized and given $100 prizes include: Sarah Andrade, Light in the Darkness of Life, Tuscarora High School; Sophia Costanzo, The Puppeteer, Urbana High School; Ela Curran, The Pineapple, Linganore High School; Alayna Hu, Kite Flying, Middletown High School; Chae Eun Lee, Pinch, Urbana High School; Brionna Lewis, Final Duel, Tuscarora High School; Andy Ohlheiser, Desiderium, Tuscarora High School;
Production is planned to start later this month with filming through the summer. The fall will be dedicated to editing. He says a showing of both parts is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2026, at the Weinberg. “It will tie in with America’s 250th anniversary of democracy, ensuring Boomtown becomes an integral part of Maryland’s commemoration of our nation’s history and future.” www. boomtownfrederick.com
Mia Power, Baby Mia, Friends Meeting School; and Katelyn Sigouin, We the Thorns, Academy for the Fine Arts at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
The artwork will be displayed at the Delaplaine through April 27 and visitors will have the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award with the winner receiving an additional $250.
The awards honor the late Bettie Delaplaine, a lifelong supporter of the arts in Frederick County and a supporter of young emerging artists. The annual award program is a way for young artists to experience submitting their own artwork, having it judged and then having an accomplishment that can be added to school and college applications. www.delaplaine.org
Centennial Celebration
Garrett County’s Deep Creek Lake Commemorates 100 Years
McHENRY—What today is a sprawling, serpentine lake covering 3,900 acres in Garrett County and serving as a recreational and economic hub was, in the early 20th century, a rural valley of farms, homes and schools, resembling much of the rest of bucolic Western Maryland.
But along came the Youghiogheny Hydro Electric Corporation and its mission to build a lake in the state without natural lakes— damming a tributary of the Youghiogheny River to flood the land, all in the name of generating electricity and creating Deep Creek Lake. Construction of the dam began in 1923 and was completed in 1925; the hydroelectric plant began operating on May 26 of that year.
Today, Deep Creek Lake doesn’t generate a significant amount of electricity, but it does produce another kind of juice: tourism. Visitors flock to the lake to fish, swim, boat and just relax alongside the tranquil waters—and that is just in the summer. The adjoining year-round Wisp Resort is popular in the winter—attracting skiers, snowboarders and other outdoor adventure enthusiasts and making Deep Creek Lake an all-season destination.
“It’s a large part of our economy,” says Nick Sharps, interim president of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. He cites a 2020 West Virginia University study that showed Deep Creek Lake was responsible for generating $300 million a year for the local economy.
What began as a project to produce hydroelectric power has evolved over the past century into a tourist attraction responsible for $300 million in economic impact each year.
By Guy Fletcher
Photos courtesy Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
“I shudder to think what Garrett County is without both of those,” Sharps says of the lake and Wisp.
To mark its 100 years, Deep Creek Lake is putting together a year of events, kicking off last month with a lecture series about the lake and continuing this month with Thursday trivia nights at Ace’s Run Restaurant and Pub, a shore and lake cleanup for Earth Day (April 26) and A Taste of Garrett County (April 29). Other events throughout the year will feature boat parades and floats, sailboat regatta, a golf tournament and wine festival, among others.
For a complete list of Deep Creek Lake events this year, visit www.dcl100.com.
“Our goal is to have something Deep Creek Lake-related every month,” says Chris Nichols, chairman of the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee.
The highlight of the celebration will be the Deep Creek Lake 100th Birthday Bash on July 19 at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. The family-friendly event will feature bands and other music, a parade, arts and crafts, food vendors, a beer garden, contests and a special grand finale that Nichols teases is “top secret.”
In planning the celebration, the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek formed
the centennial committee in 2023, bringing together local residents and business people, representatives from local and state government, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders involved in promoting the lake.
Nichols’ own connection to the lake has deep roots. He lives in the same cabin his grandparents built in the 1930s (“It’s been a little improved since then,” he says with a laugh) and works as a real estate professional in the community. He also operates his own cartography business that creates maps of the region.
Such ties might explain why he stresses that the centennial is about more than honoring the lake’s past. To that end, the committee is also creating some long-term projects, including the placement of a time capsule—filled with items from this year and to be opened in 2125—and the installation of 20 new interpretive panels that provide information about the history, science and heritage of the lake.
“One of our themes was not only to celebrate the first 100 years of Deep Creek Lake … but to reinforce the idea that we need to preserve and protect the lake for the next hundred years,” Nichols says.
Deep Creek Lake covers 3,900 acres and is a popular destination for boating, swimming, fishing and just relaxing beneath the Western Maryland skies.
Our goal is to have something Deep Creek Lake-related every month. “ ”
— Chris Nichols, chairman, Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee
you’re here ON THE ROAD
By Jake Wynn
World War II’s Legacy
With the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, it might surprise many to know the connections several Frederick County locations have to the conflict.
During the war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt often found respite from the pressures of Washington, D.C., by retreating to what is now Catoctin Mountain Park. At the time, it was known as the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area. Nestled in the wooded mountains above Thurmont, FDR set up a retreat known then as Shangri-La (later renamed Camp David by President Dwight D. Eisenhower).
There, Roosevelt hosted British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the spring of 1943, taking a break from critical war planning sessions. Fishing in Hunting Creek, the two leaders set a precedent for future presidents to utilize the camp as both a haven of relaxation and a discreet setting for crucial diplomatic efforts.
Although modern visitors cannot access Camp David, the park’s Visitor Center offers insights into the site’s presidential history. While you’re taking a hike or fly fishing,
you’ll be walking in the footsteps of world leaders who found moments of calm in these same hills and waters.
During the war, Catoctin Mountain Park also served as a training ground for the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor to today’s CIA. From stealth and weapons exercises to demolitions practice, trainees sharpened their skills throughout what is now the park’s lesser-used western side.
A wartime newsreel about this training— shot by famed filmmaker John Ford—can still be viewed on the National Park Service website. Today, visitors can hike or ride horseback along portions of the historic training sites, soaking in the natural beauty that once concealed top-secret preparations.
Churchill’s visit to Frederick County wasn’t limited to Catoctin Mountain. As he and Roosevelt made their way to Shangri-La, they spotted signs for Barbara Fritchie candies and made an impromptu
stop at the Barbara Fritchie House on West Patrick Street.
Churchill, a Civil War enthusiast, famously recited the entire Barbara Frietchie poem from memory, delighting or annoying members of the president’s party. A small plaque on the house today commemorates this intersection of global history and local lore.
Also in Frederick, Fort Detrick, then known as Camp Detrick, played a vital role during World War II. The base was established to research biological weapons and defenses against them, drawing scientists from around the country.
Over the decades, Detrick evolved into one of the nation’s leading military medical research centers and a pivotal site for the National Cancer Institute—an example of wartime necessity sparking advances in science and medicine.
The county is steeped in an often-overlooked World War II past. During this time of remembrance, take time to experience some of this history in our backyard.
Jake Wynn is the senior marketing and communications manager at Visit Frederick, the designated destination marketing organization for Frederick County. Contact him at 301-600-4023 or jwynn@ fredco-md.net. Learn more about Visit Frederick at visitfrederick.org.
HOT PICK
April 12
Spring Fling & Egg Roll
Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums, 1611 N. Market St. Enjoy spring and learn about Frederick County agricultural history. Meet the Easter Bunny, visit with animals, enjoy games and crafts and take a hayride. Bring a basket to join in the traditional egg roll. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $. 301-600-2936. www.recreater.com
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
Not Past Our Expiration Date
Through April 9
Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Older in years but not in heart, four women have had their art blossom in the second or third acts of their adult lives. Although each comes from a different professional background, love of abstract art and strong friendship binds them together. 301-846-2566. http:// calendar.frederick.edu
Jane Anger Through April 19
Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Jane Anger is a cunning woman with a bone to pick! It’s 1606 and there’s a plague. A certain William Shakespeare is quarantining and trying to write King Lear, but writer’s block, and his own ego, are getting in the way. When Jane Anger crawls through his window unannounced, she gives Shakespeare a piece of her mind and more. See website for show times. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org
A Second Helping: The Church Basement Ladies Sequel Through May 24
The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. A Second Helping picks up the story in 1969 with a changing world. As Vietnam War protests swell and women everywhere demand equal pay for equal work, the ladies in the church basement kitchen face changes of their own. The women find strength in each other as they deal with the changes from below the House of God! See website for show times. $. 301-662-6600. www.wayoffbroadway.com
Bettie Awards Exhibition Through April 27
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Works in a variety of media. View artworks created by local youth selected as 2025 Bettie Award Winners. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
Dinner at 200 Monroe Restaurant
Thursdays through May 8
200 Monroe Restaurant, 200 Monroe Ave. Frederick Community College’s Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute students cook for the public to showcase their hospitality and culinary skills in an open-kitchen restaurant setting. Guests will enjoy a starter, entrée, dessert and beverage for an all-inclusive price. Reservations are required. Carry out orders are welcome. 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $. 240-629-7912. www. frederick.edu/200Monroe
MET Comedy Night
Fridays in April
Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Enjoy comedy every Friday and some Saturdays at the MET, including The Comedy Pigs on April 4 and 5, That’s What She Said on April 11, Oh Crit! on April 18 and Key City Improv on April 25. See website for show times. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org
Civil War Walking Tours
Saturdays and Sundays in April
National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. After the Battle of Antietam, Frederick became one vast hospital when caring for the causalities. With accounts taken from the diaries and letters of the surgeons, soldiers, and civilians who were there, this guided walking tour explores the locations of the city’s Civil War hospitals in churches, schools and public buildings. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $. 301-695-1864. www. civilwarmed.org
Carillon Recital
Sundays in April
Joseph Dill Baker Carillon in Baker Park, Downtown Frederick. The tower is open for guests to hear John Widmann, City Carillonneur play the 49-bell carillon of bronze bells. 12:30 p.m. www. bakerparkcarillon. org
Silent Movie April 2 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The silent film era returns to the big screen accompanied by the mighty Wurlitzer organ. Aspiring filmmakers Mel Funn, Marty Eggs and Dom Bell go to a financially troubled studio with an idea for a silent movie. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org
Frederick Speaker Series: Sarah Koenig April 3 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Presented by the Frederick Speakers Series, Sarah Koenig is the host and co-creator of the award-winning podcast Serial, which recently completed its fourth season. Serial is credited with bringing mainstream attention to podcasting. Tickets are also available for a Meet & Greet reception immediately following the presentation, with proceeds benefitting children’s programming at Frederick County Public Libraries. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
FCPS Spring Musicals
April 3–May 3
Enjoy the following shows this spring: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Walkersville High, April 3–5; Anything Goes at Middletown High April 4–6; The SpongeBob Musical, April 3–6 at Linganore High; Little Shop of Horrors, April 3–5 at Urbana High; 9 to 5, April 30, May 2 and 3 at Frederick High; Once Upon a Mattress, May 1–3 at Tuscarora High and Footloose, May 1–3 at Oakdale High. Tickets are available for purchase through each school. www.fcps.org
General Grief Support Group
April 3, 10, 17, 24 Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way. A drop-in group designed to provide support to individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. Participants can share their stories and express their grief as they work towards healing. April 3 and 17, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; April 10 and 24, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. 240-566-3030. www. frederickhealthhospice.org
Frederick Flying Cows Basketball
April 4, 12, 13, 18, 19
Hood College, BB&T Arena. Frederick Flying Cows continue their second season with home games against Connecticut Crusaders on April 4, Jersey Shore Breaks on April 12, Capital Seahawks on April 13, and AllStar events on April 18 and 19. The Flying Cows is a professional basketball team competing in The Basketball League, a professional league consisting of 50 teams across the US. The team is dedicated to providing fun, affordable entertainment. 7 p.m. $. www.goflyingcows.com
Caroline Mayer & Stephanie Schaub April 4–27
NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St. An exhibition of work titled In Stone that features paintings by Caroline Mayer and Jewelry by Stephanie Schaub. An opening reception is scheduled for April 5 from 5 p.m.–8 p.m. and an Artists’ Talk is scheduled for April 12 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Noon–8 p.m.; Sundays, Noon–4 p.m. 240-367-9770. www.nomagalleryfrederick.com
First Saturday: Love Local April 5, May 3
Downtown Frederick. Support local businesses by shopping with an independent retailer, eating at a local restaurant, supporting local artists and exploring Downtown Frederick. Every First Saturday features streets filled with live music and entertainment and unique events at Downtown businesses! Many shops, galleries and restaurants will be open until 9 p.m. or later. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org
Frederick During the Civil War Walking Tour
April 5
Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Explore what it was like to live in Frederick during the Civil War. Stories include the last Confederate invasion of the North, the ransom of Frederick and the Battle of Monocacy. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org
Creative Outlet April 5
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Car roll St. Kids and adults are invited to drop-in to get creative togeth er on art activities at family tables. Each session features a themed activity. This month get creative with printmaking and mixed media. No large groups. $2. 3 p.m.−5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org
Fifth Annual Shepherds Farm Market
April 5
Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St. Meet local shepherds and farmers to celebrate the beginning of the farm market season. Find locally produced meat, woolen products, art, seedlings and more. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. www.frederickmagazine.com/calendar
April 5
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Experience the captivating blend of classic jazz, pop standards, Italian arias and timeless originals with “America’s new romantic singing sensation,” a soulful tenor whose music captivates audiences worldwide. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Living History: Civil War Medical Care Comes to Life April 5
National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. Members of the Blue and Gray Hospital Association describe the medical history of America’s bloodiest conflict. Dressed as members of the Confederate medical department and armed with period medical equipment, the unit brings a unique perspective to understanding the conflict. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 301-695-1864. www.civilwarmed.org
Weinberg Center for the Arts
Backstage Tour April 5
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Experience the backstage magic at this free tour that is open to the general public. Built in 1926 as a silent movie palace, the landmark theater reflects the evolution of both the film industry and Frederick County. Led by an experienced tour guide, discover Art Deco architectural details, immerse yourself in local theatrical lore, and access backstage areas normally off-limits to the public. Noon. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Anthony Nunziata with Jeff Franzel
Doug Moulden and Lynn Hotes
April 5–27
Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St. An exhibition of works by featured artists Doug Moulden and Lynn Hotes. A First Saturday opening is scheduled for April 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon–5 p.m. www.eastsideartistsgallery.com
Emerging Perspectives Exhibition April 5–27
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Featuring works in a variety of media, this annual exhibition highlights young adult artists at the onset of their creative endeavors. Juror Kara Braciale will discuss jurying the exhibi tion and announce the grand prize award winner at an artist talk scheduled for April 5 at 2 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org
The Sound of Line April 5–27
Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. An exhibit of artwork by Bryan Jernigan. This striking collection of abstract paintings is inspired by the symmetries, regular linear structures and chaos of our nation’s capital. 301-466-2413. www. linksbridgevineyards.com
Liana Owad April 5–27
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of sculpture and installation titled Shield and Reveal. Owad’s work is a reflection on the intricate dynamics of domestic spaces and the way that these spaces shape identity within the ebb and flow of their characteristics of protection and vulnerability. An exhibition opening is scheduled for April 5 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Carol Williams April 5–27
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. This exhibition titled Still Waiting for the Light features works in a variety of media. Williams compares her art to political cartoons, using the “women’s work” of quilting and sewing, rather than pen and paper, to make statements about women, the environment, race and politics. An exhibition opening is scheduled for April 5 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Elizabeth Willson & Regina Boston April 5–27
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of photography titled Layers of Wonder: A Journey Through Nature’s Depth. This collaborative exhibition between Elizabeth Willson and Regina Boston uses photography as a means to explore the intersection of elements within the natural world that compel the mind toward wonder. An exhibition opening is scheduled for April 5 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Key City Thrift Expo
April 6
Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Building 7. Grab your favorite group of scavengers and a reusable shopping bag to shop the biggest thrift expo to hit the area, featuring more than 40 vendors. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. www.frederickmaga zine.com/calendar
Charlotte’s Web
April 6, 7
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A creative spin on a classic tale, this reimagined production features bluegrass music and a clever set design, telling the treasured story of selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. Sunday at 2 p.m.; Monday at 12:15 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Downtown Frederick Artwalk April 6
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Take a self-guided jaunt Downtown and visit local galleries. The Delaplaine will feature felted art and gel prints by Gail Kaplan-Wassell. Noon–4 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Understanding AI: Author Talk with Kashmir Hill April 8
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Presented by Frederick County Public Libraries, Kashmir Hill is a tech reporter at the New York Times and the author of Your Face Belongs to Us. She writes about the unexpected and sometimes ominous ways technology is changing lives, particularly when it comes to privacy. An audience Q&A and book signing will follow the keynote address. 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Photo Print Swap April 8
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Meet up with area photographic artists and collect new works of art. Bring up to five prints of your original work to swap with other photographers and take home up to five other photos. Prints should be no larger than 12x12 inches, must be original work and can be any photographic medium, including digital, darkroom, and alternative/experimental methods. Prints must be unframed. McClintock Distilling will offer free tastings. 6 p.m.–7 p.m. 301698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
PJ and Teddy Bear Night Under the Stars April 8, 10 Earth and Space Science Laboratory, 210 Madison St. Elementary school age children and younger are invited to wear their pajamas, don their slippers and tote their stuffed animals to the ESSL. This live performance in the planetarium will feature stories, songs and more about the moon, planets and constellations. 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. $. 240-236-2694. https://edu. fcps.org/essl
Asleep at the Wheel April 11
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. For more than 50 years, Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel has championed Western swing and honky-tonk country music, leading the band through over 30 albums, 10 Grammy awards and countless tours worldwide. 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Art at Noon: Noelani Jones
April 11
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Fiber artist Noelani Jones’ work highlights humanity’s dependence on nature and restoring a relationship with the land through season, land-based crafts of natural dyeing and hand weaving. This talk focuses on Jones’ work, process, and a demonstration of their work on a foot-powered loom. Noon–1 p.m. 301698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Dune April 10
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A place beyond your dreams. A movie beyond imagination. A planet called Dune. Sponsored by Wonder Book. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Heather Aubrey Lloyd April 12
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. This captivating storyteller, singer and songwriter from Baltimore blends passionate alto vocals with folk-inspired guitar and poignant lyrics. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org
Art & Architecture Walking Tour
April 12
Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Experience the history and beauty of Downtown in this tour that explores popular architectural styles, local art and history. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org
Mystery & Mayhem
April 12, 19, 26
Frederick Magic Theater & Lounge, 19 N. Court St., Suite 100. Experience a captivating evening full of pre-show sleight-ofhand magic, a com plimentary cocktail in the enchanting lounge and a unique stage show featuring a blend of magician-in-residence Jeff Madsen’s comedy magic, mind-reading and escape magic. 8 p.m. www.frederickmagic.com
The Eric Byrd Trio April 17
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with music from jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, with special guest collaborations. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
The Wizard of Oz April 18, 19
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Other Voices, Inc. presents a new, original adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, Toto and other well-known favorites join new characters pulled from the original works of L. Frank Baum. A fun family event filled with dance, music, special effects and clever dialogue. Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
A League of Their Own April 16
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. During World War II, sisters Dottie and Kit join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry. Sponsored by Brewer’s Alley. Happy hour at 6:30 p.m. with free tasting and more. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Baker Park Egg Hunt April 19
Baker Park Memorial Garden, 201 N. Bentz St. Bring your own basket and join the City of Frederick for the annual Baker Park egg hunt and other activities. Participants will have 15 minutes to hunt for eggs filled with small toys and candy. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $5. 301-6003844. www.playfrederick.com
Foundations of Frederick Walking Tour April 19
Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Experience the history and beauty of Downtown as knowledgeable guides share the fascinating stories that make up historic Frederick. 10:30 a.m. $. 301663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org
Welcome Spring on the Creek Art & Crafts Show April 19
Carroll Creek Linear Park, Downtown Frederick. Event featuring local artistry and craftsmanship. This outdoor show offers unique handmade art, crafts and gifts, including jewelry, home décor, fine art and pottery. Food and drink provided by local vendors. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. www. frederickmagazine.com/calendar
The Nighthawks April 19
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Blending blues, R&B, country and more, this seasoned group delivers electrifying performances rooted in diverse musical influences, offering a dynamic and energetic live experience. 7:30 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Historic District Ghost Tours
April 19, 26
Downtown Frederick. In the Historic District Ghost Tour, participants take a journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past, with nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge and documented stories of the paranormal. Tours meet in front of Brewer’s Ally Restaurant, 124 N. Market St. Private tours also available. Reservations required. 7:30 p.m. $. www.marylandghosttours.com
A Man There Was April 23
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The silent film era returns to the big screen accompanied by the mighty Wurlitzer organ. Terje Vigen, a sailor, suffers the loss of his family through the cruelty of another man. Years later, when his enemy’s family finds itself dependent on Terje’s beneficence, Terje must decide whether to avenge himself. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org
String Theories: Jacqueline Kerrod and Joe Morris April 19
Frederick YMCA Arts Center, 115 E. Church St. Produced by Frederick Experimental Music Association, South African harpist Jacqueline Kerrod and guitarist Joe Morris perform. 7:30 p.m. $. www.frederickartscouncil.org
EVENTS
BYOS: Ambient Night with Special Guest Lizard Hands
April 24
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Bring your own supplies and get ready to respond to this session’s featured source of inspiration: live music by Lizard Hands, a DC-based music project. Registration is encouraged. 5 p.m.–8 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
African American History
Walking Tour
April 26
African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society Heritage Center, 125 E. All Saints St. AARCH tour guides take participants on an informative exploration of local history on All Saints Street and the surrounding area in this 60-90 minute walking tour. 11 a.m. http://aarchsociety.org/walking-tours
Park Day/Earth Day/Junior Ranger Day at Monocacy National Battlefield
April 26
Monocacy National Battlefield, Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike. Join National Park Service employees and volunteers as they prepare the native plant garden for the growing season while learning about native plants and assisting in cleanup projects on the battlefield. Aspiring Junior Rangers can assist. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 301-662-3515. www.nps.gov/mono/index.htm
35th Annual Children’s Festival
April 26
Baker Park, 121 N. Bentz St. Sponsored by the Frederick County Mental Health Association, young children can enjoy hands-on activities and entertainment while their parents learn about local early childhood programs and services. 10 a.m.−3 p.m. 301-662-4549. https://fcmha.org/how-we-help/childrens-festival
Bring a Broom Saturday April 26
Downtown Frederick Partnership, 19 E. Church St. Volunteer a few hours with friends and neighbors to help make Downtown shine. Volunteers will sweep sidewalks, mulch tree wells, pick up trash and plant flowers. Bring a broom, dustpan, work gloves, light gardening tools and a water bottle. All ages are welcome. 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. 301-6988118. www.downtownfrederick.org
Alpine Vistas April 26
Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The Frederick Symphony Orchestra performs in concert. 7:30 p.m. $. www.fredericksymphony.org
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus April 26–May 18 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do anything. But when the bus driver has a crisis, maybe that wily bird can do something. Based on the book by Mo Willems. See website for show times. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org
America 250 History Fair
April 27
Carroll Creek Linear Park, Downtown Frederick. Join the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution and the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium for a “Walk Through History” highlighting the role that Maryland, and particularly Frederick County, has played in our nation. Noon. www.visitfrederick.org/history-fair
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra April 27 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The Glenn Miller Orchestra brings timeless classics like In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo and more back to the Weinberg stage. 2 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Sherlock Sundays April 27
ESP Theatre Loft, 16 E. Patrick St. 2nd Floor. Endangered Species Theatre Project presents The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes radio plays performed live and in person, with tea and treats served at 1:30 p.m. 2 p.m.–3 p.m. www.esptheatre.org
Reservoir Cogs
By Jody Brumage / Archivist, Heritage Frederick
The original city reservoir can be seen in the upper left corner of this photograph, surrounded by a white picket fence.
Two hundred years ago, the Fredericktown Water Works opened a pipeline from a Catoctin Mountain spring to deliver fresh water to the city. The original system supplied water to fountains and then by pipes into individual structures. Within a decade of operation, the need for a reservoir was apparent. In 1836, the city purchased land along West 7th Street, but the proposed reservoir was not completed until 1845.
City leaders planned for expanding the reservoir as Frederick’s population grew in the late 19th century. Water shortages during a drought in the summer of 1892 spurred the city government to action. In 1893, Lane Brothers Contractors of Charlottesville, Va., began construction. They brought Italian, Polish and Hungarian immigrant laborers and African American workers to Frederick in
the summer of 1893 to excavate the site by hand, using teams of donkeys to remove rock and dirt, as captured in the photograph.
Soon after the new reservoir was completed, wet areas appeared in the surrounding ground. During the subsequent winter, water in the reservoir froze solid, damaging its brick-lined walls and opening more leaks. It was clear that the new reservoir could not be filled to
capacity, so it was retained as a reserve for the older one. A larger reservoir was built near Mountaindale at the city watershed in the 1920s and the old site was filled in. In 1967, tennis courts were built on the old reservoir site, leading to the creation of today’s Max Kehne Park. Today, Reservoir Alley, which runs along the border of Max Kehne Park, recalls the historic purpose for this site. FM
Our ten-year anniversary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about sixty-five percent of all new businesses fail during their first ten years. This month marks our ten-year anniversary!
Growing staff and office space
We opened our doors on April 17, 2015. In our early days, it was Attorney Clark by herself. Ten years later, we have eleven employees and looking to hire two more. As our staff continues to grow, so does our office space. We had to secure a second office near our main client-facing office on West Patrick Street in beautiful downtown Frederick.
Estate Planning and Probate
Our office concentrates exclusively on Estate Planning and Probate matters. Estate Planning is essential for people of all ages and all levels of wealth.
What happens if I die without a proper Estate Plan
Without a valid Estate Plan, intestacy laws dictate how your assets will be distributed in a predetermined order and percentages, which means that relatives with whom you have no meaningful relationship may be legally entitled to your hardearned life savings. It could also take years for Probate to be over, causing financial strain on surviving family members who may rely on those assets. With a proper Trust Plan, however, Probate process could be avoided entirely.
Estate Planning is more than just a will
People often use the term “Estate Planning” interchangeably with “Will,” but an effective Estate Plan often consists of more than just a simple Will. In fact, there are at least three key documents that are considered essential for an Estate Plan to be complete: 1) Last Will and Testament, 2) Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, and 3) Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. The majority of our clients also chose Revocable Living Trust. Our firm will create and tailor an Estate Plan for you and your needs and provide additional instructions to ensure that your loved ones are not burdened by having to go through Probate after you’re gone. Every family deserves a plan that protects what matters most, and we’re proud to be a trusted guide in that process.
If you need help protecting your assets and loved ones in the event of death or disability, call us at 301-696-0567 or selfschedule online at www.lenaclarklegal.com.
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