Frederick Magazine - May 2026

Revocable Trusts:

Not Just for the Wealthy

“I am not rich – why would I need a Trust?”

A common misconception we often hear regarding Trusts is that Trusts are only needed by people who have substantial wealth. This could not be further from the truth. If you own a home, when you are gone, your home will likely have to go through Probate, even if you don’t own anything else, before your home can be passed to your loved ones. Not only is Probate very expensive, it will also cause significant delays in the distribution of your assets to your loved ones and can cause them substantial financial uncertainty. Probate will require your Personal Representative to go through a lot of red tape and gather a considerable amount of documentation that must be filed with the court. From getting the Personal Representative approved and appointed, tracking down all the assets that were owned by the loved one who just passed away, and providing a detailed accounting to the court, Probate cases can last up to a year or longer and may require considerable billable time to administer the Estate. We love Probate matters. However, we feel it is our responsibility to alert and inform our clients that Probate is completely avoidable if you plan ahead and take essential, proactive steps.

One purpose of Revocable Trusts is to help your family avoid Probate. By retitling your home and assets into your Trust, your loved ones will not have to endure the lengthy legal process while they are still grieving, saving your family significant money and stress, and ensuring that your assets and belongings are distributed as you wish, in a timely manner. A Trust can also provide you additional control over your assets. You can specify detailed instructions and customize distributions to meet your individual needs which is especially useful if you have any minor beneficiaries or beneficiaries who have special needs.

Our firm will create and specifically tailor a Trust for you and your needs and provide additional instructions to ensure that your loved ones are not burdened by having to go through Probate. No matter the size of your Estate, by creating a Trust, you are protecting your loved ones from having to expend a considerable amount of time and potentially money navigating through the Probate process. If you need help protecting your money and loved ones in the event of death or disability, call us at 301-414-8782 or self-schedule online at www.lenaclarklegal.com.

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Dewees

Joseph Silovich

Editor-in-Chief

Guy Fletcher

Assistant Editor

Nancy Luse

Graphic Designers

Alexandra Barr

Ian Sager

Contributing Writers

Contributing Photographers

Michael DeMattia

David Spence

Mark Youngblood

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Terri Davis / tdavis@fredmag.com

Shawn Dewees / sdewees@fredmag.com

Stephanie Dewees / stephdewees@fredmag.com

Business Development

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Events Calendar and Proofreader

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Find It Inside

TIERRA Y TAZA

The newest entry to Downtown Frederick’s already-abundant coffee cafe scene is Tierra y Taza (translated as “land and cup”), where you can enjoy a mug of a traditionally made Costa Rican brew and a bite to eat of Central American fare.

BY JOSEPH PETERSON / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

PEOPLE TO WATCH

Our annual feature highlights the achievements of five people who are shaping the present (and future) of Frederick County, including contributors in business, the arts, community service and more. Despite the diversity in background and mission, each person shares a passion for what they do and a desire to better their community.

BY GUY FLETCHER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

BATTLING THE NUMBERS

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of deaths in Frederick County, but the introduction of new types of advanced technology—from robotics and 3D imaging to groundbreaking blood tests—is making screening, detection and treatment easier and often more effective.

BY GUY FLETCHER

People to Watch

Guy Fletcher / Editor-In-Chief / gfletcher@fredmag.com

People often ask us how we come up with the names for our annual “People to Watch” story. Like some relationships, it’s complicated.

First, we receive suggestions from readers throughout the year, usually via email, suggesting a friend, coworker or relative they believe would make a great person to watch. The nominator might have a healthy bias, but that doesn’t eliminate the nominee from consideration. We consider and vet these names as seriously as any other.

The other way we come up with people is through their previous contact with the magazine. We might include someone in a story that sparks the idea that they would be an excellent “People to Watch” candidate. This is how we came up with Sara Kephart in this year’s class. Sara is the chef owner of Sara Kep’s Kitchen in

Thurmont and was featured in our “On the Table” section of the magazine last year and immediately on our “People to Watch” radar.

As an aside, one of the happiest parts of my job is informing people they are in “People to Watch” and Sara’s joyful reaction—she said she was in tears—might have been the best I have ever heard in the 18 years of making these phone calls.

Another way we find “People to Watch” candidates is simply being out and about in the community. I had heard retired Frederick Police Department officer Wade Milyard speak to my Rotary Club about his Fresh Step Laundry, a nonprofit that provides mobile laundry

services to homeless people. I knew immediately he was going to be in “People to Watch.”

In some cases, we will reach out to nonprofit organizations, community leaders and other partners and ask for their suggestions. This usually happens in a year when there are too many candidates from the same background (see below) and we need to solicit names from other areas. Putting together the final list sounds easy, but it isn’t. For one thing, Frederick County is filled with former “People to Watch” who are no longer eligible. I once asked someone to be in “People to Watch,” only to be told she had already been honored years before I became editor. Whoops.

We are also looking for a mix of livelihoods, interests and contributions. This is important because we want to show that the things that make someone worthy of our attention can be varied, whether they be in education, agriculture, the arts, business or anything else.

Finally, we want to make sure that the people have geographic diversity. Having everyone in “People to Watch” being from the City of Frederick is not going to work.

So, there you have it—“People to Watch” 101. I hope you enjoy reading about this year’s class, starting on page 28. Do you know someone who should have been on the list? Maybe we can use them in 2027. Let me know.

Have a safe and happy May. FM

What Rising Oil Prices Could Mean for Investors

Ongoing military actions in the Middle East have increased uncertainty for investors. Global tensions like these are not new, and markets have faced many similar events over time. The key question for U.S. investors is how much these events affect the key factors that influence markets, such as job creation, inflation, economic growth, and corporate earnings.

In some cases, geopolitical events have had limited market impact. Military action in Venezuela earlier this year, for example, had little effect because it was short-lived and did not significantly affect economic conditions.

By contrast, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 had more lasting consequences. The conflict disrupted global supplies of energy and agricultural goods, which contributed to a surge in inflation in the U.S. By June 2022, overall inflation was up 9 percent from the previous year. During that period, stock and bond markets struggled for the first nine months of the year before eventually reaching a low point in October.

With oil prices now rising sharply, investors are asking an important question: What should we watch going forward—and how could markets be affected?

Oil Supply Is the Key Issue

The lack of a quick resolution to the current conflict has increased worries about oil production and global shipping routes.

The Middle East remains one of the world’s most important oil-producing regions. The longer the conflict continues, the greater the risk that global oil supplies may face significant disruption.

One particular concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route that carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil. The strait has been effectively closed over the past week. This closure shifts the situation from a potential risk to a real disruption in global oil supply.

The Economic Impact Matters Most

At the end of 2025, inflation had been moderating. This was an encouraging sign for investors hoping the Federal Reserve (Fed) would reduce interest rates later in the year.

However, rising oil prices have raised concerns that inflation could be accelerating again. The most recent report on producer prices—an early measure of inflation—showed that they had already increased at the start of the year, even before the jump in oil prices.

At the same time, the February employment report added another layer of concern: the economy lost 92,000 jobs and the unemployment rate rose to 4.44 percent.

These developments have revived discussions about the risk of stagflation—a period when economic growth slows while inflation remains high. This scenario is often associated with the economic environment of the 1970s.

It is still too early to know whether the current economic outlook will change significantly. The situation in the Middle East is evolving and will continue to be closely watched.

It’s important to note that the U.S. economy is in a very different position than it was in the 1970s. The country is now largely energy independent, and our economy is less dependent on gasoline than it was in past decades. These factors could help moderate the overall impact of rising oil prices.

A Longer-Term Perspective

When markets decline, it’s natural for investors to feel anxious. That reaction is understandable—especially after several strong years for stocks. While the reasons may differ, market pullbacks happen every year. Some are minor; some cause significantly higher volatility. Recent examples include the pandemic, the inflation surge of 2022, and tariff and trade policy announcements last year. Historically, the average annual decline in the stock market is about 14 percent.

Stay the Course

The situation in the Middle East remains fluid. If tensions escalate further, risks could rise. However, well-diversified portfolios built around long-term goals are designed to help navigate a wide range of markets. Periods like this—when volatility increases—are exactly when that long-term approach becomes most important.

UNCOVERED Derby Days

By Amy L. Metzger Hunt / Curator, Heritage Frederick

David Lowenstein was born in Germany in 1845 and emigrated to Baltimore with his family as a child. His family relocated to Frederick in 1862 and later in the 19th century Lowenstein opened a men’s and boy’s clothing store at 9 N. Market St., while his brothers opened a similar establishment in Hagerstown.

Frederick and Clotilda Wertheimer were also from Germany. The couple had first settled in Pennsylvania before moving to Frederick in 1861. The fifth of their nine children, Charles, was born the same year. Charles attended a private school in Frederick and, at the age of 12 in 1873, began working as an errand boy, later assistant, to David Lowenstein. After ten years together, Wertheimer was made a partner in the business that was renamed Lowenstein and Wertheimer. The business continued to flourish as one of Downtown’s most popular clothing and tailoring shops. Following Lowenstein’s death in 1919, Wertheimer continued to operate the business until his retirement in 1922.

Everett Edward Pyles must have purchased this bowler hat as a young man in the final years of Lowenstein and Wertheimer’s operation. As a young man, he worked as a brakeman on the B&O Railroad, traveling between Cumberland and Connellsville, Pa. Pyles married Mary Ursula Gaver, the ninth of Lewis and Minnie Gaver’s fifteen children, in 1926 at her family farm in a community called Church Hill, north of Myersville. They raised their five children in Myersville while Everett Pyles worked as an inspector for the State Highway Administration and at Fairchild Aircraft Industries in Hagerstown.

The bowler style of hat was created in 1849 by London hat-makers Thomas and William Bowler. It is made of hard black felt with a low, rounded crown and a narrow brim. Known as a derby in the United States, the hat became popular in the American West with railroad workers and cowboys because it wouldn’t blow off in a strong wind while on a moving train or traveling on horseback.

This hat was recently donated to Heritage Frederick by Everett Edward Pyles’ grandson.

Loys Station Covered Bridge, one of three historic covered bridges in Frederick County, straddles Owens Creek near Rocky Ridge. FM

Photography By Michael DeMattia

SHOPS

BEAUTY, FITNESS, SALONS & SPAS

Daisy’s Salon

Frederick Wig Company

House of Colour

JKW Beauty toned studio

Unique Studio Hair Salon

GALLERIES / HOME DESIGN

Eastside Artists’ Gallery

Primitive Homespuns Take Root

GIFT SHOPS

Frederick MADE The Lerner Collection

The Little Pottery Shop

WAVELENGTH WEAR

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Diamond Couture Bridal

Footlights

A Perfect Fit Bra Boutique Relove & Rewind Thrift and Vintage Talbots & Talbots Petites

Teresa’s Treasures

CRAFTS & SUPPLIES

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

Parent

Kinetic Artwork Grows on Creek

By Guy Fletcher

The Carroll Creek Kinetic Art Promenade recently added three new sculptures to its dazzling collection of movable artwork that greets locals and visitors walking through Carroll Creek Park.

“Belonging,” designed by Stacey Krantz and her team at In Bloom Jewelry, presents an elegant design that rotates in the breeze, highlighting the seven pillars of Rotary International. The sculpture was sponsored and built by the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek.

“Hoofbeats to Spokes,” created by Tim Beachley and sponsored by Greg Light, captures a horse in mid-trot. The sculpture is intended to embody deliberate movement and inspire nostalgia for a time when travel was

contemplative. (Beachley and Light had previously teamed up for another kinetic sculpture on the creek.)

“The Space Between,” crafted by Creative Metal Design and sponsored by Dave Markey and the Markey family, depicts birds in pursuit of each other. The design leaves a question: Is the largest bird leading, chasing or running from the group of smaller birds?

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the addition of these three remarkable new sculptures to the creek,” says Deb -

orah Power, who chairs the Kinetic Art Promenade project. “Each piece brings its own energy and story, transforming the promenade in a way that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful to our community.”

Started in 2020, the art project invites regional artisans and local sponsors to team up annually to place new creative, interesting and eye-catching kinetic sculptures in Carroll Creek Park. The project is managed by the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek.

“Together, these sculptures elevate Carroll Creek into an even more vibrant destination—one that inspires, engages and reflects the creative spirit of Frederick,” Powell adds.

For more information about the Carroll Creek Kinetic Art Prominade, visit www.carrollcreekkineticart.org.

Teachers Honored

Parkway Elementary literacy specialist Alicia Souder, who champions student achievement, close collaboration with colleagues and a culture of advocacy, is the 2026-27 Frederick County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Souder is in her 21st year as an educator—all at Parkway. “I am honored to celebrate Ms. Souder today, along with the entire Parkway community,” FCPS Superintendent Cheryl L. Dyson said at a surprise ceremony at the school. “In every student’s learning journey, gaining confidence and competence in reading is pivotal. Ms. Souder has made a significant difference in the lives of so many in her school community and beyond.”

At Parkway, Souder is a School Improvement Team member, Literacy Leader team member and Girls on the Run coach. She also facilitates Maryland State Department of Education reading courses and literacy family involvement nights. She teaches adult reading courses at Hood College.

Souder will be the FCPS representative in the Maryland Teacher of the Year program that brings educators from throughout the state together for team building, advocacy opportunities and collaboration. Monocacy Elementary’s ALonna Soward-Puryear is the current Maryland State Teacher of the Year.

The county Teacher of the Year program starts with principals nominating outstanding educators. FCPS leaders, teachers and community members play a crucial role in the evaluation process in naming the Teacher of the Year.

Also recognized recently was Kyler Leiter, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Carroll Manor Elementary School, who is the 2026-27 recipient of the Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award. The award, sponsored by Hood College, is presented annually to honor distinguished teaching in Frederick County Public Schools.

Leiter is in his fourth year as a pre-kindergarten teacher at Carroll Manor Elementary, where he previously served as a kindergarten teacher. He was also a special education instructional assistant at Middletown Primary School.

“In addition to supporting some of our youngest learners, Dr. Leiter is devoted to serving his school and his community in so many different ways,” Dyson said. “I’m so grateful and appreciative of his many contributions to FCPS, and I’m also grateful to Hood College for providing this

opportunity to celebrate teaching in our community.”

Named for a former member of the Hood College faculty who encouraged young people to enter the teaching profession, the Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes a teacher who has had a significant impact on young people. It was established through a gift from the late Samuel Eig of Gaithersburg.

At Carroll Manor, Leiter served as the Pre-K team leader and as a member of the School Improvement Team. He has sponsored and supported several student clubs. In the community, he has coached wrestling for the Carroll Manor Recreation Council and was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care for the Mental Health Association of Frederick.

MURAL FINDS NEW HOME

Regular readers of this section of Frederick Magazine might recall a story from the December 2025 issue that talked about the restoration of a mural that had hung in La Paz since the time the popular Mexican restaurant opened in 1978 until its closing in 2024.

At the time, the mural’s painter, Greg Powell, and the former owner of La Paz, Graham Baker, were searching for a new home for the 8½ -by-3½ depiction of figures soaring, tumbling and traipsing over the planet. Powell and Baker were hoping the mural would find a place in a public building, gallery or anywhere else where it can continue to be enjoyed by many for years to come.

They got their wish.

With an assist from well-connected Fredericktonian Karlys Kline, Powell and Baker were put in touch with officials from the YMCA of Frederick County, who agreed to display the mural in a community room inside their Ausherman Arts Center on East Church Street.

“It’s open to the public anytime the room is not in use,” Powell says. “I think that’s a great home.”

TREE CITY

The City of Frederick has once again earned the Tree City USA designation through the Arbor Day Foundation. Frederick was the first community in Maryland to receive the designation and has held it for 45 years. Frederick also received the Growth Award for demonstrating improved levels of tree care and community engagement.

In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help lessen the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and boost mental and physical health. Trees can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values and lower energy costs for homeowners.

The city is working toward a goal of 40 percent canopy coverage. The Urban Forestry Department planted nearly 1,200 trees in 2025 and cares for about 13,500 street trees each year. Tree Frederick distributed 200 trees to residents

BOF Homework

You might think this is the “slow” season when it comes to our annual “Best of Frederick” readers’ poll. After all, the online poll allowing you to vote for your favorite things about Frederick County won’t open until Sept. 12, coinciding with the annual In the Streets festival.

But guess what? We have a little homework assignment.

Now in its 35th year, “Best of Frederick” is the original “best of” competition in the county, giving readers a chance to weigh in on their favorite restaurants, businesses, entertainment outlets and much more. No nominations, no eliminations, just your votes.

Each year, we take a close look at the 100-plus “Best of Frederick” categories—adding some, cutting others and always trying to keep check on their relevance and popularity. What might have been a trendy category in 2022 could be running out of gas by 2026, kind of like phrases like “running out of gas.”

That’s why we need to hear from you! Let us know what categories you would like to add or remove, so we have a few months to debate them in our offices before the poll opens in September. Please send your suggestions by June 1 to editor@fredmag.com.

for planting in private landscapes in 2025.

“Frederick’s long-standing commitment to urban forestry continues to shape a healthier and more sustainable community. Being recognized for the 45th year highlights the dedication of our staff, partners and residents who work together to strengthen our tree canopy and enhance the quality of life in every neighborhood,” says Mayor Michael O’Connor.

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KEYS RETURN

The Frederick Keys celebrated their return to affiliation with the Baltimore Orioles and the continuing $39.1 million renovation of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium with an opening week of festivities.

TEXTILE RECYCLING

From blankets that were chewed up by their dogs to fashions that were no longer fashionable, people brought their unwanted textiles to a collection recently at The Common Market. Also sponsored by the Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling, the drive was designed to keep fabrics out of the landfill.

ARTS COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Hosted by DeepNTact and Artspiration Frederick, Dance for Good: On that One Night was held at Frederick Social, 50 Citizens Way. The fundraiser benefiting local arts featured a high-energy DJ and plenty of dancing.

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CATOCTIN AFFAIR

The 28th Annual Catoctin Affair was once again a party with a purpose. The evening of advocacy and celebration for the work provided in the community by the Mental Health Association. More than $250,000 was raised for the organization, allowing MHA to continue providing critical mental health resources to those who need them most. www.fcmha.org

BLACK EDUCATORS MURAL

Pedestrians and drivers traveling down West

All Saints Street will notice a new mural honoring Frederick County’s first formal school for African American students, located nearby at 170 W. All Saints St. Painted by artist Rafael Blanco, the mural depicts the original school building with three figures: Maurice Reid, principal of the first Black high school; Esther Grinage, a longtime educator instrumental in early childhood education for Black students; and John Bruner, supervisor of Black schools in the county.

Photos courtesy Marie Rose

SOUTH JEFFERSON STREET AND WEST PATRICK STREET

The members of this year’s “People to Watch” class, like those from years before, are diverse in their backgrounds, missions and purpose, but they all share one common trait: passion. Whether they are working to improve the local arts scene, helping the less fortunate or building a business, they are all passionate about what they do and enjoy sharing their vision for a better community. Their passions are making Frederick County a better place and makes each of them worth watching this year and beyond. Read more about them on the following pages.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

Anative of Brooklyn, N.Y., Catherine Dorsey moved to Frederick to be with her now-husband, Corey. In addition to her job as director of operations for Beyond Shelter, which provides emergency assistance to the homeless community, she co-founded Soul Street, a nonprofit that works to empower and advocate for the Black business community in Frederick through outreach, education, advocacy and events. When she isn’t working or taking care of her family (which now includes two children), she loves to sing, write and get lost in a good book.

FM: What is Soul Street and why is it needed?

CATHERINE: Many have heard me say this but the Small Business Administration reports that 20 percent of new businesses fail within their first year while 30 percent fail in their second year. In comparison, it is reported that 80 percent of Blackowned businesses fail within their first 18 months. Without the support, education and resources, Black-owned businesses are more likely to fail and Soul Street endeavors to fill that gap. Since our inception, Soul Street has hosted more than 100 businesses at our markets, and we often hear how people didn’t even know that many Black-owned businesses existed in Frederick. We aim to create visibility, viability and support, and help to generate revenue for long-term success for the businesses we serve. We are excited to be partnering with the Downtown Frederick Part-

DORSEY

nership to open their first retail incubator which will showcase underrepresented businesses and provide ongoing support and training for the vendors and improve and increase the diversity of Downtown Frederick.

FM: Tell us about your role as director of operations for Beyond Shelter, where you have worked for 11 years

CATHERINE: Beyond Shelter provides emergency shelter and emergency financial assistance for those who are homeless and most at risk of becoming homeless. My job is to oversee our grants, program outcomes, activities and deliverables and day to day operations. Despite being a supervisor, you may often find me meeting with clients and still acting in a case management role.

FM: Tell us something people might not know about you.

CATHERINE: Besides my full-time job, being mommy to two, a wife, and board president to Soul Street, I also serve on the Leadership Advisory Council for Family Connects and the CHIP (Community Health Improvement Plan) Committee through Frederick County’s Health Department Black Maternal Health Initiative, and I am taking classes to become a breastfeeding specialist. Despite all of that, I always feel that I can be doing it better or that there’s always ways for me to improve and show up in meaningful ways.

FM: What inspires you?

CATHERINE: My family is my biggest source of inspiration, especially my late grandmother. She was born in the 1920s in Alabama and faced racial discrimination, even when she moved to New York, but she never let that stop her. She was a fighter, even filing EEO complaints so that she could get a job that matched her qualifications (which she did). When I think of the adversity that she and her brothers had to overcome, and did, that inspires me. Fighting the good fight, fighting for justice and equity and the dismantling of systems that breed oppression and contribute to the disparities we see, especially in the Black community, that inspires me.

FM: What do you love about Frederick County?

CATHERINE: Frederick is a beautiful place. It’s spring right now and you see the flowers blooming and the trees and the colors, it’s so vibrant and I absolutely love that about Frederick. Fall is another favorite with the turning of the leaves. But beyond that, Frederick has good in it. When I look at Frederick and so many of the people in it, and the organizations and even the churches, they want to help, they want to give back, they want to serve. I always say, no one should go hungry in Frederick. There are so many services available for people in need, and I love that and I hope we can continue to do that.

DODSON

When Frederick native Liz Dodson moved to Rocky Ridge with her family in 2002, she had no idea she had started a path toward brewing and selling kombucha, a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast, lauded for its health benefits. Today, she is known simply as The Kombucha Lady and her products can be found at farmers markets and stores throughout the county and beyond..

FM: How did you become The Kombucha Lady?

LIZ: When we built our home and established our gardens and barns, I was interested in finding a market to sell some of our healthy and homegrown creations. I started with sourdough bread, herbs and veggies. But I longed for a more creative and unique product, so I started experimenting with flavors of kombucha. I had fallen in love with the bubbly gut-loving goodness of kombucha and was making my own brews. These experiments were a hit with friends and family, so we took the steps to get licensed and legit and it has not slowed down since 2016. My background, education and love are gardening and herbs, so I integrated the berries that we grow right here on the homestead with herbs for tasty and healthy combinations. My kombucha has to look beautiful to the eye, in my opinion, and be more of an experience than just some health drink. So, each jar is a work of art.

FM: Why drink kombucha?

LIZ: Why not?! So good for you! Kombucha is an ancient health elixir with many proven benefits for the body. It is basically fermented tea, so low sugar and low pH. The healthy probiotics support gut health, help immunity, boost energy naturally and curb sugar cravings. Our kombucha is set apart for several reasons. I use all organic and highest quality teas. I only use ingredients I either grow myself, can find locally or purchase from organic sources. I only sell what I would serve my own family. Anoth -

er reason for our unique flavor profile is the source of water. Our farm is blessed with a 300-foot well and the water is very full of natural minerals that ferment amazingly. Even if you just sip a few ounces a day, your body will thank you. I have noticed less allergies, a more resilient immune system, and a healthy and happy gut. Just a better outlook on life.

FM: What inspires you?

LIZ: Number 1, my loyal and kind customers. The compliment I get most often is, “This is the best kombucha I ever tasted!” I never get tired of hearing it and it keeps me happily plugging along at 63 years old. I’m inspired when I hit on another amazing fla -

vor combination with locally sourced ingredients. I get inspired and super humbled when someone stops me on the street and says, “Hey, we love your kombucha!” or stand in line behind someone with my jars in their cart.

FM: What do you love about Frederick County?

LIZ:: Frederick is my home county, and it’s such a good feeling to be a part of the community, contributing to the well-being of my neighbors. So, I love the people, the seasons, the soil that produces our ingredients, the small towns, the local farms and the country lifestyle we have created here in Rocky Ridge.

Clark Kline grew up lost in movies and books, stumbling around Wonder Book and Video’s aisles as a kid. He now serves as its CIO, working out of a 130,000-square-foot warehouse surrounded by millions of books. He is also a writer who got bit by the filmmaking bug in the early 2000s and helped make a handful of movies on MiniDV tapes with fellow filmmaker Joey McAdams before co-founding the 72 Film Fest that challenges filmmakers to create a movie in three days.

FM: How did 72 Film Fest become SilverVox?

CLARK: After 20 years, [72 Film Fest co-founder] Tim DeFoggi and I started talking about what 72 Film Fest looks like after us, and we wanted to make sure there was an organization in place to keep it alive. During the brainstorm of forming SilverVox, before we even had a name, Tim, [current SilverVox board chair] Carrie Delente and I discussed the long-term dream of bringing a SXSW/Sundance-type festival here and it clicked. SilverVox can be both, supporting homegrown artists throughout the year while we build toward the Big Fest.

KLINE

FM: What are the plans for growing?

CLARK: SilverVox Film and Music Festival debuts this June in what we’re internally calling Year Zero: Film Premieres, national and local bands, industry talks and activations all over Downtown and beyond—a vibrant celebration of storytelling and music. Where we want to be in three years is spreading into more venues all across Frederick and expanding into other performing arts. For us it’s all about collaboration with the community and highlighting what’s already here—the people, performers and spaces—and doing our part to make Frederick an even bigger destination for the arts and industry.

FM: How rewarding is this?

CLARK: I love helping to build sandboxes that others can play in. Watching the filmmakers evolve from first timers to seasoned pros, and seeing how much the community has grown since 72 Film Fest started makes it all worth it. Everything felt like such an uphill battle when I was starting out—trying to get my work seen or read—and a lot of what drives me and the SilverVox/72 team is playing that role for the next wave of artists, giving them a stage and a platform to connect, maybe a spark to create something new.

FM: What inspires you?

CLARK:There’s nothing quite like that moment when the lights go down—that electric charge when a room full of people anticipates and locks into the same experience together. A movie, album, play, making something out of nothing is hard. It can take years or even decades—unless, of course, you only have 72 hours. But what inspires me most are the folks who keep pushing and don’t let the fear of failure prevent them from chasing their passion. Some of my favorite filmmakers have duds within their filmography, or disappeared for 20 years, or poured everything into a project only to scrap it forever before they turned around and made a masterpiece.

FM: What do you love about Frederick County?

CLARK: I was born here and lived in Frederick for most of my life and I’d say the creative community is a big reason why I’ve stayed. The SilverVox team, collaborators and partners are a perfect reflection of that, and I couldn’t be more excited about what we’re building.

KEPHART

Sa ra Kephart graduated from Tuscarora High School and Career & Technology Center’s Culinary Arts program in 2016 before earning her bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. She is now the chef owner of Sara Kep’s Kitchen in Thurmont. When she isn’t creating meals for delivery or catering, you’ll be able to find her at Bible study, leading two Girl Scout troops or working on her American Sign Language certificate at Frederick Community College.

FM: Tell us about Sara Kep’s Kitchen:

SARA: Sara Kep’s Kitchen is a meal delivery and catering service, serving Frederick County and beyond. Each Monday we release a new menu and receive orders throughout the week. Meals are prepared the following Monday to be delivered on Tuesday. Our meal delivery offers two different family-style dinner bundles and 16 individually portioned fully cooked meal preps. We accommodate lots of dietary restrictions including vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and low-sodium. All of our catering menus are fully customizable to fit your exact needs and dietary restrictions. Oh, and we can’t forget about Wendy, our refrigerated vending machine that sits right outside of our kitchen. She’s stocked with fresh-made subs, sandwiches, chicken and fruit salad, and lots of our homemade cookies and desserts. She’s always open so swing by at any time.

FM: How can you make healthier meals?

SARA: When I develop new meal prep recipes, I try to keep the meal as something familiar, but make small adjustments to increase protein and lower the amount of carbs. Simple swaps like cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, or half mayo and half yogurt instead of just mayo are my go-to calorie savers. But when it comes to things like bacon, we don’t substitute for “turkey bacon”—we just use portion control! Using one strip of bacon instead of two or three decreases fat and calories while still providing a smoky and salty crunch.

FM: How rewarding is this?

SARA: My business is rewarding for me because I get to use the gifts God has given me to serve others in a practical way. Whether I’m providing a healthy meal for an elderly person, giving parents more time to play with their

instead of cooking, or helping someone celebrate an accomplishment, it means so much to me to be able to use my blessings to make someone’s life a little easier. I’ve always believed food is the best way to make someone feel loved and cared for, and I’m honored to be able to do that through my work.

FM: What inspires you?

SARA: I am truly inspired by men and women who work in agriculture. It started as just going to pick up my local meat, dairy and veggies for work. But week after week I would see the farmers waking up before the rest of the world, working in all weather conditions, caring for sick animals with compassion, promoting and selling their product and still making sure their customers are taken

care of. They inspire me to bring the same level of effort, integrity and consistency into my business.

FM: What do you love about Frederick County?

SARA: Our public library system, the Career & Technology Center, lots of agriculture including The Great Frederick Fair, the culinary scene, hiking trails in the mountains and all of the unique small businesses spread over the county are on my list. But what I love the most is meeting someone new and finding out they played baseball for my grandpa or went to Thomas Johnson High School with my parents and ask if my mom still has her big ‘80s hair and my dad still has his mullet (unfortunately, neither of them do).

Wade Milyard was born and raised in Frederick County, where he developed a lifelong commitment to service and community. Two years ago, when nearing retirement from the Frederick City Police Department, he founded Fresh Step Laundry, a nonprofit that provides mobile laundry services to the homeless. By the end of last year, Fresh Step completed 3,100 pounds of laundry for individuals in need. And it’s just getting started.

FM: How did you start Fresh Step Laundry and why is it needed?

WADE: I began Fresh Step Laundry in July of 2024, just prior to my retirement from the Frederick Police Department, after hearing from God to ask unhoused people about how they completed their laundry. Clean laundry for our neighbors is not always easy for various reasons. There are barriers such as location of services and costs of running the machines in a traditional laundromat. This is combined with individual obstacles, which may include addiction and/or mental health conditions.

MILYARD

FM: What are the plans for growing your services?

WADE: Currently we are looking to expand our mission by adding a second vehicle that would be specifically responsible for doing laundry for the unhoused children in Frederick County Public Schools. We are also looking for a small garage space that we could use to store the vehicles and supplies. This would help our service to consistently operate, even in the coldest months and not having to shut down. Longer term, we are hoping to have operations in other neighboring counties.

FM: How rewarding is this?

WADE: Being a part of Fresh Step and knowing that this is where God wants me to be in this chapter of my life is rewarding. Seeing the success of our clients with getting jobs or fighting addictions is inspiring. The greatest reward is building relationships with clients and getting to know them on a more personal level—hearing their stories and sharing my faith to help them know they are not alone.

FM: What inspires you?

WADE: God, my wife and my family inspire me to keep doing everything we can to help bring dignity back one person, one load of laundry at a time. Also, I am especially inspired by the local nonprofit community and how they seem to all be able to work together and are so willing to help whenever they can.

FM: What do you love about Frederick?

WADE: Frederick is where I was born and where I had the privilege of serving to help better the community in my role as a police officer. The entire county is a beautiful place to raise a family, with a strong sense of community, rich history and a shared dedication to making it even better for future generations.

FM

Culture Critique

City Completes First-Ever Public Art Conservation Plan

By Eric Looney / Photography by Mark Youngblood

With larger-than-life murals on walls and bridges, statues from a fisherman to a fashion designer, and sculptures both abstract and familiar, public art is deeply entrenched in Frederick’s culture. But being exposed to the elements can take its toll and many of the outdoor exhibits around the city have fallen into various states of disrepair over the years.

Combating the realities of time is the city’s first public art conservation assessment, which closely examined the publicly owned artwork in the city—from the Baker Park Bandshell and Bentz Street Dog Park mural to the Becky the Calf statue near Carroll Creek and the Clarke Fountain in front of City Hall.

The city routinely organizes a commission to outline the status of public art and its maintenance, but one missing piece had been a detailed report on the preservation of every piece of artwork. “Members of the previous public art commission had tried to get a conservation assessment, but it’s challenging,” explains Laila Jadallah, manager of arts and culture for the city. That commission recognized an organizational challenge and recommended creating Jadallah’s position, which provides aid and support for broader arts and culture in the city, but also included the conservation survey.

The city’s first public art conservation assessment closely examined the publicly owned artwork in the city—from the Bentz Street Dog Park mural to the sign language art bike rack near the Downtown train station.

“Basically, we’re catching up to what should be done as good stewards of having a public art collection.” explains Jadallah.

Public art refers to any artwork meant for display among the people, and it’s important both as a tourist attraction and as a vibrant backdrop to Frederick citizens’ lives. Beyond the murals and statues are a decorative clock, nature sculptures and even a bike rack. SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, has ranked Frederick in the top 10 of the most art-vibrant cities for ten years in a row.

Nineteen pieces of public art, created from 1808 to 2023, were evaluated in the city’s Condition Assessment and Conservation Plan. The art has been ranked on a scale from excellent to poor—technically “serious,” but none of the works have degraded that badly—as well as given a priority assessment from low to high. High treatment priority has been given to Becky the Calf, Clarke Fountain and the Baker Park entrance sculpture, among others.

The issues involved are as varied as the pieces themselves, with cracked and faded paint, insect nesting, water damage and corrosion.

“There’s no specific budget for the restorations,” says Jadallah. “The next step from the assessment is I need to get estimates for repairs, starting with the most urgent ones, and [the survey] allows me to figure out how to get the funding. Maintenance is a big part of public art and that’s an important part and a reason why a lot of cities are working to build funding specifically for that.”

Jadallah explains that a report of this detail should ideally be completed every few years.

“My experience so far has been that people are proud that Frederick is known for its public art and that they would like to see more of it,” says Jadallah. “A big goal for the city is that we expand where public art lives. So, it’s not just in our Downtown, but it touches other parts of the city that have long been asking for it. I think people are hoping that Frederick keeps its character.”

Nineteen pieces of public art, created from 1808 to 2023, were evaluated in the city’s Condition Assessment and Conservation Plan. The statue of fly fisherman Lefty Kreh was categorized as being in “good” condition.

Basically, we’re catching up to what should be done as good stewards of having a public art collection. “ ”

—Laila Jadallah, manager of arts and culture, City of Frederick

artsy SPOTLIGHT

New Public Art in Middletown

The Frederick Arts Council and the Town of Middletown have commissioned artist James Peterson for “Seed,” as part of the Middletown Gateway Project, designed to create a dynamic, welcoming visual landmark at the entrance to downtown at 650 W. Main St. After a year of community outreach, meetings between committee members, curatorial input, vigorous artist interviews and partnerships, Peterson was chosen from among more than 180 applicants.   “The artwork is designed to reflect the community’s identity, history and vision for the future. This installation will serve as a symbol of civic pride and artistic excellence. The artwork is one in a series of commissioned Gateway pieces that welcome people to Frederick County and that help forge our identity in a way that is memorable and unique,” says Louise Kennelly, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council.

“We are excited to acquire ‘Seed’ that points to Middletown’s agricultural roots and also lights the way toward Middletown’s dynamic future,” says Middletown Burgess John Miller.

This gateway into downtown is seen by hundreds of commuters and visitors each day. The site will act as a visual anchor, with construction scheduled to begin this year.

Sponsors include Miller, Ausherman Family Foundation, Frederick County, Lancaster Craftsmen Builders, Middletown Valley Bank, Thompson Best Heating and Air Conditioning, Draper & McGinley, Jerry and Beverly Donald, Sharon and Dan Kuebbing, and Robert and Pam Robey.

One Maryland One Book Selection Named

No Sense in Wishing: Essays on Black Music, Belonging, and Baltimore by Lawrence Burney is this year’s selection by Maryland Humanities for its One Maryland One Book program, designed to bring together diverse people in communities across the state through the shared experience of reading the same book.

Released in 2025 by Simon and Schuster, the book is a personal and analytical essay collection taking cue from Burney’s career as a culture writer and critic through which he looks at his home city of Baltimore, music from throughout the global Black diaspora and the traditions that raised him, offering perspective on the people, places, music and art that transformed him.

Burney cites inspiration for the book as the music artists he’s grown up with and listened to throughout his life, which he sees as ways to become familiar with the unfamiliar—the cities and regions they come from, the loves and pains they’ve experienced, and the aspirations and insecurities that live within them. “All of those factors,” he says, “create an opportunity for connection.”

Through each essay, readers are invited to traverse not only Burney’s own journeys across the world but also consider their own through the music, art and culture they’ve encountered. “No Sense in Wishing is a personal and moving read, and I look forward to seeing how it sparks meaningful conversations across Maryland,” says Lindsey Baker, CEO of Maryland Humanities. Author events will be scheduled in the coming months. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

Dr. Wayne Allgaier

Decades before Brunswick’s current revitalization, Dr. Wayne Allgaier and his wife Vicki arrived in town to establish a medical practice and a place to raise their children. Some 50 years later, his contributions to Brunswick and Frederick County are immeasurable, whether in the form of patient house calls that he made until his retirement or in significant public service that he continues to this day.

Scott: What prompted you to practice medicine in Brunswick?

Wayne: I was 29 years old when my two-year tour as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy ended. My wife and I were looking for a small town where I could practice family medicine and raise our family. My father-inlaw had recently moved his small business to Brunswick and invited me to come take a look. Brunswick was looking for a doctor and we fell in love with the city.

Scott: How would you describe Brunswick in 1974?

Wayne: It was a small, close-knit community made up largely of families who had been around for several generations. Most of the downtown storefronts were occupied and active. Brunswick was beginning to undergo changes as the railroad, which had been the main employer of the town, was moving its operations elsewhere. Several small housing developments were springing up and the people moving in were largely commuting to the Washington, D.C., area to work.

Scott: How was raising your family in Brunswick?

Wayne: We had six children, all of whom attended public schools

By Scott Grove

and received a good education as evidenced by their subsequent careers. It was through our children and their activities in the schools that we were able to develop friendships with many other great families. And we had great support through our involvement with the local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Scott: Can you talk about your medical practice?

Wayne: Our first four years in Brunswick, I practiced as a solo practitioner. Over time, five other physicians joined the practice and we were later joined by a number of physician assistants and nurse practitioners. It was quite a busy practice for a small town, but we also served the surrounding community. I enjoyed making house calls. I had hoped to follow the example of some other local family doctors by continuing until I died, but there were many changes in the way medicine was practiced, meaning computerization, Medicare, Medicaid and insurance company restrictions. I decided to retire at the age of 65. The practice continues to serve the local population with other providers.

Scott: You kept your medical license after retirement. Why? Wayne: Mostly to be able to treat family members and close friends, but only for minor uncomplicated issues. This was also useful as I served two two-year medical missions for my church in addition to a two-year stint locally with Mission of Mercy.

Scott: Mission of Mercy is just one in a long list of volunteer experiences you’ve had in Frederick County.

Wayne: I’ve had lots of involvement with the City of Brunswick, even while I was practicing, including being on the City Council. In addition to the two medical missions for our church, there have been missions serving in the temple in Helsinki, Finland, and volunteering with the nonprofit National Council For Adoption in Alexandria, Va. Currently, I am chairman of the Brunswick Main Street Design Committee, board member of the Park Heights Cemetery, vice president of BEACON, which manages Brunswick’s Food Bank and Emergency Relief Fund, and other projects to help the underprivileged. I chair the Brunswick History Commission and twice a week I volunteer at the church temple in Washington, a special privilege.

Scott: What are the primary goals of Brunswick’s History Commission?

Wayne: Its goals are to collect and preserve documents regarding Brunswick’s history and to make this information available to the public. The public is invited to our weekly history discussions at the Brunswick train station. We have a website with a great deal of information available at brunswickmdhistory.com. Recently we installed five historic designation signs at local sites as well as a 15-footlong timeline display illustrating Brunswick’s history, currently at the Brunswick City Library.

Scott: What would you say is the most important volunteer accomplishment you’ve achieved?

Wayne: Perhaps organizing the History Commission’s collection of books, papers and pictures, which were in much disarray when we moved to our current train station location three years ago. It is an ongoing process and very satisfying.

Scott: Briefly, how would you describe the state of medicine today, with all the advances, technology and automation?

Wayne: I will be polite and just say, “It’s different.” Much better in many ways, but more complicated and often less personal than it used to be. When I started practicing, office calls were $8; house calls, which I enjoyed and which were common, were $12. My office staff consisted of a receptionist and a nurse. Billing was taken care of by my receptionist. It was often cash, although insurance companies were playing more and more of a role. Once, I was paid with a large can of homemade potato chips when I completed a house call. If you have visited a doctor recently, I

don’t think I need to tell you how it is different today.

Dr. Wayne Allgaier, 83, was born in Arlington, Va., and graduated from the George Washington University School of Medicine before completing his internship in Salt Lake City, Utah. He and his wife Vicki have been married for 57 years and have six children, 25 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is a past recipient of the Good Samaritan Award, presented by Frederick Health. Scott Grove is the owner of Grove Public Relations, LLC., a marketing and advertising firm. His work also includes interpretive planning and exhibit design for museums and historic sites. For more info, visit www.scottrgrove.com.

Once, I was paid with a large can of homemade potato chips when I completed a house call. “ ”

—Dr. Wayne Allgaier

It might feel impersonal, even cold, when a discussion about cancer is reduced to an assortment of statistics, but the numbers tell a difficult story.

By the end of this year, there will be more than 2.1 million new cancer cases in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. In Frederick County, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, accounting for roughly one in four fatalities, according to data from the Maryland Department of Health and the National Cancer Institute.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death both in the county and nationally. Frederick County has seen higher-than-average rates of late-stage lung cancer, with the population being more exposed to risks such as:

• Higher radon levels than the rest of the state;

• Smoking history;

• Delayed screenings, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; and

• Access gaps due to cost and availability, which historically required travel and accommodations to Baltimore or Washington, D.C., for specialized care.

In addition, the county is experiencing a rapid growth in its aging population, which brings with it increased cancer risk. By 2030, the number of residents aged 60 and above is expected to exceed 82,000, a 72 percent increase since 2015.

For decades, leading-edge cancer care has been concentrated in a handful of elite academic medical centers in the region. Patients often traveled outside of Frederick County to Baltimore or Washington for access to the newest diagnostics and treatments.

But since 2020, advanced cancer technology has been steadily decentralizing, bringing necessary innovation and accessibility to advanced cancer care to Frederick County. And with new investments in technology and infrastructure at community health systems like Frederick Health, local residents now have more advanced options for cancer care and prevention than in previous years.

ROBOTICS AND 3D IMAGING

A lung biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed to be examined under a microscope to diagnose infections, inflammation or lung cancer. Traditionally, this has been done by inserting a needle through the chest wall or through a bronchoscopy, in which a physician manually guides a camera-equipped, flexible tube through the mouth and into the airways. These methods often carry higher complication rates, require overnight hospital stays, and are less accurate for smaller, deep-seated lesions.

Frederick Health’s James M Stockman Cancer Institute

But with the implementation of the Ion robotic lung biopsy system and 3D fluoroscopy, Frederick Health physicians can precisely sample tissue with increased accuracy in an outpatient procedure, reducing complications and costs for patients.

The Ion robotic lung biopsy system is a minimally invasive technology used to biopsy small, hard-to-reach nodules in the outer regions of the lungs. Physicians use an ultra-thin, steerable catheter and 3D imaging to navigate the airways and can precisely sample nodules as small as a grape.

The 3D fluoroscopy creates three-dimensional images of the patient’s lungs in real time during these minimally invasive procedures. With these two technologies combined, Frederick Health physicians are navigating complex lung structures with increased precision, detecting even smaller nodules—as small as an apple seed—in lungs earlier, and performing targeted biopsies with greater accuracy.

As a result, Frederick Health is detecting nearly 40 percent of lung cancers at Stage 1, surpassing the national average of 27 percent.

NEW TREATMENTS

While ION and 3D fluoroscopy are being used at Frederick Health to detect lung cancer earlier, there have also been innovations in the way patients are being treated for lung cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer.

Unresectable cancer that cannot be completely removed through surgery, often due to its location, involvement with vital blood vessels or extensive spread, is typically treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or both.

For certain cancers, these treatments can now be combined with Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), a virtually non-invasive therapy used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer without additional side effects. The treatment involves using low-intensity electrical fields delivered through a wearable device to disrupt cancer cell division.

The pretzel-shaped intravesical gemcitabine system delivers chemotherapy directly into the bladder.

The Ion robotic biopsy system allows physicians to use a controller that steers a catheter into hard-to-reach areas of the lungs.

Unlike chemotherapy and immunotherapy, TTFields can discriminate between a healthy cell and a cancerous cell, preserving the patient’s health while killing off cancerous tissue.

In early 2026, TTFields was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This is the first FDA-approved advancement in treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer in more than 30 years.

For many patients, TTFields provides an additional option where few previously existed.

“This is a life-extending treatment for a state of cancer where treatment options have historically been extremely limited,” says Dr. Saro Sarkisian, oncologist and hematologist at Frederick Health.

Sarkisian was the first physician in the United States to be certified to treat pancreatic cancer patients with TTFields. He also has the most clinical experience in the region in treating non-small cell lung cancer with the technology.

“With this innovation, Frederick Health can now provide a new way to help extend life for our cancer patients without adding systemic side effects to give the best quality of life possible,” he says.

Last September, the FDA approved pharmaceutical developer Johnson & Johnson’s unique treatment for bladder cancer: an intravesical gemcitabine delivery system. The pretzel-shaped device delivers chemotherapy directly into the bladder, providing sustained drug release over time. This method has been shown to increase comfort for the patient by minimizing systemic side effects.

“This is the first and only system approved to deliver chemotherapy this way,” says Dr. Heather Chalfin, a Frederick Health urologic oncologist and surgeon, who administered the first intravesical gemcitabine delivery system in the state just a month after FDA approval. “It offers options for patients whose cancer has not responded to traditional treatments.”

3D fluoroscopy creates detailed, real-time images of a patient’s lungs during minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Maurice Smith operating the robotic surgical tools at Frederick Health

Tumor

Treating Fields

(TTFields) uses low-intensity electricity delivered through a wearable device.

BETTER DETECTION

With increased risks of cancer still prevalent in Frederick County, it is important to take preventative action early. That includes getting screened for cancer.

A cancer screening is a medical test (or series of tests) conducted by a physician to detect the disease before symptoms show, which is when it is most treatable. While there are many different types of cancer screenings for individual cancers, advancements in blood tests have allowed certain cancers to be detected through a single blood draw.

Frederick Health became the second site in the state to receive access to the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test, which can screen more than 50 types of cancer often before symptoms appear.

The test screens for a unique “fingerprint” of cancer from DNA fragments shed from cancer cells. With a single blood draw, patients can be simultaneously screened for both common and rare cancers, including kidney, pancreatic, stomach and bone malignancies. This type of screening represents a major leap forward in early cancer detection, especially for cancers that currently lack routine screening methods such as pancreatic cancer.

In conjunction with typical routine screenings, physicians can detect aggressive cancers in patients before they become symptomatic, vastly improving outcomes.

IMPROVING THE ODDS

With increased access to advanced cancer detection and treatment at Frederick Health, the county is emerging as a regional example of how technology-driven cancer care is making an impact outside major metropolitan hubs.

For patients, access to these advancements has already translated into reduced costs for higher quality care, earlier detection rates and improved treatment outcomes.Early detection continues to be one of the most significant factors in improving cancer outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, cancers identified at an early stage are often more treatable and associated with significantly improved survival rates as high as 90 percent.

This shift toward earlier diagnosis allows for more timely intervention and expands the range of effective treatment options available to patients residing in the region.

Direct access to advanced treatment options also plays a critical role in reducing cancer-related mortality. When patients can receive specialized therapies within their own community, delays in care are minimized and treatment adherence often improves. FM

Klatch and Kids

Crybaby Cafe Engages Parents, Children

By Naomi Pearson / Photography by Mark Youngblood

MIDDLETOWN—Inspired by the play cafes in Europe and Australia, along with toy libraries in the United States, Cherie Laubert recently launched Crybaby Cafe, a place for parents to caffeinate, relax and interact with each other without the eyes of judgment on them if their kiddos want to play or get a bit noisy in a sort of tot-friendly mini community center.

Originally set to open in the summer of 2025 on Grove Road in Frederick, complications with permits and zoning forced Laubert into a search for a new location, which she found near the crossroads of Main and Church streets in historic Middletown.

With a Valentine’s Day opening, the cafe has been off to a solid start, hosting weekly and monthly events and classes: mama meet ups, dad meet ups, mommy and me yoga, family movie night, movie matinees, CPR class, arts and craft sessions, and more to come.

It begs the question: Is Crybaby Cafe meant for kids or for adults? The answer is yes. “We’re a place where kids are accepted and expected,” says Laubert.

The business actually feels kind of like an open-concept home, with the living spaces flowing into one another, yet discretely defined, decorated in relaxing shades of seafoam green and blues with earthy organic wood browns. Natural light pours in from floor-to-ceiling windows at the front.

Crybaby Cafe includes spaces for youngsters to read, play games and have fun, while their parents can have coffee and a snack.

“You can walk in and just exhale,” says parent Cameron Harris. “You don’t have to always be on high alert. For us, there’s only three places like that: at home, at grandma’s and at Crybaby.”

The cafe offers custom Crybaby blend drip coffee from a regional roaster, cold beverages (coffee, soda and juice), packaged snacks and treats from a local bakery in Hagerstown, plus complimentary WiFi.

Highchairs, table-mounted chairs and other baby seating options are also available for use in the two seating areas—one with round tables and chairs and a sofa and the other with bench seating and round tables right next to the gated, shoe-free play area.

Across from the play space, shelves hold a curated assortment of toys and books organized by age, mostly geared to the kindergarten and younger set, but also contain toys and board games that can appeal to and engage schoolage kids. For a small fee, kids can play with any of the toys on the shelves.

The full inventory of the toy library is nearly 300 items available to borrow, three to five at a time, through membership programs that include unlimited play at the cafe. Laubert cleans the toys, play area, and the entire shop throughout the day.

Laubert also included touches that probably only a parent would think of, like bits of whimsy for sharp little eyes to discover: fairy doors, reading mice and tiny figurines peeking out from greenery. Even a photo booth is located near the front door, a favorite of cafe regular Kate Reif’s preschooler, when he isn’t serving his mother pretend custom drinks from the toy coffee station.

Many of the cafe’s visitors have already become regulars who have also connected with each other, making friends and setting up playdates at the cafe.

“They’re building a community for adults, as parents can sometimes feel isolated,” says parent Katie Harris.

Complications with permits and zoning in Frederick required Cherie Laubert to pivot and locate her business in the center of Middletown.

You can walk in and just exhale. You don’t have to always be on high alert. “ ”

—Cameron Harris, parent

biz bites

BUSINESS

Brass & Copper Closing

“My job was more than a job; it was an obsession. I took things that were broken and gave them new life. I took something ugly and made it beautiful again. I loved what I did, and I always felt rewarded at the end of the day,” says Don Reedy as he prepares to close his business on South Carroll Street.

The Brass & Copper Polishing Shop, where lamps were also repaired, was started by Reedy’s father, Thomas, in 1952. The son quickly became a fixture in the shop at age 8, and when he graduated from Frederick High School in 1974, his father “handed me the keys and said, ‘Here, it’s yours.’” He took the

Gilbert’s Shuttering after 59 Years

Countless deep-fat fryers, mixing bowls and spoons, baking sheets and even spanking white chef coats have gone out the doors of Gilbert’s Restaurant Equipment & Supplies to restaurants, fire halls, American Legions, churches and home cooks in the 59 years of the family business. But a changing economy, including more people buying their supplies and equipment online, has prompted a move to close the business on East Patrick Street next to the Frederick Fairgrounds.

“It was a tough decision,” says Josh Thumma, vice president of the operation that was started by his grandparents, Lloyd and Betty Gilbert. More recently it’s been run by Thumma and his uncle, Brian Gilbert, who served as president, along with Thumma’s wife and brother.

lessons learned from his father and maintained a thriving business that attracted customers from Washington, D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania in addition to a loyal local following. Reedy, 69, is retiring from business. He and his wife plan to spend six months in Frederick and six months at a home in Florida, proudly showing pictures on his phone of the new house and swimming pool. Since announcing the store’s closing, people have been dropping by to offer congratulations and quite a few, he says, “ask me, ‘Now where am I going to take my stuff?’ I honestly feel bad,” but the repair business unfortunately is disappearing with few to take up the reins. The store building, across the street from where the new Downtown hotel is being built, is for sale.

“I really enjoyed it,” Thumma says. “The day-to-day was wonderful. We met a lot of people,” that will be missed. He’s planning to take a month off after the store closes, then find a job “where I show up, do what needs to be done and leave.”

Manufacturing Firm Relocating to Frederick

Epiq Solutions, an Illinois-based technology and manufacturing company, is set to move approximately 90 employees and an office in Carroll County to a Frederick business park this fall, with plans to hire nearly a dozen more engineering and technician employees.

The company, which creates radio and software equipment for commercial, government and defense industries, will occupy 36,120 square feet of a building at 4744 Acadia Drive in the Arcadia Business Park off Md. 85, south of Frederick, according to St. John Properties, developer of the business park. www.epiqsolutions.com

on tech

BUSINESS

By Jeni Lubbert

What’s New for Electric Bikes and Commuting Tech?

As the weather warms up across Frederick County, more people are looking for ways to get outside, save on gas and make their daily routines a little more enjoyable. Electric bikes, once seen as a niche product, have become a practical, everyday commuting solution. And the technology behind them is getting even more interesting.

One of the biggest shifts is in battery performance and range. Newer e-bike models are pushing well beyond the typical 20-to-40-mile range, with some offering 60 miles or more on a single charge. For commuters traveling from neighborhoods into Downtown Frederick—or even longer routes—that kind of range makes e-bikes a true car alternative for many days of the week.

At the same time, integrated smart features are becoming standard. Many e-bikes now sync with mobile apps that track rides, monitor battery health and even provide GPS tracking for theft

protection. Some models allow riders to lock or disable the bike remotely, which is an appealing feature if you’re parking near busy areas like Market Street or the MARC Station.

There have also been improvements in comfort and versatility. Step-through frames, wider tires and better suspension systems are making rides smoother and more accessible for a broader range of riders. Cargo e-bikes are gaining popularity for families and small business owners; whether it’s hauling groceries home or making local deliveries, these bikes are proving to be surprisingly capable.

As the e-bikes improve, commuting tech is evolving alongside them. Compact, high-lumen bike lights improve visibility during early-morning or evening rides, while smart helmets now include built-in turn signals and crash detection features that can alert emergency contacts if needed. Even navigation is getting an upgrade, with handlebar-mounted displays offering turn-by-turn directions without needing to check your phone.

Locally, infrastructure is slowly catching up as well. Frederick continues to expand bike-friendly routes and trails, making it easier and safer to incorporate cycling into daily routines. As more people adopt e-bikes, expect to see continued investment in bike lanes, parking and charging solutions.

The bottom line? E-bikes have moved well beyond recreation. They’re becoming a key part of how people commute. With better technology, increased range and smarter features, it is the perfect time to consider whether an e-bike could fit into your routine. You might find that your commute becomes the best part of your day.

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.

Quail Came First

Pickled Egg Enterprise Soon Followed

By Nancy Luse / Photography by Mark Youngblood

Sarah Ardell can’t remember the last time chicken eggs took up space in her refrigerator. She doesn’t need them, not since she started raising quail and collecting their eggs. A little bird—Ardell says they’re the size of a russet potato— the eggs are also small, but mighty.

“They have more nutrition, more protein and vitamins than chicken eggs,” says Ardell, an urban farmer and owner of Linden Hills Homestead. “I love them with ramen.” Growing up in Montgomery County with little to no farming experience, Ardell came to Frederick looking for a lifestyle of sustainability rooted in growing and raising what ends up on her table.

“At first, I wanted chickens, but then I looked into quail. They’re better for a city homestead. The roosters are quiet,” she says. “I think they’re very cute,” and come with feathers of pure white, brown with stripes, silver and ginger. Some quail hobbyists acquire the birds solely based on their appearance, but for Ardell, “I’m more interested in the eggs. Eventually, I want to get into breeding them.”

Already she is building her flock by hatching out her own chicks. “I have a couple of incubators,” she says, and still gets a thrill sitting and watching the tiny quail breaking out of their shells. The birds mature quickly, hens often laying their first eggs as early as five weeks later.

In addition to selling eggs right from the nest, Sarah Ardell has branched into making pickled eggs, all of which are available at farmers markets and by ordering on the Linden Hills Homestead Facebook page.

“It’s so exciting when you get their first egg,” she says, and remind yourself that it came from a bird raised on your own property. They go on to lay an egg every day throughout the year, even in winter, as long as they receive sufficient light.

“I try not to name them,” she says. “It’s better not to get too attached.” She describes them as being standoffish and a little flighty. “They’re not cuddly pets, but I do have a couple who come over and play with my shoelaces.”

While she never lived on a farm, Ardell has always been drawn to nature and the outdoors. “We often visited my father’s family in wild and wonderful West Virginia.” Her urban operation, in which she built all the pens and attends to other chores, is a compromise to going full-tilt country. In addition to quail, she also raises crops, including red currants and blackberries, with plans to add sunchokes and rhubarb.

Ardell sells the eggs to individual customers and has branched out to a sideline of pickling and selling them in jars. She joined Maryland Bakes, a shared commercial kitchen at 1450 W. Patrick St., for that part of the business.

She started with the classic recipe of steeping the hard-cooked eggs in beet juice and vinegar, producing rosy-colored orbs of tastiness. A garlicand-dill version followed and one that’s Philippine adobo, a tribute to her heritage. “I want a fourth flavor and have been experimenting with turmeric,” she says. “They turn a pretty yellow.”

The pickled eggs, as well as cartons of fresh eggs, can be ordered on the Linden Hills Homestead Facebook page and picked up at Maryland Bakes, or arrangements made for delivery. Ardell is also gearing up for the farmers market season with a presence in the Mount Airy and the West Frederick markets.

The reaction to her pickled quail eggs? “People love them,” she says. “A lot of them had never had a pickled egg.” She’s definitely seeing return customers. Her goal is to get the eggs into restaurants, and later stores. She also would like to expand into providing quail meat. “It’s very delicate, all dark meat and very flavorful,” she says.

In a voice filled with happiness, Ardell says her favorite part of what she does is “getting up in the morning with my basket and having an egg hunt.”

Quail eggs are often laid when hens are just five weeks old. “They have more nutrition, more protein and vitamins than chicken eggs,” Sarah Ardell says.

They’re not cuddly pets, but I do have a couple who come over and play with my shoelaces. “ ”

—Sarah Ardell, owner, Linden Hills Homestead

stylin’ TRENDING

Absolutely you need an apron in the kitchen, especially if you’re a messy cook like I am. “ ”

— Marien Hornyak

PART OF A MOM’S UNIFORM

Aprons seem to be making their way back into fashion, perhaps aided by the pandemic when bored people stuck inside their homes started cooking and baking things like sourdough bread. Stores such as the Kitchenette, 217 N. Market St., stock aprons that save your regular clothes from stains, while at the same time lending a little flair in the kitchen. “We have some that are quite cute,” says owner Marien Hornyak.

Aprons have been around for centuries, and not just for cooks. Carpenters wear aprons to keep screws and nails within reach and farriers depend on aprons made of leather or canvas to protect them while blacksmithing or shoeing horses. But it was the mother and housewife from the 1950s who wore it best. Everyone from June Cleaver to your Aunt Tillie wouldn’t dream of skipping an apron.

During the Great Depression women sewed aprons from discarded flour sacks. Going to the backyard Victory Garden was made easier as they filled an upraised apron skirt with freshly picked produce. Aprons even became an idiom with men accused of being too dependent on their wives or mothers described as “being tied to their apron strings.”

The subsequent invention of the automatic washer and dryer made it easier to deal with messed up clothing, but why not keep aprons in the game? It’s all part of the uniform, whether you’re a mom or not.

tell us TRENDING

Meghan Sweigart Executive Director, techfrederick

Tell us about techfrederick.

Techfrederick is a nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to strengthening and connecting the technology community in Frederick County. Our mission is to support the growth of companies, talent and the overall ecosystem by bringing people together in meaningful ways. We work closely with local businesses, educators and community leaders to create opportunities that showcase technology’s impact across industries. Whether it’s workforce development, thought leadership or community-building events, everything we do is centered on making Frederick a place where innovation can thrive and where people feel supported in building careers and companies in tech.

What activities and events do you sponsor throughout the year to support the tech community?

Throughout the year, we host a mix of educational, networking and signature events designed to meet people where they are. These include panel discussions, hands-on workshops and our Leadership Conversations series featuring nationally recognized speakers. We also organize smaller gatherings to build connections across companies and industries. Continuing education and professional training are a growing part of our work, including programs such as PMP

bootcamps, AI-focused sessions and technical courses that help individuals upskill or transition into tech roles. On the workforce side, we support initiatives such as Day of Tech, which introduces students to tech careers. Our goal is to create consistent opportunities for people to learn, connect and grow within Frederick’s tech community.

Why is technology so important to the Frederick County community?

Technology is critical to Frederick County’s economic strength and future growth. It’s not just about tech companies; it touches

healthcare, education, manufacturing and small businesses. A strong tech presence helps attract and retain talent, supports higher-paying jobs and keeps our community competitive in a rapidly changing world. It also creates opportunities for young people to build meaningful careers without leaving the area. For Frederick, technology is both an economic driver and a connector, helping bridge industries and bring new ideas, innovation and resilience to our local community.

What is the biggest misconception about technology?

One of the biggest misconceptions is it’s only for a specific type of person, such as someone who is highly technical or who designs software or websites. The tech ecosystem requires a wide range of skills, including communication, project management, design, marketing and more. Another common belief is that AI is simply taking jobs away. While AI is changing the way we work, it’s also creating new roles, skill sets and opportunities. Technology is often seen as impersonal, yet it’s deeply human—it’s about solving problems, improving lives and creating connections. When people see technology as something they can be part of rather than something that separates them, it opens the door to more inclusive growth and innovation.

What interests do you have outside of your job?

Outside of work, I value time with family and friends. I enjoy spending time together, especially at the beach and near the water. Beyond that, I’m deeply involved in the Frederick community and enjoy creating spaces where people feel connected and supported. I’ve always loved bringing people together and that passion has naturally carried over into volunteer work and community initiatives. Being part of this community is important to me, and I appreciate the chance to contribute in ways that strengthen connections and bring people together.

Central American Sips

Tierra y Taza Tempts in the Cup and on the Plate

By Joseph Peterson / Photography by Mark Youngblood

The newest way to make a cup of coffee in Frederick comes from a generations-old tradition in Costa Rica. It’s a slow-brew method that employs a chorreador—a cloth pouch as a filter suspended from a wooden frame.

Available at Tierra y Taza, a Latin America-focused cafe at 238A N. Market St., the chorreador renders a smooth and fragrant cup that coaxes vibrant flavors out of the celebrated coffee beans grown in Central America. According to Natalia Alvarado, co-owner of Tierra y Taza, it’s the kind of coffee you want to take your time with.

“For us, coffee is the thing that you relax with, that you sit down with. It’s not something you chug. It’s something you appreciate and just kind of chill out with,” she says.

Alvarado, along with business partner and cafe co-owner Sandy Gallardo, transformed the small space, a bakery Gallardo had taken over from a previous owner. into a stylish and alluring coffee shop, one they envisioned would be a place to share culture and foster community.

“I originally just wanted to have a cafe. This is something that had been in my mind for years,” Gallardo says.

In a city where there is already a celebrated abundance of coffee shops, the women behind Tierra y Taza have distinguished their brand by trusting in their vision and embracing their roots.

According to Gallardo, the coffee landscape in this region is dominated by Colombia and other popular coffee growing regions of the globe.

Owned by Natalia Alvarado and Sandy Gallardo (center, left), Tierra y Taza offers a Central American twist to Frederick’s coffee café scene.

“I just felt there wasn’t a representation of Central America, and I really wanted Central American coffee to be introduced more in this area,” she says, noting that Guatemalan coffee, for example, is a product of rich, volcanic soil, a humid climate, high altitude and the shade of a lush forest canopy.

“All of this comes into play,” she says. “That goes into the coffee cherry, and it just has different flavors.”

Armed with purpose and point of view, the founders enlisted Cannon Coffee of Hagerstown to help develop a versatile roast of their own to use for espresso drinks, pour-overs and whole-bean offerings. Enter Alvarado’s Costa Rica heritage.

“We want our signature blend to tell our story,” Alvarado says. “Guatemalan coffee is cacao nibs and Costa Rican is fruity and citrus/berry, so we specifically chose those countries to be highlighted.”

In addition to coffee, the cafe serves antojos (cravings). On the menu are sweet and savory empanadas filled with a variety of ingredients from chorizo to guava, and cookies like the Guatemalan champurrada,

a crunchy sesame cookie often enjoyed with coffee. There are heartier options, too, like a breakfast sandwich, hueveos rancheros and the popular criollo hash featuring potatoes and a Puerto-Rican-style chorizo.

Like the coffee and cafe space, there is an unhurried intentionality behind the food that is informed by shared values. The owners include what they refer to as “clean” ingredients as much as possible, using beef tallow, cane sugar and European butter, while avoiding seed oils in their cooking, and sourcing their chicken and their dairy products from nearby farms.

As a collaborative endeavor, the two founders also speak to the spiritual kinship they share that underpins a greater purpose behind their company. United by a prayerful approach to creating a welcoming space that feels good to be in, it’s taken as proof positive whenever customers notice.

“We’ve heard people come in and be like, ‘Wow, it feels so good in here,’” Alvarado says. “And that’s kind of the idea that we discussed at the beginning. People seem very happy. They feel loved.”

Tierra

y Taza literally means “land and cup,” but there are plenty of plates here, too, including empanadas filled with a variety of ingredients.

This is something that had been in my mind for years. “ ”

—Sandy Gallardo, co-owner, Tierra y Taza

tiny plates ON THE TABLE

WONDER OPENS

“They want Greek. You want Italian. Get both,” is the phrase touted by Wonder, a food hall that recently opened at 5473 Urbana Pike in the Riverview Plaza shopping center, sharing a building with Starbucks. This is Wonder’s fourth Maryland location.

Every dish is made to order in a kitchen that serves up more than 20 exclusive menus, ranging from Japanese cuisine and southern barbecue to pizza and Mediterranean fare. Celebrity chefs including Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson also put their stamp on the menu. Orders can be made online and visitors to Wonder make their selections at a kiosk with a friendly staffer available to guide the process. Dine-in, carryout and free delivery are offered. Along with delicious food, Wonder provides a winning compromise in the endless debate of where or what the group wants to do about eating. www.wonder.com

FARMERS MARKETS OPEN FOR THE SEASON

Frederick County boasts 13 farmers markets, some of which opened in late April, with the rest ready to welcome customers this month. The City of Frederick has four markets on various days of the week and residents in Middletown, Brunswick, Myersville, Thurmont and Urbana have access to seasonal produce, meats, dairy and other locally produced products. Springtime at the markets unleashes happiness at the warm and sunny weather as customers select the first crops of lettuce and other greens, asparagus and rhubarb (pie, anyone?), along with flats of vegetable plants for the backyard garden or posies for the patio. Locally made beverages from kombucha to spirits can also be found at the markets, along with fragrant loaves of bread and pastries. It’s a great time to chat with the growers and producers, welcoming them back. Details can be found at www.homegrownfrederick.com/farmers/markets.

A CHEESY KIND OF SHOP

The opening of Frederick Cheese Shop, 23 E. Patrick St., has answered the prayers of former Crisafulli’s Cheese Shop patrons who suffered fromage withdrawal when the Downtown shop closed several years ago. Carrie Meyer, Cheese Shop general manager, says the business has also attracted new fans to their cheeses from France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and the United States. Her current personal favorite is a goat gouda from California called Midnight Moon.

“We have free samples” so folks can taste “everything their hearts can desire,” Meyer says, “We offer an experience” in the little basement store. “We also have meats and wine. We’re a one-stop shop.” Customers can pre-order charcuterie boards for an instant party, plus there are accessory ingredients on the shelves to do it yourself.

“People love their cheese,” Meyer says, adding that generally “cheese people are so friendly” with the best part of her job “engaging with the customers.” www.frederickcheeseshop.com

ON THE TABLE

cravings

10 Tavern

10 E. Main St., Thurmont. 301-271-7422 Classic all-American cuisine. $

AgAve 137 Tequil A 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

6 N. Church St. Middletown. 301-371-3500. Greek, vegetarian and vegan specialties, subs and salads. $

H 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. $$

B. Anderson’s Restaurant

6 Souder Road, Brusnwick. 301-969-0016 Home-cooked, affordable deliciousness. $-$$$

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. $$

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

1305 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-271-3500. Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks and cocktails. $$$

H 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. $

H 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 features 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. $-$$

cAFé nol A

4 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-6652. Bistro café. Coffee, tea and sandwiches. $

cAll AhAn’s se AFooD BAr & grill 1808 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. 301-698-9596. Fresh seafood. $$

H cAnAPés grAB & go cAFé 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick. 301-663-8220. Offering signature breakfast items, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods and more. $$

cArriAge house inn 200 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-2366. Traditional dishes served in a colonial setting. $$$

cArroll vAlley golF course 121 Sanders Road, Fairfield, Pa. 888-330-4202. American cuisine. $-$$$

cArTerque BArBeque & grilling co. 1310 S. Main St., Mount Airy. 301-829-2222. Award-winning barbecue and seafood dishes. $-$$

Casa RiCo

1399 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-663-3107. Mexican fare in a comfortable, pleasant setting. $-$$

CellaR DooR RestauRant

5 E. Church St., Frederick. 301-695-8460

American Casual Cuisine & Cocktail Lounge. $-$$$

Chatime tea

5219 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-378-2530. Bubble tea. $

Chef lin Buffet

417 S. Jefferson St., Frederick. 301-620-0664. Asian cuisine. $-$$

Chili’s GRill & BaR

5100 Pegasus Court, Frederick. 301-662-8130. Fresh Tex & Mex. $$

China GaRDen

506 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-695-5055 Asian cuisine. $-$$

Clay oven RestauRant

1170 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-631-2004. Indian, Nepalese cuisine. $$-$$$

Coal fiRe

7820 Wormans Mill Road, Frederick. 301-631-2625. Coal-fired pizza, sandwiches, salads and dinner entrées. $-$$

Common maRket

927 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-663-3416

Organic fare and vegetarian specialties, takeout. $

the Comus inn at suGaRloaf mountain

23900 Old Hundred Road, Dickerson. 301-349-5100. Fine dining at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. $$$

CRaBapples DeliCatessen

101 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-0208 Traditional New York–style deli. $

CuCina Massi

111 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-624-1052. Italian and more. Small plate appetizers to share. $$-$$$

CuGino foRno

1705 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-835-9575. Neapolitan pizza. $$

the DeRBy RestauRant anD BaR

83 W. Main St., New Market. 301-865-2222 Casual family-friendly spin using locally grown produce and ingredients. Full bar. $$

H DuBlin RoasteRs Coffee

1780 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-772-5274 $-$$

H DutCh’s DauGhteR

581 Himes Ave., Frederick. 301-668-9500 Seafood, steak and poultry specialties. $$$

fajita GRanDe

5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. 301-698-8989. Mexican cuisine. $-$$

fiRe & oak CulinaRy taveRn

105 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9639. American flavors. Craft beers and a warm vibe. $$

fiReBiRDs WooD fiReD GRill

5201 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 315-850-0077. Steakhouse. $$

fiRehouse suBs

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. $-$$

H Fratelli’s italian & seaFood

200 Middletown Parkway, Middletown. 301-371-4000. Made-from-scratch Italian classics, homemade pasta, award-winning crab cakes. $$-$$$

fReDeRiCk Coffee Company & Café

100 N. East St., Frederick. 301-698-0039. Coffee specialties, light fare and weekend entertainment. $

fReDeRiCk soCial

50 Citizens Way, Frederick. 240-629-8525. Brew pub and cafe. $$

fReDeRiCk soups

124 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Homemade comfort food and soups. $-$$

the GaRaGe

440 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 240-344-5340. Wood-fired pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, salads and locally brewed beers. $-$$

GlaDChuk BRos. RestauRant

489 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-662-7750 Hearty international fare. $$$

GloRy Days GRill

1305 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-696-1112 American grill with a sports theme. $-$$$

GoGi Go koRean BBQ

1003 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-9888 Korean barbecue. $$-$$$

GRan azteCa mexiCan fooD BaR & GRill

6956 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-378-2785. Authentic Mexican Cuisine. $$-$$$

hinzi’s kitChen

503 N. East St., Frederick. 301-835-7694

Traditional Pakistani cuisine. $$

hippy ChiCk hummus

237 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-815-7175 Vegan restaurant. $$

hootCh & BanteR

49 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-732-4971. New American, upscale casual cuisine. $$-$$$

iBiza Café

8 W. 4th St., Frederick. The best selections of coffee, teas, sandwiches and locally made pastries in a European-style café. $-$$

H il Forno Pizzeria

1035 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-0422.

Wood-burning oven-cooked pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. $$

il Porto

200 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-620-7480

245 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg. 301-590-0735 . Fine Italian food. $-$$

inDian Wok

8415 Woodsboro Pike, #J, Walkersvillle. 301-304-0103. Traditional Indian fare, along with Indo-Chinese food. $$

H isabella’s taverna & taPas bar 44 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-698-8922 Tapas. $$

jB seafooD

308 Main St., Myersville. 301-293-2722

“From the shore to your door.” Seafood, beef, poultry, pork. $$-$$$

jasmin meDiteRRanean GRill

3532-B Urbana Pike, Urbana. 301-363-5877 .Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Dine-in, carryout and catering. $-$$

JoJo’s restaurant & tap House

16 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5197. American fusion. $$-$$$

jollof on point 452 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 703-473-5788 Authentic Nigerian cuisine. $-$$

k-toWn takeout

325 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-835-7414. Korean dishes and bento boxes. $-$$

kinG’s neW yoRk style pizza & italian RestauRant 8415-G Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville. 301-845-4910. Classic pies, subs, pasta dinners. $-$$

kittiWat thai kitChen

5205 Presidents Court, Frederick. 301-631-0999. Authentic Thai cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily. $-$$$

las tunas

1043 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-629-8008. Authentic Mexican food. $$

H lazy fish

10 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-695-9656. Asian sushi bistro. $-$$$

leDo pizza

490-1 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-663-9800

1293 Riverbend Way, Frederick. 301-694-0050. 3303 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0303

Pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches in a casual setting. $-$$

liBeRty RoaD seafooD & steak

10524 Liberty Road, Frederick. 301-898-3181. Home of the largest crab in Frederick County. Open all year round. $$$

1306 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5193. A wide array of authentic Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai food. $$ ★

Long Shot’S

5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick. (inside the Clarion Hotel). 301-694-7500. Starters, salad, sandwhiches, BBQ, full bar. $$ -$$$

LoS AmigoS

205 Frederick Road, Thurmont. 301-271-8888. Mexican food with specials through the week. $$

Lucky corner reStAurAnt

5100 Buckeystown Pike, Suite 174, Frederick. 301-360-5913. Vietnamese grill and noodle restaurant. $$

mAdroneS

7810 Worman’s Mill Road #J, Frederick. 240-439-4010. Traditional American steak and seafood. $$-$$$

mAgoo’S Pub & eAtery

1-A W. 2nd St., Frederick. 301-378-2237 Traditional Irish-American favorites. $$-$$$

the mAin cuP

14 W. Main St., Middletown. 301-371-4433 Casual café and coffeehouse. $-$$$

mAnALù itALiAn reStAurAnt

5227 Presidents Court, Frederick. 240-578-4831. Authentic Italian restaurant serving traditional foods in a warm and cozy atmosphere. $$-$$$

mAngiA e bevi

Turning Point Center, 8927-J Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 301-874-0338. Italian comfort food at a good value. $-$$$

mAriAchi reStAurAnt

5854 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-418-6367 Fine Spanish and Mexican cuisine. $$

mAtSutAke SuShi And SteAk

5225 Buckeystown Pike (Westview Promenade), Frederick. 301-631-5060 Hibachi and Japanese cuisine. $-$$$

H mAy’S

5640 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-662-4233. Home-cooked meals, crabs. $$

H mAytA’S PeruviAn cuiSine

5010 Buckeytown Pike, Suite 148, Frederick. 301-732-4441. Fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Serving lunch and dinner. Catering available. $-$$$

miyAko

1005 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-0024

Sushi, noodles, Japanese steak house, specialty cocktails. $$$

mod PizzA

5256 Buckeystown Pike (Westview Promenade), Frederick. 240-877-7967 Custom, artisan-style pizza and salads. $-$$

monocAcy croSSing

4424-A Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-846-4204 American comfort food and fine wine. $$-$$$

morgAn’S AmericAn griLL

11717 Old National Pike, New Market. 301-865-8100. A family-friendly restaurant with big city dining. $$-$$$

H mountAin gAte FAmiLy reStAurAnt

133 Frederick Rd., Thurmont. 301-271-4373 Buffet and menu selections. $

mountAin view diner

1300 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-1300. All-American diner food. $

my thAi reStAurAnt

193 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-846-9999. Delicious fresh Thai dishes. $$

new york J&P PizzA

6103 Spring Ridge Pkwy., Frederick. 301-644-1372. Lunch and dinner daily. $$-$$$

H north mArket PoP ShoP

241 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9070 Trickling Springs Creamery ice cream. 400-plus soda choices. $-$$$

oLd dominion griLL & SuShi

5732 Buckeystown Pike #18-20, Frederick. 301-682-6888. Family restaurant, American, Japanese, Thai, etc. $-$$$

H the orchArd

45 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-663-4912. Flavorful healthy fare and vegetarian selections. $$

H oScAr’S ALehouSe

906 N. East St., Frederick. 301-378-2793

Buzzing bar and grill featuring updated American fare and craft beers on tap. $$-$$$

outbAck SteAkhouSe

1007 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-662-9584 Steak and seafood. $$-$$$

PASquALe’S

11670 Old National Pike, New Market. 301-882-7103. Italian restaurant and pizzeria. $$

PAtowmAck FArm

42461 Lovettsville Road, Lovettsville, Va. 540-822-9017. Seasonal organic cuisine. $$$

Peking gourmet

5732 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-846-0001 or 301-846-0002

Peking-style cuisine. $$

the PhAm

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Unit 119D 240-651-0987. Vietnamese cuisine. $$

Pho An Loi

440 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-378-9099. Specializes in Vietnamese dishes, along with Thai food. $$

Pho 52

701 Motter Ave., Frederick. 240-575-9479

Vietnamese dishes including noodle-based pho. $$

H P.i.g.S. bbq reStAurAnt

2401 Whittier Drive, Frederick. 240-629-8001. BBQ restaurant. $$

PiStArro’S

221 N. East St., Frederick. 301-378-9536. Traditional Naples-style wood-fired pizza, hand-made pastas, beer and Italian wines. $-$$

PLA z A mexico

2481 Merchant St., Frederick. 301-228-9889

50 Carroll Creek Way #130, Frederick. 240-439-4041

Mexican fare that’s beyond ordinary. $$-$$$

ProSPect PAntry

1 W, Main St. New Market. 240-915-2238 American Fare. $$

PumPernickeL + rye

3538-Urbana Pike, Urbana. 240-397-9600. Market and deli. $-$$

rAgin’ reeF

506 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-815-5438

A casual seafood restaurant with top quality fresh food, affordable prices, and unmatched service. $-$$$

H the red horSe 996 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-663-3030. A Frederick institution for great steaks and seafood. $$$ Temporarily closed.

H Modern AsiA

Red LobsteR

1020 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-9474. Fresh seafood. $$

Rice thai bistRo

181-C Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-329-5199. Journey through the vibrant flavors of Thailand. $$

Ricci RestauRant

1021 Mill Pond Road, Frederick. 240-578-4273

Restaurant and wine bar offering tasty Italian dishes, wood-fired pizza and steak. $$

Roasthouse Pub

5700 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-418-6098 Craft beer, American fusion bistro. $$

Rosati’s Pizza

911 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-694-4650

Chicago-style pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. $$

Rube’s cRab shack

17308 N. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-4116. All-you-can-eat seafood, dinner menu, lunch, fullservice bar and carryout. $-$$$

saboR de cuba

9 E. Patrick St., Frederick 301-663-1036. Cuban cuisine. $$

santa Rosa RestauRant

107 Baughmans Lane, Frederick. 301-662-9348. Salvadorean and Mexican food. $-$$

saPPoRo ii

5 W. Church St.., Frederick. 240-815-7079 Fine Japanese and Korean dining. $-$$$

schRoyeR’s taveRn

Maryland National Golf Club, 8836 Hollow Road, Middletown. 301-371-0000 Contemporary American cuisine. $$$

7th sisteR

228 N Market St., Frederick 240-332-3186. Menu is built on costal flavors, seasonal ingredients and small creative flourishes that surprise and comfort all at once. $$-$$$

showRoom

882 N. East St., Frederick. 301-835-7628

Modern American diner with menu designed by celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio. $$-$$$

the shuckin’ shack oysteR baR

41 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9876. Seafood, friendly gathering place. $$

H siLveR dineR

5120 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-694-9501. Award-winning burgers, all-day breakfast, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. $-$$$

simPLy asia Pan asian bistRo 120 Frederick Road, Suites B&C, Thurmont. 301-271-2858. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, sushi bar, Asian fusion, dine in, carryout, catering. $-$$

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. $-$$

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. $-$$

taPia’s on main

203 E. Main St., Middletown. 240-490-8461

Signature brick-oven pizzas, pastas, paninis, house-crafted cocktails. $$-$$$

texas Roadhouse

5105 Pegasus Court, Frederick. 301-682-7427. Hand-cut steaks, ribs, fresh-baked rolls and cold beer. $$

Thai meric eaTery aNd Bar

1170 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-651-0998

Authentic Thai cuisine. $-$$

thai tabLe

5221 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 240-877-7034. Thai + Lao cuisine. $$

H the tastinG Room

101 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-379-7772. European cuisine. $$$

thuRmont kountRy kitchen 17 Water St., Thurmont. 301-271-4071

Family owned and operated serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award winning broasted chicken. $-$$

tin coRneR

700 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9374

Serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. $-$$

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. $$

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. $-$$

vesuvius

32290 Bennett Creek Ave., Unit A, Urbana. 240-341-4020. Authentic Italian cuisine served with passion and pride. $$-$$$$

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. $-$$

Mountain Side

Cumberland’s Revival Comes with Some Frederick Flavor

CUMBERLAND—Tucked between two Appalachian Mountain ridges, this city of just 18,000 today still wears some of the signs from its mammoth industrial past, while offering a glimpse of a promising future.

Indeed, the “Queen City” was once a dominant transportation hub in Western Maryland that boasted the C&O Canal, a burgeoning railroad industry and a booming urban footprint that put Cumberland on par with large metropolitan areas.

Now, a $16.5-million renovation to its main drag is giving Cumberland a boost as destination for both tourists and new businesses.

“We did a complete renovation downtown, and it was needed,” says Becky McClarran, a local businesswoman and marketing chair for the Downtown Cumberland Business Association, a nonprofit that promotes the area as the cultural, retail and professional heart of the city.

Like many cities’ downtown business districts in the 1970s (including Frederick’s), Cumberland’s was suffering from shifting economic winds that left empty storefronts and businesses shuttered. In response, Cumberland did what many communities across the United States did: It created a pedestrian mall, closing three blocks of Baltimore Street to traffic.

It worked, for some time. But the pedestrian mall model wasn’t enough to combat suburban shopping centers and changing retail trends. There were also complaints

Thanks to a $16.5-million urban revitalization effort, including infrastructure improvements and the restoration of vehicle traffic, downtown Cumberland is emerging from its pedestrian mall past.

By Guy Fletcher

about accessibility and the logistical challenges of operating businesses without street traffic. Nationwide, 85 percent of all pedestrian malls reopened to traffic by the 1990s.

“When [the pedestrian mall] opened, it was what we needed to do,” McClarran explains. “Now, it’s what we didn’t need to do.”

Enter Frederick’s Cochran Studio, led by well-known urban artist William Cochran, which was contracted to transform the old pedestrian mall into a vibrant, thriving commercial space. Construction began in 2022 and was completed by 2024.

Adopting what Cochran calls a “living street” model, Baltimore Street is now a curbless, one-way single lane of traffic winding by wide sidewalks filled with plenty of new trees and other landscaping. Billed as the nation’s first artist-designed streetscape, it has been praised as a worldclass example of sustainable public space. The beautification also allowed Cumberland to upgrade its electrical and internet infrastructure in the area.

“Sometimes you have to reinvent yourself and we did,” McClarran says. “It’s

land.”

Many once-empty storefronts now offer a variety of international dining options, several shops and boutiques have opened in recent years, and the Wills Hotel offers lodging right on Baltimore Street in a renovated Victorian-era building.

Like Frederick, Cumberland’s historic downtown buildings feature ornate architecture and names of the popular stores they once housed. Those businesses are gone, but the buildings have been repurposed into coffee shops and restaurants, office space and apartments. More are on the way.

“We’re seeing that kind of energy coming in,” McClarran says. Beyond downtown, there is much to see and do in Cumberland and surrounding Allegany County, with some 300,000 visitors annually taking it such popular sights as the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Canal Place Heritage Area and numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, biking and kayaking.

For more information about visiting Cumberland and Allegany County, go to www.mdmountainside.com.

Frederick artist William Cochran envisioned a “living street” model for downtown Cumberland, where a single lane of traffic on Baltimore Street is integrated with wide sidewalks and abundant plant life.

Sometimes you have to reinvent yourself and we did. “ ”

—Becky McClarran, Downtown Cumberland Business Association

a whole new look for downtown Cumber-

postcards ON THE ROAD

DOMINICA

A Caribbean cruise for Margie Shattuck featured a stop at Jacko Falls, located in the dense rainforest of the island nation.

CALIFORNIA

ITALY

Eric and Khyati Roberts and Carole and Jim Southam visited Cortina d’Ampezzo to hike in the Dolomites mountain range. Cortina, along with Milan, co-hosted the Winter Olympics earlier this year.

Michael and Katy Warehime, along with their children Bryce and Camden, explored Joshua Tree National Park.

you’re here ON THE ROAD

By Jake Wynn

Festival Season

With warm weather already this spring, we are looking forward to a full calendar of festivals and events that will carry all the way through summer. From Carroll Creek to Catoctin Furnace, the months ahead are packed with reasons to get outside, gather with neighbors and dig into what makes Frederick County special. And with the nation celebrating 250 years of American independence this year, the season carries extra weight.

It opens with beer on May 9 as the Maryland Craft Beer Festival comes to Carroll Creek Park. Dozens of Maryland breweries descend on Downtown Frederick, pouring more than 200 beers that reflect the range of the state’s brewing scene. Live music carries through the park while visitors move between tents, sampling new flavors and familiar favorites.

One week later, attention turns north to the historic village of Catoctin Furnace for the Maryland Iron Festival on May 16–17. The county’s industrial past takes center stage through blacksmithing demonstrations, live iron pours and hands-on experiences that connect visitors directly to the region’s earliest industries. This place has an important national story: Catoctin Furnace helped manufacture the iron that supplied a young nation

fighting for its independence from Britain. As we commemorate 250 years of that hard-won freedom, walking the grounds here carries real meaning. Admission is free.

At Springfield Manor, the Maryland Lavender Festival on June 13–14 invites visitors into blooming fields filled with color and fragrance at a slower pace than the month’s other offerings. Live music, artisan vendors and the chance to explore Maryland’s only combination of winery, brewery and distillery make this one worth the drive up U.S. 15.

That same weekend, Carroll Creek Park and Frederick’s historic district become an open-air gallery during the Frederick Festival of the Arts and Artopia. Artists line the walkways of the park while Downtown Frederick turns out for a celebration

of creative expression that ranges from sculpture and painting to the chalk-onpavement spectacle of Artopia’s street art. The festival draws regional artists juried by expert judges, with work spanning paintings, ceramics, photography, glass, jewelry and more.

On June’s final Saturday, Frederick Pride returns to Carroll Creek. What began as a small community gathering has grown into a defining annual event, welcoming tens of thousands to celebrate identity, inclusion and belonging. Alongside local vendors and food, the festival features drag entertainment, local musical acts and a dedicated youth pride area.

Then comes the Fourth.

In 2026, Independence Day in Baker Park will feel different. The nation turns 250 this year, and Frederick County has earned its place in that story. This community raised patriots, forged iron and stood at crossroads that changed the course of the country. Baker Park, with the Carillon’s bells overhead and fireworks rising above the skyline, is exactly the right place to mark the moment. Bring a blanket, find your spot on the lawn and let July 4th mean something special this year.

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

May 7–10

The Frederick Greek Festival

Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. 7th St. Experience authentic Greek cuisine, live music and traditional dance performances at this annual festival that also includes an Agora Marketplace and church tours. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. www. frederickgreekfestival.com

MONDAY

Bus Buddies May 1-3

Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Schaeffer Center, 26 E. 2nd St.

Presented by the Endangered Species (Theatre) Project, this two-act comedy written by Nancy Luse and directed by Christine Mosere, features the lives of the passengers on a city bus. Vernon. the driver, is the ringmaster of this circus with the riders having the extra duty of trying to save the buses from a dastardly cost-cutting mayor. Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets at www.esptheatre.org

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Arthur and Friends Make a Musical Through May 10 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Mr. Ratburn’s class is putting on a show but Authur’s not so sure he’s ready. With help from his family and friends, Authur learns that being yourself is the best part of any performance in this fun, feel-good musical for the whole family. See website for show times. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

FROZEN Through May 24

The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. Experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. See website for show times. $. 301-662-6600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

Write Frederick’s Next Chapter Through July

As part of the USA 250 celebrations in Frederick, the community is invited to write hopes for Frederick’s next 250 years and reflect on what a shared future looks like by contributing thoughts on a postcard as part of this interactive art project. Responses will become part of a growing public art exhibition that will be on display at City Hall in July 2026. Postcards can be completed online or at submission boxes available in City Hall, William Talley Rec Center and the Weinberg Center for the Arts. www.cityoffrederickmd. gov/1848/USA-250-Celebrations

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Heritage Frederick New Exhibits

Through Dec.

Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. The Museum of Frederick County History offers four new exhibits for visitors to explore: All Saints Street: An Avenue to the History of Frederick and its African American Community; Cultivating Independence: Frederick County in the Revolution; Growing Gold in Frederick County; and Witnessing Revolution. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

Alive @ Five

Thursdays in May

Carroll Creek Amphitheatre located between Market and Carroll Sts. The 2026 season of Alive @ Five kicks off on May 7! The outdoor happy hour features live music, beer, wine and food every Thursday through Sept. 24. Must be 21 or older. 5 p.m.−8 p.m. $. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org

Trivia Night

Thursdays in May

Steinhardt Brewing Company, 340 E. Patrick St., Suite 102. Trivia hosted by Pour House Trivia. 7 p.m.–9 p.m. 301-471-0901. www.frederickmagazine.com

FAME Open Mic Night

Fridays in May

Aya Cultural Arts Studio, 6907 Baltimore National Pike #15. Experienced and novice singers-song writers, musicians and acous tic music enthusiasts are invited to showcase their talent, connect with fellow artists and celebrate the rich tradition of acoustic music in Frederick. 7 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

MET Comedy Night

Fridays and Saturdays in May

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Enjoy comedy every Friday and Saturday in May at the MET, including The Comedy Pigs on May 1 and 2; That’s What She Said on May 8 and 9; Oh Crit! on May 15 and 16; and Key City Improv on May 23. 8:30 p.m. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

Historic District Ghost

Saturdays in May

Downtown Frederick. In the Historic District Ghost Tour, participants take a jour ney through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past. Tours meet in front of Brewer’s Ally Restaurant, 124 N. Market St. Private tours also available. Reservations required. See website for start times. $. www.marylandghosttours.com

One Vast Hospital— Downtown Frederick

Walking Tour

Saturdays and Sundays in May National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 East Patrick St. Walk in the footsteps of doctors, nurses, soldiers and civilians who cared for 8,000 wounded soldiers in Downtown Frederick when the city became a makeshift hospital in the final months of 1862 after the Battle of Antietam. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $. 301-695-1864. www.civilwarmed.org

Yoga with Yogamour Sundays in May

Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. An all-levels flow yoga class with experienced instructors from Yogamour, a Frederick-based public yoga studio. Bring water and a yoga mat. 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. $. 301-662-4190. www.skystagefrederick.com

Carillon Recital Sundays in May 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

Yoga then Beer with Yogamour Sundays in May Monocacy Brewing Compa ny, 1781 N. Market St. Soak in the relaxing Sunday atmosphere at Monocacy Brewing Company with an hour of yoga presented by Yogamour then a refreshing beer. 10:45 a.m.–11:45 a.m. 240-457-4232. www.monocacybrewing.com

Movie Knight May 1

The Vox House, 228 N. Market St. Falling Squares presents a local filmmaker showcase featuring short films on the first Friday of each month. Food and drinks available for purchase from 7th Sister. Free admission. Limited seating. RSVP required. 7 p.m. www.downtownfrederick.org/events

Sky Stage Swing Dance

May 1

Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Enjoy an evening of swing dancing under the stars hosted by Revolution Modern Dance, starting with a brief lesson at 7 p.m., followed by social dancing. 7 p.m.–10 p.m. 301-662-4190. www. skystagefrederick.com

Academy Alive May 1, 2

St. Joseph’s School, 339 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Visit Elizabeth Ann Seton’s historic 19th century girl’s school for a living history experience for learners of all ages. Explore how children of the past lived, learned and played; meet celebrated historical interpreters, Mother Seton’s Sisters of Charity and her students; and experience authentic lessons, games and activities from the year 1818. Purchase tickets in advance. https://setonshrine. org/academy-alive

Meredith Willson’s The Music Man in Concert May 1, 2

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Choral Arts Society of Frederick and the Frederick Catoctones pair up to bring a rousing finale to the season with Meredith Willson’s score that comes to life with a bang in this beloved musical. Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m. 301-624-2827. www.casof.org

Frederick Comedy Festival

May 1–3

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, the Weinberg Center for the Arts and New Spire Arts join forces to fill Downtown Frederick with three full days of laughter. From sharp late-night comedy to family friendly fun, this festival offers something for every age and every sense of humor. See websites for show times and locations. $. www.marylandensemble.org

Suzanne Lago Arthur and Julie Maynard May 1–31

TAG The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St. An exhibition of work by TAG artists Suzanne Lago Arthur and Julie Maynard. Fridays and Saturdays, Noon –8 p.m.; Sundays, Noon–4 p.m. 301-228-9860. www.theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

Water & Vessels

May 1–31

NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St.

An exhibition of water paintings by Caroline Mayer and ceramic vessels by Jennifer Bernhard. An opening reception is scheduled for May 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and an Artists’ Talk is scheduled for May 9 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon–8 p.m.; Sundays, noon–4 p.m. 240-367-9770. www.nomagalleryfrederick.com

EVENTS

The YAAC Show May 1, 15, 29 Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St. This bi-weekly, late-night-style talk show celebrates creativity and community, spotlighting local artists, performers and cultural innovators through interviews, performances and engaging conversations. Each show features an interview guest and a musical performance. Lineups are announced on Instagram @y_arts_center. 5:30 p.m. www.frederickmagazine.com/calendar

Inside the Farms of Monocacy May 2

Monocacy National Battlefield, Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike. The Battle of Monocacy was fought amongst the farms, fields and forests along the Monocacy River on July 9, 1864. Each of the farms and the people who lived on them were impacted by the battle. Join Monocacy National Battlefield rangers and volunteers to explore the Best Farm and the Worthington Farm. 9 a.m. 301-662-3515. www.nps.gov/mono/index.htm

FSO Rocks: The Music of Pink Floyd May 2

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The Frederick Symphony Orchestra performs selections from Pink Floyd’s iconic albums The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-846-2566. http:// calendar.frederick.edu

Art Matters Artist Talk

May 2

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. National Juried Exhibition juror Kyle Hackett describes his work as an artist and art educator and presents this year’s award winners. 2 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

Foundations of Frederick Walking Tour May 2

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. Advance ticket

reservation is recommended. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ May 2

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A hilarious and heartfelt sequel, taking audiences on a high-seas adventure filled with hot flashes, mood swings and the enduring power of friendship. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Frederick Runfest May 2, 3

Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St. A hidden gem of the running community, the festival features four races, all ending at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Choose between a half-marathon or a two-person team relay on Sunday or the Twilight 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday. Register online. 410-605-9381. www.frederickrunfest.com

Frederick Flying Cows Basketball

May 2, 8, 30

Hood College, Woodsboro Bank Arena. Frederick Flying Cows continue their third season with home games against Reading Rebels on May 2 at 7 p.m., Virginia Valley Vipers on May 8 at 7 p.m., and Capital Seahawks on May 30 at 5 p.m. See website for special themes each game. The Flying Cows is a professional basketball team competing in a professional league with teams across the US. The team is dedicated to providing fun, affordable entertainment. $. www. goflyingcows.com

Sky Stage Concert Series

May 2, 9, 30

Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. The Sky Stage Concert Series kicks off with Wild Aster and One Street Over on May 2, followed by Chevre, with Madisun Bailey on May 9. On May 30, the Garage presents Shame Shame, Sunniva and Stainless Steve in concert. 7 p.m.–10 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com

First Saturday: Treat Trail and Pet Rescue Day

May 2

Downtown Frederick. First Saturday features live music, entertainment and unique events at Downtown businesses. Many shops, galleries and restaurants will be open until 9 p.m. or later. This month, local rescues and Downtown businesses bring First Saturday for pet lovers. Adoptable pets will be inside businesses, with activities, treats and surprises for pets and humans. Follow the trail through Downtown Frederick and collect goodies along the way. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org

2Creative Outlet May 2

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Kids and adults are invited to drop in to get creative together on an artist-inspired project in the Delaplaine’s family open studios. Each session features a themed activity. This month, design a unique fish to contribute to the interactive galley project, led by Jamie Gerhold. No large groups. Donations encouraged. 3 p.m.−5 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

WOW—WHAT A NIGHT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU AT OUR SPRING THURMONT MAIN STREET ART & WINE STROLL!

Join us the evening before the Preakness and bring your best Triple Crown hat —we’ll be hosting a fun hat contest at 8:30pm at 10Tavern with prizes for 1st–5th place. Sip on the Preakness signature cocktail, the Black-Eyed Susan , featured all evening.

Enjoy 27 local artists, live music across 6 genres , plus local breweries, wineries, distilleries, delicious food, and shopping along Main Street. Don’t miss it!

ALCOHOL VENDORS

Fordham Lee Distillery | Hen and Hound Farm Brewery | Links Bridge Vineyards

Mazzaroth Vineyard | Oversea Distillery | Pathfinder Farm Distillery

Rosie Cheeks Distillery | Smoketown Brewing | Springfield Manor

True Standard Distilling | Uncle Dirty’s Brew Works (Must be 21 and have ID)

MUSICIANS

5.5 Men | Lauren Hill’s Acoustics

Patty and Brent Progecene

Reckless Mo & the Backseat Drivers

Rocky Birely | Paul Zelenka & Friends

FOOD TRUCKS: Pita King | DF 26 Mexican | M.R.Cheesecakes

Cookin’ with Greece | The Savagery

Glamourview Creamery | Kombucha Lady

Paco the Beverage Burro - water in his saddle bags!

Junie

B. Jones the Musical May 2, 9, 16

The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. Enjoy lunch and a show at this production for young audiences. It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade and friends have changed, the teacher thinks she may need glasses, there’s a “top-secret personal beeswax journal,” a kickball tournament and more. First grade has never been more exciting. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-662-6600. www. wayoffbroadway.com

Lorena Long May 2–June 28

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of paintings titled “Invitation.” We often overlook ordinary wonders in nature—quiet reminders that grace and beauty persist in familiar places. Invitation takes its title from the poem by Mary Oliver, echoing its gentle call to pay attention. At its heart, this show turns our gaze toward process and presence and is an invitation to slow down, reconnect and rediscover wonder in everyday life. An exhibition opening

and meet the artists event is scheduled for May 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

Scott Ponemone

May 2–June 28

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of watercolor paintings titled “2 by 2.” This watercolor series of couples’ portraits began in 2017, continued through the COVID pandemic, and concluded in 2025 after 86 paintings were completed. An exhibition opening and meet the artists event is scheduled for May 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

Ali Wunder May 2–June 28

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of acrylic paint and mixed media with embroidery titled “The Language of Flowers.” Drawing from her collection of vintage and heirloom textiles, Wunder’s paintings include embroidery, fabric and pattern tissue, which she says are more than embellishment, they are a means of preserving not just beauty but

belonging. An exhibition opening and meet the artists event is scheduled for May 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Gillian Collins May 2–31

Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. An exhibition of paintings of mechanical systems titled, “Mechanics and Infrastructure.” These are common devices and machines that surround us every day and upon which our modern lives are dependent yet are rarely celebrated and go practically unnoticed. 301-466-2413. www.linksbridgevineyards.com

Sonja Mishalanie and Kathryn Phebus May 2–31

Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St. An exhibition of works by featured artists Sonja Mishalanie and Kathryn Phebus. A First Saturday opening reception is scheduled for May 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon–5 p.m. www.eastsideartistsgallery.com

National Juried Exhibition

May 2–June 28

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. This annual juried show features works in a variety of media by artists from around the region and the nation. An exhibition opening and meet the artists event is scheduled for May 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Cathy Ladman May 3

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Cathy Ladman’s sharp, self-reveal ing comedy dives into the hilarity of anxiety, identity and everyday neuroses with refreshing honesty and wit. With decades of experience and a razor-sharp perspective, Cathy brings a masterful blend of stand-up and storytelling that continues to earn critical acclaim and audience adoration. 3 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Downtown Frederick Artwalk

May 3

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Take a self-guided jaunt Downtown and visit local galleries. At the Delaplaine, Cynthia Corro of Lunniaya will feature whimsical mixed media art and jewelry. Noon–4 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

Star Wars Night May 4

Earth and Space Science Laboratory, 210 Madison St. Enjoy a Star Wars-themed evening at the ESSL, featuring a laser light show in the planetarium, Star Wars characters, science activities and more. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars characters. 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $. 240236-2694. https://edu.fcps.org/essl

Author Talk + Signing

May 4, 28

Curious Iguana presents author talks and signings this month: Michelle Jabès Corpora with Jenni Howell, She Knows All the Names, on May 4 at 6 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St. and Laura Zigman, The Author Weekend, on May 28 at 6 p.m. at Frederick Book Arts Center, 127 S. Carroll St. www. curiousiguana.com/event

Frederick Keys Baseball

May 5–10 and 19–24

Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive. The Frederick Keys host Jersey Shore and Greenville this month. A full schedule with promotional events and other happenings is available at www.milb.com/Frederick/schedule. $. 301-662-0013.

Open Mic Night at Sandbox Brewhouse May 6

Sandbox Brewhouse, 880 N. East St. The Frederick Acoustic Music Enterprise brings its iconic open mic night to Sandbox on the first Wednesday of each month in the taphouse. Food trucks are typically available. Open to all ages. 6 p.m. www.downtownfrederick.org

FCC Wind Ensemble May 6

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The FCC Wind Ensemble performs a concert of music for wind band, including classic repertoire and new favorites, directed by Kimberly Hirschmann. Register to receive free tickets. 7:30 p.m. 301-846-2566. http://calendar. frederick.edu

Dinner at 200 Monroe Restaurant

May 7

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 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $. 240-629-7912. www. frederick.edu/200Monroe

General Grief Support Group

May 7, 14, 21, 28

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. May 7 and 21, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; May 14 and 28, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. 240-566-3030. www.frederickhealthhospice.org

Movie Night in the Park May 8

Utica District Park, Snook Family Agricultural Area, 10200-B Old Frederick Road. Bring your chairs or blankets for this Mental Health Awareness Month showing of Inside Out, a cartoon about Riley, whose emotions live in her mind and guide her through her days. Doors open at 7:45 p.m. www.frederickmagazine.com/calendar

FCC Jazz Big Band May 8

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Enjoy an evening of classic and contemporary jazz performed by this premiere jazz ensemble, led by Howard Burns. Register to receive free tickets. 7:30 p.m. 301-8462566. http://calendar.frederick.edu

F.A.M.E. Open Mic Night May 8

Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Frederick Acoustic Music Enterprise hosts a free open mic night in a welcoming environment for patrons to collaborate, build skills and get to know other local artists. Free to enter. 7 p.m.–10 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com

FCC String Ensemble presents Celebrate: An American Music Memoir May 9

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Explore 250 years of American history through music with Lynn Fleming and the FCC String Ensemble. Register to receive free tickets. 7:30 p.m. 301-846-2566. http://calendar.frederick.edu

Frederick Children’s Chorus Annual Spring Concert

May 9 Frederick High School, 650 Carroll Pkwy. The Frederick Children’s Chorus performs “Let Heaven and Nature Sing!” Enjoy the talents of the youth singers as they celebrate nature’s beauty and the joy of music, embracing the spirit of spring and the magic of song. 3 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org

Maryland Craft Beer Festival

May 9

Carroll Creek Linear Park, Downtown Frederick. A one-day festival featuring beer tastings from dozens of Maryland breweries, pouring more than 200 craft beers. Also enjoy live music, local food and craft vendors. Purchase tickets in advance. Noon–5 p.m. $. www.visitfrederick.org

Mystery & Mayhem

May 9, 23

Frederick Magic Theater & Lounge, 19 N. Court St., Suite 100. Experience a captivating evening full of pre-show sleight-of-hand magic, a complimentary 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. 7 p.m. www.frederickmagic.com

Tablao Flamenco

May 10

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Experience the magnetic energy of flamenco. Tablao Flamenco brings a fresh approach to a night of flamenco, transforming the theater into an intimate nightclub like those found in Andalusia, Spain. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

FCC Visual Arts Department Student Juried Show

May 11–June 23

Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The FCC Visual Arts Department presents the spring 2026 art student juried show. An opening reception is scheduled for May 11 at 11:30 a.m. 301-846-2566. http://calendar.frederick.edu

The Open Road

May 12

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. The Academy of Fine Art Theatre Focus presents a student-written and student-directed showcase. Students were tasked

with writing a dramatic or comedic scene using a car and an open road as the setting. Scenes will be cast and directed at this special, one-night-only event. 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org

Literature Night May 12

Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Frederick Writers’ Salon hosts this installment of Literature Night, followed by open mic readings. Free to enter and/or attend. 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com

FCC Handbell Choir: The Quest for Liberty May 13

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Join the FCC Handbell choir on a musical journey exploring the meaning of freedom and the stories of those who fought for that inalienable right throughout history. Directed by Barbara Scheffter. Register to receive free tickets. 7:30 p.m. 301-846-2566. http://calendar.frederick.edu

FCC Jazz Ensemble I May 14

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Enjoy classic jazz tunes played by students of all ages at this entertaining performance, directed by Anita Thomas. Register to receive free tickets. 7:30 p.m. 301-846-2566. http://calendar.frederick.edu

Iron Will May 14–17

Museum of the Ironworker, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. An outdoor theatre experience that coincides with the Maryland Iron Festival. Tickets required. See website for performance times. www.catoctinfurnace.org

Bike to Work Day May 15 Frederick County Transit Services invites residents to bike to work in the spirit of Bike to Work Day. This community event also features a ceremonial ride traveling past schools, healthcare organizations, city parks, neighborhoods and more, departing from Hood College at 6:45 a.m. and continuing to the Transit Center for the festivities. www.biketoworkmetrodc. org/pit-stop-locations/pit-stops/frederick-downtown-at-transit-center

CHARLES | FREDERICK

EVENTS

Gregory Harrington presents Emerald Strings May 15 New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Emerald Strings is a powerful, story-driven concert experience that takes audiences on a journey through Ireland’s past and present—blending classical mastery, traditional Irish music and contemporary sound into one immersive evening. 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

May 15–30

Hood College, Tatem Arts Center, Avalon Theater, 410 Hood College Drive. Ardeo Theatre Company presents Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, a 1962 Pulitzer-prize winning play depicting a bitter, middle-aged couple, George and Martha, who invite a younger couple in for drinks after a party. The raucous evening devolves into a series of cruel, psychological games, verbal sparring and the revelation of deep-seated resentments and illusions. See website for show times and ticket information. www.ArdeoTheatre.org

Every Brilliant Thing

May 15–June 14

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. At once a transcendent coming-of-age tale and a call to reach out to each other, Every Brilliant Thing is warm-hearted, funny, heart-wrenching play about how depression can affect a family and the lengths people go for the ones they love. $. 301-694-4744. www. marylandensemble.org

Golden Girls Downtown Scavenger Hunt

May 16

Vintage MC Frederick, 24 E. Patrick St. A Golden Girls-themed adventure focused on striking a pose, capturing laughs and completing photo challenges throughout Downtown Frederick. Hosted by Vintage MC and Nevermore Weddings and Events. 11 a.m. www.downtownfrederick.org

FCC Student Film Festival

May 16

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. A full lineup of short films and animations from the FCC student body, hosted by the FCC Film and

Video Program. Register to receive free tickets. 6 p.m. 301-846-2566. http:// calendar.frederick.edu

Brunswick Annual SpringFest

May 16

Downtown Brunswick. Enjoy a fun filled day featuring unique vendors, live music, savory food, children’s activities, downtown shopping, a beer garden and more. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.brunswickmd.gov

Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour

May 16, 17

Downtown Frederick and Baker Park. For more than two decades, hundreds of garden enthusiasts have visited Downtown Frederick for the opportunity to explore the elegant, whimsical and inventive gardens nestled behind the gates of private Frederick homes during this annual tour. In addition to the stunning landscapes, visitors are treated to a variety of discounts from Downtown Frederick retailers and restaurants, as well as a Hospitality Center where complimentary light refreshments will be available. 1 p.m.–5 p.m. $30. www.celebratefrederick.com

Community Concert Series: The Anderson Brothers Play Gershwin

May 17

Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. Second St. Identical twin brothers Peter and Will Anderson (saxophones, clarinets and flutes) are joined by guitarist Adam Moezinia for an afternoon of jazz favorites and more in a show chronicling Gershwin’s musical journey. 3 p.m. 301-662-1464. https:// calvaryumc.org/concerts

Middletown Memorial Day

Celebration May 25

Memorial Park, Middletown. Commemorate Memorial Day at this special event that includes patriotic music, remarks from elected officials, a ceremonial laying of wreaths and tribute paid to Middletown’s fallen heroes. 11 a.m. www.middletown.md.us

Brunswick Live! May 29

Brunswick Main St., Brunswick. Happening on the last Friday of every month, Brunswick Live! brings downtown Brunswick to life with extended shop hours, pop-up fun, live music and special events. 4 p.m. www.brunswickmainstreet.org/event FM

Paul and Rita Gordon

By John W. Ashbury

They were inseparable. In many ways, they seemed to be polar opposites: One was calm and reserved; the other was outspoken and frequently called a “force of nature.”

They were born here, both graduated from Frederick High School, and they married and raised a family here. They volunteered as public servants. They wrote five books about their town and county. Yet, their biggest contribution to Frederick County might be the historic documents they uncovered and donated to future generations of Frederick Countians.

The late Paul and Rita Gordon thrived on historical research and donated their huge collection to the Maryland Room at the C. Burr Artz Public Library with the hope that their labor would be more than helpful to coming generations.

Paul Perry Gordon was born May 23, 1927, at Frederick City Hospital, the son of David and Minnie Friedlander

Gordon. He grew up in an apartment on South Market Street just north of Carroll Creek, above the family clothing store known as Dave’s.

He attended Washington Street Elementary and graduated from Frederick High in 1944. He entered the University of Maryland where he was a member of Beta Alpha Psi fraternity. On Aug. 9, 1945, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Belgium and France until his discharge Feb. 1, 1947.

He returned to the university and graduated in 1950 with a degree in accounting. He later attended George Washington University’s Executive Development Program.

Paul Gordon’s initial employment was with Washington Gas Light in Washington, D.C. He remained there a year before becoming treasurer of Frederick Gas Company for the next 14 years. In 1965, he joined Kettler Brothers Construction Company as vice president and treasurer. He retired in 1990 as chief financial officer.

In 1990 he was elected mayor of the City of Frederick, defeating four-term Mayor Ronald Young.

As mayor. he undertook searching and cataloging public records stored in the attic of the City Hall, the former Fredrick County Courthouse. There are those who say he spent more time in the attic than he did in his official office. But it was not the end of his contributions to the historical records on the city and county he loved.

When the 250th anniversary of the founding of Frederick City rolled around in 1995, he chaired the committee that planned and carried out that celebration.

Paul Gordon was quiet and reflective, the opposite of his wife.

Rita Simon was born Feb. 1, 1929, at her family home on East 7th Street, the daughter of Jacob Nathan and Anna Stein Simon. She later grew up in the 200 block of North Market Street and attended Elm Street School, before graduating from Frederick High in 1946.

She then attended and graduated from Frederick City Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1949, as a registered nurse and later became a graphoanalyst, a trained professional who analyzes handwriting to evaluate personality traits, emotional tendencies and behavior patterns.

She married Paul Gordon on July 2, 1948, in College Park. Their first apartment was at 17 E. Patrick St. before moving to 117 E. 3rd St. Eventually they built their forever home on Meadowdale Lane. They raised three children.

Rita had a broad range of civic contributions through the years. From 1975 to 1985, she was a member of the Frederick County Board of Education, serving four years as president. She also served as president of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and on several

committees of the National School Boards Association.

She also served on the Frederick Improvement Foundation, the auxiliary of Frederick Memorial Hospital, the Frederick Woman’s Civic Club and providing nursing assistance to the Red Cross blood drive.

She was a member of the Beth Sholom Congregation, where she served as president and board member. In 1991 she was the president of the Frederick Section, National Council of Jewish Women. She served on the Hood College Board of Associates for over 10 years and chaired the Grants Committee.

Rita was a “cat person” and visitors to the Gordon home often found one on her lap. She also had a fantastic sense of humor. While she was on the Frederick County Board of Education, she learned of one foul word that another member disliked more than any other. When she thought a presentation to the board was irrelevant, she leaned over and whispered the offending word to her colleague. It brought a quick response of “Rita!” that could be heard throughout the board room.

Rita was also compassionate, a trait few saw. She knew that a friend and her son talked almost daily, mostly by phone. When the mother died unexpectedly, she took up the mantle and began calling the son most every day.

Beyond their public accomplishments, the tales of the Gordons’ historical research, piecing together far-flung notes from hundreds of sources, are legendary.

During one trip around Frederick, just looking at historic properties, the couple drove down Record Street and noticed large piles of “trash” awaiting pickup at the rear of the Frederick County Courthouse.

They spent a couple of hours going through the discarded materials and uncovered, among other things, the minutes book from April 27, 1861, during the only session of the Maryland General Assembly held outside Annapolis, in Kemp Hall at the corner of N. Market and E. Church streets.

On family vacations to various historic locations, their children recount that they would visit cemeteries and were asked to search for the graves of specific people.

The Gordons wrote five books, the first of which was the Textbook History of Frederick County, published by the Frederick County Board of Education and used for many years in elementary schools.

Next came Jews Beneath The Clustered Spires, followed by a series of volumes about Frederick County during the Civil War: A Playground of the Civil War, Never the Like Again and Rest Calmly Now. Their final book, In Wondrous Ways, was completed by their son-in-law, Keith Roberson, after their passing.

Paul died on Dec. 5, 2019. Rita passed away just four months later on April 10, 2020. They were survived by their children—Stuart Yael Gordon, Hugh Ellis Gordon and Myla Gordon Roberson—seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Paul and Rita Gordon’s biggest contribution to Frederick County might be the historic documents they uncovered and donated to future generations of Frederick Countians.

The Gordons lengthy research led to five books, including a history textbook about Frederick County that was used for many years in local elementary schools.

Stick Ball

By Jody Brumage / Archivist, Heritage Frederick

Frederick News-Post photographer Frank Keefer captured this image of a lacrosse match in May 1949 when Hood College took on visiting Sweet Briar (Va.) College, which would claim victory in the match.

Lacrosse originated in North America and was played by indigenous peoples for centuries before European colonization. In its ancient form, the game was played by hundreds of participants at a time and matches could last for several days. French Jesuit priests witnessed Native Americans playing lacrosse in the 17th century. A match held in Montreal in 1834, in which Caughnawaga Indians demonstrated the sport, contributed to the growth in popularity of lacrosse in Canada and Great Britain. When lacrosse was played for the first time at the 1904 Olympics, the Canadian team

Among the early adopters of women’s lacrosse were Baltimore’s Bryn Mawr School, Wellesley and Vassar colleges, and Frederick’s own Hood College.

defeated the United States to win the gold medal. The first organized women’s lacrosse team was founded at Saint Leonards School in Scotland in 1890. While studying on a Rhodes Scholarship, Frederick’s own M.J. Grove competed on the University of Oxford lacrosse team in 1930 when it won the International Championship. The history of lacrosse in Maryland extends much earlier than its 2004 designation as the official state team sport. Maryland’s first organized men’s lacrosse team was founded by the Baltimore Athletic Club in 1878, followed by the formation of teams at Johns Hopkins University in 1883 and the University of Maryland in 1910. Women’s lacrosse did not become widespread in the United States until the mid-1920s.