Frederick Magazine - October 2025

FREDERICK / OCTOBER 2025 / ISSUE 484

®

CIRCUS MEMORIES / PLANT-POWERED DINING / HAUNTED TOURISM

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What’s Holding You Back from Creating an Estate Plan?

● “I am about to get remarried, so we are waiting until we merge our assets” OR “We are about to move around several of our accounts, and we want to get our financial affairs in order first” You do not need to wait until your assets are settled to establish a Revocable Living Trust. In fact, it saves time to create the Trust first. The first step is to create a Trust itself that designates people in charge and sets up beneficiaries. The second step, the Trust funding, is an ongoing process any time you buy a new home, open a new account, or change banks. Don’t worry, we provide straightforward instructions for retitling your current and future assets.

Our Trust funding instruction letter identifies how to retitle your accounts based on the asset type. We also encourage each client to review their letter annually in case any new asset didn’t get properly titled right away. ● “We are thinking about purchasing a new house, so we will wait until that is handled.”

Maybe you are not in your forever home yet. Still, you should not let a potential move affect your decision either. For any real property you own in Maryland or Virginia, we can prepare a Deed placing the property into your Trust. If you were to purchase a new property after establishing the Trust, you would simply have it titled into your name, actually saving yourself the cost and hassle of preparing/filing a new deed. ● “I am in the midst of some medical issues.”

Please have an Estate Plan in place before any major medical procedure for your own peace of mind. Giving birth definitely fits the bill. ● From our Probate clients: “This is all so overwhelming, I want to get everything taken care of first.”

Often the Personal Representative is going to be receiving a share of the Estate. You will want to have everything in order before you receive the distribution so it could be titled correctly right away.

The typical Probate case can last between nine months and a year, if not more. Estate Planning can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks, giving you a sense of accomplishment right away. The bulk of the information needed to complete the Estate Plan is already part of the initial Probate paperwork.

Please call us at 301-696-0567 or self-schedule at www.lenaclarklegal.com if you would like to help protect your assets and loved ones in the event of death or disability.

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ISSUE 484

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHERS Shawn Dewees / Joseph Silovich Editor-in-Chief Guy Fletcher Assistant Editor Nancy Luse Graphic Designers Alexandra Barr Ian Sager Contributing Writers Jeanne Blackburn Chuck Boteler Jody Brumage Lisa Gregory Scott Grove

Jeni Lubert Amy L Metzger Hunt Joseph Peterson Jake Wynn

Contributing Photographers Michael DeMattia Mark Youngblood Advertising Account Executives Terri Davis / tdavis@fredmag.com Shawn Dewees / sdewees@fredmag.com Stephanie Dewees / stephdewees@fredmag.com Business Development Chuck Boteler / cboteler@fredmag.com

KYLE | HAGERSTOWN

Distributor Josh Ensor / alloutdist@aol.com Subscriptions Stephanie Dewees / subscriptions@fredmag.com Events Calendar and Proofreader Niki DeSanto / events@fredmag.com

Telephone: 301-662-8171 FAX: 301-662-8399

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Frederick Magazine, Volume XL, Number 10 is a monthly publication of Diversions Publications, Inc., 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601 (ISSN 006-923). Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, MD 21701 and at additional mailing offices. Subscriptions, $24.95 per year, which includes the Frederick City/County Guide, Homegrown, and all other annual guides (available through the business office). Back issues w/in the last 12 mos./$3.95. Prior to 12 mos. ago/$7.00. POST­MASTER: Send address changes to Frederick Magazine, 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601. Customer inquiries to same address or call 301-662-8171. Distributed through mail subscriptions, home delivery, and sold at newsstands and other locations in Frederick, Upper Montgomery counties, and throughout the Central Maryland region. Advertising rates available on request. Manuscripts, drawings, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Frederick Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submissions, including letters and e-mail, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to Frederick Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. © DIVERSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC. 2025. Frederick Magazine, Best of FrederickTM, and People to WatchTM, are owned exclusively by Diversions Publications, Inc. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher.

Printed on Recycled Frederick is a registered trademark of Paper Diversions Publications, Inc.

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Find It Inside October Vol. XL, No. 10

40

DEPARTMENTS

LOCAL HAUNTS

15 Uncovered— Fritchie Memorial

p.

11 Editor’s Note

16 Up Above 18 FDK 22—Pix 26—Then & Now 36 Spotlight— Monster’s Ink 38—Artsy

CIRCUS MAXIMUS With an abundance of local history and folklore, including the mythological Snallygaster and pop culture’s Blair Witch, there has been a heightened interest in “dark tourism” throughout the city and county.

BY JOSEPH PETERSON

28

p.

You never thought of Frederick County as a big circus community? It might surprise you to learn that many local faces (some of them painted) have enjoyed careers under the big top. Here are the stories from acrobatic performers to, of course, clowns.

BY LISA GREGORY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

48

p.

PLANT-POWERED

Vegan and vegetarian fare has certainly suffered its share of stereotypes, one of which is the food is not very creative or tasty.

A growing number of local eateries catering to plant-based diners is how to dispel that myth, offering delicious meals that might surprise the ardent carnivore.

BY APRIL BARTEL / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

40 Business—Local Haunts 42—Biz Bites 44—On Tech

46 Talking History — Kim C. Dine 60 On the Table— 60—Tiny Plates 62—Cravings 68 Trending— Interior Color 70—Stylin’ 72—Tell Us 74 On the Road— Cheesesteak Tour 76—Postcards 78—You’re Here 80 October Calendar of Events 96 Past Time— Pressing On

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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

The actual name for the condition is coulrophobia. If you are an etymology nerd like me, you might enjoy knowing that “coulro” is the Greek word for stilt walkers, and we all know what phobia means.

Coulrophobia is a fear of circus clowns.

Now, let me be clear: I have never been afraid of clowns, per se, but they do make me feel a bit uncomfortable. I have always thought of them as being more creepy than funny. According to the Cleveland Clinic, coulrophobia sufferers are reacting to a clown’s colorful makeup; the experts say the disguise hides a clown’s facial features and distorts expressions, creating a feeling of distrust among the afflicted.

Yep, that’s me!

The coulrophobia world has been getting lots of attention in recent years with movies like It and The Joker, which don’t exactly show clowns at their best.

These portrayals felt like confirmation for those of us already anxious about giant shoes and red noses.

I mention coulrophobia because it was the first thing that came to mind many months ago when writer Lisa Gregory pitched me a story idea about local people who have worked in the circus business. My first thought was, “Ugh, clowns.” It was also my second thought.

But I also know there is more to the circus than clowns, so I gave the green light to the proposal.

Yes, Lisa’s story includes a few clowns—OK, it’s mostly clowns—but they really have interesting stories to tell about their days under the big top as well as working in front of smaller audiences.

Personalizing these performers, as Lisa did, makes them seem less, well, clownish. Exhale.

Lisa’s story, “Circus Maximus,” begins on page 28 and is complemented by Mark Youngblood’s photography and art director Joseph Silovoch’s creative page design.

Another story this month looks at vegetarian and vegan dining options in Frederick County. It could have been titled, “Vegetarian Food—It’s Not What You Think,” because writer April Bartel found a variety of creative, tasty dishes—many with ethnic roots and even desserts—that go far beyond the ordinary greens and tofu. Her story, “Plant-Powered,” begins on page 48.

Also, in keeping with the Halloween season, writer Joseph Peterson discusses the county’s growing reputation in what can best be described as fright tourism. His story, “Local Haunts,” starts on page 40.

Finally, this month we are bidding farewell to Dina Carole, whose “Dear Dina” column had been a regular feature in our FDK section since May of last year. Dina, a familiar voice on Key103 weekday mornings, has retired after an astonishing 35 years in the radio industry. We wish her all the best.

I hope you enjoy all the stories in this month’s issue. Have a safe and happy October. FM

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“PART 3 - With the passing of the Big Beautiful Bill, what does this mean for business owners?”

R.M. – Adamstown, MD on “Changes A: discussion that will affect your taxes

In August, we focused our

in 2025”. Last month in September, we looked to the future with “Changes that will affect your taxes in 2026 and later.”

• Section 179 expensing: The OBBBA increases the amount taxpayers can expense to $2.5 million per year.

If the cost of qualifying property

percent exclusion f rom income for stock held for at least three years, 75 percent exclusion for stock held for at least four years and 100 percent exclusion if the stock was held

This month, we are going to focus on Small Businesses and “Changes that will affect business owners”.

(If you would like to get copies of the previous articles, please feel f ree to contact our off ice and we can send them over to you.)

Business Tax Provisions Changes that will affect business owners in 2025: • Bonus depreciation deduction: The OBBBA permanently returns bonus depreciation to 100 percent for property acquired and placed in service on or after January 19, 2025.

• Special depreciation allowance for qualif ied production property: The bill allows an additional f irst-year depreciation deduction equal to 100 percent of the adjusted basis of “qualif ied production property.”

Qualif ied production property is generally nonresidential real property used in manufacturing, and construction must begin after January 19, 2025, and before January 1, 2029. The property must be placed in service by January 1, 2031.

exceeds $4 million, the deduction is reduced by the excess amount.

• Full expensing of research and development expenses: The OBBBA permits taxpayers to deduct domestic research or experimental expenditures paid or incurred immediately. In contrast, expenditures on research that is conducted outside the U.S. must still be deducted over 15 years.

• Qualif ied small business stock exclusion: For stock acquired after the enactment of the Act, the exclusion is subject to a new tiered system: 50

for f ive years or more. The asset limit for a qualif ied small business is also increased to $75 million or less and the exclusion amount is increased to $15 million.

Changes that will affect business owners in 2026 and later: • Charitable contribution deduction for corporation: A floor is also applied to corporation, it will be 1 percent of the corporation’s taxable income, and the charitable contribution deduction cannot exceed the current 10-percent-of-taxable-income limit. This new floor will be effective in 2026.

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE:

WWW.MCCASKILL-FINANCIAL.COM FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, FINANCIAL ARTICLES AND INFORMATION

To submit questions for future articles

Email to scott@mccaskill-financial.com or Call our office at 301.668.7366 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

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UNCOVERED

Profiled

By Amy L. Metzger Hunt / Curator, Heritage Frederick

The Daily Mail of Frederick on Sept. 9, 1914, dedicated its entire second page of the newspaper to the unveiling of the Barbara Fritchie monument.

More than a century before artist Sarah Hempel Irani, through the dedicated work of the women of the Frederick Art Club, unveiled a statue of Frederick’s beloved fashion designer Claire McCardell, another group of local women worked to unveil a monument to another iconic woman.

The group of women taking the initiative was the Barbara Fritchie Memorial Association, chartered in September 1912 with 132 members. On Sept. 8, 1914, the organization unveiled a monument honoring its Civil War heroine namesake. Located in the “Fritchie Triangle” at Mount Olivet Cemetery, the monument presides over the second and final resting place of Fritchie and her husband.

Born Barbara Hauer to an immigrant German family in Lancaster in 1766, she moved to Frederick with her family when still a child.

She married local glove maker John Caspar Fritchie and their home/ place of business was located on West Patrick Street at Carroll Creek.

While the original house was later destroyed by a flood, a replica house honoring Fritchie was built near the same location in 1927.

John Greenleaf Whittier’s 1863 poem Barbara Freitchie made her name famous, describing Fritchie defiantly waving the American flag

as Confederate troops marched by her home. While the events in the poem are fictional, Fritchie was known to be staunchly loyal and an outspoken Unionist during the Civil War. The relief medallion unveiled 111 years ago on the 13-foot granite Barbara Fritchie Memorial obelisk at Mount Olivet depicts Fritchie in profile, her 90plus years of life marked out in each crease of her face, her thin white hair pulled back under a modest lace bonnet. The profile is backed by the American flag.

This sculpted bronze seal was created by James Edward Kelly, a New York City artist known for his extensively researched historical scenes and portraits, particularly those relating to the Civil War. Heritage Frederick received a second bronze casting of Kelly’s Fritchie medallion into its collection in the fall of 2023 from an anonymous donor. The artist’s signature is fittingly dated July 4, 1914. FM fredMAG 15

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UP ABOVE St. Joseph Catholic Church and Elias Lutheran Church in Emmitsburg are greeted with the first pops of autumn color. FM Photography By Michael DeMattia

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Experience FREDERICK’S EASTSIDE SHOPPING & DINING ADVENTURE

SHOPS

BEAUTY, FITNESS, SALONS & SPAS Daisy’s Salon Frederick Wig Company JKW Beauty toned studio Unique Studio Hair Salon

Charlotte’s Cottage Quilt Shop

Quality fabrics & notions for quilters & sewists. www.charlottescottagequiltshop.com

GALLERIES / HOME DESIGN Eastside Artists’ Gallery Primitive Homespuns Take Root GIFT SHOPS Frederick MADE The Lerner Collection The Little Pottery Shop CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Diamond Couture Bridal Footlights Ivy’s Haven A Perfect Fit Bra Boutique Relove & Rewind Thrift and Vintage Talbots & Talbots Petites Teresa’s Treasures

Frederick MADE

Bringing people together through art. Locally-designed and locally-made jewelry, apparel, accessories, & art kits. www.frederickmade.com

CRAFTS & SUPPLIES Charlotte’s Cottage Quilt Shop Frederick Clay Studio I Made This!

Primitive Homespuns Wool & Needleworks FOOD & DRINK Frederick Coffee Co. & Café Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen Shab Row Tea Emporium SERVICES Amada Senior Care The Cook’s Kitchen The Cutting Board My Sewing Studio Parent Resource Center Stadtkind Photography Steve Hissey Guitar Studio Wolfe’s Antique Furniture Restoration & Refinishing

PLENTY OF FREE PARKING

Primitive Homespuns Wool & Needleworks

Kits and supplies for rug hooking, punch needle and wool applique in store & online. www.phwoolandneedle.com

Located at the Intersection of East Church Street & East Street in Downtown Frederick

301-662-4140

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FDK

Costumed Pets Support Charity

Who says humans should be the only ones to dress up for Halloween? Thanks to the Francis Scott Key Lions Club, dogs and their owners can participate in Canines on the Creek from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine, on Oct. 25 at the Carroll Creek Park amphitheater in Downtown Frederick.

This marks the popular event’s sixth year and features a dog parade and Halloween costume contest for pets and owners, exhibits, prizes, giveaways and demonstrations. Canines on the Creek is being held in conjunction with the Downtown Frederick Partnership and the nonprofit Leader Dogs for the Blind.

“The parade and costume contest are a lot of fun,” says FSK Lions event chair

Gary Bennett. “We decided to move our event to Halloween a few years ago and keep it there because of the ease of coming up with a costume and to take advantage of Frederick’s normally spectacular October weather. Now we get over 100 dogs and hundreds of spectators.”

Advance registration for the dog costume contest and parade is $25 per animal, or you can simply come out

and watch the fun for free. Organizers ask the public to bring canned dog food items in support of the Humane Society of Frederick County. Participants can register at www.fsklions.org/canines.

Exhibitors and sponsors are needed, too, with dog-oriented businesses paying $80 for exhibit space.

Proceeds from Canines on the Creek benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind (www. leaderdog.org) and other Lions Club charities. Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dog training, matching services and client orientation and mobility training leading to a life of independence and confidence for blind and low-sight individuals.

Judging categories for the costume contest are best owner and dog-themed costume, best small-breed costume, best medium-breed costume and best largebreed costume. Local celebrities such as Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor will serve as judges. Numerous door prizes

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TALKING HISTORY EXPLORES EVENTS, PEOPLE Local and national events are told through first-person narratives by area residents in Talking History, a collection of interviews conducted by Scott Grove and originally published in Frederick Magazine over the past decade.

will be awarded, as well, with exhibitors also providing giveaways All dogs must be well behaved on a leash and have up-to-date vaccinations at the time of registration.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 48,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas worldwide. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have assisted the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth.

The Francis Scott Key Lions Club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Frederick Elks Lodge on Willowdale Drive.

Contact membership chair Nancy Foy at 225-229-6264 or membership@ fsklions.org.

The 130-page hardback book features 50 of Grove’s monthly columns spotlighting a wide range of notable events, from sports and entertainment to politics and social change. Subjects include former mayors Ron Young and Jennifer Dougherty, famed bassist Scott Ambush, photographer C. Kurt Holter, and civil rights figure Joy Hall-Onley, among others. Each two-page spread is illustrated with portraiture by Turner Photography Studio.

Talking History retails for $39 and can be purchased locally at Curious Iguana, Delaplaine Arts Center, Frederick Visitor Center, Heritage Frederick, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and online at Amazon.com. For more information, visit www.scottrgrove.com.

NEW BUILDING FOR ROSE HILL CARRIAGES The Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum is building the new Robert H. Renneberger Carriage Museum, a 6,000-square-foot building to house the site’s collection of more than 26 historic carriages, sleighs and wagons.

Frederick County officials and community partners gathered recently for the groundbreaking.

The project will replace the original carriage museum, which opened in 1976. Expanded space and modern climate controls will allow Frederick County Parks and Recreation to better preserve the collection and share it with the public.

“This project is about preserving Frederick County’s history and making it accessible for generations to come,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, leading to strengthened “opportunities for education and community engagement while honoring the stories that shaped our county.”

Recreation Manager Kari Saavedra says the artifacts collection “allows us to interpret the transportation history of Frederick County, as well as the larger history of travel throughout time [and] the variety of ways transportation shaped the lives of Rose Hill residents and demonstrate the evolution of travel, while supporting our mission of preserving and presenting the living heritage of the property in a child-friendly, hands-on environment.”

The project is funded by the state and county. Construction is scheduled to finish in August 2026, aligning with the 50th anniversary of the carriage collection and the nationwide commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. For updates on the project and building progress, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CarriageMuseum. fredMAG 19

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LOOKING BACK AT 40 YEARS Our year-long celebration of Frederick Magazine’s 40-year anniversary has us looking back at an issue, and time, that was more about solemn reflection and grief.

The October 2001 issue was published just three weeks after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The cover photo

by Tim Jacobsen—reflecting similar scenes that took place throughout the nation—showed local residents gathering at Baker Park for a candlelight vigil honoring the victims and heroes.

“We now know who the bad guys are, and it’s not our neighbors across the street, it’s not the businesses that want to move here, it’s not the farming community that makes a living feeding us,” wrote Dan Patrell, then the magazine’s managing editor. “We’re all one community, whether we’ve lived here all our lives or whether we’ve just moved into the neighborhood.”

His message rings true 24 years later.

Pie Spy Returns

Amanda Haddaway wrote her first children’s book last year with The Pie Spy: Grandma’s Secret Recipe.

The book followed young Kate and her grandmother who was also a spy who used creative baking skills to hide secret messages. Through baking pies together, Kate learned about her grandmother’s exciting past. The new second installment in the series, The Pie Spy: The Coconut Cake Caper, follows Kate

GRAB YOUR COW COSTUME Joining Frederick’s lineup of fall festivals is Cowfest, sponsored by the Frederick Flying Cows professional basketball team, on Oct. 26 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Frederick Fairgrounds. It promises an afternoon of live entertainment, games, food and beverages, as well as the chance for Frederick to break the world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as cows. The current record stands at 1,352.

Team general manager Chris Jenkins says they have “a good supply” of cow costumes which can be purchased on their website and “we’re open to the creativity of people” to make their own outfits.

Other festival highlights include performances from The Let There Be Rock School, the Running of the Cows fun run, the Udder Fun Kid Zone and the Moo & Brew Garden, featuring Brewer’s Alley, McClintock Distilling and other regional favorites. Tickets and Flying Cow onesies are available at www.goflyingcows.com.

and Grandma at the annual bakeoff, where they try to solve a mystery while winning the coveted Golden Rolling Pin. Both Pie Spy books are available on Amazon.

“What started as a fun side project has grown into something really special,” says Haddaway.

“I kept the series going because kids—and their grownups—fell in love with Grandma and Kate. They are clever, kind and remind us that it’s never too late to stir up a little adventure.”

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IN THE STREETS A combination of sunny skies and warm breezes added to this year’s In the Streets celebration, sponsored by Celebrate Frederick and held on Market Street and Carroll Creek Park. The festival featured blocks of themed entertainment, more than 15 bands, artisans, nonprofit resources, food and beverages.

DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP BASH The Downtown Frederick Partnership hosted a gathering at McClintock Distilling Co., 35 S. Carroll St., to thank Downtown businesses and to offer a “before” look at a renovation on the property that will become a food court that’s expected to open next year.

MET OPENS NEW STAGE The Maryland Ensemble Theatre unveiled its third performance space at its home in the Francis Scott Key

Hotel. The new Key Stage, built in what was once the hotel’s ballroom, is now home to the MET’s in-house comedy troupe performances.

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Photos courtesy Bill Green/A Personal Touch Photography

FREDERICK FAIR The Great Frederick Fair once again entertained large crowds, whether they came to hear musical performances from the likes of The Commodores or Brantley Gilbert, to see the farm animals or contest winners, or to take a gastronomical tour of the midway.

LITTLE PINK PANTRY

SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING

A grassroots initiative inspired by the Little Free Library movement, but with a focus on providing female hygiene products instead of books, is now available at The Frederick Center, 5 E. 2nd St. The goal is “to ensure that no individual in Maryland faces the challenges of period poverty.” www.reproductivejusticemaryland.org

Gov. Wes Moore, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Cheryl L. Dyson joined other local leaders and students to break ground on Linganore Creek Elementary School.

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then & now FDK

EAST PATRICK STREET AND CARROLL CREEK THEN: circa 1926

NOW: 2025 26 fredMAG

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The situation was no joking matter for circus clown Kevin Brown. Standing backstage during a performance of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, he was seemingly safe from the animals performing in the rings. But he wasn’t.

“We had a buffalo that was just not trained very well,” he recalls. “He would quite often break away from the handler. … I peeked out the curtain and was getting ready to go out for the next act. I see the buffalo barreling at me with a full head of steam.”

Brown knew the risk. “He had broken free once before and destroyed a couple of cars,” he says. “I dove into a big wardrobe box, shut the door and waited, waited, waited,” he says. “I heard the buffalo. Then I didn’t hear anything.

So, I peeked out. He was looking right at me with his big, old tongue sticking in my face.”

Fortunately, the buffalo’s handler was able to restrain the beast. The clown survived to perform another day.

Circus life is a different kind of life, as few know better than Brown. But he is not the only Frederick resident with a big top story to tell. Even as the industry wanes (Ringling Bros. halted operations in 2017 before returning two years ago with a production that no longer includes clowns and animals), the spirit of the circus is alive and well in Frederick. As it should be, says Tom Dougherty, a long-time professional clown and former Frederick resident. “The circus, particularly Ringling Bros., is a part of the fabric of America,” he says. “It’s a huge part of our American experience.”

him after her death. “I sort of became obsessed with it, you know?” he says. He later learned juggling and other clown skills. “At 17, I auditioned for the Ringling Bros. Clown College. I was one of 15 out of thousands chosen.”

The 10-week long college/audition included perfecting skills in stilt walking, unicycling and slapstick comedy, while studying the silent films of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. “We also learned to sew,” he says. “You had to come up with your own costume.”

Upon completion of Clown College, Brown was sent on the road with Ringling Bros.

“I remember the first night I went out with a real show and a real audience” he says. “The lights came up and the music started, and it made the hair on my neck stand up.”

One of the highlights of his career was being invited to dinner with entertainer Red Skelton, who had a passion for clowns and painting them. “A limousine pulled up one night as we were getting ready to perform and he got out,” says Brown. “He said, ‘Do you mind if I take some pictures?’ He wanted them for his paintings.”

Brown the Clown

Brown, originally from Dundalk, Md., was 11 years old when his mother died. Learning magic provided solace for

Kevin Brown

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After the visit, the clowns sent Skelton a bouquet of bananas and a pair of signed clown shoes. According to Brown, Skelton was so touched that he wanted to take all 26 clowns out to dinner. “After the 10:30 show that night, we found ourselves sitting in a little barbecue place in Kansas City with Red Skelton,” he says.

However, three years into his work with Ringling Bros., Brown decided to step away from life on the road. “I fell in love,” he says of his wife of nearly 40 years. The couple met when she was a paymaster for the circus.

Brown held a variety of jobs and is currently an IT specialist with Frederick County Public Schools.

However, he kept performing as a professional clown at corporate events and festivals. He even continued to work with Ringling Bros. doing promotional events.

Patting his chest, he says, “Clowning comes from here.”

Donna Bannister and Tracey DeGirolamo

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Four Generations

Donna Bannister remembers having second thoughts.

Just a teenager, she was preparing to perform a trapeze act on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City for the first time.

“My trapeze was on the diving board of the Steel Pier,” says Donna. “And I couldn’t swim.”

“She’d go up and hang by her toes,” says her daughter Tracey DeGirolamo. “But she was afraid of falling in the water.”

As she climbed the ladder to her perch, “I got about halfway up there and the wind was just blowing like crazy,” she recalls. “I could see the water down below me, and I kept hollering to my dad, who was holding the ladder, ‘I can’t do this! I can’t do this!’ But he couldn’t hear me.”

Finally, “I just went up and did it,” she says.

The idea that the show must go on runs in the veins of Bannister’s family through four generations of circus performers, including DeGirolamo.

Mark Lohr

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The family’s first generation of circus performers came from Scotland. Lil and Gil Wilson had a dog act. Next were Gilbert “Dime” Wilson Jr. and his wife, Connie, who were clowns. Connie Wilson was among the first female clowns.

Bannister and her four sisters and one brother would all follow the circus business. One sister was a lion tamer.

Throughout her own career, Bannister would perform with elephants, dogs and as an aerialist.

“I did aerial most of my life,” she says of acrobatic feats done as high as 65 feet in the air without a net. At 9 years old, daughter Tracey joined the act. “It was second nature,” says DeGirolamo.

There were still some close calls. “We had an act where her dad held a pole on his shoulders,” recalls Bannister “It was a balancing act. And she would climb up to the top and do different tricks.”

During a performance, “My foot slipped,” says DeGirolamo. “I went forward into the pole, which meant the whole pole started going forward and my father couldn’t stop it.

So, the whole pole and I went down on the ground.”

Young Tracey was okay. “We took a breather,” says Bannister. “Then we finished the act.”

The family understood the risks. “There were times when we went up and performed right after we watched one of our friends fall,” Bannister says.

Travelling with shows such as Circus Vargas and Circus Vidbel could be grueling, covering the North America continent and overseas, including Japan.

“We did a lot of one-day stands where we were in and out of a city in a single day,” says DeGirolamo, who was homeschooled. “We would get into town and set up our rigging.

Then we’d go take a shower, throw on makeup and perform.

Then we’d tear it all down and move on to the next town.”

Now both retired (Bannister left the circus in 2001 and DeGirolamo followed in 2003) they settled in Frederick after DeGirolamo married a musician she met on the road.

Today, the couple owns a basement waterproofing business.

DeGirolamo’s two sons and daughter have chosen not to pursue a life in the circus. They are nonetheless proud of their family’s legacy. “It’s pretty cool,” says oldest son Michael.

As his mother and grandmother talk about their experiences with the circus, they take out a photo album filled with memories. DeGirolamo lingers over a photograph of a young Bannister striking a pose in a sparkling costume as she prepares to take to the air.

“Look at my Momma,” says Tracey. “Isn’t she something?”

Lohr Out Loud

Early in his circus career, Mark Lohr auditioned as a clown for the opera Pagliacci with Placido Domingo at the Kennedy Center. He was immediately hired for the production.

In one scene, Lohr’s clown attempts to protect a woman from being attacked by Domingo’s character. “My job was to leap up and grab the knife,” says Lohr. During rehearsal, with an understudy standing in for Domingo, “It was perfect. We had great timing,” he says.

When it was time for Domingo to perform the part, however, “He pulls the knife back not once but twice,” says Lohr. Throwing off Lohr’s timing. “I elbowed him right in the throat,” he says. “I figured I’d get a pink slip.”

He didn’t. The opera star even laughed about it later. But at the time, “my stomach fell into my shoes,” says Lohr.

“It’s an embarrassing story on my part,” adds Lohr, “but I guess in a way it’s one of my claims to fame.”

Lohr has dedicated his life to the art of “mirth making,” as he calls it. Growing up on a farm in Frederick County, he was drawn to physical comedy as a child, watching Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chaplin movies on Saturday afternoons.

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Early on he decided he wanted to go into the performing arts. “My senior year in high school I had three periods of drama or theater every day,” he says. “But it was comedy that really drew me in.”

Lohr eventually would be mentored by Tom Dougherty, a featured clown with Ringling Bros. who helped establish Theatricks, a theater and circus arts program for children, in Frederick in 1989.

When Dougherty stepped away after a decade and moved on from Frederick, Lohr stepped up and still leads the organization. “Mark makes the kids really want to embrace it,” says Dougherty of the circus arts.

Lohr gets emotional when he talks about the children he has seen grow and learn year after year. And it is children that speak the most to him when he performs. “I call it a room full of joy,” he says.

During Theatricks camps youngsters are encouraged to attempt feats such as juggling, plate spinning and even performing a synchronized version of water ballet without the water.

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had,” one little girl giggles as she prepares to spin plates.

Moose ALMIGHTY

Lohr, a father of five, has performed with his own children as LOL or Laugh Out Lohr. Though less often in recent years as the children have gotten older. They still help him with the camps at times.

As much as he loves it, physical comedy has taken its toll on him, however.

“I’ve given my heart and soul to this,” he says. Adding with a grin, “And now I have two artificial hips.”

Moose Almighty

Devon Wilton, or Moose Almighty as he prefers to be called, ran away to join the circus but ended up finding a home in Frederick. As a young man in Texas, he was attending a music show where a sideshow was the opening act. “Like the human pin cushion and sword swallowing,” he says.

The future Moose Almighty was not necessarily impressed at least with the human pin cushion. “I could tell it was fake,” he says. “The concoction that he was using for the blood, the color red wasn’t right, and it was the wrong viscosity. With me having the number of piercings that I’ve had, I was very familiar with what it looked like when it comes to somebody bleeding from a puncture wound like that.”

Impressed by his attention to detail, the person running the sideshow offered Wilton a job. “The guy said I was in if I could do some of the acts,” he says. However, he wasn’t a performer. “Closest thing was when I was in high school choir.”

But he could learn.

“The next day I went to Joann Fabrics and bought one of those little tins of quilting pins,” he says. “I sat in my car and put a couple through my cheeks, and I looked at myself in the mirror and said, ‘I can do this.’”

Next up was the fire eating and sword swallowing. He took it one challenge at a time. “When it came to the fire, I just had to get comfortable with it and playing with it in my hands before I started doing stuff with fire eating,” he says. For sword swallowing, he watched YouTube videos and studied human anatomy.

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He would become quite accomplished and was eventually asked to join a carnival sideshow in New York. Part of his act was allowing an audience member to pull out the sword once it had been swallowed. During one show, a young man in a wheelchair asked if he could do the honor. Moose Almighty agreed.

“As he was pulling out the sword, he started to fall back,” says Moose Almighty. “I literally had to step backward before he did, so that way I could pull it out of my own throat. …

That was terrifying.”

While on the road performing, he made a couple of stops in Frederick and on his last visit he decided to stay. Today, his career involves pet sitting and jewelry making. “Frederick is a good town with good roots,” he says.

He has not performed for years but does not regret testing the limits of his own endurance. He understands its allure.

“Nobody wants to eat the really spicy potato chip,” he says.

“But everybody’s curious about how spicy it is, so they really hope somebody tries it so that they can see.”

Leave ‘Em Smiling

Despite Chuck Flayhart’s best efforts, the audience wasn’t responding. “I was doing a corporate show and was pulling out all the dangerous stuff,” says Flayhart, a Frederick resident and circus performer. “The bullwhips, eating fire, juggling knives.”

And yet, “I was only getting a few polite claps,” he says.

Afterwards, the person who had hired him came up to him ecstatic. “He said to me, ‘This is the first time we have had them stay for the whole show, They usually leave before its finished,’” Flayhart says “Audiences are tough to read sometimes,” he concludes.

Flayhart, a special education instructional assistant at Rock Creek School, has spent most of his life drawn to performing and especially clowning. His interest began as a young boy with a mother who collected clown paintings and clown figurines. As far back as he can remember, “We celebrated my birthday by going to see Ringling Bros. circus,” says Flayhart. Family vacations included trips to Florida and the Circus World theme park, where Flayhart learned to juggle.

Was his mother an influence on the performing clown he became? “I am sure she would take credit for it,” he says with a smile. No doubt she was also pleased with his wedding theme: “We walked under an arch of jugglers,” he says. “And our car was filled with balloon animals.”

His future wife did have one restriction though. “No fire, no knives and no whips,” he says, chuckling.

Throughout his career with clowning, he has performed at birthday parties and corporate events and at the home of former Vice President Al Gore. He has travelled as far as Las Vegas to perform. His tricks are many and varied and often quite physically demanding, like walking on stilts.

“I’m balancing the whole time,” he says. “You can’t stand still literally for more than maybe three to five seconds tops.

So, if I’m doing a four-hour stilt gig, I’m literally moving the entire time. It’s tough.”

Flayhart, who has lived in the Frederick area for over two decades, teaches at circus camps and has even taught with Mark Lohr and Theatricks. He sees the circus arts as a powerful motivator for children in building confidence as well as new skills.

He specifically recalls a young boy on the autism spectrum.

“The first day he came to camp he was physically violent towards me,” he says of the child. “I called his mother and told her, ‘Come pick him up,’” says Flayhart. But once she arrived, Flayhart said, “‘Bring him back tomorrow.’ … He wasn’t getting off that easy.”

The boy came back. “Now, 10 years on, he is a coach with the camp,” says Flayhart with a hint of pride. “The circus is not just our circus. It belongs to everyone.” FM

Chuck Flayhart

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SPOTLIGHT

Monster’s Ink New Book Explores History and Legend of the Snallygaster Beyond local circles, the myth of the Snallygaster may be one of Maryland’s best-kept secrets. “I remember when I moved here and first heard about it, I was surprised,” says Ken Houldsworth, a resident of Middletown who hosts the G Fedora’s Fedora Files podcast and authored the book series Happy Little Monsters. “You hear about Mothman, the Jersey Devil, Bigfoot [but not the Snallygaster],” he continues.

Houldsworth is the author of the new book Blood and Beak: Legends of the South Mountain Terror, a compilation of fictional short stories and poems about the Snallygaster. Each entry is based on his own research, including newspaper reports. “Sometimes it’s just a paragraph or two,” he says. “I thought why not embellish and create a whole story?”

The myth of the Snallygaster originated with German immigrants who settled at the foot of South Mountain in the 1700s.

They called the monster Schneller Geist, meaning quick ghost. “It’s this ghostly spirit with wings like a dragon, and it’s quick moving and it’ll get you in the night,” says Houldsworth.

Through the decades there were those who claimed to have killed Snallygasters.

Some even tried to make insurance claims that the Snallygaster had destroyed their barns or other property.

“The moonshiners played into it,” says Houldsworth. “One of the things that became part of the Snallygaster legend was that it would make a whistling noise before it attacked. The moonshiners were saying that because the moonshine still would huff, producing a whistle-like sound as it Ken Houldsworth tracks the trail of the legendary Snallygaster. The mythological winged creature, rooted in the culture of German immigrants, is said to terrorize South Mountain and the valley below.

Photos courtesy Lark Houldsworth/Lark’s Eye View Photography

By Lisa Gregory

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Illustration courtesy Kristopher Battles

boiled. So, to try and keep people away they would say, ‘Hey, that’s a Snallygaster.’ In that way they added to the myth.”

The disappearance of three local moonshiners earned the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, according to Houldsworth. “It was in all the newspapers, even The New York Times,” he says. “It was a big deal and people were claiming a monster killed the moonshiners.”

Roosevelt, a staunch conservationist but also a big game hunter, decided to take down the Snallygaster himself, Houldsworth says.

“He was going to come out to Middletown, out to South Mountain, and kill the Snallygaster for killing Americans,” he says.

“You don’t go kill Americans when Teddy Roosevelt is around.” But before Roosevelt could set foot on South Mountain, the three “deceased” moonshiners were found.

“Some people think maybe [Roosevelt] actually came out,” says Houldsworth, “hunted it down and went with the story of, ‘Oh, they were killed by a distillery explosion,’ because it would be too much for Americans to think, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s a monster killing people,’ you know?”

Many people took precautions against the Snallygaster. In his short story The

Witch-Binder of South Mountain, Houldsworth writes about Micheal Zittle, a purported wizard who lived on South Mountain in the 19th century. People would have Zittle “come out and put hexes on their land to keep the darkness from coming onto their property,” he says.

Houldsworth was able to locate Zittle’s final resting place in a cemetery in Boonsboro. “He felt that you should never profit off of magic,” says Houldsworth. “And he ended up dying in poverty. “ The short stories and poems in Blood and Beak follow a timeline from the original appearance of the mythical beast in local folklore to modern encounters. Houldsworth hopes to inspire curiosity about the monster, as well as Maryland history and folklore.

“I want to keep the myth alive and maybe even add to it, just let it continue to grow,” he says.

“And maybe if people want to start researching and getting information on their own, that’s great too. It keeps the people interested in it.”

He concludes, “The Snallygaster is Frederick’s story. It’s our story.” FM

Houldsworth’s book Blood and Beak: Legends of the South Mountain Terror is a compilation of fictional short stories and poems about the Snallygaster, including a tale about the creature raising the ire of President Theodore Roosevelt.

“

It’s this ghostly spirit with wings like a dragon, and it’s quick moving and it’ll get you in the night.

—Ken Houldsworth, author, podcaster

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artsy SPOTLIGHT

Exploring the World at TAG

Two exhibits reflecting the featured artists’ visions of the world and how humans and other living things fit in is being featured this month at TAG/The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St. Christine Stovall’s show, Human Nature, stems from her deep reverence for the natural world. Liz LaGarde’s Intertwined explores the delicate and often unseen connections that bind the world together. The work is a blend of contemporary abstraction and color, juxtaposed with historical engravings, photographs and drawings.

With other TAG artists showing work in Gallery II, the exhibits run from Oct. 3-26 with an opening reception on Oct. 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. www. theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

Recovery and Wellness Through Art

For an hour two days a week, participants at On Our Own of Frederick County, a wellness and addiction recovery support center at 121 S. Market St., are given an opportunity to be artistically creative while learning about themselves and connecting with peers.

“Healing happens in community,” says Jax Helms, the center’s program and outreach manager, with group opportunities such as the Tuesday art class and Thursday sessions for writing. The classes are taught by Adrien Gehring, a local artist who recently finished a stint at the Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., as an artist-in-residence. “Adrien has a heart for what she does here, and the peers love it,” Helms says.

On a recent Tuesday, Gehring took out a stack of paper and boxes of colored pencils, with participants encouraged to draw two shapes of their choosing, scattering them over the paper to be later colored in with the pencils. “Let’s have some music to give us an environment,” she says, turning on her phone. The room’s door remains open in case others want to wander in.

“The creative process engages with a part of our humanity,” the artist says, and the assignments are “agenda-less—it’s not good, it’s not bad, it’s not supposed to look” a certain way. “It gives you room to play,” to create something in community “to share rather than making it an individual practice.”

One man says the class “is very comfortable. A nice place to chill.” He drew pentagon and X shapes while across from him a

woman filled the paper with stars and moons because she says the shapes mean “energy for me.”

On Our Own has been in Frederick since 1997 with a mission to provide intentional and inclusive peer-led recovery and wellness services. “We are firm believers in multiple pathways to recovery,” organizers say on their website (www.onourownfrederick.org). The art project is just one example.

At one point a woman comes into the room, upset with a previous encounter with someone on the street, and hungry to boot.

She soon finds herself settling into the art and talking through her troubles. The man looks at what he has drawn and says, “I’m no artist,” and the woman with the moons and stars smiles and says, “You are now.”

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BUSINESS

Local Haunts Is Frederick County Becoming a Destination for Halloween Tourists?

By Joseph Peterson Like Salem. Mass., or Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Frederick seems to have all the ingredients to become the next great Halloween destination.

With plenty of spooky legends, mysterious lore and ghostly encounters, the city rests firmly on its reputation for being Maryland’s most haunted municipality. Given its geographic position at the crossroads of the Civil War and a home to a pop culture icon like the Blair Witch, it might surprise some that the entire county is already more notably associated with the season of spooky tourism.

Unless that’s the point.

“Frederick is a great place to explore the incredible folklore we have here,” says Jake Wynn, senior marketing and communications manager at Visit Frederick. “It’s an excellent ghost tour destination outside of Gettysburg that’s a little off the beaten path, and not overwhelmingly touristy.”

But still the crowds come and the locals turn out to get a glimpse into the history books through the festive lens of a more eerie fright. In a recent social media post, Ron Angleberger, owner of Maryland Ghost Tours, wrote, “What a perfect time of year to explore the dark recesses of historic Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past.”

And while his weekend ghost and cemetery tours around Downtown Frederick are a hot ticket throughout the fall, he’s not scrambling to meet a dramatic increase in demand. “We don’t do them every night in October; With its abundance of actual history and creative folklore (from both the past and present), Frederick County is positioned as a “dark tourism” destination.

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we’re so swamped over the weekend, it’s a nice little break [during the weekdays],” he says, adding that he does have the occasional Thursday on the schedule and also books private group tours.

Cash Alderton takes a similar approach. He and his wife, Jenny, own and run Kindred Hills, Frederick County’s only haunted trail and attraction.

Their operation, halfway between Frederick and Urbana, opened in 2019 and has seen a surge in popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic that might have other haunts rushing to scale up.

“Last year we were up about 30 percent, and the year before that, we doubled,” he says of ticket sales, crediting the positive word of mouth that he believes naturally grows from a quality experience.

But Alderton is content with where he is. He says attractions overrun with too many ticket holders tend to diminish the experience. “A big event will rush people through like a cattle line and it kind of loses its soul a little bit,” he says. “We want everybody to have a

good time, have a good event, and not get rushed through, you know, get your money’s worth.”

It’s that balance between spooky fun and historical context that tends to be the dominant approach in the county for the Halloween experiences that embrace the tales and legends unique to this corner of Maryland.

Visit Frederick’s Wynn says it’s not just the private ventures having all the fun, either, but historic sites and museums are also leaning into what’s called “dark tourism” with mysterious but documented tales of the past.

To wit, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, with its own macabre reputation, will offer tours where attendees will “hear ghostly tales from the past while touring the darkened galleries of the most haunted building in Frederick,” per the museum’s website.

From ghost tours to haunted forests and cemeteries to old museums, Halloween in Frederick County is a season-long celebration of the eerie and paranormal that isn’t too big for its britches (or broomsticks) yet, which seems to be the very thing that sustains its magic. FM

The centerpiece of Kindred Hills is a hayride to a dimly lit trail full of frights and surprises in an abandoned cabin, chilling graveyard and old church.

“

Frederick is a great place to explore the incredible folklore we have here.

—Jake Wynn, Visit Frederick

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biz bites BUSINESS

Heine to Retire from Woodsboro Bank Steve Heine, former president and chief and executive officer of Woodsboro Bank and currently serving as senior advisor, will retire Dec. 31, concluding a tenture marked by record growth, cultural and business model transformation, and deepened community engagement.

Heine joined Woodsboro Bank as CEO in 2017, and under his leadership the bank

experienced eight straight years of increasing profitability—more than doubling its size during his tenure. While Heine’s influence is evident in the bank’s financial success, his most significant impact was on its culture and business model. He redefined the organization from the inside out, starting with hiring and empowering key leaders.

His dedication to client service and innovative financial solutions became the cornerstone of the bank’s commitment to excellence, leading to the tagline: “Community is our business.” Under Heine’s leadership, the bank provided financial support or volunteer hours to more than 150 local nonprofits and charitable initiatives. Focus was placed on education, providing scholarships for local students and partnering with Hood College to support its students and athletes. “While it’s bittersweet to step away from the day-to-day,” Heine says, “I know I’m leaving this incredible institution in the hands of the most capable and dedicated executive team in the business.

I’m honored to continue serving on the bank’s board of directors, and you will still find me involved in the Frederick County community.” www.woodsborobank.com

International Firm Opens

Corn Maze Salutes Ovechkin

Frederick is now Opus Technology’s first U.S. location. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Bangladesh, Opus is a software development company specializing in custom solutions across mobile apps, gaming, animation, web development and AI. Its solutions are tailored to fit any operating system, browser or device, ensuring compatibility and seamless functionality.

The move came through the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, as well as the Maryland Global Gateway program, which is run through the state’s Department of Commerce and helps foreign countries explore the U.S. market.

“Opus Technology’s innovative solutions and commitment to excellence align with our growing information security and technology sector,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “We look forward to supporting their growth and success here.” www.discoverfrederickmd.com

Summers Farm, 7503 Hollow Road, Middletown, known each fall for its distinctive corn mazes, created a six-acre Alexander Ovechkin version that celebrates the Washington Capitals legend for breaking the NHL goals record this past April. Visitors are also helped along the trail with Capitals-themed trivia to guide them.

“We wanted to honor one of the greatest athletes of our generation in a way that’s unforgettable and full of energy—just like Ovi,” Teresa Summers, who owns and operates Summers Farm with her two sons, says in a press release. “We’re thrilled to carve that legacy into our fields this fall. Ovi’s milestone is one for the history books—and now, one for the cornfields.” The maze will run through the first month of the NHL regular season, closing Oct. 31. www.SummersFarm.com

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on tech BUSINESS

By Jeni Lubbert

Rising Electric Bills

Have you noticed your electric bill creeping up lately? It’s not your imagination. Electricity prices nationwide this year have increased 6.7 percent over 2024. That increase is more than double the pace of inflation.

What’s Behind Rising Prices?

• Higher fuel costs: A lot of our electricity is generated with natural gas, and those prices have been climbing.

• Increased demand: More people are plugging in EVs, running ACs and powering data-heavy tech like AI and home offices.

• Infrastructure upgrades: Utilities are modernizing the grid, but those costs are passed on to consumers.

In Maryland, it hits especially hard; we already pay above the national average and experts say that trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

How to Fight Back You have more control than you might think. Here are some smart, simple ways to trim your energy use and your bill.

• Find the energy vampires: Even when you’re not using them, things like chargers, smart TVs and coffee makers use power. Unplug devices you don’t use daily. Use smart power strips to cut off power at night.

• Keep your cool (and heat) more efficiently: Install a smart thermostat —it learns your routine and can adjust heating/cooling levels. Close blinds during hot days to block the sun. Use ceiling fans—they cool people, not rooms, so turn them off

when you’re not in the room. Seal windows and doors.

• Switch lighting to LED bulbs: They use up to 80 percent less power and last much longer.

• Run appliances smarter: Wash clothes in cold water—it uses less energy and cleans just as effectively. Wait for full loads before running the washer or dishwasher. Let dishes air-dry instead of using heat. Bake with glass dishes—they cook more efficiently so you can lower the temp.

• Talk to your utility company: Some power companies offer time-of-use plans. Electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours, usually evenings or weekends. Shifting when you do laundry or run the dishwasher can save money. If you’ve got solar panels or an EV, ask about net metering or battery storage programs.

Electricity prices are rising, but that doesn’t mean your bill has to—at least it doesn’t have to at the same pace! Small tweaks like unplugging devices, sealing windows or doing laundry smarter can add up fast. At the end of the day, it’s about being more aware of how (and when) you use energy and making it work for your wallet.

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.

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TALKING HISTORY

Kim C. Dine

By Scott Grove

For half of a century, Kim Dine has dedicated his life to police work. Following graduation from police academy, he joined the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC) in Washington, D.C., where he rose to the rank of assistant chief. In 2002 Dine accepted the role of Frederick’s chief of police at a time when great distrust existed for authorities in minority neighborhoods. Dine recalls those years and the important advances the department made over time.

Scott: Where did you graduate from police academy?

Kim: My family moved from New York to Washington, D.C., in the middle of my undergraduate schooling. After college, I attended the MPDC Police Academy.

I completed graduate school later in my career, which included some study abroad in London.

Scott: You worked for the MPDC, beginning in 1975, for 27 years.

What are your memories of this period?

Kim: I learned from amazing and talented police officers about good policing—most notably building trust and respect within communities. My time with MPDC was a dynamic, fascinating and challenging experience. During my tenure as a District Commander, our community policing efforts flourished, while homicides reduced by 60 percent.

Scott: What was it about police work that you enjoyed so much?

Kim: Policing is an honorable and impactful undertaking. Police officers handle thousands of calls in their careers. Anytime a person interacts with us, how we treat them is likely never forgotten. We meet people from all walks of life. Some are fortunate, most are not.

Often folks with whom we interact may

have several strikes against them to start.

No one calls us on a good day. No matter the situation, their dignity matters. That is good policing. When people trust us, this helps us keep neighborhoods safe.

Scott: To rise to the rank of assistant chief in what was then the sixth-largest police agency in the country is quite a feat.

Kim: I had wonderful mentors, an understanding wife who supported me and a passion for this profession. Policing is a calling. I didn’t view it as work. But anyone who has met any success knows that success is a team effort.

Scott: What prompted you to apply for the role of chief of the Frederick Police Department in 2002?

Kim: I had never been to Frederick but instantly fell in love when I visited. I grew up in Mamaroneck, N.Y., which had a hometown feel. Frederick has that same sense of belonging. After a national search and numerous community interviews, I met Frederick’s progressive and dynamic mayor, Jennifer Dougherty. It seemed like a great fit—we both loved work but neither viewed it as work. The opportunity to help put a stamp on how we policed in Frederick and how the department was viewed was incredibly appealing.

Scott: How would you describe the state of the local police force when you arrived?

Kim: I saw a proud organization and met so many smart, professional and dedicated folks within the FPD upon arrival, but there was a lack of mutual trust between the police and the community, especially in our minority communities.

Scott: What became your chief goals for the force?

Kim: To be seen by all residents as respected, respectful, trusted, visible, responsive, accessible, effective, empathetic, just and progressive. We wanted to achieve national accreditation, advance our technology and intelligence-led policing, and expand our professional civilian staff. We wanted not only to be crime-fighters but problem-solvers who were an integral part of the community.

Scott: What would you consider to be the most high-profile police-related events during your 10-year tenure as chief?

Kim: We managed the aftermath of 9/11 as well as the 2002 regional sniper incident. We earned our first ever national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. We worked with the FBI on their local investigation into the anthrax attacks. We improved hiring, training and crime strategies and we built trust with all segments of our community.

We signed an historic agreement with the NAACP. In 10-plus years, Frederick’s population almost doubled while crime continued to be reduced.

Scott: You left Frederick to accept the role as chief of the U.S. Capitol Police in 2012. What are the fundamental differences between this work and that of the Metropolitan Police Department?

Kim: The MPDC is the municipal police agency for the District of Columbia. The USCP is a federal agency charged with protecting Congress and is essentially an anti-terrorism force charged with protecting the people, places and processes that safeguard democracy within the United States of America. The roles are different, but partnerships between both agencies are critical.

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Frederick is and how blessed we are to live here. It was the honor of a lifetime to work with such outstanding officers and play a role in impacting policing in this great city.

Scott: Since retiring in 2016 following a 41-year career, you continue to do consulting work. Which of your skills are those that are sought out by clients?

Kim: Bridge-building, creating partnerships, problem-solving, leading people and change, and managing egos. These are some of the assets I try to bring to the table.

Scott: You and your wife still live in town. Given the passage of time, how do you now feel about Frederick?

Kim: Having worked in cities around the country, whenever I get home I have a renewed appreciation for how wonderful

Kim Dine, 72, and his wife have two daughters. His continuing professional associations include FuturePolicing. org, the National Policing Institute, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum and Police2Peace.

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. FM

“

No one calls us on a good day. No matter the situation, their dignity matters. That is good policing. When people trust us, this helps us keep neighborhoods safe.

—Kim Dine

”

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Frederick County’s food scene is known for its creativity and diversity, including a steady rise of vegan, vegetarian and plant-forward dining. From humble cafés and family-owned restaurants to meal-prep services, bakeries and international kitchens, Frederick is embracing a broader spectrum of food choices that reflect shifting consumer habits and values, making it a destination for plant-based eaters.

Whether it’s for health, sustainability, ethics or sheer curiosity, more Frederick County residents are seeking veg-friendly meals. National data helps explain the shift: about 6 percent of U.S. adults now identify as vegan or vegetarian, up from 4 percent a decade ago. That number is even higher among young people and in urban or well-educated communities. In the Mid-Atlantic region, especially in Maryland, the rate is above the national average. And even more folks are open to a “flexitarian” diet, mixing plant-based eating with occasional meat, such as enjoying “meatless Mondays.”

BY APRIL BARTEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

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What was once a niche has become part of the mainstream.

“Vegans are typically such foodies,” notes Douglas Tipperman, founder of the Frederick Area Vegans group on Facebook. “People think we have such a restricted diet, but we don’t feel that way. We love trying new foods, and the options here have just exploded.” The group has more than 1,700 members now. Followers share recommendations, enticing food photos, encouragement and advice, even news about related events like fundraisers and volunteer opportunities.

For many, health is the gateway to change. Tipperman, always athletic, shares how a cardiologist’s stress test inspired him to go vegan 18 years ago. “I gave up animal products and, within months, my cholesterol dropped more than 50 points. My doctor was speechless.” Over time, his motivations evolved. “Now, my major reason is ethical, as well as for sustainability and health.”

That’s not to say all vegan or vegetarian foods are perfectly healthy. Individual choices play a big role in any diet. Some meat substitutes are highly processed using artificial ingredients. And while cookies and cake may not have meat in them, eating only “junk food” totally misses the mark.

Ben Kennedy was vegetarian for 18 years before going fully vegan eight years ago. He suggests easing into major dietary changes while exploring new ingredients and learning how to prepare a few favorite dishes. He is happy that more restaurants are getting onboard. “The Frederick food scene is constantly changing. Restaurants that never catered to vegans are realizing there are a lot of us out there. … Sometimes finding that community [of like-minded people] makes all the difference to keep going if it’s important to you.”

Bertrand Curtis, co-owner of North Market Street’s BK Juices with Kimberly Johnson, went vegetarian nearly 30 years ago and is now completely vegan. A date night inspired him to start the business in 2002. “There weren’t many options then. What we found was, let’s say, less than inspired. So, I figured, if I could start it, others would follow.”

He encourages folks to be avid label readers, uncovering animal-derived ingredients and asking servers about what may be in a particular dish. Gelatin shows up in foods like Pop-Tarts, yogurt and some cheeses, while eggs and honey are frequently used in pasta and bread.

“Ease into it,” Curtis advises. And don’t expect alternative eats to taste the same as their meaty counterpart. “A vegetable patty might not taste exactly like a hamburger, but it will taste good.”

FULL PLATES

Hippy Chick Hummus Downtown’s mainstay Hippy Chick Hummus opened in 2017. Owner Erika Brown describes her philosophy: “Eating plant-based and local, specifically supporting local businesses, is the most important thing we can do to support our environment and community.”

She began by selling hummus at farmers markets. Today, the 100 percent plant-based menu offers smoothie bowls, scratch-made soups, sandwiches and creative salads. “Being vegan has been important to me for most of my life,” Brown says.

“It has a direct correlation to a positive impact on my health, wellness, and mental state.” It also fosters connections: “Food brings people together.”

Fans love Hippy Chick’s seasonal pumpkin chili, crispy falafel and kale Caesar salad made with Pleasant Hill Produce, paired with a locally crafted beverage from The Kombucha Lady.

The Station/Eater Acres Farm Another fresh addition is The Station Market & Cafe, opened on North Bentz Street in 2024 by farmer

MOTHERLAND KITCHEN

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THE STATION

BK JUICES

THE STATION

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TWIN BEARS BAKERY

TWIN BEARS BAKERY

FLEX-FRIENDLY DINING

Of course, a restaurant doesn’t have to be completely plant-based to meet the needs of vegetarians or vegans. Many of Frederick’s popular restaurants have long included thoughtful vegetarian or vegan dishes, ensuring mixed groups can dine together, including Pistarro’s, The Wine Kitchen, Hinzi’s Kitchen, Frederick Social, Café Nola, Kittwatt Kitchen and many more.

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Catherine Dilley and her partner Kobi Assa. Their farm, Eater Acres, and local business connections, like Frederick Microgreens, make this place a full farm-to-table experience. “Our menu is all vegetarian, mostly vegan,” Dilley explains. “Sustainable foods are our passion, and the most sustainable foods are plant-based and sourced locally.” The Station embodies that hyperlocal spirit: seasonal menus, eggs from their own flock and plenty of community events.

Look for seasonal toasts with kale-walnut pesto, freshbaked pastries, breakfast sandwiches, savory lentil cups and spiced shakshuka.

BK Juices “We’re like 99 percent vegan,” says Bertrand Curtis, pointing out a menu chocked with vegan chili, sultry coconut-curry or chickpea miso soup and personalized power bowls. Those start with rice or quinoa and can be topped with kale, tomato, mushrooms and hummus, even vegetarian versions of chicken or steak. He recommends trying a Caribbean-style patty packed with jerk plantain. Smoothies and juices use oat, coconut or almond milk and plenty of fresh fruit, all geared for flavor and health, with custom

blends or grab-and-go options. A new meal prep service starts this season.

Motherland Kitchen Sabina Jules is the force behind Motherland Kitchen, just off of U.S. 15 north of Frederick. She says she grew up vegan only because her family couldn’t afford meat.

Now she’s making converts out of other meat eaters.

Her richly seasoned Cameroonian specialties have both veggie and omnivore options. “Some customers tell me they prefer the vegan versions even if they’re not vegan, because the flavors are so rich.”

Her mushroom-tofu peanut butter stew, vegan fufu and collard-pumpkin seed dishes have become staples, as has her three-bean stew with chickpeas, cowpeas and lentils. She even hosts cooking videos on YouTube, sells signature spice blends online and teaches African cooking at local colleges. “This is my passion,” she says.

“I found my purpose because I’m making people happy and feeding them healthy food.”

Lazy Fish Even sushi has a veg-friendly home. Lazy Fish on East Patrick Street offers creative rolls packed with asparagus, sweet potato, roasted peppers, shiitake or sweet tofu. “We’ve had vegetarian and vegan people since the very beginning,” says spokesperson Moo Rung. “We make everything to order, so it’s easy to customize. Just ask.” Ben Kennedy vouches: “Their avocado, cucumber and sweet potato tempura rolls are fantastic.”

Bonus: Kelley Farm Kitchen In nearby Harpers Ferry, W.Va., Kelley Farm Kitchen, led by Ben Kelley, draws plenty of customers over the border. Kelley’s a-ha moment came after watching a documentary about how eating meat negatively affects the environment. His tiny kitchen feeds a stream of customers craving all vegan, scratch-made specialties like tangy Reubens, loaded nachos, stacked veggie burger combos with creamy potato salad and bowls of ramen.

SWEETS AND TREATS BK JUICES

Being vegetarian doesn’t have to mean denying your carb cravings or an occasional sweet tooth.

Vegetarians have more options, since dairy and eggs are allowed. (Sometimes, even a dollop of honey is OK.) Those who avoid all animal products have indulgent options with Sage Cakery, Swirls of Frederick, The Station and Blendabowl’s food truck.

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Twin Bears Bakery This community-supported bakery specializes in naturally fermented breads and bagels, plus pastries, cheeses and drinks. Baker Andrew Roy is sensitive to making something delicious for everyone.

“I’ve been plant-based so I support people’s autonomy. … If there’s an item that might be questionable, it will be in the title description.” That applies to favorites like honey wheat or buttermilk rye.

There’s a vegan cream cheese option, too. And when the bread is gone, fans line up to snag one of their vegan chocolate chip chai cookies fresh from the oven. Patrons can find Twin Bears’ goodies at local farm markets and other area restaurants as well as their storefront on South Carroll Street.

Just Amazing Cafe Co-owners Deanna White, a culinary school graduate, and Tyreek Jenkins brought this cottage bakery to Frederick from Washington, D.C. They ply their wares at farmers markets and online, including custom orders and holiday boxes. White says, “There isn’t always a one-for-one substitute in vegan baking. Sometimes it takes two or more ingredients to make up for the one we’re ‘missing.’ There is also the preconceived perceptions that come with the word vegan that do present a challenge when selling in markets.” That’s why they readily offer samples, so people can try something new.

… I could cook one dish a day from each region and still not cover the whole country in one year.”

Yenya Bet Migeb Ruby Tareyika is introducing customers to 100 percent vegan Ethiopian cuisine. The name Yenya Bet Migeb translates to “Meal from our humble home.” She says the business is a love letter to her mom—bridging culture, spiritual devotion and the Frederick community. “You learn about places and people through food.” She takes orders online for pick up on Saturdays. Her colorful platters may feature spongy injera, sauteed green beans called fossolia, richly spiced red lentil yemisir and creamy doro wot sauce.

Whether you’re a devoted vegan, a curious carnivore or somewhere in between, Frederick’s ever-growing plant-based scene offers a delicious invitation to discover bold flavors, nourishing meals and vibrant new experiences. Why not venture beyond the usual and let your taste buds explore, even just occasionally? You might just find your next favorite dish, no meat required. FM

YENYA BET MIGEB

BEYOND RESTAURANTS Meal prep and delivery services are a growing niche as busy singles and families strive to break out of the fast food rut. Established restaurants and caterers like Motherland Kitchen, BK Juices and Sarah Kep’s Kitchen are popular choices, while a host of micro-business startups are stepping up to the plate.

EZ Grub Vividha Yadav’s EZ Grub is perhaps the area’s newest service. She cooks Indian-inspired meals and caters small parties, sourcing seasonal produce from local farms. “This is from my childhood, how my granny and my mom cooked,” she says.

Customers connect with EZ Grub via social media and its website for weekly menus. Pick up is on Mondays in Downtown Frederick. “I want people to know that Indian cuisine has so much variety.

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Fall

diningshowcase Dining in Frederick County appeals to our growing population and diverse palates. Local restaurants offer delicious tastes from around the globe as well as popular dishes created in local kitchens. Whatever the reason and whatever the occasion—date night, a special celebration or a gathering on the town with friends—you’ll find it right here.

Avery’s Grille Fratelli’s Italian & Seafood Il Forno Pizzeria JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House Lucky Corner Modern Asia The Red Horse

AVERY’S GRILLE

9009 Baltimore Rd. • Frederick • 301-228-2722 • www.averysmarylandgrille.com

Menu Highlights Vote Frede d Best rick’s seafo od!

4 Years in a Row !

Appetizers: Crab Dip, Clams, La La’s Famous Wings, Scallops, Flying Dog Beer Battered Rockfish Bites, Old Bay Steamed Shrimp, Oysters on the 1/2 Shell.

Entrées: Chicken Chesapeake, Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Wood Grilled Steaks and Ribs, Steamed Snow Crab Legs, Maryland Hardshell Crabs and AYCE Crabs.

Come into Avery’s Maryland Grille for the freshest seafood in town. We source locally when possible for our crabs, oysters, crab meat, clams and soft-shells. We have 2 full service bars featuring craft beers, plenty of tv’s for sports including the NFL Sunday ticket. Enjoy AYCE crabs on the outdoor deck or try one of our signature steaks, ribs, fresh fish and more prepared on a wood-burning grill.

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Fall diningshowcase

FRATELLI’S ITALIAN & SEAFOOD 200 Middletown Parkway • Middletown • 301-371-4000 • www.fratellispasta.com

Hours Sunday-Thursday 11am - 10pm Friday & Saturday 11am - 11pm

Highlights

Seafood Platter

Filet Imperial

IL FORNO PIZZERIA

Espresso Martini

Lobster Pasta

Lobster Pasta - 1 lb. of cold water Lobster Meat tossed in our Signature Vodka Cream and served over House-made Linguine. Topped with Fresh Basil and Asparagus points.

Filet Imperial - 10 oz. Filet Mignon topped with a portion of our award-winning Crab Cake and fresh Lobster. Paired with Grilled Asparagus and Mashed Potatoes.

Seafood Platter - Flounder, Shrimp, Scallops, Crab Cake paired with vegetable du jour.

Crab Cake Platter - One or two of our enormous award-winning Crab Cakes served with roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus.

Choose from our wide array of appetizers and entrées and savor our homemade pasta, seafood, chicken and much more. Enjoy endless salad and homemade bread sticks. Indulge your thirst with Classical Chianti, Lambrusco, or any of the fine wines at Fratelli’s or enjoy an Espresso Martini. For dessert, try our special homemade Cheesecake or Tiramisu.

1035 W. Patrick St. • Frederick • 301-846-0422 • www.ilfornopizzeria.com

Dining Hours Sun–Thu: 11:30am–10pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am–11pm

Menu Highlights ED VOT ICK’S A DER FRE T PIZZ S I E N B ARS 9 YE OW! AR

Appetizers: Fresh Salads, Chicken Tenders, Chicken Wings, Buffalo Dip, Crab Dip. Entrées: Pasta il Forno, Italian Sausage Linguine, Amazing Pizzas: Crab, Greek, Carnivores Dream, Traditional Margherita.

Beverages: Full bar with great wine selections and 12 craft beers on tap.

il forno Pizzeria is family-owned and has served Frederick for over 25 years. We pride ourselves on our original recipes and homemade pizza dough. Recently we added a second Ambrogi Italian woodburning oven straight from Naples, Italy. We feature 11 flat screens and a full bar with daily happy hours. So whether you are looking for a quiet dinner for 2 or a large group, il forno Pizzeria is your spot.

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Fall diningshowcase

JO JO’S RESTAURANT & TAP HOUSE

16-18E Patrick Street • Frederick • 301-732-5197 • www.jojosrestauranttaphouse.com

Dining Hours Mon-Tue Closed • Wed-Thurs 11am-12am Fri-Sat 11am–2am • Sun 11am-12am Kitchen closes at 9pm | Late night menu after dinner service

Highlights

Salmon served with fresh vegetables and risotto. Steak & Cheese made with tender shaved steak, caramelized grilled onions, cooper sharp American Cheese on a toasted sub roll, served with fresh cut Fries. Jumbo Shrimp in a Creamy Garlic Sauce served over garlic toast. Smith Island Red Velvet Cake.

Salmon with fresh vegetables and risotto

Steak & Cheese with fresh cut Fries

LUCKY CORNER

Jumbo Shrimp in Creamy Garlic

Smith Island Red Velvet Cake

JoJo’s Restaurant and Tap House offers American comfort food with a Maryland seafood twist. Enjoy casual dining with family and friends in our dining room or join us on the Tap House side and enjoy a variety of Belgium’s finest beers, American craft beers and local favorites, craft cocktails and late night munchies. For private events, reserve our semi-private dining room that is perfect for rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings and cocktail parties.

5100 Buckeystown Pike • Frederick • 301-360-5913 • www.luckycornerrestaurant.com

Dining Hours Sunday–Thursday: 11am–9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am–10pm Kitchen Closes 15 minutes before closing Dine-in, Carryout, or Catering

Menu Highlights ED VOTASIANT N T S BE TAURA RES 7-2023 201

ON ORD LINE AVAILERING DELIV ABLE. DOORERY WITH UBERDASH & EATS

Appetizers: Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, Grilled Beef Rolls, Firecracker Shrimp and Mini Pancakes.

Entrées: Vermicelli with Coconut Beef, Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Pork Belly, Cubed Beef Steak, Chicken with Chili and Lemongrass.

Drinks: Lychee Martini and Raspberry Ginger Mojito.

The Lucky Corner you know and love is still in Frederick! Our Family-owned restaurant stood at the corner of South Market & 7th Street since 2005, but recently moved to the Westview Village Shopping Center. Our restaurant offers beautiful and elegant decor with a full bar. We continue to offer a variety of authentic and traditional dishes with a Pan- Asian fusion. We also offer delicious desserts such as tiramisu and mango and sticky rice. Come join us for a mouth watering experience.

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Fall diningshowcase MODERN ASIA

1306 W. Patrick Street • Frederick • 301-732-5193 • www.modernasiaonline.com

Dining Hours Sun-Mon, Wed-Thurs 11am-9pm Closed Tuesday Fri-Sat 11am-9:30pm

Highlights

Crispy Beef

Phoenix Chicken

THE RED HORSE

Green Jade

Shrimp Tempura

Appetizers: Shrimp Tempura, Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, BBQ Spare Ribs and Gyoza.

Entrées: Crispy Beef, Shrimp and Broccoli, Phoenix Chicken, Hunan Shrimp, Green Jade, Chef’s Special dishes.

Drinks: Fruit smoothies (Avocado, Banana, Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry), Full Bar with specialty cocktails like the Ginger Martini Known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes, Modern Asia offers diners a wide variety of authentic Chinese, Vietnamese & Thai cuisine. Enjoy the relaxed, yet stylish ambiance enhanced by attentive service, with guests appreciating thoughtful touches such as complimentary hot towels and cookies at the end of the meal.

996 W. Patrick Street • Frederick • 301-663-3030 • www.redhorserestaurant.com

Hours Open Daily from 3pm - 9pm

Highlights Start your meal with an appetizer of fresh, regional Oysters prepared as requested. For your main entrée try our Tuscan Surf & Turf of Jumbo Shrimp and sliced Steak over a parmesan cream sauced fettucine with sundried tomatoes and spinach or enjoy a delicious Steak cooked to order. Finish your meal with a slice of Lemon Cake.

The Red Horse is a classic American steakhouse known for its warm, inviting atmosphere, traditional charm and professional wait staff.

It offers a cozy dining experience with a menu featuring aged choice beef steaks, and fresh seafood. The Red Horse also offers banquet space on the restaurant’s lower level and is complete with its own full bar, separate entrance, and restrooms. This is the perfect space for receptions, business meetings and dinners.

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tiny plates ON THE TABLE

CREAMERY FOCUSING ON ITS ROOTS

South Mountain Creamery, a farmer-owned and -operated creamery, has chosen not to renew its lease on the South Mountain Creamery Ice Cream Shop & Pizza on Carroll Creek Park where it has been for eight years, instead concentrating on growing its home delivery and wholesale services.

Fans of South Mountain Creamery can find products like ice cream, milk, butter and eggs in local retail stores and home delivery. Karen’s Kountry Store, an on-location store near Middletown, also offers these products and more, and is a popular destination for families to enjoy calf feedings, a playground, farm tours and experience a working farm. www.southmountaincreamery.com

PERFECT TRUFFLE NOW RARE MORSEL

Product changes have been coming to Perfect Truffle, 25 N. Market St., whether it’s the decadent hot chocolate that’s perfect for a winter’s day or the line of frozen desserts added this summer. Other new products are non-alcoholic spirits, marshmallows and Swedish gummies.

It’s time to give the shop a new name.

To accommodate the changing menu, the 20-year-old Perfect Truffle is known as Rare Morsel. As co-stars, the frozen treats entice with offerings ranging from shopmade ice cream and ice cream sandwiches made with cookies from Maple & Rye Bakery in Brunswick to popsicles such as mango-raspberry and sorbets including mandarin/coconut and coffee/chocolate.

Vegan ice cream made with goat milk is available. Remember that Wednesday means Ice Cream Happy Hour.

PANTASTIC KICKOFF

Ready to “turn ordinary meetings into extraordinary dining experiences,” David Sneed, founder of the Pantastic Catering, unveiled his new business that can serve signature sweet and savory crepes, fluffy omelets, indulgent French toast, fresh salads, sizzling grilled sandwiches, pasta bowls and more.

A kickoff event, with Sneed serving up crepes, was held at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center EDGE incubator on Ballenger Center Drive.

But Pantastic can go anywhere. “If you’ve got a meeting space, we’ve got a mobile kitchen,” Sneed says. “We cater corporate meetings, team-building sessions, training days and any gathering where you want to impress.” For more information, visit pantasticcatering.com.

NEW CAFÉ ON MARKET

Tierra y Taza Café, 238A N. Market St., recently opened, serving an assortment of coffee drinks with sweets available on the side including sponge cake, gingerbread, chocolate chip cookies and pineapple empanadas. For a savory treat order a chicken or veggie empanada. Bags of coffee are also sold for enjoyment at home or at the office. tierraytazacafe. square.site

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cravings ON THE TABLE

H Voted “Best of Frederick” $ entrées $10 and under - $$ entrées $10–$20 - $$$ entrées $20 and over

10 Tavern 10 E. Main St., Thurmont. 301-271-7422.

Classic all-American cuisine. $

Agave 137 Tequila Bar & Kitchen 137 N. Market St, Frederick. 240-439-4367.

Best margaritas, tacos and entertainment on Market St. $$

Airways Inn 310 Aviation Way, Frederick. 301-228-2100.

Sandwiches, salads and more. Adjacent to airport. $

H A.K.A. Friscos 4632 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick.

301-698-0018. Upbeat sandwich shop also offering house-roasted meats, salads and potatoes. $$

Aleko’s Village Café 4304 Old National Pike, Middletown.

301-371-3500. Greek, vegetarian and vegan specialties, subs and salads. $

Anchor Bar 5605 Spectrum Dr., Frederick.

240-651-5580. Home of the Original Buffalo Wing. $$

Antrim 1844 Smokehouse Restaurant 30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown.

410-756-6812. Open daily for dinner.

French-American cuisine. Reservations required. $$$

Atlantic Grille 3531 John Simmons St., Suite D-05, Urbana. 301-810-5220. American steak and seafood restaurant. $-$$$

Ayoka African Cusine 100 W. Patrick St., Suite M, Frederick. 240-626-1801. Enjoy a taste of authentic African dishes. $$

H Beans & Bagels 49 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-2165.

Light breakfasts and lunches. $

Beans & Dreams 203 E. Main St., C, Middletown. 240-490-7070.

Café and coffee shop. $

H Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise 1448 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-898-2075.

Big burgers and great ice cream selections. $

Belles’ Sports Bar & Grill 1202 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-9623.

Great ribs and other American fare. $

Bellisario’s Pizza 934 N. East St., Frederick.

301-662-9233. Sauce and dough made fresh daily. $$

H Bentztown 6 S. Bentz St., Frederick 301-301-8430. Southern fare. $$-$$$

Big Papi’s 5711 Industry Lane, Frederick. 240-651-5969.

Authentic Mexican dishes. $-$$

H Black Hog BBQ & Bar 118 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-662-9090.

221 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-9600.

3323 Worthington Blvd., Urbana.

240-699-0070. 100 Middletown Pkwy, Middletown. 240-490-8147. Specializing in various styles of barbecue. $$

Bollinger’s Restaurant and Uncle Dirtys Brew Works 210 N. Church St., Thurmont.

301-668-1522. Home-cooked meals, fresh baked pies, cakes and desserts. $$-$$$

H Avery’s Maryland Grille

9009 Baltimore Road, Frederick, 301-228-2722. Fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, burgers and wings. $-$$$ ★

Bonefish Grill 1305 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-271-3500.

Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks and cocktails. $$$

Brewer’s Alley 124 N. Market St., Frederick.

301-631-0089. Contemporary American regional cuisine and microbrewery. $$

Buffalo Wild Wings 210 Shorebird St., Frederick.

301-662-1333.

Chicken wings, sandwiches and other family fare. $

Bushwaller’s 209 N. Market St., Frederick.

301-695-6988. Irish fare in an attractive pub setting. $$-$$$

The Buzz Café 11801 Fingerboard Road, Suite 3, Monrovia.

301-865-4900. Scratch bakery and café that 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. $-$$

H Café Nola 4 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-6652.

Bistro café. Coffee, tea and sandwiches. $

Callahan’s Seafood Bar & Grill 1808 Rosemont Ave., Frederick.

301-698-9596. Fresh seafood. $$

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. $-$$

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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, sand- wiches, salads and dinner entrées. $-$$

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

Organic fare and vegetarian specialties, takeout. $

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. $-$$

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. $$

H 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. $-$$

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. $-$$

Jerk It Smoke It 2060 Yellow Springs Road, Frederick.

240-831-4157.Authentic Caribbean-American culinary experience. $-$$

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. $-$$

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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. $$

H Modern Asia

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

Liberty Road Seafood & Steak 10524 Liberty Road, Frederick. 301-898-3181.

Home of the largest crab in Frederick County. Open all year round. $$$

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. $$

H 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. $-$$$

H 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. $

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. $$

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. $-$$

H Plaza 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. $$$

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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

H South Mountain Creamery 50 Citizen’s Way, Ste. 101, Frederick.

301-383-8790. We take your favorite sweet and savory treats to a whole new level.

Sweet: sundaes, milkshakes, and more.

Savory: Farm-fresh pizzas, made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. $-$$

South Market Sandwich Co. 105 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-651-3797.

A quaint, gourmet sandwich shop. $$

Starvin Marvin Pizzeria and Subs 6942 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-695-7827.

New York–style pizza, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and more. $

Sumittra Thai 12 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-668-2303.

Thai favorites including satay, pad thai and garden rolls. $-$$

Surf House Island Cantina 8925 Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 240-341-7157.

Authenic surfer food and drinks. $$

Sushi Nomu 4969 Westview Drive, Frederick.

240-656-1330. Asian sushi. $-$$

Suvai Biryani 11791 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-363-8725.

Mixing classic recipes with a modern twist. $$ Taco Bar 1450 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5716.

Authentic Mexican fast food. $

5 W. Church St.., Frederick. 240-815-7079.

Fine Japanese and Korean dining. $-$$$

Schroyer’s Tavern

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. $-$$

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

Authentic Thai cuisine. $-$$

Thai Table 5221 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick.

240-877-7034. Thai + Lao cuisine. $$

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. $-$$$

H Wag’s

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. $$-$$$

The Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

Thai Meric Eatery and Bar

Hollow Creek Golf Club, 50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown. 301-371-0400.

Contemporary American cuisine. $-$$

7th Sister

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

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

5105 Pegasus Court, Frederick.

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

Valley Grill Sports Bar

Maryland National Golf Club, 8836 Hollow Road, Middletown. 301-371-0000.

Contemporary American cuisine. $$$

Showroom

Texas Roadhouse

24 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-694-8451.

Classic hamburgers and fries. $

White Rabbit Gastropub

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. $-$$

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. $-$$

Tapia’s On Main 203 E. Main St., Middletown. 240-490-8461.

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

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TRENDING

Color Comeback

Interior Splashes Can Add Spice Beyond Gray and White

By Jeanne Blackburn Colorful interiors are back. They might not be your mother’s or grandmother’s choices, but they are definitely a change from the “gray and white everything” of recent years.

The easiest way to add color to any room is to paint the walls. It’s the least expensive and easy to change if it’s not right. This season bland neutrals have given way to warmer background colors.

“We love to suggest any of the Farrow & Ball pink paints, such as Setting Plaster, Tailor Tack, or Pink Ground. It’s flattering and reads as a neutral,” says Lydia Baker, owner and lead designer of Patrick Street Interiors. She also suggests Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone as a lovely neutral beige with hints of gray and Dimity for a warmer beige that is also neutral.

Designers love the recent interest in color because it opens the door for more creative, personalized designs.

“We are getting requests for spaces that are ‘moody’ and color-saturated, with walls, trim, doors and ceilings being painted out the same color using different paint sheens,” says Trish Albano, owner of Albano Interiors.

To add just a touch of color to a room, painting furniture is a great option, even for do-it-yourselfers, says Albano. “It’s another way to bring in color,” she says, suggesting milk paint, chalk paint and Benjamin Moore Advance.

Those gray and white walls feeling a bit dated? Brighten your home, and maybe your mood, with some color— from paint and wallpaper to fabrics and accessories.

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Mark Youngblood Photo

Wendy Flynn, co-owner of Dream House Interiors, notes: “Clients are looking to incorporate a pop of color to bring energy and personality into their spaces … fully embracing bold hues to create bright, vibrant interiors.”

And for those a bit timid about adding color, “Blues and greens are versatile, calming and generally well-received by clients who are unsure or hesitant about adding color.”

Along with the reemergence of interest in color is the renewed popularity of wallpaper. It not only adds color to any room, but also drama, interest and depth—think William Morris, with its intricate, stylized patterns based on nature, or other period designs. It’s a big bang for the buck and designers are using it in unexpected places like backing bookshelves, in a mudroom or laundry, or on just one wall of a dining room.

Adding color need not be a big investment. Laura Via, owner of Bella Via Design, also likes “pillows and throws as great budget-friendly ways to add pops of color. Look for pillows in bold jewel tones, deep hues or eye-catching patterns to add character.

Vases filled with stems and florals are

another easy way to add color without breaking the bank.”

The latest in designer fabric choices for accessories like pillows and draperies highlight bold geometrics, stylized florals and tribal influences, even ethnic embroidered motifs. Their bright colors reflect these influences.

Another idea is to pull colors from your favorite area rug or wall art. Pulling colors from other rooms creates a sense of cohesion from room to room and makes the whole home feel coordinated.

Inspiration for color choices can even come from “found art” or yard sales, or from a framed piece of stunning wallpaper in an inexpensive wood frame. Even Kitchen appliances now come in fun, bold shades, as do interesting contrast tiles that are being used for kitchen backsplashes and in bathroom applications.

It seems that no room in the house is exempt from the design influence of color, and that heralds a change for the brighter and happier. FM

The color comeback in interior design runs the full spectrum, from rich tones to luscious pastels in fabrics for draperies, upholstery and accent pillows.

“

Clients are looking to incorporate a pop of color to bring energy and personality into their spaces.

”

—Wendy Flynn, co-owner, Dream House Interiors

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stylin’ TRENDING

“

Every item in the store is handpicked by me.

—Yvette Freeman

”

TELLING YOUR STORY

From what’s displayed on the bookshelves of your home to the clothing you wear, Yvette Freeman, owner of The Foundry, 118 E. Patrick St., says she’s ready to help customers tell their style story, whether it’s satisfying a penchant for collecting sports equipment— the store is replete with everything from wooden bowling pins to leather medicine balls and tennis rackets from the past—or a jacket patterned after an iconic Hudson’s Bay Company wool blanket.

Freeman thinks that putting things together in a style story is a bit like going through your closet. “You probably have a little black dress” that you can wear with sneakers and a jean jacket one day, she says, and then elevate that same dress with heels and a pearl necklace to go to a wedding. That favorite LBD can get even more milage with vintage accessories from The Foundry. How about pairing it with a military bag or spiffy hat?

Freeman, who spends her time between Frederick and Washington, D.C., has a second store in Virginia where “we’re known for Chesterfield sofas” that feature tufted upholstery “like what you’d find in a lawyer’s office,” she says. Smaller pieces of furniture and home décor can be found in the Frederick location. Currently she has Black Forest wood carvings of bears, foxes or deer to hang on a wall.

“I buy only things that speak to me,” Freeman says, and every week rearranges the store to put the treasures in a new spot to shine. With fall coming on, the clothing line features tweed, corduroy and flannel. Oh, the stories they can tell. Follow The Foundry on Facebook and Instagram.

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HISTORIC

DOWNTOWN FREDERICK MARYL AND

301-624-4030

10-B East Street • Everedy Square • Frederick, MD www.imadethispottery.com

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tell us TRENDING

Jenifer Zimmer Founder and Executive Director, Helping Hands and Caring Hearts

at www.helpinghandsandcaringhearts. org. We update our list weekly.

Tell us about your traveling bus.

What is the history of Helping Hands and Caring Hearts?

I was a social worker for over 20 years and was tired of always seeing that when someone asked for help, they were furnished with phone numbers to call instead of being given what they needed right then and there. I saw the need for a better way and was attempting to get my nonprofit started.

In 2022, I was working in Washington, D.C., and when my husband, Brian, and I came home from vacation and I went back into my office, I was informed they were downsizing and that my position was being eliminated. I was devastated but my husband said, “You want to do this [nonprofit], then do it” so Helping Hands and Caring Hearts was off and running, I got my official 501c3 status on Aug. 8, 2022.

We now have six locations and the mobile bus. Our full food pantry is located at 12428 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia, our Dress to Impress locations are in the Federated Charities building, at 22 S. Market St., Suites 210, 212 and 315.

The suites are arranged for women’s clothing, men’s clothing and my office

is in the third suite where I also have diapers, hygiene items and personal care products on hand. Our clothing boutique for northern Frederick County residents is at 224 N. Church St., Suite E, in Thurmont. We recently expanded into Greencastle, Pa., providing non-perishable food, hygiene products, personal care items, toys, school supplies, diapers and clothing.

How do you attract partners and volunteers to your cause?

We use word of mouth and mainly social media. We have a wide variety of partners including CVS, the Washington Nationals, Weis Markets, Uncle Ralph’s Bakery, the Washington Wizards, Wawa and more that are listed on our website

The bus made its debut at Baker Park on the Fourth of July. It is a 24-foot bus with a rack for clothes and space for shoes, non-perishable food, hygiene items, personal care items, diapers, toys and school supplies. We will be taking it around to different locations, including schools, and doing pop-ups.

Are you seeing more need in the community? Do donations keep up?

Yes, we are seeing a larger need and are expanding our reach, recently providing food to Monocacy Elementary School for those in need. Donations keep up with demand, but we do run low on some things at times. We are able to run because of donations, which make them crucial.

What motivates you to do this work?

The smiles, the hugs, just helping those in need. We provided lunches this summer for nine weeks for northern Frederick kiddos in Thurmont, Sabillasville and Emmitsburg, 410 youngsters with toys last Christmas and another 50 children were given toys in another drive.

We gave out 200 Easter baskets this year, 280 turkeys and 104 complete meals. My motto is, “A passion to help, the determination to make it happen.”

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH BARTERSAVES The history of barter dates back to ancient Mesopotamia around 6000 BC, evolving into a formal exchange system before even the development of money.

Today, BarterSaves has streamlined this concept with thousands of members and now has the largest independently owned barter exchange based on the East Coast that has been called “the best kept secret in business owners’ financial toolbox.”

BarterSaves is a trading platform designed to leverage what you currently have, in exchange for what you need without the use of cash. Our program immediately improves your business’s bottom line.

“BarterSaves works well with all types of businesses,” says Director of Trading Activity Andrew Effross, who has been with the company for almost 25 years.

“Our members come from small to mid-sized companies to companies even in the Fortune 500,” he says.

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It works a little like how health insurance works where you deal with the businesses who are in your network,” Effross says, touting the diverse services that are available to members, ranging from attorney’s to home contractors to restaurants and everything in between. An easy-to-search directory is on a fully-functioning mobile app or clients can log in directly to the website, whichever they prefer. Along with daily emails promoting different goods and services daily, this keeps members apprised of their options which increase with each new enterprise that joins.

Effross says BarterSaves has a loyal following of members, some of whom have been with the company since the early 1980s. New accounts can be set up within 24 hours. Through the end of the year, the fee to join has been waived. For further information phone 800-9BARTER or contact Andrew Effross at andrew@bartersaves.com.

9/22/25 12:37 PM

ON THE ROAD

Wit or Witout Day-Tripping to Philly in Search of the Perfect Cheesesteak

By Chuck Boteler PHILADELPHIA—In early 2018, I asked Jay Gomberg, a former Philadelphia resident and poker buddy of mine, “Who has the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Pat’s or Geno’s?” His response, “Neither.”

While Pat’s claims to be the original “King of Steaks,” and Geno’s, (a stone’s throw across Passayunk Avenue) have maintained a friendly rivalry for years, cheesesteak lovers have plenty of great choices in and around the City of Brotherly Love.

This year, eight of us took I-95 north for our seventh annual “cheesesteak crawl.”

The stops and participants vary every year.

Wherever possible, we try to plan our route by grouping stops within easy walk or drive of another to make our journey more efficient. This year, each stop was no more than 15 minutes apart for a very efficient tour.

The stops included four in Philadelphia (Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks, Angelo’s Pizzeria, John’s Roast Pork and Del Rossi’s Cheesesteaks & Pizza) and three in New Jersey (Donkey’s Place, Gouldsburger’s and Cheessteaks). We’ve visited the highly rated Angelo’s and Johns’s during previous crawls and looked forward to how the new stops would measure up, especially Donkey’s, which enjoyed favorable mentions on the TV show The Goldbergs.

Part of the fun includes a rating system we employ to come up with a consensus of our favorite stops. Each of us judged a sample of each cheesesteak, basing our ratings

Forget Pat’s or Geno’s. The search for a great cheesesteak should cover a wide swath of Philadelphia and even parts of South Jersey, to find various, tasty interpretations of the classic.

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on four categories: meat-to-cheese ratio; quality of bread; overall taste; and the Philly Experience—that street food, everyman appeal (no white cloth dining and food courts for us!). We use a simple 1-to-10 rating in each category, which are then compiled, providing one overall score for each. This year’s ratings, in order of our stops: • Skinny Joey’s (7.8)—A very good start with a sturdy, but absorptive seeded roll and ample filling with my new favorite Cooper Sharp cheese.

• John’s Roast Pork (8.1)—Lots of creamy, meaty flavor, a consistent top-10 in other Philly-area rankings. Heavy and delicious.

• Del Rossi’s (8.1)—Another great neighborhood stop, similar roll to Angelo’s and Skinny Joey’s, good flavor with a little less filling than the John’s sample.

• Donkey’s (8.1)—High marks for the “Philly Experience” party atmosphere, uniquely soft, round kaiser roll. I wasn’t a huge fan of the onions piled directly on top.

• Cheessteaks (6.0)—Very similar bread to others, but more cheese in this mixture made it a little gummy; combined with the pull of the bread, the bite seemed a chore.

• Gouldsburger’s (6.5)—Bread described as something like an “everything bagel” was a plus, although mine was a bit overcooked.

Great meat-to-cheese ratio.

Ultimately, we had to skip Angelo’s this year due to an hour-long wait time to order.

While I declared John’s Roast Pork my slight favorite of this trip, the consensus score ultimately showed a three-way tie at 8.1. After expanding the tabulation by an additional decimal point, John’s Roast Pork came out as a very slight group favorite (8.15), Undertaking a “cheesesteak crawl” compared to Donkey’s (8.14) and takes planning and preparation. A rookDel Rossi’s (8.07) It was that close, ie mistake is to go hungry in advance, and every cheesesteak on this trip was above average. thinking it will make it easier to sample Here are my overall top-10 stops numerous cheesesteaks. for all our tours: • Sonny’s Famous Steaks (9.0) • By George! (8.5) • Tony Luke/Tony and Nick’s (8.4) • John’s Roast Pork (8.1) • Brynn Bradley (8.0) • Max’s Steaks (8.0) The cheesesteak • Donkey’s (8.0) rating scoresheet • Del Rossi’s (8.0) includes • Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks (7.8) meat-to-cheese • Skinny Joey’s (7.8) ratio, quality of Make no mistake, undertaking a bread, overall taste culinary journey of this type takes some preparation and planning. and the “Philly Going hungry in advance is not a Experience.” great strategy and sometimes the experience will cause an early tap out. I’ve prepped and survived several of these day-trippers now and it’s a journey worth duplicating.

Make mine Cooper Sharp “wit.” FM fredMAG 75

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postcards ON THE ROAD

TENNESSEE Terry Fowler and her son Curtis celebrated in Nashville and brought a copy of Frederick Magazine along for the party.

FRANCE Nicole Fisher took in many sights in Paris, including Notre-Dame, the medieval Catholic cathedral that was greatly damaged in a 2019 fire but since reconstructed.

ALABAMA Ingrid Silovich and daughter Ella enjoyed the sugar-white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Gulf Shores.

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you’re here ON THE ROAD

By Jake Wynn

Explore South Mountain

As cooler air sweeps in and the leaves begin their annual transformation, few places in Frederick County rival the natural beauty of South Mountain.

This ridgeline forms the county’s western border, offering both breathtaking views and a rich sense of history. It’s a place where hiking trails, Civil War sites and quiet small towns come together to create a unique experience with centuries of stories.

The Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail runs along South Mountain from the Potomac River to the Pennsylvania border.

Nearly 40 miles of this iconic trail traverse the ridge in Frederick and Washington counties, offering everything from flat ridge walks to steep climbs and panoramic overlooks.

One of the highlights lies at Weverton Cliffs, where a short but steep trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Potomac River as it winds through the easternmost ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. It is one of the region’s most photographed landscapes and a perfect spot to take in autumn’s changing colors and watching trains along the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad tracks wind their way through the mountains just as they did nearly two centuries ago.

South Mountain also holds important Civil War history. On Sept. 14, 1862, U.S.

and Confederate forces fought for control of the mountain passes in the Battle of South Mountain, a prelude to the Battle of Antietam. Today, Gathland State Park preserves the history of Crampton’s Gap above the village of Burkittsville. Here, Civil War-era journalist George Alfred Townsend established an estate after the war. His lasting monument, the National War Correspondents Memorial Arch, still stands as a tribute to journalists who died in war.

In Burkittsville, the story of the community itself is told by the South Mountain Heritage Society. Housed in a historic church, the museum opens on select weekends and welcomes visitors to explore exhibits about the town’s history, its connection to the Civil War and its place in popular culture—including the global film sensation The Blair Witch Project.

Burkittsville and the other communities in the valley offer great views without leaving town. Each community also has shops, dining and seasonal festivals that highlight the bounty of the Middletown Valley. The scattered cideries, creameries and wineries provide another way to enjoy the season while looking

out on the mountain’s slopes dressed in fall color.

A trip in the valley is also the perfect time to stop at South Mountain Creamery, a family-run dairy farm on the slopes of South Mountain in Middletown. Visitors can see daily farm operations up close, feed calves and then indulge in ice cream made right on site.

Along Main Street Middletown, you’ll also find the Middletown Ice Cream Trail, providing an opportunity to enjoy a quick scoop of ice cream from a variety of locally owned businesses and enjoy a cone while walking the historic streets of this community.

For those looking to add a festival to their fall itinerary, head to Brunswick on the first weekend in October for Railroad Days.

This annual event celebrates the city’s deep railroad heritage with model train displays, live music, food vendors and family activities. With the Brunswick Heritage Museum anchoring the experience, visitors can learn about the town’s role in the railroad while enjoying a lively community celebration.

Whether you are out on the hiking trails, picking up some used books or strolling a Main Street, South Mountain is a great backdrop to a fall experience in western Frederick County.

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.

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EVENTS

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TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

We Love Wednesdays Wednesdays in Oct. Downtown Frederick. Why wait for the weekend? Make Wednesdays wonderful by shopping small, dining local and supporting the heart of the Frederick community.

Every Wednesday, discover exclusive deals, discounts and special offers at participating local businesses.

8 a.m.–5 p.m. 301-6988118. www.downtownfrederick.org

Historic District Ghost Tours Most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in Oct. and Oct. 30 Downtown Frederick. In the Historic District Ghost Tour, participants take a journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past, with nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge and documented stories of the paranormal. Tours meet in front of Brewer’s Ally Restaurant, 124 N. Market St. Private tours also available. Reservations required.

See website for tour times. $. www.marylandghosttours.com

Trail of Jack-O-Lanterns Fridays, Satur days and Sundays in Oct., except Oct. 3 Green Meadows Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. An annual event that includes a walking trail of lights with jack-o-lanterns of all shapes and sizes, fire pits, comedy shows, animal barn and more. Weather permitting. 6 p.m.–10 p.m. $. 301-865-9203. www. greenmeadowsevents.com

HOT PICK Oct. 10, 11 72 Film Fest Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Now in its 20th year, this annual film competition brings together filmmakers from around the region and country in a race against time to write, direct, edit and submit a short film based on a particular theme in only 72 hours. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Contemporary Innovations: Erin Fostel Through Oct. 26 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of charcoal and graphic drawings titled, “A Room of Her Own.” Erin Fostel’s drawings are focused on the bedroom as a unique place where a sole woman occupant can be free of the objectification and expectation imposed upon her most anywhere else. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

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FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MET Comedy Night Fridays and Saturdays in Oct. Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Enjoy comedy every Friday and some Saturdays October to June. See The Comedy Pigs on Oct. 3 and 4, That’s What SHE Said on Oct. 10, Key City Improv on Oct 11, Oh Crit! on Oct. 17 and 18, and Off-Key an Improvised Musical on Oct. 24. 8:30 p.m. 301-694-4744. www. marylandensemble.org

Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch Saturdays and Sundays in Oct. 6521 Holter Road, Middletown. Pick-your-own pumpkins and explore the 20-acre corn maze. Also enjoy crafts and fall decorations, hayrides, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, jumping pillow, playgrounds, slides, concessions and more. 10 a.m.−6 p.m. 301-371-6874. www. jumbos.org

Carillon Recital Sundays in Oct. 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

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress Through Oct. 12 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Morris loves space adventures, painting and especially the bright tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress-up center. But when others question his choices, Morris must find the courage to stand tall in whom he is. With the help of his vivid imagination, and the roar of space tigers, he shows everyone that bravery means being true to yourself. See website for show times. 301-694-4744. www. marylandensemble.org

Murder & Mayhem Walking Tour Saturdays in Oct. Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. From burglaries and brawls to bootlegging and bedaubing (vandalism), Frederick’s history is full of all things macabre. Join Heritage Frederick on this special tour just in time for spooky season. 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

Fall Festival at Magnolia Meadow Farms Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 2 13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont. Fun for the whole family featuring a corn maze, hayrides, jumping pillow, slides, mini ziplines, pedal carts, farm animal interactions, concessions, campfires, farm market, pumpkins, Moonlit Maze nights and more. See website for days and hours of operation. $.

301-606-4086. www.magnoliameadowfarms.com

The Shark is Broken Through Oct. 5 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. MET kicks off its mainstage season with this award-winning comedy inspired by the behind-the-scenes drama of the blockbuster film Jaws.

See website for show times. 301694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

David Gootnick Through Oct. 26 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition titled, “Contemporary Kumiko.”

The work in this exhibition is inspired by Kumiko, a Japanese art form established in the Asuka era (600–700 AD). These intricate pieces made of wood, fabric, gold leaf and paper are part of Gootnick’s work which introduces Kumiko to the broader audience. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

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EVENTS Olney Art Association Through Oct. 26 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of works in a variety of media titled, “Experience the Creativity.” Work in this exhibition is from members of the Olney Art Association. Established to support both emerging and established artists, the association offers a platform for showcasing diverse styles and mediums through exhibitions, workshops and collaborative projects. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org

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Julie Maynard Through Oct. 26 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. A mixed media exhibition titled, “Seven Ideas about Paradise.” This immersive experience in mixed media work by Maynard takes inspiration from various mythological vantage points to explore the idea of paradise and humanity’s preoccupation with it. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Brookfield Pumpkins Through Oct. 31 8302 Ramsburg Road, Thurmont.

Enjoy local agriculture at its best at this family farm that features pickyour-own pumpkins, fall produce and products, photo opportunities and more. Monday−Thursday, 3 p.m.−6 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m.−6 p.m. 301-898-3527. www. brookfieldpumpkins.com

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Summers Farm Fall Festival Through Oct. 31 Summers Farm, 7503 Hollow Road, Middletown. A destination for fall fun with more than 45 activities, including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, barnyard animals, sound garden, rubber ducky races, corn pits, jumping pillows, slides, food, drinks and more. See website for days and hours of operation. $. 301304-3031. www.summersfarm.com

pre-picked pumpkins, gourds and fall décor at the farm market. 10 a.m.−6 p.m. daily. $. 301-865-3515. www. gaverfarm.com

Fall Fun Fest Through Nov. 2 Gaver Tree Farm, 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy. More than 65 attractions including a corn maze, hayrides, jumping pillows, beeline zipline, giant slides, barnyard animals, mini mazes, pumpkin barn, pedal karts, pick-yourown apples, games, playgrounds and more. Free hayrides to the pick-yourown pumpkin patch or purchase

Melodic Memories Through Dec. 13 Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Explore this new exhibit featuring historic instruments and compositions, including an early church organ and the oldest surviving published music in county history, all in a living room setting. Melodic Memories also features a re-created stage where visitors can learn about the county’s ties

Baskerville—A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Through Nov. 2 The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. In this adaptation by Ken Ludwig, which comes as a fast-paced comedy, Sherlock Holmes and his crime solving partner Dr. John Watson take the stage to solve one of the pair’s most notorious cases, The Hound of the Baskerville.

See website for show times. $. 301-6626600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

to famous performers such as Patsy Cline, Jimmy Dean, Guy Lombardo and others.

Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $. 301-663-1188. www. frederickhistory.org Two of a Kind Through Dec. 13 Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. An exhibit dedicated to the lives and legacies of Joseph Dill Baker and Emory Coblentz, influential figures in Frederick County history. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $. 301663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org Timeless Toys Through Dec. 13 Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. From board games to dolls, marbles to rocking horses, this exhibit includes almost 200 objects used for play and fun, some of which date back to the 19th century, which were once enjoyed by local children. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $. 301663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

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EVENTS Sky Stage Swing Dance Oct. 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 Historic Homes Tour Oct. 1–31 St. Joseph’s School, 339 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Discover the life and legacy of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton on a tour of the two historic homes and grounds where Elizabeth Ann lived and worked. Tours offered daily. See website for tour times. https://setonshrine.org/event General Grief Support Group Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 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. Oct. 2 and 16, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; Oct. 9 and 23, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. 240-566-3030. www.frederickhealthhospice.org Liz LaGarde & Christine Stovall Oct. 3–31 TAG/The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St. An exhibition of mixed media work by Liz LaGarde and paintings and ceramics

by Christine Stovall. An opening reception is scheduled for 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Noon–8 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4 p.m. 301-2289860. www.theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

Jim Germaux Oct. 3–26 NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St. An exhibition of paintings by Jim Germaux titled, “Euclid’s Ghost.” The inspiration for these works came as a result of the artist’s renewed interest in both plane geometry and minimalism. An opening reception is scheduled for Oct. 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and an artist talk is scheduled for Oct. 19 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 First Saturday: Love Local Oct. 4 Downtown Frederick. Support local businesses by shopping with an independent retailer, eating at a local restaurant, supporting local artists and exploring Downtown Frederick. Every First Saturday features streets filled with live music and entertainment and unique events at Downtown businesses. Many shops, galleries and restaurants will be open until 9 p.m. or later. 301-6988118. www.downtownfrederick.org

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Hispanic Heritage Festival Oct. 4 Carroll Creek Park, Downtown Frederick. Centro Hispano de Frederick invites the community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at this colorful festival featuring live dancing and music, traditional costumes, interactive children’s projects, authentic food, artisans and crafters and more. Noon–5 p.m. 301668-6270. www.frederickhispanicheritagefestival.org Wild West Express Oct. 4 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Jesse James and his gang are on the loose. Expect an Old West raid on the train and be aware that there will be the sound of gunfire. Reservations recommended.

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org

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Alice in Wonderland Oct. 4 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Experience the magic of Alice in Wonderland brought to life in a vibrant, family-friendly, full-length ballet production by Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. $.

301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

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EVENTS Art Matters Artist Talk Oct. 4 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Solo exhibition artists Julie Maynard and David Gootnick present the work in their exhibitions. 2 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org Frederick Jazz Society All Stars Oct. 4 Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. The Frederick Jazz Society kicks off their jazz series with a special evening celebrating the golden era of hard bop with a program similar to Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. 8 p.m.–9:30 p.m. 301-662-4190. www. skystagefrederick.com Creative Outle Oct. 4 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Kids and adults are invited to drop in to get creative together on art activities at family tables. Each session features a themed activity. This month, make a Halloween house. No large groups. 3 p.m.−5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Gravity Soul Fall Festival and Dual Slalom Oct. 4 Old Harmony Farm, 4125 Coxey Brown Road, Myersville.

A grassroots community event in its 13th year with the main event featuring a dual slalom race where the best racers from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond race head-to-head to determine who’s the fastest down the hill.

Also enjoy live music, food trucks, beer garden, bonfires and more. 10 a.m. www. frederickmagazine.com/calendar Five Chicks with Brushes: Paintings by Hands of the Artist Oct. 4–26 Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Hands of the Artist is a group of five friends who work together to inspire and encourage one another. A personal attraction to art since childhood unites them, yet their differing

styles illustrate how the same physical facts can take on very different shapes when filtered through different imaginations. 301-466-2413. www.linksbridgevineyards.com Linda Acierto & Lee Foran Oct. 4–26 Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St. An exhibition of works by featured artists Linda Acierto and Lee Foran. A First Saturday opening is scheduled for Oct. 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon–5 p.m. www.eastsideartistsgallery.com Brunswick Railroad Days Oct. 4, 5 Downtown Brunswick and Square Corner Park. Celebrate Brunswick’s rich history and talented local performers, artists and artisans while enjoying live music, children’s entertainment, train displays, arts and crafts and local fare at this unique and fun festival. 10 a.m.−5 p.m.

301-834-7500. www.brunswickrailroaddays.org

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Fall Fest Oct. 4, 5 Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum, 1611 N. Market St. Join the Frederick County Farm Museum for a fall festival featuring agricultural demonstrations, food, hay rides, crafts and more. Complete the Agriculture Olympics with the University of Maryland Extension Office of Frederick County and on Sunday, the Farm Museum hosts the Kids’ Pedal Pull at 1 p.m. 10 a.m.−4 p.m. 301600-2743. https://www.recreater. com/1005/Activities Magic & Mixers Tour Oct. 4, 11 Maryland Double Deckers. Hop aboard a double-decker bus for a scenic tour of historic Frederick while enjoying a handcrafted cocktail and end the night with a one-hour magic show. Tour begins at Frederick Magic Theater, 198 N. Court St. 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. www.marylanddoubledeckers.com/events

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Harpers Ferry Highland Games Oct. 4, 5 Sam Michaels Park, 235 Sam Michaels Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV. A vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Celtic heritage bringing together sport, music, food and community, while supporting the Jefferson County Council on Aging. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. www.frederickmagazine.com/calendar

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EVENTS Frederick in the Civil War: A Bus Tour of the Historic City Oct. 5 National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. Step back in time aboard a vintage 1966 double-decker bus for a fascinating onehour journey through Downtown Frederick, exploring the city’s critical role in the Civil War and the evolution of battlefield medicine. 2 p.m.–3 p.m. $. 301-695-1864. www.civilwarmed.org

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Community Concert Series: Ars Gratia Populi Oct. 5 Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 West Second St. The group explores the interactions between art music and folk music in an a cappella setting. The name, Ars Gratia Populi, translated as “art for art’s sake,” represents their view that art derives its meaning not from itself but rather the positive reaction it can create in the human mind and soul. This event is free and open to the public. 3 p.m. 301-662-1464. https://calvaryumc.org/concerts

Downtown Frederick Artwalk Oct. 5 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Take a self-guided jaunt downtown and visit local galleries. The Delaplaine will feature Beth Higgins. Noon–4 p.m. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org Pages & Pastries Tour Oct. 5 Maryland Double Deckers. This two-hour guided tour takes participants through the heart of downtown historic Frederick. Stop at Curious Iguana bookstore and end the tour at Twin Bears Bakery. Limited seating. Tour begins at The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. 10 a.m.– Noon. www.marylanddoubledeckers.com/events

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Mount Olivet Cemetery History & Mystery Tour Oct. 5 Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S. Market St. Guests discover Frederick’s history as they navigate through the labyrinth of graves, crypts and monuments of one of Maryland’s largest cemeteries. Tours meet inside the main gate. Reservations required. Private tours also available. 6:15 p.m. $. www.marylandghosttours.com Autumn Excursion Oct. 5, 11, 12 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the woods and into picturesque Maryland farm country before returning to Walkersville Station and crossing the beautiful Monocacy River.

Reservations recommended. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org

InSpired Watch Party Gala Oct. 6 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. InSpired focuses on the unique history of Frederick, from native inhabitants through the end of 2024, with a particular emphasis on how the city rebounded from suburban flight and two consecutive floods to the thriving entity it is today. 8:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org Storytime in the Garden Oct. 9 Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Explore the beauty of the Heritage Garden at this free event that provides little learners an opportunity to hear a story and make their own related craft. 11 a.m. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org The Bad Seed Oct. 9 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Released at the height of post-war American anxieties, this

1956 chilling psychological thriller explores the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. Presented by Wonder Book. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

30th Annual Elder Expo Oct. 9 Frederick Health Village, 1 Frederick Health Way. Collect information on home care, legal services, nursing and assisted living, community health services, downsizing and moving, realtors, end-of-life planning and more.

Speaker series scheduled all day on related topics for seniors, caregivers and professionals. Presented by Elder Services Provider Council. Free event with no registration required. www. espcfrederick.com/elderexpo RUNA Oct. 10 New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Innovative Celtic-American roots music with a global twist. 7:30 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

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EVENTS Western Maryland Light the Night Oct. 10 Carroll Creek Amphitheater, 50 Carroll Creek Way. Celebrate, honor and remember those touched by blood cancers at this community walking event that benefits research, advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. www.lightthenight.org/ events/western-maryland F.A.M.E. Open Mic Night Oct. 10 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 FallFest Oct. 10, 11 Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. A two-day event celebrating the tradition of apple butter making in the historic Catoctin Furnace village. Enjoy demonstrations by blacksmiths and craft vendors. http://catoctinfurnace.org/ events Pink Ribbon Gala Oct. 11 Hood College, Coblentz Hall, 601 Blazer Trail. Enjoy live music by Super Velvet Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, a silent auction with unique items and more at this celebration of life and hope to benefit The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer in the Frederick community. 6 p.m.–10 p.m. $. 301663-9252. (Pink Ribbon 5k is scheduled for Oct. 26.) www.pinkribbonfrederick. org/2024-pink-ribbon-gala Line Dancing Under the Stars Oct. 11 Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Dance under the stars as fitness professional and author Tanya Pershin starts the evening with a brief lesson followed by dancing to favorite line-dancing jams. 7 p.m.–10 p.m. 301662-4190. www.skystagefrederick.com Catoctin Colorfest Oct. 11, 12 Thurmont. Set in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains, this annual autumn event boasts hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, a large selection of fare, demonstrations and more. 9 a.m.−5 p.m. 301271-7533. www.visitfrederick.org 90 fredMAG

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Haunted History Oct. 11, 18, 25, 26, 31 National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. Hear ghostly tales from the past while touring the darkened galleries of the “most haunted building in Frederick.” Oct. 11, 18, 25 and 26, 5 p.m.–7:30 p.m.; Oct. 31, 7 p.m.–7:30 p.m. and 7:30–10 p.m. $. 301-6951864. www.civilwarmed.org The Moon Festival Oct. 12 Carroll Creek Amphitheater, Downtown Frederick. Celebrate the harvest moon and explore Chinese tradition through ancient stories and sampling mooncakes. Presented by Asian American Center of Frederick.

4 p.m.–7 p.m. www.frederickmagazine. com/calendar Walk to End Alzheimer’s Oct. 12 Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Dr. Help raise awareness and funds to enhance Alzheimer’s care, support and research at this event that features a two-mile route through Downtown Frederick. 11 a.m. $. 240-5495085. www.alz.org/maryland/walk Literature Night Oct. 14 Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Rod Deacey & the DC Beats host 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 Salsa Night with Frederick Salsa Oct. 15 Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Dance to Latin beats at this popular monthly event that begins with a brief salsa lesson by Frederick Salsa. Spirits available for purchase for guests over 21 with a valid ID. 7 p.m.–10 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com Art at Night: Using Textiles in Art Therapy Oct. 16 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Licensed art therapist Whitney Dahlberg will discuss the use of textiles in art therapy. She will share ways that textiles can increase emotion regulation and mindfulness and can access somatic memories held in the subconscious for processing. This talk will feature her research using textiles in grief to promote continued bonds, community and post-traumatic growth. 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

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EVENTS The Canterville Ghost Oct. 16, 18 Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Perfect for “spooky season,” ESPTheatre presents an actively staged reading of Oscar Wilde’s humorous short story, The Canterville Ghost, directed by Christine Mosere. 7 p.m.–8:15 p.m. www. skystagefrederick.com Bruce in the USA Oct. 17 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. More than a tribute, this show is a fully-immersive celebration of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s legendary live performances. 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org Comedy Night Oct. 17 Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Nationally-touring stand-up comedians curated and presented by Bojo Entertainment. Beer and wine available for purchase for guests over 21 with a valid ID. 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. www. skystagefrederick.com Gateway to the Cure Covered Bridge 5K Oct. 18 Eyler Road Park, 15 Eyler Road, Thurmont. Run or walk in this fun event that takes participants through a covered bridge and benefits the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund. 8:30 a.m. $. 301-2717313. www.thurmontmainstreet.com Annual Color Me Autumn Festival Oct. 18 Middletown Community Park, Middletown. Enjoy arts, crafts, inflatables and free trick or treating for kids, food, music and more at this annual event that is held rain or shine. Guests are also invited to stroll through downtown and vote for their favorite scarecrow in the 18th Annual Scarecrow Contest. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. www.middletown.md.us Dance: The Fusion of Music & Movement Oct. 18 Jack B. Kussmaul Theatre, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The award-winning Spires Brass Band performs their first concert of the season featuring dance of various styles and musical genres. The band will be joined by dance artists performing during several selections. 7:30 p.m. $. www.spiresbrassband.org/concerts

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Spirits of the Furnace: A Guided Night Tour Oct. 18 Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. A dramatized, 45-minute guided night tour and performance through the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace and village, with stops in historic structures and along the landscape. First tour begins at 6:30 p.m.; final tour begins at 9 p.m. $. www.catoctinfurnace.org/events At a Crossroad Oct. 18 New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. A gripping, emotional and modern-day stage play that reimagines the timeless Prodigal Son parable for today’s world. Noon and 4 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org Cherry Poppin’ Daddies Oct. 18 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Step into a high-energy celebration of American musical history with this genre-bending band that delivers a dazzling performance full of vintage flair and modern edge. 8 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt Oct. 18, 19 Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave. Head to the Schifferstadt Museum for lively German music, authentic German food, historic demonstrations, handmade products from art and craft vendors and more.

Rain or shine. Saturday, 11 a.m.−6 p.m.; Sunday, Noon−5 p.m. 301-663-3885. www.fredericklandmarks.org Pumpkin Patch Express Oct. 18, 19, 25, 16 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Take a scenic train ride in vintage 1920s passenger cars or an open-air flatcar on the excursion into picturesque Maryland farm country and to the pumpkin patch.

Select a pumpkin to take home. Watch out for zombies in the patch on Oct. 25.

Reservations recommended. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org

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EVENTS Canines on the Creek [photo] Oct. 25 Carroll Creek Park, Downtown Frederick.

Strut your mutt at this annual event that features a Halloween costume contest and parade, demonstrations, exhibitors, food, prizes and more. Proceeds benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind and FSK Lions Club charities.

Noon–5 p.m. 301-606-3012. www.fsklions.org/canines

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An Intimate Evening with Priscilla Presley Oct. 22 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Go beyond the spotlight in this rare, heartfelt evening with Priscilla Presley as she shares intimate memories from her life with Elvis. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Seth Kibel Oct. 23 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Clarinetist, saxophonist and flutist Seth Kibel brings his electrifying blend of klezmer, jazz and swing to the stage with charisma and virtuosity.

7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org Drum Circle with Aya Cultural Arts Studio Oct. 24 Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Drum circle facilitator Ayanna Gallant guides participants in a rhythmic journey playing rhythms together, inviting various instruments from around the world, songs, movement and more. 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders Oct. 24 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. World-renowned illusionist Vitaly brings his spellbinding show to the stage, blurring the line between the improbable and the impossible. His performances blend storytelling, visual artistry and sleight of hand into a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

History Trick-or-Treat Oct. 24, 25 Rose Hill Manor Park, 1611 N. Market St. A family-friendly evening with candy, costumes and a little bit of history.

Stroll through the park, meet costumed characters and collect treats along the way. Friday, 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Register in advance.

301-600-2936. www.recreater.com Inebriated Halloween Oct. 24–Nov. 1 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. A hilarious and spooky journey through some soon-to-be favorite stories of history. See website for show times. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org American History Walking Tour Oct. 25 African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society Heritage Center, 125 E. All Saints St. AARCH tour guides take participants on an informative exploration of local history on All Saints Street and the surrounding area. Learn about the cultural and historical importance of the neighborhood that was the center of the African American community until the early 1960s. 11 a.m. http://aarchsociety. org/walking-tours

AARCHways to the Past Oct. 25 Maryland Double Deckers. Step aboard a vintage double-decker bus for a guided tour highlighting Frederick’s African American history and cultural legacy. Presented in partnership with AARCH, this moving experience brings untold stories and powerful moments to life. Tour begins at 125 E. All Saints St. 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. www.marylanddoubledeckers.com/events Mystery & Mayhem Oct. 25 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. 7:30 p.m. www.frederickmagic.com Costume & Cocktails Oct. 25 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Enjoy a night of fun aboard the train in your costume. Sip and sample handcrafted moonshine from Rosie Cheese Distillery while relaxing on a scenic evening ride in the vintage first class train.

Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Reservations recommended. 6 p.m.–8 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org Middletown Halloween Parade Oct. 25 Green St., Middletown. Dress in costume and march in Middletown’s Annual Halloween Parade. The parade begins at Martha Mason Drive and ends at the municipal center for candy and light refreshments. Costume judging for prizes begins at 4:30 p.m.; parade begins at 5 p.m. www.middletown.md.us Halloween in Downtown Frederick Oct. 25 Downtown Frederick. Trick-or-treat at your favorite downtown businesses and enjoy some ghoulish fun with kid-friendly activities. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. www.visitfrederick.org/events

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Downtown Brunswick Halloween Party, Haunted House & Trunk-orTreat Oct. 25 Square Corner Park and Martins Creek Parking Lot, Brunswick. Enjoy an evening of spooky fun with a costume contest, trunk-or-treat, music, a haunted house and more. 6 p.m.−8 p.m. 301834-7500. www.brunswickmd.gov/ specialevents

of costumes. Registration is encouraged.

Artists must provide their own supplies; easels are available. 5 p.m.–8 p.m. $. 301698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Nashville Nights Oct. 25 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Experience the heart and soul of Music City with a songwriter’s round showcasing three rising forces in Nashville’s country music scene: Risa Binder, Christian Lopez and Six One Five Collective. 8 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Il Divo by Candlelight Oct. 29 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. This iconic quartet takes audiences on a journey through two decades of romance, heartache and joy weaving their greatest musical triumphs into an unforgettable evening. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

BYOS: Costumed Figure Drawing Oct. 29 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. One model, three Halloween costumes.

Bring your artistic media of choice and get in the spooky (or silly) spirit with a live figure drawing model clothed in a series

Halloween with the Animals Oct. 30 Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center, 8511 Nature Center Place, Walkersville. Show off your favorite costume at the nature center!

Learn to identify crazy animal sounds heard in autumn, make a tasty treat to take

home and share some Halloween fun with the animal ambassadors. Noon–6 p.m. $.

301-600-2936. www.recreater.com Nosferatu Oct. 31 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Enjoy a Halloween night showing of this thrilling silent film from 1922 on the big screen accompanied by the mighty Wurlitzer. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 31–Nov. 8 Jack B. Kussmaul Theatre, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike.

In this cult classic, squeaky clean couple Brad and Janet have some car trouble and are forced to seek refuge in the gothic castle of the mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

Upon arrival, Frank-N-Furter and his kooky staff of Transylvanians open up the couple’s minds in ways they never imagined. See website for show times. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org FM

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PAST TIME

Pressing On

By Jody Brumage / Archivist, Heritage Frederick

Inset photo shows Dorye Marker and his wife, Fern, on their 25th wedding anniversary in 1943.

Heritage Frederick’s “Melodic Memories” exhibition features several examples of sheet music relating to Frederick County’s history and scenic beauty. But one piece stands apart, titled “Press On” in bold letters lifted from the word “Depression.” The lyrics for the song were written in 1933 by Dorye D. Marker.

Born in 1897, Marker’s family maintained a dairy farm in Locust Valley, at the base of South Mountain north of Burkittsville. Marker and his brother, William, began operating a general store in 1915 that stood at the entrance to the family’s farm. The Marker brothers added a granary next to the store, butchered hogs for local families, dealt in livestock and produce, and established a chicken hatchery.

In 1935, Marker and his wife, Fern, opened Marker’s Cash Market on South Bentz Street in Frederick, offering groceries, produce, meats and seafood in one of the city’s earliest supermarkets. After

eight years of operation, the Markers leased the market to the American Stores grocery chain. Marker turned his focus to the family’s farm in Locust Valley, improving it with a stateof-the-art sanitary dairy barn.

Marker managed all of his businesses from a wheelchair.

At the age of 16, he accidentally ingested lead after helping to paint the kitchen in his family’s farmhouse. The effects of this accident led to paralysis. His only known foray into songwriting urges fortitude to “press on” through personal challenges, as well as those being faced by many amid the Great Depression. Marker certainly did so, remembered when he died in 1947 for having built one of Frederick County’s most successful agribusiness operations of the early 20th century. FM

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