father recently passed away. What death taxes will I be responsible for?
There are five sets of death taxes that are relevant for Maryland residents:
First, there is Final Personal Income Tax (Federal and Maryland), which refers to the income taxes that the deceased person would have had to pay in the year they died. This is something that most people are already familiar with, as they file their own income tax returns on an annual basis.
The second type of death tax is Estate Tax (Federal and Maryland). These are assessed regardless of whether the estate has been opened or not. If the decedent had assets worth $5 million, then they will be subject to Maryland estate tax.
Under the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal estate transfer tax exemption was raised to $15 million per person. Estate Tax returns are similar to Personal Income Tax returns - you need to file at the state and federal level, even if there are no federal taxes to report. Maryland’s estate tax exemption is $5 million per person, which would exclude most families.
Another type of death tax is a Fiduciary Income Tax (Federal and Maryland). This refers to reporting income that has been earned from the date of death until all accounts have been transferred to the beneficiaries. Generally, this type of tax applies to individuals with sizable investment accounts, however please consult with your CPA to be sure.
Maryland is one of the few states that still imposes an Inheritance Tax. Direct family members are exempt from the Inheritance Tax. However, there is a 10 to 11% tax for nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, unregistered domestic partners, and former spouses, among others.
Finally, there is a Gift Tax. The Personal Representative of the Estate and the Trustee of the Trust are responsible for filing the Gift Tax return if the decedent had given any gifts in excess of the annual limit during their lifetime. In 2025, that limit is currently $19,000.00.
Navigating these various taxes can be very challenging, even if someone’ssituation looks simple at the surface level. That is why we strongly recommendconsulting with a Probate attorney, someone like us. If you need help handling MarylandProbate or Trust administration as an Executor, please call us at 301-6960567 orself-schedule at www.lenaclarklegal.com.
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Find It Inside
HINZI’S KITCHEN
In a city loaded with a variety of ethnic cuisine, Hinzi’s Kitchen serves up something unique: traditional Pakistani fare fused with tastes from across the Mediterranean. The result is dishes as delicious as they are inventive.
BY APRIL BARTEL / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD
HOME HARVEST
Frederick County’s rich agricultural bounty can be found in the more than a dozen farmers markets that offer delicious fruits and vegetables amid artisanal baked goods and handmade crafts. Take a look at the variety of their offerings.
PHOTO ESSAY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD
IT’S COMPLICATED
Jackie Crow enjoyed an idyllic life in relative affluence, growing up in Middletown, but then it all fell apart as her father was revealed to be a fraud. Crow has turned her past into a podcast called The Felon Who Raised Me , which reveals much about her father and herself.
BY GUY FLETCHER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD
Checklist
Guy Fletcher / Editor-In-Chief / gfletcher@fredmag.com
There have been several stories I have personally wanted to write in my time as editor and I have been fortunate enough to be able to get to most of them. True, there are still a couple on the to-do list, including a retrospective of the heyday of cable Channel 10. Those who were around here in the 1990s and early 2000s know what I am talking about.
Another story I have always wanted to write was about Mark Gaver, a well-known local figure and seemingly successful businessman who was convicted of bank fraud and money laundering in 2018. From the surface, I thought Gaver’s tale was a classic Greek tragedy spiced with a hefty dash of American consumerism. I caught a break earlier this year when Jackie Crow, Gaver’s daughter,
decided to investigate her father’s past and assemble her findings on a podcast called The Felon Who Raised Me. Jackie did extensive research into her father’s story, going through court documents, newspaper clippings and other sources.
Her podcast is ostensibly about him but is also very much about Jackie and her journey toward healing. The Felon Who Raised Me is available on most
podcast platforms and I encourage you to listen to Jackie’s interesting, compelling and sometimes emotional storytelling.
Jackie and her three children live in New Hampshire these days, but I caught a second break in July when she visited friends and family in Frederick. She was gracious enough to give up much of one morning for an interview, a photograph and a quick walk through Downtown Frederick. I honestly didn’t know what direction my story would take before interviewing Jackie. The Mark Gaver saga by itself was compelling enough to fill an entire article, maybe even a book, but her interview and podcast episodes revealed something deeper, more significant than the cold facts of a criminal record.
As she talked in my office, it became clear that this was also the story about a daughter who has suffered a great deal on her own but is also a fighter finding her own path. Making the podcast has been part of that journey for her.
My story, “It’s Complicated,” starts on page 48. I hope you enjoy it and the rest of this month’s issue of Frederick Magazine. Also, don’t forget that “Best of Frederick” voting starts this month on Sept. 13, so go to www.fredmag.com to make your voice heard.
In the meantime, I need to start tracking down people who worked at Channel 10.
Have a safe and happy September. FM
R.M. – Adamstown, MD
Last month, we focused on “Changes that will affect your taxes in 2025” (August), so this month we will focus on “Changes that will affect your taxes in 2026 and later” (September), and next month we will cover “Changes that will affect business owners” (October). (If you would like all of the information now, just contact our office by phone or email, and we can send it to you.)
Changes that will affect your taxes in 2026 and later:
• Estate tax exemption: Federal thresholds are permanently increased— the exemption will be $15 million in 2026 and is adjusted to inflation.
• Tax rates: Rates introduced by the TCJA are made permanent and slight upward adjustments are made to the top of the 10 percent and 12 percent tax brackets.
• Home mortgage interest deduction: The OBBBA permanently extends the limitation on deducting qualified residence interest to the first $750,000 in home mortgage acquisition debt (previously $1 million) and treats certain mortgage insurance premiums on acquisition indebtedness as qualified residence interest. It also confirms the inability to deduct interest on home-equity loans.
• Charitable contribution deduction: A new above-the-line deduction is available for taxpayers who use the standard deduction; charitable contributions can be deducted up to $1,000 for single
taxpayers and up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. Itemizers, on the other hand, will face a new limitation; charitable contributions will need to exceed 0.5 percent of the taxpayer’s contribution base to be deductible. The contribution base is defined by the Act as AGI without any net operating loss carryback.
• Itemized deductions: The Pease limitation is removed, however a new limitation has been introduced for 2026. The amount an individual taxpayer can deduct (after deduction-specific limitations are applied) must be reduced by 2/37 of the lesser of 1) the total amount of itemized deductions, or 2) so much of the taxpayer’s taxable income for the taxable year as it exceeds the dollar amount at which the 37 percent rate bracket begins with respect to the taxpayer.
• Miscellaneous itemized deductions: These are permanently eliminated except for unreimbursed employee expenses for eligible educators.
• Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction: The OBBBA makes it permanent and increases the phase outs for Specified Service Trade or Businesses to $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 if married filing jointly. An inflation-adjusted minimum deduction of $400 is introduced for taxpayers who have at least $1,000 of QBI from one or more active trades or businesses in which they materially participate.
• Alternative minimum tax: The increased exemptions introduced by the
TCJA are made permanent, however it reduces the threshold at which the exemption starts to phase out to $1 million (married filing jointly, with a reduction of 50 cents for every dollar over the threshold).
• ABLE accounts: The increased contribution limits to ABLE accounts and the ability to roll over 529 plans funds to an ABLE account are made permanent and will be adjusted for inflation.
• Trump accounts: The OBBBA creates special IRAs for children under 18. Contributions can only be made in calendar years before beneficiary reaches age 18 and are limited to $5,000 per year (adjusted for inflation after 2027). Distribution of the funds can begin the calendar year the beneficiary reaches age 18 and the account must be fully distributed by age 31. Distributions of basis are tax-free while distributions of income for qualified expenses are treated as net capital gains (qualified higher education, qualified post-secondary credentialing, amounts paid to a small business for which the beneficiary has obtained a small business loan or small farm loan, and amounts paid for the purchase of a first home). A $1,000 tax credit is offered for opening a Trump account for a child born between 2025 and 2028. The bill also allows for employer contributions to Trump accounts. These contributions will not be included in the employee’s income. Investment options for the accounts appear limited to mutual funds and ETFs that track the S&P 500 or another qualified index.
UNCOVERED Full Slate
By Amy L. Metzger Hunt / Curator, Heritage Frederick
Long before electronic screens and spiral notebooks were necessity school supplies, writing slates were a student’s most important classroom tool.
Slates were introduced into the American education system around 1800, having been popularized by British and European educators, particularly those teaching math. Students wrote on the board with a slate stick, soapstone or chalk, and the writing could be wiped away with a piece of cloth. While rural schools and families did not have the funds to provide students with a nonstop supply of paper for solving math problems or practicing handwriting, one slate writing board, if properly cared for, could last through a child’s entire education.
This two-piece writing slate in the collection of Heritage Frederick was used by Mary Bertha DeGrange and is hinged to open like a book, providing four fully erasable writing sur -
faces. Mary added her name and the date “Dec 7, 1898” to one edge of the wooden frame when she was 14 years old. It appears she left school just a few short months later because the slate is still covered with farewell messages written by her friends on her last day of school, Feb. 24, 1899.
Mary was born in 1884, one of the seven children born to Annie and Henry Spenser Bowers DeGrange and raised in Church Hill, an area near Ballenger Creek Pike in the southwest part of the county. During the 19th century and through the first half of the 20th century, it was normal for local children to attend school for as long as practical. If help was needed on the family farm, assisting with the childcare of younger siblings or getting a job to help support the family, a child’s education was often cut short.
Messages from Mary Bertha Degrange’s friends include brief goodbyes, sentimental rhymes and even a quote from Hamlet.
The Great Frederick Fair comes alive at night with its brightly lit midway filled with children and families. The fair runs this year from Sept. 12-20. FM
Photography By Michael DeMattia
History and Theater At Catoctin Furnace
The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society will present seven public performances, running Sept. 11-14, of Iron Will , which focuses on a time in October 1780 when the Continental Army convinced the co-owners of Catoctin Furnace—Maryland’s first governor, Thomas Johnson, and his brother James, the furnace ironmaster—to manufacture 31 tons of shells, which were eventually fired at the decisive Battle of Yorktown in the fight for American independence.
With a grant from Visit Frederick and support from Plamondon Hospitality Partners, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society and an international cast of performers will share this experience with audiences during the Catoctin Furnace Living History Festival.
Co-written by Ali Gilman, Susan Ciaverelli and Reiner Prochaska, this original production is based on historical events and focuses on the personal stories of people at the furnace—owners and workers, European immigrants and enslaved Africans—against the
backdrop of the Revolutionary War and Maryland’s industrial development.
Audiences will be able to immerse themselves in the lives of the people during the era by attending site-specific performances at historic locations, including the Collier Log Cabin, the fully functional blacksmith shop, the furnace and other outdoor locations. To offer each audience member an immersive, intimate theatrical experience, audiences will be divided into three groups, each led by a guide from one performance location to the next.
For Prochaska, producer, co-writer and co-director, who is a Frederick-based actor and playwright, the project was inspired by Spirits of the Furnace, a Halloween-themed event that has provided entertainment and education for furnace visitors for more than two decades.
Prochaska and Elizabeth Anderson Comer, Catoctin Furnace Historical
Society president, along with a team of creative professionals, secured the grant funding and have been planning and developing the event. With roughly 100,000 visitors to the furnace and almost 6,000 visitors to the museum annually, this latest historical theater festival will be an exciting addition to the popular annual events the historical society already offers.
Information about specific dates, times and ticketing can be found at www.catoctinfurnace.org/events. Additional information can be found on Catoctin Furnace’s social media.
NEW NAME FOR ERUCC?
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ (ERUCC) at 15 W. Church St. in Frederick is poised for some big changes in the year ahead. In addition to welcoming a new permanent pastor, the congregation will also reopen its fully restored Trinity Chapel clock tower and steeple. In conjunction with these developments, the church is exploring a possible name change that might better reflect its commitment to serving as both a religious and community institution that welcomes all members of the Frederick community. The church community and members of the general public can help by taking a brief online and anonymous survey at www. erucc.org/survey that is designed to help the church better understand its perceived identity. The survey closes Oct. 1.
CANCER FUND DONATION
The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund recently provided Frederick Health with a donation of $307,644.20 to further advance early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
The gift will help provide equipment and staffing support necessary for the growth of Frederick Health’s clinical trials program, funds an early-detection test for individuals who are high-risk and supports other initiatives.
Over the past 25 years, the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Foundation has raised more than $4 million in charitable community support. Much of this money has been used to support programs and services at the Breast Center at Frederick Health with the remainder earmarked for future cancer care initiatives.
“The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund has been so fortunate over the years to receive the overwhelming support of the Frederick community, that has allowed us to support local breast cancer patients, as well as other cancer patients, in so many ways. We are so excited about these new cutting-edge initiatives that we can help provide Frederick Health for the benefit of our local community,” says Patty Hurwitz, co-founder of the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund.
“We continue to be incredibly grateful to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund. This donation will significantly enhance our ability to provide innovative, high-quality and compassionate care to individuals and families affected by breast cancer in our community,” says Cheryl Cioffi, president and CEO, Frederick Health.
From left: Tom Kleinhanzl, president emeritus, Frederick Health; Cheryl Cioffi, president and CEO, Frederick Health; Patty Hurwitz, co-founder, Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund; Jeff Hurwitz, co-founder, Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund; and Janet Rhoderick, director, Frederick Health Oncology Services.
LOOKING BACK AT 40 YEARS
As part of our year-long celebration of Frederick Magazine’s 40-year anniversary we have been looking back at magazines from yesteryear. This month, we are taking a look at September 2008.
Our cover story 17 years ago examined the local winemaking industry, which was growing but still in its adolescence with six wineries, most of them concen trated in the Mount Airy area. An expert quoted in the story said the local wine industry had doubled in the previous five years and was poised to double again in the next five years. That, in fact, happened. Today, Frederick County boasts 17 wineries, stretching from Thurmont to Myersville to Monrovia.
This “Celebrate Frederick” issue also included a fun—and, frank - ly, tough—quiz about familiar sights in Downtown Frederick, assembled by a longtime Frederick Magazine contributor, the late Marie Erickson. One question: What is the name of the cannon mounted at Hessian Barracks? Answer: The Great Baby Waker.
BEST OF FREDERICK
It’s that time of year again! Voting for Frederick Magazine’s annual “Best of Frederick” readers’ poll begins Sept. 13.
Now in its 34th year, “Best of Frederick” is the original “best of” competition in Frederick County, giving readers a chance to weigh in on their favorite restaurants, businesses, entertainment outlets and much more. No nominations, no eliminiations, just your votes. Once balloting opens, visit www.fredmag.com and cast your ballot. Voting closes Nov. 15.
Dear Dina
DEAR DINA: Help, I’m a high school senior and I’ve always been really good at sports. The thing is, I don’t think I want to play after high school. I have a really good chance to get athletic scholarships. My parents have said it would be a great financial help. But I want to go to school to be a veterinarian and just don’t see competitive sports in my future. I will always stay active, but how do I break it to my parents that sports might not be in my future?
SIGNED, MY GOALS HAVE CHANGED IN CLARKSBURG
DEAR CHANGED GOALS: Your parents know your gifted abilities and that you possess so much potential. Have you expressed to them your change of heart? It sounds like you haven’t had that conversation. You don’t know they won’t receive it well. They’re just going based on what they’re seeing and they’re seeing you shine and they desire to give you every opportunity possible in the athletic arena. Just shift gears and see how they receive the news. It doesn’t have to be negative. It’s just an unknown. Your parents are for you. There are many other ways to get financial help with school. An advisor can help you seek academic scholarships and grants. Cheers to you, class of 2026!
Dear Dina is written by Dina Carole, host of the Morning Show on Key 103 (WAFY-FM). You can ask her questions anonymously at any time by going to key103radio.com and clicking on the “Features” tab. Listen to answers weekday mornings at 7:45 and 9:45.
Best of Frederic k 2025
The Original
SOLES OF JOY
After 14 years of leading the annual Soles of Love in the Garden event, in which shoes are donated to local schoolchildren in need, Julie Gaver passed the torch for managing the event to the Key City Rotary Club. This year’s event, reimagined as Soles of Joy and held at The Arc of Frederick County, netted more than 1,700 pairs of new shoes, which are being distributed through nonprofit partners such as the Boys and Girls Club, Girls on the Run and the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership. Since its creation, the Soles events have brought in more than 40,000 pairs of shoes. www.keycityrotary.com
Photos courtesy Julie L Hipkins/Originations Photography
pix
SHE WEEK
The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce annual SHE Week event once again brought together local women to enrich, inspire and celebrate their extraordinary growth in businesses, nonprofit organizations and other endeavors. This year’s program featured networking, guest speakers, the SHE Pitch competition and SHERO Awards. www.frederickchamber.org/she-week
SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING
Yellow Springs student ambassadors were joined by state, local and Frederick County Public Schools officials for the celebratory groundbreaking ceremony of the new Yellow Springs Elementary. The ceremony was emceed by school principal Hannah Feldman.
The new school, with a capacity of 745 students, will replace the existing Yellow Springs Elementary, which opened in 1957.
Photos courtesy Acacia Bowens/Ak’s
GraFix & Photo
then
now
EAST PATRICK STREET
Farmers markets are big business in the United States, a $1.44 billion industry serving customers with fresh, local produce and other items such as artisanal baked goods and handmade jewelry. Frederick County, with its deep agricultural roots, boasts more than a dozen farmers markets, with most open well into late October and some until November. On the following pages, check out the variety of their offerings, from colorful fruits and vegetables to creative crafts.
A Bigger Boat
The Shark is Broken takes Jaws to New Seas
By Joseph Peterson / Photography by Mark Youngblood
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws. Regarded as the first summer blockbuster movie, it was Steven Spielberg’s second feature film, and an unexpected hit. But there’s a lesser-known story from behind the scenes, and it begins with Bruce.
That was the name of the mechanical shark, figured to be featured prominently on film. But Bruce breaking down, blowing the budget and extending the shoot into an odyssey of delays that saw the film’s main human actors—Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider— largely left to kill time “on set” in a small boat in the Atlantic Ocean. What ensued is the substance of the play The Shark is Broken, which the Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is staging this month as its season opener, ready to make a splash of its own.
“It’s a fascinating look backstage on a film set and what happens in those hours between filming,” says Gené Fouché, a MET co-founder and associate artistic director. Fouché notes that while the text plunges the rising tensions of what Spielberg himself called “the great Dreyfuss/Shaw feud,” it also showcases some of the most memorable moments from the film, like Robert Shaw’s USS Indianapolis soliloquy, a cinematic monologue for the ages.
For Kevin Corbett, the actor playing Shaw, it’s an opportunity to relish. A veteran of the D.C. theater scene, Corbett made his professional debut in Frederick 20 years ago and now returns for a role he says is a spiritual experience to play.
The Shark is Broken will open the season for the Maryland Ensemble Theatre, with performances from Sept. 11 to Oct. 5. For more information, visit www,marylandensemble. org/the-shark-is-broken.
“I’m a Jaws super freak,” he said. “I mean, Shaw inspired me to get into acting in the first place.” He remembers watching the movie with his father, who referred to Shaw’s character, Quint, as the bad guy, but that didn’t fully square with Corbett. “At 7 years old, I was like, is he bad? He might be grouchy, very Ahab-esque, but I never saw him that way, and I got really focused on trying to figure him out.”
In the Broadway production of The Shark is Broken, it was Shaw’s son Ian, co-writer of the play, who starred as his father, bringing an uncanny resemblance to modern audiences, but Fouché says visible likeness can be achieved with makeup and a commensurate disposition.
“When I chose the actors, I chose them for their essence and not their similarities physically to the actors,” Fouché says. “We put a wig on them and facial hair and make them look like we need to.”
That essence comes through, with Corbett as the broody, heavy-drinking Shaw, Willem Rogers as the insecure but brash Dreyfuss, and Steven Todd Smith as Scheider, a vain but grounded peacemaker between the other two stars.
“We want audiences to see the reality of three men forced to stay with each other for weeks on end, and to get an appreciation for the heavier parts of their time together,” Rogers says, referring to themes of alcoholism, fame and emotional vulnerability that fill the script, alongside plenty of laughs, too. He says there was no shark to fight behind the scenes. “It was just three men fighting their own personal battles and trying to get along with their castmates.”
Smith draws a parallel between the MET actors’ indelible memories watching the film with their fathers, and the characters often discussing their fathers during their sequester on the boat.
“Stepping into Roy is interesting. Growing up, my dad was a Roy Scheider-esque sort of guy, you know, he kept trim, he was an athlete, he was fit, he was always tan, and he always wanted all of those things for me,” Smith said. “And Jaws is a favorite film of his, so I get to see how I can put that out on stage.”
It’s a fascinating look backstage on a film set and what happens in those hours between filming. “ ”
—Gené Fouché, Maryland Ensemble Threatre
The cast features, from left, Kevin Corbett as Robert Shaw, Todd Smith as Roy Scheider and Willem Rogers as Richard Dreyfuss, who find the confines of a movie set to be too close for comfort.
artsy SPOTLIGHT
Other Voices Begins New Season
After coming off a rousing production of Guys and Dolls , Other Voices Theatre, 244 S. Jefferson St., is set to begin its 29th season with a musical by Andrew Lippa called The Wild Party , set in the roaring 1920s. The show runs Oct. 10-12 and 17-19.
On Dec. 13, 14 and 21, Other Voices will present a holiday show for the whole family. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof follows on March 6-8 and 13-15. The play, written by Tennessee Williams, is one of his most famous works and was his personal favorite, winning a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1955.
The Ballad of Emmett Till , by Ifa Bayeza, runs May 15-17 and 22-24. The production explores the last two weeks of Till’s life and the teenager’s death in a racially motivated crime. The season concludes on July 31 and
Speaker Series Announces Season
Movie-Themed Paint Night Planned
Love movies? Love to paint? The Frederick Arts Council has you covered with Director’s Palette from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St. Paint a movie poster of your
Now in its 13th season, the Frederick Speaker Series has developed a reputation for bringing world-class speakers to the Frederick area with a goal to engage the community through enlightening discourse and meaningful topics. Held at the Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., the following speakers will be featured in 2026:
Jeff Corwin is scheduled for Feb. 5. For nearly 30 years he has been a leading voice in wildlife conservation, educating global audiences through his Emmy-winning television work and passion for storytelling.
On March 5 it’s Laura Lynne Jackson, a Certified Research Medium with the Windbridge Institute and member of the advisory board for the Forever Family Foundation, where she supports research into afterlife science and helps grieving families find comfort.
Dr. William Li is on March 26. A world-renowned physician, scientist and author of Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet. His pioneering research has contributed to the development of more than 40 medical treatments for over 70 diseases.
On April 30, Walter Mosley, an award-winning author with more than 60 books across genres including mystery, science
choice while socializing with your friends. A small canvas and paint will be provided, but feel free to bring any special supplies you want to use, as well as your favorite snacks. Register at www.frederickartscouncil.org.
fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels, will speak. Known for his acclaimed Easy Rawlins detective series, he is also a powerful voice on race and justice.
Carol Anderson appears on June 4. She is a professor of African American Studies at Emory University and the bestselling author of White Rage, One Person, No Vote, and The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America. She is known for her research on race, democracy and human rights.
Aug. 1-2 and Aug. 7-9 with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , the popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. www.othervoicestheatre.org
Seton Celebration
Events to Honor America’s First Native-Born Saint
EMMITSBURG—A half century ago, there were no American-born saints in the Roman Catholic church—a curious distinction in a country grounded in religious freedom and expression. That changed on Sept. 14, 1975, with ceremonies canonizing 19th-century nun Elizabeth Ann Seton.
This month, the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Seton’s canonization with three days of family events, Sept. 12-14, honoring one of the most important figures in the history of the American Catholic Church.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our beloved patroness than by opening our grounds to the people of God whom Mother Seton loved so much,” says Rob Judge, executive director of the Seton Shrine. “We want this weekend to be filled with the veneration befitting a great saint, while also fostering a spirit of joy that lifts the hearts of the many people who see Mother Seton as a friend in heaven.”
Despite Seton’s religious acclaim, her place in history, especially in Frederick County, extends into areas secular, including education and charity.
Born in New York City in 1774, the young Seton didn’t fit the image of a future nun. Not only an Episcopalian, she was also married and had five children. But following the death of her husband from tuberculosis, and having been introduced to Catholic teachings, she converted in 1805.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton features an interactive museum, active basilica and a variety of historical buildings that illustrate what life was like during the time Seton lived there more than 200 years ago.
By Guy Fletcher
At the invitation of priests, Seton and her family moved to Baltimore in 1808, joined by other Catholic women who created a convent and opened a school for girls. They soon moved to Emmitsburg, where they formally became the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s. The sisterhood, the first in the United States, was dedicated to the care of children of the poor and opened the first free Catholic school in America.
Seton died Jan. 4, 1821, at age 46. When she was canonized 154 years later in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Paul VI said, “Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage.” On that same day, thousands of people also gathered at the Seton Shrine to watch the ceremony on television and celebrate.
Anniversary events this year at the shrine will kick off with a Candlelight Concert Under the Stars on Friday, Sept. 12, with the award-winning Escencia Quartet. Catholic personality Matt Swaim will emcee the concert and events on the main stage on Sunday. Swaim is co-host of the Son Rise Morning Show on EWTN Radio, producer of
EWTN’s The Journey Home and director of outreach for The Coming Home Network.
Other events during the weekend include a livestreamed lecture by Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a University of Notre Dame professor and author of A Saint of Our Own: How the Quest for a Holy Hero Helped Catholics Become American, special tours of the shrine’s museum and historical homes, activities for children, food trucks, and concerts by local musicians. All events, except the Friday night concert, are free.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, the actual anniversary of the canonization, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori will celebrate mass in the shrine’s historic basilica. The mass will be televised that night at 7 p.m. on EWTN.
For a full listing of anniversary events, and to reserve tickets for the Friday night concert, visit www.setonshrine.org
“On this, the 50th anniversary, we want to capture the spirit of 1975, while providing more contemporary ways of ensuring that the life and legacy of Mother Seton is remembered and cherished,” Judge says.
Among many events honoring the 50th anniversary of Seton’s canonization will be a mass celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori in the shrine’s historic basilica on Sept. 14, the actual semicentennial date.
“ ”
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate our beloved patroness than by opening our grounds to the people of God whom Mother Seton loved so much.
—Rob Judge, Seton Shrine FM
Mark Youngblood Photo
TRENDING
stylin’
My store is so colorful. I enjoy my shop very much. “ ”
—Arzu Ozcan
BAZAAR TWIST
Within the walled city of Istanbul, Turkey, is the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, consistently making it number one among the most-visited tourist attractions. No wonder Arzu Ozcan, owner of Alora Pure housewares store, is pleased when a customer tells her the Downtown Frederick store reminds her of the Grand Bazaar. “I love hearing what the customers tell me,” Ozcan says.
The store, at 107 E. Patrick St., is naturally on a smaller scale, but you can still get lost in perusing merchandise from the other side of the world and hearing the backstory from Ozcan and family members on staff. “I let people explore,” she says. “I tell them a little bit of the stories, the history of things. My store is so colorful. I enjoy my shop very much.”
A top-selling item are the Turkish towels. Made from Turkish cotton, “they are very absorbent and then dry very fast, making them great for traveling, for the beach, the pool.” In addition to the practical side, the towels come in beautiful pastel shades in a striped pattern. The shop also carries bedspreads and linens and a line of clothing, including dresses and bathrobes.
Unique glass lamps from Alora Pure can make a statement when you’re planning to refresh your décor, and there’s an impressive selection of handmade ceramics. Ozcan carefully selects the merchandise, conscious of the design and assuring Turkish authenticity. With Christmas just around the corner, she’s gearing up to wow her customers, many of whom regularly drop by. www.alorapure.com
tell us TRENDING
Karen Nicklas General Manager, The Great Frederick Fair
The Great Frederick Fair takes place Sept. 12–20. What’s new this year?
We’ve got fresh fun across the fairgrounds! Enjoy live glassblowing, daily foam parties in the Kid Zone, a corn-shelling contest and new exhibits in the Beef Barn, Farm & Garden, Household, City Streets, Country Roads, Equine and Fiber Arts. Check out brand-new souvenirs at the GFF Gift Shop, located beside the Box Office (in Building 2), and take advantage of rental scooters, wheelchairs, strollers and wagons available through J&JR Inc.
The fair was first held in 1822. What keeps it so popular today?
It began as a cattle show—and we’ve grown with the community ever since. We keep traditions alive while constantly expanding exhibits, attractions and entertainment. There’s truly something for everyone—from livestock shows and carnival rides to national acts on the Grandstand Stage, adrenaline-pumping motorsports and a showcase of Frederick County’s finest wineries, breweries and distilleries. Plus, we offer great ways to save: Admission is just $8 online ($10 at the gate) and children 10 and under
are free. Come for Lunch Bunch (Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and get free admission to enjoy food vendors. Seniors 65 and older get in free Monday through Wednesday until 3 p.m. And don’t miss the Jack Pass: $35 online for one admission and one unlimited ride wristband that day—plus $5 off with code GFF if you buy early at www.thegreatfrederickfair.com/tickets.
Why is promoting agriculture so important?
Promoting ag education is at the heart of our mission. Today, many are gener -
ations removed from farm life; we’re proud to reconnect them by showing where food comes from and the many careers agriculture offers. Through our partnership with Frederick County Public Schools, more than 18,000 students receive ag materials each year, and more than 5,000 take field trips to the fair for hands-on learning they’ll always remember.
How many vendors and what kind of food can guests expect?
We host around 150 vendors offering everything from barbecue, crab cakes and funnel cakes to iced coffee, deepfried Oreos and classic candy apples. Shopping? We’ve got it all—Western wear, home goods, jewelry, lawn and garden products, and more. New this year: a Memory Maker booth where you can turn a favorite phone photo into a special keepsake.
In your busy schedule, do you get to ride the Ferris wheel?
I always make time! It’s my favorite moment. At the top, you can see the city skyline on one side and 60 acres of fairgrounds on the other—it’s pure magic. I look out and feel so proud of our amazing team, staff, board, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and the community that keeps this incredible tradition going. It’s more than a ride—it’s a reminder of why I love this fair with my whole heart.
Walking through sunny Downtown Frederick on a warm summer morning, Jackie Crow is taking in the world that used to be her father’s.
It was here where Mark Gaver’s information technology business seemingly prospered so much that it grew out of several office locations. It’s also where its owner similarly thrived, building a coterie of acquaintances and a gleaming public profile that made him one of the city’s most popular entrepreneurs.
That was a decade ago. Today, Gaver is being held in federal prison in Miami. For much of this year, Crow has been playing detective, unraveling how it happened. Her discoveries—a search for the truth entwined with her own journey toward healing—are laid bare in The Felon Who Raised Me, Crow’s podcast that has been the talk of the town this summer.
“It’s really fun,” she says, walking up North Market Street, near the location of her father’s first office.
“It’s really fun to solve a mystery.”
In the podcast, the 39-year-old Crow pulls few punches in telling of her father’s ethical and criminal misdeeds, usually in calm, steady cadence. This isn’t malicious, she explains. There is a public record of the criminal acts committed by her father, leading to his conviction for bank fraud and prison sentence. She also dives deeply, unabashedly, into their caustic relationship that ended with estrangement.
“I wasn’t apprehensive in terms of putting it out publicly,” she says. “It’s been 10 years since I have communicated with my father. I feel pretty safe now, from a distance, which I did not for a very long time.”
Mark Gaver
Long before Mark Gaver’s criminal case made headlines, he was already a well-known figure in Frederick County. A local hero of sorts in his native Middletown, where he set athletic records, he married his high school sweetheart and in 1998 started Gaver Technologies, Inc., or GTI, billing itself as providing a broad range of information technology
services to U.S. government agencies. The business quickly grew.
Beneath a headline that read, “Living an American Dream,” a story in The Frederick News-Post on April 12, 2008, told of Gaver being honored as Executive of the Year by the Tech Council of Maryland-Frederick Network after his firm achieved double-digit growth every year since it was founded. “His high level of integrity, customer service and commitment to his clients’ goals has helped him achieve a high level of trust among his clients,” said Ronald Kaese, Maryland Technology Development Corp.’s senior manager for general lab partnerships, in the story.
Gaver’s business success was complemented by philanthropic endeavors. He donated to organizations like Frederick Memorial Hospital (now Frederick Health Hospital) and the Weinberg Center for the Arts, and his generosity earned him awards and accolades. “It kind of makes me mad about all of the awards he still has that he did not earn,” Crow now says.
His polished public image earned him distinctions such as chairing Hood College’s Board of Trustees and in March 2016 he was appointed by then-Mayor Randy McClement to lead the public-private effort to establish a Downtown Frederick hotel and conference center.
“He was so masterful and a lot of people were fooled and a lot of people were hurt.”
Meanwhile, Gaver was also building a reputation for a lavish lifestyle that included luxury automobiles, private plane rentals, pleasure travel across the globe and a 4,000-square-foot condominium in Bonita Springs, Fla., valued at more than $2.2 million, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
But it was all an illusion—the success, the toys, the public image of the local boy who did good. On Dec. 5, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment formally charging Gaver with eight counts of bank fraud and two counts of money laundering. The
indictment concerned a scheme in which Gaver’s company received $50 million in bank credit after providing extensive financial information that was ultimately determined to be false and fraudulent. A “substantial” amount of the money intended for business expenses was diverted for his personal use.
“He was so masterful and a lot of people were fooled and a lot of people were hurt,” Crow says. “I continue to hear from people how they were negatively affected by his behaviors and his actions, and that motivates me more.”
Gaver was convicted in 2018 and originally sentenced to 17 years in federal prison and ordered restitution of nearly $49 million. Now 63, he is in custody at the low-security Federal Correctional Institution, Miami. His official release date is listed as May 11, 2031, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, but Crow revealed in her podcast that the actual date has been moved up to 2028.
The Podcast
It was supposed to be a book. It will still be one someday, she insists.
“For years, I have been wanting to write a book about my life, basically, and my experiences pertaining particularly to my father,” Crow says. … “I wanted to write this book, but I didn’t know where to start.”
She laughs that it was her limited attention span that wouldn’t allow her to tackle a project as daunting as an entire book, at least not yet. But what if she broke up the story into parts and told them as episodes of a podcast? It still would require her to do the work, just not all at once, while forcing some accountability on her part.
“Then, I would have to write these scripts. Every episode would have to have some kind of theme, and it would really help me organize thoughts,” she recalls thinking. … “I’m just going to start researching and writing and just see where my motivation lies.”
Crow knew the basics about her father’s past, his legal troubles and obviously her own difficult relationship with him, but many details were unknown to her until she started her research. She dug
up court information, newspaper articles and other documents. The printouts quickly filled a binder several inches thick.
“Once I started researching and writing, I couldn’t stop. It was addictive. I just wanted to know more and more information,” she says.
But before she put the story out for the world to hear, she required the blessing of her family, including her two sisters and her mother, Gaver’s ex-wife. Crow was “a little worried at first … but I think I managed to win them over by telling them, ‘I’m doing my research. Everything I’m reporting on as fact is public record. If it’s not, I’m saying it’s speculation, it’s alleged, it’s my opinion.’ I just reassured them I am being extremely cautious. My family
“Once I started researching and writing, I couldn’t stop. It was addictive. I just wanted to know more and more information.”
trusts me, we have a great relationship. It didn’t really take any more than one conversation for them to say, ‘All right, we’re behind you 100 percent.’”
Accuracy is critical to Crow. She admits suffering an identity crisis at times, being the daughter of a felon; she is concerned her father’s past might be too closely attached to her present. “I think I still have bits of that,” she explains. “I’m very careful with what I put on the podcast, with what I say. I want to make sure I am doing it right. I want to make sure everything is legitimate. I want to make sure I am citing my work.”
From there, producing the podcast came easy. Crow has performed as a guitarist/singer over the years, so she already had the microphone and editing software. “I was like, I am already prepared.
So, I just literally hooked up my mic into my laptop, sat down in my bedroom [an acoustically ideal space without echo] … and read my first script.”
She’s meticulous. She writes the scripts, then goes over them again. She does the same with the recording. “I don’t want to give too much of my opinion when it comes to my father’s story. I want to keep it to facts. I think the facts speak for themselves. I do interject some things here and there to give it a little character, but it’s not a witch hunt, it’s not to make him look worse than he already has. He’s still my father. I just think the facts speak for themselves.”
Episode 5
Yes, The Felon Who Raised Me is about Mark Gaver, but it’s also a community that suffered along with Crow and her family. In the podcast, Crow, who now lives in New Hampshire but visits Frederick often, frequently mentions people, businesses and places her father knew well.
“I not only feel like my family was put through this. In a way, I feel Frederick was put through it. … I feel like this [podcast] is my little gift to the community of Frederick,” she says. “ … It’s not to disparage his name any further. It’s truly just to say, ‘This is what’s behind the curtain and this is what we all were fed to believe, and it’s not true.’”
But it’s also a very personal story about Crow’s own journey, a path that hasn’t been conventional nor easy. Her podcast discusses difficult times in her past, including a drug arrest, interwoven with her father’s rise and fall.
“I don’t think I can tell my story without telling his story and I can’t tell his story without telling my story,” she says.
Crow found producing the podcast to be therapeutic at times, but there were still moments when the past was just too painful, such as the fifth episode, titled “The Upside Down,” when she explored April 2015 to November 2017.
It was a raucous time in her family, as Gaver’s criminal acts were being unearthed during divorce proceedings. In the podcast, Crow details how Gaver texted her to relay messages, some derogatory, to her mother. When Crow ignored her father’s requests, he fired her from her job at Gaver Technologies. That
was in July 2015, just six weeks before she was due to give birth to a second child. She was without income and health insurance.
Not long after, Gaver approached Crow as she was driving out of the family’s Middletown neighborhood. She was heading to the townhome she and her husband Brendan had recently rented in
“To go through it was a nightmare. To retell it was uncomfortable.”
Frederick, specifically to put space between herself and her father. He apologized. Her response: “Don’t follow me.” They have not spoken to each other since.
Then, the last straw came the day before Thanksgiving that year when a caseworker with Child Protective Services told Crow the agency received an anonymous tip that children were living in filth in their home and drug abuse was taking place. Crow knew where the “anonymous” tip originated.
“To go through it was a nightmare,” she recalls. “To retell it was uncomfortable. I can recall the things that happened to me, just me, a lot easier than I can when you get my children involved. That’s when I would start to get emotional [while recording the podcast] and I would need to walk away from it for a minute and come back to it. That episode probably took me the longest to record.”
Reaching Out
The events of Episode 5 were some of the darkest times of Crow’s life, but her worst day had yet to come, and it had nothing to do with her father. Until it did.
In the years following Gaver’s conviction, Brendan Crow’s career sports administration took the family across the country, from Wichita, Kan., to Oklahoma City, Okla., and finally to Concord, N.H., in the summer 2021, when he accepted a
position with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, a minor league baseball team in Manchester. Jackie took a job as a preschool teacher.
The following year, Brendan took a job that allowed him to spend more time with his family. Then, tragedy. On Dec. 22, 2022, Brendan was driving home from a work event when he was killed in an automobile accident, leaving Jackie a widowed mother of three. She leaned on her family for support and credits therapy in helping her unravel the layers of emotions that grief revealed.
“I got back into therapy to help with my grief about my husband but that has intertwined ... with my history with my father,” she says. “But it has helped so, so much. ... I have the best therapist I have ever had in my entire life right now. I say that sincerely. She is wonderful; we just work very well together. She’s very knowledgeable and she has helped me feel validated in my experiences and to help me process a lot of that generational trauma and to break cycles of generational trauma.”
A couple months following her husband’s death, Crow received an email from a woman who was a college friend of her father’s. The woman told Crow she had been communicating with Gaver because she heard he was in prison and thought he could use a friend. The email included an attached handwritten letter, addressed to Crow from Gaver. She says it was his first attempt to contact her in eight years.
The letter expressed his sympathy over her husband’s death, closing, “I will continue to think of you and your family every day, and will pray that peace and serenity will come to each of you. With loving kindness, your father, Mark.” The letter moved Crow to tears when she read it on the podcast.
Crow was grateful for the letter and considered her father’s words genuine. She even considered communicating with him, maybe opening a P.O. box for him to send her letters. But with the grieving and all its ancillary emotions—and the realization that she was in a better place without her father in her life—she ultimately decided against.
Crow did ask her father’s friend to share with him her brief response to his letter. It said, “Thank you. I love you.”
Yielding Success
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm Offers Crops and Classes
MIDDLETOWN—Amid the valley’s placid pastoral views lies the enticingly named Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, where vegetable rows and orchard trees are alive with color, especially in harvest season. Visitors here find vibrant heirloom tomatoes, glossy peppers, sweet potatoes and unusual varieties of fruits and vegetables. The bounty sprawls across tables at a weekly on-site market or mounds upon the counters of the farm’s fully equipped teaching kitchen.
The farm is the vision of chef, farmer and educator Mark Mills, along with his wife and partner, Teresa Derrick-Mills. It’s a unique blend of regenerative agriculture, gourmet chocolate-making and handson cooking classes—all rooted in a deep respect for the land and the people it feeds.
“I’ve been a chef all my life,” says Mills, speaking as he hand-picks the ripest tomatoes from their vines. But his career began far from the fields. In the late ’80s, he found himself working in kitchens to pay the bills. “I fell in love with the art,” he recalls. His career took him across the country working in restaurants and about 12 years ago he earned a degree from Gaithersburg’s L’Academie de Cuisine.
Farming came into the picture with an ad for the Montgomery County New Farmer Pilot Program. Mills took the classes, learned the fundamentals and began renting land to grow crops. But there were challenges. “We decided we did not want to farm someone else’s property,” he says. “Soil is the currency of the regenerative farmer. I couldn’t take that with me anywhere else. … Without soil, we are nothing.”
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm is a seemingly eccentric blend of regenerative agriculture, gourmet chocolate-making and hands-on cooking classes that all complement each other.
By April Bartel
In 2018, the couple purchased an 11-acre plot near Middletown. From the start, Mills focused on transforming the farm’s fields into living soil. Regenerative farming is at the heart of Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, so he planted cover crops, introduced beneficial insects and paid close attention to the fungal network that helps plants share nutrients. “We don’t use any pesticides or herbicides,” he insists.
Mills grows about 120 varieties of vegetables, from 30 kinds of tomatoes to uncommon crops like Sweet Garleek, a garlic-leek hybrid. Five acres are dedicated to fruit trees, plus two acres of truffle-inoculated oaks. The latter is a long-term project that won’t produce for a few more years. “It’s a long horizon,” admits Mills, envisioning delectable morsels of locally grown black and burgundy truffles. “We still have a little while to figure everything out.”
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm has market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., mid-spring through mid-September. Customers find familiar favorites like sweet corn alongside rotund kohlrabi, smoky Basque peppers, even early-season strawberries. How does he choose? “I love
to grow things that I like to cook as a chef,” he says.
His excitement about the seed-to-plate process is evident in how he greets market customers, happily sharing cooking tips and extolling the virtues of his more exotic offerings. That was the impetus behind opening the farm’s learning kitchen. “There’s a lot of cross-pollination between the market and our cooking classes. People will try something in class and then come to the market to buy it, or vice versa.”
On the farm, Mills designed and built a dedicated teaching kitchen “with all the bells and whistles.” It opened in 2023. “I leveraged all of my experience as a chef to create a space that is clean and open, with all the equipment they could need,” he says. Most classes are small, about eight to 10 students, and highly interactive. Popular offerings include pie baking, chocolate truffle workshops and new additions like vegan and gluten-free cooking.
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm is open most Saturdays in season for the market, with cooking classes and hand-made treats offered year-round. For more information, visit www. chocolatesandtomatoes.com.
The farm grows about 120 varieties of vegetables, including some rare, uncommon varieties, with five acres dedicated to fruit trees and another two acres prepared for an eventual truffle harvest.
People will try something in class and then come to the market to buy it, or vice versa. “ ”
—Mark Mills, Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm
biz bites
BUSINESS
Madelyn Blair Honored
Madelyn Blair of Jefferson has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement for Storytelling for Organizations by The Stone Register, a member of the Forbes Business Council. The honor recognizes her groundbreaking work in organizational storytelling and her far-reaching influence across research, facilitation, authorship and media.
Her selection for this distinction reflects a legacy of innovation and leadership. Blair has consistently pushed the boundaries of how story is used in the professional world. Her television series Unlocked further showcases her gift for impactful communication, offering authentic, story-rich interviews that connect deeply with viewers. As a host, she draws from her experience as
a researcher, facilitator and coach to guide each conversation with clarity and intent. The result is a program that resonates with professionals who value stories over lists and substance over spectacle.
Blair, who formerly taught at Hood College, featured local business owners and others of note on her show. She continues to coach local teenagers and write.
“This recognition affirms the path I’ve walked and the power of story to create clarity, connection, commitment and real change. Storytelling has been central to everything I do—from research to coaching to media—and I’m grateful to see its value acknowledged in this way,” Blair says.
Industrial Property Sold Superintendent Recognized
Ruppert Properties, a Frederick-based real estate investment firm, recently sold the industrial property at 7201 McKinney Circle, Frederick, to X-energy Reactor Company. Once renovations are completed, the property will host state-of-the-art non-nuclear tests and training for X-energy, a leading developer of advanced nuclear reactors and fuel technology.
The 90,000-square-foot building was once home to Aspen Publishers and sits on seven acres within the I-270 corridor with easy access to Downtown Frederick and the Washington, D.C., metro area.
“This transaction reflects on our ability to meet the real estate needs of companies participating in the exciting growth happening in Frederick, particularly within the tech and energy sectors,” says Julie Ruppert, president of Ruppert Properties. www.ruppertproperties.com
Frederick County Public Schools Superin tendent Cheryl L. Dyson was recently selected as the recipient of the Tom Cookerly Exceptional School Super intendent Award by the National Center for Children and Families.
This award was named after Cookerly, who believed that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed—regard less of circumstances. Cookerly found ed The Neediest Kids program partnering with school districts to ensure students would nev er be without the essentials such as eyeglasses, coats, school supplies and emergency supports.
“I was honored and humbled to learn of this recognition,” says Dyson, in her fourth year as superintendent. “In FCPS, we focus on supporting every student to ensure best outcomes for all the students in our care. The work we do for our students is a shared commitment and a team effort.”
on tech
BUSINESS
By Jeni Lubbert
Frederick’s EV Future
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just a novelty—they’re becoming a serious part of Frederick’s transportation future. With high gas prices, increasing environmental awareness and improvements in EV range and affordability, more local residents are making the switch to electric. Does it make sense for you?
Charging Up
Currently Frederick boasts more than a dozen public EV charging stations, including Level 2 chargers found at Downtown parking garages, Frederick County Public Libraries and shopping centers such as Westview Promenade and Clemson Corner.
These stations are operated by networks like ChargePoint and EVgo, and some are even free or inexpensive to use, especially while shopping or dining nearby. However, Level 3 fast chargers (which can charge an EV to 80 percent in 30–45 minutes) are still relatively scarce in Frederick.
State and Local Incentives
Maryland is one of the more EV-friendly states in the country. Residents can take advantage of the state’s EVSE Rebate Program that provides up to $700 for residential charging station installation and excise tax credits of up to $3,000 for qualifying new EVs. The tax credit is currently valid through mid-2027, but current funds have been depleted, so applicants are being placed on a waiting list pending legislative action.
Maryland has also joined other states in suing to restore EV infrastructure funds blocked by a federal executive order halting the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.
Meanwhile, Potomac Edison offers incentives, including off-peak charging discounts and rebates, for smart chargers and some local developers are beginning to include EV-ready parking spaces in new residential and commercial construction projects.
What’s Next?
Frederick County has explored ways to expand EV adoption through: possible fleet electrification of county vehicles; sustainable transportation planning tied to the county’s Climate and Energy Action Plan; and partnerships with private businesses to encourage more workplace charging.
The City of Frederick has evaluated how to balance increasing demand with equitable access, so that EV infrastructure isn’t limited to wealthier neighborhoods or only those with garages.
Considering the Switch?
If you’re considering going electric, now is a great time to research incentives, test drive available models and consider installing a home charger. Whether you commute to D.C., run errands around town or want to reduce your carbon footprint, an EV is becoming a practical option in Frederick.
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.
Amelia Cotter
Frederick has served as a military prison at least twice in its history. The restored stone Hessian Barracks, located at Maryland School for the Deaf, housed German mercenary soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Some 160 years later, Camp Frederick, located on what is now Old Camp Road in northwest Frederick, housed German soldiers during World War II. Author Amelia Cotter has conducted extensive research on the prisoner of war camp and shares her knowledge of the military facility that disappeared over time.
Scott: How did Camp Frederick’s first POWs arrive in America?
Amelia: Around 375,000 German POWs were transported to the United States by ship after being captured primarily in Europe and North Africa. They were transported from ports on the East Coast, primarily by train, to POW camps around the country. Most of the POWs captured and brought to Maryland were Wehrmacht (army) personnel, though there were also some soldiers from the Luftwaffe (air force) and the navy.
Scott: How were the POWs treated by the camp staff?
Amelia: In at least one instance a guard who had recently returned from service in Germany beat some prisoners severely with the butt of his rifle after the prisoners teased him. Another former camp guard, on the other hand, attested that he never heard of a time when a gun was even pointed at a prisoner. Most of the POWs did not want to fight but simply wanted to go home. There were approximately 400 prisoners per 45 guards, many of whom had
By Scott Grove
received little training in handling the prisoners and could easily have been overtaken.
Scott: What was the political temperature of the camp POWs?
Amelia: As we witness a rise in global fascism it becomes easier for us to imagine the extreme political divide among war-torn Germans living under an enforced draft. There were certainly many Nazi sympathizers, alongside many men and boys who wanted nothing to do with Adolf Hitler’s regime or the war.
Scott: The local POWs are said to have been leased out to farm owners to work.
Amelia: Yes, that’s true. The Geneva Convention allowed POWs to work up to 10 hours a day and be away from the camp for up to 12 hours a day. In many cases, contractors were responsible for providing transportation to and from camp. The prisoners had the right to lunch breaks and were not to be physically mistreated in any way. The POWs would make an average of 80 cents per day; this was close to the pay earned by German privates but three dollars less than what an American civilian would make in the same role. The men were primarily employed in agriculture on privately owned farms, mostly as apple pickers. Some were also contracted out to commercial companies, such as the Ox Fibre Brush Company, where they loaded and unloaded lumber.
Scott: Have you ever heard about interaction between the prisoners and local residents?
Amelia: The citizens of Frederick
were generally ambivalent toward their enemy guests, but many locals found friendship and even lifelong relationships with some of the prisoners. Personal letters, interviews and articles survive that provide insight into what it was like to be a German POW in Frederick, or what it was like to encounter or work with one. Many residents found them to be nice young men and good workers, while others found them to be a threatening menace to the community. Most of the prisoners worked peacefully on farms alongside their American counterparts. Some residents even recalled witnessing POWs working with no guards in sight.
Scott: How secure was the facility and were there ever any escapes?
Amelia: Some of the prisoners, especially Nazi sympathizers, became violent toward other prisoners or tried to escape. Most prisoners who managed to duck out of the camp guards’ sight and run off were recaptured within 24 hours. Some daring escapes did occur. Two prisoners, in unmarked clothes, cut through the fence and walked away from the camp, eventually catching the bus at Braddock Heights. The bus driver was suspicious. He called the police and the two POWs were captured in Hagerstown. One of them was attempting to escape to Cincinnati rather than go home to the Russian sector of Germany where his home had been destroyed.
Scott: At the close of the war were the POWs shipped back to Germany? Amelia: Some of the prisoners had visited the United States before the war and even had relatives or friends
who’d settled in the area in previous generations. Frederick itself was settled by Germans more than 250 years ago. At the end of the war, some POWs were sent to other camps in the United States or abroad in England. Others returned to the United States later to live or visit. Native Berliner Erich Pahlow, a fine artist, was a local prisoner who managed to build lifelong relationships with people he met during his time as a POW. He corresponded regularly with the George Leicester Thomas family (founder of Lilypons) after working on their farm and returned to Frederick in 1980 to visit. During Pahlow’s time as
a POW, he was able to continue painting and created signs and portraits for both Americans and Germans around Frederick County. The camp even provided him with an art studio.
Amelia Cotter , author, researcher and storyteller, was born in Baltimore, educated at Hood College, and now married and resides in Chicago. When not at work, she enjoys baking, playing the banjo, watching scary movies and more. Learn more at ameliacotter.com.
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.
The citizens
of Frederick
were generally
ambivalent
toward their enemy guests, but many locals found friendship and even lifelong relationships with some of the prisoners. “ ”
—Amelia Cotter
Hinzi’s Kitchen
Hearty and Inventive Pakistani Fusion Cuisine
By April Bartel / Photography by Mark Youngblood
When Hina “Hinzi” Awan and husband Malik opened Hinzi’s Kitchen in February 2024, she wasn’t just starting a business, she was realizing a childhood dream. “I’ve wanted to have a little restaurant of my own for as long as I can remember,” she says.
That vision began in the family kitchen. She made her own lunches starting at age 8. One of her earliest creations was a veggie omelet sub with chicken and sesame sauce. She recalls, “I would compare flavors and pair things differently … using unique combinations to see what worked.” Cooking let her play, experiment and express creativity. Middle school home economics class provided another outlet for exploration. After school, she would rush home to re-create dishes and record herself as if doing a live show.
Those early experiments shine through in a menu that blends familiarity with inventiveness. Some dishes have been with her for years. “I created the chicken rice bowl recipe when I was 14 years old,” she says. Through the years, she would prepare it in a big dish for potlucks or holidays, and it would be gone within minutes. It is still one of her bestsellers. “Seeing people enjoy it and appreciate it, that motivated me to do more.”
Hinzi’s Kitchen incorporates Mediterranean touches like feta, falafel, meaty gyro slices and baklava, alongside Pakistani favorites such as the ever-popular butter chicken (as a bowl or pizza) and scratchmade kathi rolls.
Her recipes lean on aromatics like garlic, ginger and onions with vibrant
Flavor abounds at Hinzi’s Kitchen, where owner Hina Awan serves up meals that balance traditional Pakistani dishes with Mediterranean influences for a distinct menu full of tasty, aromatic choices.
touches of cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili. Warm notes of cinnamon, cloves and cardamom add richness, especially in a soothing cup of chai, while fresh cilantro and mint brighten finished dishes. It’s a balance that earns the 503 N. East St. eatery a strong following.
“We use all the authentic spices and herbs as in traditional Pakistani dishes, with some twists … because I also want to make food that is fun and modern,” Awan says. She strives for dishes that are homey and easy to eat. “Our goal is to serve healthy, tasty food that pleases a wide variety of people.”
Bowls can be customized with toppings like tabouli salad, spicy roasted corn, hummus, pickled onions or deftly prepared jalapenos. And there are vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free options. Of course, desserts such as rice pudding and creamy rasmalai cake are sweet indulgences any time of day.
For Awan, food is about connection as much as flavor. “We love taking care of our customers. We want them to
come back and feel good when they are eating our food. It’s a love connection!”
Her care shows in every detail. The wraps are made in-house with organic whole wheat, greens are organic and everything is halal. Ingredients are prepared in small batches throughout the day to keep them fresh. “Even if you eat this every day, you don’t have to feel guilty about it,” she says.
Though not a trained chef, Awan says zeal and practice are her greatest teachers. “It’s just what I do. When you are passionate about something, you enjoy doing it. That becomes your best skill.”
Family is central to her journey, too. “I opened this place because of my husband’s encouragement and support,” she says. The duo renovated the space themselves, installing lighting and pressed-tin ceilings. “My husband and kids are such great sports. Without their help, I would not be where I am now.”
That same gratitude extends to Frederick itself. “The community is so welcoming,” she says, beaming when customers show her the online posts that praise her creations. “I appreciate them. They’ve really helped spread the word about Hinzi’s Kitchen.”
Hinzi’s Kitchen’s bowls can be customized to suit any taste, with toppings ranging from tabouli salad and spicy roasted corn to pickled onions and jalapenos. There are also vegan/ vegetarian and gluten-free options.
We love taking care of our customers. We want them to come back and feel good when they are eating our food “ ”
—Hina Awan, Hinzi’s Kitchen
ON THE TABLE
tiny plates
OOH, LA, LA, PARIS BAGUETTE OPENS
The global franchise Paris Baguette now has a location in Frederick at 520 Snowshill St., offering freshly baked loaves of bread known for their crispy crust and soft interior. In addition, there are other bread selections, from raisin and multi-grain to sourdough.
At the newly opened café you can also enjoy a cup of coffee with a slice of blueberry chiffon cake or maybe cappuccino cake. Whole cakes are also sold. French pastry classics such as croissants, pain au chocolat and palmiers are also in the pastry case, as well as a variety of donuts, Danish and tarts. If you’re in the mood for something savory, there’s crab meat croquette or hash brown bread with ham and cheese, among other options. www.parisbaguette.com
NUTTY NEW STORE
When the family moved from West Virginia to Frederick, Noah Wilbur says his father almost immediately asked where the nut shop was, only to discover there wasn’t one. “He said Frederick could use a nut shop,” says Wilbur, who opened UR Nuts, 117 N. Market St., in one of Downtown’s original buildings. The Wilburs are restoring the interior, blending the more than 200-year-old structure with modern touches.
Wilbur, who decided not to become an attorney after finishing law school, is co-owner, manager and head roaster at UR Nuts. He says the location is perfect, taking advantage of foot traffic from residents and visitors, like the two women from Baltimore who were in the shop on a recent Saturday night selecting snacks from a case containing freshly roasted cashews, almonds, house-made blends and other delights. The owners draw inspiration for the business from the charm of old-fashioned snack counters that once were in places like fiveand-dime stores.
“Our nuts are healthy,” he says. “We dry roast them,” taking advantage of their natural oils. Seasoning on some of the nuts is secured by a simple sugar-and-water mixture. In addition to nuts, there are fresh nut butters and nuts coated in chocolate. The shop is collaborating with local artists and makers to offer nut-inspired merchandise such as nut-shaped dog toys, nut bowls and charcuterie boards where you can sprinkle nuts among the cheese, fruit and meat. The store mascot, “Chippy the Chipmunk,” appears on shirts and other merch.
“We’ve had lots of support from local businesses and the community,” Wilbur says, with the sales staff growing to include his sister, Rowan. www.urnuts.com
BELLISARIO’S MARKS 25 YEARS
There are plenty of places for pizza, but there’s something special about Bellisario’s, 934 N. East St., in the end unit of Monocacy Shopping Center. They obviously must be doing something right, whether it’s the dough and sauce that are made fresh daily or their hoagies, calzones and wedgies, because fans have been flocking to the place for 25 years.
Owner Nikki Bellisario, a native of Pittsburgh whose love for the Steelers is evident in the shop’s décor, is a great example of knowing what customers like and faithfully providing it year after year. Here’s to another 25. www.bellisariospizza.com
ON THE TABLE
cravings
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. $$
anTrim 1844 smoKehouse resTauranT
30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown. 410-756-6812. Open daily for dinner. French-American cuisine. Reservations required. $$$
H avery’s Maryland Grille 9009 Baltimore Road, Frederick, 301-228-2722. Fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, burgers and wings. $-$$$ ★
aTlanTic grille
3531 John Simmons St., Suite D-05, Urbana. 301-810-5220. American steak and seafood restaurant. $-$$$
ayoKa aFrican cusine
100 W. Patrick St., Suite M, Frederick. 240-626-1801. Enjoy a taste of authentic African dishes. $$
H Beans & Bagels
49 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-2165 Light breakfasts and lunches. $
Beans & Dreams
203 E. Main St., C, Middletown. 240-490-7070 Café and coffee shop. $
H BeeF ‘n Buns ‘n ParaDise
1448 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-898-2075 Big burgers and great ice cream selections. $
Belles’ sPorTs Bar & grill
1202 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-9623 Great ribs and other American fare. $
Bellisario’s Pizza
934 N. East St., Frederick. 301-662-9233. Sauce and dough made fresh daily. $$
H Bentztown
6 S. Bentz St., Frederick 301-301-8430. Southern fare. $$-$$$
Big PaPi’s
5711 Industry Lane, Frederick. 240-651-5969 Authentic Mexican dishes. $-$$
H BlacK hog BBq & Bar
118 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-662-9090. 221 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-9600 3323 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0070. 100 Middletown Pkwy, Middletown. 240-490-8147. Specializing in various styles of barbecue. $$
Bollinger’s resTauranT anD uncle DirTys Brew worKs
210 N. Church St., Thurmont. 301-668-1522. Home-cooked meals, fresh baked pies, cakes and desserts. $$-$$$
BoneFish grill
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. $
Canapés GraB & Go Café 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick. 301-663-8220. Offering signature breakfast items, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods and more. $$
carriage house inn 200 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-2366. Traditional dishes served in a colonial setting. $$$
carroll valley golF course 121 Sanders Road, Fairfield, Pa. 888-330-4202. American cuisine. $-$$$
carTerque BarBeque & grilling co 1310 S. Main St., Mount Airy. 301-829-2222. Award-winning barbecue and seafood dishes. $-$$
Casa RiCo
1399 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-663-3107. Mexican fare in a comfortable, pleasant setting. $-$$
Cellar Door restaurant
5 E. Church St., Frederick. 301-695-8460 American Casual Cuisine & Cocktail Lounge. $-$$$
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. $-$$
1043 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-629-8008. Authentic Mexican food. $$
H lazy fish
10 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-695-9656 Asian sushi bistro. $-$$$
leDo pizza
490-1 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-663-9800
1293 Riverbend Way, Frederick. 301-694-0050
3303 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0303
Pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches in a casual setting. $-$$
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. $$$
5732 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-846-0001 or 301-846-0002 Peking-style cuisine. $$
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. $-$$
H pL aza mexiCo
2481 Merchant St., Frederick. 301-228-9889
50 Carroll Creek Way #130, Frederick. 240-439-4041
Mexican fare that’s beyond ordinary. $$-$$$
proSpeCt pantry
1 W, Main St. New Market. 240-915-2238 American Fare. $$
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. $$$
H Modern aSia
Red LobsteR
1020 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-9474. Fresh seafood. $$
Rice thai bistRo
181-C Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-329-5199. Journey through the vibrant flavors of Thailand. $$
Ricci RestauRant
1021 Mill Pond Road, Frederick. 240-578-4273
Restaurant and wine bar offering tasty Italian dishes, wood-fired pizza and steak. $$
Roasthouse Pub
5700 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-418-6098 Craft beer, American fusion bistro. $$
Rosati’s Pizza
911 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-694-4650
Chicago-style pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. $$
Rube’s cRab shack
17308 N. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-4116
All-you-can-eat seafood, dinner menu, lunch, fullservice bar and carryout. $-$$$
saboR de cuba
9 E. Patrick St., Frederick 301-663-1036 Cuban cuisine. $$
santa Rosa RestauRant
107 Baughmans Lane, Frederick. 301-662-9348
Salvadorean and Mexican food. $-$$
saPPoRo ii
5 W. Church St.., Frederick. 240-815-7079. Fine Japanese and Korean dining. $-$$$
schRoyeR’s taveRn
Maryland National Golf Club, 8836 Hollow Road, Middletown. 301-371-0000 Contemporary American cuisine. $$$
7th sisteR
228 N Market St., Frederick 240-332-3186. Menu is built on costal flavors, seasonal ingredients and small creative flourishes that surprise and comfort all at once. $$-$$$
showRoom
882 N. East St., Frederick. 301-835-7628
Modern American diner with menu designed by celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio. $$-$$$
simPLy asia Pan asian bistRo 120 Frederick Road, Suites B&C, Thurmont. 301-271-2858. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, sushi bar, Asian fusion, dine in, carryout, catering. $-$$
H south mountain cReameRy
50 Citizen’s Way, Ste. 101, Frederick. 301-383-8790. We take your favorite sweet and savory treats to a whole new level. Sweet: sundaes, milkshakes, and more. Savory: Farm-fresh pizzas, made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. $-$$
south maRket sandwich co.
105 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-651-3797
A quaint, gourmet sandwich shop. $$
staRvin maRvin PizzeRia and subs 6942 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-695-7827 New York–style pizza, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and more. $
sumittRa thai
12 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-668-2303
Thai favorites including satay, pad thai and garden rolls. $-$$
suRf house isLand cantina 8925 Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 240-341-7157
Authenic surfer food and drinks. $$
sushi nomu
4969 Westview Drive, Frederick. 240-656-1330. Asian sushi. $-$$
suvai biRyani
11791 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-363-8725 Mixing classic recipes with a modern twist. $$
Taco Bar
1450 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5716. Authentic Mexican fast food. $
TeMpo di pasTa
244 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-780-8517. Gourmet Italian dishes. Handmade pasta. $$
taichi bubbLe tea
5866 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. 240-815-7961. Bubble teas, fruit teas, ramen, poke bowls, sushi burritos and rice bowls. $$
taj mahaL baR & GRiLL
1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-682-2213
Authentic Indian fare featuring home made spices. Serving lunch and dinner. Wine and beer available. $-$$
Known for dumplings with a variety of fillings. $$
uP on maRket bistRo
301 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-831-4847. Charming restaurant/bistro offering full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. Uniqueness and variety with a touch of elegance. $-$$$
vaLLey GRiLL sPoRts baR Hollow Creek Golf Club, 50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown. 301-371-0400 Contemporary American cuisine. $-$$
H waG’s 24 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-694-8451 Classic hamburgers and fries. $
white Rabbit GastRoPub 18 Market Space, Frederick. 240-651-1952 Craft beer house serving high-end beer and food. $-$$
wiLcom’s inn 11234 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-798-8686. Iconic local landmark. International steakhouse and sports bar. $-$$
the wine kitchen on the cReek 150 Caroll Creek Way, Ste. 160, Frederick. 301-663-6968. Wine bar with American bistro fare. $$
H zi Pani café bistRo 177A Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-620-1932. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual dining with full bar. $-$$
Soup’s On
Pennsylvania Town Celebrates the Lowly Navy Bean
McCLURE, Pa.—Maine has its lobster fests. In Wisconsin, the town of Ellsworth hosts the Cheese Curd Festival, and every September New Orleans celebrates Beignet Fest as visitors brush powdered sugar from their clothes and enjoy the pastries with chicory root coffee. A no-brainer theme for a fair in Buffalo, N.Y., is the National Buffalo Wing Festival held each Labor Day weekend.
McClure, a Central Pennsylvania borough north of Harrisburg and a little over two hours from Frederick, is not to be outdone. With a population of fewer than 1,000 residents, McClure hosts the state’s oldest festival with a stirring (sorry) tribute to bean soup, making and serving countless bowls of it every September since 1891. This year’s celebration is Sept. 7-13, marking the fair’s 134 th anniversary.
“It’s a fun and unique experience and the organizers do a great job with it,” says Erin Ohlfs of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.
The first bean soup celebrations were held by a group of Civil War veterans who included soup making as part of their regular get togethers. They even served hardtack—a simple, durable cracker—secured from the War Department to round out the meal. In 1891 the general public was invited, and the
The McClure Bean Soup Festival boasts all the attractions of a typical county fair, but making this event unique is the bean soup that is stirred up right on the spot and offered to visitors.
By Nancy Luse
Photos courtesy the
Susquehanna
River Valley Visitors Bureau
crowds continue to this day, partaking of traditional fair activities but with the added bonus of seeing soup being made as a salute to McClure’s history.
Sixteen 20-gallon kettles warmed by a wood-fueled battery of furnaces contain the soup, which is stirred using long wooden paddles during shifts lasting two hours and 20 minutes, the time required to soften the dried navy beans that are cooked in a simple recipe along with beef, salt and spring water.
But the fair is about more than soup.
For the competitive folks, the fair offers a number of contests aside from bingo and spinning a wheel to try and score a cake, including recognition for being the best maker of ice cream. Contestants bring all the ingredients and while the ice cream is judged by quality and taste, a separate contest for speed is held for the hand-cranked entrants.
Other culinary contests include finding the best chili, pumpkin pie, apple pie and chocolate cake among the entries. There’s also a milk chugging competition and the “Baby Bean
Contest” to determine the cutest youngster under the age of 2. A similar contest is held for pets. Also contributing to the small-town feel of the festival is a sack race, water balloon toss, corn-shelling contest and cornhole tournament.
Every county fair needs its royalty and in McClure a queen, princesses and tiny tots are crowned to rule over the festivities and ride in the parade along with marching units, bands and floats.
As long as you’re in the area, take time to enjoy this neck of the woods, which is full of opportunities for fishing, hiking, boating and kayaking, either in a lake or the Susquehanna River. Another attraction is T&D’s Cats of the World, a wildlife rescue organization where you can view the animals.
The visitor bureau’s Ohlfs also recommends staying the night in Selinsgrove, home to Susquehanna University.
“It’s a college town with good restaurants, shops and boutiques,” she says. Wineries are also nearby. But before taking off for other activities, fortify yourself with a bowl of soup. www.visitcentralpa.org
The first McClure celebrations were held by a group of Civil War veterans who included making bean soup as part of their regular gatherings. The event grew through the years with the addition of a midway and other attractions, but the soup remains the focus.
“ ”
It’s a fun and unique experience and the organizers do a great job with it.
—Erin Ohlfs, Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Association
Photo
postcards ON THE ROAD
NEW YORK
MEXICO
A partnership of Walkersville Community Church and Joey Potter Missions spent a week in Tecate teaching and feeding children at a vacation Bible school, while also providing food and clothing to families.
FRANCE
Jefferson resident Madelyn Blair traveled to New York City, where the color palette at Mood Fabrics complemented the cover of Frederick Magazine’s June issue.
Brett and Sandy Chaney journeyed through the South of France and Paris during a Viking River Cruise.
you’re here ON THE ROAD
By Jake Wynn
Civil War Trail
Each September marks the anniversary of the Maryland Campaign, when the Civil War arrived in force to Frederick County. It is an ideal time to revisit the places that shaped one of the most pivotal moments in the nation’s history.
In early September 1862, Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army crossed the Potomac River and advanced into Frederick County. For more than a week, the Confederates occupied the region, using it as a staging area to continue their invasion.
As Lee’s army moved west over South Mountain, Gen. George B. McClellan’s United States army followed. The two forces collided on Sept. 14 in the Battle of South Mountain along the county’s western border. McClellan’s victory there set the stage for the far bloodier Battle of Antietam just three days later near Sharpsburg.
The fighting left thousands dead and wounded. Towns, churches and barns became part of a vast emergency hospital system. That U.S. victory pushed Lee’s army back into Virginia and gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
These are familiar stories, yet there are always new ways to explore them. At Monocacy National Battlefield, visit the Best Farm where Lee’s army encamped during the 1862 occupation. Near there, a lost copy of Lee’s battle plans fell into Union hands. This discovery changed the course of the campaign, leading directly to the Battle of South Mountain and ultimately to Union success. The Best Farm would again see action in July 1864 during the Battle of Monocacy.
The Battle of South Mountain took place on three gaps west of Middletown and Burkittsville. Portions of these battlefields are preserved at South Mountain State Battlefield, Washington Monument State Park and Gathland State Park. Each location offers trails, markers and exhibits to help visitors understand the action that unfolded there.
For a more immersive experience, follow the Appalachian Trail, which links the three main battle areas. Hike a short
stretch for an afternoon outing or plan a weekend backpacking trip to walk the length of the battlefield. When the hike is over, stop at South Mountain Creamery at the base of Fox’s Gap. In 1862, this historic farm served as a staging area during the battle. Today, it serves fresh dairy products and ice cream, making it a perfect place to reflect on the day’s explorations.
Back in Downtown Frederick, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine shares the story of how the city transformed into a medical center after the battles. Updated exhibits and artifacts bring to life the work of surgeons, nurses and civilians who treated the wounded in 1862. On weekends, the museum’s One Vast Hospital Walking Tour guides visitors to original Civil War hospital sites in the historic district, adding context to the campaign’s lasting impact there.
September offers the perfect combination of cooler weather, vivid history and opportunities to walk in the footsteps of those who fought, endured and healed during the Maryland Campaign. In Frederick County, the stories are never far from the ground beneath your feet.
Jake Wynn is the senior marketing and communications manager at Visit Frederick, the designated destination marketing organization for Frederick County. Contact him at 301-600-4023 or jwynn@ fredco-md.net. Learn more about Visit Frederick at visitfrederick.org.
HOT PICK
Sept. 13
In the Streets Market Street and Carroll Creek Urban Park. Featuring blocks of themed entertainment, live music with more than 15 bands on four stages, children’s activities, artisans, local fare, non-profit resources and much more. The day also includes the Market Street Mile at 9 a.m., Craft Beverage Experience from noon to 5 p.m., and the Up The Creek Party for those 21 and over from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Carroll Creek Amphitheatre. 301-600-2489. www. celebratefrederick.com
MONDAY
We Love Wednesdays Wednesdays in Sept.
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
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
Alive @ Five Thursdays in Sept. Carroll Creek Amphitheatre between Market and Carroll streets. The outdoor happy hour features live music, beer, wine and food every Thursday through Sept. 25. See Freddie Long Band on Sept. 4; Crash The Limo on Sept. 11; Edwin Ortiz y La Mafia Del Guaguanco on Sept. 18; and Sticktime & The Who’s Your Daddy Horns on Sept. 25. Must be 21 or older. 5 p.m.−8 p.m. $. 301-698-8118. www. downtownfrederick.org
Historic District Ghost Tours Fridays and Saturdays in Sept. 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
Yoga on the Creek Thursdays in Sept. Carroll Creek Amphitheatre located between Market and Carroll streets. Start your day with free Yoga on the Creek led by Sol Yoga. Any level of practice is welcome. 7 a.m.− 8 a.m. $. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
Yoga with Yogamour
Saturdays in Sept. Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. An all-levels flow yoga class with experienced instructors from Yogamour, a Frederick-based public yoga studio. 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. $. 301-662-4190. www.skystagefrederick.com
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. $. 301-6064086. www.magnoliameadowfarms.com
One Vast Hospital—Civil War Walking Tours
Saturdays and Sundays in Sept. National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. After the Battle of Antietam, Frederick became one vast hospital when caring for the causalities. With accounts taken from the diaries and letters of the surgeons, soldiers, and civilians who were there, this guided walking tour explores the locations of the city’s Civil War hospitals in churches, schools and public buildings. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $. 301-695-1864. www.civilwarmed.org
Carillon Recital
Sundays in Sept.
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
Frederick Camera Clique Juried Exhibition
Through Sept. 3
Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The 39th Annual Frederick Camera Clique Juried Exhibition is on display. 301-846-2566. http://calendar.frederick.edu
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, pickyour-own apples, games, playgrounds and more. Free hayrides to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch or purchase pre-picked pumpkins, gourds and fall décor at the farm market. 10 a.m.−6 p.m. daily. $. 301-8653515. www.gaverfarm.com
Melodic Memories
Through Dec. 13
Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. The halls are alive with the sound of music. 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 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. $. 301-663-1188. www. frederickhistory.org
Frederick Keys Baseball Sept. 1–3 Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive. The Frederick Keys host Trenton Thunder for their final home stand of the season. See website for promotional events and other happenings. www.mlbdraftleague.com/frederick. $. 301-662-0013
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. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org
Mr. Jon & Friends Sept. 1
Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Mr. Jon entertains with a rock n’ rhyme musical show for children. Danc ing encouraged. Purchase tickets in advance; limited tickets at the door. Small concessions for sale. 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. www.skystagefrederick.com
Jan McIntyre-Creager and S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino
Sept. 1–30
TAG The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St. An exhibit of works by artists Jan McIntyre-Creager and S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino. Friday and Saturday, noon–8 p.m.; Sunday, noon–4 p.m. 301-228-9860. www.theartistsgalleryfrederick.com
Gyro Days Sept. 4–7
Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 920 W. 7th St. Enjoy a taste of Greece with gyros, chicken souvlaki, authentic Greek pastries and more. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 301-663-0663. www. stspeterpaul.net/news/calendar
Line Dancing Under the Stars
Sept. 5
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.–9 p.m. 301-662-4190. www.skystagefrederick.com
Sky Stage Swing Dance Sept. 3
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
Comedy Extravaganza Sept. 5, 6
Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Kick off MET’s Comedy Nights Improv season on the new Key Stage at this festival featuring shows, tours, a reception, ribbon cutting, surprise performances and more. RSVP requested. 6:30 p.m. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org
The Selvage Shore: Textiles & Talismans from the Coastal Fringe Sept. 5–28
NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St. A collaborative exhibition featuring jewelry by Stephanie Schaub and textiles by Elisa Nickman. Together, they bring to life an off-season coastal dreamscape— one woven from washed-out palettes, windswept textures and quiet magic. An opening reception is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and an artist talk is scheduled for Sept. 20 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
Civil War Walking Tour Sept. 6
Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Explore what it was like to live in Frederick during the Civil War. Stories include the last Confederate invasion of the North, the ransom of Frederick and the Battle of Monocacy. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-6631188. www.frederickhistory.org
Creative Outlet Sept. 6
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, create charcoal drawings inspired by Erin Fostel, the Delaplaine’s 2025 Contemporary Innovations Artist. No large groups. 3 p.m.−5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Art Matters Artist Talk Sept. 6
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Contemporary Innovations artist Erin Fostel will discuss the work in her exhibition and her history as an artist. 2 p.m. 301698-0656. www. delaplaine.org
First Saturday: Love Local Sept. 6 Downtown Frederick. Support local businesses by shopping with an independent retailer, eating at a local restaurant, supporting local artists and exploring Downtown Frederick. Every First Saturday features streets filled with live music and entertainment and unique events at Downtown businesses. Many shops, galleries and restaurants will be open until 9 p.m. or later. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org
YYNOT—A Tribute to RUSH Sept. 6
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. YYNOT takes hungry RUSH fans on a welcome journey back in time. Their musicianship consistently delivers a unique blend of unbeatable accuracy, high energy and raw power with their vintage RUSH classics and a fresh new spark with their own original progressive rock. 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Mystery & Mayhem Sept. 6
Frederick Magic Theater & Lounge, 19 N. Court St., Suite 100. Experience a captivating evening full of pre-show sleight-ofhand 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
Civil War Reenactment
Train Ride Sept. 6, 7
Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Union and Confederate reenactors board the train and per form trackside. There will be the sound of gunfire with ground skirmishes and a mock battle at the park. Rain or shine. Saturday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org
Sky Stage Concerts
Sept. 6, 20
Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Enjoy Sky Stage concerts featuring live original music from Everyday Everybody Band on Sept. 6 and Mr. Husband, with Nathan Xander and Tucker Riggleman & The Cheap Dates on Sept. 20. See website for show times. www.skystagefrederick.com
Mary Paul Barnaby and Graham Jaime Bush
Sept. 6–28
Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St. An exhibition of works by featured artists Mary Paul Barnaby and Graham Jaime Bush. A First Saturday opening is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon–5 p.m. www.eastsideartistsgallery.com
From Frederick County to Distant Shores: Paintings by Members of Frederick Plein Air Artists
Sept. 6–28
Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. This exhibit features scenes from Frederick County and the Chesapeake Bay to the streets of Paris, the canals of Venice, the fishing villages of Croatia, and other locales, painted by twelve members of Frederick Plein Air Artists. A reception is scheduled for Sept. 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 301-4662413. www.linksbridgevineyards.com
Contemporary Innovations: Erin Fostel
Sept. 6–Oct. 26
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of charcoal and graphic drawings titled, “A Room of Her Own.” 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. The work acknowledges each woman through representation of her space, rather than her body. An exhibition opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
David Gootnick
Sept. 6–Oct. 26
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition titled, “Contemporary Kumiko.” 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. An exhibition opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org
Julie Maynard
Sept. 6–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. An exhibition opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Downtown Frederick Artwalk Sept. 7
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Take a self-guided jaunt downtown and visit local galleries. The Delaplaine will be featuring the Clustered Spires Quilt Guild. Noon–4 p.m. 301698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Frederick in the Civil War: A Bus Tour of the Historic City Sept. 7
National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. Step back in time aboard a vintage 1966 double-decker bus for a fascinating one-hour 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
Olney Art Association Sept. 6–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. An exhibition opening and meet the artists event is scheduled for Sept. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Sept. 7, 21
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. See website for tour times. $. www.marylandghosttours.com
Pages & Pastries Tour
Sept. 7, 21
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
Night at the Museum: Back to School Sept. 9
Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. A new monthly museum experience that features wine, cheese and crackers and a sneak peek at special artifacts that curator Amy Hunt has pulled out just for participants. 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. $. 301663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org
Literature Night Sept. 9
Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Special guest reading from Maryland’s Poet Laureate, Lady Brion featured in 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
Mount Olivet Cemetery History & Mystery Tour
Storytime in the Garden
Sept. 11
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
Catoctin Furnace Living History Festival
Sept. 11–14
Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. Immerse yourself in the story of the Revolutionary War era community at Catoctin Furnace at this inaugural living history festival. http://catoctinfurnace.org/events
F.A.M.E. Open Mic Night
Sept. 12
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
Westview Promenade Summer Concerts
Sept. 10
Westview Promenade, Buckeystown Pike. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free summer concerts at Westview on the third Wednesday of each month through September. This month, Special Delivery performs. 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. www.shopwestview.com
The Great Frederick Fair Sept. 12−20
Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St. Featuring live performances at the grandstand, tractor and truck pulls, daily demonstrations, a demolition derby, animal shows and sales, horse pull, household and agricultural exhibits, the midway carnival and more. $. 301-6635895. www.thegreatfrederickfair.com
The Shark is Broken Sept. 12–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. 301-694-4744. www. marylandensemble.org
Baskerville—A Sherlock Holmes
Mystery Sept. 12–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
Frederick’s Black Heritage Walking Tour Sept. 13
Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Visit landmarks and hear stories revealing Frederick’s Black heritage from the early 19th century to the present day. This tour features sites associated with enslavement and segregation and highlights the achievements of a diverse and vibrant black community in the pursuit of equality and freedom. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-6631188. www.frederickhistory.org
Thurmont Main Street Plein Air
Paint the Town Sept. 13
Thurmont Main Street, 210 W. Main St., Thurmont. Meet artists at Thurmont Main Street’s annual Plein Air featuring artists of all levels painting outside. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.thurmontmainstreet. com/events
Comedy Night Sept. 13
Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. High-Wire Improv presents a night of comedy. Beer and wine available for purchase for guests over 21 with a valid ID. 7 p.m.–9 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com
Summers Farm Fall Festival
Sept. 13–Oct. 31
Summers Farm, 7503 Hollow Road, Middletown. 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. $. 301-304-3031. www.summersfarm.com
Scenic Excursion
Sept. 14, 20, 21
Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. All aboard for a trip back in time. Visit the turn-of-the-century railroad station and toll house, then ride in vintage 1920s passenger cars. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org
Salsa Night with Frederick Salsa
Sept. 17
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
Art21 Screening Society: Artists and the Unknown Sept. 18
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. In celebration of Art21’s newest book, Artists & the Unknown: Art21 Interviews with Artists, the Delaplaine will screen a documentary through Art21’s Screening Society. 7 p.m.–8 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Comedy Night Sept. 19
Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. Nationally-touring stand-up comedians curated and presented by Bojo Entertainment. 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com
Gateway to the Cure Golf Classic Sept. 19
Maple Run Golf Course, 13610 Moser Road, Thurmont. A fun tournament at Maple Run Golf Course that includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, awards and more to benefit The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund. 8:30 a.m. $. 301-293-1016. www.thurmontmainstreet.com
Oktoberfest on the Farm Sept. 20
Prospect Point Brewing, 5500 Jefferson Pike. A day filled with live music, giveaways, commemorative mugs, pretzels,
JACOB | HAGERSTOWN
brats and more for the whole family. 11 a.m. www.frederickmagazine.com/ calendar
Girls Night the Musical
Sept. 20
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. A touching and hilarious musical that takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends. Laugh, cry, sing and dance to some of the most popular hit songs of the 80s and 90s as five friends visit their past, celebrate their present and look to the future. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
Sept. 20–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. See website for show times. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org
Annual Golf Classic Sept. 25
Maryland National Golf Club, 8836 Hollow Creek Road, Middletown. A day of fun on and off the greens, including a full breakfast, 18 holes of golf, gifts, door prizes, contests, lunch, dinner and more. $. 240-566-3036. www.frederickhealthhospice.org
World Ballet Company: Cinderella Sept. 25
Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The beloved fairytale comes to life in a Broadway-style production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance and the timeless majesty of classical ballet. 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Frederick’s Oktoberfest
Sept. 26, 27
Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St. Enjoy live music and dancers, traditional German food and wine, an outdoor beirgarten, contests, a children’s area and more. Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.−10 p.m. 240-599-0660. www.frederickoktoberfest.org
National Public Lands Day
Sept. 27
Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 4801 Urbana Pike. Monocacy National Battlefield hosts a volunteer cleanup day for National Public Lands Day. Projects include trail cleanup, invasive species removal and preparing the native plant garden for winter. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 301-662-3515. www.nps.gov/mono
Middletown Heritage Festival
Sept. 27
Main Street, Middletown. Celebrate Middletown’s past, present and future at this annual festival featuring family-friendly fun all day with crafts, historical demonstrations, live entertainment, artisans, food, a parade and more. 301-371-6171. www.middletownheritagefestival.com
Festival of Flight
Sept. 27
Frederick Municipal Airport, Experience Frederick Airport through aircraft on display and in flight. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. www. cityoffrederickmd.gov/1698/2024-Festival-of-Flight
Close Calls & Narrow Escapes
Sept. 27
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. From heart-stopping moments to fate-defying twists, Close Calls and Narrow Escapes bring the power of storytelling to life in a night of unforgettable, true tales. Presented by Baltimore’s Stoop Storytelling Series, this live event features everyday people sharing their extraordinary brushes with danger, chance and split-second decisions. 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org
Oz Gala: Follow the Dela-Brick Road Sept. 27
The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Join the Delaplaine in celebrating another year of bringing visual arts opportunities and experiences to the Frederick region at this fundraising event to support the Delaplaine’s educational public and community engagement programs. Purchase tickets in advance. 7 p.m.–11 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org
Sherlock Sundays Sept. 28
Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. The Endangered Species Theatre Project presents a live reading of the nationally known radio show, Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, with tea and treats. 7 p.m.–8 p.m. www.skystagefrederick.com FM
Seton’s Hall
By Jody Brumage / Archivist, Heritage Frederick
This late 19th-century photograph from Heritage Frederick’s archives shows students at St. Joseph’s Academy in Emmitsburg. The school was started by Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born United States citizen to become a Catholic saint (see page 42).
Soon after arriving in Frederick County in the summer of 1809, Seton organized the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s. The nuns resided in a stone farmhouse until a frame structure known as St. Joseph’s House was completed. There, in the spring of 1810, the Sisters of Charity began operating a free day school for girls, soon joined by Saint Joseph’s Academy,
What began with a single frame structure grew into St. Joseph’s Academy, a boarding school with several buildings, by the late 1800s.
which welcomed tuition-paying boarding students. By the time this photograph was taken, St. Joseph’s Academy had grown significantly from the single building in which it started to a large campus of several structures. In 1902, the institution became a degree-granting liberal arts school and was renamed St. Joseph’s College. While the college closed in 1973, the legacy of the original academy founded by the Sisters of Charity is carried on today by the Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg.
