72 HOURS April 9, 2026

APRIL 9

Keys and O’s

Owner talks Frederick, Orioles affiliation and refurbished ballpark ahead of home opener

RAFAEL BLANCO TALKS PUBLIC ART

If you’ve walked past 69 S. Market St. recently, you’ve seen Rafael Blanco’s work — the large-scale “Lester Bowie” mural that’s become one of the more striking additions to downtown Frederick’s visual landscape. On April 10, Blanco comes to the Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., to talk about the journey from classical studio painting to site-specific public murals, and why he made the switch. The Spainborn, San Antonio-based artist has painted murals across the country — from New York to California to Texas — and has spoken at TEDx Elmhurst University on the potential of public art to transform communities. The event is free, but grab a spot via Eventbrite.

SHAKE YOUR KEYS

It’s been a long road back, but the Frederick Keys will return to Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium on April 14 for their home opener against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees), and this time they’re coming as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, a connection that lapsed after 2020. Owner Greg Baroni, who also owns the Chesapeake Baysox and Aberdeen IronBirds, brokered the deal that returned the affiliation to Frederick, and he’s overseen a $39 million renovation of the stadium to meet Major League Baseball’s requirements. The upgrades aren’t just for players: fans can expect an expanded concourse, new social spaces and upgraded concessions. First pitch is at 7 p.m., and all fans in attendance will receive a commemorative rally towel.

GET ON THE BUS!

Written and co-produced by Nancy Luse, a former FNP editor and now an editor with Frederick Magazine, “Bus Buddies” is a community-based production from Endangered Species Project making its run at the Schaeffer Center at Evangelical Lutheran Church in downtown Frederick, directed by Christine Mosere. Performances are April 10 through 12, with a second run May 1 through 3. The show runs approximately 90 minutes with one intermission. Tickets are available via the Endangered Species Project website.

FARMERS MARKET DETOUR

The Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market is back outdoors for the season — just not where you might expect it. While construction continues at B&O Park, the market will set up at Square Corner Park, 1 E. Potomac St. in downtown Brunswick, for April and May before returning to its usual spot at the Martins Creek Municipal Parking Lot in June. Opening day is April 10, and the market runs 4 to 7 p.m. on the second and last Friday of each month. Expect fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, prepared foods and handcrafted items from local farmers and artisans, plus a food truck and live musician each week. All vendors grow or make what they sell and live within 50 miles of the market. For updates, head to bmsfarmersmarket.com.

SPEAK STORY SERIES

Chicago storyteller Archy Jamjun has spent more than a decade turning personal narratives — especially stories about family — into something that makes audiences laugh and then quietly fall apart. On April 14, he’ll bring that combination of humor and vulnerability to Frederick as part of Speak Story Series’ 14th season, which this year is themed around “Pluribus: Celebrating the Many Voices of our Country.” The show, set at the Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education in Shepherdstown, is available both in person and online. Jamjun is perhaps best known as the curator of Outspoken LGBTQ Stories at the Sidetrack in Chicago, a monthly showcase he’s grown into one of the city’s signature storytelling events. Details at speakstoryseries.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Share your community stories and events with us!

Email 72 Hours editor Lauren LaRocca at llarocca@newspost.com.

Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations in Frederick, they know best. Here is a personal interview with a 2025 Best of the Best winner or finalist about why they love what they do, helping those they serve and working in Frederick.

Law Office of Lena A. Clark

Celebrating 11 Years of Serving Our Community

Reaching 10 years in business is no small feat; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 65% of new businesses don’t make it that far. That’s why we’re especially proud to be celebrating our 11-year anniversary.

Since opening our doors on April 17, 2015, Attorney Clark has been a solo practitioner with no employees, and has now grown into a team of eleven with four full-time attorneys. While we’ve grown, our focus has remained the same: providing thoughtful, personalized guidance to every client we serve.

Helping You Plan for the Future with Confidence

We focus exclusively on Trusts and Estates, helping individuals and families protect what matters most. Estate Planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s for anyone who wants peace of mind about the future.

A well-designed Estate Plan can help you:

• Protect your loved ones financially

• Ensure your wishes are clearly carried out

• Avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses

Every person’s situation is unique, and we work closely with you to create a plan that reflects your goals, your family, and your priorities.

What Happens Without a Plan?

If you pass away without an Estate Plan, state law decides what happens to your assets, not you. This process, known as intestacy, distributes your estate based on a fixed formula, which may include relatives you’re not close to and exclude those you care about most.

In addition, your loved ones may face a lengthy probate process that can take months or even years, often creating financial and emotional strain during an already difficult time.

Estate Planning: More Than Just a Will Many people think Estate Planning begins and ends with a Will, but a strong Estate Plan often includes:

• Last Will and Testament

• Revocable Living Trust

• Durable Financial Power of Attorney

• Advance Medical Directive

Together, these tools help ensure your affairs are handled smoothly, both during your lifetime and after.

A Plan Designed for You

No matter the size of your estate, having a plan in place can make a meaningful difference for the people you care about. Our firm takes the time to understand your needs and create a customized plan that helps minimize complications, reduce costs, and, in many cases, avoid probate altogether.

Most importantly, we help give you and your family peace of mind. No matter the size of your Estate, you will help protect your loved ones from having to expend a considerable amount of time and money navigating through the Probate process.

If you need help protecting your money and loved ones in the event of death or disability, call us at 301-696-0567 or self-schedule online at www.lenaclarklegal.com.

EAT & DRINK

This month only: Pour a gimlet, plant a tree

McClintock Distilling kicks off Gimlets for Green Month in Maryland to celebrate Earth Day

BY TIFFANY MAHANEY

Special to The News-Post

Most of us know April is recognized as National Earth Month, but one Maryland distillery is taking the holiday a step further.

For McClintock Distilling in Frederick, April is a time to recognize Earth Day and honor it the best way they know how: through cocktails. Throughout the whole month of April, McClintock Distilling is doing its part to support real environmental action with its campaign Gimlets for Green Month.

WHAT IS GIMLETS FOR GREEN MONTH?

Gimlets for Green Month is an annual cocktail promotion that McClintock Distilling started with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Tree-Mendous Maryland program to raise money for planting trees in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

For the past five years, throughout the month of April, McClintock Distilling’s “Gimlets for Green Month” has turned cocktails into conservation. During this monthlong initiative, every gimlet poured or bottle of its gin or vodka purchased at

participating locations helps support environmental restoration.

WHY TREES?

Did you know McClintock Distilling is Maryland’s first and only certified organic distillery? Co-owners Braeden Bumpers and Tyler Hegamyer have always cared deeply about aligning their business with sustainability and keeping money in the local community.

Bumpers told me creating this campaign “goes hand-in-hand with our main ethos.” While most other distilleries use heavily modified grains, McClintock wants to restore

the heritage way of distilling by using locally grown, non-GMO, heirloom grains of special varieties to showcase the unique flavors of Maryland.

Knowing that, it’s easy to see why this distillery wants to make a positive difference for its surrounding environment. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is a local ecological region spanning six states, including Maryland. Conservation efforts like planting trees in the watershed area will help improve water quality, reduce soil erosion and decrease air pollution.

Over the past five years, McClintock Distilling and its

Staff photos by Chris Sands

McClintock Distilling started Gimlets for Green Month with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Tree-Mendous Maryland program to raise money for planting trees in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

distributor, Winebow, have donated $60,000. The Gimlets for Green Month campaign has planted over 1,200 mature trees in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

WHY GIMLETS?

Move over, screwdrivers. Cosmos — this ain’t your time either. The main character this month is the gimlet — a classic cocktail made of two simple ingredients: gin and lime. If you prefer, add simple syrup to make it sweeter going down the hatch.

Bartenders at McClintock make their gimlet the classic way: a spirit-forward cocktail without a bunch of mixers that uses its award-winning Forager gin as the highlight.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

It couldn’t be simpler. Grab a friend and visit McClintock Distilling or any participating location during April. Order a featured gimlet or purchase a bottle of McClintock’s gin or vodka. Then raise a toast to the earth and feel good — McClintock and Winebow will donate money to the Tree-Mendous Maryland program on your behalf. No shoveling required.

WHO IS PARTICIPATING?

Here is a list of local restaurants, bars and liquor stores participating in Gimlets for Green Month in Frederick County. McClintock Distilling, 35 S. Carroll St., Frederick; The Tasting Room, 101 N. Market St., Frederick; White Rabbit Gastropub, 18 Market St., Frederick; Isabellas Taverna, 44 N. Market St., Frederick; Cafe Nola, 4 E. Patrick St., Frederick; Pistarros, 221 N. East St., Frederick; Warehouse Cinemas, 1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick; Carriage House Inn, 200 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg; Eastside Liquors, 507 N. East St., Frederick; Ye Olde Spirits Shop, 1005 W. 7th St., Frederick; Crown Wine & Spirits, 1305 W. Seventh St., Frederick; Trout Liquors, 5108 Old National Place, Frederick; Wine Districts, 5213 President Court, Frederick; Riverside Liquors, 1299 Riverbend Way A, Frederick; Orin Wine & Spirits, 8927 Fingerboard Road, Urbana; Heritage Spirits, 4334 Old National Pike, Middletown; Gateway Liquors, 14802 N. Franklinville Road, Thurmont.

Keep in mind, each participating restaurant and bar may put their own spin on the cocktail, so consider visiting more than one location to taste their take on the classic drink. Cheers to great cocktails with environmental action tied to every sip!

To see the full list of participating locations throughout Maryland and beyond, and to learn more about Gimlets for Green Month, visit mcclintockdistilling. com/gimletsforgreenmonth.

Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifthgeneration native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. She is the owner of The Frederick Mom on Instagram, where she features familyfriendly places, events and businesses in and around Frederick. Follow her @thefrederickmom.

McClintock Distilling started Gimlets for Green Month with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Tree-Mendous Maryland program to raise money for planting trees in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

MUSIC Grass Roots will bring timeless hits to the Weinberg

Despite their success, the story of the band is chaotic

BY GARY BENNETT

Special

to The News-Post

A question for baby boomers: What do ‘60s rock bands the Grass Roots and the Monkees have in common? Give up? They are two of the most successful but rare American bands formed not by their members, but by studio executives looking to cash in on a musical trend. Organic groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones would shudder at the thought, but it worked out just fine for both. In the case of the Monkees, the record label hoped they would become the American Beatles. The Monkees did well commercially and even critically at times, but of course no band could be the Beatles. In the case of the Grass Roots, Dunhill Records wanted to assemble a band to catch the budding folkrock craze in 1965. Staff songwriters came up with the songs, an audition was held and soon the Grass Roots were born. The name was meant to connote ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And they sure did. But let’s get one thing out of the way first. Although none of the original Grass Roots members are in the current lineup, it’s not fair to call them a tribute band. They are the Grass Roots. Three of the four members have been in the band for over 30 years, each personally recruited by founding member and lead vocalist Rob Grill. Grill

played with the current lineup until his death in 2011 and turned over the name to them. The current members are Dusty Hanvey, Larry Nelson, Joe Dougherty and Mark Dawson. Critics agree they have stayed true to the songs and consistently earn good reviews. You can catch the Grass Roots live at the Weinberg Center for the Arts 8 p.m. April 11. The show is part of the Weinberg’s LIVE! Series, celebrating iconic music and exceptional musicianship. In their day, the Grass Roots were quite successful, reliably producing pleasing pop hits. From 1966 to 1975, they churned out songs that were not too dangerous or outlandish, but just right.

Their relatively short run, and the fact that they spanned two different decades without dominating either, was detrimental to their legacy. They were like Three Dog Night and the Guess Who in that regard, just not quite as successful.

Although they never scored a No. 1 hit, the Grass Roots created six or seven instantly recognizable tunes that helped define the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Their catchy melodies and tight harmonies were good, but their unique brass section really set them apart — a novelty at the time, especially since jazz-rock groups like Chicago had yet to come along. The first few bars of “Let’s Live for Today,”

“Midnight Confessions,”

“I’d Wait a Million Years,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love” always engender a strong response and get fans singing along.

AM radio play was a big factor in the Grass Roots’ success, too. They managed to become a disc jockey favorite and enjoyed frequent listener requests. From 1967 to 1972, the Grass Roots set a record for being on the Billboard chart for 307 consecutive weeks. They have sold over 20 million records worldwide, achieved one platinum album, two gold albums and 13 gold singles among their 20-odd chart hits.

Despite their success, the

story of the Grass Roots is chaotic.

The original members who won the audition were all under 18, so their mothers had to sign their recording contracts. Soon after, the young artists — with studio executives calling the shots — compiled an album titled “Where Were You When I Needed You.” The album got little attention and disillusioned the band. Not enamored of folk rock in the first place, the group decided to return to San Francisco and perform the hard rock music they loved. Dunhill shrugged and opted to recruit another Grass Roots band in their place. The next group of musicians to take the Grass

Courtesy photo

The Grass Roots will perform in Frederick.

Roots name included Rob Grill as bassist and lead vocalist. Grill became the face and voice of the Grass Roots on all their biggest hits until his death in 2011. In 1967, they put together “Let’s Live for Today” for their first single release. It became an iconic hit, reaching No. 8 on the charts — similar to the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” in that the song’s simple, timeless message and catchy hook turned it into a mantra for the youth of the day.

“Midnight Confessions” was next in 1968, shooting up to No. 5 — the highest chart position the group ever achieved. The song features intricate orchestration and a psychedelic organ sequence that makes it memorable. Quite often, when a movie or TV show needs a song to represent the vibe of the late ‘60s, “Midnight Confessions” is it.

In 1969, “I’d Wait a Million Years” became their third big hit, cementing the group as dependable hitmakers and a radio staple for years to come.

In 1970 and 1971, the group did not issue a new album other than a greatest hits compilation, but they did score a few more big singles. Staff songwriters gave them gems like “Baby Hold On,” “Temptation

IF YOU GO

The Grass Roots perform at 8 p.m. April 11 at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Visit weinbergcenter. org or call 301-600-2828 for details or to purchase tickets.

Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love.”

The group disbanded in 1975, but was restocked under Rob Grill’s guidance in the late 1980s. They no longer recorded but embarked on near-nonstop touring. Since then, the Grass Roots have played thousands of dates across the country to adoring fans.

In December 2015, the Grass Roots were inducted into the American Pop Music Hall of Fame, along with Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, the Association, Dion, the Lettermen, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Temptations and Three Dog Night.

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Frederick Experimental Music Association: Julius Hemphill Retrospective

The Frederick Experimental Music Association will present “Steppin’: The Music of Julius Hemphill,” a two-concert series at Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick.

Julius Hemphill (1938-1995) was an African American composer and saxophonist best known as the principal composer for the World Saxophone Quartet. Mixing blues, R&B and jazz with contemporary classical structures, his compositions blurred genre boundaries and offered a panoramic view of American music. The series marks the first major retrospective of his work in the more than 30 years since his death, presented in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The first concert, featuring Marty Ehrlich and Maryland Saxtet, is at 8 p.m. April 11.

Marty Ehrlich is a saxophonist

and composer who began his career performing with the Black Artists Group in St. Louis while still in high school. He graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with honors in 1977 and has since led more than two dozen recordings for ensembles ranging from duo to jazz orchestra. He has performed with the Chicago Symphony, the BBC Symphony and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, among others, and his honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship in Composition and a Distinguished Alumni award from New England Conservatory. He currently supervises the Julius Hemphill Papers at New York University.

Maryland Saxtet brings together three Maryland-based musicians.

Darryl Brenzel, a Frederick saxophonist and composer, teaches

(See HEMPHILL 9)

An emo weekend takes over Olde Mother Brewing

BY S.D. PRICE

Special to The News-Post

Nostalgia has a way of showing up when you least expect it. Sometimes it’s a song you haven’t heard in years. Sometimes it’s a lyric you didn’t fully understand the first time around. And sometimes, it’s an entire room full of people yelling those same words back at a stage like no time has passed at all.

That’s the energy behind BEDHEAD’s Emo Night, returning to Olde Mother Brewing on Saturday, April 11, with an added twist this year. For the first time, the event expands into a full weekend experience, starting with a free acoustic “Emo Night Unplugged” on Friday, April 10.

“This is the seventh one we’ve done, and we do them really well,” said organizer Chris Perry of BEDHEAD. “Each band will do a full set of hits, bops and deep cuts from your favorite emo bands. We wanted to avoid the one band covering everything type of vibe. This feels more like, if I close my eyes, maybe I am hearing Good Charlotte playing ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.’”

That distinction matters. Instead of a rotating cast running through a playlist, each band takes ownership of a specific catalog, giving the night a structure that feels closer to a lineup than a novelty. It turns what could be a themed party into something that carries the weight of a real show, just filtered through the lens of shared memory.

Saturday’s lineup leans into that idea. The Revived takes on Fall Out Boy, Uncles steps into Taking Back Sunday, and Kilbarron covers A Day to Remember, each bringing a full set that taps into a different corner of the genre’s peak years.

“It all starts with good bands without egos,” Perry said. “You’re essentially doing a cover set in front of a packed house, and it’s easy to feel a way about people caring more about that than your originals. But if you really love these bands, getting to play those songs can be therapeutic, not gimmicky.”

That balance between sincerity and nostalgia is what has allowed these events to grow. Emo, as a genre, has never been static. From its late’90s roots to the mainstream surge

IF YOU GO

Emo Night Unplugged is at 6 p.m. April 10 at Olde Mother Brewing, 526 N. Market St., Frederick. Admission is free. Emo Night follows 6 p.m. April 11 at the same location. Tickets are $10 plus fees. Visit oldemother. com.

of the early 2000s and beyond, it has constantly shifted in sound and audience. What remains consistent is the emotional connection people carry with it.

“Nostalgia, baby,” Perry said. “There are festivals across the country doing this now. It’s about getting great music from a time where it may not have been fully appreciated and hearing it with slightly older ears.”

That same sentiment extends into Frederick’s local scene, where spaces like Olde Mother have become key in hosting genre-spanning shows that still feel rooted in community.

“Frederick benefits from spaces that have authentic character and genuine community,” Perry said. “Olde Mother has been a vessel for that, and we’re lucky to have them.”

The venue itself plays a big role in shaping the experience. Over the years, Olde Mother has continued investing in its back room, turning it into one of the more reliable live music setups in the city. It’s a space that manages to feel both polished and personal, something that doesn’t always come easy.

“Some places have bigger rooms but no character. Some have the vibe but a bad sound system,” Perry said. “Olde Mother checks all the boxes. It feels good to be in there.”

That comfort translates directly into the crowd. Emo shows have always lived somewhere between introspection and release, where vulnerability and volume exist at the same time. Perry expects this one to follow that same arc.

“The lineup spans the emotional horizon,” he said. “From talking about bed post notches to feeling like a ghost to remembering what it’s like since you’ve been gone. You can leave your bad attitude at home, but come hang out and be in a better mood.”

Of course, he also offered a more tongue-in-cheek version of the atmosphere.

Emo Night takes over.

“Darkness. Absolute darkness.”

The weekend begins a night earlier with Emo Night Unplugged, a free acoustic show on Friday that reinterprets the genre in a more stripped-down format. Camphora Kin will perform as Dashboard Confessional, Bristor takes on Saves the Day, Sullivan Is Dead leans into Taylor Swift’s more emotional catalog, and Silent Old Mtns. covers Death Cab for Cutie.

It’s a quieter entry point into the same emotional space, one that trades distortion for detail while still holding onto the same themes that define the genre.

Together, the two nights create something larger than a single event. It becomes less about any one band or set and more about a shared

experience across a full weekend.

“I don’t know if these shows build a scene,” Perry said. “But they definitely bring people together. And hopefully people realize there are great bands right in their backyard and go see them play their own music too.”

That idea of connection sits at the center of it all. Whether it’s someone reliving a favorite era or hearing these songs in a room full of strangers who somehow feel familiar, the appeal is simple.

“Longing for something missed,” Perry said, “and realizing what you need is right here with the people around you, feeling the same way, with sad and upbeat music.”

S.D. Price is a Frederick-based writer better known as hip-hop recording artist Demetrius.

This photo was taken in the mid-1970s, when Julius Hemphill was performing his one-man “audiodrama,” Roi Boye and the Gotham Minstrels.

HEMPHILL

(Continued from 7)

jazz saxophone at Towson University and Gettysburg College and has performed at major festivals including Montreux and the Newport Jazz Festival. Howard Burns, a Baltimore native who lives in Hagerstown, spent more than 30 years as jazz band director at Frederick Community College and served nearly 20 years as director of the Don Redman Next Generation Jazz Academy at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Gregory Thompkins, called “one of Baltimore’s premier tenor saxophonists” by the Baltimore Sun, leads his own groups,

directs the Baltimore Jazz Education Project and teaches jazz history at Notre Dame of Maryland University.

The second concert, featuring the Hemphill Stringtet, is at 8 p.m. May 29.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for both events. General admission is $20 per concert. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

“Steppin’” is supported by grants from the Delaplaine Foundation and Maryland State Arts Council, with additional support from Plamondon Hospitality Group. For more information, visit pointofdeparture. org/FEMA.html.

Photos by S.D. Price

Bill Smith

HISTORY

Heritage Frederick unveils this year’s new exhibitions

BY AMYA DIGGS

Special to The News-Post

A comprehensive look at Frederick’s history can be found downtown at Heritage Frederick. The federal-style building at 24 E. Church St. is home to thousands of authentic artifacts, carefully sourced, preserved and displayed across two floors of the historic space.

Besides the educational exhibitions at the museum, history starts with the building itself. Through Heritage Frederick’s research, the land beneath the building originally belonged to the Indigenous Piscataway-Conoy people. After the house was built in 1824, it served as a home to several families, including enslaved people, and later became the Loats Female Orphan Home. The Historical Society of Frederick County, today known as Heritage Frederick, bought the home after the orphanage closed in 1959.

“We try to match stuff that we like or think might be interesting with stuff we have. If we don’t have artifacts or documents or images, it’s difficult to tell a story,” executive director Doug Propheter said.

Every year in December, after Frederick’s annual Museums by Candlelight event, the museum closes while the team works on exhibition changes for the following year. Doors officially reopen to the public on the first Saturday in March, along with new displays that feature fresh angles on Frederick’s history.

“We started collecting about the same time that we were founded in the 1890s, so our collection was kind of amassed over time,” museum curator Amy Hunt said.

Hunt noted that the organization holds over 8,000 three-dimensional artifacts, as well as a significant collection of documents and photographs. Each year, the organization receives several dozen donated items, and Hunt occasionally looks for missing items on eBay or at local antique shops.

“If, when we’re planning an exhibit, like the ones we have now, we [may]

have a specific hole that we would like to have an object to represent. We have put out on social media from time to time that, ‘Hey, we’re looking for an object that pertains to this church or this person,’” Hunt said.

Though this method has been successful, the team doesn’t frequently make calls for items on social media.

Archivist and museum manager Jody Brumage noted that two of the new exhibitions are in honor of America’s official 250th birthday this year.

“Cultivating Independence: Frederick County in the Revolution” and “Witnessing Revolution: Jacob Engelbrecht Captures America’s Transformation” each capture Frederick County’s unique role in the early history of America.

“They’re both really big stories that we’re telling, but it’s been really fun to figure out how to tell a national story through a local lens,” Brumage said.

Here’s a deeper look into each new exhibition.

ALL SAINTS STREET: AN AVENUE TO THE HISTORY OF FREDERICK AND ITS AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Volunteer Jim Callear, who has contributed at Heritage Frederick since 2009, focused this year primarily on the All Saints Street exhibition, drawing on his experience with local tours around Frederick.

Located on the first floor of the museum, it begins with a short video about All Saints Street, a wall collage of photos, and a vintage street post with signs reading: early settlement, business, churches, war, recreation and civil rights. The exhibit continues on and covers each of those displayed topics.

The exhibit largely centers on the everyday people who lived and worked on All Saints Street, a street strongly rooted in the Black community.

On display is a textbook used by William O. Lee, the second elected Black alderman in Frederick County.

“He put [the textbook] together on

IF YOU GO

The Museum of Frederick County History at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students; members are admitted free. Visit frederickhistory.org or call 301-663-1188.

Photos by Heritage Frederick Heritage Frederick reopens each March in downtown Frederick with new exhibitions..

his own to teach at a time when separate but equal did not really mean equal at all,” Callear said.

CULTIVATING INDEPENDENCE: FREDERICK COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTION

“Cultivating Independence” charts Frederick County’s development from its founding to the Revolutionary War.

“The artifacts that are displayed here are some of the earliest pieces that we have in our collection,” Brumage said.

Convenience silver from one of the first German churches in Frederick County, Chinese porcelain dishes and a sword from the Revolutionary War are all on display. Repudiation Day, an official holiday in Frederick County, originated from the Stamp Act of 1765.

WITNESSING REVOLUTION:

JACOB ENGELBRECHT CAPTURES AMERICA’S TRANSFORMATION

“Witnessing Revolution” tells the story of life in Frederick after the American Revolution.

GROWING GOLD IN FREDERICK COUNTY

Displayed on the second floor, “Growing Gold in Frederick County” tells the story of Frederick County’s role in goldfish production. It explores the role of fish farms in Frederick and highlights the impact of fish throughout Frederick’s agricultural history.

A large map of Frederick County hangs from a wall and shows the locations of different goldfish hatcheries in the area.

“Between 1900 and 1930, there were 30-ish farmers in Frederick who were growing goldfish. Virtually all of them had corn, or other crops, or livestock, and fish was a supplement,” Propheter said.

On display is Engelbrecht’s desk and his original diaries.

“[Engelbrecht] was talking about the transition that the war had made

“Jacob [Engelbrecht] was born in Frederick in 1797, lived his entire life here, and for 60 years of his life, he kept a diary that is incredibly illuminative about everyday life in Frederick County. Events of national significance down to very local stories,” Brumage said.

and the conversations that were being had about ending slavery. This diary includes his mention of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, which expanded voting rights to Black males,” Brumage said.

Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum opens for 2026 season

The Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum will open for its 2026 season at noon April 11. The museum, located just north of the National Fire Academy at 300B S. Seton Ave. in Emmitsburg, features an impressive collection of historic apparatus and artifacts spanning nearly two centuries of Frederick County firefighting history.

Among this year’s highlights is a 1919 Ahrens-Fox fire engine, on loan from the Gladhill family, originally purchased for the United Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 3 and formerly part of the “Buck” Gladhill collection. Also on display are the “Junior Defender” uniformed mannequin and a historic tintype photograph of an actual Junior Defender. The Junior Defenders were a militia unit of Junior Fire Co. No. 2 dispatched to Harpers Ferry to help

quell John Brown’s Raid. The museum also features information about two related militia units, the Independent Rifles and the United Guard.

Also from Junior Fire Co. No. 2 is a restored Silsby hand-drawn hose reel, believed to be the original reel for the company’s 1876 Silsby steam pumper — the first steam pumper in Frederick.

Other early apparatus on display include “Romeo,” an 1893 hose carriage from Independent Hose Co. No. 1; “Old Lady,” a circa 1848 hand pumper used by both the United Fire Company and Libertytown; the fully restored Badger chemical engine of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company; and a Willys Jeep formerly owned by the Lewistown District Volunteer Fire Department.

New to the collection this season is

the homemade hose cart of the Vigilant Hose Company. Built in Emmitsburg, the cart was used for early fire protection before the Vigilant Hose Company was formally organized, and it still carries its original leather riveted hose — one of the earliest means of firefighting.

The museum also features a memorial display honoring all Frederick County fire and rescue personnel who have died in the line of duty, with individual photos and a brief description of each fallen hero.

Admission is free. The museum will be open noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through the end of September, staffed by local fire and rescue volunteers. Visit frederickmdfire museum.org or call Chip Jewell at 301-676-2285.

Two fish farmers — Fred Tresselt, who founded Hunting Creek Fisheries in Thurmont, and G. Leicester Thomas, who founded Three Springs Fisheries in Adamstown — remained consistent in their businesses, which were later passed down through their families. Three Springs Fisheries, later renamed Lilypons, remained open until March 2024. Hunting Creek Fisheries still operates today.

Amya Diggs is a freelance journalist and a native of Frederick, who graduated from Emerson College with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism.

Heritage Frederick

Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum

A “Junior Defender” uniformed mannequin at the Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum.

You’re invited: America is Turning 250, and Frederick County is celebrating

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at these events in Frederick

BY TIFFANY MAHANEY

Special to The News-Post

If you haven’t heard, America has quite the milestone birthday this year.

The United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding, making 2026 the country’s Semiquincentennial! It’s kind of a big deal. So few things have reached such a long-standing achievement.

For comparison’s sake, Macy’s department stores have been open for 167 years. Folgers Coffee is 176 years old, making it one of the oldest American food brands still operating today. There’s Jonathan, a giant tortoise who lives as the oldest known land animal in the world and is estimated to be 194. And Jim Beam, the bourbon whiskey distillery, was founded in 1795, making it over 230 years old.

So it’s only fair to acknowledge the remarkable legacy of our nation, a whopping 250 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. I’d say she deserves a party.

Truth be told, more than a party is being planned. Cities across the U.S. will be celebrating this birthday with events, exhibitions, tours and festivals, giving communities in every state a space and time to explore how the American Revolution shaped history in their town.

Philadelphia, for instance, will honor America 250 with a Time Capsule Dedication. The capsule will be stuffed with items that will help tell the story of America as a society today and will be opened during America’s 500th birthday year in 2276 … at least, that’s the plan.

New York City is hosting a Semiquincentennial Countdown to Independence Day this year with a ball drop celebration in Times Square on the evening of July 3. It will be the first time the iconic ball has been dropped outside of Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve.

Here in Frederick County, you can join in on America’s birthday milestone by visiting historical sites, touring museums and attending musical performances and fairs. There’s truly something for everyone this year.

Save these dates and commemorate America 250 by discovering our Revolutionary War roots through these various events.

MUSIC OF THE REGIMENT CONCERT

2:30 to 4 p.m. April 12 at Evangel-

ical Reformed United Church of Christ, 15 W. Church St., Frederick. Free. Enjoy an ensemble concert performing classical and military songs from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including on period-appropriate instruments.

JUNIOR RANGER DAY

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19 at Monocacy National Battlefield, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick. Free. Join National Park Service rangers and living history volunteers for a fun, hands-on program where kids “enlist” and learn about soldiers on the battlefield.

HISTORY FAIR

Noon to 4 p.m. April 26 at Carroll Creek Park, 50 Carroll Creek Way, Frederick. Free. Meet expert historians, take photos with reenactors in period attire and engage in exciting, interactive activities for the whole family.

formances and artillery demonstrations. A REVOLUTIONARY CHRISTMAS

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. Visit Collier’s Log House to see a family-friendly, heartwarming, original play about German soldiers and Maryland farmers in 1781, exploring immigration in a new American nation and the holiday spirit.

If you’re unable to attend these signature programs, consider exploring Revolutionary heritage on your own terms by visiting historical sites in Frederick County that helped shape our community into what it is today, two and a half centuries later.

REVOLUTIONARY HISTORICAL SITES IN FREDERICK COUNTY

CATOCTIN FURNACE: Visit the historic iron furnace that once manufactured cannonballs for Gen. George Washington’s forces to use during the 1781 Siege of Yorktown.

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK: Stop into the visitor center at Catoctin Mountain national park and view its immersive exhibits about the history of colonists who settled and established small farms there.

HESSIAN BARRACKS: Visit the L-shaped historic barracks constructed in the 1770s, intended as a supply warehouse for Frederick County militia, that later became a prisoner-of-war camp for British and Hessian soldiers captured during the Revolutionary War.

MARYLAND IRON FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 16 to 17 at Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. Free. Celebrate Maryland’s ironmaking history with live blacksmithing demonstrations, family colonial games and tours of the historic iron furnace ruins, Museum of the Ironworker, the F.W. Fraley General Store and Collier’s Log House.

“1776”: THE MUSICAL

July 10-12 at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. $30. Transport to one of the most defining moments in history. With melodic humor, passion and drama, see John Adams’ relentless drive to secure America’s independence.

TROOPS THROUGH TIME

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 at Monocacy National Battlefield, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick. Free. Interact with living historians from 1775 through WWII and beyond demonstrating the life of a soldier, including Civil War field music per-

HISTORIC MARKER AT CITY HALL — REPUDIATING THE STAMP ACT OF 1765: Frederick became the first community in the colonies to formally protest the Stamp Act in 1765. Today, you can visit the historic marker in the park at City Hall to learn more.

MONOCACY NATIONAL

BATTLEFIELD: Before it became the site of the Battle of Monocacy in the Civil War in 1864, the area holds a rich history dating back to Native American communities and European settlers employing the land in what eventually became Frederick County.

HISTORIC MARKER AT CARROLL CREEK PARK — A FATEFUL MEETING ON THE BANKS OF CARROLL CREEK: A tavern in Fredericktown in 1755 was the meeting place for an important historical gathering between Gen. Edward Braddock, Col. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Visit the site, now marked by a plaque, where these colonial leaders famously met.

MUSEUM OF THE IRONWORKER: The Catoctin Furnace is also home to the Museum of the Ironworker, where you can learn the stories of the enslaved workers who lived and died in the village through exhibits and conserved artifacts.

ROSE HILL MANOR PARK AND MUSEUMS: Visit the postRevolutionary home of the first governor of the State of Maryland, where you can see early American history of Frederick County with its family-friendly exhibits and programs.

SCHIFFERSTADT

ARCHITECTURAL MUSEUM: Now a museum, you can visit one of Frederick’s earliest known homes from the Colonial era.

However you’re able to celebrate America 250, let’s cheers to getting an invitation to this once-in-a-generation kind of party!

Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifthgeneration native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. She is the owner of The Frederick Mom on Instagram, where she features family-friendly places, events and businesses in and around Frederick. Follow her @ thefrederickmom.

Visit Frederick

Kids learn about local history at Monocacy National Battlefield.

Staff file photo by Clara Niel

Molten iron is poured into a variety of cast molds at the Maryland Iron Festival. The annual, two-day festival showcases the history of ironworking and the Catoctin Furnace.

Visit Frederick

Frederick County will take part in America’s 250th with planned celebrations throughout the year.

THE FREDERICK MOM

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of April 10

Activities to do with the kids this weekend, courtesy of The Frederick Mom.

Touch a Truck

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 10

Othello Regional Park, 1901-A Jefferson Pike, Knoxville Free Kids who love big vehicles, this event is for them! Visit beautiful Othello Park to touch and sit inside a variety of trucks and cool vehicles. Learn all about each one and snap photos with them. This event is rain or shine and appropriate for all ages. Parking is limited; please plan to carpool. No early arrivals please. There will be food trucks at the event with food available for purchase.

•••

Mario Party Party

2:30 to 3:30 p.m. April 10

Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick

Free

Yahoo! Join Frederick County Public Libraries for Mario Party-themed party. Play Mario Party, make crafts, and try out real life Mario Party mini games. No experience necessary. For students in grades 4-8 (ages 9-13). Bring your friends and family out to the Urbana Library this Friday afternoon.

•••

Fridays at the Fountain

6 to 9 p.m. April 10

Monocacy Brewing Co., 1781 N. Market St., Frederick Free

Family-friendly brewery, Monocacy Brewing is starting its live music series back up! Called ‘Fridays at the Fountain’ where families are welcome to relax in the outdoor Beer Garden surrounded by a fountain (and fenced in), featuring free live bands and singers each week, and as always—quality beer. Grab a seat, and enjoy the night under the stars in the shade. Leashed dogs welcome. The Alley Wagon food truck will be serving up the eats.

and more! Come have a blast and learn about the Y’s youth programs! This is an inside and outside event.

•••

Kids Yoga

Noon to 12:45 p.m. April 11

Stone Silo Brewery, 28800 Kemptown Road, Damascus $12/child, $10/sibling

Daisy Days Yoga is hosting this sweet Kids Yoga event for children ages 4 to 9 at Stone Silo Brewery! Enjoy 45 minutes of movement, music, and mindful fun. Kids will learn yoga poses, breathing techniques to calming music, and kid-friendly meditation. Let your little ones stretch, dance, and relax while you enjoy a cold drink in peace. It’ll be a fun, safe, and playful environment for kids to unwind! Email daisydaysyoga@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Other sessions are offered on May 16 and June 6.

•••

Spring Festival

Noon to 3 p.m. April 11

•••

Movie Night in the Park

8 to 9:45 p.m. April 10

Snook Family Farm, Utica District Park, 10273 Old Frederick Terrace, Frederick Free

Join Frederick County Parks and Rec under the stars for Movie Night in the Park, a series of free, family-friendly movie nights celebrating community, inclusion, and awareness. Bring your chairs or blankets, pack your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors! Gates open 15 minutes before showtime. April 10’s movie features the movie, Life (rated PG), a powerful documentary about a young man with autism who uses Disney movies to connect with the world. Additional movie nights are scheduled for May 8 and July 24. Bathrooms are onsite.

Mommy and Me: Spring Fun on the Farm

10 a.m. to noon April 11

Jumbos Pumpkin Patch, 6521 Holter

Road, Middletown

$29/child (includes 1 adult)

What’s a better way to celebrate spring than with a special morning on the farm with your little one(s)? Kids will enjoy pony brushing and rides, snuggling baby piglets and bunnies, feeding goats, cows and chickens, gathering fresh eggs, painting a keepsake flower pot and planting seeds at this event. Limited availability. Get your advanced tickets online at jumbos.org. Rain Date: April 18.

Healthy Kids Day

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11

Natelli Family Y, 3481 Campus Drive, Ijamsville

Free

Kick off a healthy, active summer at the annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday at the Y! Free activities include family fitness classes, obstacle courses, games, activities, cooking demos, smoothie making via pedal-powered bike, robotics demos, facepainting, healthy snacks, giveaways, vendors with info about all-things kids,

Westview Promenade Shopping Center, Buckeystown Pike & Crestwood Blvd., Frederick Free

Join Westview Promenade this Saturday for their annual Spring Festival! Celebrate the warm weather with balloonists, craft stations, selfie stations, games, face painting, and more! All for free! •••

Thurmont Green Fest

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12

Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont Free

Music, food, and fun! Green Fest is a free community event to promote green living that you won’t want to miss. Hosted by the Green Team and the Thurmont Regional Library, bring the family out to learn about the power of sustainability and enjoy the town of Thurmont!

Mom Meetup

12:30 to 2 p.m. April 12

TIFFANY MAHANEY

Natelli Family Y

The Frederick Health vendor booth at Healthy Kids Day at the Natelli Family Y.

”Celebrating 50 Years of Cre ative Community” — through April 10, Annapolis Treasury Building, 80 Calvert St., Annapolis. Participating artists across Frederick County celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Frederick Arts Council by exploring their interpretation and contribution to Frederick’s arts scene. Free, but register at eventbrite.com/e/1981967063841/? aff=oddtdtcreator.

Pop-Up Art Event — April 11, Everedy Square, East Street, Frederick. Featuring Dan Stouffer and his wife, Ashley Stouffer. Dan paints in oils, has shown work in juried shows and his work is displayed in some local businesses, and has designed a Frederick Keys jersey. Ashley creates artistic and functional pottery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. danstoufferart.com.

”Shaking Off Those Winter Blues”

— through April 18 at Gribs Gallery, 208 Main St., New Windsor. This is a multimedia exhibition featuring works by Carroll County artists. Gribs Gallery is behind the house and opens onto the alley, Manning Drive. Parking in front of the gallery. Gallery hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 443536-9198.

”Steeped” — through April 22, Mansion Galleries at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Juried exhibition theme marking 40 years of the Mansion’s Afternoon Tea tradition, contemporary artists reflect on the ritual, history and symbolism of tea. 110 works by 78 artists, most from the D.C. region. Painting, ceramics, photography, mixed media and installations. Galleries hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday. 301-581-5100 or strathmore.org.

”Renewal” — through April 26, Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. Features evocative works that explore themes of new beginnings, from the delicate blossoming of nature to profound personal change. 4-7 p.m. Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, or by appointment. 240961-2212, gallery322.com.

“iCommentary: Making Personal Universal” — through April 26 at the Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Work by Todd Gardner. 301-473-7680, bagalleryappointment@gmail.com, frederickuu.org/gallery.

Bettie Awards Exhibition —

through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View art created by local youth selected as Bettie Award winners. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine. org.

”Emerging Perspectives Exhibition” — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. Juried exhibit highlights young adult artists and their creative endeavors. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Delaplaine Faculty Exhibition — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media including painters, metalsmiths, photographers, sculptors and more. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine. org.

John Kachik: “Heroes in America” — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. A collection of contemporary mixed media portraits of individuals from the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics, philanthropy, and service who have made a mark on modern American history. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-6980656, delaplaine.org.

”Photos and Forgings” — through April 4, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Leigh Scott and Mark Cohen, a married couple, are Focal Pointers. As photographers, their objective is to capture scenes that evoke emotions, tell stories, and transport the viewer to special places. They focus mainly on national parks near their home: Antietam, Harpers Ferry and C&O Canal. Artist-blacksmith Stephen Dill crafts an eclectic mix of custom ironwork. His hammer work is featured on a diverse array of items, from bottle openers to vases, while his larger designs include botanically inspired sculpture and ornamental yard decor. Stephen works primarily in steel but has experience in forging other metals such as titanium. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsideartistsgallery.com.

Artspiration Frederick Members’ Show — through April 26, Artspiration Frederick, 915 Toll

“Steeped” runs through April 22 at the Mansion Galleries at Strathmore. The juried exhibition of 110 works by 78 artists highlights the Mansion’s Afternoon Tea tradition. Shown here is “Tower of Teacups,” by Tina Gagnon.

House Ave., Frederick. 100+ pieces of 2D and 3D art on display. Artists reception 5-7:30 p.m. April 11. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday or by appointment. 657-6270554 or artspirationfrederick.com.

Thomas Sterner & Mark Hatfield Exhibition — through April 26, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Sterner, a public sculptor and mixed media artist, has been active in the Frederick arts community since 1987 and a NOMA member since 2016. Since 2020, he has created and installed 20 large-scale public works, including “Welcome Tree” at Delaplaine Arts Center, “Water Lily Wave” at Carroll Creek Park, and “Growth” at Frederick Community College. For this exhibition, Sterner will present wooden and stainless-steel sculptures. Hatfield, a self-taught abstract

painter, developed his artistic voice through lived experience and extensive travel, particularly in Italy and France. His work evolved from figurative beginnings into a deeply expressive abstract practice centered on gesture as its truest form. Hatfield’s paintings are held in significant collections worldwide. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770, nomagalleryfrederick.com.

”Transmutational Resonance” — through April 29, City Hall, 101 N. Court St., Frederick. A teen group exhibition organized in collaboration with FCPS’s Academy of Fine Arts at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, showcasing a selection of student artwork. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. cityoffrederickmd.gov.

”Language of Abstraction” — through April 30, Vault of Visions Art Gallery, 1 N. Market St., Frederick. Exhibit of work by Ron Ames. Artist reception 3 p.m. April 11. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. vovartgallery.com.

Crestwood Gallery Winter Exhibit & “Healthy Horizons Through Students’ Eyes” Competition — through May 8, Frederick Health — Crestwood Building, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original works including oil, watercolor, mixed media and photography from local artists alongside the “Healthy Horizons Through Students’ Eyes” Competition. Hours are 8 a.m.6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240215-1460 or frederickhealth.org/ crestwoodart.

”Mechanics and Infrastructure” — May 2-15, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Park of the vineyards Wine and Art Series. An exhibit of artwork by Gillian Collins. This is a unique and beautiful exhibit of paintings of mechanical systems. They are common devices and machines that surround us every day and upon which our modern lives are dependen t — yet these things are rarely celebrated and go practically unnoticed. Collins brings a new attention and perspective to everyday hardware components. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 301-6025733 or linksbridgevineyards.com.

Courtesy photo

It happened in the blink of an eye, an act of gentlemanliness I’d forgotten long ago. After a middle-aged male-female couple, deep in conversation, briskly crossed the street and continued down the sidewalk, the fellow gently took the lady’s forearm and moved her to the right, deftly switching places. The conversation never faltered.

I understood the significance right away, because of an uncle who had truly enjoyed recounting how a gentleman walks on the street-side of a sidewalk so that ladies won’t get splashed when carriages (or cars) go by.

I’ve no idea why, but this small event gladdened me — a woman about as independent as they come. I think what touched me was the sense of caring.

Everyday Poetry

The act showed care for the well-being of a partner, and a man thought well enough of himself not to dither. Without a second thought, he just did a respectful behavior he’d been taught.

There is something to be said for a lack of hesitancy.

Sheryl Massaro is a Frederick poet and oil painter. She has authored three books of poetry, all available from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, Vault of Visions Gallery, Artspiration Frederick and, with her art, from sherylmassaro. com. During April, her art is on view at Vault of Visions, Visitation Hotel, Artspiration Frederick and InBloom Jewelry in Frederick, and at Locals Farm Market in Poolesville. Her poetry is in lower case as a nod to equality, no letter being more import-

ant than another. Join her at 2 p.m. April 19 at Artspiration Frederick (artspirationfrederick.com) for a solo poetry reading from her three books. Then at 4 p.m. April 25, Massaro and other area poets will be at Frederick Book Arts Center (frederickbookarts. org) for one of their four Saturday readings during National Poetry Month.

Courtesy photo

“After the Storm,” by Sheryl Massaro.

SHERYL MASSARO

Fans are eager to step inside the new and improved Harry Grove Stadium soon.

Gary Bennett

Keys and O’s together again

Owner talks Frederick, Orioles affiliation and refurbished ballpark ahead of home opener

BY GARY BENNETT

Special to The News-Post

No one is more excited about the Frederick Keys in 2026 than owner Greg Baroni.

Baroni is credited with bringing the Keys back into the Orioles’ family and driving the public-private partnership between his company, Attain Sports, the City of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority to upgrade Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Together, the partners are overseeing a $39 million renovation that Major League Baseball requires of its minor league affiliates. Chances are you’ve seen the cranes, trucks and workers busily readying the stadium for months.

This season the Keys return as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, a spot they held from their inception in 1989 until 2020. From 2021 to 2025, the Keys played in the MLB Draft League, unaffiliated with any major league club. They will compete in the South Atlantic League this year.

The Keys opened their season April 3 on the road. Their first home game is 7 p.m. April 14 against the Hudson Valley Renegades at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. All fans in attendance on opening night will receive a commemorative rally towel.

The excitement for 2026 is palpable. Headlining the roster is Nate George, the reigning Orioles Minor League Player of the Year who finished with a .337 batting average in 87 games during the 2025 season and now ranks as the top prospect in the Orioles system — with Samuel Basal-

lo and Dylan Beavers, who previously ranked ahead of him, having graduated to the Baltimore roster. Other prospects to watch include Ike Irish — a versatile 2025 first-round pick who can play catcher, first base and outfield — Vance Honeycutt and left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

gregate have been removed, however.

Beginning in 2026, the stadium will not just be used for baseball. Baroni and his team are actively exploring ways to make it a true year-round community asset, even bringing in a full-time staffer with expertise in venue programming to help make that happen.

Along with the much-anticipated return to the O’s fold, players and fans alike will enjoy a refurbished stadium in 2026.

“The improvements will ensure the ballpark meets MLB Professional Development League standards while enhancing the overall experience for players, fans and the broader community,” said Baroni.

“The renovations will deliver state-of-theart facilities that directly support players’ health, preparation and daily experience.”

While many of the upgrades — new clubhouses, batting cages and bullpens — are designed to support player development and were stipulated by Major League Baseball, many others are designed to improve fan experience.

“The reconfiguration of the stadium has allowed us to expand the concourse and rethink how fans move through and enjoy the ballpark. Fans can expect more room to move and gather. Additional seating options include drink rails and flexible social spaces, enhanced hospitality areas for groups and expanded concessions,” Baroni said. The carousel and play area down the right field foul line where kids and parents liked to con-

“Our goal is to include a mix of youth sports, concerts, festivals and other local gatherings that bring people together in different ways throughout the year,” Baroni said. “And this is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing the evolution of the ballpark so it remains a vibrant, year-round destination.”

In an interesting move, Baroni and the Keys are proposing to add signage to the stadium for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24. City council and the mayor must approve the request, which seeks to add the electrical workers’ union logo to the new batting training building on the southern side of the stadium, plainly visible from I-70. Baroni is quick to assure fans that the name of the stadium will not change.

“The Harry Grove name will absolutely continue. It reflects the history of the ballpark and the land donation that made it possible. We’re very intentional about the partners we bring into the ballpark. Our focus is on organizations that are deeply invested in the Frederick community.” The Nymeo Field moniker, added in 2015, will stick around, too. The city receives a portion of all naming rights revenue since Baroni and his company lease Harry Grove Stadium from the city.

Renderings of the refurbished Nymeo Field at Harry

Courtesy photo

Frederick Keys owner Greg Baroni.

ORIOLES MAGIC AGAIN

The stadium upgrade is exciting, but it probably wouldn’t have happened had Baroni been unsuccessful in getting the Orioles affiliation back in Frederick. Being a minor league affiliate of a major league club brings enormous player development responsibilities, of which no small part is the playing environment and training amenities.

IF YOU GO

The Frederick Keys home opener is 7 p.m. April 14 at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick. Visit frederick keys.com or call 301815-9939.

But still, getting the Keys back to their High-A roots took some doing. Baroni and his company purchased the Aberdeen IronBirds from the Ripken family in 2024. Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., the namesake for the Aberdeen team and stadium, sold his stake in the IronBirds after years of clashes with the city over lease agreements and stadium funding responsibilities. A crucial part of that deal returned the Orioles affiliation to Frederick and swapped the Draft League affiliation to the IronBirds — a move intended to play on Cal Ripken’s well-known emphasis on fundamentals, which the Draft League highlights. What the move means for Frederick, however, can’t be overstated.

There is no end in sight!” said Baroni.

To help celebrate the returning partnership, the Keys are also refreshing their brand — though Baroni points out the refresh is only partially due to the Orioles connection. He says it is more about honoring the history of the Keys while positioning the club for the future.

“Part of the refresh is using the ‘Key City’ nickname that will show up on uniforms for selected games and in other fan experiences. It’s a great way to celebrate the community and create something that resonates locally.”

BARONI BASICS

Greg Baroni is the CEO and principal general partner of Attain Sports and Entertainment. Through his company, Baroni owns the Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Frederick Keys, the High-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Aberdeen IronBirds; and the Spire City Ghost Hounds, who have been on hiatus the last two years. He also owns the Loudoun United Football Club of the United Soccer League and partners with Evan McKnight Racing to round out his sports portfolio. He has other companies that operate in the education, healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors, but sports is a true love. “I’ve always enjoyed sports and the character it builds — sportsmanship, teamwork and community — and its impact on society.”

He doesn’t necessarily want to add more baseball teams to his portfolio, but if opportunities arise where a property is deeply connected to its community and he feels he can add value, he will take a close look.

“There’s a deep and longstanding connection between Frederick and the Orioles. At its core, it reconnects Frederick to the future of the Orioles. Fans aren’t just watching a game — they’re following players as they develop, grow and ultimately make their way to Baltimore. That creates a much deeper level of engagement and investment over time,” said Baroni.

It also taps into a strong sense of regional pride. Over the years, Keys fans have watched with pride as Orioles stalwarts like Ben McDonald, Pete Harnisch, Dylan Bundy, Mychal Givens, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Trey Mancini made it to the majors.

The Washington Nationals may have made some inroads, but there’s no denying Frederick is Orioles territory. The Keys’ affiliation with the Orioles lasted from 1989 to 2020, and the loss of that affiliation added insult to COVID injury. But Baroni wants fans to know that if he has his way, the partnership will continue indefinitely. “The new partnership is strong and should endure for many years to come.

Baroni grew up in Los Angeles and has been a lifelong Dodgers fan. However, he has now been a Maryland resident for nearly 40 years and has become passionate about the Orioles. “I have a great deal of respect for the new ownership group, Mike Elias and the club and farm system they are building. There’s a lot of excitement around the team right now and for good reason!”

Baroni gets to as many games as he can during the season. He likes being at the ballpark and spending time with fans, staff and players. He works closely with general manager Slater Fuchs and his leadership team, but makes it a point to get to know the coaches and players, too. “Spending time with them helps me stay connected to their player development needs and the on-field experience so we can better understand how to continuously improve ways to support them.”

With the Orioles looking like contenders again, the Keys back in the Orioles fold and a spiffy renovation enlivening our beloved ballpark, it’s hard to imagine things looking much better in the Key City — at least baseball-wise.

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Photos courtesy of Frederick Keys

Grove Stadium in Frederick.

‘The Drama’ squanders Robert Pattinson and Zendaya on a grim, poorly thought set-up

BY MARK KENNEDY Associated Press

Two couples. Too much wine. One loaded question: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?

The revelations that tumble from that truth-or-dare-style drinking game badly test a young couple in Kristoffer Borgli’s baffling “The Drama,” which wastes two of the planet’s most gorgeous people and will surely get everyone involved in trouble for using a current American tragedy as a plot point.

Robert Pattinson and Zendaya star as Charlie Thompson and Emma Harwood, a genteel, engaged couple in Boston — he’s a museum curator and she’s a literary editor — whose relationship is upended when she reveals a dark secret from her past.

That secret shakes Charlie’s love for his intended, messes with work, affects his performance in bed and prompts him to spiral out, overacting at every step. Of course, it dents his desire to get married. Can he ever see his love in the same way again?

“Can we just forget about it?” she asks him. “I don’t want you to fixate on this.” But he can’t help it: He has visions, gets paranoid, watches friends — including a brilliant Alana Haim — run away.

“The Drama” is billed as a “sexy, contemporary romantic comedy” but the only accurate word in that description is “contemporary.” The onscreen chemistry between Pattinson and Zendaya is more sibling-like — even before the revelation — and this is nowhere near a ha-ha rom-com like “Anyone But You.” Not many romantic comedies have projectile vomiting and bloody wounds.

How well you really know someone is legitimate grounds to explore in a romantic drama, but writer-director Borgli has stumbled by making a wedding satire while putting a finger into a societal raw gash that’s never something to use as a relationship test, which here is — spoiler alert — a school shooting.

It turns out Emma, as a bullied 15-year-old, planned a school assault with her dad’s shotgun but never went through with it. She even became an anti-gun advocate, but no matter. “She’s obviously not the person you thought she was,” says a friend.

The Norwegian Borgli, whose script namechecks French filmmaker Louis Malle and psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, could have picked any subject to attempt to unmoor this couple — an affair, some pyromania, a minor felony, even an egregious dine-and-dash — but he picked a planned mass murder. And in a semi-comedy, or at least a cringe-comedy. It’s too much to ask of this couple — or this movie.

Zendaya has been promoting

“The Drama” by wearing something old, something new and something borrowed. She’s trolling us that she might be already married to Tom Holland. But, again, she’s also promoting a movie with an attempted school shooting.

Borgli leaves clues that his wouldbe couple are in trouble right from the beginning. In the first scene, Charlie spots Emma at a coffee shop and fibs about loving the book she’s

reading, establishing lying at the basis of their relationship. We then watch them navigate the wedding-industrial complex, with visits to photographers and florists, mining humor from the weirdness of freelance wedding DJs and a very aggressive dance instructor. The fact that the couple emitted few sparks when they were in love compounds the lack of investment when that love collapses.

And yet the topic of school shootings — so cavalierly introduced — won’t go away. Borgli makes it almost a laugh line — in one scene, Charlie tosses Emma’s “Coffee or I’ll Shoot” mug into the trash. But the writerdirector has miscalculated badly. Maybe he’s trolling America but “The Drama” is clearly the worst thing he’s ever done.

”The Drama” is in theaters now. Rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “language, sexual content and some violence.” Running time: 104 minutes.

Photos by A24 via AP

Robert Pattinson, left, and Zendaya in scenes from “The Drama.”

120+ fibery vendor s

Kids Zo ne f ro m 11 a m-2p m

Local Food Truc k s

Wine, beer and spirit tastings Plant Sale from 8am-1pm by the Frederick County Master Gardeners Find

Local Mentions Local Mentions

CASH BINGO

St John's Lutheran Church 8619 Blacks Mill Rd, Creagerstown, MD

April 25, 2026

DRIVE-THRU DINNER and BAKE SALE

from 11A-3P

featuring St John's Fried Chicken, Green Beans, Pepper Slaw, Biscuit & Cake for $17

Buckets of chicken: 8pc: $12, 12pc: $17, 16pc: $22

Vegetables: Pint: $5; Quart: $8

Orders: contact Carmi Sayler @ 301401-0633 or text order to: 240-529-7471

Order Deadline: April 19th

12" COLD

CUT SUBS

Wolfsville Ruritan

April 8th (pick up 3-6pm at Ruritan Park)

Order by 3/29 at RuritanClubMD@aol com (preferred) or 301-293-2426

LTOM on the side $8 each

AYCE PANCAKE BREAKFAST

sponsored by Middletown Lions Club Sat , April 11

7:30 a m -10:30 a m @ Zion Lutheran Church Middletown with parking in rear of church off Green St

BINGO BASH

Sat. May 2, 2026

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Doors Open – 11am; Game Starts – 1pm

Adv Purchase - $25/person (call 240815-1252)

$30 at Door

20 Reg Games, 2 Special Games & a Jackpot Game

Tip Jars, Pull Tabs, Door Prizes Food available for Purchase

Bring non-perishable/ canned food item for the Jefferson Food Bank & receive a FREE special Game Card 4603B Lander Rd. Jefferson, MD 21755

CA$H BINGO

Sat, April 18th

Doors: 4:30pm Games: 6:00pm $25 for 20 Games

Wolfsville Volunteer Fire Department For info: 301-293-4374

Thursday, april 9, 2026 |

April 25, 2026

Fred Co 4-H All Stars at the New Midway Fire Hall New Midway, MD

Doors open 5:30pm Games start at 7:00pm Adv purchase $25 (Cal 301-473-5299) $30 at door 20 Regular Games 2 Specials and a Jackpot Game Food & bake table available

EASTER FLOWERS SPRING

BEDDING PLANTS

Pansies, Calla Lilies, Primroses Big Healthy Plants, Lowest Prices!

2 cubic foot bags of Mulch, Potting & Garden Soil Only at DR Virts

800 Petersville Rd, Brunswick, Md 301-969-6115

Come on down and see me! Cash & Cards

HENRY'S BLACKTOP PAVING, LLC

301-663-1888 • 301-416-7229 henrysblacktoppaving @gmail.com Call for FREE est MHIC 3608

QUARTERMANIA AUCTION

Sunday 4/19/26

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Doors Open at Noon/ Bidding begins 1:00 PM Tickets $5 Advance/$8 at the Door Extra Paddles $3, For Tickets Call 301371-6404

90+ Great Prizes; Food Available 4603B Lander Road Jefferson, MD 21755

SLIPPERY HAM & TURKEY POT PIE CARRYOUT and country ham sandwiches

Woodsboro Lutheran Church 101 S Main Street Sat, April 25

pickup from 11 am - 2 pm Quarts $9, sandwiches $5 Baked goods available For orders, leave message @ 301-271-3309 by April 22

SOUP & SANDWICH SALE

Pre-order by 04/02/2026

Pick-up Saturday 04/10/2026 9:00 a m -12:00 p m 301-874-5642

All freshly made onsite 8" subs: $9 00 Ham & Cheese Turkey & Cheese, Chicken Salad & Country Ham 8" Cold Cut Sub is $10 00

Sandwiches: $7 00 Chicken Salad & Country Ham Crab Cake Sandwich: $11 00 (fried or uncooked) By the lb: Chicken Salad $14 00; Sliced Country Ham $14 00

Soup: Bean & Cntry Ham, Chicken Corn, Vegetable, bowl $5 00/ qrt $9 00, Maryland Crab bowl $7 00/ qrt $11

Bake table and goodies available! Carroll Manor Fire Co.

Pick-up at: 2793 Adams St, Adamstown, MD

WEEKLY BINGO

Every Friday Night Doors open @ 5 p.m., Bingo starts @ 7 p m Bonanza, Early Bird, Regular, Specials, Jackpot! Small Jackpot-$500 Big Jackpot-$1500 Great Food!

Thurmont Event Complex 13716 Strafford Drive Thurmont, Maryland Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, Inc.

Wanted to Buy

PAYING CASH FOR VINTAGE WHISKEY

Bourbon, Rye, Scotch ONLY FULL & SEALED Collections from estates, liquor stores, etc Call/Text Matt @ 2174405752

WE PURCHASE ESTATES

Large or small House calls made seven days a week Buying furniture, art, glassware, pottery, decorative arts, jewelry, gold, silver, coins, etc Vintage preferred Call Tom, anytime, day or night. All calls returned 301-654-8678

FRENCH BULLDOG

purebred,health cert shots, $800, 240-6511714, hoovergina9@gmail com

ACA YELLOW LAB PUPPIES

gentle w/children, friendly, cute, and lovable, very-well fed, farm-raised, vaccinated & vetchecked, $800, ready now, Franklin Cty, PA, 717-368-7484

GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES

Ready now! Shots, wormed, vet checked 3 year health guarantee Parents on premises $1250 plus 240-620-2013 • www victoriaspups com

Services Services

Thursday April 9

CLASSES

Living Healthy, Living Well With Chronic Conditions Virtual Workshops — 9:30 a.m. to noon. A series of sessions for adults of all ages who have ongoing health problems, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, depression, cancer, or heart disease, or who live with someone who does. The Division of Aging & Disabilities offers this program virtually at no cost to those 60 years of age and older, with a small fee for those aged 59 and younger. Register at online. carrollcountymd.gov/livinghealthy.

Car Buying, Decoded: Basics to Advanced Tactics — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Howard County Office of Consumer Protection, Howard County. This webinar will teach you how to buy or lease a new or used car or truck for a fair price. Learn to spot and avoid dealer traps and tricks that enrich them but cost you thousands. We’ll cover common car buying and financing mistakes, too, empowering you to drive a better deal. Prices and monthly payments are up but we can help you approach car buying with confidence. Registrants will receive valuable car buying and negotiating advice. Register online. 410-313-6420. consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

tinyurl.com/CarBuyingDecoded.

ETCETERA

2026 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Take a deep dive into various topics that have defined Frederick’s history, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and our County’s role in the Revolution. Featuring brand new exhibits: “Cultivating

Independence: Frederick in the Revolution,” “Witnessing Revolution,” “All Saints Street: Avenue to the History of Frederick and Its African American Community,” “Growing Gold: A History of Frederick’s Goldfish Industry,” and returning favorites: “Etchison Connections,” “Timeless Toys,” “24 E. Church Street,” “Decorative Arts. See our all new and renovated exhibits, March 7 through Dec. 12!

$10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Duplicate Bridge Pairs Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration Memorial Hall, 6909 Maryland Ave., Braddock Heights. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club’s ACBL sanctioned duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts. All are welcome. We host Pairs Games ($8) weekly on Monday (299 Limit and Open) and Thursday (Open). If you need a partner or want to brush up your skills, contact Membership Chair, Maria, at frederick@bridgewebsemail.com or check out our website.

$8. frederick@bridgewebsemail.com. www.bridgewebs.com/frederick/home. html.

History: Shaken & Stirred — Untold Stories of Roads in Carroll County — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Covalent Spirits, 118 E. Main St., Westminster. Five speakers telling three 5-minute, untold, local history stories shared with the crowd in a fun, relaxed setting. A special history-themed drink will be developed by owners Jenn and Drew. Light refreshments. No reservations required. 410-848-5500. covalentspirits.com.

Writing Workshop — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung

St., Frederick. Dive into creative writing with this workshop led by Author Niki Gjoni. All materials provided while supplies last. (Additional workshops April 9 — “The Missing Post Office” and on May 14 — “Say That Again.”) For grades 6-12.  301-600-7000. fcpl.org.

Frederick Filmmaker Meet Up — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Vanish, 1009 W Patrick St., Frederick. Monthly networking group meeting on the second Thursday of each month at locations in the Frederick area. Join the community to chat about your current and upcoming projects, scout talent for your team, and enjoy food and drink available for purchase from Vanish. Enter through 1065 W. Patrick St. fallingsquares@gmail.com.

FAMILY

Family Fun: R.E.A.D. with WAGS for Hope — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Practice your reading skills with patient and adorable Reading Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) from WAGS for Hope! For children grade K-5. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

FESTIVALS

Senior Cafe: The place to come for coffee, conversation, friendship and fun events! Technology help returns with Connect U, LLC! — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 South Glade Road, Walkersville. Connect U, LLC is back, this time with student helpers. Simplifying tech and empowering you. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

FILM

Classic Film Series: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001, PG-13) — 7:30 p.m. to at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join us for an epic return to Middle-earth with Peter Jackson’s “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the beloved first chapter in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Journey alongside Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn and the Fellowship as they begin their quest to destroy the One Ring and thwart the dark power of Sauron. Don’t miss this rare bigscreen showing of a modern fantasy classic! RSVP required.

301-600-2868. dyoung@cityoffrederickmd. gov.

weinbergcenter.org/shows/the-lord-ofthe-rings-the-fellowship-of-the-ring-2001movie.

RECREATION

Bicycling with the Senior Recreation Council — 9 a.m. to at Location to be announced, . Requires $10 annual dues — see website. Meeting locations vary, depending on ride location — contact coordinator. Rides scheduled March through November, every other Thursday, beginning March 28 (weather permitting).

301-606-0064. myjamis1@gmail.com. srcfrederick.org.

Open Duckpin Bowling — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Walkersville Lanes, 44 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Hosted by Senior Recreation Council. Not league bowling. Requires $10 annual dues. Cost is weekly cost of bowling. See website and contact coordinator. 240-651-1865. g.blessing@ieee.org. srcfrederick.org.

THEATER

“The Crucible” — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A group of teenage girls creates mass hysteria as they accuse fellow villagers of witchcraft in the rigid Puritan society of Salem, Mass., in 1692. The accused face the choice of maintaining their ideals or conforming in order to survive in this play about the dangers of unchecked fear, the fragility of justice, and the consequences of history.

$15-$36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-crucible/.

Friday April 10

ETCETERA

Mason Dixon Flea Market Grand Opening — 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mason Dixon Flea Market, 12876 Molly Pitcher Highway, Greencastle, Pa. Lots of vendors with antiques, collectibles, vintage, modern items, crafts, artisans, wood workers, produce, jewelry, tip jars with license to sell, flowers, yard items, laundry soap and so much more!! Food trucks, snack vendors, ice cream, dirty sodas, large restrooms, golf carts to help you back to your car, LIVE Whatnot auctions on the grounds!!! Baked goods! Door prizes!

717-765-1311. tonyaschroyer@yahoo.com.

Fellowship Fridays — 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Fridays through Dec. 25. A free hot breakfast each Friday which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, breads, muffins, fruit, juices, and Black Rifle Coffee Company coffee. Breakfast is open to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and their families. Breakfast is followed by a non-denominational Bible study at 10:30 a.m. Attendance is not required to enjoy a warm breakfast with others who have served. info@veteranservicescenter.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events/.

2026 SASS Business Retreat: The Intentional Entrepreneur — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ThorpeWood, 12805A Mink Farm Road, Thurmont. A 1-Day immersive experience for women entrepreneurs. Running a business can pull you straight into the to-do list and away from you. This retreat is designed to help you step back, reconnect and lead your business with clarity and confidence — alongside a supportive community of women who get it. This is not performative networking. It’s a high-connection, high-impact day created specifically for the Sass community. Details and registration online. 21 and older.

$199-$249. 301-992-1594. shaylynn@ sassmagazine.com. sassmagazine.com/retreat.

2026 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Take a deep dive into various topics that have defined Frederick’s history, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and our County’s role in the Revolution. Featuring brand new exhibits: “Cultivating

Independence: Frederick in the Revolution,” “Witnessing Revolution,” “All Saints Street: Avenue to the History of Frederick and Its African American Community,”

“Growing Gold: A History of Frederick’s Goldfish Industry,” and returning favorites: “Etchison Connections,” “Timeless Toys,” “24 E. Church Street,” “Decorative Arts. See our all new and renovated exhibits, March 7 through Dec. 12!

$10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Brunswick Main Street Farmers Market — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Square Corner Park, Potomac Street and Maple Avenue, Brunswick. Visitors can expect a wide variety of offerings throughout the Spring, including fresh produce, baked goods, eggs, prepared foods, and handcrafted items from local farmers and artisans. Each market will also feature a different food truck, and live musician. bmsfarmersmarket.com.

Guys in Thin Ties ‘80s Anniversary Bash — 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. Celebrate Guys In Thin Ties 11-year anniversary! That’s right GITT fans, they’re coming back to Rockwell to rock you all night long! For some of the best ‘80s music in the area, you gotta GITT to Rockwell and GITT Your ‘80s on! 21 and older. $10. 240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery. com. tinyurl.com/m5x5r9n3.

FAMILY

2026 Touch a Truck — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Othello Regional Park, 1901A Jefferson Pike, Knoxville. Visit beautiful Othello Regional Park to “touch” a variety of trucks and vehicles. Learn all about each vehicle and snap photos next to (or inside!) them. This event is rain or shine and appropriate for all ages. Parking is limited — please plan to carpool. -(Please no early birds!) There will be food trucks at the event with food available for purchase. Enjoy lunch at the park! 301-600-7250. fcpl.org.

Mario Party Party (Ages 9-13) — 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join us for Mario Party themed party. Play Mario Party, make crafts, and try out real life Mario Party mini-games. No experience necessary! For grades 4-8.  301-600-7000. fcpl.org.

Frozen: The Musical — 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 05 Willowtree Plaza #A1, Frederick. Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As winter descends, Anna sets off on a journey to find Elsa and bring her home, with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. $75. 301-662-6600. boxoffice@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

Fridays at the Fountain — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Monocacy Brewing Co., 1719 N. Market St., Frederick. Family-friendly brewery, where families are welcome to relax in the outdoor Beer Garden surrounded by a fountain (and fenced in), featuring free live bands and singers each week, and as always — beer. Grab a seat, and enjoy the night under the stars in the shade. Leashed dogs welcome. The Alley Wagon food truck will be serving up the eats. 240-457-4232. monocacybrewing.com.

Movie Night in the Park — 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at Snook Family Farm, Utica District Park, 10273 Old Frederick Terrace, Frederick. Join Frederick County Parks and Rec under the stars for a series of free, family-friendly movie nights celebrating community, inclusion and awareness. Bring your chairs or blankets, pack your favorite snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors! Gates open 15 minutes before showtime. April 10’s movie features the movie, “Life” (PG), a powerful documentary about a young man with autism who uses Disney movies to connect with the world. Additional movie nights are scheduled for May 8 and July 24. Bathrooms are onsite.

FILM

2026 Bethesda Film Fest — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. Also 7-10 p.m. April 11. Five short documentary films have been selected by the esteemed panel of judges. All films are shown at both screenings and are followed by a discussion with the filmmakers. See website for details.

$15. 301-215-6660. sparker@bethesda.org. www.bethesda.org/bethesda-film-fest/.

HEALTH

Exercise: Senior Recreation Council — 8:55 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. at Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick. Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Requires $10 annual dues. See website and contact coordinator.

$2. 301-906-1296. sallywselby@gmail.com. srcfrederick.org.

MUSIC

Collective Soul — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. Hailing from Atlanta, Ga., Collective Soul celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2024 with the release of their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed 12th studio album, “Here to Eternity.” Ticket info online. 21 and older.

hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com.

THEATER

“The Crucible” — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A group of teenage girls creates mass hysteria as they accuse fellow villagers of witchcraft in the rigid Puritan society of Salem, Mass., in 1692. The accused face the choice of maintaining their ideals or conforming in order to survive in this play about the dangers of unchecked fear,

the fragility of justice, and the consequences of history.

$15-$36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org.

marylandensemble.org/the-crucible/.

Key City Improv at MET Comedy Night — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Key City was formed from our Ensemble School during the Holidays of 2021 where the best presents were Friendship, Improv and the Nintendo Switch. This group specializes in short form improv and is ready to bring you all the laughs.

$15. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org.

ci.ovationtix.com/35900/production/1250431.

Saturday April 11

CLASSES

CPR Basic Life Support (for Healthcare Providers) — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Frederick Community College, The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Training healthcare professionals to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, deliver high-quality chest compressions and appropriate ventilations, and provide early AED use in an emergency situation. Participate in simulated clinical scenarios and learning stations, work with an AHA BLS instructor to complete BLS skills practice and skills testing and complete a written exam. Instruction fulfills allied health/ healthcare clinical or externship course CPR requirement. Pre-register. $85. 240-629-7907. HealthcareCareers@ frederick.edu.

Maryland Living Landscape — 10 a.m. to noon at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Every Marylander lives within a watershed and has a role to play in caring for the land, water, air, wildlife, and each other. Every action we take, every small positive change we make to improve water quality, soil health, and habitat counts in a big way. Learn what you can do in your own yard. 301-600-1596. arembold@umd.edu. tinyurl.com/MG26MDLivingLandscape.

Freedom Bang Class — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. A pre-choreographed fusion of boxing, HIIT, hip hop, world dance, optional weighted gloves and just a touch of attitude. Offering a wide range of intensity options to help you customize your workout. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

Stop the Scam! Scam and Fraud Awareness — 11 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Don’t be fooled! Scam-proof yourself and your loved ones. Join Long Term Care Ombudsman Jayme Duva to learn about the top 10 scams targeting older adults. Learn how to protect yourself and family members about detecting and preventing fraud. You will also find out who to contact if a scam has occurred and leave with resources to keep on hand or share. Age 18 and older. 301-600-6329. TStevens@ FrederickCountyMD.gov. fcpl.org.

Secrets of a Travel Advisor — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join Noelle, from Antietam Travel, as she leads a discussion on travel to locations near and far. She will explain styles of travel as well as when to book on your own versus when to use a travel advisor. Get travel tips and answers to your questions as you prepare for your next destination. 18 and older. 301-600-6329.

TStevens@FrederickCountyMD.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Rhythm of Belonging: Song Circle — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sol Yoga Earth Room, 256 West Patrick St., Frederick. Join Amanda Lucia in song and heart coherence, where music becomes a bridge for belonging. Together, we’ll explore medicine songs for Earth and collective liberation, guiding us into deeper connection with ourselves and one another. Through vocal toning, call-and-response and improv layering, our voices will weave into a living, breathing tapestry.

$20-$40. amandaluciaart@gmail.com. linktr.ee/amandaluciaart.

ETCETERA

Century Farm House Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Century Farm House Tour, 5435 Bethel Road, Woodbine . A fundraiser for the Mount Airy Historical Society. Requested donation at the door: $10 person, $15 couple, $20/family. 240-344-6690. lintond@aol.com. historicalsocietyofmountairymd.org.

Open House at Train Station / Museum — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Train station, 6 Creagerstown Rd., Woodsboro. Learn about Woodsboro’s interesting past. View artifacts and photographs in our restored train station. Have fun interactions with local experts. 301-520-7154. rickbontz@yahoo.com. woodsborohistoricalsociety.org.

Urbana High School Band Boosters Community Shredding Event — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Urbana High School Auditorium Parking Lot, 3471 Campus Drive, Ijamsville. Protect your identity and the environment! Bring your sensitive documents to our community shredding event for secure, onsite destruction while you watch! What can be shred? Bank statements, tax documents, medical records, old bills and receipts, confidential paperwork, electronic files, CDs, & thumb drives. Donations to the UHS Band Boosters of $10/box is kindly suggested. urbanahsband@gmail.com.

Frederick Apple Core — 10 a.m. to noon at Walkersville United Methodist Church, 22 Main St., Walkersville. A Macintosh User Group, meets the second Saturday of each month. Follow Apple Logo signs. Users of Apple and similar products (MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Pro, iPhone, iPod, iPad, iWatch, etc.) are invited to attend. All ages. bobesposito@mac.com. frederickapple.org.

Visit the National Road Museum and Trolley Station Museum — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National Road Museum, 214 N. Main St., Boonsboro. Explore the history

both the Historic National Road and the trolleys of central Maryland through this two-museum experience in Boonsboro! Donations appreciated. 240-769-0898. Director@NationalRdFoundation.org. nationalrdfoundation.org.

Civil War Walking Tour — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. 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. Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St. Reservations required. $5 to $12. 410-707-1105. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. www.cognitoforms.com/HeritageFrederick1/WalkingTourTicketReservation.

Hands-On Day at House in the Woods — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Common Market, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Visit House in the Woods Farm and get your hands in the dirt! We will start with a brief tour and get you busy with a farm task. Try your hand at planting or just come and observe how we grow our organic produce. The best way to appreciate how food is grown is to try it yourself!!! 301-663-3416. arobinson@ commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ hands-on-day-at-house-in-the-woods-farm.

UUCF Open Mic/Coffee House — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Showcase your talent in a

welcoming venue! Musicians, singers, storytellers and poets are all welcome! BYOB. Donations accepted but not required. 301-252-4960. carrollg007@gmail.com. www.frederickuu.org.

Brickyard Road — Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute LIVE on Stage — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. A night of kick butt, rockin’ good music! Doors open early, music at 7:30 p.m. Voted Frederick’s BEST LOCAL BAND! Down home southern rock at its best. 100% of ticket sales goes to the band! Your attendance supports live, local music! Beer, wine and food available for purchase. 240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery.com.

Adult Egg Hunt — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Catoctin Creek Nature Center, 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown. Bring a bag and a headlamp and test your egg hunting skills in the dark on the trails of Catoctin Creek Park. Eggs will contain a ticket for your chance to win prizes from local businesses. Must be 18 or older. $19.

FAMILY

St. Joseph 5K & Fun Run — 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor, 5843 Manor Woods Road, Frederick. Register online. The majority of the proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Historic Church; a portion will be donated back to the St. Joseph Food Pantry, which supports members of the community throughout the year. Register online or in-person. $45. 610730-2499. ksb1984@comcast.net. runsignup.com.

Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ ®

(Continued from13)

Crybaby Café & Toy Library, 7 W. Main St., Middletown

Free for moms, $5/child

This Sunday, moms and their kids can enjoy a play date at the new Crybaby Café & Toy Library in Middletown. Meet local friends, swap motherhood stories, and check out the new spot Free for moms to meet up, and $5 per kid if you bring your child to play during your afternoon.

•••

Flying Cows Game

3 to 5:30 p.m. April 12

Woodsboro Bank Arena, 601 Blazer Trail, Frederick

$18/general admission, $10/child

Beloved mascot, Milkshake, is celebrating its birthday this Sunday at the Flying Cows Game! Plus, it’salso Autism Acceptance Day, so cheer on Frederick’s professional basketball team with a fun, inclusive night out featuring spe-

cial mascot guests, slam dunks, and a welcoming environment for fans of all abilities. Concessions available for purchase and free parking. Get your tickets to cheer on the Flying Cows at goflyingcows.com.

•••

Parents Night Out

5 to 8 p.m. April 12

Jump Climb Extreme, 4613 Wedgewood Blvd., Unit D, Frederick

$50/child, $40/siblings

Drop your kids off at JCX for 3 hours of fun on its ninja warrior course, while parents step out and enjoy an evening out. Kids ages 5 and up can jump, wipeout, play games, and expel some energy! Cost includes pizza dinner. Sign your kids up at jumpclimbextreme.com.

Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifth-generation native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. To see more local family friendly things to do, follow her on Instagram @thefrederickmom.

Mommy and Me: Spring Fun on the Farm

— 10 a.m. to noon at Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, 6521 Holter Road, Middletown. Kids will enjoy pony brushing and rides, snuggling baby piglets and bunnies, feeding goats, cows and chickens, gathering fresh eggs, painting a keepsake flower pot and planting seeds at this event. Limited availability. Get your advanced tickets online at jumbos.org. Rain date: April 18. $29 child (includes 1 adult). 301-371-6874. jumbos.org.

Healthy Kids Day — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Natelli Family YMCA, 3481 Campus Drive, Ijamsville. Free activities include family fitness classes, obstacle courses, games, activities, cooking demos, smoothie making via pedal-powered bike, robotics demos, facepainting, healthy snacks, giveaways, vendors with info about all-things kids, and more!

301-663-5131. frederickymca.org.

Frederick County Fire Rescue Museum

Opening — noon to 4 p.m. at Frederick County Fire Rescue Museum, 300B S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Also open April 12. Frederick County firefighting history artifacts and antique apparatus. Includes 1848 hand fire engine, 1919 Ahrens Fox fire engine, 1893 Independent Hose Company hose carriage “Romeo,” fire company militia information, picture and display of “Junior Defender” with information of John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry. Many more historic fire department  displays. Will be open most weekends through September, noon to 4 p.m. 301-600-9643. frederickmdfiremuseum.org.

Kids Yoga — noon to 12:45 p.m. at Stone Silo Brewery, 28800 Kemptown Road, Damascus. Daisy Days Yoga is hosting this sweet Kids Yoga event for children ages 4 to 9! Kids will learn yoga poses, breathing techniques to calming music, and kid-friendly meditation. Let your little ones stretch, dance, and relax while you enjoy a cold drink in peace. It’ll be a fun, safe, and playful environment for kids to unwind! Email daisydaysyoga@gmail.com to reserve your spot. Other sessions are offered on May 16 and June 6.

$12 child, $10 per sibling. 301-256-3118. stonesilobrewery.com.

Spring Festival — noon to 3 p.m. at Westview Promenade Shopping Center, Buckeystown Pike and Crestwood Boulevard, Frederick. Balloonists, craft stations, selfie stations, games, face painting and more! All for free!

Explore Frederick’s Oldest House — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Travel back to colonial Frederick. Built in 1758 by German settlers, this sturdy stone farmhouse offers a glimpse of early American life before the American Revolution. Walk through thick-walled but spacious rooms, hear stories of early immigrants, and see how a Frederick County farm family lived more than two and a half centuries ago.

$8 over age 15. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

FESTIVALS

Teen Driver Event — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company Carnival Grounds, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy. Does your teenager know how to change a flat tire or check the oil in their vehicle? Do they understand the type of vehicle insurance coverage they have? If a police officer pulled them over, would they know what to do? To provide a one-stop shop of information, Kathy Schultze (State Farm) and The Town of Mount Airy are partnering together to host this free event for teens. Food trucks, DJ. www.mountairymd.gov.

MUSIC

John Williams: Music from the Movies — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. His music has taken us on thrilling adventures, from the vastness of space to the depths of the ocean, and through timeless stories that continue to inspire generations. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the cinematic genius of John Williams, the maestro behind some of the most iconic film scores in history, including themes from “Superman,” “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “Indiana Jones” and more. $60. 301-797-4000. nlushbaugh@ marylandsymphony.org.

Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St ., Chambersburg, Pa. The quintessential tribute band to Sir Elton John. Formed in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in 2019, the band has performed hundreds of shows at theaters, festivals, and concert series across the U.S. Doug Delescavage is Elton John as he was in his 20s. Group rates available. 18 and older.

$39 adults, $34 seniors; $30 military and first responders, $29 ages 18 and under. 717-263-0202. vperry@thecapitoltheatre. org.

www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

Stages at New Spire Arts: Buffalo Rome:

The Music of Laurel Canyon — 7:30 p.m. to at New Spire Art Stages, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Matinee show at 2 p.m. Nicknamed “the Crosby, Stills, and Nashville of the digital age,” Buffalo Rome blends the earthy feel reminiscent of the 1970s West Coast country rock scene with today’s modern country, bringing a vinyl vibe to the digital age. In “The Music of Laurel Canyon,” Buffalo Rome celebrates one of the most sacred musical places of the ’60s and early ’70s.

$35. 301-600-2868. dyoung@cityoffrederickmd.gov.

weinbergcenter.org/shows/buffalo-romethe-music-of-laurel-canyon/.

Marty Ehrlich + Maryland Saxtet Plays The Music of Julius Hemphill — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hodson Auditorium/Rosenstock Hall @ Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. This is the first of Frederick Experimental Music Association’s two-concert series, “Steppin’: The Music of Julius Hemphill,” the first major retrospective of the groundbreaking composer’s music in the more than 30 years since his death. $20. admin@pointofdeparture.org. www.pointofdeparture.org/FEMA.html.

Tiffany Mahaney

The author’s daughter, Lane Mahaney, at last year’s Healthy Kids Day.

OUTDOORS

Ladies Fall Fun Day sponsored by Outdoor Women’s Life — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bridgeport Farm, 11651 Bridgeport Road, Taneytown. Bring a young lady (age 14 – 17) to participate at no cost (must be accompanied by an adult lady, $35). Hands-on participation a variety of classes including archery, firearms, outdoor cooking and tomahawk/knife throwing. Equipment provided. Pre-registration by April 4 is required. $35. 443-340-5651. melodys@ verizon.net. www.owlife.org.

PERFORMER

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: The Family Reunion Tour — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va.

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes is one of the most successful stand-up comedians today with six comedy specials streaming on various platforms and selling out theaters across the world. Her most recent special, “Say I Won’t,” debuted on YouTube in May 2023 with over 7.1M views and counting. Ticket info online. 21 and older. www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/ entertainment.

POLITICS

Meet the MOMS from Frederick MOMS Demand Action — 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at C.Burr Artz Public Library - CBA Room in Children’s Area, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of more than 11 million Americans — women and men — from across the country working for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence.  grumpygourmet@gmail.com. momsdemandaction.org.

RECREATION

USMH: The Big Dill Pickleball Tournament — at Dill Dinkers , 967 Sweeney Drive, Hagerstown. Join us for the inaugural USMH The Big Dill Pickleball Tournament, a fun and competitive two-day event benefiting student scholarships at the University of Maryland at Hagerstown. This tournament welcomes players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors.  $50. 240-527-2712. keichelberger@hagerstown.usmd.edu. pickleballtournaments. com.

THEATER

“The Crucible” — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A group of teenage girls creates mass hysteria as they accuse fellow villagers of witchcraft in the rigid Puritan society of Salem, Mass., in 1692. The accused face the choice of maintaining their ideals or conforming in order to survive in this play about the dangers of unchecked fear, the fragility of justice, and the consequences of history. $15-$36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-crucible.

Sunday April 12

Taneytown History Museum’s New Exhibit — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Taneytown History Museum, 340 E Baltimore Street, Taneytown. WE THE PEOPLE TANEYTOWN 250+ 1754-2026 exhibit opens at Taneytown History Museum 340 East Baltimore Street, Taneytown Sunday, April 12th, 1 -4 pm. Play the new scavenger hunt, win prizes. Parking in back of museum. ADA compliant with handicap ramp on side of building to the front entrance. Family friendly. Gift Shop. 3016398620. ehoover44@verizon.net. taneytownhh.org.

CLASSES

Green Burials — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Morris Orchard Natural Burial Site, 9489 Pear Lane, Frederick. Are you curious about Home Funeral and Green Burial practices/options in Maryland? Join Michael Judd as he invites you to consider choices for end-of-life care, home funeral, home burial, and green burial practices. Michael will share information, resources and personal experiences as he honors the wise traditions of natural burial and the relevance of these choices for us today. Talk and tour at the Morris Orchard, Frederick county’s first natural burial site which is centered in a chestnut orchard, so there will be an open fire and roasted chestnuts!

$10. 301-663-3416. arobinson@commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ green-burials-with-michael-judd-2.

ETCETERA

One Vast Hospital: Downtown Frederick Walking Tour — noon to 1 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Downtown Frederick history is hidden around every corner. Explore downtown Frederick’s storied past with signature walking tours from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Every Saturday and Sunday from April through September, walking tours of Frederick’s hospital sites will be available at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and noon on Sundays. Walking tours last for an hour to an hour and a half. $15. 301-695-1864. melissa.winn@civilwarmed.org. civilwarmed.org/walking.

Brunswick Arts Council Program: Fix-it Fair — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. The Brunswick Arts Council and community members will provide tools and expertise to help you fix broken household items or torn clothing. Don’t toss it, fix it! Bring one or two household items in need of minor repairs and prepare to get your hands dirty. Space and tools will be provided and expert volunteers will be on-hand to help you clean, diagnose, repair, and customize lamps, bikes, jeans, air fryers, socks, and everything in between! Children need an adult guardian. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/brunswick-arts-council-class-176159.

Volunteer Fair — 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Teens, families, adults and seniors: Learn about amazing volunteer opportunities available in Frederick County including Friends of Walkersville Library, Glade Valley Community Services, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Stream Link Education, United Way, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and more! 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

FAMILY

Mom Meetup — 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Crybaby Cafe & Toy Library, 7 W. Main St., Middletown. Meet local friends, swap motherhood stories, and check out the new spot. Free for moms to meet up, and $5 per kid if you bring your child to play during your afternoon.

$5 per child, free for mom. crybabycafefrederick.com.

Explore Frederick’s Oldest House — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Travel back to colonial Frederick. Built in 1758 by German settlers, this sturdy stone farmhouse offers a glimpse of early American life before the American Revolution. Walk through thick-walled but spacious rooms, hear stories of early immigrants, and see how a Frederick County farm family lived more than two and a half centuries ago.

$8 over age 15. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com.

fredericklandmarks.org.

Flying Cows Game — 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Woodsboro Bank Arena at Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick.

Beloved mascot, Milkshake, is celebrating its birthday this Sunday at the Flying Cows game! Plus, it’s also Autism Acceptance Day, so cheer on Frederick’s professional basketball team with a fun, inclusive night out featuring special mascot guests, slam dunks, and a welcoming environment for fans of all abilities. Concessions available for purchase and free parking. $18 general, $10 child. goflyingcows.com.

Parents Night Out — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jump Climb Extreme, 4613 Wedgewood Blvd., Unit D, Frederick. Drop your kids off at JCX for 3 hours of fun on its ninja warrior course, while parents step out and enjoy an evening out. Kids ages 5 and up can jump, wipeout, play games, and expel some energy! Cost includes pizza dinner. Sign your kids up at jumpclimbextreme.com.

$50 child, $40 per sibling. FILM

Silent Film Series: “Chicago” (1927) — 3 p.m. to at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A jazz-loving wife kills her boyfriend after he deserts her. Experience the glam, grit, and dark wit of the Roaring Twenties in “Chicago,” a silent-era film that laid the groundwork for the hit Broadway musical and Oscar-winning remake. With live Wurlitzer organ accompaniment and a restored 35mm print, this screening offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the original noir-tinged story that first introduced audiences to Roxie Hart and her scandalous tale of love, murder and media frenzy.

$15. 301-600-2868. dyoung@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/chicago-1927/.

HEALTH

Grief Share — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mount Airy Presbyterian Church, 17455 Old Frederick Road, Mount Airy. A Grief Share support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. 301-829-5223. mtairypca@gmail.com. www.mtairypca.org/griefshare.

MUSIC

Music of the Regiment — 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Evangelical Reformed UCC, 15 W. Church St., Frederick. A musical ensemble that performs music from the past as closely as possible for the present, including on period-appropriate instruments. They have a focus on the classical and military music traditions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. New for the Semiquincentennial year, their program “Equal to any Band in this Country…” combines dramatic readings with the marches and opera arrangements that formed the soundtrack of American, French, and British forces serving during the American Revolution. 301-447-6067.

Calvary UMC 2025-2026 Community Concert Series: Duo Arpeggione — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. Second St., Frederick. “Simplicity and Turbulence.” Catherine Lan,

pianist, and Claudio Jaffé, celiist. Critically acclaimed concert artists, chamber musicians and soloists, Duo Arpeggione has performed throughout the world and in notable venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. They will perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Grieg and Foote, and will bring these musical compositions to life with virtuosity, passion, humor, and sensitivity in a program you don’t want to miss. 3016621464. jsummers@calvaryumc.org. www.CalvaryUMC.org/concerts.

RECREATION

USMH: The Big Dill Pickleball Tournament — at Dill Dinkers , 967 Sweeney Drive, Hagerstown. Join us for the inaugural USMH The Big Dill Pickleball Tournament, a fun and competitive two-day event benefiting student scholarships at the University of Maryland at Hagerstown. This tournament welcomes players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors.  $50. 240-527-2712. keichelberger@hagerstown.usmd.edu. www.pickleballtournaments.com.

THEATER

“The Crucible” — 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A group of teenage girls creates mass hysteria as they accuse fellow villagers of witchcraft in the rigid Puritan society of Salem, Mass., in 1692. The accused face the choice of maintaining their ideals or conforming in order to survive in this play about the dangers of unchecked fear, the fragility of justice, and the consequences of history. $15-$36. 301-694-4744. contact@ marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-crucible.

Monday April 13

CLASSES

Muscle Recovery / Yoga — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Center Frederick, 28 E. Sixth St., Frederick. A slow flow gentle practice to assist with muscle recovery while also engaging the parasympathetic nervous system with breath control, body scans, and ending with an extended savasana that includes the rejuvenating practice of yoga nidra (yogic sleep) on heated floors. All levels welcome, 18 and older. First responders: $10. Pre-registration is recommended. $20. 301-305-0693. parkerpsyd@gmail.com. www.thecenterfrederick.com.

Sol Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join us for this free class offered by Sol Yoga. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

African American Genealogy: An Introduction — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join Christine Iko from Enoch Pratt Free Library to learn how to begin researching your African American ancestry and start building your family tree. For teens and older. 301-600-7000.

ETCETERA

Men’s Group — Hosted by Frederick 50+ Community Center — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Wegmans, 7830 Wormans Mill Road, Frederick. Join the guys for a coffee and lively conversation. Participants may purchase food and drinks from Wegmans. 301-600-3525. virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov. frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50-Community-Centers.

Rise N’ Rally — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Start Mondays off strong with coffee and breakfast; sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee Co. — Fueling Active Duty, Veterans, LEOs, & First Responders. “Grab & Go” or stay and hang out with other Military, LEOs, & First Responders. katie@reforgeunited.org. www.reforgeunited.org/vsc.

Emmitsburg Senior Center — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Make a library card! Check out books! Grab limited edition library swag! For seniors. 301-600-6329. TStevens@FrederickCountyMD.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Duplicate Bridge Pairs Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration Memorial Hall, 6909 Maryland Ave., Braddock Heights. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club’s ACBL sanctioned duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts. All are welcome. We host Pairs Games ($8) weekly on Monday (299 Limit and Open) and Thursday (Open). If you need a partner or want to brush up your skills, contact Membership Chair, Maria, at frederick@bridgewebsemail.com or check out our website. $8. frederick@bridgewebsemail.com. bridgewebs.com/frederick/ home.html.

Mondays in Mount Airy — 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Railyard, 3 N. Main St. , Mount Airy. A weekly food truck event designed to support locally owned and operated food trucks as well as the businesses along Downtown Main Street. Continues Mondays through Sept. 28. Variety of food trucks participating. 301-807-4446. www.mountairymd.gov.

City of Frederick’s HPC Hosts 7th Annual Digging Local Event — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Digging Local offers exclusive public access to local archeological investigations, with this year’s event highlighting research at the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center site, formerly home to the historic Birely Tannery, as well as the work of the Archaeological Conservancy. Light refreshments by Plamondon Hospitality Partners. 301600-6242.

FAMILY

Family Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Enjoy music, stories, and more! Designed for ages up to 5 with a caregiver. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org.

Little Adventurers — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Children learn and explore through hands-on activities using science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts at the library. Caregivers are encouraged to connect with children and participate in the activities!

301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

PERFORMER

See What Sticks — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at ESP Theatre, 16 E Patrick St., Suite 200, Frederick. Falling Squares and Endangered Species Theatre Project team up to bring you a performance workshop with an open stage that gives YOU the spotlight to showcase your talent! Whether it’s music, comedy, dance, poetry or anything you would want to perform for an audience… the stage is yours! Come share your talents every second Monday of the month. This is a pay-what-you-can event and absolutely no pressure at all to perform. fallingsquares@gmail.com.

Tuesday April 14

CLASSES

Medicare Workshop — 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veteran Services Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Pre-registration is required! Call 301-600-6350 to register. Lunch is included. Morning session: Navigating the Medicare maze-enrollment, parts of Medicare, timing, costs, coverage. Afternoon session: Medigap/ Supplemental Insurance vs. Medicare Advantages — The differences, timing, coverage, pros and cons. 301-600-1234. DAI@frederickcountymd. gov. frederickcountymd.gov/SHIP.

Your Legacy, Your Way — 11 a.m. to noon at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Estate planning is often put off, but creating a clear, thoughtful plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future and the people you love. Planning now provides peace of mind and security for generations to come.

301-682-7433. picfred@partnersincare.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events/.

Club Crochet (Ages 9-18) — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Get crocheting with the skilled ladies of the Woodlands! Whether you are a practiced hand or it’s your first time holding a hook, join us for community and skill-sharing. You can also try our alternative fiber art craft. All materials provided, while supplies last. For grades 4-12. 301-600-7000.

ETCETERA

Wander & Explore Travel Pop Up — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Join us for an inspiring evening of travel discovery — a relaxed pop-up style event designed to spark ideas for your next unforgettable journey. Meet representatives from some of the world’s most sought-after travel com-

panies. Explore extraordinary destinations, ask questions, and gather expert insights to help plan your next adventure. 301-662-8080. info.frederick@worldtravelservice.com. antietamtravel.com/travel-info-session/.

FAMILY

Art Adventures — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Calling all aspiring artists! Learn about the history of art, famous artists and the seven elements of art through fun activities and projects. Age Group: Elementary.  301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Bear Cubs at Dancing Bear — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Bear Cubs will run from January 20-October 27! Enjoy a morning of engaging activities and wonder at Dancing Bear Toys and Games at 11 am each Tuesday with new adventures each week! Activities include story times, interactive songs, and more.This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Intended for children under the age of two. 301-631-9300. info@dbeartoys.com. dbeartoys.com/events.

POLITICS

Affordable Housing Council Meeting — 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Frederick County Association of Realtors, 490 Monocacy Blvd., Frederick. The public is invited to this monthly meeting. The Council advocates for the preservation and expansion of equitable, accessible and affordable housing opportunities in Fredrick County. It provides a forum to freely discuss affordable housing issues arising in Frederick County and informs, educates and advocates on its behalf. 21 and older. 301-606-3012. gabennett01@comcast.net. www.frederickcountymd.gov/6371/Affordable-Housing-Council.

The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection presents Tenant Tuesdays — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at County Administration, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia. In recognition of Fair Housing Month, this special webinar series will highlight essential information for Howard County tenants — covering renters’ rights and obligations, rental assistance programs, protections against housing discrimination, and more. Every Tuesday in April at 6 p.m. Register online. 410-313-6420. consumer@howardcountymd.gov.

RECREATION

Frederick Keys vs. Hudson Valley — 7 p.m. to at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick. 2026 Opening night home game. After-game fireworks. General admission, reserved seating and field seating tickets. See website for ticket prices. mlb.com/frederick/schedule/2026.

Wednesday April 15

CLASSES

Free Gentle Yoga at the Co-op — 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Common Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. This class is the perfect intro for a new student or an experienced yogi that is wanting to fill their cup with an accessible and supportive yoga practice. There will be plenty of modifications offered to meet various levels so that ALL can enjoy the benefits of yoga. The practice will include low impact movement, seated postures and plenty of stretching. Students will become comfortable using props like blocks, straps and even the occasional chair. These classes allow the student to leave with lots of tools to support a yoga practice in any class setting as well as a home practice. Classes are donation based. 301-663-3416. arobinson@commonmarket. coop.

CPR Basic Life Support (for Healthcare Providers) — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Frederick Community College, The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Training healthcare professionals to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, deliver high-quality chest compressions and appropriate ventilations, and provide early AED use in an emergency situation. Pre-register. $85. 240-629-7907. HealthcareCareers@frederick.edu.

ETCETERA

Fountain Rock Nature Center: An Adult Adaptive Program — 11 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Fountain Rock Nature Center will visit with their live animal friends. All adults with developmental disabilities, and their caregivers are invited to this program. 18 and older. 301-600-6329. TStevens@FrederickCountyMD.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Bridge Wednesday: Senior Recreation Council — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Scott Key Center, 1050 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick. Requires $10 annual dues. See website. Contact coordinator to reserve seat. Email meliz1950@gmail.com. meliz1950@gmail.com. srcfrederick.org.

Tenth Ward Game Night Meet Up — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling, 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Our game night meet-up revamp at Tenth Ward Distilling Co.! Bring friends and games (if you want). Some games will be provided. Smoked Old Fashioneds will be on special for $8 and Maxwell’s next door is offering 10% off food menu items from 5:30-7 p.m. 301-360-5888. info@tenthwarddistilling. com. www.tenthwarddistilling.com.

HEALTH

Wellness Wednesdays by Reforge — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd, Suite A, Frederick. Every Wednesday. Free to Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, First Responders, LEO, and family members. Services differ each week, so check the webpage for a list of services available. RSVP.

essentialhopedealer@gmail.com. veteranservicescenter.org/events/. Therapy with Art — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Facilitated by Disabled Veteran Marine Cpl. Derek Miller. FREE for Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, Law Enforcement & First Responders. Wednesdays through July 1. info@veteranservicescenter.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events/.

RECREATION

Frederick Keys vs. Hudson Valley Renegades — 7 p.m. to at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick. General admission, reserved seating and field seating tickets. See website for ticket prices.

mlb.com/frederick/schedule/2026.

Thursday April 16

CLASSES

FAC Artist Talk featuring Rafael Blanco: “Ditching the Studio: The Power of Public Art” — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. The FAC is holding an artist talk featuring artist Rafael Blanco, muralist who painted “Lester Bowie” mural at 69 S. Market St. to explore the power of public art. Register through Eventbrite. 301-662-4190. i nfo@frederickartscouncil.org.

ETCETERA

Walk to Emmaus — at Mar-Lu-Ridge Conference Center, 4340 Mountville Road, Jefferson. The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia Walk to Emmaus community will hold a men’s 72-hour weekend April 16-19. The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. Details online. westvirginiaemmaus.org.

Learn to Ride Transit! — 9:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. at The Literacy Council of Frederick County, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Join us for a Transit presentation directly followed by the Travel Training and Ride-a-Long. This is a free workshop open to the Frederick community. 18 and older. 301-600-2066. info@frederickliteracy.org. www.frederickliteracy.org/event/learn-toride-transit.

Duplicate Bridge Pairs Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration Memorial Hall, 6909 Maryland Ave., Braddock Heights. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club’s ACBL sanctioned duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts. All are welcome. We host Pairs Games ($8) weekly on Monday (299 Limit and Open) and Thursday (Open). If you need a partner or want to brush up your skills, contact Membership Chair, Maria, at frederick@bridgewebsemail.com. $8. bridgewebs.com/frederick/home.html.