72 HOURS December 31. 2025

2025

FREE

DECEMBER 31

BACK to the ’80s A nostalgic return to the dizzying decade in our region

2026 TRIPS

• ABBA, DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE, Mon, Feb 23, $152 • RIVER DANCE, AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE, Sat, March 21, $182 • MT HOPE-1876 MURDER Mt Hope, Tues, March 24, $119 • ODYSSEY CRUISE Cherry Blossom Time, Wed, April 1, $151 • DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE “Oklahoma” Wed, April 8, $140 • SIGHT & SOUND New Show “Joshua” Premium Seating, Fri, May 1, $191 • BIRD IN HAND THEATRE “Nancy & Ned See America” Wed, May 13, Lunch & Show, $135

• DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE “RAT PACK” CONCERT, May 15, $152 • DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE “All Shook UP”, Wed, May 27, $140 • MICHIGAN AND MACKINAW ISLAND May 31-June 6, Call for details

COLLETTE 2026 TOURS • AZORES (PORTUGESE ISLANDS) April 16-28, 2026 • EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA, VICTORIA FALLS & BOTSWANA June 11-25,2026 • ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS

NEW YEAR TRADITIONS: Regional places get creative with NYE ‘ball’

drops PAGE 4

MARKETS, Dec 1-9, 2026 Gift Certificates Available

DECADE OF LIGHTS: Celebrating 10 years of Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Frederick PAGE 8

VIBRANT VALLEY: Scenic mountains and outdoor adventures await in Canaan Valley PAGE 10

INSIDE THIS WEEK Frederick Mom ....................................... 7 Getaways ................................................10 Cover story ............................................12

PUBLISHER Geordie Wilson

Art ............................................................ 14 Theater ................................................... 16

EDITOR Lauren LaRocca llarocca@newspost.com

Film.....................................................17

REVENUE DIRECTOR Connie Hastings

Classifieds ...............................................18 Calendar ................................................. 19

CALENDAR EDITOR Sue Guynn sguynn@newspost.com On the cover: Pinball league member Cat Hodge competes with other members during a 2023 competition at Spinners Pinball.

Submit a calendar listing for your event 10 days prior to publication at newspost.com/calendar.

2 | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS

Staff file photo by Bill Green

72HOURSONLINE.COM

RING IN 2026 WITH A GIANT DONUT (OR PICKLE … OR CRAB)

While Times Square gets the television coverage, the real New Year’s Eve action happens in places that drop objects with actual personality.

Frederick’s own Key Drop at the Suspension Bridge marks its 14th year on Dec. 31, honoring Francis Scott Key with festivities beginning at 11 p.m. and live music from The Dirty Middle. But the celebration starts earlier: Candlelights on the Creek transforms Carroll Creek Park from 8 to 11 p.m. with illuminated candles floating on the water, creating an almost medieval atmosphere that somehow feels both timeless and distinctly Frederick. Not everyone wants to be awake at midnight — but if you do, stick around for the key (or head to Hagerstown for their Donut Drop or Dillsburg for the Pickle Drop, among other curious destinations).

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.

Springfield Manor Winery Brewery Distillery 2025 WINNER FOR BEST EVENT VENUE, WEDDING VENUE & WINE (DRINK)

ICE SKATE WITH DJ BIG PANDA

Skate Frederick offers a Dec. 31 afternoon party from 2 to 4 p.m. featuring DJ Big Panda, colorful lights, a photo booth and free New Year’s accessories for the first 100 guests. The $8 admission plus $4 skate rental positions this as the smart choice for families who want to acknowledge the holiday without completely disrupting sleep. Yep, you can celebrate 2026’s arrival and still be functional on Jan. 1!

GEORGE ORWELL’S WARNINGS

The Shepherdstown Opera House screens “Orwell: 2+2=5” on Jan. 4 at 3 p.m., Raoul Peck’s 2025 documentary examining how Orwell’s observations from “Nineteen Eighty-Four” remain unnervingly relevant.

Damian Lewis narrates as Orwell while Peck — whose “I Am Not Your Negro” earned an Oscar nomination — uses archival footage and contemporary conflicts to trace authoritarianism’s persistent echo through the 20th and 21st centuries. The pay-what-you-can admission reflects the Opera House’s community-oriented programming.

$14,000 IN PRIZES FOR DMV PAINTERS

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District’s annual Bethesda Painting Awards opens for submissions through Feb. 26, offering regional artists a shot at serious recognition. The prize structure — $10,000 for first place, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, plus a $1,000 young artist award — offers career-advancing money. Up to eight finalists will display work at Gallery B in June, juried by contemporary artist Mira Hecht, Johns Hopkins adjunct professor Ernest Shaw and VCU painting professor Hilary Wilder.

“STRANGER THINGS” ENDS ON THE BIG SCREEN

Netflix’s “Stranger Things” series finale airs Dec. 31 at 8 p.m., but AMC Theatres is hosting special screenings at U.S. locations on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, a theatrical sendoff for the streaming show. A $20 food and beverage credit serves as admission (non-refundable, seat selection while supplies last). Otherwise, like most of us, grab some snacks (and maybe a box of tissues) and tune in at home.

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

Email llarocca@newspost.com.

11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont 301-271-0099 springfieldmanor.com

WHY IS SPRINGFIELD MANOR IN VOTED THE BEST EVENT VENUE?

BOB HISTORY 2025, 2022 Finalist, Trivia Location, Cocktail (Place), Distillery/Cidery/ Meadery & Winery 2024 Winner, Event Venue, Wedding Venue, Trivia Location & Wine (Drink) 2024 Finalist, Distillery/Cidery/ Meadery, Winery 2023, 2022, 2021 Winner, Event Venue & Wedding Venue 2023 Finalist, Trivia Location & Winery 2022 Finalist, Wine (Drink) 2021, 2018 Winner, Wine (Drink) 2021 Finalist, Distillery/Cidery/ Meadery 2020 Finalist, Distillery/Cidery/ Meadery, Live Music Venue, Wine (Drink) & Winery 2020, 2019, 2018 Winner, Wedding Venue 2019 Winner, Trivia Location 2019 Finalist, Romantic Getaway, Distillery & Winery 2018 Finalist, Event Venue, Distillery & Winery 2017, 2016 Winner, Distillery & Event Venue 2016 Finalist, Winery

Springfield Manor offers an elegant and versatile setting for weddings, corporate events, weekend getaways, or relaxing afternoons. With a professional staff to ensure flawless events, the Manor features a gracious ballroom and a romantically elegant barn accommodating up to 300 guests, complete with large dance floors, head tables, and bars. Indoor and outdoor spaces—including terraces and lawns—allow events to flow seamlessly.

Conveniently located along Rt. 15 with a scenic Catoctin Mountain backdrop, this historic estate, built in 1774, hosts both grand and intimate gatherings. Guests can enjoy 8 luxurious overnight suites, while the restored bank barn houses tasting rooms for the Winery, Distillery, & Brewery, along with additional event space.

HOW DOES SPRINGFIELD MANOR GIVE BACK TO THE FREDERICK COUNTY COMMUNITY?

Springfield Manor deeply values the support of Frederick County residents.

Because of our patrons, we are able to partner with local schools, veterans groups, Habitat for Humanity, the Cancer Society, the Diabetes Society, substance abuse programs, first responders, 4H, the Red Cross, and many other organizations.

Your support not only helps our business thrive—it also allows us to make a positive impact across the community. Thank you for being part of this effort!

72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 3

Regional places get creative with NYE ‘ball’ drops

BY SHUAN BUTCHER Special to The News-Post

As we prepare to turn the calendar page not only to a new month but to a new year, most people are familiar with the iconic Crystal Ball that drops just seconds before midnight on New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Times Square.

What you may be less familiar with are the many other creative “drops” that take place across the U.S. From food to tools to local symbols, towns and cities nationwide ring in the new year by lowering (or raising) objects that reflect their local identity. Here are 10 unique New Year’s Eve drops from around the country.

Frederick residents are likely most familiar with the key that is lowered at the Suspension Bridge along Carroll Creek Linear Park. No explanation is needed for why a key was selected as the city’s symbol: Francis Scott Key, author of The Star-Spangled Banner, was from Frederick and is buried here.

This year marks the 14th annual New Year’s Eve Key Drop, presented by the Civitan Club of Frederick. Festivities begin at 11 p.m. with live music from The Dirty Middle.

Just to the west, Hagerstown has hosted the Krumpe’s Donut Drop for several years. What makes this event especially unique is that it happens earlier than midnight, making it more accessible for families — and anyone who doesn’t want to stay up late.

Recently relocated from downtown Hagerstown to Meritus Park — home of the city’s local baseball team — the event opens its gates at 5 p.m. Free Krumpe’s donuts are handed out to the first 5,000 attendees, along with free coffee and hot chocolate. Live music, food trucks and a kids zone round out the festivities. The highlight comes at 6:59 p.m., when a giant donut descends into the stadium, followed by a fireworks finale. Admission is free, and pets are welcome.

Another Maryland favorite is the Crab Drop in Easton, one of the Eastern Shore’s most popular New Year’s Eve events. Each year, hundreds of spectators gather to watch the state’s favorite crustacean drop in celebration of the new year. Two drops are offered: an early-bird option at 9 p.m. and a traditional drop at midnight.

U.S.15, north of Frederick, is Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, home of the famous Pickle Drop. Every New Year’s Eve, Dillsburg leans into its name with

File photo

The Civitan Club of Frederick will host the New Year’s Eve Key Drop on Dec. 31. a wink by dropping a giant pickle at midnight. The quirky tradition began in 1993, when a local Girl Scout troop dreamed up the idea as a playful nod to “Dill,” even though the town is actually named for settler Matthew Dill. The festivities begin at Dillsburg Elementary with the Baby Pickle Drop, featuring food, games and a kid-friendly countdown at 7 p.m. The celebration then moves downtown, where food trucks offer everything from festival classics to pickle-inspired treats — including the town’s infamous pickle soup. The Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church lot comes alive with vendors and live music starting at 9 p.m. At midnight, crowds gather for the beloved Mr. Pickle Drop, followed by fireworks.

In nearby Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, residents gather in front of the Washington Fire Company to watch a wrench drop at midnight. The galvanized steel wrench commemorates the borough’s founders, mechanics who settled in the area to make and repair

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wagons traveling west after crossing the Susquehanna River in the early 19th century. This tradition began in 2004 as part of an Eagle Scout project by Sheldon Rodgers. The town celebrates from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with live music, a DJ, glass blowing and more.

Pennsylvania boasts several other quirky New Year’s Eve traditions as well.

In Kennett Square, a charming borough in Chester County, mushrooms take center stage. Known as “The Mushroom Capital of the World,” the region produces over 60% of the nation’s mushrooms. Midnight in the Square features the dramatic descent of an 8-foot, 700-pound illuminated stainless steel mushroom. The event has a festival atmosphere, complete with live music, food and a laser show. Visitors can also celebrate the mighty mushroom by shopping at The Mushroom Cap or dining at Portabellos of Kennett Square.

In Sunbury, Pennsylvania, revelers gather around 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for festive music, followed by a countdown to the Lightbulb Drop at

6 p.m. Celebrations continue afterward at restaurants and bars throughout downtown. The light bulb honors Sunbury’s role in history: In 1883, Thomas Edison selected the city to install one of the world’s first practical three-wire commercial electric lighting systems. The first building wired under that system was the City Hotel, now known as the Edison Hotel.

Pottsville, Pennsylvania, takes a different approach. It doesn’t drop anything at all. Instead, the town raises a giant Yuengling Lager bottle in Garfield Square. The 6-foot-tall, 40-pound replica is lifted as revelers toast both the new year and America’s oldest brewery, which is headquartered in Pottsville.

In Princeton, West Virginia, they do drop a ball — but it doubles as a work of art. The city’s New Year’s Eve countdown centers on a shimmering ball handmade from hundreds of recycled CDs. Designed by a local artist and assembled with the help of volunteers, the CD Ball reflects Princeton’s transition from coal country to creative hub.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Easton Crab Drop

Hagerstown Donut Drop Lowered 100 feet above Mercer Street by the Princeton Fire Department, the ball catches laser lights and fireworks in brilliant rainbow flashes. It serves as the centerpiece of the Downtown Countdown, a homegrown street festival featuring live music, ice carving, fire dancers and traditions like a Wish Tree and a Letting Go fire pit. Using an almost-forgotten medium, the CD Ball has become a symbol of the city’s artistic resurgence.

For a suggestion outside the MidAtlantic, Kure Beach near Wilmington, North Carolina (part of Pleasure Island, along with Carolina Beach) hosts the “Island of Lights New Year’s Eve at the Beach.” The celebration features a giant beach ball drop at midnight, followed by an epic fireworks display. This familyfriendly event takes place at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, just steps from the beach, and includes a DJ and dancing. The event is free, though refreshments, New Year’s Eve hats, and noise makers are available for purchase.

With so many creative, communitycentered alternatives to the traditional Times Square ball drop, there’s no shortage of ways to welcome the new year. However you choose to ring in 2026, have fun — and have a Happy New Year.

Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner, and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.

Courtesy photo

Frederick Candlelights on the Creek 72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 5

72 Hours contributors chime in

New Years Eve, 2019, I was reeling from the death of my dear friend Kelly, who succumbed to cancer at age 30, just days before Christmas. Several of our friends were wrestling with how to face the new year, when we were invited to a “roaring ’20s” themed party in D.C. I remembered Kelly’s spark for life, pictured her laugh and the courage with which she faced her declining years, and greeting the new decade together on a D.C. rooftop somehow felt like the best thing to do. We rallied, dressed in our best flapper attire, and hopped on the Metro. The year drew to a close surrounded by the warmth of community, the glittering lights of the nation’s capital, the chaotic din of fireworks from every street corner, the hope of a new decade, and a painfully keen awareness that every What was your most memorable New Year’s Eve? day of life is precious.

— Erin Jones instead of four. Therefore, BNA reported extensively on governmental efforts to stem no one could be sure how ••• this coming catastrophe. We computers would react to I spent the year 2000 even had a publication called NYE at a Phish festival at Big the rollover from 99 to 00. the Y2K Reporter.

Some believed computers Cypress Reservation in the During the late 1990s, the would think it was 1900 Florida Everglades. There instead of 2000, making any federal government finally were about 100,000 people recognized the problems calculations that relied on there all waiting for ATMs to this computer glitch could time, like interest payments break and planes to fall out on savings or Social Security cause and they went to work of the sky. Luckily Y2K never in a bipartisan fashion to fix payments, to fail. materialized but I did get As incredible as it sounds the problems unimaginable caught cavorting on CBS, today. By some estimates, now, this glitch was simply as it was one of the world’s due to pure cost savings and the federal government biggest celebrations that an amazing lack of foresight. spent upwards of $600 wasn’t canceled. billion to remedy the 2-digit — Scott Harris Early in the computer age, year glitch. which dates from the 1940s, ••• I was not a reporter or a data storage was extremely New Year’s Eve 1999 expensive and programmers computer programmer at was momentous on several BNA but a communicationscompensated by taking fronts. It was the end of the shortcuts wherever possible. type person. Nevertheless, I year, decade, century and was on high alert New Year’s One easy shortcut was to even the millennium, but Eve, ready to make my way denote years as a two-digit few remember it could have to the office in D.C. if the number instead of four. No been the end of civilization unimaginable happened. one worried about the year as we knew it.

And believe me, doomsday 2000 because it was so far I am overstating that last away, and it wasn’t at all clear scenarios were running wild: item, of course, but fears Jets would fall from the sky this new technology would were rampant because of at midnight, the power grid catch on. a little thing called the Y2K At the turn of the century, would fail, and people would computer bug.

I was working for the Bureau not be able to withdraw The shorthand form of funds from banks were a few of National Affairs, Inc. the year 2000 (Y2K) became (BNA) in Washington, D.C. of the wildest.

Luckily, nothing much synonymous with impending It was a large publishing happened. There was doom. It referred to possible company that specialized in some minor glitches to failures to computer systems reporting on legislative and nonessential government regulatory news coming out because years (back in programs but no widespread of the federal government. those days) were denoted systems failures like some It is now part of Bloomberg. as two-digit numbers 6 | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS

knowledge), but it doesn’t make us feel any better.

— April Bartel

••• The most interesting memory of New Year’s Eve that I have is from 1999. I was working at a radio news station in Frederick and was assigned to cover the city celebration and any Y2K issues that came up when the date switched to the year 2000.

I remember watching fireworks in Baker Park on a cold night. It was pretty awesome to see them in the middle of winter! I was with a couple of local politicians, and we enjoyed watching the show.

Later, I was assigned to watch my boss get married at the stroke of midnight in Baker Park. She was the first Adobe Stock marriage in the year 2000!

The Clerk of Court handled the ceremony.

Then, I quickly left to go predicted. Our Y2K Reporter to the local 911 dispatch folded up the following center to see if any problems year, and New Year’s Eve the following year was much had popped up after the computers switched over to more pleasant.

So, on Dec. 31, 1999, I was the new millennium. It was not ready to “party like it was business as usual and the feeling on the scene was 1999,” as Prince suggested, one of relief. All of the hype but was suffering from high amounted to nothing. anxiety like millions of other After I finished up my Y2K Americans and looking stories, I got home around askance at my big, old 3 a.m. I remember watching desktop computer.

— Gary Bennett the world news coverage of Y2K in the middle of ••• the night. It was a wild Standing in Baker Park for experience and one I know the community celebration I’ll never have again. as the year ticked over — Jill Gartz from 1999 to 2000 (Y2K) ••• and realizing that the world I have always enjoyed did not stop and the lights First Night celebrations stayed on. that take place across the Also 2008-2009 heading country, which are familyout to dinner with my family friendly events that infuse when the phone rings. It’s arts and entertainment into my mother’s doctor telling her that she has a cancerous them. My wife Cindy and I have enjoyed events in legion on her kidney and Gettysburg; Alexandria, that she should probably Virginia; Charleston, West get her affairs in order. It Virginia, and Columbus, made for a horribly somber holiday. A few weeks later, he Ohio.

Here in Frederick, our did the operation and found most memorable New Year’s that it was just a fatty tumor Eve was when the Weinberg but nicked an artery and Center for the Arts hosted a she lost her kidney anyway. gala. That was a lot of fun.

He is no longer practicing medicine (to the best of my — Shuan Butcher

THE FREDERICK MOM

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of Jan. 1

11. In this 2-hour workshop, kids will Activities to do with the kids this weeklearn about using a sewing machine, end, courtesy of The Frederick Mom. and then sew a small snap wallet — how Take a Closer Look: Winter cute! All materials and machines are inS.T.E.A.M. cluded, but registered participants are 1 to 1:45 p.m. Jan. 2 welcome to bring their own machine Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. if they have one. Younger kids are welGlade Road, Walkcome, but must take the class with an ersville adult. Caregivers are welcome to stay Free and participate or watch, or leave. Must Pack the kids register at sewhillary.com. in the car for a fun ••• trip to the library in Kids Aerial Yoga Walkersville for a 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 4 45-minute handsSol Yoga — Garage Studio, 218 on S.T.E.A.M. workAbrecht Place, Frederick TIFFANY MAHANEY shop. Kids can $29/child check out winThis high-flying type of yoga is so ter-themed activities to keep their cool. Kids Aerial Yoga is offered in minds and hands busy this Friday. Will Frederick and taught by local yogi your kids gravitate towards number acBonnie Abbott. In this 60-minute class, tivities, science projects, or hands-on your child will discover how they can engineering crafts? Take a closer look build strength, flexibility, and creativand find out this Friday. ity while having a blast in soft fabric ••• hammocks. The focus is on fun and exWinter Break Build Day ploration, rather than competition. Ev3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 2 ery class wraps up with a bit of calming C. Burr Artz Library, 110 E. Patrick mindfulness to leave kids feeling more St., Frederick centered and refreshed. The class is Free recommended for kids ages 7 to 16 Attn: Families who love to build: lisand suitable for beginners and interten up! Join the Frederick County Pubmediate levels. Register at bonnieablic Library this Friday afternoon at the bott.com. downtown Frederick library and build ••• ‘til your heart’s content. All LEGOs, Courtesy of Jessie Bunk Sunday Funday: Play & Puzzles Keva blocks and MAGNA-TILES are 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 4 provided. Just come ready to stack tall Jessie Bunk will lead participants in a fascinating artistic exercise — drawing with both hands!

Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. and have fun! This indoor Build Day is great for the whole family.

Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll Moser Road, Thurmont month, Home Depot hosts a free, inFree ••• door kids workshop. The month of Jan- St., Frederick On Sunday, let kids test their skills Open Gym for Kids Free uary is a do-it-yourself tow truck. These and creativity through cooperative 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 2 Kids and their adults are invited to free workshops are so fun and the kids games, scavenger hunts, and puzzling Frederick Gymnastics Club, 4604 will walk away so proud of the creation drop-in and get creative together at Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick they made (and get to take home). Kids the Delaplaine’s family open studio to activities that keep everyone moving and thinking. This free program is $10/member, $15/non-member and teens will use tools and learn from create an artist-inspired project! This geared for those in grades K-5. Kids Let the kids get out their enerexpert craftsman at the store. The work- month, the Creative Outlet class is Bigy on Friday nights at Frederick Gym- shop is free, but must register online at lateral Drawing with talented artist Jes- will be given a challenge, of sorts. A tale will be told about a mysterious nastics Club! Open Gym is offered sie Bunk, who is a bilateral artist. Bihomedepot.com. winter storm sweeping into the library for kids in kindergarten and up from lateral drawing is art made with both ••• 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays. If you hahands at the same time — one pencil in — freezing the doors, trapping a misIndoor Playground chievous snow creature, and hiding ven’t been yet, your kids will have a your left hand, and one in your right.

2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 3 clues in icy places! The kids’ mission is blast tumbling, jumping on trampoAt least one adult must be present at Brunswick Branch Library, to solve the puzzles, crack the codes, lines, diving into foam pits, and more each table. Don’t miss this incredible 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick and warm the library back up before at the home of the Mid-Maryland’s free class!

Free everything turns to ice. This program Largest Gymnastics Program. It’s fitParents, it’s winter break. We all know ••• is the perfect excuse to visit the Thurness-focused and a ton of fun! Drop-in; the kids need get their wiggles out, but Kids Sewing Workshop mont library and start the first weekend pre-registration isn’t required. it’s cold. So families with little ones ages 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 4 of the year off right!

••• 0 to 10 can join the Brunswick Library That’s Sew Hillary, 182 Thomas Tiffany Mahaney is at least a DIY Tow Truck Kids Workshop for some active fun this Saturday. Drop- Johnson Drive, Frederick fifth-generation native to Frederick 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 3 in between 2 and 4 p.m. for an indoor $50/child County, and she now proudly raises her Home Depot, 5517 Urbana Pike, playground fun session!

Have you registered your kids for Frederick one of Hillary’s sewing classes yet? This own family here. To see more local fam••• ily friendly things to do, follow her on Sunday, there’s a fun, hands-on sewBilateral Drawing Free Instagram @thefrederickmom. ing workshop just for kids ages 7 to 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 3 On the first Saturday of every 72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 7

Celebrating 10 years of Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Frederick

BY TIFFANY MAHANEY Special to the News-Post

One of Maryland’s most unique holiday light displays is running its 10th season in the water.

No, we’re not talking about an exhibit in a coastal town surrounded by the salty Chesapeake Bay. We’re actually talking about the city of Frederick and a winter tradition that started in a creek.

The narrow creek that’s said to be the longest planted water garden in the world has transformed once again into a wintery light display called Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, which will remain on view through March 14.

It all began with two Fredericktonians, Peter Kremers and Kyle Thomas, in 2016.

They worked on their first boat, the USS Hamster, in a garage.

Today, STTWS is a fleet of 28 individually decorated, lit-up boats anchored in Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick.

These beautiful, floating schooners, pirate ships, ketches and yawls attract visitors from across the country, making a trip to Frederick in the winter months a must on one’s holiday bucket list. It’s a free, magical thing to do — perfect for all ages.

The community celebrated Launch Day on Nov. 22 as people came to watch an all-volunteer team lower the sailboats from cranes into the water.

“This past year, we’ve had time to reflect on those who started the project and got us to where we are today,” said Elizabeth McGee, the media consultant with STTWS. McGee emotionally recalls the fond memories the close team shares of members Donna Moore and Paul Bruner, who recently died, making this year so much more important to see through and celebrate in their honor.

Moore was instrumental in the boat rides, while Brunner was instrumental helping with Color on the Creek in the spring. Both played large roles in making STTWS what it is the community today.

To get to Carroll Creek Linear Park, there are five public parking garages in downtown Frederick that are all within walking distance of the boats.

The best viewing times are generally before and during sunrise or during and after sunset because many boats use solar timers to activate lights and motions.

After visiting the fleet on Carroll Creek, vote for your favorite boat online at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/ KziDCQ?vid=1mxt47.

STTWS doubles as a fundraiser.

Chris Sands

The Sole of Frederick Sponsor: Charm City Run — Frederick Charity: Little Bennett Regional Park Light the Knight Sponsor: Black Fox Pictures Charity: Falling Squares Deck The Mauls Sponsor: Frederick Rugby Charity: Frederick Rugby Colleen’s Crew Sponsor: New Era Custom Design and Cabinet Charity: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Hope Floats II Sponsor: Colonial Jewelers Charity: Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund Chris Sands

One vote is a $5 donation to the boat’s designated charity.

Last year’s season raised more than $140,000 for nonprofits in Frederick County. The winning sailboat with the most votes was Rotary Magic.

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Below is the name of each boat, along with its sponsor and the corresponding charity, listed in walking order when starting by Frederick Social and ending by McClintock Distilling.

Seva Sponsor: Yogamour Charity: The Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County Sea Sharp Sponsor: Hawkins Landscaping Charity: Frederick Children’s Chorus

SS Pinwheel Sponsor: Premier Choice Exteriors Charity: Friends of the Child Advocacy Center Shuckin’ Cancer (formerly named Kraken) Sponsors: Premier Distributors of Maryland & Shuckin’ Shack Charity: Blood Cancer United Rotary Magic Sponsor: Carroll Creek Rotary & Rotary Club of Frederick Charity: Splash PoinT at Baker Park Black Pearl Sponsor: Oldetowne Landscape Architects Charity: The Ulman Foundation Jared Herman gets into the water every week with waders on to fill up the fog fluid on his boat, the Black Pearl — an eerie-looking ship designed as a ode to the horned folklore character Krampus, who is said to have accompanied St. Nicholas.

In a creek full of gleefully colored boats, the Black Pearl is dark and mysterious. It’s also the only interactive boat.

Curious visitors will find a big, red button attached to a light post with no instructions. When they push it, fog comes out of the boat.

“This year, one of our employees passed away from leukemia at the young age of 34,” Herman said.

Courtesy photo Chaz Martinsen was a talented ceramicist in the area. So to honor Sailing Through the Winter Solstice founding members Kyle Thomas and Dr. Pete Kremers pose in front of the original Stargazer boat on Carroll Creek the memory of Martinsen, Oldetowne Landscape Architects chose the Ulman during the event’s inaugural year, 2015.

Foundation as its charity because it’s where Martinsen received cancer Carroll Creek that features silhouettes Foundation Thom’s Magical Reef support.

Charity: The Delaplaine Arts Center of rescue dogs dancing under disco Sponsor: WellAve balls. The design for their boat came Charity: American Cancer Society Mass Ascension Ribbon Cutter about because the Cawley family loves — Frederick Sponsor: Thompson Gas Sponsor: Morgan Keller animals and are huge ABBA fans, so Charity: Blue-Collar Project Construction naming the boat was “just a natural fit.”

Holly Jolly Roger Charity: City Youth Matrix Sponsor: Kevin and Jeannie U.S.S. R.W. Warner Magers Honor Hessler Sponsor: R.W. Warner Inc. Arctic Racer Sponsor: Dynamic Automotive Charity: Supporting Older Adults Charity: Warrior Canine Connection Sponsor: Ausherman Family Charity: Jeremy Magers Memorial Through Resources (SOAR) Foundation Baseball and Softball Fund Fun Detail: It’s the only landResilience Charity: Centro Hispano de locked boat that sits out of the water.

Sponsor: Middletown Valley Bank Wings Over Carroll Creek Frederick After participating in the Kris Kringle Charity: Children of Incarcerated Sponsor: Friends of the Frederick Procession as the last float, it will live Parents Partnership Stars & STULZ (formerly named Airport The Chesapeake Bay Retriever) out the season in front of The Wine Charity: EAA Chapter 524 Youth Snallygaster (and Twins Sally & Sponsor: Stulz Aviation Scholarship and the Frederick Kitchen.

Sully) Charity: Student Homelessness High Community Scholarship Sponsor: Landscape Services Initiative Partnership of Frederick Stargazer Charity: Food Distribution Center It’s A We Thing County Sponsor: The Banner School of Frederick Sponsor: Key City Rotary Charity: The Banner School Charity: Key City Rotary Vasa Fun fact: Stargazer is the Coast Dancing Queen Sponsor: Truist Guard boat that stays off to the side Sponsor: Vintage MC Zodiac Charity: Go Team Dogs in the creek.

It does repairs to the Charity: Lonely Hearts Animal Sponsor: Monocacy Equine other boats and gives boat rides to Rescue Charity: Days End Horse Rescue Starry Night people (weather depending). Boat Mindy and Jim Cawley are proud Sponsor: Frederick Primary Care rides are announced on STTWS’s Angel Falls owners of Vintage MC, a furniture and Charity: Heartly House & Steadfast Facebook page.

Sponsor: First United Bank home store on East Patrick Street in To learn more, visit Charity: Housing Authority of the downtown Frederick, and the Dancing SS Greater Good Queen, the cheerful boat anchored in City of Frederick Sponsor: The Delaplaine coloronthecreek.com/sttws.

72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 9

GETAWAYS

Scenic mountains and outdoor adventures await in Canaan Valley

BY SHUAN BUTCHER Special to The News-Post

The Canaan Valley of West Virginia is truly a year-round destination.

Regardless of what season you enjoy or what activities you partake in, it is an outdoor paradise every day of the year.

The town of Davis, situated at over 3,500 feet above sea level, is truly a mountain town. In fact, it is the highest incorporated town in the state. As a result, it provides visitors with a mountain town vibe plus all the amenities that nature-lovers and adventurers expect.

When it comes to a place to stay, the lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park is a great choice, as it puts you close to the action. Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of the falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce pine needles.

The falls is one of the state’s most iconic and photographed spots.

Regardless of the time of year, visitors can enjoy the scenic views by taking the stairs to the falls or using viewing platforms. There are two great viewing locations that are relatively accessible, and each provide a different perspective of the cascading water.

Blackwater Falls, as well as Elakala Falls, which is also located in the park, are part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Elakala Falls is a hidden gem within the state park and often overshadowed by the park’s namesake. But it is super easy to get to and just a quarter-mile from the lodge itself. This trail first crosses over the falls and continues along a canyon rim, providing a couple vantage points to take in the view.

This trail is one of several in the park, which boasts 20 miles of hiking trails, with varying degrees of difficulty.

Some of the vistas and scenic overlooks provide stunning views of the valley, particularly in the autumn when the fall foliage is on full display. But this area also happens to have some of the best fishing and mountain biking in the region as well.

During the winter months, the

Photos by Shuan Butcher

Blackwater Falls lift, illuminated trails for nighttime sledding, and a warming hut with IF YOU GO snacks and drinks.

The lodge itself offers various Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge activities for all ages, including an fws.gov/refuge/canaan-valley indoor and outdoor pool, an arcade Blackwater Falls State Park room, table games and a gift shop. wvstateparks.com/parks/blackwater-fallsThey also happen to be host to the state-park Smokehouse Restaurant, open for ISH Kitchen at The Billy Motel breakfast, lunch and dinner. The thebillymotel.com/ishkitchen menu includes traditional barbecue Purple Fiddle options, but you can also get purplefiddle.com anything from meatloaf to salmon.

Blackwater Outdoor Adventures They offer an amazing breakfast blackwateroutdooradventures.com buffet on weekends, with scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, and lots more. main attraction for park visitors is Canaan Valley, which is 13 miles the sled run. At a quarter-mile long, long and five miles wide, is the it is the longest on the East Coast.

Participants can enjoy a magic carpet highest valley of its size east of the

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Rocky Mountains. Situated on top of the Allegheny Mountain Range, Canaan Valley also contains the largest set of wetlands in West Virginia, with 23 types of wetland environments.

A good place to start a trip is at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Here, you will get a great introduction to the wildlife, flora, fauna, topography and much more information about the region. The wildlife refuge consists of over 16,000 acres. Within the refuge, there are 34 miles of trails for hiking, 23 miles for biking or horseback riding, and 10 miles of cross-country ski trails. It is a great place for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography and bird

The Purple Fiddle is must-see destination for music lovers.

Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge

watching. Believe it or not, nearly 200 species of birds can be viewed on the refuge.

Over two dozen trails, all considered easy to moderate, exist.

Several of them are less than a half mile. Trails open one hour before sunrise and close one hour after sunset. At the visitor center, there is a short and easy trail that strolls through the native garden and shrubby wetlands. Another favorite is the Freeland Boardwalk Trail.

This less than half mile loop is an accessible boardwalk that leads you through a wet field as well as stands of balsam fir trees and bubbling sand springs.

Davis has a number of shops and galleries. The WVHighlands Artisans Group gallery is a co-op of 27 artists and artisans and features everything from paintings and photography to pottery, jewelry and stained glass.

Other shops to note include The Wandering Caravan (vintage pieces), Glass by Scott (handblown glass), The Davis Depot (outdoor clothing and equipment), and Wild Ginger & Spice (spice and gift shop).

Other restaurants of note are Sirianni’s Cafe and ISH Kitchen at The Billy Motel. Sirianni’s is located in a century-old building that once served as a steam ship office, which made travel arrangements for the immigrants who came to work

in chocolate, and then rolled in a topping of your choice. It is really tough to select just one from the array of options like strawberry, M&Ms, dark chocolate, Oreo, white chocolate and others.

Every West Virginian is familiar with the pepperoni roll. The pepperoni roll is an Italian-American stuffed bread roll that was originally conceived as a coal miner’s lunch.

If you haven’t had one, you must try it. And it just so happens that the best pepperoni rolls in the state — in my humble opinion — come from Mt Top Convenience, a gas station in Thomas.

When the weather warms up, another activity to try is kayaking the Cheat River, one of the longest undammed watersheds in the East.

Blackwater Outdoor Adventures is an outfitter that can provide you with the gear and the guides you need for the experience you want. Choose from family friendly whitewater, a lazy day of tubing, intense rapids, or even world class fishing. Their 4-mile kayak trip in Parsons is also fun!

For more things to see and do in Canaan Valley, visit wvtourism.com/ davis.

Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.

during the coal and timber booms.

The cafe has hoagies, pastas, salads, and other items, but it’s known for its pizzas. ISH exudes a wonderful retro chic atmosphere, and the menu features bold and worldly flavors, like buttery naan bread and Pao de Queijo, which are cheese puffs served with a creamy herb sauce.

In the nearby town of Thomas, there is one place that attracts artists from around the world. The Purple Fiddle is one of the finest small music venues on the East Coast, if not in the United States. Some of the best emerging bands make their way here to play on an almost nightly basis. Taking in a performance here is a must for any music lover. Come early, as seats fill up quickly, and come ready to enjoy various styles of musical genres and musical acts, from acoustic soloists to bands fully equipped with their own brass section. You can also order food from their deli-style restaurant or purchase libations from their bar.

Thomas is quite an artsy town, with a number of galleries, complete with art openings, receptions, gatherings and other events. Some unique shops exist, too. One of my favorites is Macy Lou’s Gourmet Apple Company. The word gourmet is key, as these aren’t your standard candy apples. Each Granny Smith apple is covered in caramel, dipped

Blackwater Falls

Stop by Mt Top Convenience in Thomas, W.Va., and pick up some pepperoni rolls.

72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 11

FREDERICK FLASHBACK

‘Stranger Things’ Frederick edition A nostalgic look at the ’80s in our region

BY ELIZABETH STINNETTE Special to The News-Post

Dungeons and Dragons, heavy metal and all things ’80s pop culture have experienced a resurgence in recent years, likely due — at least in part — to the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” With the release of the climactic final season and the final episode airing on Dec. 31, we asked Frederick natives how their hometown of yesteryear compared to the fictional Hawkins, Indiana … and where you can relive some of that nostalgia now.

THEN: Sean Frazier When Sean Frazier watched “Stranger Things” season 4, his grandson commented that Eddie Munson looked like photos of Frazier as a teen. It’s little wonder — like Hawkins’ resident rocker, Frazier organized a high school metal band in the 1980s.

In fact, the show inspired Frazier to write a novel chronicling his high school adventures, “Rock and Roll Children.”

“Before we started growing our hair out and started playing music, a lot of us were nerds, so we’d play Dungeons and Dragons [like in ‘Stranger Things’] … it really resonated,” Frazier said.

In Frazier’s book, as in real Courtesy photo life, a group of Maryland teens Sean Frazier as a teen in the ’80s with his form a metmetal band. al band and try to sell tickets so they can raise money for prom. The real Frazier would also play at house parties, he said, repeating the same four or five songs until a neighbor called the cops.

While Frederick has drastically changed since the 1980s, Frazier still sees echoes of it today. Local cover bands play classic metal, and his grandkids prefer listening to albums on vinyl and watching DVDs over streaming.

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The Maryland Room

A typical 1980s classroom in Frederick.

Joe Said is relocating Spinners Pinball Arcade to a section of the forme

“Frederick has changed a lot, but it’s still kind of was “the weekend thing.”

Frederick at its core,” he said.

Like in season four of “Stranger Things,” the local roller rink wasn’t just a place to skate. An employee would NOW: Record stores Frederick boasts several shops dedicated to vintage give Biehl free arcade sessions, teens would watch each media, including Wonder Book and Video and Rock other compete on the break-dancing square, and and Roll Graveyard. Sam Lock, owner of The Record there was a putt-putt course next door.

Having lived in Frederick all her life, Biehl said she Exchange on North Market Street, said that interest in physical media like records, CDs and cassette tapes has wouldn’t want to move anywhere else.

“I like my town,” she said. “Everywhere I go, I’m remained steady. When “Stranger Things” season four came out, he couldn’t keep Kate Bush records on the known.” shelves.

NOW: In the Streets “People are tired of having limited access to what’s Some of Biehl’s most nostalgic memories are of out there, because not everything is on Spotify or You- downtown events, like In the Streets, which has been a tube,” Lock said. “I think people like to have a tactile mainstay since 1983. thing that they can hold.”

Started when major renovations closed Market Lock also offers repair services for CDs and DVDs, as Street, In the Streets invites shop owners to open their well as video games. And on the last Saturday of every doors and visitors to ditch their cars for communimonth, the store hosts DJ “Live Action Mixtape” to spin ty-driven fun, including a one-mile race, food tastings records live. and live entertainment such as the community dance floor, where local groups can book a block to perform.

THEN: Mary Biehl “Because of their longevity and community spirit, Downtown Frederick was Mary Biehl’s childhood playground. Biehl’s father owned a mechanic’s shop, we see multiple generations returning year after year convenience store and furniture store at different times, to share the experience they once had as a child with and Biehl herself worked at iconic Frederick businesses their own children,” Celebrate Frederick Executive Director Jen Martin said about their downtown events. such as Uncle Ralph’s Bakery.

Teenage Biehl regularly explored downtown and The next In the Streets festival will be held on Sept. visited shops and parks with friends, but Skate Haven 12, 2026.

Courtesy of Netflix

From left, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair and Noah Schnapp as Will Byers in “Stranger Things” Season 5.

AMC THEATRES WILL HOST SCREENINGS OF ‘STRANGER THINGS’ FINALE AMC Theatres announced that the Netflix “Stranger Things” series finale will be presented in a special twonight promotional engagement at 200 U.S. AMC locations on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31, fans will have the opportunity to gather at participating AMC theaters for a celebratory first showing of the highly anticipated conclusion to the global phenomenon.

Staff photo by Ric Dugan

er Bon-Ton department store in District 40, the former Frederick Towne Mall.

THEN: Brian Slagle Everyone interviewed mentioned the same 1980s highlight: the annual Bathtub Race. But only Brian Slagle, a teacher at Frederick High School, can say he’s the reigning champion.

Initially hosted by the radio station Z104, the Bathtub Race invited locals to build a “sailing vessel” out of a tub and attempt to cross Culler Lake in Baker Park. Few succeeded, but that didn’t stop community members from coming out and cheering on their neighbors.

The last BathCourtesy of Brian Slagle tub Race was held in 2016, and afBrian Slagle has the trophy to prove it. ter growing up

Guests can secure their seats by purchasing a $20 food and beverage credit, good toward any food and beverage items at AMC concession stands on the day of the show.

The credit will allow guests to select their seat, while supplies last. The $20 food and beverage credit is not refundable.

watching, Slagle wanted to participate. Naming the boat after the 1979 film “Breaking Away,” Slagle used his skills as an artist to turn his team’s plastic tub into a working kayak. They successfully crossed the lake, and Slagle has the trophy to prove it.

Additional information, including participating AMC “The announcer was doing a live broadcast on the radio. I remember paddling, and then over the locations and showtime details, will be available on the speaker he said, ‘Breaking Away is breaking away!”

AMC Theatres mobile app, and at AMCTheatres.com/ Slagle recalled. “It was a really epic day.”

StrangerThings.

For Slagle, another teenage highlight was visiting the “new mall,” i.e., FSK Mall. He had a routine: First he’d stop at TCBY for a frozen yogurt, then Waldenbooks to buy a tasteless joke book, and finally camp “It’s sharing a nostalgic thing with your kids,” Said out at either Aladdin’s Castle or The Fun Factory for said. “In this day and age of everybody on their cell hours of arcade fun. phones and not making eye contact, this is a re“For $20, you could spend four hours at the mall,” al-world activity.”

Slagle said.

Founded in 2017 to combat social isolation for kids with disabilities, Spinners was located on East NOW: Spinners Pinball Arcade Identifying as a “retro arcade,” Spinners focus- Street but has been on hiatus as the business moves es on games from the 1980s and 1990s. Owner Joe to a new location. Said is wrapping up the two-year Said, a lifelong player, said he’s seen a twenty-fold process at District 40, the former Frederick Towne increase in the past 15 years in the number of com- Mall on West Patrick Street, and expects the arcade petitive players — and in the amount of interest in ar- to reopen there in early 2026.

Elizabeth Stinnette is a freelance journalist for the cade games in general.

Said credits the increased interest not so much to DMV region who specializes in travel, human interest “Stranger Things” but to parents who came of age and local politics. In her free time, she enjoys film and playing arcade games. visiting new places around the region.

72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 13

”What Lies Beneath” — through Jan. 4 at Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E, Bethesda. Work by Chris Chernow, Elizabeth Curren and Carolee Jakes, who earned degrees in fine art from the Corcoran College of Art + Design, but from three different fields of study: book arts, painting and printmaking. In this show, they use their mediums to explore the concept of surface. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, closed Dec. 26-28. 301-2156660, bethesda.org/gallery-b.

Frederick County Art Association 2025 Exhibit — through Jan. 5, Frederick Health — Crestwood, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Works in oil, watercolor, mixed media and photography by some of Frederick County’s most talented artists. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

240-215-1460 or frederickhealth.org/ crestwood. ”Where Energy Meets Matter: Exploring the Frontiers of Science” — through Jan. 20, Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. Participating artists explore the dynamic interplay of art and science, celebrating the cutting-edge research and innovation happening at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and throughout Frederick. This exhibition includes work that captures the essence of energy and matter — through explorations of physics, biology and the unseen forces that shape our universe.

Call 301-662-4190 or email info@ frederickartscouncil.org for viewing hours. ”The Unquiet Mind” — Jan. 3-31, Vault of Visions Art Gallery, 1 N. Market St., Frederick. Debuting in the heart of winter, a season when many contend with seasonal affective disorder or heightened emotional strain, “The Unquiet Mind” by Michelle Ramos offers a timely and resonant exploration of mental well-being. 240-315-5483 or vovartgallery.com. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Monday by appointment.

240-315-5483 or vovartgallery.com.

Frederick County Arts Association Exhibit — Jan. 3-Feb. 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick.

The annual FCAA exhibition features members’ artworks in a variety of media, including paintings, photography, mixed media, drawings, collages, ceramics and sculpture. FCAA’s approximately 100 members range from casual painters to full-time professionals. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656,

Courtesy photo

“Where Energy Meets Matter: Exploring the Frontiers of Science” is on view at the Y Arts Center in Frederick through Jan. 20. delaplaine.org. ”She is ...” — Jan. 3-March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Maremi Andreozzi’s work is an affirmation through interpretive painted portraits of lesser known women in history. Painting a contemporary visual likeness and reconceptualizing their contributions confirms their place in our narrative and broadens our understanding of everyday exceptional people shaping history. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”Urban and Industrial Landscapes” — Jan. 3-March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick.

Paintings by Alfred Groff. Cities and industrial landscapes are often thought of as cold and merely utilitarian.

This work challenges that notion by considering the beauty in the forms

14 | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS

and colors of urban and industrial environments. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”Midnight at Kelly Pond” — Jan. 3-March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Ceramic and mixed media by Anne Boyer. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Crestwood Gallery Winter Exhibit & Health Horizon Students’ Competition — Jan. 6 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 Health Horizons through Student’s Eyes Competition.

Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460 or frederickhealth. org/crestwoodart.

Art-Hop: Black Art-Hop Hystoria

— A Pop Up Exhibition by Taurean Washington — 5-7 p.m. Feb. 22, Frederick Social, 50 Citizen’s Way, Frederick. One of Maryland’s best emerging talent displays his work inspired by and commemorating Black History month. There will be visually engaging work along with complimentary food that reflect the African-American experience. Teens and older. 301-465-1087 or tcw1@hood. edu.

“The Past is Always Present” — Jan. 15 to March 24 at Washington County Arts Council, 36 S Potomac St., Hagerstown. Curated by Eileen Berger of Just Lookin’ Art Gallery. The exhibition showcases the creativity of 14 AfricanAmerican artists, featuring an array of original paintings, mixed media and assemblage works. Opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 16, and artist Russel Lewis will speak. 301-791-3132.

Winter auditions open ‘Unscripted’ at TAG for professional and examines volunteer singers Winter auditions are open for both professional (paid) and volunteer singers for the spring 2026 season with The Gettysburg Choral Society, Inc. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is composed of auditioned singers who utilize their talents to pursue excellence in choral music performance.

Auditions are by appointment and will be held on the following dates: • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 12 • 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 31 Interested singers should contact the organization with their email address to receive a pre-screening questionnaire and more audition information.

Auditions are encouraged for singers who read music; have choral experience; demonstrate strong vocal accuracy, tone quality, blend, and range; possess good sight-reading skills (strongly preferred); and are 18 years of age or older.

Singers who cannot read music will not qualify.

Required attendance for the spring schedule: • Rehearsals begin March 2 • Mandatory Saturday rehearsal: April 18 • Dress rehearsals: May 12 and 18 • Spring concerts: May 23 and 24 Highly trained, preferably degreed professional vocalists are invited to audition for paid positions, with particular need for tenors and basses.

Professional singers must maintain excellent attendance, arrive fully prepared for all rehearsals and performances and submit a resume as part of the application process.

A stipend will be paid upon successful completion of the semester.

To request an audition appointment, interested singers should contact the organization and include voice part, choral background, and description of vocal abilities. Contact Julie Strickland at 717-515-3176 (call or text), or email mayfairy25@ gmail.com.

Additional information is available at gettysburgchoralsociety.org.

uncertain times

Reflecting on the uncertainty of the times, TAG/The Artists Gallery presents “Unscripted.”

This group exhibition features a wide variety of work by Suzanne Lago Arthur, Palma Brozzetti, Colleen Clapp, Luc Fiedler, Sarah Higgins, Leslie King, Liz LaGarde, Christopher Madden, Julie Maynard, Jan McIntyreCreager, Mariam Memarsadeghi, Karen Peacock, Pat Scull, Rhonda Smith, S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino, Christine Stovall, Cathy Wilkin and Joe Williams.

“Unscripted” runs from Jan. 2 to 25 with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 3.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

TAG is at 501 N. Market St., Frederick. See theartistsgallery frederick.com, or call 301-2289860 for more information.

Palma Brozzetti’s “Out of Reach” can be found at TAG through Jan. 25.

Call to artists

The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District is excited announces is 22nd annual Bethesda Painting Awards, which invites D.C./Maryland/Virginia artists to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 26.

Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June.

A panel of esteemed jurors, including Mira Hecht, contemporary artist based in Washington, D.C.; Ernest Shaw, adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Hilary Wilder, associate professor in painting at Virginia Commonwealth University, will curate the competition.

The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000; second place will be honored with $2,000 and third place will be awarded $1,000. A “young” artist whose birth date is after Feb. 26, 1996, may also be awarded $1,000.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older and residents of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and a non-refundable entry fee of $25.

Get the application at bethesda.org/bethesda/bethesdapainting-awards.

Email jliu@bethesda.org with any questions.

Christopher Madden’s painting “Nuclear Family” is at TAG through Jan. 25.

Courtesy photos

Rhonda Smith’s “On a Pedestal” will show at TAG through Jan. 25.

Jan McIntyre-Creager’s mixed-media canvas “Trout Space” is available at TAG through Jan. 25.

72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 15

THEATER

Long-running youth Shakespeare program will return to Frederick After a five-year hiatus, The Riotous Youth of Maryland, Frederick’s youth Shakespeare and classical acting program, will officially return under the auspices of The Endangered Species theatre Project.

Beginning in March, the program for performers ages 10-18 will once again offer semesterly theater intensives rooted in classical text, ensemble-based learning and the transformational power of play.

Founded in 2002 as part of The Shakespeare Project (later the Maryland Shakespeare Festival) and modeled on the training philosophy of Shakespeare & Company in Massachusetts, Riotous Youth has spent more than two decades nurturing confidence, artistry and self-expression in Frederick County’s young actors. Its work centers on four core tenets — Commitment, Connection, Specificity and Generosity — while providing a safe, supportive environment where students explore Shakespeare’s language, discover their creative voices and grow as performers and as people.

“The Shakespeare is secondary,” says former artistic director Bess Kaye.

“The goal is not to make good Shakespeare; the goal is to make good people.”

Riotous Youth’s spring 2026 semester will focus on Romeo and Juliet, running March 7 to May 16 at the ESPLoft (ESPtheatre’s downtown Frederick studio at 16 E. Patrick St.). The 10week intensive includes training in acting, voice, movement, scansion, stage combat and performance technique, culminating in public performances on May 15 and 16.

All sessions are led by professional Shakespeare actors from the D.C./Baltimore region. The semester will be led by teaching artists Emily

Courtesy of Lesli Summers Stay

Riotous Youth students perform “Hamlet” in 2019, using Jacques Lecoq–style neutral mask work, exploring storytelling through physical movement.

Karol and Matthew Crawford, both longtime members of the Maryland Renaissance Festival acting company.

Program coordinator Daniel Summerstay, a Riotous Youth alumnus, credits the program with shaping his artistic and personal development, noting that the training he received there formed the foundation of his later conservatory work.

“Bringing the program back feels like passing that gift forward,” he said.

Riotous Youth continues its longstanding commitment to accessibility through paywhat-you-can tuition, flexible payment plans and robust scholarship support funded entirely by community donations.

Registration is open for the spring semester.

To enroll, donate or learn more, visit esptheatre.org or email daniels@esptheatre. org.

16 | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS

Courtesy of Bess Kaye

Riotous Youth students explore “The Winter’s Tale” in 2015.

FILM

The Aussie bruiser channeling Robert Redford in Netflix’s ‘Train Dreams’

BY JADA YUAN

The Washington Post

NEW YORK — Joel Edgerton is a talker. It’s not just the volume of words, but the quality. Rich, descriptive paragraphs pour forth from him as if he were writing novellas in the air.

This, of course, makes it a little curious that he’s getting the best reviews of his career for playing a hermit.

“The only way to shut me up is to film me,” the 51-year-old actor-writer-director tells me, laughing, as he leans back in his chair and looks out at a spectacular view of Central Park from the 35th-floor restaurant of Manhattan’s Mandarin Oriental hotel.

“Rolling! Finally, he’s shutting up!” he says, cracking up now as he imitates, I’m guessing, every exasperated director who’s worked with him. “It’s weird. I don’t think I’m that funny, but I’m far funnier in life — more gregarious, more verbal than a lot of characters I play on screen.”

On this gray, late-October morning, he’s been talking up a tear, and is already two coffees and several interviews deep on a relentless publicity schedule for “Train Dreams,” a gorgeous and deeply moving story of one man’s life and tragedies as a logger in the Pacific Northwest in the early 20th century — from the laying down of railroad tracks to the advent of the airplane. (The Oscar contender is now streaming on Netflix, but see it on a big screen if possible.)

Edgerton is in nearly every frame, and seems to be tapping into a kind of male movie star we’ve lost. The film, based on Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella, is told largely through narration, as if over a campfire. As Robert Grainier, a man who spends months at a time away from his wife (Felicity Jones) and baby daughter cutting down trees and witnessing history, Edgerton rarely speaks but communicates a universe of emotion. It’s a powerhouse performance, viscerally evocative of Robert Redford, Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood — of a man so in touch with his pain that to express it would mean to disintegrate under the weight of it.

“My understanding of what a man is, or the definition of masculinity, has changed so much over the years,” Edgerton tells me. “It’s almost that the word is useless. I think the misconception of masculinity is that it’s all of a harder edge … identifying with strength and strength only, rather

does this guy know that I love this book so much?”

Bentley had been a fan of Edgerton’s for years, but he had a feeling he hadn’t been offered enough roles that showed his range and depth.

“And you’ve got a film that, like, lives and dies by its lead,” says Bentley.

“I just thought he had some of these paradoxes — like you could believe he’s tough and a very masculine figure out cutting logs, but then also this tenderness and sweetness that you could believe he could be holding a baby.” During postproduction, Bentley says, he actually pulled out a lot of explanatory voice-over because what Edgerton was expressing was far richer.

Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post A handsome chameleon, Edgerton is the kind of actor most people recognize Actor Joel Edgerton poses for portraits while but can’t quite place. If they do clock promoting his new movie “Train Dreams” at the him, it’s probably as the guy who played Luke Skywalker’s uncle, young Owen Middleburg Film Festival at the Salamander Lars, in two of the “Star Wars” prequels Resort & Spa on Oct. 17 in Middleburg, Va. and the Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series than tenderness and softness. You for Disney+. know, violence versus kindness, these He’s not a big guy, but whatever a supercharged kind of opposites.” camera does to other people, with him it Now, he says, “I’d like to think that seems to add 15 pounds of muscle and masculinity holds a lot more softness at least half a foot of height. In his early than it used to in my mind.” He’s realized days, he was an ensemble member who that the actors who once shaped his often played bruisers with a short fuse, image of what a man is (including Arnold the kinds of crooks, cops and soldiers Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone) you wouldn’t want to cross at a bar fight were actually willing to show their in the Outback. But he’s always had a tenderness. Underneath, he says, you huge deal of vulnerability under that can see the boy that each of them once ultramasculine exterior. was, “and I think that’s really important.”

He’d become a father in between Edgerton looks like a grown-up boy reading the book and meeting Bentley, himself, or at least a stylish Ted Lasso, and the pregnancy hadn’t been easy. in a bright red cotton track jacket, The fear he’d felt, he says, helped seersucker chinos and Onitsuka Tiger deepen his connection with Robert’s sneakers. He wears an Oura ring and a sense of loss. “Just before our kids were wedding band on his left hand. born, I was so scared that they wouldn’t “When my wife’s not around, I get to be okay, and then they were born and go rogue,” he says, upon my jokingly they were so tiny,” he says. “And now my asking who in the world dressed him. In biggest fear, as soon as my kids entered 2018, he married Christine Centenera, the world, is, ‘What if something were to now editor in chief of Vogue Australia, happen?’… I’ll never lose that feeling.” whom he’d known for 20 years. They When he tried to explain to his wife have twin 4-year-old boys and split their what the movie was about, he says, he time between London and Sydney. couldn’t even get out the words.

Edgerton started thinking about Edgerton considers “Train Dreams” “Train Dreams” seven years ago when the most personal thing he’s ever done. someone gave him Johnson’s novella In many ways, he was living through as a gift and he was so taken that he his own fears and experiences on the tried to get the rights to adapt it. When screen, which he says allowed him to be he couldn’t, he put it out of his head — patient and unafraid of the silence. “I was until director Clint Bentley (part of the like, ‘All right, well if I think these things creative duo behind 2024’s “Sing Sing”) for real, then the camera will find that approached him in 2022. “It did feel sort out,’” he says. of strange,” says Edgerton, “like, how Robert’s story reminded Edgerton of

his own upbringing in Australia. All the men in his family, for generations, had been sheep farmers. His grandfather also, in his more mature years, drove an electric train. On another timeline, Edgerton probably would be doing the same.

As the family lore goes, his father was heading to university to study sheep husbandry (“Which always made me laugh as a kid: ‘You’re gonna marry a sheep?!’”). But on the first day of enrollment, he ran into some buddies who convinced him that going into law was where the money was.

“It was sort of a pivotal moment, where suddenly my father steered us to a new direction,” says Edgerton. But he still grew up surrounded by nature — raised in an untamed section of New South Wales outside Sydney, “a wild and woolly place” where they didn’t have a street address.

His first big role outside of Australia was in 2005’s “Kinky Boots” as the reluctant heir to a British shoe factory who teams up with Chiwetel Ejiofor’s drag queen to launch a line of fabulous leather platform stompers. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Leonardo DiCaprio as Tom Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby”; played a Navy SEAL in “Zero Dark Thirty”; and bulked up as a reluctant MMA fighter who has to take on his brother (Tom Hardy) in “Warrior.”

In the indie film world, though, he’s something of a legend. He and his older brother Nash, a stuntman and director, are part of the Australian collective Blue-Tongue Films, known for gritty, dark, psychologically terrifying fare, including 2010’s “Animal Kingdom,” a propulsive thriller with Edgerton as the head of a crime family that took Sundance by storm. The night of that premiere wasn’t the only time I’d seen the low-key and expansively friendly Edgerton boys pouring out of a Sundance bar with journalists, festival volunteers and a gaggle of Aussies well after last call.

Joel’s role had been small, but his association with that movie became a kind of calling card, of a twisted, shockingly violent sensibility. One can trace a line straight from that film to his directorial debut, the 2015 psychological thriller “The Gift,” which he also wrote, about the pernicious consequences of high school bullying.

Edgerton gave himself the role of the psycho stalker.

72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 17

SOUP SALE

Local Mentions

Johnsville United Methodist Church By the quart – Stock your freezer!

Chicken Corn Soup Vegetable Beef Soup $9 / quart Cash or check only Orders due by Sunday, January 11, 2026

Local Mentions

Call 410-775-7217

.

SOUP & SANDWICH TAKE OUT 14 South Alley New Market, MD Saturday, January 31 Pick-up: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Soups by Quart- $9.00 Vegetable Beef Chicken Corn - Bean Sloppy Joe by Quart- $14.00 Country Ham Sandwich- $5.00 Advance Order by Sat. Jan. 21, 2026 Place orders by email at newmarketgrangemd @gmail.com or call Teresa @ 301-717-4852 Please provide order, name & phone number Cash – Check - Credit

VIGILANT HOSE COMPANY NEW YEAR'S EVE BINGO 17701 Creamery Road, Emmitsburg, MD

Wednesday, 12/31

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Dinner Platter!

Reserved seating if tickets purchased by 12/12.

Tickets purchased after 12/12 will be $60 No checks mailed after 11/28.

For info: Pam @

240-472-3484

BUFFET DINNER

Reserve right to change payouts if 200 are not sold.

Wanted to Buy

Johnsville United Methodist Church By the quart – Stock your freezer!

Chicken Corn Soup Vegetable Beef Soup $9 / quart Cash or check only Orders due by Sunday, January 11, 2026

18 | Wednesday, 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS & leaveDec. message Soup pick-up on Monday, January 19

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COMICS AND COOL STUFF

Buying Comic Book Collections, Antiques, Vintage & Modern Toys, Funko Pops, Pokemon, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Records, Thundercats, Transformers, Video Games, He-Man, Lego, Hot Wheels, Power Rangers, Barbie, Trains 300 E. High St, Carlisle 717-210-1192

SOUP SALE

Call 410-775-7217

ALL OUTSIDE SERVICES

& leave message Soup pick-up on Monday, January 19 from 1 – 3pm Bake Table available JUMC Parish Hall 11106 Green Valley Road (Rt. 75) Union Bridge, MD 21791

New Market Grange #362

Mt. Airy VFC Auxiliary Fri, Jan. 2, 2026 4-7p or until sold out Eat in or Carry-out Fried Chicken and Shrimp and 6 assort. sides Adults: $18; Kids 6-12: $8.00 Under 5 is FREE; ($2 extra for all carry-out) Mt. Airy VFC Reception Hall 1008 Twin Arch Rd, Mt Airy Credit or Debit Cards Accepted

Services

Services

FIND E V E R Y T H I N G YOU NEED T O M A K E Y O U R W E D D I N G P E R F E C T.

[EXCEPT MAYBE A BRIDE OR GROOM.] .C OM

Wednesday Dec. 31 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.

ETCETERA New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Big Panda — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Skate Frederick, 1288 Riverbend Way, Frederick, Frederick. Bring in the New Year with a fun afternoon of ice skating with family and friends under colorful lights with a live DJ, Snack Bar, Photo Booth and props. $8 Admission + $4 Skate Rental. 301-6627362. marketing@skatefrederick.com. skatefrederick.com/home/new-years-evewith-dj-big-panda.

Line Dancing Night — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Bentztown, 6 S. Bentz St., Frederick.

Every Wednesday. Led by Sharon Grimet of Sharon’s School of Dance, this fun and easygoing class is perfect for dancers of all skill levels. $10, includes your first beer, soda or rail cocktail. 301-301-8430. info@bentztown. com. www.facebook.com/share/1Dzox84DjJ/.

14th Annual New Year’s Eve Key Drop — 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick. Join the Civitan Club of Frederick for this cherished community tradition that brings people together to celebrate the start of a new year! Watch as the giant key drops to mark the moment, symbolizing opportunity, renewal, and the spirit of Frederick. Enjoy live music by The Dirty Middle, and family-friendly fun as we count down together.

301-529-2465. markerjd@netzero.com. www.frederickcivitan.org/.

FAMILY Toddler Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser

Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories and fun for toddlers and their grownups. Designed for 2 year olds with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/toddler-storytime-180064.

School’s Out: Noon Year’s Eve Party — 11 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join us for crafts, music and more as we count down to noon! Let’s celebrate the arrival of another fun year at the library!

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

K-Pop Demon Hunters Party (All Ages) — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Calling all Huntrix and Saja Boys fans: Join us for a variety of themed-crafts and activities inspired by the film K-POP Demon Hunters!

It’s going to be golden!

301-600-1630. pmccarty@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/holdteen-dept-programming-185530.

Thursday Jan. 1 MUSIC & ARTS

Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older.

301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling. com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

Friday Jan. 2 CLASSES

3D Printer Basics — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Mount Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy. Learn the basics of creating a 3D image in Tinkercad, then design a project that we’ll print out just for you! Only kids need to register.

410-386-4470. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/3d-printer-program-269298.

ETCETERA

Book Chat — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown. Join us for an hour of chatting about books! Come and share what you are reading and get ideas from others about what to read next! For adults.

410-386-4510. ask@carr.org.

ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/bookchat-268004.

$15 non-members, $10 members. 301-6959414. frederickgymnastics.com.

FAMILY Frozen Fun! Special Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Chill out with Elsa, Anna, and the gang at our Frozen Fun Storytime! We’ll read snowy tales, sing frosty songs, and let our imaginations run wild in the world of Frozen. Come dressed as your favorite character and get ready for an adventure filled with ice and magic.

Designed for ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/frozen-fun-special-storytime-191282.

Take a Closer Look: Winter S.T.E.A.M. — 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Walkersville Library, 2 South Glade Road, Walkersville. Kids can check out winter-themed activities to keep their minds and hands busy. Will your kids gravitate towards number activities, science projects, or hands-on engineering crafts? fcpl.org.

Winter Break Build Day — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. All LEGOs, Keva blocks and MAGNA-TILES are provided. Just come ready to stack tall and have fun! This indoor Build Day is great for the whole family. fcpl.org.

Open Gym for Kids — 8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Frederick Gymnastics Club, 4604 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick. For kids in kindergarten and up. Your kids will have a blast tumbling, jumping on trampolines, diving into foam pits, and more at the home of the Mid-Maryland’s Largest Gymnastics Program. It’s fitness-focused and a ton of fun! Drop-in; pre-registration isn’t required.

FILM You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W German St, Shepherdstown, W.Va. Newly released film captures a star-studded tribute to the legendary songwriter, filmed in 2022 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The event brought together acclaimed artists, friends, and family to share behind-the-scenes stories and perform classic songs, honoring Prine’s enduring legacy. Live music provided by local musicians. In response to demand, an encore screening has been added for Jan. 2. Advance ticket purchase recommended. $13 std, $11 seniors and students. 304-8763704. Contact@operahouselive.com. shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix. com/events/256852.

MUSIC & ARTS Live Music at the Cocktail Lab — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Every Friday in the Cocktail Lab we’ll be servin’ up our deliciously wild concoctions and some sweet tunes to get your weekend started off right.

21 and older.

301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling. com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

Saturday Jan. 3 CLASSES

Gentle Yoga Flow: A Beginner Yoga Class — noon to 1 p.m. at Thurmont

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72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 19

Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Join us for a calming, beginnerfriendly yoga class designed to help you unwind, stretch, and move with ease. This all-levels session is perfect for anyone looking to build flexibility, reduce stress, and explore mindful movement in a welcoming environment. With over ten years’ experience, Hannah Cherry offers supportive guidance for every body. All are welcome— no prior yoga experience needed. Please wear comfortable clothes.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/gentleyoga-flow-beginner-yoga-class-189306.

FAMILY DIY Tow Truck Kids Workshop — 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at The Home Depot, 5517 Urbana Pike, Frederick. On the first Saturday of every month, Home Depot hosts a free, indoor kids workshop. The month of January is a do-it-yourself tow truck.

Kids and teens will use tools and learn from expert craftsman at the store. The workshop is free, but must register online at homedepot.com.

301-620-0571. homedepot.com.

Family Storytime: Snow Much Fun — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Bundle up for a flurry of winter fun! Join us for a playful storytime filled with snowy tales, frosty songs, and plenty of giggles as we explore the magic of winter.

Families will enjoy movement, music, and hands-on activities perfect for warming up a chilly January morning. Designed for children of all ages with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/familystorytime-188507.

Indoor Playground — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Active fun for ages up to 10.

301-600-7250. fcpl.org.

Creative Outlet: January First Saturday — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Kids and their adults are invited to drop-in and get creative together in our family open studio to create an artist-inspired project! Bilateral drawing with visiting artist Jessie Bunk.

Please, no large groups. Free, donations encouraged.

301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

Bilateral Drawing — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Kids and their adults are invited to drop-in and get creative together at this open studio to create an artist-inspired project! This month’s class is with artist Jessie Bunk, who is a bilateral artist. Bilateral drawing is art made with both hands at the same time — one pencil in your left hand, and one in your right. At least one adult must be present at each table.

301-698-0656. delaplaine.org.

GALLERY

Art Matters Artist Talk: Solo Exhibition Artists — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick.

Solo exhibiting artists Maremi Andreozzi, Anne Boyer, and Alfred Groff will discuss their history as artists and the works in their exhibition.

301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

www.antietamstation.com.

Kids Aerial Yoga — 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sol Yoga — Garage Studio, 218 Abrecht Place, Frederick. This high-flying type of yoga is so cool. Kids Aerial Yoga is offered in Frederick and taught by local yogi, Bonnie Abbott. In this class, your child will discover how they can build strength, flexibility and creativity while having a blast in soft fabric hammocks. The focus is on fun and exploration, rather than competition. Every class wraps up with a bit of calming mindfulness to leave kids feeling more centered and refreshed. The class is recommended for kids ages 7 to 16 and suitable for beginners and intermediate levels. Register at bonnieabbott.com. $29 per child.

Monday Jan. 5 CLASSES

Beginner Line Dancing for Adults — noon to 1 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Looking to try something new, get moving, or meet new people? Join us for a lively beginner line dance class designed for adults of all ages and abilities. Carissa with FIBE Dance will introduce the foundations of line Exhibition Openings: FCAA and Solo dancing—simple steps, clear cues, and fun, Exhibition Artists — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at repeatable routines set to a mix of country, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., pop, and timeless party favorites. No Frederick. View exhibitions and meet the partner needed — just bring comfortable artists! These exhibitions are opening on shoes, a water bottle, and your best spirit!

Jan. 3 and can be viewed starting at 9 a.m.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. frederickcountymd.gov. delaplaine.org/programs/.

Sunday Funday: Play & Puzzles — Can You frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ Survive the Great Snowstorm of 2026? — 2 beginner-line-dancing-adults-190562. p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, Sunday Jan. 4 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Let’s play! Kids ETCETERA can test their skills and creativity through ETCETERA Press Paws! Therapy Dogs For Teens cooperative games, scavenger hunts, and (ages 11-18) — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 Rescheduled — Christmas Cantata — 10:30 puzzling activities that keep everyone movp.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 ing and thinking. This program is geared for a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Buckeystown United Amelung St., Frederick. Teens: relax Methodist Church, 3440 Buckeystown Pike, those in grades K-5. and relieve stress by spending time Buckeystown. Agape Choir presents Pepper 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcounpetting an adorable dog friend! Therapy Chopin’s “The Ballad of Bethlehem: A Time- tymd.gov. dogs are provided by the Wags for less Story of God’s Love” during the service. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/sunHope volunteers, whose pets bring day-funday-play-puzzles-188532.

BUMC1896@gmail.com. comfort and joy to the lives of others. For buckeystownumc.org. grades 6-12.

FILM Alpacas and Their Fleece — 2 p.m. to 3 301-600-7000. p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. “Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5” (R, 2 hours) — 3 p.m. to Maple Ave., Brunswick. Learn about raising 5:15 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, FAMILY alpacas and making fiber products from 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. Family Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 their wool. Susan Trask of Earth Wind and A 2025 documentary film produced, written a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 Fleece, a small family farm, garden and fiber and directed by Raoul Peck. It follows the S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Enjoy music, arts studio in Lovettsville, Va., will explain career of George Orwell, particularly the stories and more! Designed for ages up to how alpaca fiber is processed into various lessons from his novel “1984” and how his end products, including her felted scarves political observations are still relevant today. 5 with a caregiver. and alpaca beanies. 18 and older.

Damian Lewis narrates the film as Orwell. Ad- 301-600-6329. cdillman@ 301-600-7250. mission is Pay-What-You-Can (suggested $10 frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/allto $15/ticket). 18 and older. www.fcpl.org.

304-876-3704. harriet@operahouselive.com. Little Adventurers — 10:30 a.m. to 11 about-fleece-177490.

Telebillies — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix.com/ a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Children learn 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country events/257446. and explore through hands-on activities music.

GALLERY using science, technology, engineering, FAMILY art and math concepts at the library.

Downtown Frederick Artwalk: Ron Ames Caregivers are encouraged to connect — noon to 4 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, Kids’ Sewing Workshop — 10 a.m. to 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Take a self-guided with children and participate in the noon at That’s Sew Hillary, 182 Thomas activities! stroll downtown and visit its many local galJohnson Drive, #204L, Frederick. For ages 301-600-6329. cdillman@ leries!

At the Delaplaine, Ron Ames will be 7 to 11. In this 2-hour workshop, kids will frederickcountymd.gov. showcasing impressionistic photography. learn about using a sewing machine, and www.fcpl.org.

301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. then sew a small snap wallet. All materials delaplaine.org/programs/.

Baby Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and machines are included, but registered at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser participants are welcome to bring their own MUSIC & ARTS Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories, and play machine if they have one. Younger kids are for babies and their grownups. Designed welcome, but must take the class with an Bach in Baltimore Presents: Bach & Albifor ages 0-24 months with a caregiver. adult. Caregivers are welcome to stay and noni — 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Par301-600-7200. bbrannen@ participate or watch, or leave. Must register ish , 100 Church Lane , Cockeysville . Begin frederickcountymd.gov. at sewhillary.com. the new year with Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/baby$50 per child. hello@sewhillary.com. in D minor performed by the wonderful sewhillary.com. oboe soloist Katherine Needleman from the storytime-190574.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. We continue Anime Afternoon (Ages 10-17) — 5:30 Antietam Station Open House — noon to p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional with Bach’s radiant Cantata 1, “How Brightly 4 p.m. at Hagerstown Model RR Museum Shines the Morning Star,” a joyful celebration Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont.

Inc. at Antietam Station, 17230 Sharpsburg of light and hope. Paired with the lively and Anime Afternoon is a place to chat with Pike, Sharpsburg. The Hagerstown Model majestic Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, this other enthusiasts about your favorite RR Museum will open the historic Antietam program showcases the composer’s genius anime and manga! Chat about what you’re Train Station to the public every Sunday in in both sacred and instrumental music. currently reading and watching.

January. Admission is free and the station $33 online, $37 at the door: General, $10: 301-600-7200. bbrannen@ is handicap accessible. Several operating Students, FREE for kids!. elizabachinbbaltifrederickcountymd.gov. model train layouts and displays of local more@gmail.com. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ railroad history. bachinbaltimore.org/events/bach-albinoni/. anime-afternoon-ages-10-17-186543.

301-964-0469. bblairwilliamson@aol.com.

20 | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS

MUSIC & ARTS Discovery Series: The Imaginaries — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Husband-wife duo Maggie McClure and Shane Henry bring their signature blend of American roots, rock and soul to the stage, infused with the warmth of their Oklahoma upbringing.

Their undeniable chemistry and timeless sound have earned them fans across the country and beyond. The duo has opened for Judy Collins, John Waite, Sixpence None The Richer, and The Gatlin Brothers. $10. 301-600-2828. dyoung@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/theimaginaries/.

Tuesday Jan. 6 CLASSES

Dynamic Gentle Yoga with Mary Koster — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown.

This 60-minute dynamic gentle yoga class invites you to breathe more deeply, discover new strength and flexibility while honoring your limits, strengthen your concentration/focus, and relax your nervous system. Taught in a non-competitive environment by a certified instructor, each class includes warm-ups, postures, breathing, and a final relaxation. Options are offered to stay safely within your pain-free range of motion. All abilities and flexibility levels are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat and any other props that you would like to use to each class.

301-600-7560. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ dynamic-gentle-yoga-mary-koster-187008.

ETCETERA

ages 0 and up with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/musical-storytime-187894.

Winter Yoga for Tweens & Teens with Bonnie Abbott (Ages 9-18) — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Dedicated space for tweens and teens to recharge and destress. Moving in a way that supports focus, confidence and self-care.

301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

Night Owls Storytime: Pets in Pajamas!

— 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont.

What do our favorite pets do when the world quiets down for the night? Join us for a playful pajama storytime full of stories, songs, and movement inspired by cats, dogs, and other beloved animal companions. A warm and welcoming evening for the whole family. Designed for children of all ages with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/nightowls-storytime-187974.

Wednesday Jan. 7 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.

Manga and Anime Club (ages 11-18) — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. New to Anime and Manga? Longtime fan? Either way join us to celebrate it while talking all things art, story, cosplay and culture! Each month features a different craft. September’s featured craft is chibi perler beading!

Materials provided, while supplies last. For teens in grade 6-12.

301-600-7000.

ETCETERA live-frederick.pantheonsite.io/event/mangaDry January Mocktail Demos at the Coand-anime-club-176149. op! — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Common Yarnia, A Fiber Arts Social Club — 6:30 Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Middletown Branch Frederick. Stop by either of our locations Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Love for live mocktail demos from our favorite yarn, crafts, and creativity? Bring your vendors, try some of our popular nonprojects and supplies, connect with fellow alcoholic drinks, then shop the areas largest knitters, crocheters, needleworkers and selection! Whether you’re practicing Dry fiber artists, and enjoy an hour of creativity January or just looking to try some tasty and community. Beginners and experts beverages, it’s the perfect way to kick off alike are welcome — share tips, learn new 2026. skills, and get inspired.

3016633416. arobinson@commonmarket. sblumenauer@frederickcounty.gov. coop. fcpl.org. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ dry-january-mocktail-demo-at-7th-st/.

FAMILY

Musical Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Music, movement, and stories for the whole family. Designed for

Valley Quilters, TLC Meeting — 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3864 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson. Meets the first Wednesday of each month. Open to all ages and levels, the guild offers teaching,

learning and companionship to those interested in the art of quilting. Visitors are always welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, contact Peggy at valleyquiltersTLC@gmail.com. valleyquiltersTLC@gmail.com.

FAMILY

Toddler Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories, and fun for toddlers and their grownups. Designed for 2 year olds with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ toddler-storytime-187907.

YMCA STEM Quest — 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Hands-on program using the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s STEM Kit to spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills and boost confidence in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math ... all in a fun, welcoming library setting!

301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

Art-Ventures: Snowflakes — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Get creative and explore the world of art through hands-on projects and imaginative fun! Each session features a new artistic adventure designed for young artists to express themselves, try new techniques, and make something awesome. Designed for kids ages 5 and up.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/artventures-family-art-night-188480.

Thursday Jan. 8

Musical Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Music, movement, and stories for the whole family. Designed for ages 0 and up with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ musical-storytime-187894.

Elementary Explorers: The Magic School Bus — Inside Germs! — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Participate in a variety of experiences related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Hop on the Magic School Bus and shrink down to explore the world of germs! Kids will learn how tiny microbes live, spread, and affect our bodies through fun stories, hands-on activities, and interactive experiments. For children in grades K-5.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ elementary-explorers-188493.

Tween Homesteader: Fiber Arts (Ages 9-13) — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Join local 4-H group to learn what kinds of simple things you can make out of wool from various animals. Come create a small craft with us to take home!

301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ teen-and-tween-open-chess-playages-9-18-186544.

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.

Paws 2 Read with Go Team Therapy Dogs — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join Go Team Therapy Dogs to improve your reading confidence and make a new friend when you read aloud to a therapy dog. All ages.

301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

FILM

Classic Film Series: “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) — 7:30 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Sponsored by Wonder Book. Drinks and snacks available. $7. weinbergcenter.org.

MUSIC & ARTS

Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older.

301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling. com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

Friday Jan. 9 CLASSES

Partner & Contra Lessons and Dancing — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at AmVets Post 7, 26 Apples Church Road, Thurmont. Grab your partner and come learn how to Partner & Contra dance with instructors Carissa Barth Kijowski and Brandon Kijowski! This is a great class to attend if you are beginners!

Fridays in January. $15. 202-758-4179. Fibedancecontact@ gmail.com.

ETCETERA

The YAAC Show at the Y Ausherman Arts Center — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Y Ausherman Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. The YAAC Show is a bi-weekly, late-night–style talk show produced by the Y Arts Center, celebrating creativity and community. Each episode spotlights local artists, performers, and cultural innovators through interviews, performances, and engaging conversations — all taking place right in the heart of Downtown Frederick. It’s where creativity lives, thrives, and takes center stage. $12. 301-663-5131. jslaughter@frederickymca.org. frederickymca.org/programs/arts-humanities.

72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 21

FAMILY Preschool Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories, and fun for preschoolers and their grownups. Designed for ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/preschool-storytime-187933.

Get Ready for Kindergarten — 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Have fun exploring literacy, science, mathematics, and art through play-based activities that integrate essential school skills. Designed for ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ get-ready-kindergarten-187947.

“Rounding Third” — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House , 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. The tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches through an entire season, from their first tentative meeting to the climactic championship game. The audience is the stand-in for the team, so the coaches speak directly to the audience about competition, character, punctuality, and the importance of wearing the right equipment.

This is a play that was first produced to rave reviews at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown. It’s a funny, family-friendly show, suitable for all ages.

Advance tickets recommended. $20 advance, seniors, students//$25 standard at the door. 304-876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix.com/ events/251274.

MUSIC & ARTS Live Music at the Cocktail Lab — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Every Friday in the Cocktail Lab we’ll be servin’ up our deliciously wild concoctions and some sweet tunes to get your weekend started off right. 21 and older.

301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling. com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

THEATER “Macbeth” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes … In one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies, “Macbeth” plunges audiences into a dark world of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. When three mysterious witches foretell that Macbeth will become king, a deadly chain of events is set in motion, blurring the line between destiny and choice. Admission: Pay-what-you-will. contact@esptheatre.org. endangeredspecies.my.salesforce-sites.com/ ticket/#/events/a0SRo000006IdfNMAS.

Saturday Jan. 10 CLASSES

Gentle Yoga Flow: A Beginner Yoga Class — noon to 1 p.m. at Thurmont Regional

Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Join us for a calming, beginner-friendly yoga class designed to help you unwind, stretch, and move with ease. This all-levels session is perfect for anyone looking to build flexibility, reduce stress, and explore mindful movement in a welcoming environment. With over ten years’ experience, Hannah Cherry offers supportive guidance for every body. All are welcome— no prior yoga experience needed.

Please wear comfortable clothes.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/gentle-yoga-flow-beginner-yoga-class-189307.

ETCETERA

Adaptive Winter Formal — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rock Creek Recreation Center, 55B W. Frederick St., Walkersville. Get ready to dance the night away at our Winter Formal!

Put on your suit or your favorite dress, do your makeup and your hair and come have the opportunity to experience our formal, dance the night away with a DJ, enjoy light refreshments, and snap a picture at the photo booth. Caregivers are welcome with free entry. We ask that due to space, you limit to only one additional person per participant.

This event is geared towards individuals with disabilities. Advanced registration is required.

Limited space is available, sign up early! $20. 301-600-2936. ParksandRecreation@ FrederickCountyMD.gov. bit.ly/AdaptiveWinterFormal.

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.

FAMILY

Family Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Stories, movement, music and fun for the entire family. Designed for ages 0 and up with a caregiver.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/family-storytime-188508.

Saturday Craftacular: Paper Plate 3D Penguins! — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Waddle over to the Emmitsburg Branch Library for a Saturday Craftacular! We’ll be creating our very own polar habitats with paper plates, construction paper, and cotton balls! Age group: Elementary.

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

“Rounding Third” — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House , 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. The tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches through an entire season, from their first tentative meeting to the climactic championship game. The audience is the stand-in for the team, so the coaches speak directly to the audience about competition, character, punctuality, and the importance of wearing the right equipment.

22 | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS

This is a play that was first produced to rave reviews at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown. It’s a funny, family-friendly show, suitable for all ages.

Advance tickets recommended. $20 advance, seniors, students//$25 standard at the door. 304-876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix.com/ events/251274.

THEATER

“Macbeth” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes … In one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies, “Macbeth” plunges audiences into a dark world of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. When three mysterious witches foretell that Macbeth will become king, a deadly chain of events is set in motion, blurring the line between destiny and choice. Admission: Pay-what-you-will. contact@esptheatre.org. endangeredspecies.my.salesforce-sites.com/ ticket/#/events/a0SRo000006IdfNMAS.

Sunday Jan. 11 CLASSES

How to Eat Local Year Round: Bone Broth, Stock & Soup - Root to Tip Cooking with Local Ingredients — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Common Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Learn the time-honored art of turning bones, vegetable scraps and seasonal herbs into nourishing broths and soul-warming soups. In this class, you’ll discover how to transform humble ingredients into liquid gold using slow-cooking methods that honor the whole animal and reduce kitchen waste. Pre-register, space is limited. $65 - $130. 301-663-3416. arobinson@ commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ how-to-eat-local-year-round-bone-broth/.

Brunswick Arts Council Program: Mini Book Making — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Learn how to make mini books from recycled materials using junk mail, magazine pages, cardboard, recycled packaging, old photographs, and more!

Supplies are provided, but you can bring any materials you might want to use to personalize your mini book. Presented by the Brunswick Arts Council. 18 and over.

301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/brunswick-arts-council-class-176156.

ETCETERA

Cozy Crafternoon — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Come for a demo from local artists and bring your own projects to work on together! Open to all adults and teens. All crafts welcome at 1:30 p.m. on designated Sunday afternoons. Crochet demo on Jan. 11, a sheep-to-sweater demo on Feb. 8, and a sewing/quilting demo on March 8. Ages 18 and older.

301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

Tall In The Saddle — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music.

FAMILY Antietam Station Open House — noon to 4 p.m. at Hagerstown Model RR Museum Inc. at Antietam Station, 17230 Sharpsburg Pike, Sharpsburg. The Hagerstown Model RR Museum will open the historic Antietam Train Station to the public every Sunday in January.

Admission is free and the station is handicap accessible. Several operating model train layouts and displays of local railroad history.

301-964-0469. bblairwilliamson@aol.com. www.antietamstation.com.

Sunday Funday: Science & Surprise — Winter Wonders — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Get curious and messy (in the best way)! Each session features a science-themed experiment, challenge, or puzzle to spark wonder and laughter. Bundle up for cool science fun! Kids will explore winter-themed experiments. This program is geared for those in grades K-5.

301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/sunday-funday-science-surprise-188535.

“Rounding Third” — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House , 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. The tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches through an entire season, from their first tentative meeting to the climactic championship game. The audience is the stand-in for the team, so the coaches speak directly to the audience about competition, character, punctuality, and the importance of wearing the right equipment.

This is a play that was first produced to rave reviews at the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown. It’s a funny, family-friendly show, suitable for all ages.

Advance tickets recommended. $20 advance, seniors, students//$25 standard at the door. 304-876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix.com/ events/251274.

MUSIC & ARTS Calvary UMC 2025-2026 Community Concert Series: Ayreheart — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. Second St., Frederick.

Founded by Grammy-nominated lutenist/ composer Ronn McFarlane. Performing with lute, vocals, colascione (a type of bass lute), violin, guitar and percussion, Ayreheart offers a program of Renaissance music and traditional folk music from the British Isles.

301-662-1464. jsummers@calvaryumc.org. www.CalvaryUMC.org/concerts.

U.S. Army Chorus Concert — 3 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 106 W. Church St., Frederick. Join us for an afternoon of uplifting music performed by some of our country’s finest musicians. All Saints is proud to welcome the United States Army Chorus to Frederick. musicdir@allsaintsmd.org. facebook.com/events/s/free-concert-us-army-chorus/1357565282508981/.

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72 HOURS | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 23

IN DOWNTOWN FREDERICK

January 3

Join us for the First Saturday of 2026 in Downtown Frederick for shopping, dining, gallery openings and special events to refresh and recharge. Stick around for Sunday Artwalk from 12-4pm on January 4, for self-guided gallery tours. downtownfrederick.org

24 | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 72 HOURS