72 HOURS December 4, 2025

DECEMBER 4

Bound INSPIRE

Frederick Books Art Center will celebrate its ‘year in review’ with a community gathering

The Catoctones Present...

FBAC CELEBRATES DARKROOM REVEAL

Frederick Book Arts Center will host an end-of-year celebration and fundraiser Dec. 6 from noon to 6 p.m. at its location in downtown Frederick. The event includes creative activities, demonstrations and the unveiling of the city’s first public-use darkroom, complete with the cutting of a giant film strip. Under executive director Casey Smith’s leadership since January, FBAC has doubled down on its educational mission, offering rotating small-scale classes in letterpress, bookbinding and engraving while serving as a destination for local school field trips. The 6,688-square-foot space houses working Gutenberg-style presses alongside modern processes, and the organization continues to expand its programming. Stop by to be inspired.

J BERD LAUNCHES NEW FRAGRANCE

The Dec. 6 launch party at J Berd’s Cape and Blade barber shop in Hagerstown isn’t about new music from the rapper but rather his shop’s new bespoke fragrance, Chaise Verte (French for “green chair,” inspired by the shop’s green barber chairs). Jay Keating, the hip-hop artist behind J Berd, explains the connection to hip-hop’s DIY ethos, saying it’s about creating from scratch, whether music, dance, art or entrepreneurial ventures. DJ Jon Daily and Frederick-based Josh Williams (Live Action Mixtape) will spin from 8 to 10 p.m.

KRIS KRINGLE PROCESSION RETURNS

Frederick’s annual Kris Kringle Procession will return at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, with the procession beginning at South Carroll and East Patrick streets and winding through downtown to Baker Park. Local children dressed as reindeer, snowflakes, angels, elves and gifts will accompany costumed characters — some modern, some traditional — through the streets. The closing ceremony at the Baker Park Bandshell includes carols, the lighting of the city Christmas tree and appearances from the Snow Queen and Kris Kringle himself.

OLD-TIME SOUND AT THE BLUE ELEPHANT

Michael Ronstadt, Lydia Martin and friends will be in concert Dec. 7 at the Blue Elephant, 4 W. Fifth St., Frederick. Cellist/vocalist Ronstadt is passing through town from Cincinnati and performing shows with Walt Michael and Company over the weekend and will stop in Frederick for this event. Jonah Giuliano will play drums and mountain dulcimer at the show, located on the ground floor of the Blue Elephant. Martin said the group will be playing interpretations of old-time music on banjo, cello and dulcimer with some of the original songs mixed in. Doors open at 6:30 with a $20 suggested donation. Call 240-608-5684 for more details.

A FAMILY HISTORY CENTER OPENS

Genealogy just got a lot more accessible in Frederick. The newly renovated Frederick Maryland FamilySearch Center — a free community resource sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — will host a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Dec. 5 at 199 North Place. This isn’t your dusty archive experience. The center offers access to billions of digitized records and premium subscription databases like Ancestry and MyHeritage, plus photo scanners, printers and trained volunteers who actually want to help you untangle your family tree. The new Discovery Center features interactive displays that let visitors of all ages map where their ancestors originated. During the ribbon cutting, certified genealogist Rebecca Whitman Koford will present Mayor Michael O’Connor with stories and keepsakes about his own family history, which sounds like either a wonderful gift or a mildly terrifying revelation, depending on what turns up.

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.

Why Estate Planning is about Strategy, not just about Documents

As a Best of the Best Estate Planning law firm in Frederick, MD, one of the biggest misperceptions we encounter is the belief that Estate Planning is just about “getting the documents.”

It’s not. Estate planning is truly about planning – understanding your goals, your family, and how your assets work together across generations. The legal documents are merely tools to carry out that plan, but they’re not the solution on their own.

The Danger of DIY and Work Legal Plan Documents

We understand why people are tempted to use online or AI-generated Wills and Trusts. They appear convenient and inexpensive. However, after more than two decades of legal experience in both Estate Planning and Probate law, we’ve seen firsthand how those “savings” can cost families dearly later.

Families often come to us heartbroken and frustrated when they discover that a loved one’s “work legal plan Trust” didn’t actually avoid Probate - or worse, accidentally disinherited children or other dear loved ones. In many cases, the documents were never properly executed or funded, meaning that the assets still had to pass through the Probate court, defeating the very purpose of having a Trust.

Why Documents Alone Aren’t

Enough

Documents without a legal strategy are like a map without a destination. An online platform, AI generator, non-attorney advisor or work-

suggested legal plan can’t understand family nuances, blended households, or special needs beneficiaries and how it all gets affected by legal nuances. They can’t recognize that titling your home one way could undo your planning – or that naming a certain person as a beneficiary might disqualify them from government benefits.

Financial advisors have recently started offering Wills and Trusts, despite never attending law school or practicing law in the courts that actually decide how those documents hold up. What’s missing is an understanding of how local judges interpret estate plans, how laws evolve, and how many mistakes could be avoided with legal guidance.

What We Offer

With us, you are investing in a strategy built on decades of legal knowledge and courtroom insight. We unite experience from both the Planning and the Probate sides of the law, allowing us to anticipate and prevent the very issues we see others struggling with in court. Our goal is simple: to ensure your plan works when it’s needed most - protecting your loved ones, preserving your legacy, and sparing your family the stress and cost of fixing preventable mistakes. Because in Estate Planning, documents alone are not enough. Legal strategy is everything. If you need help protecting money and loved ones, call us 301-414-8726 or self-schedule www. lenaclarklegal.com. Sign up for our newsletter: bit.ly/LOLACnewsletter

FREDERICK

J Berd releases new signature fragrance at his barber shop with live music event

BY ROY GHIM

Special to The News-Post

The Dec. 6 launch party at J Berd’s Cape and Blade barber shop in Hagerstown isn’t about any new music coming from the rapper but rather to introduce his shop’s unique bespoke fragrance, Chaise Verte. Far be it from being a mere ad, DJ Jon Daily and Frederick-based Josh Williams, who goes by Live Action Mixtape, will spin on the turntable to set the vibes from 8 to 10 p.m.

But why sling a fragrance, and is there a connection to hip-hop culture in that?

Behind the mic and the blade is Jay Keating, aka hip-hop artist J Berd. He explained the historical basis for hiphop’s DIY aspect of repurposing or building from scratch.

“We had to do everything ourselves, whether that was creating a new music, creating a dance form, creating an art form — it’s that entrepreneurial spirit of ‘hey we’re going to do this, figure it out, and find a way.’”

Hip-hop culture entwined in that ethos extended to streetwear fashion and related gear.

As it so happens, several notable hip-hop artists have created their own signature fragrances, including Snoop Dogg, Drake, Future and Nikki Minaj, among others.

“For me, it’s creation. That’s what drives me,” Keating said. “It’s like an album where you plan it out, then find out what you need for it. You build it. It’s the same foundation. Once you do something and you’ve created just from an idea in your brain, it’s magical, whether it’s a shirt or album or drawing. If I get something in my mind, I’ll just obsess about it until I can see it in the physical.”

Keating has had prior experience with bringing ideas into material reality. In 2018, timed with his “Overtime” album release, fans were able to pick up an exclusive “J” cap, designed in collaboration with AJ Naylor’s fashion label at the time, Fred & Co. 1745. “My best friend growing up was AJ,” Keating said. “He’s like the mayor of Earth! To see the things that AJ’s done [with his fashion brands, including his current Made By Fred] and be inspired by that … he’s just in the future.”

The fragrance name Chaise Verte, engraved on limited-edition bottles, represents a pivot after the initial nam-

ing attempt went sideways.

Keating had planned to go to Nice, France, for his wedding anniversary, and despite those plans falling through, France was on his mind.

“I was gonna name it in Cape and Blade in French, but when you spell it out, it’s ‘Cape et Lame,’ and ain’t no one spraying lame spray on themselves,” he recounted with a laugh. He still wanted to name it something related to the shop but distinct enough for it to be its own thing, he said. Looking around, he noticed all the barber chairs in the shop are green, and “green chair sounded cool in French.”

A press release for the fragrance describes a scent that “embodies balance — clean, bright and enduring … Chaise Verte awakens the senses with sparkling notes that are crisp yet refined.”

One highlight of his hip-hop journey were several high-profile shows, including at the Anthem in 2018 opening for Blackstar (Mos Def/Yasiin Bey and Talib Kwali).

Will there be a secret J Berd set at the release party, given his collaboration on a Ullnevano song “Eastern Conference Finals” as recently as last year?

“I probably won’t,” he said, shooting down the rumor, as he’s likely too busy with Chaise Verte to rap with longtime music partner DJ Jon Daily. However, he did reveal that not only is he attempting more live events at his shop for Hagerstown and Frederick artists — potentially making his shop a lively cultural nexus — but he’s also creating new music.

Working again with Scott Kuzner, who produced J Berd’s “Latchkey Kids” album in 2011 and seven years later on “Overtime,” Keating also recruited Steve Bills of Chrome Bills and Ullnevano to contribute for an eventual album, expected to drop in 2026.

Roy Ghim is a freelance writer on occasion, with articles appearing in The News-Post, The New York Times and Soccer Journal magazine.

Staff file photo by Graham Cullen

Jay “J Berd” Keating performs hip-hop at the Church Street Pub in downtown Frederick in 2017.

Courtesy photo

J Berd has created a signature fragrance, Chaise Verte.

FEMA presents Fay Victor’s Herbie Nichols SUNG

Frederick Experimental Music Association will present Fay Victor’s Herbie Nichols SUNG at the Frederick YMCA Ausherman Arts Center on Dec. 6. Doors open at 7:30 for the 8 p.m. concert.

Joining Fay Victor will be pianist Anthony Coleman and double bassist Ratzo Harris.

Since his death in 1963, Herbie Nichols has become one of the most influential composers in jazz. Although he is best known for “Lady Sings the Blues,” very few of Nichols’ compositions had lyrics. Fay Victor rectified that with her Herbie Nichols SUNG project, writing lyrics that convey the whimsy, romance and ever-changing sameness of the blues that permeates Nichols’ mid-century

modern music.

In a program recently given at Kennedy Center, Victor, whom The New York Times called “a singer with her own brand,” transformed the music of a jazz great.

To listen to tracks from Life is Funny That Way and other albums by Fay Victor, go to fayvictor.bandcamp.com/ music.

General admission is $30, payable with cash at the door or through Brown Paper Tickets in advance.

The Y Arts Center is at 115 E. Church St., Frederick. There is wheelchair access through the back parking lot entrance.

For further information, email admin@pointofdeparture.org

Celebrate the holidays in Frederick with all-ages events and activities throughout December

From a regionally renowned Candlelight House Tour to an old-world European Kris Kringle Procession, Celebrate Frederick’s annual Holidays in Historic Frederick event series provides a magical experience in downtown Frederick.

HOLIDAY ART COMPETITION

Presented in partnership with The Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, the Holiday Art Competition is a juried art exhibition held at the arts center, 40 S. Carroll St. Artists are invited to depict their vision of the Holidays in Frederick. From the exhibit submissions, judges will select the winning work of art to be featured in the 2026 Holidays in Historic Frederick marketing campaign. Submissions will be displayed during the Opening Night reception.

A select number of pieces, chosen during the first round of judging, will be displayed the entire month of December in the Community Outreach Gallery. The gallery is open daily, and admission is free.

SCENTS & SWEETS COMPETITION AND AUCTION

The Scents & Sweets Competition and Auction will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Professional and amateur bakers and florists will delight attendees with sweet smells and visual treats in the form of gingerbread structures and holiday wreaths.

Children as young as 8 years old may submit entries. Each entry is voted on by a panel of judges as well as the public, with prizes awarded to profes-

sionals and amateurs in each category.

A total of 33 entries will be displayed this year.

Attendees are invited to take home a bit of holiday cheer by participating in the annual silent auction for gingerbread houses, holiday wreaths and more. Free holiday cookies, cider and hot cocoa will be provided.

CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR

Guests have two opportunities to enjoy the Candlelight House Tour from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 This year’s self-guided tour will feature six homes in historic Downtown Frederick, each displaying a distinct architectural style and design.

Year after year, visitors are delighted and amazed by the architectural nuances, holiday decor, and historic significance of some of Frederick’s most interesting homes. Over the 36 years of this tour, more than $125,000 has been donated to beautify the Frederick community.

In 2025, a portion of the tour proceeds will benefit beautification projects sponsored by Tasker’s Chance Garden Club and Green-walled Garden Club.

Tickets for the tour are $30 in advance or $35 the days of the tour. Advance tickets are available online at celebratefrederick.com or in person at the

Frederick County Visitors Center, 151 S. East St.

Day of tour ticket purchases can be made at the Hospitality Center, located in the lobby of City Hall, 101 N. Court St,, from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

CAROLS

BY CANDLELIGHT

Formerly the Festival of Lights, Carols by Candlelight will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the courtyard at City Hall, 101 N. Court St. Celebrate the season with holiday carols performed by local choirs and festive sing-alongs. The event concludes with a moving candle lighting ceremony that will fill the courtyard with hundreds of points of light.

KRIS KRINGLE PROCESSION

The Kris Kringle Procession is coming to Frederick on Dec. 12, with Kris Kringle himself as the star of the show. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of South Carroll and East Patrick streets in Frederick and ends in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree.

The town lights up with the holiday spirit as local groups march alongside German/English characters of yesteryear and modern favorites like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Jack Frost.

For more information about any of the Celebrate Frederick holiday events, call 301-600-2841 or visit celebratefrederick.com.

Fay Victor Deneka Peniston

Staff file photo by Ric Dugan

People hold candles during the 2022 Festival of Lights ceremony in front of Frederick’s City Hall.

Gettysburg Choral Society rejoices in song on the cusp of a milestone year

BY ERIN JONES

Special to The News-Post

As Christmas 1863 drew near, the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow felt a deep heaviness in his heart. The previous two years had included the traumatic death of his beloved wife in a fire, the national turbulence of the Civil War, and the catastrophic injury his son sustained as a soldier. On Christmas Day, something changed for him, when the pealing of bells inspired him to write his resiliently hopeful poem “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

Longfellow penned his poem just weeks after President Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address. Choral settings of both the poem and address have now entered the repertoire of the Gettysburg Choral Society, a nod to the historic heritage of the city the group calls home.

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” is just one of the many offerings that audiences can look forward to as part of the Gettysburg Choral Society’s Christmas concert, “In Dulci Jubilo,” on Dec. 5 and 6 at the United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg. Conducted by John McKay, the concert will feature soprano Amanda Peters, pianist Erin Petrella, and nationally renowned organist Peggy Haas Howell.

“The whole program is based on ‘In Dulci Jubilo,’ which means ‘in sweet rejoicing,’” McKay said. “It’s an ancient tune that goes back to the Middle Ages. We’re trying to emphasize that throughout that Christmas program — to celebrate Christmas in sweet rejoicing.”

McKay also noted that that the tune is probably most familiar as the melody to the Christmas carol “Good Christian Men Rejoice.”

The program will feature a mixture of styles from selections of G.F. Handel’s “Messiah” to the spiritual “Go Tell it On the Mountain” and many other Christmas favorites. In addition to choral pieces, several solo works on the organ will showcase the talents of featured organist Howell, including variations of “In Dulci Jubilo” by both J.S. Bach and Denis Bédard. Howell will also accompany the popular singalong portion, giving the audiences a chance to join in and lend their voices to the occasion.

“Where else around here can you go and sing Christmas carols with 500 other people and a majestic organ?” said Gettysburg Choral Society president Julie Strickland. “People really like that. We end the concert on ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ and it’s a great way to open up December and welcome in the Christmas season.”

The organ will be both seen and heard, thanks to the grand columns of

IF YOU GO

Under the direction of John McKay, The Gettysburg Choral Society will present a pair of Christmas concerts titled “In Dulci Jubilo” at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6 in the chapel of The United Lutheran Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, Pa. The chorus will perform timeless Christmas favorites such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and more. Performances will conclude with the audience joining in a sing-along, accompanied by organ and chorus. The concerts are free and no tickets are required. Tax-deductible contributions are appreciated to help defray concert-related expenses. An offering will be collected. Additional information is available at gettysburgchoralsociety.org

at their concerts and have found that audiences have been very supportive.

“We receive these very nice letters with checks for $500 or $1,000,” McKay said. “That proves that we’re doing something that people really want to enjoy. We couldn’t make it without folks like that.”

In addition to the Christmas concert, the group holds a patriotic concert at the end of May. At this concert in particular, the programming draws inspiration from the historic heritage of Gettysburg. They have previously performed a choral arrangement of the Gettysburg Address by composer Mark Hayes.

Hayes will be featured at their Christmas concert next year, when he will conduct the premiere of an original commissioned work, in honor of the Gettysburg Choral Society’s upcoming 10th anniversary.

pipes in the concert venue, the chapel at United Lutheran Seminary.

Bringing the choir to the Seminary chapel was a dream of Strickland’s in the early days of the choir. The choir formed in 2017 over a lunch conversation and shared the vision of Strickland and McKay.

Their early concerts were held in a small church, but they moved to the Seminary chapel as demand for their music required a larger venue capacity.

“Pretty soon, we started filling up the chapel every time we sang there. We have around 500 people [in attendance], and it’s standing room only,” McKay said. “So I think we’re doing

something that the people like.”

Gettysburg Choral Society became a nonprofit in 2022. McKay conducts and is artistic director of the organization. Strickland is the president of the organization and handles the management, marketing and operations of the choir.

Concerts are free and un-ticketed, a value its founders held from the beginning.

“It’s really important for us to keep things accessible to anyone to come to our concert,” Strickland said.

As a nonprofit, the group relies on donations and grants to be able to support their programming. They take an offering

Another milestone is that of the nation’s 250th anniversary, for which the choir is already preparing. They hold auditions twice a year, and auditions for the May concert will be held Jan. 12 and 31.

The group currently has 26 vocalists, some local to Gettysburg and some who drive as much as an hour to participate. Choir members have come from as far away as Dillsburg and Virginia, D.C., as well as Frederick and Baltimore. Ultimately, they hope to expand to as many as 40 vocalists, with 10 on each voice part, but are in need of more tenors and basses.

The choir has performed regionally in places like Emmitsburg and Hanover and were excited to receive an invitation to sing at Carnegie Hall next year.

Courtesy photo

Guest organist Peggy Haas Howell will perform with the Gettysburg Choral Society.

Courtesy photos

Gettysburg Choral Society will perform its Christmas concert, “In Dulci Jubilo,” on Dec. 5 and 6 in Gettysburg.

“It’s not just in Gettysburg, which is why we would love to attract singers from more areas, because we’re expanding our reach all the time,” Strickland said.

The choir has also attracted singers new to the area looking to plug into a choral community. The group holds social events throughout the year to encourage camaraderie outside of rehearsal as well.

“I have personally met a lot of my very best friends from the chorus because there’s a kinship when you’re coming together to have a common vision and build something together, and you have to trust each other. It’s special,” Strickland said.

Next year will bring with it many reasons for the choir to celebrate, both as an organization and nationally. The series of concerts will be called “Celebrate America,” and of course, Hayes’ Gettysburg Address piece will be one of the selections.

In a town where the president of a fractured nation once spoke words that are etched in history, a choir with a passion for beauty and excellence will honor those same words in song.

Erin Jones is a freelance writer, former humanities teacher and owner of Galvanize & Grow Copywriting. She holds a BA in English from Hood College and an MA in English from the Bread Loaf School of English, through which she studied literature at Middlebury College and Oxford University. Learn more at erinjoneswriter. com, or follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter.

FREDERICK

by candlelight

MUSEUMS BY CANDLELIGHT

December 13, 2025 • 12PM–7PM

Experience holiday traditions at several historic locations; special children’s activities; traditional crafts; period entertainment featured at this free self-guided event. Presented by the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium

CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP

December 26, 2025 • 3PM–8PM

Discover Downtown Frederick’s most celebrated houses of worship and enjoy special holiday music programs at this free self-guided event. With Support from

Events brought to you by the Visit Frederick. 301-600-4047 • visitfrederick.org

Gettysburg Choral Society will perform its Christmas concert, “In Dulci Jubilo,” on Dec. 5 and 6 in Gettysburg.

A guide to live nativity scenes in and around Frederick

BY TIFFANY MAHANEY

Special to The News-Post

In December, many families will display miniature figurine sets of a manger scene surrounding a notable baby lying in a straw-lined crib. The humble figures of Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, with shepherds, angels and wise men, evoke an expression of faith around Christmastime.

But have you ever seen a live, lifesized nativity scene in action? Some churches are making a big impact on the community by hosting live nativities, propelling visitors into the Christmas spirit.

For anyone unsure, a live nativity scene (also known as a manger scene) refers to an exhibit often displayed at a church of people dressed in period costumes with props and even real animals in a decorated set for the public to view, bringing the story of Jesus’ birth to life.

For many, a live nativity reflects a deeper meaning of Christmas, having a significant impact on believers and non-believers alike.

Whether the nativity event is a sitdown, walk-through or drive-through, watching a re-enactment of the manger in Bethlehem might be a beautiful tradition to begin with your family.

Below is a list of live nativities planned for this year at churches in and around Frederick. These are all open to the public and free for all to see.

Christmas on the Farm

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6

Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, 6521 Holter Road, Middletown

Jumbo’s is celebrating its 5th annual ‘Christmas on the Farm’ — a festive, family-friendly event filled with local shopping, live music, breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., photos with Santa Claus, and a live nativity sscene featuring real camels.

Wesley Chapel’s Live Nativity

6, 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 7

Urbana Fire Hall parking lot, 3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick

In their 25th year, Wesley Chapel presents its Live Nativity with over a dozen figures dressed in costume performing under the night sky with narration and music. Live camels will accompany the wise men to the stable while shepherds watch their sheep in the hills. An innkeeper, King Herod, and his court will make an appearance as well. A professional ASL interpreter will be present at all three shows. After the performance, enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.

Outdoor Nativity Program

5:30, 6:15, 7 and 7:45 p.m. Dec. 11-14

Victory Baptist Church, 6513 Himes Avenue, Frederick

For four evenings, Victory Baptist Church is welcoming back visitors to its beautiful, outdoor live nativity scene. Visit and enjoy their 45-minute interactive

program of live animals, live music and live action.

Live Nativity

6 p.m. Dec. 12

City of God, 32 East Ave., Hagerstown

Join City of God church as they celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus Christ with a nativity scene featuring live animals from Farm Yard Friends: On the Move and Live music from Ryan Franko. Delicious cookies and food is available for all who attend, while supplies last.

A Night in Bethlehem

4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 13

Faith Baptist Church, 2212 Jefferson Pike, Knoxville

Experience a walk-through of Bethlehem and learn about the meaning of Christmas. Visit the Bethlehem bakery, the toy shoppe, the Bethlehem pier, the wool trader and more. Each step along the way will feature a hands-on craft experience for the whole family. All participating children will receive free backpack.

Annual Drive-Thru Live Nativity

5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13

St. John’s Grace UCC, 1000 S Rolling Road, Catonsville

Experience the people and excitement of long ago, all safely from your car. The community is invited to join St. John’s Grace annual drive-thru Live Na-

tivity on the church grounds to experience the birth of the Christ Child. A free-will offering of canned goods or monetary donation will go to Catonsville Emergency Assistance.

Live Nativity

6:30 p.m. Dec. 13

Faith Lutheran Church, 1700 Saint Andrews Way, Sykesville

Enjoy the deeper meaning of Christmas with Faith Lutheran Church as they host its Live Nativity featuring real animals. Enjoy refreshments, while supplies last.

Live Nativity

6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 9190 Church St., Libertytown

Neighbors are invited to visit St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church for its Christmas program featuring a live nativity.

Search for the Christ Child

6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19; noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20

Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Ave., Frederick

Step back in time and experience the wonder of the very first Christmas at Frederick Church of the Brethren. Enjoy an interactive journey through biblical Bethlehem with a 30-minute guided journey, crafts and refreshments. Visitors will encounter live scenes from Scripture that

bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life. Mobility assistance is available and an ASL interpreter is provided.

Living Nativity

6 p.m. Dec. 20

Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene, 141 N Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown

Experience real actors and real animals showing you the timeline of the birth of baby Jesus. After a walk-through, bring the kids inside the church to warm up. There will be crafts, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and Santa reading the Christmas story.

Down Home Poolesville Live Nativity

6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20

Memorial United Methodist Church, 17821 Elgin Road, Poolesville

All are welcome to come experience the reason for the season at Memorial United Methodist Church. Discover (or rediscover) the heart of Christmas in a powerful and meaningful way at their Live Nativity.

Christmas Eve Live Nativity

7 p.m. Dec. 24

New Guilford BIC Church, 1575 Mont Alto Road, Chambersburg, Pa. Join New Guilford BIC Church on Christmas Eve in honoring Christ’s birth with a Live Nativity scene bringing Bethlehem to life.

Staff file photo by Graham Cullen

The Rev. Shannon Sullivan (seated, center left) reads a sermon to a group of children during the first of two live nativity services on Christmas Eve at Trinity United Methodist Church in Frederick in 2023.

THE FREDERICK MOM

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of Dec. 5

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

UHS Winter Wonderland

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6

Urbana High School, 3471 Campus Drive, Ijamsville Free

The UHS Band Boosters is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland fundraiser where students dress as elves and escort kids to Santa’s Workshop (without parents) so they can shop for their loved ones. Parents can provide a budget for their kids to shop. The presents are then wrapped for the kids to give to their parents for the holidays. Additional kid activities are offered for a small fee, like face-painting, cookie decorating, photos with Santa, a bake sale and more!

•••

Christmas on the Farm

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6

Jumbos Pumpkin Patch, 6521 Holter Road, Middletown

Free

Jumbo’s 5th annual Christmas on the Farm will give the whole family something festive to do. Get in the holiday spirit with a cozy breakfast, served from 9 to 11 a.m. Enjoy live music, take photos with Santa, and explore craft vendors with unique gifts. Concessions, hot cocoa and sweet treats will be onsite. Families can experience the magic of Christmas by viewing a Live Nativity scene on the farm. Adults and teens can join Succulents by Jess for a creative Christmas tree making workshop (workshop tickets sold separately at jumbos.org).

•••

Walkersville Festive

Christkindlmarket & Parade

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6

Throughout Walkersville

Free

Bring the family to watch the eighth annual Walkersville Holiday Parade beginning at 10 a.m. on South Glade Road, Fulton Ave. and W. Pennsylvania Ave. Stroll the quaint, historic streets to shop from local artisans, stores and vendors. Enjoy carolers and musicians while visiting Old St. Nick and his elves. Mrs. Claus will share a special story, too!

town’s annual tree lighting ceremony and caroling at 5 p.m. at The Derby (83 W. Main St.). For a full schedule of events, visit newmarketmdevents.com.

ThorpeWood’s Holiday Open House

2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7

ThorpeWood Lodge, 12805 Mink Farm Road, Thurmont

Free

Come soak in the holiday spirit surrounded by the beauty of the Catoctin Mountains! Enjoy hot cider, live music, festive decorations, kids’ crafts, a cookie potluck, and ThorpeWood’s beautiful Christmas tree at the Lodge. Santa will be visiting both days from 3 to 5 p.m. This is a free event, but visitors are welcome to bring cookies to share!

Middletown’s Christmas in the Valley

4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6

31 W. Main St., Middletown Free

•••

Christmas in Thurmont

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6

Guardian Hose Company Fire Hall, 21 North Church St., Thurmont Free

It’s the 22nd annual Christmas in Thurmont! Starting at 10 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck. Get a free photo with Santa between until 12:45 p.m. and between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Kids can enjoy Make & Take crafts until noon. At 2:45 p.m. see a dance performance by ESP Dance team. Stay for fun drawings and win prizes to celebrate the holidays! •••

Hometown Holidays + Santa Train Rides

11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6

1 W. Potomac St., Brunswick Free

Join the community of Brunswick for a one-day event filled with festive experiences for the whole family! Shop the Holiday Market between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Martin’s Creek Parking Lot. The most exciting part of the day is the Santa Train Rides with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Rudolph on an hour round-trip experience offered at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for $15 per person. At 2 p.m., see the Celtic Rhythm School of Dance perform at Square Corner Park on the Main Stage. From 4 to

8 p.m. stay to enjoy the town’s Holiday Parade from W. Potomac St. to Square Corner Park. The City’s tree lighting follows the parade where professional photos with Santa will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. See brunswickmd.gov. •••

Mt. Airy Vol. Fire Co. Train Garden Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7

Mt. Airy Vol. Fire Co., 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy Free

The Train Garden is back! Visit the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company to see their incredible model train display every Saturday and Sunday through December 28. If you have a train and fire truck lover, this is where you want to be! Parking and entry is in the lower level of the fire station. It’s free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Christmas in New Market

1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6

140 W. Main St., New Market Free

The small but great town of New Market hosts their annual holiday event on Saturday, starting with the parade at 1 p.m. beginning at New Market Elementary and ending at Marley Street. Join the community for festive activities, kid crafts, music, drinks and food up and down Main Street. Stay for the

Kick off the holiday season on Main Street in Middletown! Santa Claus will be visiting with the children from 4 to 5:30 and 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Hall. Mrs. Claus will do a story time for the children every half hour from 4 to 7 p.m. at More’s Ice Cream. Drop off your letters to Santa and find the hidden elves in business’ windows. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. at Heritage Park. Enjoy a musical program at Zion Lutheran Church featuring our local youth at 7 p.m.

Grinchmas at Idiom

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 Idiom Brewing Co., 340 E. Patrick St., Frederick Free

This Sunday, head to Idiom Brewing for a free event, perfect for the whole family. The grumpy, yet lively green Grinch will make his appearance with Santa Claus! Smile or pout for pictures, then kids can get creative with The Frederick Mom and make ornaments to take home. Enjoy Idiom’s offerings of beer, cocktails and wine. Food is available to order from Idiom’s in-house kitchen, where your stomach and your heart might just grow three sizes!

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

TIFFANY MAHANEY

Tiffany Mahaney

Middletown’s Christmas in the Valley.

Sing choirs of angels

Where to hear the historic Lessons and Carols tradition

BY ERIN JONES

Special to The News-Post

On Christmas Eve, a hush falls over the chapel of King’s College Cambridge with such expectant stillness the flickering of the candles could almost be audible. In a sea of white and red robes at the back of the chapel, the choristers clutch their music, shifting in anticipation, eyes

fixed on the conductor. Only he knows who will sing the opening solo, so they all must be prepared to perfection. With the single point of a finger, the conductor selects the soloist, who steps forward. A sudden glow of red light indicates the moment has just gone live, broadcasting globally to eager audiences. The boy draws breath, and in a pure angelic voice begins, “Once in Royal David’s City.”

With that tradition begins the King’s College Cambridge service of Lessons and Carols, a cherished Christmas Eve tradition interweaving scriptures with song that together recount the Christmas story. Over the years, the service has grown and become adopted and, in some cases, adapted by choirs worldwide, and Frederick County is no exception.

Lessons and Carols began in 1880

in Cornwall, England. Truro Cathedral was under construction and its first Bishop, Edward White Benson, was concerned the festive merriment in the town — and more precisely, the local pubs — had grown beyond propriety. He crafted the simple service to redirect holiday spirit into hymn singing and reminded the people of the holiday’s meaning. The first service took place in a temporary wooden

Courtesy photo

Frederick Presbyterian Church will host Lessons and Carols on Dec. 21.

IF YOU GO

Lessons and Carols Services Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Mount Saint Mary’s University Emmitsburg Campus Emmitsburg — 7 p.m. Dec. 4

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 199 North Place, Frederick — 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Begin your Christmas season with a traditional Christmas musical program: a worldwide tradition famously broadcast from Kings College, Cambridge, since 1928, which recounts the story of the Fall, the prophecy of a Messiah, and the birth of Jesus through nine short Bible readings and the singing of Christmas carols. All are welcome to attend this free Christmas concert.

Mount Airy Presbyterian Church, 17455 Old Frederick Road, Mount Airy — 6 p.m. Dec. 14

Frederick Presbyterian Church, 115 W. Second St., Frederick — 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21

Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 16151 Old Frederick Road, Mount Airy — 9 and 11 a.m. services on Dec. 28. Both services will include many favorite Christmas carols, Bible readings telling the story of salvation that culminates in Christ’s birth, and holy communion. The 9:00 am service is more contemporary in style, with a praise band leading the songs and newer praise songs for the opening. The 11 a.m. service is more traditional in style, with organ music accompanying the songs. The building is accessible and all are welcome into the community.

building, and as the cathedral grew so did the tradition.

“The Bishop of Truro really had lightning in a bottle because I cannot think of another liturgy that’s that young and spread that fast. Obviously he was speaking to people and meeting a need,” said Brian Bartoldus, music director of Frederick Presbyterian Church, as well as artistic director and conductor of the Handel Choir of Baltimore.

The liturgy of readings is composed of nine lessons that include the familiar Christmas story but also contextualize it. The first four lessons are from the books of Genesis and Isaiah, beginning with the story of Adam and Eve.

“[Benson] created a liturgy that’s very simple in structure and tells the Christmas story, not just as we know — Mary came to Bethlehem and had a child — but places the whole lead up to it and the reason for its importance in a larger arc that is known as salvation history,” Bartoldus said.

In 1918, England greeted the advent season with a vastly different tone. Armistice had declared an end to World War I, but even news of peace could not rectify the searing

absence of the young men taken by the conflict. At King’s College Cambridge, a small memorial chapel still bears the names of hundreds of students lost in the war.

Eric Milner-White was the Dean of King’s College at the time and faced the daunting task of planning a Christmas Eve service. Milner-White had himself served on the front lines and experienced the trauma of battle up close. He adopted the liturgy from Truro Cathedral, hoping the simplicity would provide the comfort needed in that dark hour.

Milner-White’s bidding prayer, still utilized in the service today, hints at the loss that pervaded the early days at the service:

“Let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom, in this Lord Jesus, we for evermore are one.”

That prayer, and many of the traditions formed in that year and the year to follow, are still held today.

The introduction of the BBC broadcast in 1928 popularized the service further, making it accessible nationwide and eventually globally, and establishing an important place in the English choral tradition.

At King’s College Cambridge, and in many iterations of the service, the carols are a mixture of anthems performed by the choir and carols sung by the congregation. Since 1983 King’s College Cambridge also has the tradition of commissioning an original composition, which is then debuted in the service.

“A lot of composers in the choral tradition probably got their start at their local college writing a new piece for Lessons and Carols for their college choir to sing, and the pieces that King’s College has commissioned over the years get disseminated everywhere,” Bartoldus said.

At Mount Saint Mary’s University, Lessons and Carols may fall at the start of advent season but marks the culmination of the fall semester in the music department. This year’s Dec. 4 concert is the second year running for the college.

“I thought it was a really lovely way to start off the advent season and also to close the semester for our students. It gives us a chance to showcase all of our ensembles and do some collaboration,” said Francesca Aguado Benner, music lecturer and director of the Mount Saint Mary’s University Choral.

The music will be presented by a mixture of the chorale, brass, wind

(See CHOIRS 21)

Frederick native Jeffery Keilholtz wins international Anthem Award for innovation in AI and the arts

Frederick native Jeffery Keilholtz, founder of Four Forty Media, has been recognized on the global stage as a Silver Winner in the 5th Annual Anthem Awards for Innovation in Education, Art & Culture. Keilholtz and his firm earned the honor for creating DIVA Score, a first-of-itskind tool that helps arts and cultural organizations protect their digital visibility and relevance in the rapidly evolving age of AI. Winners were first announced publicly in Variety.

The Anthem Awards, presented by The Webby Awards, celebrate projects worldwide that advance purpose-driven innovation. Keilholtz’s work was recognized for offering a practical approach to transparency, safety and fairness as AI reshapes creative industries. DIVA Score was nominated in the same category as global leaders including Google and Pepsi Co.

“I grew up in Frederick, and this city shaped my work ethic, my imagination and my sense of responsibility,” Keilholtz said. “To be recognized internationally for work that aims to protect artists, creators and the public is incredibly meaningful, and it started right here at home.”

Anthem Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Judges for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards include senior leaders from the American Heart Association, IKEA, Gates Foundation, Planned Parenthood, NAACP, REI Co-op, TikTok for Good and others across philanthropy, technology and global communications.

“This has been a challenging year for the impact sector, but the winners … have shown their resilience and continued commitment to a better tomorrow,” said Anthem Awards general manager Patricia McLoughlin. “This year’s winners are a source of hope, and I am excited to celebrate their work with the world.”

The DIVA Score (Digital Intelligence and Vulnerability Assessment) assigns arts organizations an AI readiness and

Courtesy photo

Jeffery Keilholtz, founder of Four Forty Media, is a Silver Winner in the 5th Annual Anthem Awards for Innovation in Education, Art & Culture.

visibility score, offering actionable insights to preserve digital presence as traditional search declines and AI-driven discovery accelerates. In August, DIVA Score made headlines across the Broadway industry following publication of its breakthrough research.

A graduate of Governor Thomas Johnson High School, Keilholtz attended Frostburg State University before moving to New York City to begin his career. He later became senior vice president at Broadway Licensing Global, during which time the company became the fastestgrowing theatrical licensing company in the world, representing more than 8,000 plays and musicals, including Tony Award winners.

Keilholtz is also a board member of SilverVox, a Frederick nonprofit launching a new arts and innovation festival in 2026.

The 5th Annual Anthem Awards received more than 2,000 submissions from 42 countries, setting a new benchmark for impactful global work that inspires community action.

Frederick County Art Association 2025 Exhibit — through Jan. 5, 2026, 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, 2026, Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. Participating artists explore the dynamic interplay of art and science, celebrating the cuttingedge 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.

Student Arts Showcase — Dec. 4-12, Hagerstown Community College, Kepler Center, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown. Artwork from students enrolled in the visual arts studio courses including drawing, painting, photography, digital, two-dimensional and ceramics. Opening reception 4:30-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-500-2262 or mayaukey@hagerstowncc.edu.

”Grand Canyon Sunset” — Dec. 6-28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This exhibition of large-scale acrylic on canvas paintings by Katie Jurkiewicz, explores the aweinspiring beauty and solitude of the American Southwest. Opening reception Dec. 6. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. Delaplaine Student Art Exhibition — Dec. 6-28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Work in a variety of media. A celebration of Delaplaine students! Each quarter, the Delaplaine offers classes in a wide variety of media for students of all ages and skill levels. Artwork in the exhibition was created in a class at the Delaplaine sometime over the last two years. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

”What Comes of Dreams” — Dec. 6-28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. For Doug Moulden, painting is a way to engage with the full range of human emotions, from beauty and light to fear and darkness. He thinks of his work as having both the openness of poetry and the wonder of dreams. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Frederick Camera Clique Show — Dec. 6-28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Photography by club members, from beginners to semi-professionals. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Courtesy photo

Doug Moulden presents the solo show “What Comes of Dreams” from Dec 6 to 28 at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick. He will present an art talk from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 with Katie Jurkiewicz. Shown here, “Grape Hyacinth,” by Moulden.

Pierce Scantlin’s ‘Attenuation and Amplification’ explores human representation and connection to the past

BY ERIN JONES

Special to The News-Post

There’s a good chance you have already encountered Pierce Scantlin’s work and not even known it. If you’re one of the over 170 million Americans with a passport, you have likely seen his design work as you flipped through the pages of stamps. Or perhaps you’ve seen his animations on the Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon. Despite a wide-reaching and varied career, painting is the artform closest to his heart.

Through Jan. 16, Scantlin will showcase his work in the solo exhibition “Attenuation and Amplification” at Hood College’s Whitaker Gallery. An opening reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6, and Scantlin will give an artist talk from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 10.

The show features 15 figurative pieces, primarily painted in oil on linen.

“In this body of work, my paintings lean into linear abstraction with an inclination towards primitive and archaic forms, freed from literal representation and pushed towards a reconciliation of the real and imagined,” Scantlin wrote in his exhibition statement.

Scantlin’s work has been shaped by a deep connection to history, and he seeks to connect with the past in his painting.

The love of art history in particular was formative for Scantlin’s development as an artist. Growing up in Northern Virginia, he frequented the National Gallery of Art with his father, also an artist. “Those vocabularies have really rich, deep meanings to me,” Scantlin said.

In his undergraduate studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design, he majored in traditional animation, or hand-drawn cartoons, and minored in drawing. As he began to work in the animation world, he began to realize he wanted to paint.

As an animator he worked in a studio that did work for places like the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and AOL, while studying painting after work at the New York Academy of Art.

Even when drawing characters that were themselves already designed, the role required the creativity of working with the figure and the limitations of the screen to convey emotion, expressions and gestures.

Though he stopped working in animation in 2010, the influence of these animation days remains in his work.

“I find myself painting sort of animated expressions a lot of times. I do love the flexibility and the eccentric aspect of animation where you’re not bound to laws of reality — in terms of the way a character can move or a way it might look, or the way an expression might severely distort a face,” Scantlin said.

While animation involved depicting another artist’s figure, and the fundamentals of painting education involved copying models and figures, in more recent years he worked with another painter who helped him to break through conventional barriers artistically and explore the possibilities.

“Out of that has come this huge body of work and limitless exploration, utilizing the past, and the work and the way I’ve worked in the past, but not being bound to it,” Scantlin said.

Even in exploring abstraction and playing with boundaries, the human form remains central to his body of work.

Scantlin draws inspiration from art history and the representation of the human form as a reflection of the timeline of history, whether the idealistic Greek and Roman sculpture, the iconography of religious paintings, the art of the Renaissance and beyond.

“The history of representation of the human form is something I’m very interested in and the way that it connects us to all humans who have ever lived,” Scantlin said. “You’re connecting to mankind and human emotion and people and your ancestors and everything altogether, like a familiar family quilt, or a meal that your grandmother made … seeing instances of representation throughout our history can bring you back to a certain moment and tie yourself to history somehow.”

While art history has been central to his formation as an artist, there is a deeply intuitive element to his painting as well. When inspiration strikes for a painting, Scantlin begins exploring the idea in his sketchbook. He also begins to question internally why he was drawn to the idea.

“I’ll do a sketch of the painting that

I’m working on,” Scantlin said. “As I’m doing that, ideas reveal themselves and things reveal themselves.”

The canvases are often toned with colorful backdrops before he begins, and then he explores shapes and colors once he begins the painting itself.

His art studio is an outbuilding of his historic downtown Frederick home, a structure he believes once housed horses in the 1800s. Today the exposed beams and walls with patches of exposed brick create the backdrop for his canvases. As his paintings draw inspiration from the generations of art history before him, his studio evokes the history of the space, and a blending of old and new.

Erin Jones is a freelance writer, former humanities teacher and owner of Galvanize & Grow Copywriting. She holds a BA in English from Hood College and an MA in English from the Bread Loaf School of English, through which she studied literature at Middlebury College and Oxford University. Learn more at erinjoneswriter.com, or follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter.

Staff photo by Ric Dugan

Pierce Scantlin in his studio at his Bentz Street home.

FAC partners with Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research on ‘Where Energy Meets Matter’

The Frederick Arts Council presents “Where Energy Meets Matter: Exploring the Frontiers of Science” in partnership with the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. The exhibition will run through Jan. 20, at Gallery 115 located inside of the Y Arts Center at 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.

“We’re excited to offer this interdisciplinary art show that shines a light on artist/scientists and science/artists,” said Louise Kennelly, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council. “Our world faces a lot of challenges and we’re encouraging collaborative, optimistic approaches that link the worldclass art and the world-class science found here in Frederick.”

The show includes many artists based in Frederick such as Lisa Sheirer as well as artists from afar such as mathematician and artist Erik Demaine, recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and the youngest professor to ever to be hired at MIT at age 20.

Some of the world’s consequential advances in science occur in Freder-

ick County where the FNLCR deploys decisive technology at the Advanced Technology Research Facility and in laboratories on Fort Detrick, among other locations. FAC invited interested artists to review project case studies to learn more about the work at the laboratory.

“We are honored to have science conducted at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research serve as inspiration for this collaborative exhibit,” said Ethan Dmitrovsky, FNLCR laboratory director and president of Leidos Biomedical Research, operator of the laboratory. “Scientists and artists have a lot in common. They share a fascination with the natural world but portray their insights differently.”

Participating artists include Susan Aldworth, Shannon Beatty, Karin Birch, Robert Birkenes, Gabriella Boros, Jack Bradshaw, Katherine Burke, Andrea Cavagna and Irene Giardina, Chris Combs, Erik and Martin Demaine, David Eby, Luc Fiedler, Laura Gee, Elliott Hamilton, Scott Homolka, Amelia Jones, Seth Kalish, Julia Laug, Beckie Laughlin, Jocelyn Lee, Daniele Lorio, Dana Major, Julie Maynard, Andrea McCluskey, Aynex Mercado, Emily Mooney, Molly Palmer, Andrea Polli, Yoshiko Ratliff, Janet Seifert, Lisa Sheirer, Robert Strasser, Jon Sutter, Scott Thorp, Angelo Varisano, Negin Vatanian and Richard Weiblinger. Anatomical prints are on loan from the Frederick Book Arts Center.

Learn more at frederickartscouncil.org.

Jolly times at TAG

The trees downtown are glowing and thoughts turn toward gift giving. TAG/ The Artists Gallery celebrates the holiday season with its annual pop-up market, Jolly.

A wide variety of one-of-a kind artworks and crafts will be available for purchase. Look for everything from T-shirts and magnets to paintings and sculpture and more.

The show runs from Dec. 5 to 28 with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6.

TAG is at 501 N. Market St., Frederick. See theartistsgalleryfrederick.com, or call 301-228-9860 for more information.

Look for Chris Madden’s Rumplestiltskin at TAG this month.

Colleen Clapp’s evocative magnets will be available at TAG’s holiday market.

Courtesy photos Whimsical hand-painted T-shirts by Cathy Wilkin.

Courtesy photo

The exhibition is on view at the Y Arts Center in Frederick.

Frederick Books Art Center will celebrate

“ We want to get the word out because we’re proud of what we’re doing.

CASEY SMITH, FBAC executive director

BY AMYA DIGGS

Special to The News-Post

Located on the corner of E. South and S. Carroll streets, Frederick Books Art Center has become a second home to some local artists. Not only that, but it’s a welcoming space for curious community members who stop in.

FBAC will welcome the community to their space from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 for an end-of-year celebration and fundraising event that’s open to all ages. Guests can look forward to a day full of fun, creative activities, demonstrations and a chance to connect with local artists and try something new. The center will also reveal the city’s first public-use darkroom with the cutting of a giant film strip.

The organization has spent the past few years undergoing significant changes. Nearly two years ago, FBAC moved from its previous location on West Patrick Street to its current space. And over the past year, the organization has been operating under new leadership.

In January, Casey Smith took on the role of executive director for FBAC and has used his decades of higher education experience to hone in on one of FBAC’s core values: learning.

“We make everything an educational experience,” Smith said as he demonstrated how to set type for a printing press.

FBAC is a 501 ©(3) nonprofit. The center is often a destination for local schools’ field trips, and there is always a rotation of ever-changing smallscale classes in skills like letterpressing, bookbinding and engraving, to name a few.

“It might be a little bit intimidating, like, ‘I don’t know what I’m getting into. I’m opening this door, but I’m not sure what’s inside here.’ But they’ll learn acceptance, encouragement and just the desire of the community to include more people, and different kinds of people from different walks of life, young and old,” Smith said.

At the front of the building, there’s a corner of work for sale by local artists, including artwork created by children, all created onsite at FBAC. From journals and foraging guides to prints and the Frederick-favorite “Protect Trans Kids” eagle pride flags, the shop is a clear display of the limitless boundaries of creativity.

Before leading FBAC, Smith spent years in higher education as a professor at George Washington University and Corcoran College of Art + Design, as well as chairman of liberal arts at the Delaware College of Art and Design.

“It’s been a wonderful career shift, although it’s kind of an adjacent shift

— I’m still doing education,” he said. “I really liked the idea of doing community education.”

FBAC has always been an active group in the Frederick community, from open houses with demonstrations and free events to tabling at Frederick Pride and Juneteenth events, as well as hosting events at Frederick’s C. Burr Artz Public Library and local businesses.

Eric Groff, the current studio director at FBAC, started as a volunteer in 2021 after discovering the hidden gem. He currently oversees the center’s spaces, equipment and programming. He also helped initiate volunteer coordination and the center’s internships.

Groff has seen the center through many of its changes.

“We suffered a couple of other setbacks while we were there [at the old W. Patrick St. location]. We had a fire in the building that took us out of commission for about six months, moving equipment out and back in, and we could not really settle until we ultimately moved to a new location here at the end of 2023,” he said.

Besides serving as the studio director, Groff teaches classes at FBAC, such as the upcoming Introduction to Letterpress Basics session in March, currently open to registration.

“I had not considered becoming a teacher before I started working here, and

Casey Smith, executive director of the Frederick Book Arts Center, poses next to a Washington Press at the facility

celebrate its ‘year in review’ with a community gathering

as I eased into my new position, I started to learn the other facets of the book arts that I had not had access to, especially letterpress,” Groff said.

Throughout the building, including in the studio space and the gallery, there is bookbinding, letterpress and printmaking equipment. All the machines work, but many look like museum pieces meant only for display.

The Library of Congress states that the earliest knowledge of printing came from China during the Tang Dynasty (618907). People often recognize Johannes Gutenberg for popularizing printing in Europe by inventing the Gutenberg press in 1450.

Smith pointed out that Gutenberg-style presses are still in active use at FBAC.

“A lot of our type of art feels intimidating when you look at it. These are very time-honored traditions that we’re practicing here, and also marrying with modern processes so they stay relevant to current art at the same time,” Groff said.

“I would encourage everyone to see the space while we’re open during our public hours, but also take advantage of our free programming that we hold during our first Saturday open houses.”

Cathy Seibert, a longtime FBAC volunteer, assisted Groff when expanding the volunteer program.

Volunteers have “really given us a lot

of opportunity to have a front of house in addition to the studios,” Seibert said, “because in the old space, you [could] kind of have cognizance of all of the space — people coming and going. But here, if people want to do deep work and be safe with the equipment, things like that, you know, when answering the passerby, it’s nice to have a handoff.”

FBAC is currently in a 6,688-squarefoot building where there’s a clear division between the front of the building, the gallery and the studios.

“At one point, it was just, ‘I don’t know what you do in there.’ And now I think people are going to get a chance to be able to speak on their own about

what Frederick Book Arts is all about,” Seibert said.

Going into his second year as the executive director, Smith hopes to continue to get to know the Frederick community and further existing partnerships.

“We want to get the word out because we’re proud of what we’re doing,” he said. “So we want more people to know what we’re doing, and, you know, work with the community in creative, new and different ways.”

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

Casey Smith poses in the new facility.

Staff photos by Katina Zentz facility on Nov. 26.

Photographs by Álvaro Alejandro López are displayed.

Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner and Miles Teller lead clever, charming ‘Eternity’

BY LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer

Joan Cutler has an impossible decision to make in “Eternity.” The newly deceased character, played by Elizabeth Olsen, has one week to decide who she wants to spend her afterlife with and two husbands lurking and hoping that she’ll choose them. Luke (Callum Turner) is the dashing one who died in the Korean War right as they were starting a life together. Larry (Miles Teller) is the other one, kind of common, kind of a crank, but the person who she was married to for 65 years.

Apparently even death is no respite from earthly puzzles like the love triangle. Sure it’s messy and confusing for those involved but it’s also one of the great storytelling setups for a screwball comedy. And this particular film, imaginative and shrewdly whimsical with an utterly charming cast, delivers on the promise. Lucky us.

Most of the film takes place in the Junction, a comically ordinary, brutalist-style hotel/convention center, expo-style trade show in which the recently departed shop around for an afterlife of their choosing. There you’re greeted with an afterlife coordinator (our main “ACs” are the delightful Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early) who explains what’s going on. The options are vast and amusingly specific: Paris Land, Studio 54 World, Mountain Town, Weimar World (with 100% less Nazis!) are just a few. The big catch is that your decision is final.

The story comes from screenwriter Patrick Cunnane who developed it further with director David Freyne. The film wears its many influences on its colorful, kitschy sleeves with Albert Brooks’ “Defending Your Life” looming large.

We meet Joan and Larry briefly as octogenarians, on the way to a family party and bickering over whether to go away to the beach (Larry’s wish) or the mountains (Joan’s). They mostly seem exhausted by one another, two people who remain together simply because their lives are so intertwined and, you know, what else are they going to do? Joan doesn’t have much time left, she’s dying of cancer, and

Larry is ready to care for her as long as it takes. Then, he dies first.

Larry’s holdover week is nearly up when Joan arrives at the Junction where her AC, Ryan (Early), says he’s been waiting for her for 67 years.

Ryan is also AC to Luke, who, it turns out has been in limbo just waiting for Joan to arrive. It’s the ultimate romantic gesture. And Joan, youthful once more, is profoundly moved by the sight of her dashing first love as Larry looks on, baffled. It’s hard not to think of the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” episode in which another Larry comes to the conclusion that he’d rather be single in the afterlife. Teller’s Larry, however, has never considered that Joan wouldn’t be by his side in the great beyond.

If you’re wondering why Joan and Larry arrive at the Junction looking like Elizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller, it’s because in this world (and perhaps

playing by “Titanic” logic), you turn back into the happiest version of yourself. That’s why, Randolph’s AC Anna explains, there’s a lot of 10-yearold boys around and not a lot of teenagers.

Joan is, understandably, flustered and overwhelmed by the choice between her steady (and neurotic) rock and the passionate first love whom she never got to have a life with.

Olsen is channeling a kind of mid-century Diane Keaton in her performance, in which she gets to be an old soul in a young body. In one scene, she and Larry end up in hysterics as they rediscover the joys of being able to squat and jump again.

Teller, meanwhile, is surprisingly great as the obvious underdog — an egoless performance that goes a long way. Luke is a little bit less fleshed out as a full character, perhaps because

he’s still that young man who was killed in the war (there’s a running joke about it not being World War II). But Turner is committed and as enjoyable as the Robert Redford version of Benjamin Braddock. Though he swats away compliments like mosquitoes and insists he’s “not perfect,” it truly does not seem to occur to him that Joan might not choose him in the end.

And again there’s that pesky choice. Is it romantic? Is it depressing? Is it woefully limited in its idea of what a human life amounts to? Yes? It’s committed, clever, comforting simplicity is also pretty satisfying — a contained, crowd-pleaser that does not go on for eternity.

”Eternity,” an A24 release in theaters Wednesday, is rated PG13 by the Motion Picture Association for “sexual content and some strong language.” Running time: 112 minutes.

A24 via AP

Miles Teller, left, and Elizabeth Olsen in a scene from “Eternity.”

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

at St John’s Union

Church Building

8619 Blacks Mill Rd

Thurmont, MD 21788

All concerts begin at 3 PM and are open to the public at no charge

Refreshments will be served in the Church Parish Hall following each concert

December 7th

Emmitsburg Community Chorus

Christmas Concert

Local Mentions Local Mentions

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR & FAMILY FUN!

Brook Hill UMC

8946 Indian Springs Road, Frederick December 6, 9am-3pm Crafters and 30+ vendors, Food, kid's shopping and craft room, visit with The Grinch, write letters or call Santa, much more! 301-662-1727 bhumc.org

CATOCTIN

MOUNTAIN ORCHARD

Apples: Gala, Pink lady, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Crimson Crisp, Jonagold, Empire, Stayman, Evercrisp Pears, Turnips, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Tomatoes, Cabbage, Peppers

Kale, Cauliflower & Broccoli

Grab & Go Soups, Sandwiches, Deviled Eggs, Chicken Salads & Potato Salad

Fresh Baked Fruit Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Dumplings

Hand Crafted Fall & Thanksgiving Centerpiece Flower Arrangements & Bouquets

Fall Mums, Pumpkins, Gourds, & Indian Corn

Specialty CMO Ice Cream, Apple Cider Slushies, Jams & Jellies

301-271-2737

Open Daily 9am-5pm 15036 North Franklinville Rd Thurmont MD www catoctin mountainorchard com

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Ave Fri Dec 5, 8a-2:30p Luncheon served at 10:30a Sandwiches, soups, desserts, beverages Bake table, comforters, antiques & collectibles, books, white elephant

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS at St. John’s Union Church Building 8619 Blacks Mill Rd

Thurmont, MD 21788

All concerts begin at 3 PM and are open to the public at no charge

Refreshments will be served in the Church Parish Hall following each concert

December 7th

Emmitsburg Community Chorus

Christmas Concert

Join us as we inaugurate the holiday season with an engaging program of seasonal choral selections performed by the Emmitsburg Community Chorus

December 14th

Frederick Chorale

Christmas Concert

Attend an impressive

Join us as we inaugurate the holiday season with an engaging program of seasonal choral selections performed by the Emmitsburg Community Chorus

December 14th

Frederick Chorale

Christmas Concert

Attend an impressive musical celebration of the Christmas season with The Frederick Chorale

December 21st

Christmas Harp Concert featuring Anna Smith and Brynn Olden

Experience beloved Christmas classics and enchanting new arrangements performed on harp, creating a peaceful and festive atmosphere for all ages presented by two accomplished musicians

December 24th @ 4PM

Christmas Eve

Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord with our traditional candlelight worship service in our Union Church worship space featuring a blend of musical selections and led by presiding minister Cynthia Baxter We look forward to sharing the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with you and your families

CHRISTMAS

COOKIE WALK

Sat. Dec 13 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Carroll Manor Fire Company 2793 Adams Street Adamstown, MD

Large Assort of Holiday Cookies that YOU Select $13 per lb or $8 per 1/2 lb Pre-packaged assorted platters are preorder only

Large Platters (2 lb ) $28 00

Small Platters (1 lb ) $18 00 Chris 301-874-5642

Pre-order cookies online: www.carrollmanorfire.org until 12/11

CHRISTMAS TREES ARE IN!

Large selection of trees & wreaths Beautiful trees from North Carolina Free drill & fresh cuts 2 cu ft bags mulch available Only at DR Virts 800 Petersville Rd, Brunswick, Md 301-969-6115 Come on down and see me! Cash & Cards

NEW YEAR'S EVE BINGO

12-31-2025

Thurmont Event Complex

Over $17,000 00 of Cash Payouts

$50.00 Per Ticket Advance

$60 00 at the Door

Available Friday Night Bingo, www eventbrite com

Local Mentions Local Mentions

JEFFERSON RURITAN CLUB COUNTRY BREAKFAST & BUTCHERING

Sat Dec 6, 2025; All you can eat breakfast7 am to 11 am,

Adults $14, Children 6-10 yrs $7; under 6 Free

Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Fried County Ham, Pudding, Hominy, Sausage Gravy, Coffee & Juice Pick-up Meat orders

Sat Dec 6, 2025, 8 am to noon. 4603B Lander Rd , Jefferson, MD 21755

NEW YEAR'S EVE BINGO 12-31-2025

Thurmont Event Complex

Over $17,000 00 of Cash Payouts

$50 00 Per Ticket Advance

$60 00 at the Door

Available Friday Night Bingo, www eventbrite com

Ticket Includes: Meal: Dinner Platter

9 Pack of 27 Games ($300 00ea ), 3 Games

($1,000ea ), 3 50/50 Games & 3 Jackpots at $2,000 (1 sheet of 3 for each 50/50’s & 3 Jackpots)

Doors Open @ 5:00 p.m.,

Bingo Starts @ 8:00 p.m.

Meal Served: 6-8 p m

CASH BAR • TIP JARS

Kitchen Open During Break No Reserved Seating - First Come, First Served Basis Only No Exceptions!

**We reserve the right to lower payouts if less than 300 tickets sold**

Tickets: 301-748-5359 or 301-271-3820 or Eventbrite.com

Benefits The Thurmont Community Ambulance Company 13716 Strafford Drive Thurmont, MD 21788

NEW YEAR'S EVE BINGO 12-31-2025

Thurmont Event Complex

Over $17,000 00 of Cash Payouts

$50.00 Per Ticket Advance

$60 00 at the Door

Available Friday Night Bingo, www eventbrite com

Ticket Includes: Meal: Dinner Platter

9 Pack of 27 Games ($300 00ea ), 3 Games

($1,000ea ), 3 50/50 Games & 3 Jackpots at $2,000 (1 sheet of 3 for each 50/50’s & 3 Jackpots)

Doors Open @ 5:00 p m

Ticket Includes: Meal: Dinner Platter

9 Pack of 27 Games ($300 00ea ), 3 Games ($1,000ea ), 3 50/50 Games & 3 Jackpots at $2,000 (1 sheet of 3 for each 50/50’s & 3 Jackpots)

Doors Open @ 5:00 p.m., Bingo Starts @ 8:00 p m Meal Served: 6-8 p m CASH BAR • TIP JARS Kitchen Open During Break No Reserved Seating - First Come, First Served Basis Only No Exceptions! **We reserve the right to lower payouts if less than 300 tickets sold** Tickets: 301-748-5359 or 301-271-3820 or Eventbrite com

Benefits The Thurmont Community Ambulance Company 13716 Strafford Drive Thurmont, MD 21788

NEW YEAR’S EVE BINGO & BUFFET

(Buffet of Turkey & Shrimp)

December 31, 2025

New Midway Vol Fire Co Doors Open: 5:00 Games Start: 7:30 Admission: $50 00 by 12/16/2024, After 12/16/2024 $60 00 includes 30 Reg Games $100 Minimum$1000 Jackpot Free Party Favors Extra Cards Available Only 250 Tickets Sold ATM Available For Info Call 301-898-7985 or 301-271-4650

SCENIC VIEW ORCHARDS

Open every Fri-Sun 10-5 Crimson Crisp, EverCrisp, Mutsu, Cameo, Stayman, Golden Delicious, Cortland, Gold Rush, Nittany, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala, Honey Crisp Apples, Asian, Bosc, Bartlett Pears, Apple Cider, Kennebec, Gold & Sweet Potatoes, Onions, Cole Crops, Tomatoes, Squash Honey, Jams, Jellies 16239 Sabillasville Rd Sabillasville MD 21780 301-271-2149

scenicvieworchards.com

Local Mentions Pets & Supplies Services Services

SOUP & SANDWICH SALE

Pre-order by 12/02/2025

Pick-up Friday 12/05/2025

9:00 a m -12:00 p m 301-874-5642

LAST ONE FOR 2025

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

Sandwiches: $6 00 Chicken Salad & Country Ham

Crab Cake Sandwich: $9 00 (fried or uncooked)

By the lb: Chicken Salad $12; Sliced Country Ham $12

Soup: Bean & Cntry Ham, Chicken Corn, Vegetable, bowl $4 00 / qt $8 00, Maryland Crab bowl $5/qrt $9 NEW BAKED CHICKEN POT PIE 8"x8" $12 00

Bake table and goodies available! Carroll Manor Fire Co

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

VIGILANT HOSE COMPANY NEW YEAR'S EVE BINGO

17701 Creamery Road, Emmitsburg, MD

Wednesday, 12/31

Doors Open @ 5:30pm Games @ 8pm

All Inclusive 9 pk/$50 for 30 games incl 2 $2000 Jackpots

6 SPECIALS @ $500 each

All other games $300/Incl 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

Reserve right to change payouts if 200 are not sold

WEEKLY BINGO

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

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

RESERVE A CHRISTMAS PUPPY PUREBRED POMERANIANS

Available Dec 15 Sable bi-color & tri-color Vet-certified, UTD shots, $575 Will gladly mail photos Voice-call only: 240-362-4373 Avoid scams

YORKIE, FEMALE

6 mos old, $900 OBO, all shots up-to-date, 240-446 2291

Services

• Trash/Junk/Yard Waste Removal

• Appliance Removal

• Bed and Mattress Removal

• Mulch Delivery

• Lawnmower & Equipment Removal

• Light Demo • Welding repairs and fabrication

• Hauling needs

• Dump trailer available for rent GREAT PRICES! 20% Off 1st Job! Please call to enquire Talkinscrap@yahoo.com

ALL OUTSIDE SERVICES

• Hauling/ Clean-Outs Any material taken to the dump or recycled

• Landscaping/ Mulching/ Shrub Trimming • Tree & Stump Removal • Brush Clearing • Mowing/ Leaf Clean-up/ Fall Clean-up

Power Washing

Outdoor Handyman

Snow Services

Retaining Walls

Fence Repair

Need

Sundays!

•Baltimore-Washington (BWI) •Reagan National (DCA) •Washington-Dulles (IAD) •D C Union Station (Amtrak) •Baltimore Cruise Port 20% off w/Promo Code: URBANAWEEKEND Text Messaging/ Flight Status

would be helpful … just trying to add a little bit more material to help the listener who’s not familiar with church follow the sequence of the lessons and see how they all point to Christ,” said music director Barb Scheffter.

Scheffter said. “We also give them an opportunity to hear the Hallelujah Chorus and sing along. Some of them know and remember the parts. It’s wonderful to give them that opportunity.”

22nd A ual Christmas in Thurmont

Lessons and Carols is approaching its second decade at the church, and each year is assigned a theme. The theme for this year’s concert on Dec. 14 is “The Gospel of Christmas: Good News Through the Ages.”

experience to attendees. “We use

December 6 • 10am-4pm

December 6 • 10am-4pm

Bring the kiddo’s out on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00am for fun

Bring the kiddo’s out on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00am for a fun Christmas Event:

10a: Santa & Mrs. Santa Arrive by Fire Truck

Christmas Event: 10a: Santa & Mrs.

Santa Arrive by Fire Truck 10a: Noon: Make n’ Take Christmas Crafts

Scheffter is also an adjunct music professor at Frederick Community College, where she conducts the FCC Handbell Ensemble. The church’s handbell choir will play twice in the service. The other carols will be a mixture of anthems sung by the church’s choir and sung congregationally. The church’s wind and brass ensemble will also perform.

10a-Noon: Make n’ Take Christmas Crafts

At Frederick Presbyterian Church on Second Street in downtown Frederick, Lessons and Carols will take place during regular Sunday service on Dec. 21 as part of the fourth Sunday of advent. The service will include a handbell choir and brass quintet along with the Sanctuary Choir and three children’s choirs. Bartoldus wears both director and organist hats and will helm the program from the organ console.

10a-12:30p: Photos with Santa (Pooches welcome too but must be leashed) 10a-2:30p: Return Adult Map stamping entries for prize drawing 10a-2:30: Register the kiddos up to age 17 for prize drawings 2-2:30p: Photos with Santa 2:30: National Award-Winning Esp Dance performs

10a-12:30p: Photos with Santa (Pooches welcome too but must be leashed)

Another standing tradition at MAPC is that the day before the service, the choir will bring Lessons and Carols to Lorien Assisted Living Facility in Mount Airy and perform an adapted version of the service.

The tradition of Lessons and Carols is one that predates Bartoldus’s 14year tenure at the church, and reflects the congregations’ larger values of the role of music.

10a-2:30p: Return Adult Map stamping entries for prize drawing 10a-2:30: Register the kiddos up to age 17 for prize drawings 2-2:30p: Photos with Santa 2:30: National Award-Winning

3p: Prize drawings begin for kids & then adult drawings follow Free Fun For Everyone!

“It’s rewarding to share with people who can’t get out to church, especially if they have a church choir background. Those are the people who really enjoy it the most,”

“We are very much a music-loving congregation,” Bartoldus said.

Pastor Eric Myers is also a musician, working as an organist before becoming a pastor and later contributing to The Presbyterian

“Presbyterians have a reputation for not singing. That is a recent development. Historically they were

robust singers,” Bartoldus said. “American 20th-century Christians were the ‘frozen chosen.’ The whole denomination, especially this congregation, has tried to flip that on its head. We celebrate the long Christian tradition of music and the current evolving Christian tradition of music in a broad, robust and an all-inclusive way. … There’s a lot of wonderful ways to praise God through song and have a lot of fun doing it.”

The Lessons and Carols service at

congregational carols. But before that, Carols services, comes a moment of sacred stillness, broken only by “Once

former humanities teacher and owner

literature at Middlebury College and erinjoneswriter.com, or follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter.

Thursday Dec. 4

ETCETERA

Senior Cafe: The place to come for coffee, conversation, friendship and fun events! Farm to Schools presents: Bridges of Frederick County — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. The county has a wonderful collection of beautiful bridges. Join Frederick County Government Office of Transportation and Engineering to learn more about both covered bridges and other historic county bridges connecting us to each other. 21 and older. 301-600-8200.

www.fcpl.org.

2025 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. See our all new and renovated exhibits, now through Dec. 13. $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Free Expungement Clinic with Maryland Legal Aid — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Need help expunging your record from a past conviction? Meet with an attorney from Maryland Legal Aid to discuss your options and begin the process. This is a free service! 18 and older. 301-600-8200.

www.fcpl.org.

Teen Time: Author Workshop with Aliza Layne — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Do you want to become an author? Do you love coming up with your own characters and stories? Are you an artist who wants to learn more about making comics? Graphic novelist Aliza Layne (“Beetle and the Hollowbones”) will answer your questions and provide feedback on the things you’re making! You can bring examples of things you’re working on — stories, characters, comics, concept art, whatever! Come prepared for an evening of creativity and collaboration! This program is for teens in 6th through 12th grades (ages 11-18). 301-600-7250.

Teen Library Council (TLC) ages 11-18 — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Tweens and teens, grades 6 through 12, meet to collaborate with each other and teen librarians on upcoming library events and to plan teen-led projects. Teen Library Council (TLC) is an opportunity for teens to make an impact within the library and the wider community. 301-600-7000.

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 babies of all ages with a caregiver. 301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Elementary Explorers: Gingerbread Magic — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Run, Run as fast as you can. Join us for Gingerbread fun!  This program is designed for children in grades K-5 and their caregivers. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Teen and Tween Open Chess Play (Ages 9-18) — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Spend the first Thursday of the month with a game of chess! Open to all levels of chess players, bring your own chess set or use one of ours. Bring your friends and meet other chess enthusiasts. Ages 9-18.  301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Family Fun: STEM Night — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Stop by the Emmitsburg Library for some STEM-tastic fun. STEM related stations will be set up for hands-on fun and experimentation. 301-600-6329. CDillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

GALLERY

Deck the Walls: Small Artwork Showcase — at Vault of Visions Art Gallery, 1 N. Market St., Frederick. An array of creative, one-ofa-kind gifts including original works, prints, and festive greeting cards through Dec. 24. 240-315-5483. emma@vovgallery.com. vovartgallery.com.

MUSIC

Holidaze: Unwrapping the History of Christmas Music — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Discover how Christmas music has evolved through the centuries — from sacred hymns and timeless carols to classic crooner hits and modern favorites. Join us for this festive journey through history as Dr. Maryory Serrano, a violinist and professor with Frederick Community

College, shares the stories behind beloved songs and performs select pieces live to bring the music to life. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Jazz Night — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. The concert features diverse styles of jazz, including classic big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, jazz-rock, and classic blues.  410-857-2552. ocm@mcdaniel.edu. www.mcdaniel.edu/CMOTH.

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.

THEATER

“The Thanksgiving Play” — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in this biting satire, as a troupe of performatively “woke” thespians scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month without any cultural stumbles. ASL interpreted performance Nov. 14. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/ the-thanksgiving-play.

Friday Dec. 5

ETCETERA

Open Coworking Day — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cowork Frederick, 120 E .Patrick St., Frederick. Experience the community of Cowork Frederick and the concept of coworking for the day with a pay-what-you-want Day Pass. Test drive what it’s like to work alongside other remote workers, freelancers, and small biz owners. Pre-registration required. 301-732-5165. heycowork@coworkfrederick.com. coworkfrederick.com.

Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Harshman’s Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and holiday open house with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors. 301-639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. www.facebook.com/StoneyGarden.

2025 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. See our all new and renovated exhibits, now through Dec. 13. $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Let’s Dance to Holiday Music: An Adaptive Adult Program — 11 a.m. to noon at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Come get some exercise while having fun dancing to holiday music! Ally Caho from the Dee Buchanan Studio of Dance will lead us in an integrative dance class for every ability level. We welcome all adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers for this fun, sensory program. 18 and older. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Guided Exhibit Tours — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Experience the Museum of Frederick County History through a guided tour. Join either archivist Jody Brumage or curator Amy Hunt as they explore the exhibits. Each tour is a unique experience based on the interests of the group and what special things staff wants to highlight that week. Descriptions of each week’s tour can be found on the Heritage Frederick website, which includes accessibility notes. Tours are included with admission. $5, $10. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org/event-calendar.

Sacred Sisters: Soulful Weekend Retreat! — 4 p.m. at Blue Mountain Retreat Center, Knoxville. Let your soul guide you to participate in these experiences as you feel called. Gentle yoga, breathwork, meditation, co-creative art practices, medicine music circle, dance party, solo time, meals included. This retreat is for women and is an LGBTQIA+ affirming space. Pre-registration required.

$550 - $750. 503-957-4207. amandaluciaart@gmail.com. themind-bodyway.com/soulfulretreat.

Mead and Read Trivia — 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery, 8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown. Gather a team of up to 6 people for a fun night of trivia. Questions will be inspired by the winter season and related books. The winning team will receive two free flights of mead. Team registration opens at 5:30 p.m. Trivia will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Cheese platters & snacks are available for purchase from Orchid Cellar, or you’re welcome to bring your own food. Ages 21 & up. 301-600-8350. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Thurmont Lions Club Cookie Contest — 6 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 15 N. Church St., Thurmont. Bring 6 of your finest Christmas cookies on a paper plate. Drop off  cookies from 6-6:45 p.m. Cookies will be judged based upon taste, appearance, texture, creativity and Christmas spirit. A $10 entry fee is required, benefits local charities. Cash prizes.

Wacky Wynn’s Karaoke — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. It’s time to sing.

FAMILY

Storytime Stretchers — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Story Stretchers brings stories to life through gentle stretching movements, helping children connect with tales in an interactive, playful way. As kids listen, stretch and move, they will build early literacy skills while fostering body awareness and mindfulness in a fun, engaging environment! This storytime is geared for ages up to 5 with a caregiver.  301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Special Storytime: All Aboard the Polar Express! — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. All Aboard! Join us for a special Polar Express Storytime featuring trains, bells and the magic of the winter season! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver. 301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov.

frederick.librarycalendar.com.

S’mores with Santa — 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Utica District Park, 10200-B Old Frederick Road, Frederick. Santa is coming to town, and he’s making a special stop in Frederick to warm up by the fire and enjoy some delicious s’mores! Grab your coat and hat and coat, make your way to the park to say hello, share your wish list with Santa, and relax by your very own campfire. The event will feature s’mores and a hot cocoa bar to make your evening extra sweet. $35. 301-600-2936. ParksandRecreation@ FrederickCountyMD.gov. bit.ly/SmoresWithSanta.

FESTIVALS

Christmas in Rocky Ridge — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rocky Ridge Volunteer Fire Co., 13527 Motters Station Road, Rocky Ridge. Food truck, games, campfires with s’mores, crafts, live entertainment and Santa! Tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m. Ugly sweater contest at 7 p.m. Free to attend.  Holiday Light Spectacular Hosted by the Maryland State Fair — 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. Continues daily through Dec. 30. Over a million lights, larger-thanlife holiday scenes, including Mistletoe Marina, Jinglebell Junction Farm, Symphony of Illumination and a Winter Wonderland Carnival complete with a Ferris wheel and other rides and attractions. Holiday Village with shops and food trucks, special performances nightly. Some activities have additional cost.

$15-$25 general admission. mdholidaylights.com.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Holiday Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Spend the day in the country! Meet the artists, see where they work, and learn about their mediums. Follow our map to reach each unique destination as you explore the beauty of Maryland’s countryside, including studios on Dickerson, Woodbine, Beallsville, Poolesville, Barnesville, Frederick and Brookville areas. 301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail.com. www.countrysideartisans.com.

Holiday Gift Mart — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Explore unique art pieces, hand-forged steel creations, shimmering fused-glass works, original notecards, jewelry, ceramics, turned-wood, and festive ornaments — all made by local creators. Free admission. eastsidearts313@gmail.com. eastsideartistsgallery.com.

MUSIC

“A Not So Silent Night” featuring Mama’s Black Sheep, Regina Sayles & Colleen Clark — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. A lively holiday-themed show. The artists will be playing original songs along with holiday favorites to get you in the spirit of the season. This show has lots of sing-along opportunities, and is suitable for all ages from kids to grandparents, making it a fun holiday event for the whole family. $20. 240-575-9755. matt@rockwellbrewery. com.

terpieces. Led by Dr. Kimberly Hirschmann, the music is brought to life by the dynamic performance of our college community ensemble. Light refreshments and sweet treats available following the performance. Tickets are free but a $15 per person donation is suggested to support the FCC Music Program. 301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. 2025WindEnsemble.eventbrite.com.

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

“Once Upon a Christmas Night” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. The magic of Christmas is in full swing at Way Off Broadway, making it the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Always the most popular show of the year, blending songs and music from Christmases past and present, the show is perfect for the entire family. Runs through Dec. 21, with performances every Friday and Saturday evening and select Sunday matinees.

$65 per person. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. www.wayoffbroadway.com.

AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE

Dec. 16 Christmas Show Deck The Halls $127

2026 TRIPS

• ABBA, DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE, Feb 23, $152

• RIVER DANCE, AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE, March 21, $182

• Mt Hope- 1876 Murder @ Mt Hope * March 24, $119

• ODYSSEY CRUISE

@ Cherry Blossom Time, April 1, $TBD

• DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE “Oklahoma” Wed, April 8, $140

• SIGHT & SOUND New Show “Joshua” Premium Seating, Fri, May 1, $191

• DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE “Rat Pack” Concert May 15, $152

COLLETTE 2026 TOURS •AZORES (PORTUGESE ISLANDS) APRIL 16-28, 2026

• EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA, VICTORIA FALLS, AND BOTSWANA* June 11-25,2026

ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS MARKETS * DECEMBER 1-9, 2026

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

College Band Concert — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Directed by Senior Lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick, the College Band performs musical selections by contemporary composers, including several holiday selections.   410-857-2552. ocm@mcdaniel.edu. mcdaniel.edu/CMOTH.

FCC Wind Ensemble Performance — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Frederick Community College, Visual & Performing Arts Center, 7932 Opossumtown Pike (JBK Theater Parking Lot 9), Frederick. Join the FCC Wind Ensemble for a captivating blend of contemporary compositions, toe-tapping concert band favorites, and traditional mas-

“The Thanksgiving Play” — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in this biting satire, as a troupe of performatively “woke” thespians scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month without any cultural stumbles. ASL interpreted performance Nov. 14. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/ the-thanksgiving-play.

The Comedy Pigs at MET Comedy Night — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s Key Stage, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join MET’s longest running

improv team, The Comedy Pigs, for a night full of laughs! The Comedy Pigs perform on the first Friday and Saturday of each month. The Comedy Pigs specialize in short-form improv, similar to what you’d see on the TV Show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” $15. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org.

Saturday Dec. 6

CLASSES

Propagating Native Plants — 10 a.m. to noon at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Native perennials are an excellent addition to any landscape! Learn the benefits of native perennials and why they’re essential for pollinators and wildlife. Learn to propagate various natives and take a few plants home. Class size is limited to 15 participants. Pre-register. 301-600-1596. arembold@umd.edu. bit.ly/FCMG25-PropagatingPlants.

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

ETCETERA

Myersville Indoor Farmers Market — 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Myersville Volunteer Fire Co. Banquet Hall, 301 Main St., Myersville. First and third Saturdays through April 4, 2026. Local farmers, artisans and small businesses offering produce, meats, baked goods, pantry staples and handmade crafts.  301-524-1035. manager@myersvillefarmersmarket.com.

Last Run for Literacy Meet Up — 9 a.m. at Baker Park Bandshell, 21 N. Bentz St., Frederick. Join us for our last Run for Literacy 5K Meet Up. You can walk or run your 5K and leave with your medal. Register online. 301-600-2066. info@frederickliteracy.org. secure.qgiv.com/for/literacycounciloffrederickcounty/event/runforliteracy5k.

Christmas Market — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 S. Berlin Pike, 3 miles from Brunswick across the Potomac River bridge, Lovettsville, Va. Continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Crafts, gifts, treats and more. Admission is free.

703-999-2580.

Asbury United Methodist Church Community Coat, Winter and Hygiene Drive — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 101 W. All Saints St., Frederick. Collecting NEW coats and winter and hygiene items to benefit the following non-profits serving in Frederick: Helping Hands and Caring Hearts, Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership, Andrea’s

House — Transitional Living for Women and Children, Olsen’s House, Lincoln Elementary School and their partnering Lucy Center, Steadfast: Standing Firm Against Youth Homelessness, Beyond Shelter, On Our Own of Frederick County and Waterboyz for Jesus Christmas Alive Project — who provides Christmas for 225 families in our community. 301-663-9380. asburyumcfmd1@verizon.net.

Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Harshman’s Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and holiday open house with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors. 301-639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. www.facebook.com/StoneyGarden.

Winter Arts Emporium: Artists Market at the Delaplaine — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Check off your holiday gift list with one-of-a-kind artworks from our annual holiday artists’ market! The event features 20+ vendors featuring a wide array of artworks, crafts, and gift items created by local artists and artisans. Admission is free! 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.

Holiday Shopping with Alpacas — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shepherds Purse Alpacas, 7971 Bennett Branch Road, Mount Airy. The barn as well as the It’s Alpaca! boutique will be open, and shoppers will have the opportunity to meet the alpacas and shop in a relaxing environment. The boutique offers

a variety of alpaca products, including sweaters, hats, gloves, yarn, stuffed animals, and other toys and accessories. 3014521874. mraldrich@mindspring.com. shepherdspursealpacas.com/whatsnew. htm.

Friends of the Thurmont Regional Library Winter Book Sale — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Stock up on reads for long winter nights, find the perfect gift for your favorite bookworm, or just treat yourself. Pay $10 and enter at 9 a.m. to shop! From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. pay $15 for a Friends of the Thurmont Regional Library Tote and fill it to the brim. If you already own our tote, bring it along and fill it for $5. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Traditional Village Christmas — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Historic Catoctin Furnace Village, 12610 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. Pre-order fresh fraser fir wreaths and pine roping for the holidays($). Pick up your order Dec. 6 at the Catoctin Furnace Traditional Village Christmas festival or just buy on site. You can design your own wreath or leave it to our elves while you shop at the European Christmas market. Bring the kids to meet Belsnickel, the anti Santa who rewards good children with treats and gives the naughty ones something to think about. Experience a colonial tea tasting and feast on delicious German specialties. Blacksmithing, music, children’s activities, and hot mulled wine ($). TVC has something for

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everyone! 443-463-6437. elizabeth.anderson.comer@gmail.com. www.catoctinfurnace.org/tvc.

Eastern National Doll Show — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg. Continues 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Antique, vintage, modern and artists dolls, costumes and accessories, doll houses and furniture, vintage Christmas and Santa, educational speakers from the world of dolls. $10 general admission, cash only. 239-4403184. sbellman714@gmail.com. dollshowusa.com.

2025 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. See our all new and renovated exhibits, now through Dec. 13. $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Nelia African-Caribbean & International Holiday Open House — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nelia African Market LLC, 66 Waverley Dr., Suite 620, Frederick. A vibrant community celebration showcasing African and Caribbean foods, culture, and local partnerships. Product samples, special discounts, music, networking opportunities. 301-550-0900. neliaafricanmarket@gmail. com. neliaafricanmarketllc.net.

Revolutionary War Historic Marker Dedication — 11 a.m. to noon at Riverside Park, 1801 Monocacy Blvd., Frederick. An interpretive marker commemorating the march of Anthony Wayne and a thousand Pennsylvania troops through Frederick County in 1781 will be dedicated at a ceremony in Riverside Park on the Monocacy River. seapigdd858@gmail.com. mdssar.org/calendar.

Dog Adoption Event with Lonely Hearts Animal Rescue — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PetSmart, 5401 Urbana Pike, Frederick. Come visit with adorable rollicking pups awaiting their forever families. Many pups are under 1 year old and are a variety of breed mixes. You can see all available pets and the pet adoption application lhar.dog. 240-529-3177. edeckerorr@comcast.net. www.lonelyheartsanimalrescue.org.

Holiday Mamas’ Market at SHIFT Work + Play — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at SHIFT Work + Play, 1209A N. East Street, Frederick. Kick off the holiday season with a warm, community-centered market experience highlighting the creativity and talent of local moms. Shop thoughtfully curated, mom-made treasures, from handcrafted gifts and holiday décor to wellness items and treats. 240-651-1193. megan@shiftworkandplay. com.

shiftworkandplay.com/events/ holiday-mamas-market-at-shift.

“The History of Shopping Through the Sears Catalog” — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Take a trip down memory lane and explore the library’s retrospective collection of Sears catalogs. Beginning with issues from the 1930s, view how clothing, furniture, appliances, toys (and the

| Thursday, dec. 4, 2025 |

value of the dollar) have changed through the decades. Observe historical trends in marketing and other aspects of business innovation, and gain an appreciation for these artifacts that function as fascinating mirrors of our times. 18 and older. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

Enter the Stone Time Machine — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Enter the oldest building in Frederick, once the home of the pioneer Brunner family. See and feel how they lived in 1758 in Colonial Maryland. Trained guides will show you around the massively built stone home that the family called Schifferstadt, the name we still keep. You’ll see the technological marvel of the era, a five-plate cast iron stove that provided clean, safe, energy-efficient radiant heat. Step into the cellar with air shafts designed to make the vaulted room as cold in winter as a modern refrigerator. Weekends through Dec. 13. $8, under 12 free. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

Holiday Afternoon Tea — 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Ceresville Mansion, 8529 Liberty Road, Frederick. A cozy afternoon filled with delicious tea, scrumptious treats, and quality time with friends in a winterwonderland! Reserve your spot now for a memorable Afternoon Tea! RSVP required.Welcome to the Winter Afternoon Tea event at Ceresville Mansion! Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon filled with delicious teas, scrumptious pastries, and quality time together. Join us for a charming experience in a beautiful setting, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Show your appreciation to the special ladies and gentlemen in your life with this elegant event.  $42. 301-694-5111. info@ceresville.com.

Candlelight House Tour — 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Select homes, Frederick. Continues noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Features select homes decorated for the holidays on Clarke Place, South Market, East Third and West Second streets. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

$30 advance, $35 day of event. 301-6002841. celebratefrederick.ocm.

Holiday Potluck and December Contra Dance — 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at The War Memorial Building, 102 E. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. Holiday potluck and dance with Quill Duvall calling to the music of Raven and Goose. Raven & Goose are a nationally touring contra duo. With fiery fiddlin’ from Corwin Zekley and foot stompin’ piano by Grace Fellows, they play original compositions and breathe new life into traditional tunes, all delivered with a passion that will get you up and dancing!  $15 nonmembers, $12 members, $5 dancing kids under 12. 304-263-2531. upperpotomac@gmail.com. smad.us.

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., Frederick. Take a remarkable journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past. Nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the “paranor-

mal” with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour!” Reservations recommended. $17 for adults. 301-668-8922. info@MarylandGhostTours.com. marylandghosttours.com.

E’nuff Said Band — 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Rock ‘n’ roll from the ‘60s to present with some ‘80’ mixed in.

FAMILY

UHS Winter Wonderland 2025 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Urbana High School , 3471 Campus Drive, Ijamsville. The Urbana High School Band Boosters hosts this fundraiser for the band. Students dress as elves and escort the kids to Santa’s Workshop (without parents), where they can shop for their loved ones (parents do provide a budget for their kids to shop in Santa’s Workshop). The presents are then wrapped up/sealed, and returned to their parents. While the kids are shopping there’s a unique variety of local and small businesses to browse to help you complete your holiday shopping. Additional kids’ activities will be offered including face-painting (donation preferred), cookie decorating ($), photos with Santa ($$), bake sale ($) and more. Admission to the event is free. shophighstyle@outlook.com.

Christmas on the Farm — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, 6521 Holter Road, Middletown. A festive, family-friendly event filled with local shopping, live music, breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., photos with Santa Claus, and a live Nativity scene featuring real camels.

301-371-6874. www.jumbos.org.

Sensory Friendly Visit with Santa — 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rock Creek Recreation Center, 55B W. Frederick St., Walkersville. Haven’t gotten the chance to tell Santa your wishlist yet? We’ve got you covered! Come visit Santa, snap a quick picture, and see what other fun activities his elves have planned for you. This program is geared towards families of children with disabilities. Parents and siblings welcome. Attendees ages 2-21 must register for the program to attend.

$8. 3016002936. ParksandRecreation@ FrederickCountyMD.gov. bit.ly/SensorySantaVisit.

Holiday Workshop Open House — 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Scott Key Community Center, 1050 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick. Bring your little one out for a morning of crafting. We will guide you and your child through craft stations to help make personalized gifts for your loved ones. Just bring your little one and your time and we will supply the materials and guidance. You will leave the event with 4 wrapped crafts to celebrate your winter holiday. Please note, this is not a drop off event. Pre-registration required.

$20. 301-600-2936. ParksandRecreation@ FrederickCountyMD.gov. bit.ly/FCPRHolidayShop.

Walkersville Christkindlmart — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Celebrate the holiday season at the library! Browse vendors at the holiday market, create a craft, enjoy a scavenger hunt, meet Santa

(at 11 a.m.), and have story time with Mrs. Claus (at noon)! This event is coordinated in partnership with the Friends of the Walkersville Library. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

“Polar Express” Pajama Party and Movie Event — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg, Pa. The PJ Party kicks off at 11 a.m., followed by the movie starting at noon. Attendees are invited to partake in our feature intheme hot cocoa bar. Each ticket will come with one free cup of hot cocoa! Santa will also be making an appearance. Must book tickets by Dec. 5. $19. 717-263-0202. vperry@thecapitoltheatre.org. www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

Board Games & Beverages — noon to 6 p.m. at Horine Building, 2 E. Potomac St., Brunswick . During the Hometown Holidays, with a holiday market, train rides, music, and so much more! Stop in at the historic “Horine” on the corner of Maple Ave. and Potomac St. to enjoy beverages, board games, snacks and each other’s company. All ages are welcome. 484-347-7040. olga@arboco.org.

Craft Party & Sale - Holiday Edition — noon to 3 p.m. at Give Rise Studio, 125 S. Carroll St., 101, Frederick. You can’t go wrong with crafts and creativity. Even better? Crafting with community. There are a few different ways to enjoy our time together. All ages encouraged! Activities include card making, jewelry making, craft kits to purchase, more. Pay as you go, up to $20. RSVP appreciated, but not required. giverisestudio@gmail.com.

www.giverisestudio.com/event-details/ crafty-party-and-kit-sale-holiday-edition.

Mount Airy Vol. Fire Co. Train Garden

— noon to 5 p.m. at Mount Airy Vol. Fire Co. Fire Station, 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy. Saturdays and Sundays in December. Through Dec. 28, noon til 5 p.m. Parking and entry in the lower level of the fire station. Admission is free.  301-829-0100.

www.mavfc.org.

Secret Elf Workshop: First Saturday — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Calling all elves! Join us for another year of one of our most popular children’s programs, Secret Elf Workshop! The best gifts are the ones you make, so travel up to the North Pole (a.k.a. our 3rd-floor studio) to create arts and crafts that you can give as holiday gifts. Space is limited. Registration required. Gift wrapping included!

$10 per elf. 301-698-0656. jclark@ delaplaine.org.

delaplaine.org/programs.

Christmas in Thurmont: North Pole Storytime — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Very special guests from the North Pole will join us for a reading of The Night Before Christmas. There will be a meet and greet opportunity after the storytime for pictures.

301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

A Very Grinchy Holiday Storytime! — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. Step into Whoville for a magical holiday moment as the Grinch reads “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”Each little Who will enjoy cookies, milk, and one festive goody bag — no more, no less (the Grinch insists!). After the story, snap a grinch-tastic photo with the mean green guy himself! Space is limited and parental supervision is required. Recommended for children age 3+. $30 per child residents/ $35 per child for non-residents.. 301-258-6425. kentlands@gaithersburgmd.gov. gburg.md/4fJUWeK.

Swim with Santa — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Serenity Swimming, 331 Aviation Way, Suite 1, Frederick. A Night at the North Pool for a Cause! Your donation benefits HopeFloats — a nonprofit that helps make swim lessons accessible to families in our community who otherwise aren’t able to afford them — giving the gift of safety and confidence in the water. Photos with Santa in the water, joy swimming, Rudolf the red nose races, and holiday cheer in our warm indoor pool. This event is perfect for all ages, abilities, and open to the community. Recommended donation is $30 (or more) and is tax deductible. Kids under 5 should have parent in the water.

240-875-0208. serenityswimming@gmail.com. SerenitySwimming.com.

FESTIVALS

All You Can Eat Breakfast with Cookie Sale and Christmas Room — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Chapel Lutheran Church , 11109 Daysville Road, Frederick. Menu includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, potatoes, pudding, hominy, homemade biscuits, grits, stewed apples, chipped beef gravy and sausage gravy, peaches, juice and coffee. Annual Cookie Sale and Christmas Room happening as well. $12 for adults, $5 for kids. 301-845-2332. Chapellutheranchurch@gmail.com. chapellutheranchurch.com.

Hello Holidays 5th Annual Event — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frederick Fairgrounds, Buildings 12 and 13, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Come to shop more than 60 handmade vendors and visit the food trucks! Don’t forget to take your free photo with Santa (4 legged friends are welcome)! Continues Dec. 7. frederickmakersmarket@gmail.com.

Festive Christkindlmarket — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Throughout, Walkersville. Bring the family to watch the 8th annual Walkersville Holiday Parade beginning at 10 a.m. on South Glade Rd., Fulton Ave., W. Pennsylvania Ave. Stroll the quaint, historic streets to shop from local artisans, stores, and vendors. Enjoy carolers and musicians while visiting Old St. Nick and his elves! Mrs. Claus will share a special story too! 301-845-4500. walkersvillemd.gov.

Christmas in Thurmont — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 27 N. Church St., Thurmont. Santa

and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck t 10 a.m., make-and-take crafts, photos with Santa (dogs must be on leash), prize drawings for kids, ESP dance performance. All ages. 240-741-2600. mlittle@thurmontstaff.com. thurmontmainstreet.com.

Santa’s Farm Fest — 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. Visit our warm furry animals in our Animal Barn, take pictures with Santa, enjoy our vendors’ goodies in the heated Stables and go on a free festive hayride. Visit and take free pictures with a live Elsa in our Frozen-themed snow globe (with a blow-up Olaf!) and a live Grinch and sleigh. Stay to enjoy the warmth of our fire rings while making memories. $18, credit only, for ages 2 and older, babies free. 301-865-9203. info@greenmeadowsevents.com. greenmeadowsevents.com.

Brunswick Holiday Marketplace and Santa’s Workshop — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Martin’s Creek Parking Lot, 100 E. Potomac St., Brunswick . Enjoy a festive day filled with craft vendors, food trucks, hot cider and cocoa. Take a Santa Train Ride at 1 or 3 p.m., then catch the Holiday Parade at 4 p.m. Stay after the parade for the tree lighting and photos with Santa! communications@brunswickmainstreet.org. brunswickmainstreet.org/ event/holiday-marketplace.

Olde Fashioned Holiday Open House at the Museum — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National Road Museum, 214 N. Main St., Boonsboro. The museums will be decorated for the sea-

son, refreshments will be provided while supplies last, and a take-home craft will be available for children! Bring non-perishable food items for the South County Food Pantry, a Boonsboro-based nonprofit which supports over 150 individuals in Washington County. The rest of Historic Downtown Boonsboro will be alive with festive cheer that day, as the town’s Holiday in Boonsboro event brings more open houses and special sales at many of the local businesses. 240-769-0898.

info@NationalRoadFoundation.org. nationalrdfoundation.org.

Hometown Holidays and Santa Train Rides — 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 1 W. Potomac St., 1 W. Potomac St., Brunswick. Shop the Holiday Market 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Martin’s Creek parking lot. Santa Train Rides with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Rudolph on an hour round-trip experience offered at 1 and 3 p.m. for $15 per person. At 2 p.m., see the Celtic Rhythm School of Dance perform at Square Corner Park on the Main Stage. From 4 to 8 p.m. stay to enjoy the town’s Holiday Parade from W. Potomac St. to Square Corner Park. The City’s tree lighting follows the parade where professional photos with Santa will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

brunswickmd.gov.

Bethesda’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Market — noon to 4 p.m. at Norfolk and Cordell Avenues, 7900 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda. Live ice-sculpting, holiday concert by local student choral groups 2-4 p.m., face painting, arts and crafts, games

for kids and other family-friendly activities, holiday market with 40+ artisan vendors, on-site offerings from Bethesda restaurants. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. 703-314-0020. ezanello@bethesda.org. www.bethesda.org/winter-wonderland.

Christmas on the Farm — noon to 5 p.m. at Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood. Enjoy free cookies and cider, a bake sale table, hay rides, barn decorations, music, holiday crafts, and farm animals. Visit the tool museum. Free parking and free admission. Sponsored by The Friends of the agricultural History Farm Park, Inc. lifeissweet91@gmail.com. www.friendsofthefarmpark.org.

Christmas in New Market — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 140 W. Main St., 140 W. Main St., New Market. Parade at 1 p.m. beginning at New Market Elementary and ending at Marley Street. Join the community for festive activities, kid crafts, music, drinks and food up and down Main Street. Stay for the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony and caroling at 5 p.m. at The Derby (83 W. Main St.). For a full schedule of events, visit newmarketmdevents.com.

Holiday Open House — 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at ThorpeWood Lodge, 12805 Mink Farm Road, Thurmont. Continues Dec. 7. Soak in the holiday spirit surrounded by the beauty of the Catoctin Mountains! Enjoy hot cider, live music, festive decorations, kids’ crafts, a cookie potluck, and ThorpeWood’s beautiful Christmas tree at the Lodge. Santa will be visiting both days from 3 to 5 p.m. This is a free event, but visitors are welcome to bring cookies to share! 301-271-2823. thorpewood.org.

Christmas in the Valley — 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Main Street, Middletown. An evening filled with lights, laughter and the magic of the season. Santa 4-5:30 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. at Town Hall. Mrs. Claus will do a storytime every half hour from 4-7 p.m. at More’s Ice Cream. Tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at Heritage Park. Musical program at Zion Lutheran Church featuring local youth at 7 p.m. Visit middletown.md.us for more information.

A Main Street Christmas — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Downtown Main Street, 110 S. Main St., Mount Airy. One of Mount Airy’s most cherished events! Town tree lighting, holiday parade. Details online. 301-829-1424. gaction@mountairymd.gov. www.mountairymd.gov.

FILM

Sip & Screen — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. No charge for admission and the lounge will be open, serving popcorn, snacks, soft drinks, plus beer & wine (with ID). No outside food or drink, please. To get advance details of Sip & Screen movie titles, email Contact@ OperaHouseLive.com or call the box office at 304-876-3704. 304-876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive. com. OperaHouseLive.com.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Holiday Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Spend the day in the country! Meet the artists, see where they work, and learn about their mediums. Follow our map to reach each unique destination as you explore the beauty of Maryland’s countryside, including studios on Dickerson, Woodbine, Beallsville, Poolesville, Barnesville, Frederick and Brookville areas.

301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail. com.

www.countrysideartisans.com.

Frederick Book Art Center’s Celebration of Achievements Open House — noon to 6 p.m. at Frederick Book Arts Center, 127 S. Carroll St., Frederick. We invite you to our first year in review open house fundraising event to celebrate 2025’s accomplishments and all of the people that have helped us get there! Activities include print your own bookmark, print a Snallygaster on the iron hand press, demonstrations, live music, refreshments and more.

301-228-9816.

corrine.wilson@fredbookartscenter.org.

Art Matters Artist Talk: Doug Moulden and Katie Jurkiewicz — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Solo exhibition artists Doug Moulden and Katie Jurkiewicz will present the work in their exhibitions.  301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.

Exhibition Openings: Group Shows and Solo Exhibition Artists — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View exhibitions and meet the artists! These exhibitions are opening Dec. 6 and can be viewed starting at 9 a.m. Beat the crowds and visit us earlier in the day! 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.

Holiday Gift Mart — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Explore unique art pieces, hand-forged steel creations, shimmering fused-glass works, original notecards, jewelry, ceramics, turned-wood, and festive ornaments — all made by local creators. Free admission. eastsidearts313@gmail.com. eastsideartistsgallery.com.

HEALTH

Organic for Everyone with Terressentials — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Want to improve your everyday cleaning and self-care routines? Join Diana Kaye, co-owner of Terressentials in Middletown, to learn about whole and natural ingredient products designed to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles for all and support the fair-trade market with your investments.   301-600-7560. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

MUSIC

Christmas in Thurmont: Holiday Music with Patty & Brent — 11 a.m. to noon at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. As part of the Christmas in Thurmont celebration, musical duo Patty &

Brent will delight guests with the sounds of the holiday. 301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Christmas in Thurmont: Holiday Sing-along — 12:45 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. As part of the Christmas in Thurmont celebration, join the choirs from the Thurmont Area Feeder Schools for a Community Sing-A-Long of your favorite holiday songs.  301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Christmas in Thurmont: Holiday Music with the Mount St. Mary’s Flute Choir — 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Join the Mount St. Mary’s University for a concert and sing-along of your favorite Christmas carols led by MSMU Flute Professor Dr. Jessica Banks. The group will include flutists from local middle schools, high schools, and community members in addition to current MSMU students. 301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Westminster Symphony Orchestra Concert — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Senior Lecturer Linda Kirkpatrick directs the orchestra, which is composed of McDaniel and Carroll Community College students, as well as music faculty and community musicians.  410-857-2552. ocm@mcdaniel.edu.

Emmitsburg Community Chorus Holiday Concert — 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Lewistown United Methodist Church, 11032 Hessong Bridge Road, Thurmont. Get into the holiday spirit listening to Christmas music through the ages. Under the direction of Peggy Flickinger, the group of 30+ vocalists includes members from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. They are accompanied by pianist Lisa Mattia. A freewill offering will be accepted.  301-606-7488. jnbgraham@gmail.com. www.EmmitsburgCommunityChorus.org.

FCC Handbell Choir Performance: “A Starry Winter’s Night: Song With Celestial Connections” — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike (JBK Theater Parking Lot 9), Frederick. Usher in a holiday season that’s out of this world!Traditional holiday favorites will be featured, along with original handbell compositions, pop tunes, and a few international selections. Light refreshments and sweet treats will follow the concert. Tickets are free but a $15 per attendee donation is suggested to support the FCC Music Program. 301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. 2025HandbellChoir.eventbrite.com.

POLITICS

Legislative Breakfast: Meet those who represent you in Annapolis — 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ (ERUCC), 15 W. Church St., Frederick. Meet and talk to your elected

officials who represent Frederick County in the Maryland General Assembly. The League of Women Voters of Frederick County is hosting this event. Doors open at 8 a.m., breakfast will begin at 8:30 and the event will conclude at 9:30. Each state senator and delegate in attendance will have an opportunity to address the gathering and share their legislative agenda, as well as answer audience questions. Attendees can make a suggested minimum donation of $10 at the door, by cash or check. RSVP required.

LWVofFC@gmail.com. lwv.org/local-leagues/lwv-frederick-county.

THEATER

“Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells” — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. She’s back! Follow the feisty and irrepressible Junie B. Jones as she plays Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate, Tattletale May. Will Junie B. give Tattletale May exactly what she thinks she deserves, or will the holiday spirit force a change of heart? With plenty of laughs and life life lessons, it’s the perfect holiday treat for the whole family.

$20 adult, $17 child, senior, military. 301694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/junie-b-jones-2025.

“Once Upon a Christmas Night” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. The magic of Christmas is in full swing at Way Off Broadway, making it the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Always the most popular show of the year, blending songs and music from Christmases past and present, the show is perfect for the entire family. Runs through Dec. 21, with performances every Friday and Saturday evening and select Sunday matinees.

$65 per person. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. www.wayoffbroadway.com.

“The Thanksgiving Play” — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in this biting satire, as a troupe of performatively “woke” thespians scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month without any cultural stumbles. ASL interpreted performance Nov. 14. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/ the-thanksgiving-play.

The Comedy Pigs at MET Comedy Night — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s Key Stage, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join MET’s longest running improv team, The Comedy Pigs, for a night full of laughs! The Comedy Pigs perform on the first Friday and Saturday of each month. The Comedy Pigs specialize in short-form improv, similar to what you’d see on the TV Show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” $15. 301-694-4744.

contact@marylandensemble.org.

Sunday Dec. 7

CLASSES

How to Make Elderberry Syrup — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Common Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Looking for a natural way to support your immune system during cold and flu season? Elderberries have long been prized in folk medicine for their antiviral and immune-boosting properties. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to make elderberry syrup from scratch using dried or frozen elderberries, warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, and the option to sweeten with raw local honey. Must pre-register.

$65-$130. 301-663-3416. arobinson@ commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ elderberry-syrup.

Pre-Holiday Stress Relief Retreat — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Come for an hour of rest and rejuvenation before the start of the busy holiday season. The Mental Health Association will lead hands-on activities, including a craft, to help combat the stress of the holidays and everyday life. Refreshments will be provided. 18 and older. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Gift Wrap Like a Pro — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Join Susan Day and Patti Lenko from the Candy Kitchen to learn tips and tricks for wrapping presents this holiday season. 301-600-7560. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

ETCETERA

Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House —

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Harshman’s Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and holiday open house with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors. 301-639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. www.facebook.com/StoneyGarden.

MAVFC Holiday Craft & Vendor Show —

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company Reception Hall, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy. Admission is free. Food & drinks available for purchase. Don’t procrastinate and get that holiday shopping done early! 301-829-0100. www.mavfc.org.

Children’s Program: Nativity Silhouette — 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Buckeystown United Methodist Church, 3440 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown. Children will present a nativity silhouette program while a soloist sings Hallelujah during the 10:30 a.m. worship service. BUMC1896@gmail.com. buckeystownumc.org.

Enter the Stone Time Machine — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Enter the oldest building in Frederick, once the home of the pioneer Brunner family. See and feel how they lived in 1758 in Colonial Maryland. Trained guides will show you around the massively built stone home that the family called Schifferstadt, the name we still keep. You’ll see the technological mar-

vel of the era, a five-plate cast iron stove that provided clean, safe, energy-efficient radiant heat. Step into the cellar with air shafts designed to make the vaulted room as cold in winter as a modern refrigerator. Weekends through Dec. 13. $8, under 12 free. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

FAMILY

Grinchmas at Idiom — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Idiom Brewing Co., Unit 4, 340 E. Patrick St., Frederick. The grumpy, yet lively green Grinch will make his appearance with Santa Claus! Smile or pout for pictures, then kids can get creative with The Frederick Mom and make ornaments to take home. Enjoy Idiom’s offerings of beer, cocktails, and wine. Food is available to order from Idiom’s in-house kitchen, where your stomach and your heart might just grow three sizes! Admission is free. 240-578-4152. idiombrewing.com.

Mount Airy Vol. Fire Co. Santa Open House — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mount Airy Vol. Fire Co. Fire Station, 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy. Visit Santa at the fire station. Fire & safety information available. Refreshments. BYO camera! 301-829-0100. www.mavfc.org.

All Aboard with Santa — 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg. Train enthusiasts will enjoy this railroad-themed visit with Santa! Get in the holiday spirit while listening to Christmas carols as you enjoy hot chocolate and cookies around the firepit. Holiday-themed crafts for kids. There will also be a quiet train car available. $10 resident/$12 non-resident. 301-2586425. museum@gaithersburgmd.gov. tinyurl.com/mvnf6k2j.

Live Nativity — 6 p.m. at Urbana Fire Hall parking lot, 3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick. Also at 7 and 8 p.m. In their 25th year, Wesley Chapel presents its Live Nativity with over a dozen figures dressed in costume performing under the night sky with narration and music. Live camels will accompany the wise men to the stable while shepherds watch their sheep in the hills. An innkeeper, King Herod, and his court will make an appearance as well. A professional ASL interpreter will be present at all three shows. After the performance, enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. 301-663-4956. wesleychapelurbana.com.

FESTIVALS

Santa’s Farm Fest — 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. Visit our warm furry animals in our Animal Barn, take pictures with Santa, enjoy our vendors’ goodies in the heated Stables and go on a free festive hayride. Visit and take free pictures with a live Elsa in our Frozen-themed snow globe (with a blow-up Olaf!) and a live Grinch and sleigh. Stay to enjoy the warmth of our fire rings while making memories. $18, credit only, for ages 2 and older, babies free. 301-865-9203. info@greenmeadowsevents.com. greenmeadowsevents.com/events/ santas-day-farm-green-meadows-farm.

Christmas on the Farm — noon to 5 p.m. at Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood. Enjoy free cookies and cider, a bake sale table, hay rides, barn decorations, music, holiday crafts, and farm animals. Visit the tool museum. Free parking and free admission. Sponsored by The Friends of the agricultural History Farm Park, Inc. lifeissweet91@gmail.com. www.friendsofthefarmpark.org.

FILM

Sip & Screen — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. No charge for admission and the lounge will be open, serving popcorn, snacks, soft drinks, plus beer & wine (with ID). No outside food or drink, please. To get advance details of Sip & Screen movie titles, email Contact@ OperaHouseLive.com or call the box office at 304-876-3704. 304-876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive. com. OperaHouseLive.com.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Holiday Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Spend the day in the country! Meet the artists, see where they work, and learn about their mediums. Follow our map to reach each unique destination as you explore the beauty of Maryland’s countryside, including studios on Dickerson, Woodbine, Beallsville, Poolesville, Barnesville, Frederick and Brookville areas.

301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail.com. www.countrysideartisans.com.

Downtown Frederick Artwalk: Olivia Dare — noon to 4 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Take a self-guided stroll downtown and visit its many local galleries! At the Delaplaine, Olivia Dare will feature jewelry. 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.

Special Exhibition of Jewelers and Woodworkers — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lockhouse Gallery , 17 W. Potomac St., Brunswick . Showcasing metalsmiths (jewelers) and woodworkers. Each artist will give a brief talk about their process and work. Many pieces will be available at a discount. Light food, wine and beverages will be served.

301-969-6676. kim@lockhousegallery.com. www.lockhousegallery.com.

Holiday Gift Mart — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Explore unique art pieces, hand-forged steel creations, shimmering fused-glass works, original notecards, jewelry, ceramics, turned-wood, and festive ornaments — all made by local creators. Free admission. eastsidearts313@gmail.com. eastsideartistsgallery.com.

MUSIC

FCC String Ensemble Presents “Winter Daydreams” — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Frederick Community College Visual & Performing Arts Center, 7932 Opossum-

town Pike (JBK Theater Parking Lot 9), Frederick. You’re invited! Join Director Lynn Fleming and the FCC String Ensemble as they present music by the Russian masters to evoke the season’s mood. Some surprise pieces will lighten the darkness of the winter months while providing a few “Thrills” too! Light refreshments available following the performance. Tickets are free but a $15 suggested donation per attendee will support the FCC Music Program. 301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. 2025StringEnsemble.eventbrite.com.

Gospel Choir Concert — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. McDaniel College’s Gospel Choir performs traditional and contemporary gospel music along with songs of love, encouragement, and support, under the direction of Senior Adjunct Lecturer Shelley Ensor. 410-857-2552. ocm@mcdaniel.edu.

Emmitsburg Community Chorus Holiday Concert — 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church, 8619 Blacks Mill Road, Thurmont. Get into the holiday spirit listening to Christmas music through the ages. Under the direction of Peggy Flickinger, the group of 30+ vocalists includes members from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. They are accompanied by pianist Lisa Mattia. 301-606-7488. jnbgraham@gmail.com. www.EmmitsburgCommunityChorus.org.

“Carol Sing!” — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Calvary Church , 8234 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville. Kick off the Christmas season with Spires Brass Band at Calvary Church. Sing along to your favorite Christmas carols and tap your toes to other festive favorites. This is a free event, but donations are warmly welcome. Pre-registration appreciated but no required.

Info@SpiresBrassBand.org. bit.ly/EventBriteSBBCarols25.

THEATER

“Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells” — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. She’s back! Follow the feisty and irrepressible Junie B. Jones as she plays Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate, Tattletale May. Will Junie B. give Tattletale May exactly what she thinks she deserves, or will the holiday spirit force a change of heart? With plenty of laughs and life life lessons, it’s the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. $20 adult, $17 child, senior, military. 301694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/junie-b-jones-2025.

“Once Upon a Christmas Night” — 12:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. The magic of Christmas is in full swing at Way Off Broadway, making it the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Always the most popular show of the year, blending songs and music from Christmases past and present, the show is perfect for the entire family. Runs through Dec. 21, with performances every Friday and Saturday evening and select Sunday matinees. $65 per person. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. www.wayoffbroadway.com.

“The Thanksgiving Play” — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in this biting satire, as a troupe of performatively “woke” thespians scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month without any cultural stumbles. ASL interpreted performance Nov. 14. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/ the-thanksgiving-play.

Monday Dec. 8 CLASSES

Chair Yoga with the Seton Center — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Margaret Ann Radford leads a gentle yoga session that helps improve mobility in a soft and gentle, yet supportive and beneficial way. 18 and older. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

Mistletoe Moves and Winter Waltzes: A Beginner’s Dance Class — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Kick up your boots and shuffle away the seasonal stress at our Beginner Line Dancing Class. Whether you’re two-stepping for the first time or just looking to add some jingle to your boots, this festive and fun-filled class is the perfect way to dance through the holidaze. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

ETCETERA

Holiday Tea with the Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI) a FCC — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 200 Monroe Restaurant, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Join us for a holiday tea in support of HCTI. Celebrate the season with a delightful tea thoughtfully prepared and served by students in our Advanced Baking and Pastry Arts program. Tickets available at www. opentable.com/200-monroe (click the Experiences tab to purchase.) $60. 240-629-7912. HCTI@frederick.edu. www.opentable.com/200-monroe. Understanding Grief and Loss — 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. How we grieve and when we grieve. Includes a discussion of the dual process model of grieving and the importance of continuing bonds. Comes with book recommendations! 301-600-1630. espangler@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

FAMILY

Baby Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories and play for babies and their grownups. Designed for up to age 24 months with a caregiver. Afterwards, we offer a “stay and play” for all to enjoy.  301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Family Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Enjoy music, stories, and more! Designed for ages 0-5 with a caregiver. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Little Adventurers — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Children learn and explore through hands-on activities using science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts at the library. Caregivers are encouraged to connect with children and participate in the activities. 301-600-6329. CDillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Teen Tiny Art Studio (Ages 13-18) — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Unleash your inner artist—on a tiny canvas! Teens will create miniature masterpieces using acrylic paint, markers, and mixed media. All supplies provided; just bring your imagination. For ages 13-17. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Tuesday Dec. 9

CLASSES

Holidaze DIY Wreath — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join the fun and make a holiday mesh ribbon wreath. You will receive step-by-step instructions on how to attach your mesh ribbon to a wire frame. It’s a perfect colorful addition to your wall or door or to give as a gift. For teens. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

Crochet 101: Start a Scarf! — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Myersville Community Library, 8 Harp Place, Myersville. Learn basic crochet techniques while starting a cozy winter scarf. Yarn provided or bring your own! Participants are encouraged to bring their own crochet hook. However, hooks will be available to borrow. For adults and teens.  301-600-8350. rkurtz@frederickcountymd. gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

ETCETERA

Club Crochet (ages 11-18) — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Get crocheting with the skilled ladies of the Woodlands! Whether you are a practiced hand or it’s your first time holding a hook, join us for community and skill-sharing. You can also try our alternative fiber art craft. All materials provided, while supplies last. For grades 6-12. 301-600-7000.

Yarnia, A Fiber Arts Social Club — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Love yarn, crafts, and creativity? Bring your projects and supplies, connect with fellow knitters, crocheters, needleworkers and fiber artists, and enjoy an hour of creativity and community. Beginners and experts alike are welcome — share tips, learn new skills, and get inspired. sblumenauer@frederickcounty.gov. fcpl.org.

Make the holiday season unforgettable by shopping local in Downtown Frederick! Discover unique gifts, indulge in delicious dining experiences, and create lasting memories all month long. Plus, explore our Downtown Holiday Gift Guide to find that perfect present!