‘The Voice’ semifinalist will return to Frederick for post-game concert
Olivia Rubini
HELP THESE ARTISTS GET TO ITALY
The exhibition of works by Andrea McCluskey and Lisa Sheirer at Gaslight Gallery serves a dual purpose. Both artists have been selected for the prestigious monthlong La Baldi artist residency in Montegiovi, Italy, in September, but the residency doesn’t cover living expenses or supplies. The gallery’s decision to feature their work through Aug. 24, with sales benefiting their trip expenditures, represents the kind of community investment that enables local artists to pursue career-advancing opportunities. The gallery will be open each weekend.
OLIVIA RUBINI IN FREDERICK
The trajectory from college campus to professional spotlight rarely follows a straight line, but for Olivia Rubini, the path has been distinctly musical. The Mount St. Mary’s University alumna returns to familiar territory on July 19 for her first full concert performance in Frederick County, taking the stage at Harry Grove Stadium immediately following the Frederick Keys game. You might know her from her appearance on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2024, where she earned a spot on John Legend’s team and advanced to the semifinals. A baseball game, fireworks and a concert — what more could you ask for on a summer night?
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HOOD
The return of Hood College’s summer concert series represents something more profound than the simple scheduling of musical performances. When the Weiss Kaplan Carr Trio takes the stage on July 21 in the Hodson auditorium, they’ll be performing in a space that has witnessed the music department’s remarkable resilience through what can only be described as a series of extraordinary challenges — from the 2021 catastrophic flooding of Carson Cottage to the lightning strike that ignited fires in the historic Brodbeck Music Hall. Stop by for this free event and support the resiliency of Hood College.
THE BARD IS IN TOWN
The Frederick Shakespeare Festival’s current season embodies the kind of cultural ambition that transforms a city’s artistic landscape. What began seven years ago as Christine Mosere’s response to community nostalgia for a defunct Shakespeare festival has evolved into an annual tradition that attracts Tony Award nominees and Obie Award winners to Frederick’s stages — the type of festival a small town should be very proud of. This year’s fest includes performances of “The Tempest” and “As You Like It,” with shows running through August.
CELEBRATE TURKISH CRAFTSMANSHIP
The recent grand opening of Alora Pure in downtown Frederick could be a case study in how immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to local economic and cultural diversity. Owner Arzu Ozcan, a native of Turkey, transitioned from artisan markets to a brick-and-mortar store, but she has remained committed to working directly with small workshops and family-owned businesses in Turkey, even through the recent increase in tariffs. She wants every customer who walks through the door to experience a full immersion of Turkish treasures, making hers a shop with a vibe.
WWII FOOD PREP TEACHINGS
Explore the intersection of historical scholarship and practical knowledge in Sarah Lee’s Victory Kitchen podcast and her upcoming lecture at Walkersville Library on July 20. Lee explores World War II history through food preservation techniques, a fascination that started at a young age while growing up with a mother who cooked from scratch. The lecture will feature a WWII-era Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe that used maple syrup and honey instead of sugar, offering participants a tangible connection to historical food culture.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Share your community stories and events with us!
Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations in Frederick, they know best. Here is a personal interview with a 2024 Best of the Best winner or finalist about why they love what they do, helping those they serve and working in Frederick.
Law Office of Lena A. Clark
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When it comes to planning for the future, creating a Last Will and Testament and (in many cases) Trust is one of the most important steps you can take. But here’s the thing— simply putting pen to paper isn’t always enough to create a valid Will or Trust that upholds your intentions.
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Work with us to avoid unintended consequences Working with an experienced Trusts and Estates law firm, like us, is the best way to ensure your intentions are honored. When you meet with us, we’ll guide you through each step of the process:
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If you need help protecting your money and loved ones in the event of death or disability, call us at 301-696-0567 or self-schedule online at www.lenaclarklegal.com.
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After a quarter-century in Frederick, Bellisario’s is most popular for its wedgies
In June, Bellisario’s Pizza celebrated 25 years on East Street in Frederick, a quiet mainstay on the eastern side of the city’s downtown.
The date, June 29, 2000, is commemorated on the wall, in a framed News-Post article marking the restaurant’s opening.
For owner Nikki Bellisario, the recipe for success in a business fraught with turnover is simple.
WHAT’S GOOD?
Know of a great restaurant, bartender, food truck or farmers market? Found a new favorite dish or mocktail in your neighborhood? Let us know! We are always looking for people and places within our community to feature in our Eat & Drink section. Email 72 Hours editor Lauren LaRocca at llarocca@ newspost.com.
“I just stick to what I know,” Bellisario said recently in the pizza parlor’s dining room, which is decorated with memorabilia from the sports teams of her native Pittsburgh. That’s where the first two Bellisario’s are located and where Nikki grew up working in her family’s restaurants. Her mother owned a pizza shop similar to her own.
Bellisario’s offers the standard fare guests come to expect at a pizza parlor: pizza, calzones, hoagies but also a wedgie, or a hoagie baked in pizza dough.
The wedgies are what they’re best known for, Bellisario said.
Her brother got something like it at another pizza shop in Pittsburgh and told their mother he thought they could do it a lot better with their dough.
She learned how to make that dough from her mother, and the store’s dough and sauce are made fresh each day.
The small size of the shop helps in that regard, she said. With no room to freeze anything. Everything has to be made fresh daily as matter of necessity. What has kept her customers loyal for 25 years?
“I think consistency,” Bellisario said. “Consistent dough and sauce.”
— Ryan Marshall
BELLISARIO’S PIZZA
934 N. East St., Frederick bellisariospizza.com
Hours : Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Price: Prices range from $3.25 for a one-slice bagel pizza to a 16-slice pizza for $16.50. Calzones are $12.75 for a personal and $16.75 for a medium. Six-inch hoagies are $7.20, and 12-inch are $12.25. Wedgies are $13.75.
Owner Nikki Bellisario recommends: Wedgies, available in chicken, steak, Italian, cheeseburger or chicken bacon ranch.
The wedgie sandwich at Bellasario’s Pizza on East Street in Frederick.
Staff photos by Ric Dugan
Nikki Bellasario, owner of Bellasario’s Pizza.
Vintage foodie Sarah Lee talks frugal meal prep in her Victory Kitchen podcast
BY JILL GARTZ
Special to The News-Post
Perhaps you have memories of a parent or grandparent preserving food when you were a child. I still remember my parents busy in the kitchen canning fresh tomatoes. They would store them in a cool, dry place, and we would dive into deliciousness throughout the year.
Other popular wartime preservation methods were sun-drying, pickling and freezing. Prior to freezing, fresh fruits and vegetables were best preserved in a sugar syrup, while vegetables were blanched. Canning is still a common practice today, as people save food for later use.
Sarah Lee is a vintage foodie, as well as a stay-at-home mom, author and historian.
“My mom cooked food from scratch all the time,” Lee said, noting one of her earliest memories is of the two of them baking bread.
As a young child, Lee remembers “pouring over” a Reader’s Digest book called “Back to Basics: How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills.” She also wanted to have a farm, bees, chickens and a garden most of her life. Today, she resides in Thurmont with her husband, three children, a flock of chickens and a polydactyl cat.
Her mom’s love for cooking and Sarah’s avid interest in World War II led to the birth of her Victory Kitchen podcast, which she launched in February 2020. She selected the name “Victory” as it was a big slogan used during World War II. It’s also a reference to the victory gardens” folks would use to grow food during wartime. “Kitchen” refers to her love of cooking.
The podcast attracts mostly women, but men listen to it as well. Lee said “moms and children” make up a good part of her audience. The podcast covers a variety of topics, and Lee tries to include a recipe in each one related to the subject at hand.
“One of the big reasons I started my podcast is because I’m passionate about connecting people to history in more tangible ways,” she said. “Food is such a universal language, so I think exploring history by recreating our wartime recipes is a fantastic way to gain a better understanding about our food culture heritage from that time period.”
Thanks to the pandemic, Lee says we
FOR MORE
are seeing a resurgence in food preservation techniques. She started a Facebook group about the topic in 2020 and her audience exploded, many wanting to learn how our ancestors rationed their food.
“In the olden days, people were thrifty. They had knowledge, and they knew how to make a dollar stretch,” she said.
Some lessons from the past are still relevant today. In light of politics and food insecurities around the world, Lee said, “People are realizing they need to change and rethink how they do food
and not rely so much on the grocery store.” In fact, many people are buying chicks to save money on eggs. Garden seeds are also rising in popularity. Hunting and fishing, common during wartime to supplement the family food supply, are still done today.
Lee said victory gardens are still around too, but they look much different. Instead of wartime needs, modern victory gardens now focus on sustainability, food security and community well-being. Community gardens are also still popular and can be found in Frederick County.
The Victory Kitchen podcast can be found at thevictorykitchenpodcast.com and is offered on various streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple. Listeners who want to dig deeper into wartime ration recipes, access more resources and see visuals, can go to victorykitchenpodcast.substack.com. The talk will be held at the Walkersville Library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. July 20. The library is located at 2 South Glade Road, Walkersville. For information contact the library at 301-600-8200, or email Juliana Sedgley at jsedgley@frederickcountymd.gov.
Lee said local resources offer valuable information to people who are interested in gardening and food preservation techniques. One such offering is the University of Maryland Extension service, which can be found at extension.umd.edu. Another good website to learn about proper canning is ballmasonjars.com. You can also check out nchfp.uga.edu for more tips.
Lee is also the author of two books under the pen name Sarah Creviston Lee: “The War Between Us” and “Falling Like Rain.” “The War Between Us” won the Editor’s Choice Award from the Historical Novel Society.
Lee will give a free lecture on July 20 at Walkersville Library to discuss how Americans coped with rationing through hunting, fishing and food preservation during the war. She plans to bring a WWII recipe for her audience to try. A favorite one of hers is the Toll House chocolate chip cookie.
They used maple syrup and honey in the recipe at the time, she said, instead of sugar, which is commonly used today. She said juice blends were also popular during WWII, and she may offer one as a beverage.
Jill Gartz is a freelance journalist, radio news anchor and blog writer. She has a lengthy background in radio news and now owns her own business, Write4U!MtAiry. Gartz also enjoys hiking and reading. She can be reached through write4umtairy.com.
Courtesy photo
Sarah Lee, host of Victory Kitchen podcast, is passionate about efficient food and meal prep.
Healing, Hope and History
Hood College summer concerts return to campus
BY ERIN JONES
Special
to The News-Post
On the first Saturday in June, the Hodson auditorium in Hood College’s historic Rosenstock building traded the sounds of lectures and note-taking for the lavish tones of a string quartet. The June 7 concert featured the Dalí Quartet, and the event kicked off the college’s summer concert series.
The series continues on July 21 when the Weiss Kaplan Carr Trio on strings and piano takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., and the series culminates Aug. 3 with a special anniversary organ recital featuring Hood’s organist Wayne Wold. That final concert will both mark the 70th anniversary of the installation of the organ into the Coffman Chapel but also Wold’s 35th anniversary as the college’s organist.
This summer’s concert series marks the return of a beloved tradition after a brief hiatus of several years. The intervening years have held a global pandemic, followed by flooding, a lightning strike and devastating fire. But the return of the concert signals the music program’s resilience and eye on a flourishing future as the college looks to rebuild.
Hood’s summer concert tradition took its earliest form in 1985, when longtime music department chair Noel Lester launched the Summer Chamber Music Festival. Initially the summer concerts featured Hood College faculty primarily with occasional guest musicians. Over time, outside sponsorships brought funding to the concerts that enabled the program’s growth and enabled the inclusion of higher-profile guest artists, while maintaining free admission.
Noel Verzosa became chair of the music department in the spring of 2020. Of the many industries halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, music faced particular difficulty.
“Music was one of the most risky activities you could imagine for an airborne virus,” Verzosa said. “Concerts basically came to a standstill. We got hit as hard as anyone can get in the pandemic.”
The number of students taking lessons declined sharply, while teachers used methods like installing plexiglass in studios or teaching lessons virtually.
In the face of such challenges, the return of concerts during the school year held greater significance for the music
department.
“We approached concerts as an opportunity to rebuild once it became a little bit safer to be in public spaces again,” Verzosa said.
The college has five ensemble groups who perform regularly during the school year, in addition to student and faculty recitals and guest performers.
The pandemic was just the beginning of the difficulties faced by the music department, and indeed the college in the years that followed.
Anyone who has driven past the main entrance to Hood College though from Rosemont Avenue will no doubt have seen the impressively pillared Alumni Hall at the top of the drive. Turning right at the top of the drive leads to the historic Brodbeck Music Hall, less noticeable perhaps, but no less impressive in its history and legacy.
“Brodbeck predates the college. The
building was in existence before Hood College came about, and when Hood College was created Brodbeck was the college,” Verzosa said. For years, the music hall hosted many of the concerts, including the summer concert series.
Just across from Brodbeck Music Hall once stood the smaller Carson Cottage, which housed music lessons and practice rooms.
Mid-September 2021, Carson Cottage suffered a catastrophic flood, stripping the music students of their practice space. The following week, a bolt of lightning struck Brodbeck’s cupola. Fire broke out in the upper floors of the historic building, and by the end of the ordeal the building had also suffered massive water damage.
“We lost two buildings in two weeks,” Verzosa said. “Mostly what got hurt were music lessons and places for students to practice. The one thing that was relatively untouched was actual classroom
instruction, because that tended to happen in the chapel.”
Coffman Chapel now carries a heavier load as a performance venue as well. The space has recently been updated with new paint and sound system and improved capability for live streaming.
Carpets have been removed, giving the space more acoustic upgrade in addition to a visual one.
The final concert in this summer’s concert series will take place in the Coffman Chapel, because the chapel is where the organ lives. Both the instrument’s installation and the chapel dedication took place in 1955. The organ was a gift to the school, along with the chapel pews, as a memorial to former Hood trustee and FCPS superintendent Oscar B. Coblenz.
A 1955 article in the Hood College newspaper Blue and Grey Today
(See CONCERTS 27)
Cody Cervenka/Crvnka Photography
Wayne Wold performs during the Baccalaureate for Hood College’s class of 2024 at Coffman Chapel in Frederick.
THE FREDERICK MOM
The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of July 18
Discovery Days: Taylor Swift Experience
11 to 11:45 a.m. July 18
Walkersville Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville Free
Get ready to shake it off and step into a world of glitter, music and cat love in a Taylor Swift Experience designed for kids who love to sing, dance, and celebrate all things Tay-Tay, in partnership with Cuddles Cat Rescue and Tip Me Frederick.
•••
Frederick Fandom Fest
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 18
C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick Free
If your family loves comics, games, pop culture, anime, and fun, you may want to stop in downtown Frederick’s library this Friday for Fandom Fest! They’ll have lots of exciting activities for all ages. Costumes are welcome, but please no prop or real weapons allowed.
•••
Sundae Summit Challenge
Noon to 1 p.m. July 18
South Mountain Creamery, 8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown
$25/pre-registration, $30/door
This Saturday, it’ll be a good family time at SMC! Watch adults battle it out for a chance to win free ice cream for a year by devouring their giant ice
cream sundae! Consider entering too! Everyone who enters gets a custom ice cream scoop! Spectators are welcome and are free to watch! Bring your crew to play on the playground and cheer on the contestants! Register at southmountaincreamery.com.
•••
Urbana Carnival
6 to 10 p.m. July 18 and 19
3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick Free
Support the Urbana Volunteer Fire & Rescue by attending their annual carnival! Free parking, free admission, and free musical entertainment! Carnival ride tickets are sold on site at $35/ person to ride all night. Get dinner and dessert at their concessions, play games, get a beer at the Beer Garden, and see your neighbors this weekend at the Urbana Carnival!
Outdoor Movie: Moana 2
7 to 10 p.m. July 18
Remsburg Park, 7408 Holter Road, Middletown Free
Who doesn’t love an outdoor movie night?! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for the whole family to watch “Moana 2” on Middletown’s giant blowup movie screen! Food trucks will be on site to tempt your taste buds. The fun starts at 7 p.m. with the movie starting at dark.
Veterans Appreciation Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19
Frederick Health Village, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick Free
(See MOM 15)
TIFFANY MAHANEY
Tiffany Mahaney
The Urbana Carnival is open this weekend.
Authentic Turkish housewares find a home in downtown Frederick
BY JENNIFER LEE
Special to The News-Post
Arzu Ozcan wanted to share a piece of her heritage.
Ozcan is originally from Turkey, and Turkish culture and its rich traditions in textiles and craftsmanship is a deep part of who she is, she said.
She recently opened Alora Pure, a small business that sells Turkish housewares, in downtown Frederick.
When living in Turkey, she was surrounded by beautiful textiles and traditional weaving techniques. This developed her passion. Over the years, she has enjoyed reading, researching and learning about Turkish cotton and design.
“Turkish housewares, especially textiles and ceramics, are known for their exceptional quality and rich cultural story,” Ozcan said. “I believed that the people of Frederick would appreciate their craftsmanship, authenticity and beauty, and they truly have.”
All of Alora Pure’s textiles, ceramics, lamps and housewares are handmade by skilled artisans in Turkey. Ozcan works directly with small workshops and family-owned businesses to ensure authenticity and preserve traditional craftsmanship.
For Alora Pure’s ceramics, Ozcan is proud to support her cousin, who runs her workshop in Turkey.
“Partnering with her has made this journey even more meaningful, as it allows me to share a piece of my own family’s artistry with our customers,” Ozcan said.
Ozcan visits the manufacturing sites when possible and maintains close relationships with the makers. She inspects every piece to ensure it meets Alora Pure’s standards for quality, design and authenticity.
“Visiting artisan workshops and interacting directly with the craftspeople has helped confirm what I already believed — that the quality and heritage behind these textiles are truly special. Sharing that knowledge and passion with my customers brings me great joy,” Ozcan said.
Alongside Ozcan is her family, who steps in to manage the day-to-day operations of the store while Ozcan is working her other full-time job.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful family whose unwavering support has been the foundation of this journey,” she said. “Their encouragement, time, and effort make all the difference.”
Ozcan’s been living in Frederick
stories behind each piece and enjoy a slower, more intentional way of connecting with handmade goods,” she said.
For Ozcan, it’s not about just shopping but about stepping into a space that reflects the warmth, artistry and cultural richness of Turkey.
Frederick has been incredibly supportive of Ozcan’s vision.
“From the local business community to the city’s resources for business owners, there was a strong sense of encouragement. I felt welcomed and supported throughout the process.”
IF YOU GO
Alora Pure is at 107 E. Patrick St., Frederick. For more: 443-524-3642, alorapure.com.
Alora Pure recently held its grand opening, a major milestone for Ozcan and her family.
“A store also creates opportunities for building community in a way that’s hard to match in a temporary or online setting,” she said.
She remembers visiting and then working with her father when he owned his pharmacy in Turkey. She was fascinated by the knowledge he shared and the relationships he built with customers.
“I believe those early experiences quietly became part of my subconscious and inspired me to follow in his footsteps by building something of my own.”
Ozcan earned her business degree and then her MBA while in Turkey. She had the opportunity to be involved in establishing foreign companies operating in the county throughout her career. This experience provided her a deeper understanding of how to run a business. She was also able to deepen her knowledge of business operations; she learned to see the full picture of business.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to apply what I’ve learned and grow in this new way by running my own store.”
since she moved to the U.S. She loves downtown Frederick’s vibrant, welcoming and creative energy, she said.
“The community really values small businesses, handmade goods and cultural diversity, which made it feel like the perfect place for my store.”
But Ozcan didn’t originally plan to open a brick-and-mortar.
Over a year spent participating in the artisan and craft markets, she would get repeat customers who be-
gan to ask if she had a physical store. This got Ozcan thinking — and dreaming — about that possibility. She thought about how wonderful it would be to have more space to display the full range of products, so people could truly experience the products.
She also thought about how doing so would lead to great conversations, like the ones she had at the local vendor shows and markets.
“I wanted people to discover the
Ozcan shared that the newly imposed tariffs have presented challenges. Alora Pure recently had to pay a 10% tariff on some shipments, which has made Ozcan more strategic when planning inventory and pricing. The Alora Pure family has worked hard to manage expenses while maintaining their existing prices for customers.
“The name Alora means ‘my beautiful dream,’” she said, “and this store truly represents that dream coming to life. It’s been incredible to see it embraced by such a supportive and welcoming community.”
Courtesy photo
Arzu Ozcan, owner of Alora Pure, stands outside the shop.
Katherine Pickett teaches writers how to craft a marketable manuscript
BY JENNIFER LEE Special to The News-Post
“It takes more than good writing to sell your book,” Katherine Pickett said. “Writing is only one part of being an author.”
Pickett will present a workshop through the Frederick Chapter of the Maryland Writers’ Association on July 19 titled “Craft a More Marketable Manuscript.” During this presentation, she will discuss three steps — know your audience, research the competition, and define your marketing hook — to guide participants in how to improve a manuscript and make it more marketable to agents, publishers and readers.
“Craft a More Marketable Manuscript” is an original workshop she created when she first started working with independent publishers. Pickett realized that many writers didn’t know what it took to get a book noticed, so she created a workshop to teach them.
“They had good ideas, but they didn’t know how to execute,” she said. “They didn’t understand the background work and prewriting activities that most writers go through to make sure their book sells.”
For authors who want to sell books, it’s essential that they put in the work to craft a marketable manuscript. They must make their book stand out in a crowded marketplace and grab the attention of agents, publishers and readers.
“Each manuscript presents different challenges,” Pickett said.
She said she often sees a lack of focus from the writer, as they try to please too many people and are not sure who their primary audience is.
It’s important that writers read widely in the field or genre in which they are writing, to be aware of their
“Craft a More Marketable Manuscript” with Katherine
1 to 2:30 p.m. July 19 via Zoom.
be,” she said, skipping these steps will only make the process longer and more difficult.
From an early age, Pickett loved books. As a child, she would read about anything. She and her seven older siblings spent a lot of time at the library, and her house was full of books.
But at the time, she didn’t know anything about how books came to be made. In high school, her friend’s mother started working as an in-house editor and later a freelancer. She introduced Pickett to copyediting.
Picket asked her friend’s mother if she thought she’d be a good editor. With what must have been a laugh only on the inside, her friend’s mother replied, “Yes.”
competition.
Pickett also sees books with a nice story or good advice but with no clear hook, so they don’t stand out.
These big-picture issues need to be addressed before the book is marketable; in fact, they should be addressed even before the book is ready to be edited, so no time is wasted.
Pickett offers coaching and developmental editing in addition to her workshops. With these
services, she guides writers through the necessary pre-writing activities required before a book is even written.
“I walk them through it and help them make sound decisions for their book. It is incredibly rewarding getting to help a writer achieve their vision for their work,” she said.
Though these pre-writing activities may seem boring at first, and most writers want “to skip right to the drafting and not worry about who [the] audience is or what the hook might
“I am every bit the stereotypical editor personality,” Pickett said.
Pickett earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola University Chicago. She has been involved in the publishing industry for 25 years. Her editing experience ranges from nonfiction trade and academic books to memoir and genre fiction to corporate reports and web content.
In 1999, she began with an internship. She then spent five years
(See PICKETT 26)
Courtesy photo
Katherine Pickett teaches authors how to think about their book project before they even begin writing it.
Pickett:
GETAWAYS
Give conservation tourism a try in the Ozarks
BY SHUAN BUTCHER
Special to The News-Post
Springfield, Missouri, is considered the birthplace of Route 66. But it is also often called the Queen City of the Ozarks.
The Ozarks provide stunning geological features with an array of mountains, plateaus, lakes and rivers. It is also rich in history and folklore.
A haven for outdoor recreation, nature lovers and adventure seekers must include the Ozarks on their bucket list.
This area is also home to Bass Pro Shops and the company’s founder, Johnny Morris. The Bass Pro Shops headquarters and flagship store in Springfield is much more than their standard retail outlet. If you have ever been to a Bass Pro Shops store, you know it is an outdoorsman’s utopia. They have everything you could possibly need or want to get outdoors and take on an adventure. They also have their fair share of wildlife, including fish and reptiles, for the public to watch.
But this location is no ordinary Bass Pro Shop. You could say this one is the mecca of them all. At this location, there are a several free museums to check out. The Bass Pro Shops Museum provides you with a history of the company and contains a replica of their very first store, which Johnny Morris started out as a small fishing tackle retailer in the back of his father’s liquor store. The Bass Pro Shops Motorsports Museum highlights the company’s longstanding partnership with NASCAR and well-known drivers like Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart. Inside, you will see full-scale stock cars, trophies, mangled up wreckage and other racing artifacts.
You don’t have to be into the sport to enjoy a visit to the American Museum of Fly Fishing. The collection includes a reel owned by President Dwight Eisenhower, a fly box that belonged to Babe Ruth, and a fly tied by Lefty Kreh. If you don’t know who Kreh is, he is essentially the most known fly fisherman in American history, and he grew up right in Frederick.
Similarly, the National Sporting Arms Museum has quite the collection as well, including historic flintlock rifles from the Harpers Ferry armory, a wonderful tribute to Teddy Roosevelt and even movie memorabilia, such as a gun used by Johnny Depp in “Pirates of the Caribbean.” You can also
tion, is just your first stop to see the impact that one person can have on our world.
With over 350,000 square feet of space, the museum celebrates and honors hunters and fisherman but also conservationists. It truly pays homage to those who are stewards of the land and water. It is both a playground as well as a classroom, as kids and kids at heart will not only have fun but also learn a lot too. The wildlife gallery depicts a variety of animals from various climates and environments, and their photography exhibit displays stunning natural photographs.
FOR MORE
Bass Pro Shops free museums basspro.com
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium wondersofwildlife.org
The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms finleyfarmsmo.com
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park dogwoodcanyon.org
Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve bigcedar.com
Angler’s Lodge Springfield bassproanglerslodge.com
other fish. You are in a cage, of course, and no diving experience or certifications are required. In fact, you might even have a small curious fish join you inside the cage. Before you head into the water, you are given a GoPro that allows you to take your own photos or videos, a nice keepsake to remember your time underwater.
If that is not your cup of tea, they also have a Penguin Encounter, where you can get up close and personal with the penguins while they are fed. You are given a card that helps you identify the various penguins you might “see/encounter,”including their names, birth year and gender.
After your time in Springfield, continue your journey south and have dinner at The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms. This place is far more than a restaurant; it is an experience. Before dining, be sure to take a self-guided tour of the historic mill. This mill tour is spectacular and genuinely like no other.
have lunch there at Hemingway’s Café, which overlooks the store (be sure to check out the aquarium behind the bar).
Adjacent to the Springfield Bass Pro Shops store is the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. Throughout his career, Johnny Morris has cared deeply about conservation and is one of the leading private conservationists in the country. This museum and aquarium, operated by the Johnny Morris Conservation Founda-
Your ticket purchase also provides admission to one of the best aquariums in the world. All kinds of fish as well as reptiles, amphibians and other creatures are on display. The aquarium also houses the Fishing Hall of Fame and Bass Fishing Hall of Fame as well.
If you want a truly remarkable visit, the aquarium has two activities that won’t disappoint. The Out to Sea Shark dive allows you to don a wetsuit, provided by them, and immerse yourself in a tank with sharks, stingrays and
Of course, you can eat indoors, but the outdoor dining option provides you with stunning riverfront views of the Finley River. As the name suggests, the restaurant is locating on a farm, lending itself to a true farm-to-table experience. Many of the ingredients that appear on your plate likely were grown right on the property. As an appetizer, the taste of the risotto fritters, which has charred peppers, pimento cheese and pickled pepper aioli, matches its visual presentation. The hog and feed pizza is a great choice, topped with roasted corn, smoked bacon, alfredo and chives. Its flavor is rooted in earthiness. And their signature green tomato cake is a delightful surprise to cap off your three-course meal. For a libation,
Photos by Shuan Butcher
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in the Ozarks
The Bass Pro Shops Museum in Springfield, Missouri.
they also have a variety of fabulous cocktails and mocktails. After eating, stroll the grounds while you check out the farm.
Johnny Morris has not only preserved land, he has opened it up
for the public to enjoy. One of those places in the Ozarks is Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. A sign at the entrance says “Welcome to Paradise,” and it wasn’t lying. There is plenty to do here, but it must start with taking a wildlife tram tour. Along the way, you will be struck by breathtaking views of nature, including plenty of waterfalls. Your travels will also take you over covered bridges and through waterways, and you will even briefly crossover into Arkansas as you venture into where the elk and buffalo roam. This is a natural amusement park for your senses and it seems like a fantasyland. The pristine beauty doesn’t seem real. After the tour ends, you can also explore the conservation center or climb the treehouse built by Treehouse Masters.
Also onsite, grab a bite at the Mill and Canyon Grill. The mill looks like something you would only see in a calendar or in artwork, but you get to experience it with your own eyes. The view from the restaurant is spectacular. The Dogwood Canyon bison burger includes smoked tomato bacon jam, lettuce and gruyere cheese on a brioche bun.
Finally, make sure you visit the Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve.
This place is both majestic as well as magical. You will want to buy a ticket for the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, where you will get to take your own golf cart along a paved trail that will allow you to see various waterfalls, rock and other land formations, public art displays, and more. And yes, you actually get to drive it through a cave that has its own waterfall inside, lit up in an array of colors.
Also, take the shuttle to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Their Native American collection rivals any other and one that you would expect to see in the Smithsonian, including tools, clothing, pottery, woven baskets and more. There is such an appreciation for the culture of indigenous people and you will go away with your own admiration and respect
There’s more than just Native American history. You’ll see an eclectic collection representing other period of our country’s past, from Civil War artifacts and Abraham Lincoln’s desk to Doc Holliday’s costume from the movie Tombstone and Roy Rogers’ red, white and blue Eagle boots. While on premise, have dinner at the Buffalo Bar. To start, order the Wojapi Smash cocktail that contains Buffalo Trace
Bourbon, Wojapi jam, lemon juice and orgeat syrup. For an appetizer, the pork belly with peppery jelly, pimento cheese and toast points is a good choice. Also, the elk soup includes elk sausage, kale, potatoes and parmesan. As a main course, try the smoked bone-in short rib includes a spicy vinegar bbq sauce, brown butter carrot puree, and frisée salad with wholegrain citrus dressing
To complement your visit, stay at Angler’s Lodge, a hotel property that is affiliated with Johnny Morris and carries out the wildlife theme and décor. There are two locations, one in Springfield and one in Hollister, which is located just minutes from two of the attractions mentioned above. Complimentary breakfast is also offered with every stay.
Some destinations aren’t always memorable, but a trip to the Ozarks and the Johnny Morris conservation attractions left a lasting impression on me. I couldn’t help but feel inspired, not only by the work that Johnny Morris has done but for the potential of conservation travel opportunities in the future.
Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.
A waterfall at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms.
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms.
”Two Painters, Separate Paths” — through July 27, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Artwork by artists Tom Ritchie and Lissa Abrams. These two successful and increasingly wellknown plein air artists each have their own unique styles which visitors will enjoy contrasting. Where Ritchie uses a lavish “thick and juicy” brushwork, Abrams is more delicate and sensitive. Weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; other days by appointment. 301-466-2413, linksbridgevineyards@gmail.com.
”Fused and Forged, Again” — weekends through July, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Artist and blacksmith Stephen Dill crafts an eclectic mix of custom ironwork. His hammer work is featured on a diverse array of items, from bottle openers to vases to furniture, while his larger designs include botanically inspired sculpture and ornamental yard decor. Stephen also forges accurate historical reproductions of hinges, shutter dogs and other hardware. Steven Gibson draws inspiration from various aspects of his travel destinations, such as the vibrant colors that captivate his eyes, the enchanting scents that linger in the air, or the unique ambiance that surrounds him. Noon to 5 p.m. weekends. eastsideartists313@gmail. com.
”Curiosities” — through July 29, Gifts Inn Boonsboro, 16 N. Main St., Boonsboro. Paintings by Kelly Scuderi. Combining realism and surrealism, her characters, surrounded in majestic color studies, come to life. To Scudieri, the mystery is a part of the beauty of the art. “It’s not so much about “who” specifically these characters are as to the human complexities they represent.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 301-432-0090, giftsinnboonsbor.com.
”Marine Scenes” — through Aug. 5, Washington County Arts Council, Main and Michael G. Callas Galleries, 34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100, Hagerstown. Works by Denny Clarke. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Use the A&E parking deck at 25 Renaissance Way. 301-791-3132, washingtoncountyarts.com.
”Summer Glow” — through Aug. 15, Hodson Gallery, Taten Arts Center, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Featuring the works of 26 artists from the Frederick Art Club. 20% of all sales support the TFAC’s art scholarship fund. Artists’ reception 2-4 p.m. July 20. frederickartclub.com.
“Two Painters, Separate Paths” runs through July 27 at Links Bridge Vineyards in Thurmont, featuring work by Tom Ritchie and Lissa Abrams. Both artists are known for their participation in the Frederick County’s annual Barnstormers Plein Air Competition. Ritchie won the Best in Show award in 2023 and Abrams won the Peoples’ Choice award in the following year. Shown here, “Checking In,” by Tom Richie.
”Inspiration and Influence: ArtistEducator Mentors and Motivators” — through Aug. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Woodcut prints by Pamela Lawton, focus is on the intricate part that mentors and teachers play for artists. Each piece in the exhibition aims to highlight and honor those who have led the way — in some capacity — for her work. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine. org.
St., Frederick. A signature of the Delaplaine’s Creative Aging Month, this annual exhibition celebrates local artists over age 70 and showcases a wide range of styles, techniques and interests. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine. org.
”Being There — Catching the Light” — through Aug. 31, Links Bridge Vineyards’ Wine and Art Series, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. An exhibit of artwork by Maryland artist Ann Schaefer. The exhibit collection of plein air paintings, many inspired by Frederick’s rural environment. Weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., other days by appointment. 301-466-2413, linksbridgevineyards.com.
”We Reap What We Sow” paintings by Julia Purinton, and “Abstract and Realism” paintings by Brielle Thames — through Sept. 2, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Aug. 7. Virtual exhibit Aug. 9. Use the A&E Parking Deck, 25 Renaissance Way. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 301791-3132, washingtoncountyarts.com.
Crestwood Gallery Summer Exhibit — through Sept. 5, Frederick Health Crestwood Building, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. See original works of art, including oil, watercolor, mixed media and photography from some of Frederick County’s most talented artists. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460 or frederickhealth.org/crestwoodart.
”Floral and Fantasy” — through Aug. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. With vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, Linda Robinson’s paintings focus on themes of expressionistic portraiture, abstracted still life, and magical realism as a way to consider the interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 301698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
”Over 70 Show” — through Aug. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll
“Harmonious Duality: Featuring Two Boots Farm” — through Sept. 22, Sandbox Brewhouse, 880 East St., Frederick. Phylinda Moore’s paintings feature Two Boots Farm, a sustainable, family-run Maryland flower farm. 50% of the profits will go to expanding a food health program with Moon Valley Farm and the Judy Center: Frederick County.
”The Art of Overcoming: Healing Through Creativity” — Sept. 4-30, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 4. In conjunction with Washington Goes Purple. Hours 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 301-791-3132, www. washingtoncountyarts.com
Courtesy photo
Send Lisa Sheirer and Andrea McCluskey to Italy
Artwork available at Gaslight Gallery to fund artist residency overseas
Andrea McCluskey and Lisa Sheirer will head to Montegiovi, Italy, in September after being selected for a prestigious month-long La Baldi artist residency.
The residency does not cover expenses, however, like the cost of supplies and food.
In an effort to send these two Frederick artists overseas, Gaslight Gallery in downtown Frederick is featuring their work on exhibition through Aug. 24. Guests are encouraged to drop by on weekends, browse the collection of pieces, and consider purchasing something to take home. Sales will benefit their trip expenditures.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Andrea McCluskey considers herself an alchemist or an intermediary between the wild natural world and the human realm. She shares her love of nature in her one of a kind monotype prints and mixed-media pieces. McCluskey’s work is divided between the dichotomies of spirit and intellect, between abstract and the figurative.
Lisa Sheirer works in a wide variety of mediums. The natural world has long been the foundational concept of her work. Sheirer hikes almost daily in the ancient Catoctin Mountains. Her awareness of the
flora, fauna and microflora comes from hiking into the watershed and documenting life there. Sheirer’s study and artistic expression of our natural environment helps us gain awareness of ecological rhythms and change, as we gain our sea legs in an evolving world.
Gaslight Gallery is at 118 E. Church St. in downtown Frederick. Hours are 1 to 6 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. See gaslightart. com for more information.
Courtesy photo
Work by Andrea McCluskey.
Courtesy photo
Work by Lisa Sheirer.
Courtesy photo
Work by Andrea McCluskey.
Courtesy photo
Work by Lisa Sheirer.
Olivia Rubini
‘The Voice’ semifinalist will return to Frederick
BY SHUAN BUTCHER Special to The News-Post
Olivia Rubini is no stranger to Frederick. After all, the Hockessin, Delaware, native and resident went to school at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg. But her return this Saturday will definitely be different, as she will be performing her first full concert after the Frederick Keys game at Harry Grove Stadium.
Rubini grew up in a very musically inclined family and atmosphere. Her father, Ritchie Rubini, is a producer, engineer and musician in the industry.
“I would be picked up from school and head straight to the studio with my dad,” Rubini said. “Music was always around. It is in my veins.”
As a young teen, Rubini realized she wanted to sing.
“My dad was a great singer, and he cultivated my musical sensibilities,” she said. “He knew a lot about the industry, so he was a little hesitant. We took it slow, and he told me that I still had to go to school and get good grades and go to college.”
She started releasing some covers, then some singles.
“It was very organic, but music was always the end game.”
Because Rubini was surrounded by music, she never took any official lessons.
“I naturally started off with a good base. I went through phases to discover my voice and my artistry.”
It was important for her to go through her own vocal journey.
“Your voice should be ever evolving, and there is always room for growth,” she said.
Her father and Rubini have always been on the same wavelength, she said.
“We are different sides of the same coin — and would occasionally butt heads,” she admitted. “But even when he didn’t know he was helping my career, he was helping me. It is a confusing industry to navigate.”
Attending Mount St. Mary’s University was first suggested by Rubini’s mother, Th é rèse. Rubini studied political science and in -
ternational relations while there. She spent most of her time on campus but would occasionally venture to Gettysburg or Frederick.
She was attending the school during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the campus closed down and students returned to their home communities. Rubini saw this as an opportunity to work on her first full-length record.
Soon, Rubini would get scouted for NBC’s show “The Voice.”
“At first, I didn’t think it was real. I had never watched a full episode, so I never anticipated doing it. It wasn’t in my realm of thinking.”
During blind auditions, John Legend turned his chair for her. Rubini would end up being the last spot on his team and the last spot on the show for the season.
“It was such an honor to have him turn his chair,” she said. “It was such a compliment.”
During the show, she would also end up on Team Dan + Shay.
“John and really focuses They [Dan talented They focused aspect.”
On the from February Rubini got great songs. a single was on and semifinalist
It wasn’t years that to hone which she pop sensibilities of classic amalgamation
Her musical from Fleetwood Styles, which hint of through
“Fleetwood are more may think,”
Last year, National
Frederick for post-game concert
“John has a particular ear really listens,” she said. “He on the finite details.
[Dan + Shay] are crazy talented and lovely to work with. focused on the storytelling
the show, which aired February to May 2024, got to sing a lot of songs. She also released each week the show and ended up being a semifinalist and in the top 20. wasn’t until the past few that Rubini really started in on her sound, she describes as “catchy sensibilities with hints classic rock mysticism,” an amalgamation of what she loves. musical influences range Fleetwood Mac to Harry which she says you get a through her sound.
“Fleetwood Mac and Styles more intertwined than some think,” she added. year, Rubini sang the National Anthem for a Freder-
ick Keys game. That came about through Nick Viennas, the box office manager for the Keys, according to Greg Baroni, founder and CEO of Attain Partners, which owns the team. “Nick attended Mount St. Mary’s and the two [Rubini and Vienna] had a mutual friend.”
At that time, they discussed the idea of Rubini coming back to perform her first full performance in Frederick County this year.
IF YOU GO
Tickets can be purchased at frederickkeys.com and include admission to the game, a fireworks show and the Olivia Rubini concert on July 19.
Saturday’s postgame concert will be exciting for Rubini, but it will also be exciting for the Frederick Keys.
“She is amazing, and the post game-concert brings an extra level of excitement,” Baroni said. “We like introducing new concepts and the idea of creating diverse experiences for our fans.”
The Frederick Keys see themselves as affordable family
fun and want to create multigenerational opportunities. Fans are looking for richer and richer experiences, Baroni said. “It’s no longer just about catching a fly ball. It is about making lasting memories beyond the diamond. … We wish to bring people together and we’re excited to extend beyond baseball. We eventually hope to engage a year-round audience, well beyond the season and baseball calendar.”
As for Saturday’s performance, Rubini says it will be an energetic show. She plans to perform unreleased music and new material, as well as some covers.
“It will be entertaining,” she said. “I pinky promise.”
Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.
(Continued from 7)
This Saturday, everyone is welcome to a free day of fun day for the whole family to honor the 17,000 Veterans living in Frederick County. There will be live music, interactive activities with first responders, TouchA-Truck vehicles on display, workshops on vital veteran resources, and local food trucks on site! For all the info, visit frederickcountymd.gov/ VAD.
•••
Magical Unicorn Party
2 to 4 p.m. July 19
The Cozy Castle, 10334 Old National Pike, Ijamsville $48/per one parent and one child
Celebrate the magic of unicorns at The Cozy Castle! Enjoy unicorn cupcakes and fruit while kids ages 5 and up create a sparkly unicorn canvas of their own. The afternoon will end with a unicorn scavenger hunt and a “make a wish” ritual at the garden fountain! Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite. com.
•••
Mean Girls Jr.: Musical
3 and 6 p.m. July 19
New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick
$25/adult, $20/seniors and students
Watch Regina George and “The Plastics” onstage! “Mean Girls Jr.” is a fun and ruthless musical performance about chasing popularity and being true to yourself, by students from Frederick’s own 24/7 Dance Studio! Get tickets at weinbergcenter.org/shows/ mean-girls-jr.
•••
Nerf Battle
5:30 to 6:45 p.m. July 19
Pediatric Movement Center, 4640 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick
$15/kid
For kids ages 6 to 8, come out to PMC’s famous Nerf Battle Night! It’s a dropin event at their Frederick location. When kids want a Nerf break, they can enjoy swings, the bounce floor, and monkey bars at the gym! This event is great environment for kids to socialize with one another and play!
PMC provides all the Nerf equipment.
Register at pediatricmovementcenter. com.
•••
Frederick Shakespeare Festival
7 to 8 p.m. July 19, 20
Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick
Cost: pay-what-you-can Frederick’s Annual Shakespeare Festival comes to Sky Stage with an all-teen cast production of Much Ado about Nothing. Head to Frederick’s unique openair theater among the trees to check out this comedy performance. Tickets are ‘paywhat-you-can’ at the door (Venmo link also available) or at skystagefrederick.com.
•••
Library Visit at SAMP
10 to 10:30 a.m. July 20
Sophie and Madigan’s Playground, 632 Contender Way, Frederick Free
Frederick County Public Libraries are heading to Sophie and Madigan’s Playground this Sunday for a visit filled with rhymes, songs, and lots of movement! Head to Frederick’s best castle playground where kids can play outside and join FCPL for extra fun!
•••
Write Your Own
4 to 5 p.m. July 20
Dancing Bear Toys & Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick Free
If your kids are interested in writing movie scripts, lyrics, comic books, and poetry, then they’ll love this event. Head downtown this Sunday to the Dancing Bear and meet with Chris Sparks, owner of Surelocked In Escape Room, and put pen to paper to create your escape room plan.
Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifth-generation native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. She is the owner of The Frederick Mom on Instagram. Follow her @thefrederickmom.
Joe del Tufo
How manga is schooling American comics
For decades, the comic book landscape in the West has been dominated by caped crusaders and spandex-clad heroes. But a revolution has been brewing and its victor is clear: manga.
Now, before we continue, in Japanese, “manga” simply means “comics”. So, if you say “manga comics,” you’re really just saying “comics comics,” which is ridiculous. Anyhow — onward. If I’m honest, I’m not a huge manga fan. Have I read the monumentally influential “Akira”? I have, although I prefer the animated movie. And yes, I have tried to get used to the right-to-left reading experience, but my brain is firmly wired into the left-to-right Western reading bias. And try as I might, I can’t quite get along with some of the more stylized art. That said, manga readership has become such a juggernaut in the U.S., it’s worth discussing.
transforming manga from a niche interest into an accessible commodity found alongside best-selling novels. It’s why 61% of all comic sales now occur in book channels, a testament to manga publishers’ foresight.
Second, value. In an era of shrinking entertainment budgets, manga offers an unbeatable proposition. A typical volume, priced between $12 and $15, delivers around 180 pages of story. Compare that to a standard U.S. comic, which often costs $5 for a mere 34 pages, including 10 pages of advertising. Manga provides significantly more bang for a reader’s buck, appealing directly to those who crave extensive narratives without breaking the bank. This affordability fuels binge-reading and collection building, creating loyal, voracious consumers.
Japanese comics are not just outselling their Western counterparts — they’re fundamentally reshaping the industry, offering a masterclass in strategic market penetration and consumer engagement. Go into any Barnes and Noble or any sizable bookstore, and you’ll see shelves of manga in the graphic novel section on just about any subject or topic for every demographic. Their abundance of genres makes U.S. comics look embarrassingly two-dimensional (pun sort of intended).
In 2023, manga claimed a colossal 49% of the U.S. graphic novel market share by unit sales. This isn’t a fleeting trend — it’s a seismic shift. Unit sales in the first nine months of 2023 soared 351% compared to the same period in 2019, a pre-pandemic benchmark. North America now stands as the largest regional market for manga, accounting for a global share of more than 38%.
How did this happen?
First, distribution. While Western comics largely remained tethered to the “direct market” of specialized comic shops, manga publishers made a savvy pivot. They embraced mainstream bookstores and online retail. This move was revolutionary,
Beyond logistics and pricing, the content itself is a powerful draw. Manga’s distinctive black-and-white art, highly expressive characters and dynamic visual storytelling transcend cultural barriers. It focuses on emotional depth and cinematic pacing, creating a universal language that resonates with diverse audiences far beyond the traditional superhero demographic. Want superheroes? Yes, manga has that. But also cooking, sports, horror, sci-fi — you name it. Further, you can easily find adult topics for certain, uh, sexual proclivities (many of which you may not heretofore have imagined).
Forewarned is forearmed — as I was not a couple of years back when I walked into a Dublin, Ireland, comic store with an eyebrow-raising collection.
Ironically, the spread of genres is more reflective of the publications available post-World War II, with romance, drama and a host of other topics living alongside superheroes on the newsstand shelves.
The diversity Manga offers today makes the Big Two — Marvel and DC — look positively ossified in comparison. That’s not to say they haven’t sniffed around mangalike publications, but with limited success.
Crucially, manga’s success is inextricably linked to anime. The explosion of anime streaming on major platforms, such as Crunchyroll, Netflix and Hulu, has acted as an unparalleled marketing engine. Viewers discover captivating stories
CLIFF CUMBER
through animation, get hooked and then, eager to continue the narrative or delve deeper, flock to buy the original manga. This virtuous cycle has seen manga sales quadruple since 2020, directly fueled by anime’s widespread accessibility.
In contrast, while comic book movies are massive cultural events, they often act more as standalone blockbusters. And while they might introduce characters to a wider audience, they don’t seem to consistently drive viewers to pick up comic books in the same way that anime drives manga sales.
Then there’s a cultural element to the evolution of comic books in the West versus the East. Manga’s success is built on its accessibility as a mass-produced but ultimately disposable medium, while the Western comics industry has leaned into the collectability of comics as a speculative hobby. Whereas western collecting relies on direct sales, expensive glossy paper, painterly colors, variant covers and limited “collectors” editions, Manga’s low cost stems from cheap newsprint, black-and-white art and massive print runs, leveraging economies of scale. Unlike Western comics, it bypasses glossy paper and full color, offering more pages for less money. This affordability fuels its dominance in the West, creating a huge value proposition for readers. However, this cost-cutting often comes at a significant trade-off for creators, particularly in Japan, who may face intense schedules and lower per-page rates, making it a challenging industry for its creatives despite its global success.
Looking ahead, the global manga market, valued at $15.2 billion in 2024, is projected to nearly double to $29.1 billion by 2034, according to a report by Polaris Market Research. This continued growth underscores a fundamental shift in consumer preferences and industry dynamics.
Manga’s triumph in the West is a masterclass in understanding the audience, embracing broad distribution, offering value and leveraging complementary media. If Western comics publishers want to keep up, they need to reopen their sketchbooks.
RECOMMENDATIONS … Erm, read some manga, I guess? Shoot me a note at cgcumber@ gmail.com. Follow along with me not posting that often to the socials at @cgcumber.
Now in its seventh season, the Frederick Shakespeare Festival is hitting its stride
BY JOSEPH PETERSON Special to The News-Post
To consistently host a Shakespeare festival over time takes creativity, vision and perhaps most of all, a loving stubbornness for the long game. For the Frederick Shakespeare Festival, what began as a midsummer night’s dream about seven years ago is now an annual midsummer tradition that brings the bard to Frederick in a festival that honors as well as innovates upon the source material — and ups the cultural ante for what Frederick’s theater community offers.
It was 2018 when festival cofounder Christine Mosere had just quit her job to launch the Endangered Species theatre Project in Frederick, and she almost immediately started to hear stories of a long-since shuttered Shakespearean festival that used to take place here.
“In fact, within just two weeks [of launching EStP], no fewer than five couples wistfully told me how much they missed it,” Mosere said. “That stuck with me. It piqued my interest.”
The following summer, Mosere, herself a former Folio Shakespeare performer in New York City, teamed up with professor and director of the Hood College theater program Aaron Angello for a resurrection of sorts. Together, they produced their first offering of a new Shakespeare festival: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Now the festival runs nearly a month and brings multiple theatrical productions to Frederick each summer, with most performances taking place where it all began, on the campus of Hood College in downtown Frederick.
Despite a serendipitous-sounding origin, most theater festivals only find “overnight success” after years of momentum-building, and Frederick’s festival is no different. Still, Frederick Shakespeare Festival’s position as a justunder-the-radar event in a city full of numerous summer festivals has been quietly bringing in some of the best regional and often national talent to the local theater scene for years.
Past appearances have included rising stars and award-winning performers like Tony Award nominee Joshua Castille, and Broadway World Best Director winner Evan Crump (who will return to the festival again this year). In a huge get, last year’s festival saw Obie Award winner and veteran
IF YOU GO
This year’s Frederick Shakespeare Festival features “As You Like It” (July 17 to 26) and “The Tempest” (Aug. 8 to 21). For tickets or more information, see esptheatre.org/fsf.
of the stage and screen Susan Angelo come to Frederick to play Titania in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
CULTIVATING COMMUNITY
One big reason why notable talent is drawn to the Frederick Shakespeare Festival is the communal makeup of the city itself, reflected in those who attend the shows.
“What sets the Frederick Shakespeare Festival apart is our deep commitment to reflecting the voices and lived experiences of Frederick,” said Mosere, whose mission-driven Endangered Species theatre Project seeks to prioritize diverse theatrical works and center historically excluded artists.
With a thriving Deaf community in Frederick, in part due to the presence of the Maryland School for the Deaf, and the festival’s frequent staging of deaf/ hearing-integrated shows, it presents a desirable opportunity for many performers who are also a part of that community and culture.
Joshua M. Castille, that Tony-
nominee who played Romeo in FSF’s 2021 production of “Romeo and Juliet,” is deaf, as is Richard Costes, who will direct this year’s “Tempest.”
Costes, a noted Chicago-based actor, director and accessibility coach, isn’t new to the festival, though a lastminute injury prevented him from entering the spotlight to Frederick audiences previously. This year will see Costes, who has worked with noted companies like Steppenwolf Theatre and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, bring his unique vision to bear in an all-female ensemble interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting plays.
In correspondence to Mosere, Costes wrote that his approach will be to play up the comedic moments with a little tongue-in-cheek.
“We will knock down that fourth wall immediately, inviting the audience to be a part of the show,” Costes said. “I want the play to find fun in unexpected places; the audience should feel the intimacy of an inside joke.”
Reflecting on “The Tempest,” Costes said it was one of the most formative plays he read in college, and he has loved it ever since.
“At the time, I identified most deeply with Caliban, the most isolated of all the characters: a lonely creature who
(See SHAKESPEARE 26)
Michael Mason Photography Actors perform in “Romeo and Juliet” in a past Frederick Shakespeare Festival.
Doors Open At 11:30AM Games Start At 1:00 PM $7 00 per person
Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 or under Bingo Prizes for Children 12 or Under Call Jo Ann for Info 240-446-0451
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F250 truck, enclosed trailer, zero-turn, walk-behind mowers, full line of hand tools, snow plow, salt-box, package deal, no piecing out, serious inquiries only, firm, $95,000, 301-401-8460 MY LOSS, YOUR GAIN! 2-choice desirable spaces Looks across to Sugarloaf Mtn Resthaven Memorial Gardens Memorial 1, Lot 1-B U S Rt 15, Frederick Value $8,000, Will sell, $2,000 Call Catherine, 301-455-6020
COMICS AND COOL STUFF
Buying Comic Book Collections, Antiques, Vintage & Modern Toys, Funko Pops, Pokemon, G I Joe, Star Wars, Records, Thundercats, Transformers, Video Games, He-Man, Lego, Hot Wheels, Power Rangers 300 E. High St, Carlisle 717-210-1192
Child Care/Home Care
Pets & Supplies Services Services Services
Thursday July 17
ETCETERA
Drop-In Digital Learning — 10 a.m. to noon at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Need help with your laptop, smartphone or tablet? This one-on-one help is completely free with no appointment needed. 18 and older.
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. Free admission on Wednesdays.
$5, $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.
Tween/Teen Leadership Camp — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join us every Thursday this summer for a Tween/Teen Leadership Camp and earn Community Service hours each week. Today’s theme is “Healthy Snacks.” We will also be making bookmarks to donate to a local assisted living.
301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.
Tween/Teen Leadership Camp (Ages 11-18) — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join us every Thursday this summer for a Tween/Teen Leadership Camp and earn Community Service hours each week. Come join the fun!
301-600-6329.
www.fcpl.org.
Curious Iguana’s Happy Camper Book Fair! — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Attaboy Barrel House, 24 S. Wisner St., Suite 110,, Frederick. An evening of summer camp nostalgia, complete with your favorite Attaboy beers and seltzers, and plenty of books! Attaboy Barrel House will remain open until 9 p.m.
Additionally, there will be a food truck serving up some good grub! Families may bring their children, and furry friends are welcome outside.
Intro to Creating a Graphic Novel (ages 10-18) — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Jump into the basics of storytelling, and how to tell your narrative through art and text together on a page! All levels of artists are welcome while we discover how one creates a graphic novel. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
FAMILY
Summerfest Family Theatre: Eric Byrd Trio Summer Camp Students — 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Baker Park Bandshell, Bentz and Second streets, Frederick. For over 20 years, The EBT have traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Rooted in swing and be-bop, The Trio also embraces gospel and the blues as core elements of their expansive performance style. This performance will feature members of the Eric Byrd Trio Summer Camp! In lieu of admission, bring a nonperishable canned food item for the Foodbank Program. 301-600-2841. celebratefrederick.com.
Musical Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Music, movement, stories and more. 301-600-7200.
Elementary Explorers: Yellow Pig Day — 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Participate in a variety of experiences related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. This program is designed for
children in grades K-5 and their caregivers. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Summer Game Night Series at Dancing Bear — 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Join your friends at the Bear each Thursday in July to learn a new game as part of our Summer Game Night series! A kid-friendly game night intended for ages 7 and up to get out of the house, learn some new games, and make new friends! Our toy experts will be ready to teach the ins and outs of one of their favorite games. No registration is required. Parent/guardian must be present. 301-631-9300. info@dbeartoys.com. dbeartoys.com/event/summer-game-nightseries-july-10.
Pajama Storytime — 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Enjoy music, stories and more! Designed for ages up to 5 with a caregiver. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.
Teen Time: SpongeBob Party (ages 1118) — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Make a splash at the library with fun activities themed around everyone’s favorite yellow sponge! This program is for teens in 6th through 12th grades. 301-600-7250.
GALLERY
Denny Clarke: Marine Scenes — 11 a.m. to 7:05 p.m. at Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. July 3. Artist talk 2-4 p.m. July 5. 301-791-3132. gallerymanager@washingtoncountyarts.com. www.washingtoncountyarts.com/july-2025.
MUSIC
Alive@Five: Justin Trawick & The Com-
mon Good — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carroll Creek Amphitheater, Frederick. Craft beverages and food available by local breweries, distilleries and food trucks. 21 and older, with ID. $6. 301-698-8118. downtownfrederick.org.
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.
Ellis Paul in Concert — 7:30 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. at Temple Isaiah, 12200 Scaggsville Road, Fulton. Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless.
$30 adults, $15 children 10 years and younger. 443-540-0226. joycersica@yahoo.com. uptownconcerts.com.
THEATER
“As You Like It” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Unstrung Harpist Productions announces its upcoming performances of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” produced in conjunction with the Frederick Shakespeare Festival. All tickets are available on a pay what you will basis. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.esptheatre.org/fsf or at the door. evan@unstrungharpist.com.
Friday July 18
CLASSES
Brain Boost - Rosetta by the Book: Learn a Language Your Way — noon to 1 p.m. at Cowork Frederick, 122 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Overwhelmed by the prospect of learning a language? Are the language apps not cutting it for you? Take full control of your language-learning journey with this free class by using well-loved stories to practice immersive conversation. Build a personal study plan with easy-to-use AI tools! Put these pieces together to build exactly what you need to master a new language! Pre-registration required. 301-732-5165.
Goat for the Soul, Goat Yoga: Unwind Time at the Farm — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Goat for the Soul, 10209 Fountain School Road, Union Bridge. Kick-off your weekend with goat yoga! All ages welcome! If you are so inclined, please feel free to bring your favorite adult beverage. Purchase tickets at https://goatforthesoul.com/ schedule-%26-registration.
My Plate Bingo: An Adaptive Adult Program — 11 a.m. to noon at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Learn about food groups while
playing Bingo. We invite all adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers to join us for this fun, informative event! 18 and older. 301-600-7250.
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.
Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 8 p.m. to 9:30 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 “paranormal” with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour!” Reservations recommended. $17 for adults. 301-668-8922. info@MarylandGhostTours.com. marylandghosttours.com.
FAMILY
Unicorn Experience — 9 a.m. to noon at Middle Ridge Animal Rescue, 4102 Valley View Road, Middletown. For your little
unicorn lovers ages 3 to 8, Middle Ridge Animal Rescue is hosting an adorable unicorn experience with real horses (dressed as unicorns), crafts, magic and sparkles! $45 per child. 301-524-2868. middleridgeanimalrescue.com.
Discovery Days: Taylor Swift Experience — 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Get ready to “shake it off” and step into a world of glitter, music and cat love in a Taylor Swift Experience designed for kids who love to sing, dance and celebrate all things Tay-Tay, in partnership with Cuddles Cat Rescue and Tip Me Frederick. fcpl.org.
Frederick Fandom Fest — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. If your family loves comics, games, pop culture, anime, and fun, you may want to stop in downtown Frederick’s library this Friday for Fandom Fest! They’ll have lots of exciting activities for all ages. Costumes are welcome, but please no prop or real weapons allowed. fcpl.org.
Sundae Summit Challenge — noon to 1 p.m.. Watch adults battle it out for a chance to win free ice cream for a year by devouring their giant ice cream sundae! Consider entering too! Everyone who enters gets a custom ice cream scoop! Spectators are welcome and are free to watch! Bring your crew to play on the playground and cheer on the contestants! Register online. $25 pre-registration, $30 at the door. southmountaincreamery.com.
Storytime Stretchers — 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.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!
Middletown Movie Night: “Moana 2” (PG) — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Remsberg Park, 7408 Holter Road, #7404,, Middletown. Pack a picnic blanket, chairs and get ready for a family friendly night out! Movie starts at 8:30 p.m., but the fun begins with pre-show activities at 7 p.m. with food truck, crafts and special guest, Moana! 301-600-7560. aknight@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
GALLERY
Denny Clarke: Marine Scenes — 11 a.m. to 7:05 p.m. at Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. July 3. Artist talk 2-4 p.m. July 5. 301-791-3132. gallerymanager@washingtoncountyarts.com. www.washingtoncountyarts.com/july-2025.
MUSIC
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.
Comedy After Hours with Emmy Winning Comedian Craig Shoemaker — 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Adams County Winery, 251 Peach Tree Road, Orrtanna, Pa. Doors open at 5 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m. Shoemaker has had a career in show business, spanning over four decades as a stand-up comedian, actor, author, writer and producer. He was named Comedian of the Year at The American Comedy Awards on ABC and garnered two NATAS Emmy awards. 18 and older, RSVP required. $25. 717-334-4631. sean@adamscountywinery.com. adamscountywinery.com.
Special National Comedy Event — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Featuring nationally touring comedian Lucas Bohn live. Bohn has been seen on NBC, CBS, and performing with comedy legends Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Larry the Cable Guy, and more. $20 includes online fee. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/programs/ sky-stage.
THEATER
“As You Like It” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Unstrung Harpist Productions announces its upcoming performances of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” produced in conjunction with the Frederick Shakespeare Festival. All tickets are available on a pay what you will basis. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.esptheatre.org/fsf or at the door. evan@unstrungharpist.com.
Saturday July 19
CLASSES
All-levels Yoga with Yogamour — 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Join the Yogamour Team for another season of our all-levels flow yoga classes in the open air venue. Every Saturday, May through September. Please bring a yoga mat and water with you. Parking is available on street or in the city parking garage.
$20 drop in, $150 for 10 class pass. 301662-4190. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. yogamour.org.
Goat Yoga and Libations at Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery — 10 a.m. to noon at Springfield Manor, 11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont. Enjoy Goat Yoga with a cocktail included!! (for guests 21 years and older). All ages welcome. $42. 240-405-2208. christy@gvalleye.com. goatforthesoul.com/.
Shri Yoga — 10 a.m. to noon at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. A calming but challenging style practiced in an informal environment. Classes include various asanas, breathing exercises, chakra vibration, mantras, and relaxation techniques. Attendees are welcome to bring their own mat. 301-600-7000.
Dancing on the Deck: Adult Dance Class — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Whether you can boot-scoot your way around the dance floor or if you are just looking to brush up for an upcoming wedding, the library has the moves. Join Carissa Barth with FIBE Dance on our library deck for a 90-minute class geared for teens (ages 13+) and adults. In the event of inclement weather, this event will take place in our Community Room. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
ETCETERA
Myersville Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to noon at Municipal parking lot, 301 Main St., Myersville. Saturdays through Oct. 25. myersvillefarmersmarket.com.
Monthly Collection for Little Sisters of the Poor — 10 a.m. to noon at In front of 114 E. Second St., Frederick. St. John’s Council #1622, Frederick, is serving as the hub location for councils in Western Maryland every third Saturday for the monthly KofC Maryland State Program to provide material support to the Little Sisters of the Poor’s St. Martin’s Home in Baltimore. 301-305-2127. satterf@comcast.net. www.kofc1622.org/little-sisters.html.
Art & Architecture Walking Tour — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Look at Frederick with new eyes. Experience the history and beauty of downtown as we explore some of the popular architectural styles, local art, and history. Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Pre-registration required. $5, $8, $10, $12. 410-707-1105. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org.
Conversation Class for English Language Learners — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Adults who want to practice their English are welcome to a conversation class hosted by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Participants will practice their speaking and listening skills with conversations guided by an instructor from the Literacy Council of Frederick County. 301-600-7250.
One Vast Hospital - Civil War Walking Tour in Downtown Frederick — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Saturdays and Sundays from April through September, join NMCWM docents for a walking tour of Downtown Frederick focused on the city’s role as a makeshift hospital in the final months of 1862. $15. 301-695-1864. chris.reed@civilwarmed.org. www.civilwarmed.org/weekendtours.
Summer Clothing Swap — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Common Market, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Bring gently used clothing, shoes or accessories. Take home items you love. No money exchanged. All sizes, genders, and styles welcome. Remaining items will be donated to a local organization. 301-663-3416. arobinson@commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ summer-clothing-swap.
Tour Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick. Step back (way back!) in Frederick’s history to see how the pioneering Brunner family lived in the 1750s. You can do that at the Schifferstadt — Frederick’s oldest intact house, built in 1758. You can see how German engineering and home design came to Colonial America. Guided tours explain the features and tell the history of the family and their home. $8 adults, under 12 free. 301-663-3885. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.
Mike Kuster and The Catoctin Cowboys — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vanish Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Leesburg, Va. A “Honky Tonkin’ Good Time Show.” Country music, friends, and Vanish beer make for a fun evening in Leesburg. 301-662-3355. mike@mikekuster.net. mikekuster.net/tour.
Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 8 p.m. to 9:30 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 “paranormal” with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour!” Reservations recommended. $17 for adults. 301-668-8922. info@MarylandGhostTours.com. marylandghosttours.com.
FAMILY
Celtic Harp Trio — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Enjoy the musical stylings of the celtic harp, flute and violin. 301-600-7560. frederick.librarycalendar.com/.
Family Storytime — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Stories, movement, music and fun for the entire family. Designed kids, with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Saturday Craftacular: Ice Cream Cone Art — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Do you love ice cream? If so, this program is for you! Celebrate Summer and National Ice Cream Day as we create amazing ice cream themed art using watercolor paint and other art media. Ages 5-12. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.
Magical Unicorn Party — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Cozy Castle, 10334 Old National Pike,
Ijamsville. Celebrate the magic of unicorns! Enjoy unicorn cupcakes and fruit while kids ages 5 and up create a sparkly unicorn canvas of their own. The afternoon will end with a unicorn scavenger hunt and a “make a wish” ritual at the garden fountain! Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com. $48 per one parent and one child.
“Mean Girls Jr.” Musical — 3 p.m. to at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick . Second show at 6 p.m. Watch Regina George and “The Plastics” on stage! “Mean Girls Jr.” is a fun and ruthless musical performance about chasing popularity and being true to yourself, by students from Frederick’s own 24/7 Dance Studio! $25 adult, $20 seniors and students. weinbergcenter.org.
FESTIVALS
Blue Ridge Summit Free Library 49th Annual Ice Cream Social & Book Sale — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blue Ridge Summit Free Library, 13676 Monterey Lane, Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. This popular event features more than 4,000 books for sale (adults, teens, kids)! The Whistle 5K Fun Run/Dog Walk starts things off at 8 a.m. No fees or awards. Register at 7:30 a.m. The Wayne Band performs at 9 a.m., local musicians/ educators Bruce & Pam Rowland perform interactive songs and activities for kids at 10:30 a.m. The Harvey Bridgers Award is presented at noon. Singer/songwriter, Rich Fehle, provides music throughout the event.
717-414-4350. jameka@md.net.
Summer Soca Wine & Music Festival — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy. Dive into island vibes at Linganore Winecellars’ 2025 Wine and Music Festivals! As the home of the longest running reggae festival on the East Coast, we know how to share the spirit of reggae, wine, and unbeatable vibes! Enjoy live performances, authentic Island cuisine, local artisan vendors, and unlimited wine sampling from Linganore Winecellars! Early access gates open at 6 am., general admission gates open at 9 a.m., event begins at 10 a.m. See website for ticket information.
301-831-5889. info@linganorewines.com. Encampment of Revolutionary War Re-enactors — 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Morgan’s Grove Park , 4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown, W.Va. The final event of this summer’s Bee Line March 250th Anniversary will be an encampment of Revolutionary War re-enactors. Fife and drum demonstrations by the Old Line Fife and Drum Corps from Frederick, speakers, 18th-century games for kids, food trucks, more.
304-876-1139. pvsmith@frontiernet.net.
Veterans Appreciation Day — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frederick Health Village, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick. A free day of fun day for the whole family to honor the 17,000 Veterans living in Frederick County. There will be live music, interactive activities with first responders, Touch-A-Truck vehicles on display, workshops on vital veteran resources, and local food trucks on site! For all the info, visit frederickcountymd.gov/ VAD.
Asbury United Methodist Church Community Block Party — 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 101 W. All Saints St., Frederick. With over 140 local area organizations/businesses attending to provide information and resources, health screenings, entertainment, kid friendly/games, food, back to school giveaways. Former 2X Super Bowl Redskin Great Dexter Manley will be making a special appearance. 301-6639380.
asburyumcfmd1@verizon.net.
Mount Tabor Church Park Festival — 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mount Tabor Church Park, 13616 Motters Station Road, Rocky Ridge. “Home of the BIG SLIDE.” Music performed by the Honky Tonk Twins from 5-8 p.m. All home-cooked food, soups, sandwiches, iced tea and ice cream. Come join the fellowship and fun. 301-606-2150. kacky6@aol.com.
GALLERY
Parallel Perspectives: Art by Michael C. Gibson and Steve Prince — 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Just Lookin’ Gallery, 40 Summit Ave., Hagerstown. Meet the artists July 19 and 20 during an opening reception. Imagine a world where the delicate strokes of a pencil and the bold impressions of linoleum collide in a breathtaking symphony of artistry. We invite you to witness the remarkable synergy between a graphite artist extraordinaire, whose meticulous attention to detail breathes life into every drawing and a phenomenal linoleum carver, whose deliberate cuts and textures create stunning visual narratives. 301-714-2278. justlookin@justlookin.com. www.justlookin.com.
Exhibition Opening: “Over 70 Show” — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View exhibitions and meet the artists! Works in a variety of media.
Live Acoustic Saturday — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shab Row Stage, 100 N. East St., Frederick. Located behind the Frederick Coffee Co & Cafe. Enjoy live acoustic music by local & regional acoustic performers at the cutest outdoor music venue in the mid-Atlantic region. Music happens every Saturday (weather permitting) with two shows: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Performers interact with the crowd and will gladly accept tips.
301-639-1050. todd@toddcwalker.com.
Mike Kuster and The Catoctin Cowboys In Concert — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Land, Leesburg, Va. Performing their Honky Tonkin’ Good Time Show of traditional country music originals and covers. 301-662-3355. mike@mikekuster.net. vanishbeer.com.
The Band Perry — 8 p.m. to at The Event Center at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. Grammy Award-winning band burst onto the scene in modern Country music, selling 2 1/2 million albums, 12
million singles and over a billion total song streams. See website for ticket information. 21 and older. www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/ entertainment.
Born I: Album Release Concert & Hip Hop Soundbath — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Rd, Gaithersburg. Experience a powerful night of music and mindfulness with Born I (Ofosu Jones-Quartey), an acclaimed hip-hop artist and meditation teacher from D.C. Known for blending hip-hop with spirituality, Born I’s message is simple and profound: You Are Enough. $30/$20 Student (18 or under). 301-2586394. artsbarn@gaithersburgmd.gov.
THEATER
Frederick Shakespeare Festival — 7 p.m. to at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Also July 20. Frederick’s Annual Shakespeare Festival comes to Sky Stage with an all-teen cast production of “Much Ado about Nothing.” Head to Frederick’s unique open-air theater among the trees to check out this comedy performance. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door (Venmo link also available). skystagefrederick.com.
Teen Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing (abridged) — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Frederick’s Annual Shakespeare Festival comes to Sky Stage with an all-teen cast production! “Much Ado About Nothing,” directed by teen Shakespeare alum Daniel Summerstay, will run at Sky Stage on July 19 and 20. The FSF Pre-Professional program’s 15 teens come together to bring you a shortened version (approx. 1 hour) of this delightful Shakespeare Comedy. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door or online at esptheatre.org. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. esptheatre.org.
“As You Like It” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Unstrung Harpist Productions announces its upcoming performances of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” produced in conjunction with the Frederick Shakespeare Festival. All tickets are available on a pay what you will basis. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.esptheatre.org/fsf or at the door. evan@unstrungharpist.com.
Sunday July 20
Storytime at the Castle — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Sophie and Madigan’s Playground, 632 Contender Way, Frederick. Frederick’s favorite magical playground is hosting a monthly story time with FCPL filled with rhymes, songs, lots of movement, and plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family! fcpl.org.
CLASSES
Goat for the Soul, Goat Yoga at the Farm — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Goat for the Soul, 10209 Fountain School Road, Union Bridge. Join us at the Farm for goats, yoga and fun! All ages. $27. 240-405-2208. christy@gvalleye.com.
goatforthesoul.com.
Goat Cuddles at the Farm — 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Goat for the Soul, 10209 Fountain School Road, Union Bridge. Laugh, relax, de-stress while cuddling and interacting with the goats. Bring a towel and/or chair and sit with the goats … cuddle, pet, watch them play. Purchase tickets at https://goatforthesoul.com/schedule-%26-registration. $15 for a 30-minute session. 240-405-2208. christy@gvalleye.com. goatforthesoul.com.
ETCETERA
Shoff Promotions Presents Comic Con — 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clarion Inn Event Center, 5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick. Super selection of comic books from Gold, Silver, Bronze to Modern ages; nonsports cards including Pokemon packs and singles, and Pokemon Plaza; Magic and Yu-GiOh; super heroes and Funko toys; plushies; gaming supplies; sci-fi toys; Anime; video games, original art; hobby supplies and an Artists Alley. Cosplay always welcome. Free parking.
$10 cash only; 12 & under free with paying adult. 3013184464. pnshoff@aol.com. shoffpromotions.com.
Metaphysical Market at the Brewery — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Milkhouse Brewery, 8253 Dollyhyde Road, Mount Airy. Explore a diverse range of vendors showcasing their metaphysical products, including crystals, tarot cards, gemstones, essential oils, and more. Discover hidden treasures and find items that resonate with your spiritual journey. Medium/Psychic/Tarot/Aura Readings will be available. Free entrance but a donation of $1 or more is appreciated, not required. eventpsychics4u@gmail.com. metaphysical-market-2025-Brewery. eventbrite.com.
Drag Bingo: Christmas in July! — 1:30 p.m. to at Idiom Brewing Co, 340 E. Patrick St., Frederick . Play bingo with your friends, witness the very best drag performances from our stellar and fabulous queens, and join an ugly sweater contest. Get the chance to WIN BIG, while drinking and eating all that Idiom Brewing has to offer! 21 and older.
$50. 301-383-8787. TFC@thefrederickcenter.org.
Curious Iguana Presents: Authors Linda Murphy Marshall & Rhonda Zimlich — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Middletown Senior Center, 101 Prospect St., Middletow. Linda and Rhonda will discuss their novels “Immersion” and “Raising Panic,” focusing on the protagonists’ journeys of self-discovery. After their talk, the authors will answer questions and sign books. Copies of the books will be available for purchase at the event. 21 and older. 240-575-4496. curiousiguanaevents@gmail.com. curiousiguana.com/event/ marshall-and-zimlich.
Puzzle Swap — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Swap your gently used puzzles with those from other puzzle enthusiasts! Puzzles for the swap can be dropped off starting on July 13. Please put puzzle pieces in a bag inside the puzzle box. All types of puzzles are welcome!
| Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
301-600-7250.
Tour Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick. Step back (way back!) in Frederick’s history to see how the pioneering Brunner family lived in the 1750s. You can do that at the Schifferstadt — Frederick’s oldest intact house, built in 1758. You can see how German engineering and home design came to Colonial America. Guided tours explain the features and tell the history of the family and their home. $8 adults, under 12 free. 301-663-3885. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.
One Vast Hospital - Civil War Walking Tour in Downtown Frederick — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Join NMCWM docents for a walking tour focused on the city’s role as a makeshift hospital in the final months of 1862, every Saturday and Sunday from April through September. Tickets include admission to the museum. too. Tickets are free for museum members, but you must still reserve your spot. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. $15. 301-695-1864. chris.reed@civilwarmed.org. www.civilwarmed.org/weekendtours.
Write Your Own Series at Dancing Bear — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Let’s get creative and put pen to paper! Join useach Sunday in July for our ‘Write Your Own’ series. Intended for children between the ages of 7-14. Free and open to all! No registration is required. Parent/guardian must be present. 301-631-9300. info@dbeartoys.com. dbeartoys.com/event/ write-your-own-series-july-6.
Tall In The Saddle — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music.
Mount Olivet Cemetery History & Mystery Tour — 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S. Market St., Frederick. Discover Frederick’s past as we navigate through the labyrinth of graves, crypts and monuments of Historic Mount Olivet Cemetery. Tour includes intriguing facts about the cemetery’s origin, tombstone design, grave robbing, mass graves, plus stops at other distinctive burial plots, including Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Tour concludes with a visit to the Key Memorial Chapel. Reservations required. (This is not a ghost tour.) $17 for adults. 301-668-8922. info@marylandghosttours.com. marylandghosttours.com.
FAMILY
Library Visit at SAMP — 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Sophie and Madigan’s Playground, 632 Contender Way, Frederick. Frederick County Public Libraries are heading to Sophie and Madigan’s Playground for a visit filled with rhymes, songs and lots of movement! Head to Frederick’s best castle playground where kids can play outside and join FCPL for extra fun! fcpl.org.
Victory on the Homefront: Hunting, Fishing and Preserving in WWII — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join Sarah Lee, host of the Victory Kitchen podcast, as she discusses how Americans coped with rationing through hunting, fishing and preserving food during WWII. She’ll share a few recipes and some food to sample as well!
301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.
Dancing on the Deck: Kids Dance Party — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Carissa Barth with FIBE Dance will lead a fun and interactive line dance class just for kids, under age 12. Be ready to Cupid Shuffle your way around the library deck! In the event of inclement weather, this event will take place in our Community Room. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Write Your Own — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick. If your kids are interested in writing movie scripts, lyrics, comic books, and poetry, then they’ll love this event. Meet with Chris Sparks, owner of Surelocked In Escape Room, and put pen to paper to create your escape room plan. 301-631-9300. dbeartoys.com.
FESTIVALS
Summer Soca Wine & Music Festival — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy. Dive into island vibes at Linganore Winecellars’ 2025 Wine and Music Festivals! As the home of the longest running reggae festival on the East Coast, we know how to share the spirit of reggae, wine, and unbeatable vibes! Enjoy live performances, authentic Island cuisine, local artisan vendors, and unlimited wine sampling from Linganore Winecellars! Early access gates open at 6 am., general admission gates open at 9 a.m., event begins at 10 a.m. See website for ticket information. 301-831-5889. info@linganorewines.com.
GALLERY
Parallel Perspectives: Art by Michael C. Gibson and Steve Prince — 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Just Lookin’ Gallery, 40 Summit Ave., Hagerstown. Meet the artists July 19 and 20 during an opening reception. Imagine a world where the delicate strokes of a pencil and the bold impressions of linoleum collide in a breathtaking symphony of artistry. We invite you to witness the remarkable synergy between a graphite artist extraordinaire, whose meticulous attention to detail breathes life into every drawing and a phenomenal linoleum carver, whose deliberate cuts and textures create stunning visual narratives. 301-714-2278. justlookin@justlookin.com. www.justlookin.com.
Parallel Perspectives: Art by Michael C. Gibson and Steve Prince — 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Just Lookin’ Gallery, 40 Summit Ave., Hagerstown. Meet the artists July 19 and 20 during an opening reception. Imagine a world where the delicate strokes
of a pencil and the bold impressions of linoleum collide in a breathtaking symphony of artistry. We invite you to witness the remarkable synergy between a graphite artist extraordinaire, whose meticulous attention to detail breathes life into every drawing and a phenomenal linoleum carver, whose deliberate cuts and textures create stunning visual narratives. 301-714-2278. justlookin@justlookin.com. www.justlookin.com.
MUSIC
Sunday Brunch Concert Series — noon to 1:30 p.m. at Shab Row Stage, 100 N. East St., Frederick. Enjoy live acoustic music at the cutest outdoor music venue in mid-Maryland, the Shab Row Stage. Located behind the Frederick Coffee Co & Cafe. Grab a coffee, muffin or a sandwich and listen to music from local and regional performing singer-songwriters. Artists enjoy interacting with the crowd and appreciate tips.
301-639-1050. todd@toddcwalker.com.
Appalachian Wind Quintet Concert — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ, 25 E. Second St., Frederick. Join us for “In the Good Ole Summertime,” a free concert of music by the Appalachian Wind Quintet. The concert will feature music by Giuseppi Cambini, Jacques Ibert, Valerie Coleman, and more. music@grucc.com.
Summer Concert Series: New Legacy Band — 7 p.m. to at the Baker Park Band Shell, North Bentz and Second streets, Frederick. High Energy Blues. This fourpiece unit delivers tight, upbeat performances, blending blues rock, country blues, and bluegrass blues with influences from the Chicago, Memphis and Austin blues scenes. With a dynamic mix of driving rhythms, soulful melodies, and heartfelt storytelling, the band is committed to music that inspires the audience to listen — and get up and dance. In lieu of admission, guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable canned food item(s) for the FCAA Foodbank Program. 50/50 raffle. 301-600-2841. celebratefrederick.com.
THEATER
“As You Like It” — 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Unstrung Harpist Productions announces its upcoming performances of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” produced in conjunction with the Frederick Shakespeare Festival. All tickets are available on a pay what you will basis. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.esptheatre.org/fsf or at the door. evan@unstrungharpist.com.
Teen Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing (abridged) — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Frederick’s Annual Shakespeare Festival comes to Sky Stage with an all-teen cast production! “Much Ado About Nothing,” directed by teen Shakespeare alum Daniel Summerstay, will run at Sky Stage on July 19 and 20. The FSF Pre-Professional program’s 15 teens come together to bring you a shortened version (approx. 1 hour) of this delightful Shakespeare Comedy.
Tickets are pay what you can. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. esptheatre.org.
Monday July 21
CLASSES
ESL High Beginner’s Conversation Classes — 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. We welcome adults who want to practice their English to a conversation class hosted by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Students will practice their speaking and listening skills with conversations guided by an instructor from the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Please note, registration is required by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. If interested, use this link that will redirect you to a form from the Literacy Council to register: https://forms.office.com/r/6dMzT8xXD9. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.
Full Moon Forest Bathing with Monica Wenzel — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm, Retreat & Learning Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. In this session, the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy trained guide Monica Wenzel will walk you through sensory invitations to help you slow down, awaken your senses, and reconnect with nature. Please bring a lawn chair or yoga mat and wear sturdy boots. $42. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.
ETCETERA
Mondays in Mount Airy Weekly Food Truck Event — 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Railyard, 3 N. Main St. , Mount Airy. This community event is designed to support locally owned and operated food trucks as well as the businesses along Downtown Main Street. Continues Mondays through Sept. 29. 301-829-9660.
Pressed Flowers: Air-Dry Clay Ornaments for Teens (Ages 13-18) — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Get creative with nature! Join us for a hands-on craft session where you’ll design air-dry clay ornaments using pressed flowers and leaves. Perfect for gifts, decorations, or a unique keepsake! Ages 13-18, supplies limited. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
FAMILY
Kid’s Week: Earth Art & Adventure Series [Ages 6-12] — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm & Retreat Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Discover the beauty of nature through art in this inspiring camp! Young artists will create works influenced by the natural world, exploring the ephemeral land art of Andy Goldsworthy and the vibrant florals of Georgia O’Keeffe. Participants will learn about ethical foraging and use herbs and flowers gathered from Fox Haven to create stunning cyanotypes.
Pre-register.Activities include building sculptures from natural materials, painting landscapes, and sketching organic forms. Campers will also play games and stay cool playing in the creek. Through hands-on projects and outdoor adventures, participants will learn to see nature as both a muse and a medium, fostering creativity and a deeper connection to the environment.
Family Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 South Seton Ave, Emmitsburg. Enjoy music, stories, and more! Designed for ages up to 5 with a caregiver. 301-600-6329.
cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.
Baby Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories and play for babies and their grownups. Designed for children up to 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.
Little Adventurers — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 South 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.
National Park Service Junior Ranger Program — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. What does it take to be a Junior Ranger with the National Park Service? Learn all about this exciting program — the badges, the booklets and even meet a real Park Ranger. For kids. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Vacation Bible School: Scuba, Diving Into Friendship with God! — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brook Hill United Methodist Church, 8946 Indian Springs Road, Frederick. Continues daily through July 25. We will take kids deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At Scuba VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about! Games, Bible stories, science, crafts and fun! For ages 3 through fifth grade. $5 registration fee/donation benefits Food 4 Kids program.. 301-758-0356. rsevans613@comcast.net. vbspro.events/p/516e8d.
FESTIVALS
Jefferson Ruritan Carnival — 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jefferson Ruritan, 4603-B Lander Road, Jefferson. Continues nightly through July 26. Food, rides, more.
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doesn’t fit in with the island’s inhabitants or their colonizers,” he said. “Instead, he’s trapped between the two — just as I felt trapped between hearing and deaf worlds — with the space in between offering fertile ground for his growing resentment. However, as I have grown older, my resentment has tempered, much as Prospero’s has, towards something more peaceful and serene, a perspective looking for joy amidst a world filled with so much hate.”
His direction at FSF will intentionally, maybe even defiantly, focus on the joy amid themes of divisiveness, vengeance and loneliness in the play. If audiences see a parallel to modern life, well, that’s intentional, too.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
There are certain hallmark characteristics of Shakespearean festivals that together spell out a recipe of success and sustainability, and the privilege to have a picturesque college campus at the heart of the festival certainly seems to be chief among them. To that end, Angello says Hood College has been very supportive of FSF’s efforts.
“They enthusiastically offer the Hodson Outdoor amphitheater to us for a venue, and everyone at Hood loves to have audiences visit our beautiful campus,” he said.
Therein lies another hallmark attribute. With Shakespeare, an outdoors play is key. There’s something almost instinctive about it — the desire to sit on grass, to be outside and enjoy the immersion into timeless stories encapsulated in the Elizabethan tongue. According to Angello, who also teaches Shakespeare at Hood, the bard wrote his plays to be performed this way.
“Shakespeare works so well in outdoor venues, and a summer festival is a great way to not only enhance our community culturally but also to give audiences ways to think though things like the way power functions, how we humans relate to each other, how we deal with loss, love, grief,” he said. “In short,
theater and art, particularly classical theater, help us better understand ourselves.”
To that end, this year’s lineup features two mainstage productions at Hood along with a youth production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at Sky Stage, as well as other ad hoc events that are flexibly in the works, like a slightly rowdier pub reading at a location still being determined.
Mosere said performing in a pub or tavern-like setting, “with its clinking glasses and lively energy, brings that same accessibility and populist spirit back to the bard.” It also hearkens to historical context, sure, but mainly, she said, it’s all about having a little fun.
EXPANDING THE CIRCLE
As Shakespeare festivals tend to draw from a larger region beyond their host city, there comes a point in developing the capacity of a growing festival where the circle of production is expanded. With Frederick’s festival becoming more known and attended, the team behind it is casting a wider net to help with the creative lift.
“We are beginning to involve several theater companies in the production of the shows,” Angello said, referring to a partnership with D.C.-based Unstrung Harpist Productions that began at last year’s festival with their production of “Richard II,” marking the first history play performed at this festival, as opposed to the comedies and tragedies that are more common at summer fests.
This year, however, while EStP stages “The Tempest,” Unstrung is the creative team behind “As You Like It.” With their stated mission breathing new life into classical material via “bold experimentation of sight, sound and movement,” the audiences can expect a non-traditional approach.
“We’re aiming for a ‘60s folk revival aesthetic — think Sergeant Pepper, puffy sleeves and crushed velvet,” director Evan Crump stated in a press release. Crump, himself an award-winning veteran of the Frederick Shakespeare Festival with turns as Hamlet in the play of the same name and Orsino in “Twelfth Night,” said he’s
PICKETT
always been enamored with “As You Like It.”
“It’s got so much charm, with its music, fantastical costumes and a whole lot of heart,” he said.
GROWTH AND HOSPITALITY
Beyond attracting impressive talent, Angello said having a classic theater festival is good for its host city, too.
“A festival like this draws audience members to Frederick from all over the area, which benefits local businesses like bars, restaurants and hotels,” he said.
How that host community supports a festival is a critical part of the recipe of success as well. In that regard, Angello noted that while they receive welcome support from the Frederick Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council among other granting organizations, he’d love to see even more buy-in from city government and local businesses.
“I’m a big believer in the continuing value of classical theater, and I think it should be available to anyone who wants to come,” he said.
While every festival needs steady and growing audiences to survive, the Frederick Shakespeare Festival also succeeds at striking a unique balance somewhere between fringe and mainstream, often performing in unexpected venues with a scrappy spirit of adaptability for weather, cast injury, budget constraints and, given the scope of the past few years, global pandemics.
“Unlike larger, more commercial festivals, ours is intimate and deeply personal, inviting the audience to experience Shakesepeare in new and surprising ways,” Mosere said. “This isn’t Shakespeare behind glass but more Shakespeare alive. It’s current, and it belongs to everyone.”
Joseph Peterson can usually be found reading the weathered plaques of obscure monuments he sees while wandering the city. He counts public libraries, public lands and places where local community is fostered among his favorite kinds of places.
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as a production editor with McGraw Hill Trade in Chicago, managing 10 to 15 nonfiction trade titles a season. Pickett then moved to the medical textbook publisher Elsevier in St. Louis but left in 2006 to start her own company, POP Editorial Services.
Through POP Editorial Services, Pickett is a fulltime freelance copyeditor, proofreader, developmental editor and writing coach. She edits approximately 25 books a year.
She is an active member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Independent Book Publishers Association and the Authors Guild, and she was also a past president of the Montgomery County chapter of the Maryland Writers’ Association.
Pickett is also a frequent speaker at writing and editing conferences nationwide and is a regular instructor at the Writer’s Center in Bethesda.
Writing came about a little differently than her editing career.
In 2009, Pickett learned a coworker ran an online journal, and she was invited to submit work.
“I wrote a very long and rambling essay about a vacation I’d taken, and she published it,” Pickett said. “After that, it was all over. I haven’t stopped writing or submitting for publication since then.”
In the winter of 2012-2013, she found herself with some extra time and wrote “Perfect Bound: How to Navigate the Book Publishing Process Like a Pro,” which published in 2014 and was revised in 2019.
Since then, Pickett has also published three ebooks for authors, editors and publishers, as well as freelance writers and editors.
Only recently did Pickett realize she might also secretly be a novelist. In 2022, she wanted a new challenge. As a writing coach, she has read a lot of books on writing, so she thought she’d try her hand at a novel. The result was “Debra Lee Won’t Break.”
“Once I got in there and started shaping the story, I
discovered how much fun it was.”
While brainstorming ideas for that first novel, Pickett looked through the Silver Spring obituaries to see if any characters jumped out at her. Two women, Debra Lee Epley and Caroline Cook, stood out as strong, likable woman who died young. Through the planning process, she changed Debra’s last name, gave her multiple sclerosis and made up a whole backstory for her. And for Caroline, she considered her timeline and developed her backstory.
“Over time, they’ve become fully formed people in my mind,” Pickett said. Pickett imagined what it would have been like if they knew each.
The companion to “Debra Lee” will be released in 2027, titled “Eighteen Months of Caroline Cook.”
When Pickett was writing “Debra Lee Won’t Break,” she thought she wanted a traditional publisher. She wanted a team — and someone who knew how to sell fiction. But after querying agents for three months without success, she realized traditional publishing might not be the best route for her.
“The publisher would have control over the title and much of the content. Why would I do that when I could publish the book myself in six months?” she said.
Instead, Pickett built her own team, like she would have with a traditional publisher, but one where she didn’t have to give up any creative control.
“My experience as a writer has made me a better editor,” said Pickett. “I had read all the craft books, but putting the advice into action helped me to understand the advice in a new way.”
She has discovered (firsthand) that even when writers know what they’re supposed to do, they tend to put obstacles their own way.
“In the end, it confirmed something I’d known for a long time,” she said. “There are lots of good book ideas out there. What makes them great is in the execution.”
CONCERTS
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described the organ as an “American classic instrument of moderate size,” before listing features like 33 ranks of pipes and a flexible console might be more flexible on a moveable plate.
“The … organ’s primary concern is with clarity and brilliance of the ensemble, although some of the orchestrally imitative stops such as English horn and French horn are sometimes found,” the article notes.
The organ was built by Hagerstownbased M.P. Möller Organ Company. Möller holds historic significance not only as a maker of pipe organs but also for its contribution to the allied WWII military effort. During the war, Möller pivoted operations to build and supply airplane parts for Hagerstown’s Fairchild Aircraft factory.
August’s concert will mark the seven decades of Hood College music history but also an important moment for the present and future.
The concert represents a triumphant return after several difficult years. At the same time, the college turns its attention to the future with renovations and restoration of the Brodbeck Music Hall.
Features of the renovated space are projected to include updated acces-
The organ at Hood College, circa 1955.
sibility, renovated performance venue space, classroom, practice rooms and offices, according to Hood College’s website.
In 2023 the Delaplaine Foundation awarded Hood College a $25,000 grant to put toward Brodbeck’s restoration.
Further details about the fundraising and construction timeline are forthcoming.
“Design plans have been underway for a phased restoration and renovation. In the coming months, we will announce the campaign to bring Brodbeck Hall
back to life,” the college told 72 Hours in a statement.
Meanwhile, the return of summer music to Hood College, starting off on a high note with the first installment in June.
“I couldn’t have been happier with the first [concert], and I expect that the second and third will go well as well,” Verzosa said. “We are able to invite some top notch talent. The opportunity to get that caliber of musician for free — it’s a wonderful thing ... the turnout of the first concert was an indication that that there are people out there who want to take advantage of that.”
Verzosa says that while some may believe classical music is a dying genre, the summer concerts provide great counter evidence to dispel that misconception.
The summer concerts are also evidence of reliance in the face of adversity and the power of music to strengthen a community.
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.
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