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The Encore Chorale of Frederick brings together adults 55 and older to sing and build friendships.
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In the company of friends
PEOPLE
Encore!
Choral singing saves people’s lives
BY JILL GARTZ SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST
When Ellie Bonde first joined the Encore Chorale of Frederick, “I was kind of down,” she admits. “I needed something just for me.”
She calls the chorale “a breath of fresh air.”
Bonde, who has co-owned the Blossom and Basket Boutique in Mount Airy for 24 years. The group was welcoming and she has made many friends. The chorale has renewed her energy.
People who join the chorale often experience “The Encore Effect,” a term Bonde and her counterparts use to refer to what happens when a person comes on board.
“It’s intangible,” Bonde says, adding that people make new friends and love coming together. “Everyone I sing with feels the same way. We want everyone to know about it. It’s exciting. We feel there should be a group in every city.”
The group of singers, filled with enthusiasm, have found a special community and simply want to spread the cheer.
The Encore Chorale of Frederick is one of the many singing groups and educational opportunities offered by Encore Creativity for Older Adults. The latter is based in Washington, D.C., and is the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and older. And it continues to grow.
“We experienced unprecedented growth last semester,” reports Joshua
Vickery, CEO of Encore Creativity.
“We are now up to 2,337 singers in about 60 different ensembles. We have programs in 11 states and Washington, DC.”
He also says registration increased by 16% during the fall semester, with more than 400 new singers joining the organization.
Deborah (Deb) Int Veldt, conductor for the Encore Chorale of Frederick, says people look forward to the weekly rehearsals.
“I have people tell me almost every week that our rehearsal is the highlight of their week,” she said.
emotional benefits from participating in professionally led choral arts programs.
Encore Creativity is unique in that all adults 55 and older are welcome. They do not have to endure an audition to make the cut.
Join the group
The winter semester begins in late January, and registration begins online in mid-November at encorecreativity. org. There is a small membership fee to join Encore Creativity, however, scholarships are offered.
The group meets on Thursday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Frederick Unitarian Universalist Church.
“I was primed for a job like this,” Int Veldt adds, revealing that she has more than 50 years of experience conducting and is a lifelong choral singer herself. “As people age, they need more social stuff. They get lonely, which isn’t good for mental or physical health.”
People find new friendships within the group, she says.
Encore Creativity was established in 2007 by Jeanne Kelly. She took a leadership role in the landmark Creativity and Aging Study funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Institutes of Health. The study found that older adults receive significant physical, mental and
The organization includes four major components. Encore Chorales feature traditional choirs that sing choral classics in four-part harmony.
Encore Rock groups focus on singing rock ‘n’ roll hits from across the decades. Arts for Life ensembles connect individuals with cognitive change and their care partners through song. Encore University offers online educational classes that focus on key areas of artistic wellness.
Bonde says she has seen some amazing transformations among those with cognitive changes who are participating.
“When the music starts,” she says, “they sit up straight. They know all of the words. It’s incredible and exciting.”
Studies reveal the benefits of choral singing are socialization, brain stimulation and physical improvement.
“It’s the act of singing in a choir, the socialization,” Int Veldt insists. “You feel like you are contributing to a greater purpose, a larger whole.”
She remembers one woman
who was shy, skeptical and battling depression when she joined the chorale.
“Within a few weeks, I saw her standing up straighter, and she had a smile on her face during rehearsals,” Int Veldt recalls.
The woman has been attending ever since.
“Choral singing saves people’s lives,” Int Veldt says.
Vickery says the growth of Encore Creativity is being attributed to several factors: The group has partnerships with AARP in several markets; people are Googling “choirs” and “music for older adults,” and Encore Creativity
is near the top of the search results; people attend the free concerts and decide to get involved; and people are talking about Encore Creativity, and nothing beats words of mouth recommendations.
Vickery says the model is “very scalable and replicable,” and he believes it will continue to expand nationwide.
“We’ve only started to scratch the surface of being able to reach more older adults,” Vickery says. “We see ourselves growing more in the Midwest and the West.”
The group is primarily active on
the East Coast at this time.
Vickery also expects Encore University’s lifelong learning opportunities to expand.
“We hope to form more partnerships with AARP to reach more older adults in places we don’t currently have choirs.”
As far as who’s behind the operation, Vickery says they operate with a fairly small team. “We have a big team for conductors and coordinators, but a small Encore Central team. There are 10 of us who make the organization run across the country.”
As CEO, Vickery focuses on program expansion, partnerships and fundraising.
Int Veldt says Encore Chorale of Frederick currently has about 65 members. Ten new members were added this fall. The group teams up with the Encore Chorale of Asbury Methodist Village to produce two concerts each semester.
Upcoming concerts will take place on Dec. 6 in Gaithersburg and Dec. 13 at the Frederick Unitarian Universalist Church. The concerts are free, but tickets are required due to limited seats.
The Encore Chorale of Frederick brings together adults 55 and older to sing and build friendships.
“We’re always open to new singers,” Int Veldt adds. “Even if you have no singing experience, you are still welcome.”
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
IBeginner’s Mind
The Grocery Project
BY KAREN PEACOCK SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST
’ve never been poor, but I’ve sometimes been broke. I try not to take for granted the privilege of being able to buy whatever food I want. My inner cheapskate balks at today’s prices. Fourteen dollars for a frozen pizza? I think not.
If the middle class struggles to afford groceries, what about those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)? Though it’s likely to be reduced, the average payment for a single Marylander is currently around $6 a day.
A few weeks ago, I decided to try living on a SNAP budget. It seemed doable. I’m an omnivore who knows how to cook. I have a natural inclination toward thrift. And, unlike many people living in poverty, I own a car to shop for groceries and a fully equipped kitchen in which to cook them.
The rules
I mostly bought nourishing food. Though cheaper, I ignored white bread in favor of whole grains. I sometimes swapped red peppers for green to save money. When nutritional value was comparable, I chose generic versions of prepared food. (Lidl’s house-brand mayo isn’t as good as Duke’s, but at $1.50 less per jar, it’s good enough.)
When I was treated to a home-cooked meal, that counted as a day off. I wanted to be responsible for the cost of my own food during the project, though I realize that “days off” from a tight food budget aren’t an option for most SNAP recipients. I also paused the experiment when I was invited along on a five-day beach trip. So while the project lasted 30 days, they weren’t all consecutive. If I used food already on hand, I add-
ed the cost to my running tally except for the main ingredients of what I call scrap soup. I always freeze leftover liquid from cooked vegetables, sometimes with bits of rice, meat or even gravy. I was low on vegetables at the end of the experiment’s second week, so it was time for soup, I added fresh okra and Cajun spices to the defrosted scraps and let it all simmer in a Crock Pot for a tasty and comforting meal.
Where the food came from
Although I shopped at a Giant while in Bethany, I didn’t count those groceries toward my total because they were only for the trip, not part of the experiment.
I spent $48 at Lidl in Frederick and $51 at Trader Joe’s on the way home from a visit to Bethesda.
My favorite food source was Parsons
Farms Produce in Dagsboro, Delaware. They had a great selection, and their produce was less costly than at the Frederick farmers markets. I splurged on good bread, a pound of bacon and lots of fruits and vegetables. I spent the rest of the drive home looking forward to future bacon and tomato sandwiches.
I occasionally bought in bulk. For instance, Lidl had shredded cabbage on sale, so I took home several bags for two rounds of tofu stir-fry and for coleslaw. Too much coleslaw, as it turned out. Slaw doesn’t pair well with everything, but it needed to be eaten.
I’d been craving Mountain View Diner’s potato pancakes. I learned to make a good version during the COVID lockdown, so a five-pound bag of potatoes made sense. Besides pancakes, I feasted on corned beef hash, baked potatoes, home fries, curry and mashed potatoes.
A sampler of meals
The mashed potatoes accompanied a dinner of chicken and broccoli. By keeping portions small, I froze five leftover meals. Those homemade “TV dinners” came in handy when fresh food was scarce.
During weeks one and four, I made eggplant parmesan. I don’t fry the eggplant. I usually dip slices in egg and breadcrumbs, then bake them on a cookie sheet until soft. Because of my grocery situation, I coated the slices with mayonnaise and flour with surprisingly good results. One eggplant, layered with sauce and cheese in an 8×8 pan, provided a week’s worth of dinners.
I did less cooking than usual. There were a lot of peanut butter sandwich -
Photos by Karen Peacock
LEFT: Vegetables, fruit, bread, bacon and more can be found at Parsons Farm Produce. RIGHT: Odds and ends from the freezer are a great start for delicious soups and stews.
95 years of serving and going strong
Bernard W. Brown
BY GARY BENNETT SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST
There are not too many living Fredericktonians with their names on a building, but Bernard W. Brown of Thomas Avenue is one of them. He is, without a doubt, the epitome of a life well lived. He has accomplished much in his 95 years and is determined to remain active and vital for as long as he can.
At the current United Way of Frederick County offices at 629 North Market Street, the Bernard W. Brown Community Center proudly bears his name. The Center stands as a testament to his lifelong work advocating for affordable housing in Frederick.
“I’m very proud of the Bernard Brown Building,” he said recently. “The Housing Authority named it after me after serving as chairman [for the Housing Authority] for more than 20 years. I go way back. I first got involved with my daughter at some programs there.”
His building is no longer a community center but serves as the United Way’s main conference room, featuring prominent floor to ceiling windows. Seeing it still thriving and providing support to residents makes Brown proud.
“I’m really pleased with the way things worked out. It gave the United Way a good, central place to operate and tied in the Housing Authority and their properties with it in a way that is good for both.”
An elk at heart
Throughout his career, Brown has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, not only leading the Housing Authority but with a number of boards and committees.
Remarkably, he also served as exalted ruler of the Mountain City Elks Lodge for more than 50 years. Oct. 15 of every year is now Bernard W. Brown Day at the Elks. He was even presented a key to the lodge, so he can come and go as he pleases.
“What can I say? I love the world of ‘Elkdom,’” Brown said of his time and service with the Elks. “My brother Adrian and I joined up together. He got sick and passed at a young age, but he told me that’s a good organization so stay there as long as you can. I’ve been a member for 58 years now. I stepped down five or
six years ago as exalted ruler.”
As for his special day at the Elks, Brown is characteristically humble.
“My brother and I saw that a lot of help was needed. We wanted to do as much as we could and didn’t want our efforts to fall away, so I pledged to carry on after my brother died as a tribute to him. Before I knew it, decades had passed,” Brown said.
Now he looks forward to his special day every year because friends near and far call to congratulate him on his life and legacy, typically ones he’s not heard from in years.
It wasn’t always hard work with the Elks.
“We’d go to the convention in whatever city, and then we’d stay an additional week,” he recalled. “That gave us a chance to travel, and most of the time we drove. My wife wouldn’t fly or take the train. These were some of our most enjoyable times. We’ve been to Vegas, Detroit and lots of trips to Atlanta. My wife was also a teacher, so we had summers off and took advantage of that for our trips.”
(See BROWN 12)
Staff photo by Ric Dugan
Bernard Brown stands in front of the building named after him on N. Market Street in downtown Frederick.
He wants to be composted after he dies
Here’s how he plans to do it
BY ALIYA SCHNEIDER THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
Paul Meshejian, a 76-year-old retired actor who lives in Philadelphia, said he never liked the idea of his body being embalmed and taking up land in an expensive box. The remaining spots in his family’s plot and cemetery have already been claimed anyway.
Cremation, he said, is “a waste of energy and throws a lot of pollution into the atmosphere.”
So when he heard about human composting, he was all in.
“When’s the last time you walked through a cemetery and just stopped in front of a random headstone, and said, ‘I wonder what that person’s life was like’?” he said. “My ego is not that big,” he added with a laugh.
Meshejian has arranged for his body to be composted by the West Coast-based Earth Funeral, one of a handful of companies that legally compost bodies, with an average price tag of $5,000.
Once Meshejian dies, the company will wash his body before wrapping it in a biodegradable shroud and putting it inside a vessel with mulch and wildflowers. After a 45-day process, his body will emerge in the form of enough “nutrient-rich soil” to fill the bed of a pickup truck.
Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction or terramation, is not yet legal in Pennsylvania. Neighboring states have been legalizing the process, but since the nascent industry does not have a facility on the East Coast yet, people have been shipping bodies across the country to take part.
Meshejian’s loved ones will be able to receive small containers of his soil. He thinks
Jose F. Moreno/The Philadelphia Inquirer
Paul Meshejian pose for a photo on Tuesday, July 29, 2025., near his home in Chestnut Hill. Meshejian, signed up for a human composting death care option for himself for when he dies.
it could be romantic for it to be sprinkled over his wife’s grave. The rest will be donated to conservation efforts, though picking up all the soil for a separate planting project is also an option.While legislative efforts to allow human composting in Pennsylvania have moved slowly, New Jersey is poised to be the next state to legalize the rapidly growing practice.
Legality varies from state to state
Human composting is one of the emerging alternatives to cremation or burial that are viewed as more environmentally friendly or more appealing than being burned to ashes through cremation (which uses fossil fuels) or lowered underground in a coffin (which can pollute soil).
The New Jersey legislature passed a bill legalizing human composting about a month ago with bipartisan support, in a 37-2 Senate vote and a 79-1 House vote.
The bill is awaiting the signature of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, at which point the Garden State will become the 14th state to legalize the practice.
Human composting was first legalized in Washington state in 2019. New York, Maryland and Delaware have all legal-
ized the practice. State Rep. Chris Rabb, a Democrat who represents parts of Philadelphia, is working on a bill to allow the practice in Pennsylvania.
Earth Funeral CEO Tom Harries said the company plans to open a facility in the region, potentially in Maryland, Delaware or New Jersey, by early next year.
In the meantime, several East Coast families are shipping their loved ones elsewhere — regardless of whether doing so is legal in their state. The method costs more and undermines the environmental benefit, Harries said, but it gives the option to people who like the idea of their body becoming soil until the industry expands.
Dianne Thompson-Stanciel, a New Jersey resident, had her husband’s remains shipped to Washington earlier this year and now has his soil in plants around her home. She said she felt as if her husband, Kenneth Stanciel Sr., “came home.”
“He’d been sick for a few years, so we spent a lot of time in the house together, talking all day long,” she said. “This almost feels almost the same.”
She said the option felt “more humane” than the alternatives, and the $7,000 total
price tag was worth it to her.
“It’s a comforting feeling for me to have that compost here,” she said.
The average cost of a traditional full-service burial in New Jersey is over $9,000, and nearly $7,000 for a full-service cremation, according to consumer advocate Funeralocity. Direct cremation without a service, like a viewing, averages closer to $2,500.
Katrina Spade, who invented modern-day human composting, is a 1999 Haverford College graduate and was awarded an honorary degree in March for her work. Spade founded Recompose, the first human composting company, in Seattle in 2017. The company began composting bodies in 2020.
Spade began pursuing the idea as a hypothetical as part of her master’s degree thesis project while studying architecture at UMass Amherst. But as interest grew in the idea, she got the momentum to bring it to life.
“I wasn’t hindered by the idea that I couldn’t do it because I wasn’t really expecting to make it into a business and an operating facility,” she said. “But as I kept working on it, I realized, like, oh no, people really are craving something different when it comes to the end of life.”
She said farmers had been composting livestock for years, so she “took that idea and designed it for a human and a human experience.” Spade said her company serves East Coast families often and her goal is to open facilities around the country.
At least three other companies — the West Coast-based Earth Funeral and Return Home, and Minnesota-based Interra Green Burial — emerged after Recompose. Spade isn’t bothered by that.
“At first I was pretty surprised to see it happen so quickly,” she said. “It indicated to me that there was a real business model behind this ... that was validating in a way.”
SIX COTTAGE STYLES
Single-family, Duplex, and Quadraplex Independent Living Options
LEARN MORE: Tim Luipersbeck 301-671-5019 tluipersbeck@fkhv.org
Division of Aging and Independence launches Move Mobile
County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and the Division of Aging and Independence recently launched Frederick County’s Move Mobile. This new initiative will bring essential resources, information and support directly to older adults, caregivers, veterans and individuals with disabilities throughout the county.
“The launch of the Move Mobile is a groundbreaking initiative that brings services directly into the community, meeting people where they are,” Fitzwater said. “This mobile unit will help reach people throughout Frederick County who may not have transportation or access to resources where they live.”
Move Mobile is a decommissioned ambulance donated by Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services. The vehicle has been repurposed to travel throughout Frederick County, connecting people with resources, services, benefits and information about the county’s 50+ Community Centers.
“As a caregiver for an older senior with multiple issues, I look forward to having the new mobile available to come to us,” said Sandy Carlson Lombard, a Frederick County caregiver who has used services offered by the Division of Aging and Independence. “Having immediate access to information from various agencies rather than transporting seniors will be a definite benefit for those seniors, as well as their advocates.”
The Move Mobile will be fully equipped to bring essential services and resources directly to people in Frederick County, helping them remain independent at home. Staff will offer onsite screenings for in-home support and financial assistance programs, including Medicare guidance through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
With iPads, Wi-Fi and mobile scanning capabilities, the unit will allow staff to perform all office-based tasks in the field, saving people time and eliminating travel barriers. The unit will also be outfitted to support mobile senior center activities, such as Seniors in the Park. The Move Mobile will foster collaboration with partner agencies and nonprofits, expanding access to additional programs.
Move Mobile will begin visiting communities across Frederick County in the coming months, with its first stop scheduled for Nov. 2 at Bell Court in Woodsboro. During this kickoff event, the Division of Aging and Independence Nutrition Program Nurse will conduct Meals on Wheels assessments with eligible applicants.
A full schedule of stops will be available on the Division of Aging and Independence’s website at frederickcountymd.gov/dai.
GROCERIES
(Continued from 6)
es. I enjoyed hummus with peppers, then hummus with bread when the peppers ran out. Grilled cheese sandwiches with fruit made frequent appearances.
Results
I ended up only slightly over budget. Groceries totaled $153, and I used about $35 worth of frozen meat and pantry staples — $188 total.
I ate well, though the portions were small. I was sometimes hungry and delayed eating until around noon so I wouldn’t be tempted to snack at night. Shedding pounds wasn’t the goal, but I now find myself back at my driver’s license weight.
If the goal was to understand what it’s like to feed myself solely on SNAP benefits, this experiment was a failure. I had too many advantages: time, tools, transportation and flexibility. But I did discover a few things.
Lessons learned
Red peppers are better raw, but I’ll stick with green when they’ll be cooked.
My mental arithmetic is still decent. Just like in my broke days, I could tally groceries in my head as I shopped, and the bill was usually within a dollar or two of my estimate.
The hardest part was avoiding outside food and drink. While running multiple errands I would bring along an apple or two. Buying even one small item on the go could blow the day’s budget.
I plan to keep that last habit. It’s thrifty, healthy
and convenient.
Living on a restricted grocery budget for 30 days didn’t give me a true taste of poverty, but it did sharpen my awareness. While it’s a relief to again shop without strict limits, I’m keeping in mind the best parts of the experiment: mindful planning, less waste, and a new appreciation for the versatile potato.
Karen Peacock is a writer and artist who lives in downtown Frederick. She turned 70 in May. Her column, Beginner’s Mind, explores the joy of trying new things.
(Continued from 8)
Original power couple
Brown lost his wife Ruth in 2023. They had been married for 68 years. Ruth Brown worked as a local teacher and coach and founded the Bernetta R. Brown Dance Troupe, named for their late daughter.
Brown credits Ruth as the person who kept him grounded. Together, they were a power couple to be reckoned with.
They both joined the NAACP and delighted in helping others solve problems. They didn’t always succeed but generally felt they made things a little better.
“I miss her a lot. We had a good life together. We were both Christians, and I just remember all the special things she did for the community and
family. She was the backbone of the family. If I came to her with something I wanted to do, she never turned me down. She always said, ‘Give me one good reason why you can’t do this?’ I could never come up with anything. I took care of her at the end. That left me with a very special feeling. It gave me the opportunity to show her how much I loved her.”
Laboring sons
Along with his passion for the Elks and his work at the Housing Authority, Brown was instrumental in the restoration of Laboring Sons Memorial Grounds on Chapel Alley between Fifth and Sixth streets. It was a Black cemetery when it was donated to Frederick in 1941. The city then converted the site
BROWN
Karen Peacock I started this project with a trip to Lidl on West Patrick Street.
Do you find it difficult to use a standard phone? Do people ask you to repeat yourself during telephone conversations? Do you miss important calls because you can’t hear the phone ring? The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program is here to help by giving Maryland residents the opportunity to apply for State-provided telecommunications equipment to independently make and receive calls. Once you qualify, a skilled evaluator meets with you to determine the best device to support your day-to-day communications. The MAT program has a variety of equipment solutions to support clearer communication, including:
• Amplified phones
• Tablets Ring signalers
• Phones with large and/or high contrast buttons Captioned Telephones
• And more
FALL CALENDAR
THURSDAY, Oct. 16
Government and politics
Mayoral Candidate Forum
6-7 p.m.
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ (ERUCC), 15 W. Church St., Frederick. The League of Women Voters of Frederick County is hosting candidate forums related to the Nov. 4 general election where residents of the city of Frederick will elect a mayor and city council members. The forum for mayoral candidates Michael O’Connor (D) and Tom Trott (R) will be held Oct. 16. Open to the public.
Contact: League of Women Voters of Frederick County, LWVofFC@gmail.com.
Frederick County Civil War Roundtable and Presentation
7-8:45 p.m.
National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick.
Author Scott Mingus will present “Railroads of the Gettysburg Campaign.” More than a dozen railroads in Virginia, Maryland and southern Pennsylvania played roles in the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign. These, of course, included the Gettysburg Railroad and its connecting partner, the Hanover Branch Railroad. Starting with the Battle of Brandy Station, discover how railroads influenced Confederate strategy, Union defensive tactics, and the impact on the civilian populace who relied on rail transportation. Free for members, $5 for non-members.
Contact: Gary L. Dyson, gldyson@comcast. net.
http://www.frederickcountycivilwarrt.org/
Sports
and recreation
Open Duckpin Bowling
1-3 p.m.
Walkersville Lanes, 44 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville.
Hosted by Senior Recreation Council. Not league bowling. Requires $10 annual dues. Cost is weekly cost of bowling. See website and contact coordinator.
7-10 p.m. weekends.The madness starts with a brief hayride into the darkness, then you’ll walk along a dimly lit trail through the woods that will lead you past haunted remnants of a previous time until you find your way back to the safety of the modern day. Go to kindredhills.com for details regarding dates and times, and to purchase tickets.
Contact: info@kindredhills.com, 240-3979825.
Cost: $30. http://kindredhills.com
Health
Exercise: Senior Recreation Council
8:55-10:10 a.m.
Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.
Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Requires $10 annual dues. See website and contact coordinator.
Disabled American Veteran Service Officer at Fort Detrick
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Porter Street, Fort Detrick.
The third Friday of each month by appointment only. The DAV Service Officer will be available to provide information and prepare VA claims to obtain VA benefits for service members, veterans, their spouse and dependents. Appointments can be made by calling DAV Service Officer, Ernie Unger 301842-2562, or (cell) 301-331-0091 or email michelobqt@yahoo.com.
Disabled American Veteran Service Officer at Fort Detrick
9:30-3 a.m.
VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Porter Street, Fort Detrick.
The third Friday of each month by appointment only. The DAV Service Officer will be available to provide information and prepare VA claims to obtain VA benefits for service members, veterans, their spouse and dependents. Appointments can be made by calling DAV Service Officer, Ernie Unger 301842-2562, or (cell) 301-331-0091 or email michelobqt@yahoo.com.
St. Joseph on Carrolton Manor, 5843 Manor Woods Road, Frederick.
A selection of gently used jewelry, household items and holiday goods, toys, and other treasures (no clothes). Clear-out sale on Oct. 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m. This event is part of St. Joseph’s annual Country Fair fundraiser.
Free Chair One Fitness Community Kickoff: Move to the Music
10:15-11 a.m.
William R. Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.
Chair One Fitness is designed to deliver a fun, musically driven, interactive, full-body workout that uplifts participants through dance and fitness moves. With energizing playlists from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s thru today’s hits, participants enjoy improving mobility and coordination perfect for anyone who can benefit from a seated workout. Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member and don’t forget your water!
Contact: Chair One Fitness w/Deirdre, deirdre_burriss@msn.com, 301-370-7470. http://Playfrederick.com
Conversation Class for English Language Learners
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
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. 18 and older.
Contact: Brunswick Branch Library, 301-6007250.
Family
Open House at Train Station/ Museum 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Train Station, 6 Creagerstown Road, Woodsboro.
Local historian Dahl Drenning will present a living history interpretation of the Civil War in Woodsboro. His publication of “Spies, Hostages, and Armies On The March” will be available for purchase. The publication includes the events of 1862, 1863 and 1864 as they affected the Woodsboro community. Also, view artifacts and photographs in the
restored train station.
Contact: Rick Bontz, rickbontz@yahoo.com, 301-520-7154.
http://woodsborohistoricalsociety.org
Celtic Harp Trio
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Middletown Branch Library , 31 E. Green St., Middletown.
Enjoy the musical stylings of the Celtic harp, flute and violin.
Kindred Hills, 8421 Ball Road, Frederick. 7-10 p.m. weekends.The madness starts with a brief hayride into the darkness, then you’ll walk along a dimly lit trail through the woods that will lead you past haunted remnants of a previous time until you find your way back to the safety of the modern day. Go to kindredhills.com for details regarding dates and times, and to purchase tickets. Contact: info@kindredhills.com, 240-3979825.
Cost: $30.
http://kindredhills.com
Other
Fall Freecycle Roundup
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
City of Frederick, 111 E. Airport Drive, Frederick.
This event offers City residents a free, environmentally responsible way to dispose of bulky or reusable household items. Accepted items include furniture, appliances, bikes, large toys and swing sets, mattresses and box springs (limit of 3 per household), lawn equipment, grills (no propane tanks). Charitable groups will be collecting clothing and accessories, books, CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes, electronics and computer equipment including TVs, plastics, furniture. Document shredding on-site. Open to City of Frederick residents only, proof of residency required. Contact: 301-600-1377 or 301-600-1178.
Friends of the Middletown Library Used Book Sale
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friends of the Middletown Library Sale Barn, 3223 Old National Pike, Middletown. Thousands of books sorted by category, still at great low prices! This year features a special section on Military History. Payment by cash, credit or Venmo. Sale barn is located at rear of property, gates to parking area open at 9:55 a.m. In case of excessive rain, sale will be postponed to Oct. 19. Free entry, all are welcome! Visit our Facebook page: Friends of the Middletown Library. Contact: Lexi Sassi, Friendsofmiddletownlibrary@gmail.com.
The Morton Arboretum via AP
This October 2014 image provided by The Morton Arboretum shows the colorful foliage of a sugar maple tree at the arboretum in Lisle, Ill. As the season progresses, the tree’s leaves progress from green to yellow to orange and, ultimately, brilliant red before dropping.
October Daze Bazaar
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Prospect United Methodist Church, 5923 Woodville Road, Mount Airy.
Fall and Christmas shop, vintage and handcrafted items, bake sale, Lunch specials of sandwiches, homemade soups, pies, beverages.
Contact: Prospect United Methodist Church, prospect.marvinchapel.umc@gmail.com, 301-829-9244.
Performing arts and music
Spires Brass Band presents Dance: The Fusion of Music & Motion
7:30-9:30 p.m.
JBK Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.
Another innovative concert is on offer by the award-winning Spires Brass Band. Kicking off our 31st season, October’s concert theme features dance of various styles and musical genres. The band will be joined by talented dance artists performing during several selections. Tickets now available in advance via EventBrite (search Spires Brass Band), or use the link via our website’s Concerts listing page.
Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company Big Country Breakfast Buffet
7:30-11 a.m.
Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company
Reception Hall, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy .
The buffet will feature scrambled eggs, smokes sausage, bacon, french toast, pancakes, biscuits, home fries, sausage & chipped beef gravies, baked apples, make your own waffle bar, coffee, orange juice, milk, tea and hot chocolate. $14 adults, $9 children ages 5-12 and children 5 & under are free with a paying adult. Cash or credit accepted.
Contact: Mary Alexander, 301-829-0100. http://www.mavfc.org
Other
Relics from Our Past: The Search for Civil War Artifacts 2-4 p.m.
Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick.
Join Wade Watson as he highlights items from his extensive collection of Civil War artifacts and describes how he went about collecting them from local Civil War battle sites. Following the presentation, you are invited to stay for a Q&A session and to explore the collection more closely. 18 and over.
Contact: Brunswick Branch Library, 301-6007250.
http://fcpl.org
MONDAY, Oct. 20
Classes workshops and lectures
Oncology Yoga
9-9:50 a.m.
Talley Recreation Center Fitness Room, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.
A specialized method rooted in both modern science and yogic tradition. Taught by a certified Oncology Yoga and Trauma Informed Instructor, Heather ONeill, y4C, E-RYT200, RYT500, Oncology Yoga is designed to support cancer patients and survivors through all stages of treatment and recovery with adapted poses that accommodate common side effects of fatigue, pain, neuropathy, bone loss and
lymphedema. Breathwork and mindfulness to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress. Movement sequences that improve lymphatic flow and cardiovascular circulation. An emphasis on safety, autonomy, community, compassion and trauma-informed guidance. Walk-in or preregister to reserve a space. 18 and older.
Men’s Club — Hosted by Frederick 50+ Community Center 9-11 a.m.
Wegmans, 7830 Wormans Mill Road, Frederick.
Join the guys for a coffee and lively conversation. Participants may purchase food and drinks from Wegmans. First-time participants need to complete an intake form at the Frederick 50+ Center, 1440 Taney Ave. or at https://frederickcountymd-seniorparticipation-senior.services.app.transform. civicplus.com/forms/32401
Contact: Frederick 50+ Community Center, virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-3525.
C. Burr Artz Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick.
This education session encourages death positivity. It promotes open discussion and acceptance of death as a natural part of life, rather than something to be feared or
FALL CALENDAR
avoided. This education session gives an overview of common tasks to complete related to a death and how those can be planned for in advance, including creating a will, making plans for what you would like to have happen to your body after death, funeral arrangements, and maintaining connection and support through storytelling.
Requires $10 annual dues. See website. As scheduled. Hikes offered April to June and September to October (weather permitting). For more advanced hikers. Maybe 5-7 miles in length on uneven ground and hills. Meeting locations vary. Contact coordinator. Contact: Ray Rother, crwords@verizon.net, 301-662-6315.
https://srcfrederick.org
Sports
and recreation
Basketball — Senior Recreation Council
7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Walkersville Recreation Center (Elementary School), 83 Frederick St., Walkersville.
Requires registration and $10 annual dues see website. Enter through gym doors on the right side of the school. Meets November through May.
Contact: Don Sherwood, donpsherwood@ gmail.com, 301-514-5866.
Cost: $2.
https://srcfrederick.org
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 22
Health
Exercise: Senior Recreation Council
8:55-10:10 a.m.
Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.
Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Requires $10 annual dues. See website and contact coordinator.
Walkersville Lanes, 44 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville.
Hosted by Senior Recreation Council. Not league bowling. Requires $10 annual dues. Cost is weekly cost of bowling. See website and contact coordinator.
7-10 p.m. weekends.The madness starts with a brief hayride into the darkness, then you’ll walk along a dimly lit trail through the woods that will lead you past haunted remnants of a previous time until you find your way back to the safety of the modern day. Go to kindredhills.com for details regarding dates and times, and to purchase tickets.
Contact: info@kindredhills.com, 240-3979825.
Cost: $30.
http://kindredhills.com
Health
Exercise: Senior Recreation Council
8:55-10:10 a.m.
Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.
Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Requires $10 annual dues. See website and contact coordinator.
Conversation Class for English Language Learners 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
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. 18 and older.
Contact: Brunswick Branch Library, 301600-7250.
Family
Kindred Hills Hayride and Haunted Trail 7-10 p.m.
Kindred Hills, 8421 Ball Road, Frederick. 7-10 p.m. weekends.The madness starts with a brief hayride into the darkness, then you’ll walk along a dimly lit trail through the woods that will lead you past haunted remnants of a previous time until you find your way back to the safety of the modern day. Go to kindredhills.com for details regarding dates and times, and to purchase tickets.
Contact: info@kindredhills.com, 240-3979825.
Cost: $30. http://kindredhills.com
Film
Scary Movie Night in the Park: “The Cabin in the Woods” (R) 8:30-10 p.m.
High Knob Overlook at Gambrill State Park, 8346 High Knob Road, Frederick. Attendees should bring water, bug repellent, chairs, and be prepared for terror. A group of kids go to a remote cabin in the woods where their fate is unknowingly controlled by technicians as part of a world-wide conspiracy where all horror movie clichés are revealed to be part of an elaborate sacrifice ritual.
Contact: James M Baker, baker89james@gmail.com, 301-8355501.
Other
Mount Airy CROP Hunger Walk 8:30-11 a.m.
Watkins Park, 615 Center St., Mount Airy.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 609 Center St., with a walk around Watkins Park starting at 9 a.m. Register on-site or online Donations can also be made online with 25% of all funds raised remaining in our community to support the assistance programs of Mt. Airy NET.
Contact: Prospect United Methodist Church, prospect.marvinchapel.umc@ gmail.com, 301-829-9244.
Frederick County Health Department, 350 Montevue Lane, Frederick.
Also at Maryland State Police, Frederick Barrack, 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick. This semi-annual drivethrough event offers Frederick County residents the opportunity to safely dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs and prevent medicine misuse or diversion. The event will also provide for the disposal of used or unused sharps including syringes, needles, lancets, and auto injectors. The following medications may be dropped off during the event: Prescription and over-the-counter medicines (in pill form only); prescription patches; pet medicines (in pill form only). Participants may dispose of their medicines in the original container and are encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label. Residential disposal only.
Contact: 301-600-1755.
http://health.frederickcountymd.gov/ OMPP
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
CLUES ACROSS
1. Difficult
5. Coarsely ground corn
9. There’s one for the “world”
11. Loved Romeo
13. Sticky situation
15. Pelvic areas
16. An informal debt instrument
17. Cannot be repaired surgically
19. A device attached to a workbench
21. Related on the mother’s side
22. Sound unit
23. __ Sagan, astronomer
25. Utah city
26. A disappointing effort
27. Steal goods during a riot
29. Wakes up
31. Hair salon service
33. Serenaded
34. Looked intensely
36. U.S. Air Force expert Robert F.
38. A type of cast
39. One’s duty
41. Where golfers begin
43. Make a mistake
44. Semitic sun god
46. Ancient Greek City
48. Having had the head cut off
52. A place to stay
53. Unwise
54. Most unnatural
56. Dennis is a notable one
57. Ointments
58. Students’ exam
59. Leaked blood CLUES DOWN
1. Difficult
5. Coarsely ground corn
9. There’s one for the “world” 11. Loved Romeo
13. Sticky situation
15. Pelvic areas
16. An informal debt instrument
17. Cannot be repaired surgically
19. A device attached to a workbench
21. Related on the mother’s side
22. Sound unit
23. __ Sagan, astronomer
25. Utah city
26. A disappointing effort
27. Steal goods during a riot
29. Wakes up
31. Hair salon service
33. Serenaded
34. Looked intensely
36. U.S. Air Force expert Robert F.
38. A type of cast
39. One’s duty
41. Where golfers begin
43. Make a mistake
44. Semitic sun god
46. Ancient Greek City
48. Having had the head cut off
52. A place to stay
53. Unwise
54. Most unnatural
56. Dennis is a notable one
57. Ointments
58. Students’ exam
59. Leaked blood
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works:
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Renewed Hope for Those Living with Neuropathy
Discover treatments designed to restore balance, reduce pain, and bring life back to your feet and hands.
Don’t Let Neuropathy Take Away Your Independence
Burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet or hands may seem like small annoyances at first but for many, they are early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy.
Left untreated, neuropathy doesn’t “ go away. ” It often worsens, leading to balance problems, frequent falls, and even the loss of the ability to drive or walk safely The result? A frightening loss of independence.
At Acupuncture Medical Clinic of Maryland, the focus goes beyond masking symptoms Their treatments aim to address the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy, providing more lasting relief and hope for patients who often feel out of options
Too often, patients are told by doctors: “There’s nothing we can do,” or “It’s just a part of aging ” In conventional medicine, the options usually involve prescriptions that only mask pain while creating new side effects
At Acupuncture Medical Clinic of Maryland (AMC), the focus is different Their treatments target the root of neuropathy, helping patients regain balance, reduce pain, and get back to living life with confidence
Patients are now sleeping better, walking steadier, and returning to activities they thought they had lost for good. There is hope you don’t have to accept a future limited by neuropathy.
At Acupuncture Medical Clinic of Maryland, their proven medical approach has achieved an 89% success rate in reducing pain, restoring balance, and improving overall quality of life. Patients who once struggled with daily activities are now finding real relief and renewed independence.
Tricia P., 68, had spent years waking in severe pain and starting each day unable to feel her feet. After treatment at AMC, she now enjoys her morning walks again, has regained her confidence, and finally sleeps soundly through the night.
Norman L was told his pain would fade only as numbness spread. Soon he was shuffling, fearful of falling, and even gave up driving. Following care at AMC, he now walks steadily and drives confidently, reclaiming the freedom he thought was gone for good.
Pamela, who suffers from neuropathy with no known cause, explained that the team at Acupuncture Medical Clinic of Maryland gave her hope when she had nearly given up After a personaliz ed treatment plan, her pain decreased, and for the f irst time she felt she was truly healing not just managing symptoms.
Smithsburg resident, John, shared a similar experience. Initially skeptical, he now reports more feeling in his hands and feet, along with remarkable relief from constant discomfort changes that have transfor med his daily life.
Their Solution?
Treat the Source, Not Just the Symptoms
If pain, numbness, or loss of independence is holding you back, there’s no reason to wait.
A key part of this approach is ATP Resonance BioTherapy® a noninvasive treatment that uses carefully designed frequencies to stimulate cellular repair and restore the body’s natural energy production (ATP). This process plays a critical role in nerve health and overall cellular function. For many patients, the therapy helps reactivate damaged nerves, reduce inflammation, and ease chronic pain often when conventional methods have fallen short.
The result?
A renewed opportunity to walk, drive, and live with greater comfort, conf idence, and independence
Book a complimentary consultation with AMCAcupuncture Medical Clinic of Maryland to learn how their approach is changing lives - and how it could change yours.
