Prime Time Spring 2026

Prime Time SPRING 2026

F R E D E R I C K

I hate to backpack!

The saga of a once-hesitant Appalachian Trail day-hiker

The The Frederick Frederick News-Post News-Post

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On the cover: Don DeArmon begins his final day on the Appalachian Trail in Maine.

Courtesy of Don DeArmon

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 3

PEOPLE

I hate to backpack!

The saga of an Appalachian Trail day-hiker

I

BY DON DeARMON SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

hate to backpack.

Since I’ve backpacked over 1,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail with a backpacking buddy, Ted Gregory, that may sound absurd.

The Frederick News-Post has chronicled a number of our trips together: through the Virginia Highlands, through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and through the 100-Mile Wilderness of Maine.

Certainly there were many times backpacking along the AT with Ted when I reveled in having everything I needed to survive in the wilderness — shelter, food, water, clothing — in a pack on my back. We had some great experiences.

But backpacking also meant long, uncomfortable, sweaty miles when I was lugging a too-heavy pack just to face a sleepless night crammed into an AT shelter with a horde of smelly and snoring fellow hikers.

Wasn’t there an easier way to hike the Appalachian Trail?

Well yes, there was, because I also hiked over 1,100 miles of the AT as a day-hiker. I’d start at one trailhead with a small daypack, sustain a comfortable pace over the course of the day, then leave the trail for the comforts of an inn or motel, a hot shower, and a solid meal prepared by someone other than me.

Much has been made since the popularity of Bill Bryson’s book, “A Walk in the Woods,” about the remarkable “thru-hikers” — the backpackers, predominantly young

people, who undertake the entire 2,192-mile AT in a single year. About 2,500 start out each year — 75% in Georgia and hiking north to Maine — and close to 700 finish the entire trail.

Then there are the “section hikers” like Ted and me (also affectionately known as LASHers — “long-assed, section hikers”), who backpack or day-

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Photos courtesy of Don DeArmon

Don DeArmon crosses a stream in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness.

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

hike the AT in segments over a period of years.

My love affair with the AT predated Bryson’s book because a fellow Eagle Scout and I backpacked 300 miles of the AT from Maryland, through Pennsylvania and New Jersey, to New York in 1970 when I was 15. Our destination had been Maine, but a

leg injury to my buddy truncated our plans. At that time, the term “thruhiker” did not exist; fewer than 100 “end to enders” (as they were known) had completed the entire trail. Ever.

Living in Frederick, we’re all within a half-hour of the trail, so my family and I enjoyed short hikes on Maryland’s 42 miles of the AT as my

four children grew up.

Backpacking? No thanks. I’d given that up after college.

That is, until neighbor Ted lured me into a couple of backpacking weekends in Shenandoah National Park in 2011 soon after I’d turned 56. Little did I know those trips would set off a decade-long journey to hike the entire AT. Unlike myself, Ted has always been a committed backpacker, enjoying aspects of backpacking that I consider annoying, such as setting up camp and cooking. I always ate cold food when we backpacked, leaving a stove and cooking accoutrements behind.

But Ted (despite our occasional political differences) was a good hiking companion, so I compromised and became a reluctant backpacker.

We became official LASHers and started planning outings that jumped Don DeArmon near Kinsman Notch, New Hampshire around the 14 states that the AT passes my AT total. As my miles grew — both often alerts me to their approach. I through.

First, we completed a 75-mile section from day-hiking and backpacking sometimes used a single hiking pole like with Ted — I realized I was in reach of a staff. Even carrying abundant water, of the highlands of southwestern completing the entire AT. Virginia. Then we backpacked two my day pack didn’t break 10 pounds.

Day-hiking for me was more 50-mile sections of New York. We Some worrywarts would probably completed the 75 miles of Great Smoky enjoyable than backpacking. By warn me I should have carried the carrying less, I could hike more miles Mountains National Park. means to bivouac overnight. An After careful planning, we hiked the comfortably than I could backpacking. emergency shelter. Extra food. A Being able to sleep well at night and eat headlamp in case I got caught in the 100-Mile Wilderness in Maine and a nice meal left me far more refreshed the final 15 miles of the AT to Mt. woods after dark. But since my dayKatahdin, the AT’s northern terminus. than undertaking those chores at a hiking trips were always confined to That delightful trip required nine major shelter or tent site. the summer or early fall, I had plenty I could dress for a single day’s stream crossings. of sunlight. And I planned each day weather and leave surplus clothes New Hampshire’s tough White leaving an extra margin of safety Mountains took a toll; as we aged well behind. My hiking garb was usually precisely to avoid an unexpected just nylon shorts and a T-shirt. I hiked into our 60s, it took us three different overnight. After all, I was hiking for fun, in Keen low-top hiking shoes and wool not to worry! summers to navigate a 101-mile socks. stretch.

The logistics of day-hiking did My daypack contained a light require careful planning. Trailheads The joy of day-hiking rain jacket, some first aid essentials and road crossings didn’t always line Meanwhile, I started to connect in a small plastic bag, toilet paper, a up neatly with the 12 to 18 miles some of our backpacking miles sandwich, and snacks, such as nutrition I preferred to walk in a day. That together with sections of the AT I bars, or nuts and M&Ms. I took a cell meant an occasional, uncomfortable, completed by day-hiking. I also hopped phone along but I kept it turned off; 20-plus-mile day (26 miles was my around: Tennessee, North Carolina, I took photos with a point-and-shoot longest). I also had to plan nightly Connecticut, Massachusetts — adding camera. Thru-hikers use trekking lodging, which might require an extra 50 to 100 miles each year to poles; their clicking on the rocky trail changing accommodations as I

progressed north or south.

Arranging to get to trailheads in the morning and get off trail again at night also took some doing. I used a variety of methods, including family members, hitchhiking, and paid shuttle drivers.

Finding my starting points where the AT crossed local roads was often a challenge. That’s where local shuttle drivers, despite their cost, could be handy. I especially relied on them in North Carolina and Maine. My wonderful wife staged me for nearly all of Vermont — dutifully dropping me in the morning and retrieving me in the evening — while tending to our daughter and new grandson during the day. Two of my adult children spent a week staging me while I finished up the southern end of the trail in North Carolina and Georgia.

I also hitchhiked a fair amount. My “trail name” — “Hitchhiker” — was suggested by Richard Griffin during an early backpacking trip when I regaled him with stories of my teenage crosscountry hitchhiking exploits. (Most long-haul AT hikers take on a “trail name” to characterize their wilderness persona. The name is usually conferred on them by fellow hikers.)

In completing the AT, I very much earned my trail name. I put Shenandoah National Park’s 101 miles under my belt by parking my car along Skyline Drive, hitchhiking to my starting point, then hiking 15 to 18 miles back to my car. On another trip, I took an overnight Amtrak to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and hitchhiked 135 miles to Bryson City, North Carolina, to begin a week’s worth of day-hikes. (I rented a car to get home.)

In fact, even though Ted and I generally rely on shuttle drivers, we have hitchhiked on a number of occasions, most recently in Connecticut in November 2024. On two occasions — once in Virginia and once in New (See HIKING 14)

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 5

LIVING

From white collar to blue collar

Working in retirement

I

BY GARY BENNETT SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

’ve gained a new appreciation for blue-collar workers ever since becoming one myself. Retirement has a way of opening your eyes that way.

It’s not that I didn’t appreciate what they do. I’ve heartily thanked the folks who come to my home and make my life better — electricians, plumbers, HVAC workers, carpenters, exterminators and painters. I’ve marveled at how quickly construction workers can raise up buildings. I’ve admired the grace and dexterity of heavy equipment operators. I’ve respected from afar the work of warehouse workers, baggage handlers, truck drivers, store clerks and more.

It’s just that I’ve always told myself that I’m perhaps a little smarter and planned ahead a little better than they did, especially when I see Metro them toiling away in the elements, Many people retire — and then choose to work. And there are many reasons for this. in someone else’s home or in a retail environment. You can call me naïve an empty slate. I knew I wanted to all retirees work part- or full-time in or arrogant for feeling this way, but eventually continue working in some retirement. For new retirees — those I did. capacity. It’s not that I necessarily mostly in their 60s like me — the The truth is, however, I secretly needed the money — of course every percentage rises to about 33%. admired and was always intrigued little bit helps — but I wanted to make In the future, it is estimated that by them. sure I was busy and filled my days with the number of Gen X and Millennial What are their days like, I won- meaningful tasks. retirees continuing to work will begin dered? Does the physical work and I suppose if I had a hobby I wanted to approach 50%. Or as my 40-yearfresh air make them healthier than to pursue with a vengeance or an aging old son recently told me, “I don’t think me? Is their hands-on work more parent I needed to take care of, I would I’ll ever be able to retire.” meaningful than my more esoteric have done those things. But that wasn’t It’s no wonder. Today, the workingwork? Do they get paid better than the case for me. in-retirement trend is driven largely me? Would I have the stamina to do For me, a fun, part-time job seemed by financial necessity. Social Security like just the ticket for a happy and is not enough to get by on, and many the work they do every day?

It wouldn’t take me long to find healthy retirement. I’m not alone. folks spend every cent just surviving. the answers.

They are unable to save for retirement.

When I retired from my white- Why work in retirement?

But even if they have the money, collar career in 2020, I suddenly had According to AARP, 20% to 25% of retirees have other good reasons to

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continue working. Many want to maintain good emotional and social connections. Others wish to continue feeling useful. Still others want to keep exercising their brains to help ward off mental dysfunction.

I was able to retire early from my high-pressure, white-collar job at age 62. I had a decent 401(k), a paid-off home and good health. I was OK with taking minimum Social Security.

So, as a brand-new retiree, I began doing interesting things that filled my hours. I exercised in earnest, volunteered all around town, provided regular childcare for grandchildren and began writing. I even did a little traveling like new retirees are supposed to do. But for me, it still wasn’t enough.

After about six months, I started to get the bug to work again.

I knew I didn’t want to continue in my chosen field, but I also knew I wanted to keep active and contribute to society in some meaningful way.

Like a lot of older Americans, I see retirement as a flexible phase to do all those things I always wanted to do. To me, that meant a new job, albeit a fun and part-time one.

I had fantasies about what it would be like to work a blue-collar job that paid reasonably well but didn’t incur much stress or come with mountains of homework. To me, the folks working blue-collar jobs seemed happy and knew what they had accomplished at the end of the day. For me in my marketing and communications job with its demanding and high-powered clients? Not so much.

I didn’t have the stamina or mechanical ability to be a plumber, electrician, or construction worker. But I could (See JOBS 20)

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 7

PEOPLE

How a 1994 screenwriter’s letter sparked a 30-year family mystery

I

BY J.D. VALDEPENAS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

f anyone was going to tell the story of the Kuehn family, it was going to be their descendant residing in the suburbs of Kensington: Christine.

Emily Burkhard Christine Kuehn, author of “Family of Christine Kuehn Spies: A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History affair with Ruth, which ended when he Behind Pearl Harbor,” will participate in discovered that Ruth was half Jewish — an author talk June 1 at the Frederick 50+ leading to the Kuehn family being sent to Community Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Hawaii to work as spies, where Eberhard Frederick. The talk will run around 45 spent his early years. minutes with a 15-minute Q&A session. “[When he was 16] my dad walked Kuehn’s 30-year journey began in away from his family [and] didn’t go 1994 when she received a letter from a screenwriter working on a World War II Courtesy photo back to Germany,” Kuehn said. After the family was arrested for espionage, movie, inquiring about her family and Otto and Friedel aboard the SS Stuttgart shortly after leaving the family behind in Eberhard was sent to an internment their connections to the espionage activGermany on their way to the United States in 1935. They would stop in New York, camp separate from his mother, Friedel, ity culminating in the bombing of Pearl California, and Oahu before making their way to Japan to meet with their espionage and sister, while his father was in prison.

Harbor. Before the letter arrived, Kuehn contacts.

Growing up vehemently opposed to the was living a peaceful life in the suburbs.

Kuehn’s goal throughout the project and his brother Leopold went to listen to Nazi party, Eberhard eventually cut off She had a career spanning journalism, contact with his mother and refused to Hitler and joined the Nazi party.” public relations and the nonprofit sector. was to answer the question of whether her grandfather — Bernard Julius Otto Early in the research process, Kuehn return to Germany despite requests from She had three children and two family his siblings. and her husband, Mark, visited bookdogs named Nase and Scheu — names Kuehn, known simply as Otto — who Throughout the book, two timelines chosen as a nod to her father Eberhard’s would become the only person convicted stores searching for information about German heritage. In an excerpt from her for the Pearl Harbor attack, was truly her grandfather. At first, the only sources run in parallel: Kuehn discovering the extent of her family’s involvement, and book, Kuehn writes that her father “loved guilty or not. they found were highly exaggerated Otto’s rise and fall from struggling to tell stories” but would only speak of his “It was a march to the truth,” Kuehn stories falsely claiming that Kuehn’s businessman to full-fledged Nazi spy to said of her journey. “I just [knew] I want- grandfather and aunt Ruth had led the past in short, vague sentences. enemy of the American people.

When Kuehn first called her father attack themselves.

When she reached out ed to be able to prove or disprove that “History is a lost art. It’s important to upon receiving the letter, he denied that my grandfather was involved and that’s to family members, Kuehn’s requests they were the Kuehn family in question. where we started from. How did he get were frequently shut down, especially by understand why things came to happen,” Kuehn said. “Young people need to About 15 minutes later, he called her there? What was his story that got him to Ruth. understand history and if they didn’t back and admitted the family did indeed that point?”

“The first time I ever met her was in have past ties to the Nazi party.

1987, [when] I was right out of college. know it, they need to go back and re“The stock market crash [of 1929] “My dad didn’t talk much about his caused a depression in Europe. Germany My aunt Ruth wouldn’t talk to me about learn it.” family. [He] always sugarcoated the past had a lot of taxes to pay in retribution it. She told me, ‘You have a good life.

J.D. Valdepenas is a senior at Pace until we confronted each other,” Kuehn [for World War I]. The Treaty of Versailles Don’t ask me any questions about your University majoring in English language said. “This was a family secret. All these shackled Germany. Hitler and the Nazi grandfather, about Germany, about and literature. Along with writing about people didn’t want this next generation party took advantage of the stock market Pearl Harbor.’ She would ghost me for arts, culture and entertainment, she studof Kuehns to really know what the family depression,” Kuehn said, providing months,” Kuehn said. ied classical and medieval literature and had gone through.”

Joseph Goebbels had engaged in an historical context. “My grandfather Otto Shakespearean drama.

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• Philosophy & Exploration

• Home & Hobby

• Science & Nature

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 9

TRAVEL

Monkeys and much more

Seven days in Panama

BY KAREN PEACOCK SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

W

hat’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Panama? Probably the canal.

I was fortunate to spend a week visiting friends who had escaped the winter for a month at a Panamanian resort. My bedroom overlooked a rainforest, while other windows framed the ocean, where distant ships waited for their turn to enter the canal.

Cynthia and Russ had already visited it and weren’t eager to return. Engineering isn’t exactly my passion, so I skipped touring the canal. There were plenty of other Capuchin monkeys can be seen during things to do. the Monkey Adventure tour.

As a child, my favorite exhibit at the Jackson, Mississipi, zoo was Monkey Isright onto our boat to snatch strawberries. land. Surrounded by a moat, it featured We saw many capuchins, and one even spider monkeys climbing over rocks and a climbed aboard to inspect us before leapminiature village. There might have been a ing away. castle. I was enchanted and longed to see The next day we met up with one of Cynthia’s childhood friends who took us monkeys in the wild someday.

In Panama, that dream finally came to the Punta Culebra Nature Center, opertrue. Because my friends had taken a wildated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research life tour the previous week with visiting Institute. There, I encountered even more family, I ventured out on my own. An inunfamiliar creatures: jewel-like (and poiternet search led to a four-hour excursion sonous) frogs, iguanas roaming the paths, with Monkey Adventures for $79. A small and a colorful butterfly garden. A small price to pay for a long-time desire. darkened aquarium displayed exotic sea life, some resembling plants, while nurse I was expecting a bus tour, but the experience turned out to be on a smaller, sharks swam in an outdoor pool. Best of friendlier scale. Our group was just the all were the adorable sloths lounging in a driver, a young couple, and me. We drove tree, lazily munching mangoes.

Photos by Karen Peacock After all that walking, we were also ready

by Panama City, passing a skyline dotted Casco Antiguo is full of lovely colonial buildings. to do some munching. At a charming wawith cranes and futuristic buildings.

As we neared the dock, a swirl of elec- tances, guiding us into coves where we saw ter view restaurant, each of us ordered a Along the way, the driver pointed out ships waiting to enter the canal that were tric-blue butterflies by the road offered a birds, butterflies, a colony of insect-sized huge and flavorful whole fish with cilantro bats, and a baby crocodile. sauce. much closer than the silhouettes I’d seen hint of the wonders to come. from the condo.We also passed the Ciudad The four of us soon climbed into a small Panamanian food impressed me Of course, the monkeys were the main del Saber (City of Knowledge), a former motorboat, and the captain sped across feature. They were everywhere and bold- throughout the trip, especially carimañomilitary base transformed into a campus Gatun Lake. The ride was exhilarating and er than I expected. The howler monkeys’ las (stuffed yuca fritters) and ropa vieja. that included tech companies, nonprofits, I found myself laughing out loud. He had eerie cries echoed through the trees. Ac- Thanks to my fondness for that slowand academic programs. a talent for spotting wildlife at great dis- customed to human visitors, one swung cooked shredded beef, I ate more meat 10 | SPRING 2026

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in one week than I usually do in a month.

While dining at the family-owned El Trapiche, we enjoyed an array of time-honored dishes along with traditional live music and dance. I had admired polleras — intricately embroidered dresses often passed down through generations — in shops. Seeing them worn and in motion brought them to life. That night was one of the trip’s highlights.

We also enjoyed meals in Casco Antiguo, the historic 17th-century district of Panama City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before I arrived, Cynthia and Russ had discovered the Hotel La Compañía, a beautifully restored former Jesuit residence. They loved the food and ambience there so much that they returned with me. I’m grateful they did. I wouldn’t have thought to visit a hotel restaurant on my own.

The hotel is divided into three wings reflecting Panama’s history: Spanish, French, and American. We ended up eating there twice. El Santuario offered a dramatic, church-like setting along with Panamanian and international dishes, while the French-inspired Bistro 1739 served one of my favorite dishes of the trip: crispy eggplant topped with creamy baba ghanoush.

Casco Antiguo offered more than just dining. We wandered its streets for hours, taking in the architecture, historic sites, art galleries, and shops. My favorite shopping experience was outdoors where I bought molas (colorful appliquéd textiles) directly from the Guna women who sewed them.

During my time in Panama, even everyday errands were enjoyable. In the downtown neighborhood where Cynthia lived for a while, we stopped at Gran Morrison, a variety store where she used to buy art and school supplies. Packed with a little of everything, it reminded me of the Woolworth’s from my own childhood.We never found her family’s old apartment, but it was comforting to see that the store still serves a new generation of students.

Karen Peacock is a writer and artist who lives in downtown Frederick. She turned 70 in 2025. Her column, Beginner’s Mind, explores the joy of trying new things.

Intricately embroidered Polleras are often inherited.

You can buy colorful clothing directly from the Guna women who sewed them.

Sloths can be found at the Punta Culebra Nature center.

Casco Antiguo has a busy outdoor market.

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 11

Resource & 5th Senior Education Fair Annual

Presented by SOAR in partnership with Aging Network Alliance & Frederick Community College Co-Sponsored by The Frederick News-Post & Frederick County Division of Aging & Independence

In recognition of Older Americans Month, we are pleased to host this FREE event open to seniors, family members, caregivers and professionals.

• 10am-11am: Visit with senior services professionals • 11am: Keynote speaker • 11:30am: Lunch will be served 10 • 11:30am-1pm: Visit with senior services professionals

y Th u r s d a 0 2 6 2 M a y 2 8-, 1 p m 10am

No Registration is Required!

Frederick Community College Athletic Center 7932 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, MD 21702

F ree!

FREE lunch for the first 400 senior attendees.

Lunch is provided by Honey baked ham.

Lunch is sponsored by The Division of Aging & Independence.

Door Prizes!

Keynote speaker Mary Rolle Register of Wills 70 exhibitors ASL/Deaf Interpreters will be on-site

Plenty of handicap parking for ease of access Frederick County Sheriff’s Office will be

offering information on SCAMS For more information or questions, please contact SOAR SeniorFair@soarfrederick.org • www.soarfrederick.org 12 | SPRING 2026

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 13

HIKING (Continued from 5)

Hampshire — we hitchhiked 50 miles together to get back to our car after completing backpacking trips. Along the AT, hitchhiking is common as thruhikers head to nearby towns to resupply or take a “zero” (a day off).

Day-hiking over a period of time can be expensive, but I’m fortunate to have the wherewithal to pay for comfortable motels, restaurant meals, and the shuttle rides. A New England trip where I hiked 186 miles over three weeks cost about $3,000.

The at experience The irony of hiking the Appalachian Trail is that every hiker’s goal is to have a wilderness experience, yet we all come home talking about the people we met.

I crossed paths with military veterans Photo courtesy of Don DeArmon suffering from PTSD and using the AT Don DeArmon navigates a muddy section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. for therapy; youth groups, including sets of freshmen college students out nagged by horseflies, black flies, seeing another hiker. That’s unusual, for a bonding experience; families cicadas, mosquitoes and gnats — lots but a few hours alone is not. with kids, sometimes residing in baby of gnats.

One of the novel ways I occupied backpacks; hikers from many U.S. I’ve fallen many times. Scraped the sometimes long hours was to states and foreign countries; more dog knees, turned ankles, gotten sunburned, memorize and then recite poetry aloud. owners and dogs than I preferred to chafed.

My physical pacing seemed to help encounter on the trail. (Descending I’ve gotten very thirsty, very hungry, me memorize. I found the rhyme and challenging Mt. Moosilauke in very tired, very wet, very muddy. (They meter of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow New Hampshire, I passed a woman say that “mud season” in Vermont ends and Robert Service to be particularly ascending it with six dogs on leashes.

by June; it doesn’t.) I’ve been very engaging. Edwin Arlington Robinson, “Why six?” I naively asked. “It just sort cold, very hot, very dirty. Sweaty is an Tennyson,Yeats, Paul Laurence of happened. I used to have seven,” was AT constant no matter the season or Dunbar, Frost and Poe were some of the reply.) weather. the great poets that kept me company.

And I encountered thru-hikers So hiking the AT was not without One of Shakespeare’s sonnets seemed almost every day. I usually hiked my annoyances. to have been penned just for AT hikers: segments from north to south in order Yet hiking under luxurious forest “Weary with toil, I haste me to my to run into them coming the opposite canopy, or through rhododendron bed, direction. Completing my last miles in thickets, or viewing the vistas across The dear repose for limbs by travel Maine, I ran into 15 to 25 thru-hikers open mountain “balds,” or climbing tired …” a day. In order to avoid slowing them up and down rock-faced mountain I enjoyed accumulating AT miles, down, I developed a method of quickly paths, was a thrilling venture. I relished but as I entered my late 60s, I felt some congratulating them and asking their the physicality of hiking the AT. At urgency to step up my pace if I was trail names. Some visited for a minute the end of each day, I was beat. But truly going to complete the AT. I was or two; others blew past with a quick the weariness was tempered by the well aware that any knee or hip injury hello or nary a word. (Women, who gratification of having earned my miles or the like could end my hiking days. I comprised about one-third of the thru- and experienced another section of the logged 156 more miles in 2019. Then hikers I encountered, were as a rule AT. COVID-19 hit and wiped out any outmore friendly than the men.)

Hiking the AT always made me feel of-state, day-hiking trips during 2020. I But the wilderness experience was alive. still had 265 miles left to go, all in New always at hand. I’ve seen bears (seven in Exhilarating? Yes. But the AT can also England. one three-day weekend in Shenandoah be extremely boring. While day-hiking, I hit the AT again in 2021 with National Park), snakes, foxes, boars, I missed being able to chat with Ted. a vengeance, hiking 43 miles in turkeys, even a porcupine. I’ve been I’ve walked as long as six hours without Vermont and 69 miles in western New 14 | SPRING 2026

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Hampshire to finish those states, then flipping to Monson, Maine and hiking 54 miles south. But with 99 miles to go, I faltered.

I telephoned Ted, and he flew up to meet me in Maine. I slapped on a backpack so we could navigate together a notorious stretch of the AT — Mahoosuc Notch — said to be the hardest, or most fun, but certainly the slowest stretch of the entire trail, with its mile-long obstacle course of enormous boulders. We had a great time (even though we were backpacking!).

But when we drove back to Maryland, I still had 79 miles to go. I didn’t know whether I could stomach another trip to Maine. I’d hiked over 2,100 miles already. Did I really need to finish? (Bill Bryson never did.)

The last 79 miles Only because of Ted’s urging — “You’re so close; you’ve got to do it!” — did I undertake one last day-hiking trip to Maine in 2021. However, I quickly discovered I’d left perhaps the most challenging section of the entire AT — based on the total elevation climbed and descended — for my final miles.

Even though I had my car, my insistence on day-hiking required, in some cases, shuttle rides that took two hours and cost over $100. Several of the trailheads were down unmarked logging roads. Getting to one segment required a half-hour hike-in along an old forest road just to reach the AT. Still, I considered it time and money well-spent because I’d have never located the AT crossings without the local shuttle drivers. And as a result, I undertook seven terrific hikes, ate satisfying dinners, slept well at night, and made steady progress.

My remaining miles counted down each day, but I never assumed victory until the very end. As I climbed and descended a number of 4,000foot peaks — Crocker, Spaulding, Saddleback, Bemis, Wyman Mountains — there were just so many places where a single misstep could spell disaster for my 66-year-old legs, in the form of a twisted ankle or worse. Each day was demanding. I was hiking (and climbing) 10 to 13 miles daily, and it was taking

anywhere from six to nine hours.

(Earlier in the summer, I’d breakfasted at a hostel with a father and son thru-hiking pair from North Carolina; the 65-year-old father broke his leg later in the day on a section of mountainous trail I’d already climbed through. Carrying him out of the remote area took a crew of 35 first responders and volunteers over nine hours.)

The day I hiked over Saddleback Mountain, I was hit by a thunderstorm that required me to take cover as best I could in the middle of the rocky summit area. Thoroughly soaked and fearing hypothermia on what had been a hot day, I started up again only to slip and fall several times on the steep, rocky descent. Then I came face to face with the back end of an enormous, antlered moose!

A wet, dismal afternoon lay ahead, but my spirits were lifted when I ran into a former Maine legislator — a cancer survivor — who had also been pummeled by the storm. She and I chatted away the wet afternoon,

relieved to reach our cars about three hours later.

Finally, the last day arrived. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2021, after checking out of my lodging, positioning my car, and getting a shuttle ride back to my starting point, I started out with a McDonald’s Diet Coke in one hand, my hiking pole in the other, and two helium balloons (which I’d picked up at a dollar store) tied to my daypack. One balloon was a yellow smiley face; the other said “Congratulations.” I didn’t want anyone passing me to somehow miss that I was about to complete the AT. My balloons had the desired effect: Most hikers I crossed paths with were curious about the flapping helium-filled foil and offered congratulations. Atop aptly-named Baldpate, two middle-aged couples from Colorado spontaneously thrust their trekking poles into two overhead V’s for me to walk under when I told them it was my last day. For the first time, I teared up as I pondered my looming

accomplishment. Two hours later, I popped out of the woods at Grafton Notch State Park having walked every mile of the Appalachian Trail.

Certainly I was pleased. But as I savored the day and thought of all the other outstanding days on the AT, I understood why some thru-hikers end up hiking the AT more than once. “It grips you like some kinds of sinning,” wrote Robert Service about the Klondike. I’ve always had a similar sentiment about the AT.

I smile when I think of my 11-year journey. Because I know I will be back on the AT again soon.

A version of this article was previously published in A.T. Journeys, the member magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Don DeArmon is a freelance writer, now retired from a career on Capitol Hill and living in Frederick. His favorite AT hike in Maryland is from Reno Monument to Washington Monument State Park.

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SPRING CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, April 29

https://veteranservicescenter.org/events/

Health

Therapy with Art 6-7 p.m.

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.

Contact: Sally, sallywselby@gmail.com, 301906-1296.

https://veteranservicescenter.org/events/

https://srcfrederick.org

Other

Wellness Wednesdays by Reforge 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd, Suite A, Frederick.

Every Wednesday. Free to Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, First Responders, LEO, and family members.

Services differ each week, so check the webpage for a list of services available. RSVP. Contact: Ashley, essentialhopedealer@gmail. com.

Bridge Wednesday: Senior Recreation Council 1-4 p.m.

Scott Key Center, 1050 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website.

Contact coordinator to reserve seat. Email meliz1950@gmail.com.

Contact: Betty Mayfield, meliz1950@gmail. com.

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experienced gardeners alike. 18 and older.

Sports and recreation

Contact: Urbana Regional Library, 301-6007000.

Softball — Senior Recreation Council

http://fcpl.org

6 p.m.

Pinecliff Park, 8350 Pinecliff Park Road, Frederick.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website. AprilVeterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., September. Practice at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Games at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Associated activity Suite A, Frederick. costs. Contact coordinator. Activity is open to Facilitated by Disabled Veteran Marine Cpl. women over 40 and men over 50.

Derek Miller. FREE for Active Duty, National Contact: Adrian Winpigler, 301-662-6623.

Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, https://srcfrederick.org Law Enforcement & First Responders.

Wednesdays through July 1.

Contact: Veterans Service Center, info@ veteranservicescenter.org.

Cost: $2.

https://srcfrederick.org

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THURSDAY, April 30

Classes workshops and lectures Intro to Soil: A Community Workshop 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick.

Join Greg Susla, Master Gardener with University of Maryland’s Extension Center, for an engaging presentation, discussing soil’s formation, profile and function. The program will also address commonly found soil types in Frederick County and provide handson experience for testing your soil before gardening or plantings. Perfect for new and

”When The President Passed This Way” Fourth Annual Lecture 7:30 p.m.

Woodsboro Lutheran Church, 101 S. Main St., Woodsboro.

Retired history teacher Dahl Drenning will share his years of research on the subject of George Washington’s 1791 tour of the original 13 states as it passed through Montgomery and Frederick counties, Maryland, and York and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania. Dahl will lay out Washington’s itinerary in the Woodsboro area, and tell the stories, both fact and fiction, of these early days in our country’s history.

Contact: Rick Bontz, rickbontz@yahoo.com, 301-520-7154. http://woodsborohistoricalsociety.org

Other Senior Cafe: The place to come for coffee, conversation, friendship and fun events! Tales for my Grandchildren/Make a Memory Journal 10-11 a.m.

Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville.

Join Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing Alba Sarria as she helps us make a memory journal, tales for your grandchildren or family.

Bring along photos, trinkets or anything else you’d like to incorporate into the journal. 18 and older.

Contact: Walkersville Branch Library, 301-6008200.

Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website and contact coordinator.

will be provided one-on-one assistance for the preparation or review of your advance directive. This event is sponsored by the Frederick Pro Bono Committee and the Frederick Bar Association.

Cost: $2.

Contact: Frederick 50+ (Senior) Center, virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-6042.

Contact: Sally, sallywselby@gmail.com, 301906-1296. https://srcfrederick.org

http://www.fcpl.org

Other

Sports and recreation

Law Day: Advanced Medical Directives Prepared at No Cost!

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.

8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Schedule a free appointment with an attorney at one of the Frederick County 50+ Community Centers: Brunswick, 301-8348115; Emmitsburg, 301-600-6350; Frederick, 301-600-1234; Middletown, 301-600-3613; or Urbana, 301-600-7020. Sponsored by the Maryland Bar Association of Frederick County and the Division of Aging and Independence.

Contact: Gerald Blessing, g.blessing@ieee.org, Contact: Kitty Devilbiss, DAI@ 240-651-1865.

FrederickCountyMD.gov, 301-600-1234. https://srcfrederick.org/ http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/dai

FRIDAY, May 1 Health Exercise: Senior Recreation Council 8:55-10:10 a.m.

Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.

Law Day: Advance Directives Preparation/Review at All Frederick County 50+ Community Centers 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

In a medical emergency you may not be able to convey your preferences for care. Having an advance directive lets your health care team and family know what you want. You

9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Baker Park Bocce courts, Frederick.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website for details.

Contact: Terri Baker, cyclechick54@outlook. com, 301-508-0283. https://srcfrederick.org

https://frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers

Softball — Senior Recreation Council 6 p.m.

Fellowship Fridays

Pinecliff Park, 8350 Pinecliff Park Road, Frederick.

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Requires $10 annual dues. See website. AprilSuite A, Frederick.

September. Practice at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Games at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Associated activity Fridays through Dec. 25. A free hot breakfast costs. Contact coordinator. Activity is open to each Friday which includes eggs, bacon, women over 40 and men over 50. sausage, French toast, breads, muffins, fruit, juices, and Black Rifle Coffee Company coffee. Breakfast is open to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and their families. Breakfast is followed by a non-denominational Bible study at 10:30 a.m.

Attendance is not required to enjoy a warm breakfast with others who have served.

Contact: Veterans Service Center, info@ veteranservicescenter.org. https://veteranservicescenter.org/events/

Sports and recreation Bocce — Senior Recreation Council

Contact: Adrian Winpigler, 301-662-6623. https://srcfrederick.org

SATURDAY, May 2 Community and festivals Frederick County Veterans Appreciation Day: Honoring Veterans, Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Frederick Health Village, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick.

Hosted by the Frederick County Division of

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 17

SPRING CALENDAR Aging and Independence and the Frederick County Veterans Advisory Council. This free community event features a Veterans resource fair, a career fair hosted by the Frederick County Division of Human Resources, a dedication ceremony for Veterans and Service Members, a puppy-naming ceremony sponsored by Warrior Canine Connection.

WFMD will broadcast live from the event, and music and entertainment will be provided by DJ Cruzin’ Chris Michaels.

Watkins Park , 615 Center St., Mount Airy.

http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/vad

Contact: Nancy Hernandez, nhernandez@ mountairymd.gov, 301-829-1424.

Contact: Joy Rowe, DAIVetEvent@ FrederickCountyMD.gov, 301-600-1234.

St. Paul United Methodist Church Spring Bazaar 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

St Paul’s United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., New Windsor.

Community event with handmade crafts, local vendors decor and unique Mother’s Day gifts.

Gift basket raffle and door prizes. Serving pulled pork or chicken platters, $15 dine in or take out, until 4 p.m.

Contact: Jacque Wilhelm, bjpiwilhelm@yahoo. com, 443-974-0541.

HTTPS://stpaulnewwindsor.com

Family St. Paul United Methodist Church Spring Bazaar — New Windsor 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., New Windsor.

Handmade crafts, local vendors, decor and unique gifts for Mother’s Day, gift basket raffle, door prizes. Food available for purchase including pulled pork/chicken quarter platters, bake table. Free admission.

Contact: Jacque Wilhelm, bjpiwilhelm@yahoo. com, 443-974-0541.

Other Bingo Bash 11 a.m.

Jefferson Ruritan Club, 4603B Lander Road, JEFFERSON.

Doors open 11 a.m., game starts 1 p.m.

20 regular games, two special games and a jackpot game. Tip jars, pull tabs, door prizes, food available for purchase. Bring a nonperishable/canned food item for the Jefferson Food Bank and receive a free special game card. Call 240-815-1252 for advance tickets.

Humankind is the only animal on the planet which needs tools to survive. How did this happen? See for yourself with evolutionary anthropologist Mason Hintermeister, as he makes replicas of some of the most enduring forms of technology on the planet: stone tools. Learn about our earliest ancestors, the tools they left behind, and how studying them has changed the way we think about what it means to be human. Bring a lawn chair and join this outdoor conversation and stone tool demonstration.

”Seeds of Change Gala: An Evening of Growth, Healing & Transformation”

Health

5 p.m.

Caboose Farm, 14754 Manahan Road, Sabillasville.

Amplified Change’s first gala. VIP happy hour at 5 p.m. Gourmet dinner and dancing under the stars. Silent and live auctions. Support rograms that empower youth, strengthen families, and create lasting generational change. RSVP required.

Contact: Jennifer Carpenter, jennifer@ nevermoreevents.com, 240-626-6639.

Cost: $150.

|

8:55-10:10 a.m.

Classes workshops and lectures Spring Flower Arrangement Workshop 1 p.m.

Middletown 50+ Center, 101 Prospect St., Middletown.

Celebrate the spring season with a pretty flower arrangement created by you! Step-bystep instructions, hearty blooms meant to last weeks to come. All supplies included in this fun, interactive workshop presented by 4065 Florals of Boonsboro. Register by April 21.

Contact: Middletown 50+ Center, middletownseniorcenter@frederickcountymd. gov, 301-600-3613.

Cost: $30.

https://frederickcountymd-gov.3dcartstores. com/

Outdoors

Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.

Easy Hikes with the Senior Recreation Council

Contact: Sally, sallywselby@gmail.com, 301906-1296.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website for details. Hikes offered April through June, and September through October. Hike from 3 to 6 miles on terrain with good footing and little or no elevation change. Pace is adjusted to the speed of the group. Meeting locations vary, contact coordinator.

Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website and contact coordinator.

Cost: $2.

https://srcfrederick.org

Meeting Locations Vary.

Contact: Kathy Ginsburg, kathyginsburg1106@ gmail.com, 301-639-4144.

Other

SUNDAY, May 3

Men’s Social Group Hosted by Frederick 50+ Community Center

https://srcfrederick.org

Wegmans, 7830 Wormans Mill Road, Frederick.

Basketball — Senior Recreation Council

Classes workshops and lectures

9-11 a.m.

”The Blink of An Eye” 50 Years of Making Join the guys for a coffee and lively conversation. Participants may purchase Music in Frederick County food and drinks from Wegmans. First-time 2-3 p.m. participants need to complete an intake form C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., at the Frederick 50+ Center, 1440 Taney Frederick.

Ave. or at https://frederickcountymd-seniorparticipation-senior.services.app.transform.

Learn about one local musician’s journey as a civicplus.com/forms/32401 “sideman” in Frederick County! Billy Lebherz has played across genres, including rock, folk, Contact: Frederick 50+ (Senior) Center, country, acid rock and more in bands that virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov, have spanned over decades. Billy will share his 301-600-3525. experiences as music has evolved for him over https://frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50the years, from the perspective of a musician Community-Centers who has always been in collaboration. There will be time at the end to ask questions!

Contact: Mary Mannix, mmannix@ frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-1368.

https://frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ blink-eye-50-years-making-music-frederickcounty-196692

”All the President’s Men” (1976, PG) 50th Anniversary Screening

18 | SPRING 2026

Exercise: Senior Recreation Council

TUESDAY, May 5

https://amplifiedchange.org/gala/

https://jeffersonruritan.org

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

https://shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix. com/events/263534

MONDAY, May 4

Film

Stone Tools Demonstration

Contact: Shepherdstown Opera House, Contact@OperaHouseLive.com, 304-8763704.

http://www.mountairymd.gov

Contact: Deborah Higdon, rdhigdon@ comcast.net, 301-662-3643.

Cost: $25 advance, $30 at the door.

Mark the 50th anniversary of the release of this acclaimed journalistic drama based on the reporting of Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, whose investigation helped uncover the Watergate scandal and led to President Nixon’s resignation. Cast: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Robards, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam. Post-film discussion. Optional: Embrace the 1970s D.C. spirit by wearing the D.C. style of 1970s. Admission is pay-what-youcan, $10 suggested. Doors open 2:30 p.m., snacks available for purchase.

3-5:45 p.m.

Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown.

PRIME TIME FREDERICK

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

Best Seller Book Club 11 a.m.

Urbana 50+ Center, 9020 Amelung St., Urbana.

Join us as we discuss best sellers! Read the book prior to the meeting. Free, pre-register.

May: “Mona’s Eyes” by Thomas Schlesser.

June: “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans.

Contact: Urbana Senior Center, virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-7020. https://frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers

Sports and recreation 7-9 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. For seniors.

Contact: Don Sherwood, donpsherwood@ gmail.com, 301-514-5866.

Cost: $2.

https://srcfrederick.org

WEDNESDAY, May 6 Community and festivals Thurmont Resource Fair 12-3 p.m.

Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont.

Hosted by the Frederick County Department of Social Services. See website for list of participating service groups.

Contact: Matthew Deschenes, mdeschenes@ frederickcountymd.gov, 301-600-7205. https://frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ resource-fair-195177

Health

Facilitated by Disabled Veteran Marine Cpl. Derek Miller. FREE for Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, Law Enforcement & First Responders.

Wednesdays through July 1.

Exercise: Senior Recreation Council 8:55-10:10 a.m.

Talley Recreation Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick.

Contact: Veterans Service Center, info@ veteranservicescenter.org.

Meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website and contact coordinator.

https://veteranservicescenter.org/events/

Other

Contact: Sally, sallywselby@gmail.com, 301906-1296.

Bridge Wednesday: Senior Recreation Council

Cost: $2.

https://srcfrederick.org

1-4 p.m.

Scott Key Center, 1050 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick.

Wellness Wednesdays by Reforge 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd, Suite A, Frederick.

Every Wednesday. Free to Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, First Responders, LEO, and family members. Services differ each week, so check the webpage for a list of services available.

RSVP. Contact: Ashley, essentialhopedealer@gmail. com. https://veteranservicescenter.org/events/

Therapy with Art

Requires $10 annual dues. See website.

Contact coordinator to reserve seat. Email meliz1950@gmail.com.

Contact: Betty Mayfield, meliz1950@gmail. com. https://srcfrederick.org

Sports and recreation Softball — Senior Recreation Council 6 p.m.

Pinecliff Park, 8350 Pinecliff Park Road, Frederick.

Requires $10 annual dues. See website. April6-7 p.m.

September. Practice at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Games at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Associated activity costs. Contact coordinator. Activity is open to Suite A, Frederick.

women over 40 and men over 50.

Contact: Adrian Winpigler, 301-662-6623. https://srcfrederick.org

THURSDAY, May 7 Community and festivals 13th Annual Youth Prayer Rally 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Baker Park Bandshell, North Bentz and Second streets, Frederick.

Join middle school, high school and college students for a free community-wide gathering featuring live music, praise & worship, student-led prayer, testimonies, and an inspiring message. This historic event celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the 75th anniversary of the National Day of Prayer.

Free food provided. Bring your friends and family. All ages welcome!

Contact: Carolyn Jackson, cj@ nationaldayofprayer-frederick.org, 240-5293494. https://nationaldayofprayer-frederick.org/ youth-rally

Other 2026 Golf Tournament Fundraiser | Rotary Club of Southern Frederick County (Urbana) 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Worthington Manor Golf Club, 8329

Fingerboard Road, Urbana.

Now accepting sponsorships, donations and registrations for the golf tournament. To learn more about the event and to support this worthy cause, visit the event website, or contact the club’s Event Chair at kelly. mcquillen@ignitehcm.com. The tournament raises funds for impactful Rotary programs and donations that benefit both local communities and global initiatives. 18 and older.

Contact: Kelly McQuillen, kelly.mcquillen@ ignitehcm.com, 301-639-6002.

Cost: $175. https://rotary-club-of-southern-frederickcharity-golf-event.perfectgolfevent.com/

Sports and recreation Bicycling with the Senior Recreation Council 9 a.m.

Location to be announced.

Requires $10 annual dues see website.

Meeting locations vary, depending on ride location contact coordinator. Rides scheduled March through November, every other Thursday, beginning March 28 (weather permitting).

Contact: Kathy Araiza, myjamis1@gmail.com, 301-606-0064. https://srcfrederick.org

Live the life you love.

Find out how at AboutActs.com/FrederickNews or call (301) 234-7232.

Pat and Lenny, BFFs

Live

CONTENTEDLY PASSION + PURPOSE + COMMUNITY

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 19

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.

Contact: Gerald Blessing, g.blessing@ieee. org, 240-651-1865. https://srcfrederick.org/

FRIDAY, May 8 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.

Contact: Sally, sallywselby@gmail.com, 301906-1296.

Cost: $2.

https://srcfrederick.org

Other Fellowship Fridays 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick.

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

Contact: Veterans Service Center, info@ veteranservicescenter.org.

https://veteranservicescenter.org/events/

Memory Cafe

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick.

Memory Cafe is a safe and relaxed place where people with early-stage memory loss, their families, and friends can come together for social engagement. Anyone affected by early-stage memory loss is welcome to attend. Lunch is provided for free at each cafe. This program is provided in partnership with the Department of Aging and Independence and the Alzheimer’s Association. Pre-registration is required, register at least two days prior to cafe. Call 301-600-6022 or Email CaregiverSupport@ FrederickCountyMD.gov. 18 and older.

Contact: Brunswick Branch Library, 301-6007250. https://frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ memory-cafe-180554

20 | SPRING 2026

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PRIME TIME FREDERICK

JOBS (Continued from 6)

drive! I fantasized about driving a big, 18-wheeler, heading out on the open road for weeks at a time with important cargo to deliver entrusted just to me.

I would be my own boss. I would see the country.

Then reality kicked in.

Driving a big rig takes lots of training, means lots of responsibility and takes you away from your family for long stretches of time. After the romance wore out, I reasoned, the job would even be kind of lonely.

So, what kind of job could I do and what kind of an organization would want me anyway?

As it turned out, lots! In my case, I used a connection my wife had and got a job delivering prescription medications two or three days a week for a local pharmacy. The hours are great — roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — so I still get to have leisurely mornings and stress-free evenings.

Along with helping other people by bringing them something they want and need, I get to be my own boss (pretty much), drive around town in a sporty Ford Focus and get a little sunshine and exercise, too!

After four years of college, a master’s degree, a few awards and 40 years of increasing responsibility and experience as a white-collar professional, I am now a dyed-in-the-wool, blue-collar worker, and I love it!

Jobs for retirees Being a delivery driver is not for everyone, of course. But I can tell you there are lots of opportunities out there for older workers. So, if you’ve been thinking about getting back in the job market, go for it!

But be careful. When choosing a job after retirement it’s important to consider your interests, skills and goals.

You also want to make sure the job fits your lifestyle and schedule.

Thankfully, AARP has done the research.

Employers with the 15 jobs listed below alphabetically have high regard for retirees and stable, older workers. All offer part-time opportunities without requiring a college degree or a lot of |

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experience. Most will train you. The average wage is in parentheses.

• Administrative assistant ($22.82 per hour) • Customer service representative ($20.59 per hour) • Data entry clerk ($20.22 per hour) • Home health aide ($16.78 per hour) • Nanny ($23.71 per hour) • Pet groomer ($16.28 per hour) • Real estate agent ($28.35 per hour) • Receptionist ($17.90 per hour) • Retail clerk ($20.50 per hour) • School bus driver ($23.26 per hour) • Secretary ($22.82 per hour) • Security guard ($18.46 per hour) • Shuttle driver ($17.62 per hour) • Tutor ($21.55 per hour) • Web designer ($45.85 per hour) So, what have I learned?

You don’t have to be embarrassed by working in retirement. Chances are good your unemployed, retired friends will envy you.Your mind and body will thank you.

And it’s a great time to reinvent yourself.

When looking, consider the solid benefits blue-collar work has over whitecollar work. (These are generalities, of course.)

Desirable traits of blue-collar jobs • It’s easy to see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day.

• There are not many people problems.

That’s for the boss, right?

• People want to do a good job and heartily support others.

• There are no business trips. You can go home every evening.

• Getting light, physical exercise is good for you and a part of the deal.

• You must clock in, but when you’re done for the day, you’re done.

• There are no or little budgeting or bottom-line worries.

•You wear a uniform that is provided so there are no worries about clothes.

• The work does not have to be stressful unless you make it so.

• You mostly work near customers or in the great outdoors.

• There are no social worries. Just get the work done!

• You receive hourly wages, which are often quite good.

• Artificial Intelligence probably can’t take your place any time soon.

Undesirable traits of white-collar jobs

• It’s hard to see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day.

• If you’re the boss, people problems can wear you down.

• So many people seem to be overly concerned with getting ahead and getting credit.

• The business trips that seem fun at first can wear on you.

• There’s no clocking in — you can come and go as you please (pretty much) but you always have to be “on.”

• There are continuous budgeting and bottom-line worries.

• You must dress for success. That can be expensive.

• The work can be stressful.

• You must strike a fine balance between getting the work done and being a pleasant and available schmoozer.

• You receive a salary, which may not pay you all that well for the hours you actually work.

• Artificial Intelligence could absolutely do your job one day.

Next steps As a vital, young retiree, you can get out of your comfort zone, reinvent yourself and try something different.

Working in retirement can be fun. If you’ve been a white-collar worker your entire career, try a part-time, blue-collar job in retirement. You won’t regret it.

If you are a retiree in Maryland considering a new part- or full-time job, there are numerous available resources for you. You can contact your local senior center, your state’s Department of Aging or a staffing agency. Additionally, if you live in one of the many retirement communities in Maryland, the staff there may have resources to help you find a job that is right for you. And don’t forget your connections. Chances are they know of available jobs that are looking for someone just like you.

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

Boredom Busters

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS

3. Razorbill genus

1. Large dung beetle

4. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

7. Gambling game __-lo

5. Consumed

10. Further along 13. Looked for

6. A place to sleep 7. Small seeds 8. Legendary law man Wyatt

14. Silk fabric

9. Female sheep

15. Computer method to

10. Indigenous peoples of

12. Type of tobacco

solve equations

eastern Siberia 16. As fast as can be done 11. A place ships dock (abbr.)

12. Reciprocal of sine 17. Tear 14. Discomfort 18. Brews 17. British Air Aces 19. “Famous” cookie baker 18. Exit sleep 21. Women’s Army Corps 20. Solar energetic 22. Front parts of an particle animal 23. Plagues characterized 27. It’s causing quite a stir by starvation 28. Beloved March 24. Short musical holiday composition 33. 12th letter of the Greek 25. Trauma center alphabet 26. Habitual twitching 34. More impudeant 29. A place where checks 36. Indicates center are exchanged (abbr.)

37. Young woman 30. Decameter (French) 31. Hinged surface in a 38. A cause of distress wing 39. Santa’s helper 32. Shouting 40. Hillside 35. Sports official 41. Many wombs 36. Volcanic craters 44. Is afraid of 38. Supportive device 45. Popular baked goods 40. It’s part of a rosary ingredient 41. Two-toed sloth 48. Popular computers 42. Body art 49. Conceiving of 43. Let out 50. Google certification 44. Foreign medical (abbr.) graduate 51. Sturdy 45. Nonprofit journalism

CLUES DOWN

organization (abbr.)

1. Peruse quickly

46. Couples say it

2. Automobiles

47. Bird’s beak

8. EARP

45. CINNAMON

21. WAC

7. CHIAS

44. FEARS

19. AMOS

6. BED

41. UTERI

18. ALES

5. ATE

40. BRAE

17. RIP

4. RAH

39. ELF

16. ASAP

3. ALCA

38. BANE

15. KANSA

2. CARS

37. MLLE

14. MOIRE

1. SCAN

36. MID

13. SEARCHED

14. MALAISE

SOLUTIONS DOWN

34. CHEEKIER

12. CHAW

33. MU

12. COSEC

51. ROBUST

10. ESCALATE

DAY

11. SEAPORT

50. GDE

28. ST. PATRICK’S

7. CEE 1. SCARAB SOLUTIONS ACROSS

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | SPRING 2026 | 21

49. IDEATING

27. AI

48. MACS

22. FOREFEET

47. NEB

30. DKM

46. I DO

29. CH

45. CIR

26. TIC

44. FMG

25. ER 24. ETUDE 23. FAMINES 20. SEP 18. AWAKE 17. RAF

43. EMIT 42. TATS 41. UNAU 40. BEAD 38. BRACE 36. MAARS 35. REF 32. YELLING

10. ESKIMOS

31. AILERON

9. EWE

Boredom Busters

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!

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