Frederick, MD March 2024

“I have been a proud member of LFCU for 7 years. Laura Grabowski has been fantastic and has worked with me and others to ensure a successful outcome.”

Duncan W., Lafayette Federal

“My focus is providing you with exceptional service from start to finish.”

Laura

The Home & Design Edition

Home. A small word with big meaning. Is it a place?

Is it a feeling? Is it cherished as a gift or sometimes taken for granted? These are some of the thoughts I’ve been considering as our annual Home & Design Edition has taken shape.

I think home is many things and can look different from one season to the next. As one author puts it, “A house is made of bricks and beams. A home is made of hopes and dreams.” There is some thing tangible to a house and intangible to a home. A home requires care, love and nurturing. It’s designed for peace, laughter and grounding, while being a safe and patient place to grow and work out those things in us that need uprooting, healing or change.

What I particularly love about how this edition came together is that it not only shines with beautiful design inspiration but the hearts of those featured in these stories speak to the depth of home and its impact on our lives.

One thread woven through each page is the connection between home and community—whether it’s a properly designed kitchen that naturally brings the family together each day or the intentional vision behind a gathering space that draws people into conversation. It’s that “come, stay awhile” feeling we’re each drawn to in one way or another.

When our team focuses on why we make an effort to bring Frederick Lifestyle into your homes each month, it’s the sense of belonging and connection to the community that moves us forward. My gratitude for this team and our faithful advertisers runs deep!

Special shoutout to Sierra Stults, pictured with me above, who has been a dynamite addition to our growth. If you see her capturing magic around town, please say hello.

Thank YOU for allowing us into your home to be a bridge that deepens your connection to Frederick County and the people, places and things that make it such a special place to live.

Happy March, everyone. Spring is coming!

March 2024

Kristen Wojdan | Kristen.Wojdan@CityLifestyle.com MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER

Sierra Stults | Sierra.Stults@CityLifestyle.com INTERN

Maddie Wojdan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Danielle Adams, Emily Holland, Kelsey Huber, Laura Mark, Sierra Stults, Haley Williams

Cassandra Castaneda, Chris Martin of Convoy Creatives, Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography, Kristi Lynn Photography

city scene

WHERE

NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

and many more to go! (DreamFreeArt.com) 5: The Warrior Canine Connection’s service dogs in training stop by the Frederick Key’s Stadium. (WarriorCanineConnection.org) 6: Squadstyle hosts leaders to set intentions for a thriving year personally & professionally. (WorknWellness.com) 7: The Frederick County Fraternal Order of Police 102, generously made Steadfast a beneficiary of the 2023 Charity Golf Classic fundraiser! (SteadfastMD.org)

1: Cody Marwine, owner of Perfect Truffle, joins Maple & Rye, opening this spring in Downtown Brunswick! (MapleandRyeBakery.com) 2: Long Shot’s Frederick proudly hosts the sole woman-owned sportsbook in the country. Congrats, Alyse Cohen! (LongShotsFrederick.com) 3: Eddie the Therapy Pig volunteers at the Frederick County Public Library’s Urbana Branch. (Linktr.ee/EddieThePigMD) 4: Dream Free Art Studio celebrates 1 year down

@WARRIORCANINECONNECTION

@MAPLEANDRYEBAKERY

@SQUADSTYLE.COWORK

@DREAMFREEARTSTUDIO

@LONGSHOTSFREDERICK

@STEADFASTMD

@EDDIETHEPIGMD

Step into a world where your interior design dreams come true! Whether it’s a one-room refresh or a complete renovation, the designers at Dream House provide expert services in floor plan development, furniture selection, custom upholstery, lighting, rugs, draperies and so much more. Explore the inspiring downtown Frederick showroom for an array of design pieces that will redefine your space. Don’t wait - schedule now, and transform your space into the home you’ve always dreamed of!

Maryland Property Renovations Shifts Focus to Kitchen and Bath Projects

Maryland Property Renovations (MPR), your locally trusted general contractor, proudly announces its decision to focus on interior solutions for kitchens and baths. This shift comes as a result of the high demands from clients for renovations on these especially high-traffic areas of the home. In order to keep turnaround times minimal, MPR has added a dedicated branch to meet the increasing demand for kitchen and bath remodeling and renovation work. Enhance your living spaces with MPR–precision and quality you can trust. MPRReno.com

Photography: Lexi Hungerford

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Charles “CJ” and Donna Dorman, owners of Dorman Home Remodeling, are celebrating their 39th year in the industry and they have a lot to celebrate. They were recently awarded the "Best Of" Award by Frederick Magazine for the 6th year in a row. In addition, they are currently remodeling their showroom which will be ready to experience in a few months.  DormanHomeRemodeling.com

Photography: Turner Photography

Leprechaun Luau

2024 with The Rotary Club of Frederick

The Leprechaun Luau is the signature fundraising event of The Rotary Club of Frederick, one of the largest and most active service clubs in the area. The Club has funded dozens of projects that make our community a better place to live and work. LepLu is held at the Frederick Fairgrounds, and all food, drinks, and entertainment are included in your ticket price with a chance to win a grand prize: a trip for two! TheLeprechaunLuau.com

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The Delaplaine Foundation Awards Grant for Pilot Program

The Delaplaine Foundation, a private family foundation based in Frederick, Maryland, is dedicated to enriching communities and families by supporting programs that strengthen the arts and sciences, historical preservation, educational advancement, spiritual enlightenment and well-being. Recently, the foundation awarded a grant to Love For Lochlin to launch a pilot program with Hood College Nursing students. The program aims to provide experiential training while assisting licensed nursing professionals in giving vaccinations and distributing preventive resources and awareness of infectious diseases through their mobile clinics throughout the community. DelaplaineFoundation.org

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A1 Tree Pros is Committed to Preservation

A1 Tree Pros is proud to announce its commitment to tree preservation with their mantra "Health & Hugs for Trees & Shrubs”. While far too many tree companies push the removal of trees, A1 Tree Pros believes the preservation of landscapes is more important to the greater long term good. This Tree Service provider deploys cutting-edge techniques to prioritize the well-being of trees and shrubs. “We only remove trees as a last resort.” A1TreePros.com

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calling card to the community

FCBIA’S 49TH ANNUAL FREDERICK HOME & GARDEN EXPO AND CTC’S STUDENT BUILDER OLYMPICS

ARTICLE BY DANIELLE ADAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FREDERICK COUNTY BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Frederick County Building Industry Association (FCBIA) is celebrating its 49th  year at the Frederick County Fairgrounds to showcase the annual Frederick Home & Garden Expo. This signature event provides an opportunity for homeowners and renters to compare goods and services and discover fresh ideas, innovative products, practical advice and great prices from hundreds of experts in the home and garden industries. For almost five decades, this has become an anchor event for individuals and families in and around Frederick County. FCBIA stresses the importance of meeting with businesses face-to-face to build relationships that will be part of creating or making improvements to your home. The Expo extends for two days to let your inspiration run wild with professionals who can help turn your dreams into reality!

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

This annual event offers free entry and parking to the public. Arrive by 9:00 AM on Saturday morning to be part of the opening ceremonies, where you will meet with local dignitaries, elected officials and leaders in our community that join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony. They each wish to support our event, knowing how important the building industry is to the economic welfare of Frederick County.

Throughout the weekend you can explore over 150 exhibitors, meet professionals in

new home building, home improvement, financing, landscaping, decorating, smart energy, garden and much more. Whether you are looking to replace your gutters, repair your roof, improve the air quality in your home, make over your bathroom, build a deck, find financing or build a custom home, you will find a variety of businesses to help you with these projects and beyond!

WHAT CAN CHILDREN EXPECT?

Family fun starts in the Kids’ Fun Zone. The children’s building is where children of all ages can enjoy Ruppert Landscape’s garden activities, live music from Mr. Jon & Friends, Captain Silly Bones’ Pirate Magic Show and an appearance by the Frederick Keys’ Keyote. And, be sure to participate in the exciting Expo Scavenger Hunt for young children to have fun visiting a variety of booths, collecting stickers and securing a prize!

WHAT CAN EXHIBITORS EXPECT?

Thousands of visitors will show up  throughout the weekend! FCIBA provides a variety of businesses to be their neighboring booths and the Million Dollar Networking Breakfast on Sunday morning, sponsored by Frederick Lifestyle. This opportunity for business-to-business connections builds lasting relationships and exposure for our exhibitors throughout the year.

Left column, top: The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce leads the ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the Home & Garden Show.

Top middle: Local students participate in the Frederick County Career & Technology (CTC) Builder Olympics.

Bottom middle: Exhibitors connect at the Million Dollar Networking Breakfast.

Bottom: Crystal Maguire, owner of WinSupply, wins best exhibit display in 2023.

Right column, top: FCBIA Board Member Tony Checchia (VCRE.CO) and Mayor Michael O’Connor enjoy the exhibits.

Middle: Frederick Keys’ Keyote visits the Kids’ Fun Zone.

Bottom: One of the many exhibitors at the Home & Garden show.

WHAT IS THE BUILDER OLYMPICS?

FCBIA is most proud to put on display the Frederick County Career & Technology (CTC) Builder Olympics. Students from the Frederick County community participate over two days in showcasing the skilled trades in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and sheet metal. Teams will construct sheds that will be available for sale after the event. Additional teams of students will be creating landscapes with bricks, bedding, flowers and more, in a competition to demonstrate their ability to create living outdoor art.

The Builder Olympics is one of many programs that FCBIA champions in order to support workforce development in Frederick County. It is more important now than ever to support education and the pursuit of a career in the skilled trades. With the lack of classrooms, instructors and programming, it is difficult to meet the demand for anyone who wishes to take courses in the building industry. The job market reflects a depleted workforce of essential employees needed to build, fix, maintain and grow our infrastructure. FCBIA hopes to increase awareness and encourage guests who attend the Expo to pursue a career for themselves or their children in the skilled trades.

This is our calling card to the community! Join us March 16th – 17th at the Frederick Fairgrounds to visit with exhibitors, enjoy the entertainment, grab a bite to eat and support the trades.  FrederickExpo.org

Danielle (“Dani”) Adams is the Executive Officer of the Frederick County Building Industry Association (FCBIA) since March 2021, coming from a family that has been in the building industry for over 50 years. As a native personally and professionally of Frederick County, Dani’s career has spanned the financial, legal, educational and nonprofit sectors. She is a builder of valuable and lasting relationships, advocating for the needs of FCBIA’s members to improve the social, economic and political welfare of Frederick County. Dani is an appointed member of the Frederick County Workforce Development Board, and on the Board of Directors of Centro Hispano de Frederick, the Career & Technology Advisory Council, the Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley Business Advisory and Immediate Past Chair of the Women in Trades Committee.

Local students, pictured alongside David Hawkins of Hawkins Landscaping, create landscapes with bricks, bedding and flowers as part of the CTC Builder Olympics.

event times

Saturday, March 16th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, March 17th 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

FrederickBuilders.org

The Frederick Home & Garden Expo is FCBIA’s love letter to the great trades and home services that keep our homes, businesses and infrastructure performing.   We thank the trades for the roof over our heads, heat in our homes and water to cook. FCBIA is working hard to promote the trades in the built environment in business relationships and workforce development.

Meticulous Craftsmanship.

Our reputation is building high quality homes you would be proud to live in. They all show well, and have been good experiences. I am proud of each one of them.”

- Mike Pilch, Managing Partner

BUILDING new BEGINNINGS

WITH THE HELP OF NORTH MARKET CONSTRUCTION, THE DEFOGGI FAMILY TURNS TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH

ARTICLE BY LAURA MARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTI LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

February 22, 2022, started like most days for Yellow Springs community residents Tim and Emily DeFoggi. They followed their normal morning routine of getting their son, Teddy, ready for kindergarten before heading to work. Unbeknownst to them, the DeFoggi family left their home and all its possessions for the very last time that morning.

“There was a spirit day at school,” Tim recalled. “That morning, we took some photos together at the house with the spirit outfits on.” Emily, a Yellow Springs Elementary School teacher, wore a fluffy, yellow tutu and their son showed his school spirit with an outfit featuring a tie.

disaster. “She was really supportive during the difficult wait for the fire department. It was probably only 30 minutes or so, but it felt like forever to me,” Emily said. “14 or 15 firehouses had to respond. There are no fire hydrants nearby, so they had to keep cycling through and filling up the tanks until the fire was out.”

Only hours later, the smoke detectors in the DeFoggi’s home prompted a call from the fire department. “I ran home to see what was happening,” Emily said. “I got to the house pretty fast because I work only about a mile away. The house was full of smoke and I called 911 right away. Our neighbor happened to come home for something and arrived at the fire pretty much at the same time I did.”

Their neighbor, Laura Olson, jumped in to offer comfort and help Tim and Emily navigate the

When Tim came home, his house was gone and everything inside was destroyed. Sadly, the family’s two cats, Stella and Luna, were lost in the fire, too. “We had no clue what to do,” Tim said. Laura aided in making phone calls and securing the house, while Tim and Emily made arrangements for temporary housing and ensured their son’s well-being.

STARTING FRESH

Tim and Emily purchased the house in 2012 after getting married. It was a spacious single-family home built in 1974—and as a local to the Yellow Springs area, Emily knew this would be the right place to start their family. The fire exposed some hidden HVAC and electrical issues in the house which eventually led to its destruction. Unfortunately, the house was beyond saving, and the DeFoggi family made the tough decision to start fresh.

A mutual acquaintance encouraged Emily to get in touch with North Market Construction, a Frederick-based custom home business, to begin the rebuild process. “We wanted to help them out after such a difficult time; plus, they’re a part of the community,” Mike Pilch, North Market Construction owner, explained.

While Mike manages construction projects, his wife, Burgess, handles the financial side of the business. Their strong personal values of building

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better homes with high-quality materials and contractors are at the forefront of North Market Construction’s mission of providing an alternative to mass-produced, cookie-cutter houses.

“We had to start with a demolition of the home and then worked with the existing footprint,” Mike said. “We built the new house to fit the confines of what they had in mind and up to today’s standards.”

Emily and Mike worked well together. They both had the shared goal of creating a home that would last for many years to come. Emily was instrumental in the design and rebuilding process, from layout to interior styling.

“Emily had fabulous ideas and visions,” Burgess said. “One of Mike’s strengths is understanding people and creating what they want. Their house was old and had an outdated floor plan, and she knew exactly what she wanted and how she wanted to tweak it for the modern world.”

“We cannot speak more highly about the craftsmanship, attention to detail and care that North Market put into this project and into us... They were in it with us every step of the way to make sure we have a beautiful and safe home.”

— Emily DeFoggi

BUILDING BETTER

After the demolition was completed and the architecture plans were submitted, the building process commenced. Mike estimated it would take nine months of dedicated effort for the home to become move-in ready.

“When the building started, they were really meticulous and it shows in the house,” Emily said. “I had meetings with different vendors, like flooring, and there were several meetings they also attended with me. They made sure that all of our vendors really knew the budget and explained what they were doing on the builder side.”

The updated layout of the main living areas fit well with how the DeFoggi family enjoys spending time. A modern open floor plan creates a sense of harmony with a smooth flow from the kitchen to the living room space. Mike and his team at North Market Construction also raised the ceilings from eight to nine feet to bring them up to current standards.

MOVING BACK HOME

The DeFoggi family looked forward to getting back to their lives when they moved in on September 1, 2023. The project was finished on schedule in about nine months. “All I wanted was a house to move back into,” Tim said. “For a year and a half, our life was on hold.”

They credit their family and neighbors with bolstering their resilience. Tim’s parents, who moved from the Chicago area to be closer to family, offered a place for them to stay while they navigated the early weeks of the fire. Their neighbor, Laura, only knew Tim and Emily as acquaintances from seeing them in the neighborhood and chatting with Tim when they saw each other mowing their lawns—and yet she continued to offer support and returned to the property to pick up shards of glass left behind in the disaster out of concern for their young son.

As Frederick residents, Mike and Burgess take pride in doing what’s best for the community. “We want to leave something that looks good in the community,” Mike shared. “Our reputation is building long-lasting, high-quality homes you would be proud to live in. They all show well, and they’ve all been good experiences. I’m proud of each one of them.”

With the house finished, the DeFoggi family welcomed two new cats, Harry and Poppy, into their lives.

In the kitchen, a spacious center island with a crisp, white countertop and abundant storage space offers the DeFoggi family ample room to gather and entertain. Light grey cabinetry and white subway tile create contrast against the kitchen island’s dark hue, and the airy layout produces a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Against the kitchen’s back wall, a sliding glass door opens to a cozy screened-in porch where they can relax and unwind.

The screened-in porch replaced the house’s old patio—a must-have for Emily, who had been hoping to include one in the build. “When they realized it was a must, the builders made everything happen so we could have the screen porch,” Emily said. “They made it a fixed item in the budget, and we didn’t have to cut corners anywhere else.”

Starting fresh may not have been Tim and Emily’s plan; however, they are looking forward to creating memories together as a family in their new home for many years to come.

“We cannot speak more highly about the craftsmanship, attention to detail and care that North Market put into this project and into us,” Emily said. “They were in it with us every step of the way to make sure we have a beautiful and safe home.” NorthMarketConstruction.com

Crafting the Kindness Vibe for Frederick

ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ROSARIA FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY

RAK BREWING’S JOE GATEWOOD AND STEVE MCINTYRE ENVISION SOMETHING

“[Kindness] is a foundational value... and it only felt right to pay homage to that in the brewery’s name.” — Steve McIntyre

Joe Gatewood and Steve McIntyre, co-owners of RAK Brewing Co. in Downtown Frederick, explain that the purchasing process for the old Smoketown Brewing space was competitive.

“We knew that it had come down to two offers—ours, and the company that bought Flying Dog,” Gatewood says [Matt Brewing Company, based in New York]. Gatewood and McIntyre can't say for sure why they ultimately secured the deal, but they think it has something to do with the very philosophy that now gives RAK [Random Acts of Kindness] Brewing Co. its name.

Smoketown had been a partner on a couple of charity initiatives during COVID that were spearheaded by TGP Gives, the non-profit organization founded by Gatewood. These initiatives were designed to help support local businesses safely during an uncertain time.

“We think [Smoketown Brewing owner Dave Blackmon] may have wanted to see the space go to a local group with roots in the community, rather than a larger out-of-state company,” Gatewood says.

In any case, their first interactions with the space, in Frederick’s “brewery hotspot” next to Attaboy Beer, have segued smoothly into reopening it as a fresh hangout championing kindness. McIntyre, who is an agent at TGP Homes—where Gatewood owns the attached brokerage, mortgage and title company—says that the name celebrates his older colleague’s legacy in the community. The nonprofit TGP Gives, formed alongside the real estate company, was designed to help its partners and team members give back.

"This is a foundational value for everyone at TGP Homes," McIntyre says, "and it only felt right to pay homage to that in the brewery’s name."

The brewery doubles as additional event space for the real estate company. But true to form, Gatewood and McIntyre wanted to operate the space as

something the whole community could benefit from and enjoy.

Right away, the partners knew they wanted to transform the interior. They saw an opportunity to differentiate RAK Brewing from some of the other brewery interiors they had already seen around town. “The Smoketown interior was very dark,” McIntyre says. He reports that the renovations were so thorough that, in so many words, “everything is new.”

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with darker, more industrial-themed breweries; but Gatewood said that he and McIntyre had a different vision. They wanted a space where it would feel comfortable to dress up or dress down. They envisioned the type of environment where one could meet friends on a Sunday afternoon, or bring a date before an evening show at The Weinberg Center for the Arts or concert at another local venue.

Gatewood worked closely on RAK’s design vision with his wife Troyce—who, as the Team Lead for TGP’s real estate arm, has some experience decorating and staging homes. Troyce, in turn, consulted with local interior designer Michelle Mathewson, who herself has some impressive design experience.

Mathewson worked for over 17 years for various U.S. government agencies, completing projects for the National Intelligence Center and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, among others. Since retiring from government contracts, Mathewson has opened her own boutique firm, Spazio Design Interiors. She was thrilled at the chance to create a real signature space in the heart of Frederick.

What particularly excited her about the project was the owner’s desire to do something new and different. Mathewson cites the deeply historical character of Downtown Frederick, which is unique, quirky and

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I wanted [the design] to encourage people to look around the room, walk over to someone they know, and interact.

special on the one hand; but, she also feels it provides an opportunity to be creative and innovative with new ideas. With the RAK Brewing project, Mathewson was looking to “diversify the aesthetics” with the new downtown space. She wanted to score the sweet spot between a place that would look “too pretentious” and somewhere that was just a bit upscale.

Her first strategy was to bring a variety of colors and textures into the space, including wood, stone and leather—with plenty of very comfortable seating. Gatewood mentioned that he especially wanted to include barstools and chairs that customers could

lean into, with a back. Mathewson relocated the bar to the back of the room, to open up the entire space and give a full panoramic view as customers would walk in. Another feature to encourage this same view was to keep the middle banquette tables at dining-room, rather than bar, height. “I wanted to encourage people to look around the room, walk over to someone they know, and interact,” Mathewson says.

She also put plenty of care and attention into what she calls the brewery’s “jewelry”—the lights. Gold metallic, sparkly and geometric, they have a midcentury modern feel, with some of them ordered specially from Tel Aviv.

CONTINUED >

Mathewson said she really enjoyed “teaching” as she went about why she was making each selection. The unique lighting, she says, would take the already welcoming space and make it truly exceptional. She also found out that co-owner McIntyre was a photographer, with many amazing photos in his catalog of Frederick landmarks. “We had them blown up for the walls with labels letting everyone know that the owner had taken them,” she says. She likes to incorporate a personal element in every project she completes.

The final touch? A beautiful mirror near the entrance with a printed slogan to tie it all together: “If you can be anything in the world, be kind.” Mathewson also cites as critical the excellent work and partnership from Lumber JAKKSS Millworks, who custom-designed and fabricated the tables, and general contractor Bravo Design and Build, LLC.

The intentional design elements were step one toward creating the three main RAK Brewing principles that Gatewood says he wanted to achieve: “a great vibe, great beer and excellent service.”

Both McIntyre and Gatewood are very proud of the fact that they were able to attract and hire a top-notch brewer. Branden Roth, a Frederick native, has served on the brewing staff at both Flying Dog and Sapwood Cellars, two of the highest-rated breweries in Maryland. Together

with the owners, Roth has created a menu of rotating brews that are surprising but traditional enough to really hit home.

Gatewood additionally looks forward to the space’s potential for live music. He explains that RAK has partnered with Showtime Sound to install a beautifully balanced sound system for the space, which will allow the music to shine without overwhelming customers’ conversations. He says that this was important, as oftentimes going out to a typical live music event means that the volume will be too loud to really socialize. RAK has hosted a few local acts so far and they plan to continue throughout 2024, Gatewood says.

The brewery also has plans to add a food element in the coming months. Patrons will be able to order from the menu of an adjacent restaurant and have food delivered right to their seats.

McIntyre says that the brewery has done well since its December 15th grand opening, and he was pleasantly surprised by the lines around the block on opening night. RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) is not just a brand, but a lifestyle that he and Gatewood have lived for many years, and it has turned out to be a perfect match for Frederick. The community as a whole places a premium on giving back, and when businesses open—the people show up.

RAKBrewing.com

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tickets on sale march 1st, 2024

tickets on sale march 1st, 2024

10 am est 10 am est

NOW OPEN NOW OPEN

Heart of the Home

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN WOJDAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MARTIN OF CONVOY CREATIVES

MANISHA AGISGEKAR CUSTOMIZES KITCHEN DESIGN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH FAMILY

““The kitchen is the heart of the home, where the family gathers—an extension of family and friends.”

We spent some time with Manisha Agisgekar, owner of Magnolia Home Renovations, LLC, who shared about what interior design means to her and some of the hottest kitchen trends for 2024!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love the opportunity to be creative and to interact with my clients.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE PLANNING TO CHANGE THEIR KITCHEN?

I believe the preliminary planning for any project involves budgetary decisions, understanding the spatial limitations on site, and considering individual habits of family members (i.e. Are you a laid-back chef or a stickler for the rules?). In the end, each family should form a ‘statement’ for their kitchen.

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Manisha Agisgekar

Originally from southern India, Manisha moved to Frederick County in 2013, when her husband accepted a job in Reston, VA. With prior experience in the industry and a background in architecture and 3D design, Manisha launched Magnolia Home Renovations, LLC in 2020, blending her passion for art and design. Her business is based in New Market, with a showroom located in Urbana. MagnoliaHomeRenovations.com

WHAT ARE THE TOP HOTTEST TRENDS FOR KITCHENS IN 2024?

1. Statement countertops

2. White and oak cabinets

3. Wall color with feature walls

WHAT DOES INTERIOR DESIGN MEAN TO YOU?

House interior reflects the personality of the family. Each home is unique and will always reflect the dynamics of the family. The kitchen is the heart of the home, where the family gathers—an extension of family and friends. So, it must be completely customized per the requirements of the family; including their cooking habits, culture/religion and customs. I particularly enjoy devising a color palette for the project based on my assessment of the family. Trends are inherently fickle. I consider it my responsibility to weed out the outliers for truly impressionable styles that will be enjoyed by my clients throughout the life of the project.

Owners Gary & Denise Rollins

ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CORPORATE FILMING

BRIAN PREUSS LAUNCHED GREEN HOME SOLUTIONS TO PURIFY AIR WITH A DIFFERENT APPROACH

BREATHE HEALTHY AIR

People don’t often think about indoor air quality, but the moment mold is discovered in a home or business, the issue becomes front and center. Brian Preuss

average mold-free home, and that once he began applying treatments to his own living space, he and his family no longer use typical allergy medications.

“‘TEAMWORK, TRANSPARENCY, MUTUAL RESPECT,

INTEGRITY AN

D CUSTOMER SERVICE’ ARE THE BEDROCKS THAT GUIDE [US].” — BRIAN

of Green Home Solutions (GHS) has built his business on being a lifesaver in these situations—which can place home and business owners in “dire straits,” as he puts its—because air in a space is pervasive and problem sources can be difficult for a non-professional to detect. Green Home Solutions is part of a larger franchise that operates over 200 locations across the United States. But even within the air quality mitigation niche, GHS does things differently.

Preuss himself brings many of the values he gained and developed during his Army service to the way he runs his business, located in Mount Airy. “Teamwork, transparency, mutual respect, integrity and customer service” are the bedrocks that guide everything Preuss does. After retiring from the Army in 2020, he began the franchise himself, which now encompasses an additional 10 employees. He learned pretty quickly that there wasn’t a single customer they couldn’t help, in some way. He relates that most people don’t have insight on the level of allergens that exist even in the

PREUSS

Green Home Solutions is unique among other air quality remediation companies first and foremost because it uses EPA-registered plant-based products. This has a number of advantages, the first being that they are free of harsh and sometimes toxic artificial chemicals. GHS’s plant-based products actually break the allergens and mold spores down—chemically speaking—and since they are much safer for humans to breathe, people are free to return to their homes and offices only two hours after a treatment. (Typical treatments, Preuss says, can sometimes displace people for a couple days). GHS as a franchise also invests a lot of research and development resources into the microbiology of its products–and one of its most exciting new innovations is the development of a probiotic treatment that acts as an air filter. This is the treatment which has rid Preuss and his family of regular allergies, and it’s all-natural and safe.

Additional treatments in development, Preuss says, include a special test for mycotoxins, which is a particular

ANY SERVICE GHS PROVIDES IS GUARANTEED TO “MAKE THE AIR BETTER.”

type of toxin produced by certain molds which can be difficult to detect. GHS is always innovating to try to solve even the most stubborn air quality problems.

Green Home Solutions treats a wide variety of spaces and is experienced in both commercial and residential work.

An additional feature that differentiates GHS is that they are fully insured for all remediation tasks. GHS can tackle a space where mold is obvious as well as an environment where a problem must be diagnosed. They can also assess basic air quality in a space and provide even minor filtering and adjustment treatments. As Preuss says, any service GHS provides is guaranteed to “make the air better.”

Preuss loves and is committed to the Frederick community, which he joined during a transfer in his Army service. (He is a native of Wisconsin.) He's joined by his wife, daughter and the family dog. Mount Airy’s Green Home Solutions has grown to service all of central Maryland. The more remediation work he does, the more Preuss becomes passionate about moving forward. He’s seen enough of the air we breathe, in other words, to know that solutions are both available and needed.  GreenHomeSolutions.com/ Mount-Airy-MD

It’s more than just having a place to escape the hustle and bustle – it’s about the freedom to spend as much time as you want, doing what you love, on your own land. When you’re ready to have a piece of land to call your own, our team of experts in rural home and land living are here to help.

SUMMER CAMP

At YMCA summer camp, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. FIND YOUR Y AT

Vertical Gardens Are Moving Indoors

The Stylish Home Design Trend That Will Have You Saying, “Oh, Grow Up!”

Humans have always had a penchant for propagation. Since king Nebuchadnezzar II built The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the original Seven Wonders of the World) in the sixth century BC, artful gardening has fascinated folks. Today, there is a growing trend (pun intended) in home design that echoes that need to nurture, albeit on a much smaller scale. It goes by many names. Environmentalists refer to them as “green walls” or “ecowalls.” Gardeners may prefer “garden wall” or “edible wall.” Designers have dubbed them “statement walls.” But for our purposes here, we will refer to them as the architects do — as “vertical gardens.”

A vertical garden is essentially a wall, or part of a wall, that is covered with plants growing in soil or another type of medium. Though they began as outdoor architectural attractions, these wonderful wallscapes are popping up indoors, and their benefits go beyond a fancy facade.

The most obvious benefit of a vertical garden is the visual beauty it brings to the room. Its unexpected presence adds surprise and drama, while its living tenants, with their varied textures and individual personalities, add energy and a bit of charm as well.

Beyond the aesthetic advantages, living walls have health benefits. They improve the air quality by adding humidity, trapping dust particles, and absorbing many harmful gasses, replacing them with oxygen. They can help with cardiovascular issues like blood pressure as well as breathing problems associated with allergies and asthma. Because they lend a sense of calm and well being, they can even improve concentration, elevate mood, and reduce stress.

Because these living walls are becoming more popular, demand is driving the price down, making them more affordable for the average homeowner. Kits are available and most feature an integrated water delivery system which makes them low maintenance as well.

As for which types of plants to grow, succulents, mosses, grasses, and ferns are all good choices. Tropical vines work well also, as they can trail down or climb up. Pothos and philodendrons have great climbing capabilities, are fast growing, and low maintenance. The design possibilities are as endless as the plant combinations. So bring the outside in! Simply choose a location with bright, indirect light, and turn your wall into a living piece of artwork with a vertical garden.

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

8 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

01

FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

02 03

USE REAL ESTATE WISELY

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

04

HIDDEN STORAGE

Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

05

ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

06

UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

07

BAG & SHOE STORAGE

Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.

Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

08

MAKE A STATEMENT

Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 1ST & 2ND

XO Marriage Conference

FCF Church | 9:00 AM

The XO Marriage Simulcast Conference provides marriage advice and practical teachings to help couples navigate their marriage journey. You’ll hear from faith-based marriage experts and leading speakers about the secrets to a healthy, thriving marriage. Register under “Events” tab. FCFChurch.com

MARCH 2ND

Bettie Awards Exhibition and Grand Prize Announcement

The Delaplaine Arts Center | 2:00 PM

View artworks created by Frederick County youth, grades 9-12, selected as 2024’s Bettie Award Winners, who were announced on Facebook on February 10th. The winners will be presented and the Grand Prize announced at the Delaplaine Center for the Arts. The Exhibit runs March 2nd through April 28th. Delaplaine.org

MARCH 2ND, 3RD, 8TH & 10TH

Flying Cows Home Games at BB&T Arena

BB&T Arena at Hood College

The Flying Cows will open their inaugural season on March 2nd at Hood College’s BB&T Arena against the Reading Rebels. The regular season will run from March – May, with 12 home games. Be sure to get your tickets and merchandise to support Frederick's newest home team! GoFlyingCows.com

MARCH 9TH

Leprechaun Luau XII with the Rotary Club of Frederick

Frederick Fair Grounds | 4:00 PM

The Leprechaun Luau is the signature fundraising event of The Rotary Club of Frederick. All food, beer, margaritas and entertainment are included in the ticket price ($70), along with a chance to win the grand prize vacation package for two. Get tickets early, as this event will sell out. (Must be 21 or older to attend.) TheLeprechaunLuau.com

MARCH 9TH, 10TH, 16TH & 17TH

Maple Syrup Festival

Cunningham Falls State Park

Hosted by the Friends of Cunningham Falls State Park and Gambrill State Park, this has been a staple in Frederick County for more than 50 years! Celebrate the annual Maple Syrup Festival! Guests can watch staff demonstrate the traditional way of boiling sap into syrup, listen to live bluegrass music and take a hayride through the Maple Grove. Open 10AM - 2PM. $5 donation per person is requested at the entrance. CunninghamGambrill.org

MARCH 13TH

Lisa Hilton Quartet

New Spire Arts | 7:30 PM

The award-winning composer and critically acclaimed West Coast pianist Lisa Hilton, and her engaging quartet, will perform uplifting new music from their latest release entitled, Coincidental Moment. Hilton’s impressionistic compositions, swinging piano and expressive touch explore the soundscape of jazz and blues. WeinbergCenter.org

and a healthier home Cleaner Indoor Air

The quality of your indoor air and what you breathe in impacts your family’s overall health. Our EPAregistered, plant-based solutions eliminate allergens, molds, odors, and other harmful indoor air pollutants. breathe with confidence.

COMMITTED to COMMUNICATION

Take home the marketing strategy information you need.

Mjach Designs is a North American leader in marketing strategy. Our job, first and foremost, is to serve our customers.

MARCH 16TH

Easter Bunny at the Airport

AOPA National Aviation Community Center | 9:00 AM

The Easter bunny is hopping over to the Frederick Airport! Join us for a day of educational, aviation-themed activities and bring your camera for a picture with the Easter bunny!

(NOTE: Registration is required to visit the Easter bunny. An $8 donation per family goes towards the Sugarloaf 99s Aviation Scholarship and is non-refundable). The remainder of the event is free to attend and registration is not required. AOPA.org

MARCH 16TH & 17TH

2024 Home & Garden Expo

Frederick Fair Grounds

The Frederick Home & Garden Expo, presented by the Frederick County Building Industry Association, is celebrating its 49th year this March at the Frederick Fairgrounds. With over 150 exhibitors across the construction, home services, outdoor living and green home solutions industries, the Frederick Home & Garden Expo is your chance to explore, shop and compare vibrant local businesses in person like never before. Free event. FrederickExpo.org

MARCH 23RD

Spring Fling & Egg Roll

Rose Hill Manor Park | 10:00 AM

Enjoy a day of family fun and celebrate all things spring and agriculture with the Frederick County Farm Museum. Meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy games, visit the animals, enjoy a hayride and so much more. Advanced registration recommended. Recreater.com

MARCH 23RD & 24TH

Diana at Way Off Broadway

Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater

It’s 1981 and the world is hungry for a royal wedding—but is the 20-year-old bride prepared for what comes after?

Melissa Lentz, CEO & Founder

Following her storybook union, Princess Diana faces a distant husband, an unmovable monarchy and overwhelming media scrutiny. But her modern perspective and remarkable compassion galvanizes a nation. Way Off Broadway's staging marks another regional premiere for the theatre and is the "crown" of the 30th Anniversary Season. WayOffBroadway.com

MARCH 26TH

Frederick County Chamber

National Civics Bee-LIVE!

Hood College Hodson Auditorium

6:15 PM

The Local Civics Bee Competition will be a live local event with the twenty local finalists (6th-8th graders) answering three rounds of civics-based quiz questions. The top three winners of the Local Civics Bee Competition will advance to the State Competition and all receive awards and prizes. FrederickChamber.org

MARCH 29TH

See What Sticks Performance Workshop

FAC Art Center | 8:00 PM

Performance artists, musicians, poets and actors are invited to Frederick’s newest performance workshop and open stage: SEE WHAT STICKS at the FAC Art Center. Artists are welcome to workshop emerging projects in this space and see what sticks. Stay after the performances for a brief discussion and debrief as participating artists continue to fine-tune their work. (Artists set-up at 7:00PM. Performances start at 8:00PM) FrederickArtsCouncil.org

THE SILENCE ONCOLON CANCER E x p e r t i s e , Advocacy & B reaking

Colon cancer stands as the third most prevalent form of cancer globally and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities. March, dedicated to colon cancer awareness, emphasizes the importance of proactive practices for colon cancer prevention.

The optimal strategy for preventing colon cancer lies in initiating screenings at the appropriate age. This method not only identifies but also averts cancer by detecting and eliminating pre-cancerous polyps before they evolve. With rates on the rise in young adults, screenings should start at the age of 45 for the majority, and potentially earlier based on an individual's family medical background.

A combination of these screenings, maintaining a healthy weight, amplifying physical activity, reducing the intake of red and processed meats, and abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can protect us from colon cancer.

Recognizing the early symptoms of colon cancer is crucial for timely intervention and effective treatment, but many times individuals overlook digestive discomfort as they may feel apprehensive to talk about it. Common warning signs include persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or discomfort, blood in the stool, fatigue, and a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.

Urbana GI is breaking barriers and continuing to play a critical role in prevention. Located on the same premises as the Endoscopy Center, consultations before scheduling procedures provide patients with the convenience of addressing any questions or concerns while being guided through the procedural expectations.

Together, let us stride boldly into a future where symptoms, checkups and screenings are no longer shrouded in silence or taboo, but rather surfaces to amplify prevention, resilience and heightened awareness. CapitalDigestiveCare.com

URBANA GI - LEADING THE CHARGE IN COLON CANCER AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

ARTICLE BY SIERRA STULTS

Barathi Sivasailam, MD

Dr. Sivasailam, a board-certified, fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, is privileged to play a pivotal role in her patients' health and life journeys at Urbana GI. She approaches patient care with a friendly and calm demeanor and strives to create an environment where patients feel at ease sharing their stories.

"I want to collaborate with patients to come to a care plan that we both feel confident and comfortable with. I feel strongly that patient care needs to be individualized for every unique person."