Frederick, MD April 2024

The Investment Edition

Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. Have you ever considered the fact that we are making investments every day of our lives? When we show up for our families and friends, our workplaces, local businesses and more, we invest in them. And there’s power in that!

If you look at your calendar or consider how your time has been spent the last few weeks, are you encouraged by the investments you’re making or are you challenged to reconsider your habits?

Here’s a thought. While social media is not a bad thing, particularly in moderation, scrolling mindlessly for hours may not be an investment of time and energy you’ll be excited about a year from now. What about setting a boundary on screen time and consider investing in something that you will be encouraged by a year from? It’s never too late to start investing in yourself—your health, your finances, your education—or investing in the community through one of the many nonprofit organizations ready for your big heart and service.

Pictured next to me is a woman who emulates what it means to ‘invest’ in every sense of the word. Karlys Kline is invested in Frederick County through so many avenues, I wouldn’t be able to fit them all on the page. But I will say this; the daily investments Karlys is making in the people and places around her is already paying dividends. She’s present in the present while helping to mold the future of Frederick in the most beautiful ways.

Ask Karlys, and she’ll tell you the intentionality in how she spends her time. Her impact isn’t happenstance. She’s constantly making investments—big, small and everything in between—in things that matter. And we celebrate her example!

Welcome to Frederick Lifestyle’s first ever Investment Edition where you will get to know local leaders and organizations who are community minded and doing their unique part to invest in us and the future of our hometown.

Remember, legacies are built not by a singular moment but by the investments we make day in and day out.

Invest well, Frederick!

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kristen Wojdan | Kristen.Wojdan@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER

Sierra Stults | Sierra.Stults@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Maddie Wojdan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emily Holland, Laura Mark

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Chris Martin of Convoy Creatives, Jennifer Rosaria

Film & Photography, Kristi Lynn Photography, Lytebox Photography, Steve McIntyre

Corporate Team

Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF

OFFICER Matthew Perry

DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

Endersbe

Run

Pressure

Wash

Clean

Trim

Yard

Adjust

“My home loan officer at Lafayette Federal, Laura Grabowski, was nothing but exceptional every step of the way. She made our home dreams come true!”

Nicole T., Lafayette Federal

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

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: 2nd Annual African Americans of Excellence (AAOE) Exhibit ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

2: AAOE Exhibit Honoree Joy Onley (center right) with family and friends. 3: AAOE Exhibit 2024 Honoree, Bernard Brown (left). 4: Gary Rollins (AAOE Exhibit Honoree), Dr. Denise Rollins (Whole Heart Center), Leslie Barnes-Keating (Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Frederick County) and Jim Keating (Keating Group) enjoy the event. 5: Joe and Troyce Gatewood of TGP Gives, presenting sponsors of AAOE Exhibit 2024. 6: AAOE Advisory Board member and exhibit sponsor, Ted Robinson with AAOE Exhibit Honoree, Wendell Poindexter. 7: AARCH Society Executive Director, Dr. Cheryl Gooch and AARCH Board President, Protean Gibril.

8: AAOE Exhibit Honoree Ted Luck (center) with wife and student artist. 9: AAOE Exhibit 2024 Executive Director, Yemi Fagbohun (center), with AAOE Advisory Board member and sponsor, Kyle Harris (left), student artist (right) and AAOE sponsor Cephas Jackson (far right). 10: Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County CEO, Timika Thrasher, shares remarks at the event. 11: Delaplaine Foundation President Marlene Young (center right) and special guests celebrate the AAOE Exhibit at the VIP kick-off event. 12: De’Von Wellesley and Brandon Chapman of 88Visual created seven videos for the AAOE Exhibit 2024. 13: AAOE Exhibit Honoree Mary Harris and sister. 14: AAOE Exhibit Honoree Seaven Gordon and wife.

Photography provided by Michele Corr.

city scene

CONTINUED

With over 100 volunteers, FCF Church hosted over 150 guests at Night to Shine (one of hundreds of prom events hosted across the world). Upon arrival, guests received a rockstar, red carpet welcome. Activities included a catered dinner, dancing, games, crafts, a photo booth, a dessert bar and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest received a crown or tiara. Community sponsors of the event include: Kingdom Technology Partners, Groundswell MMA, Double E Entertainment, Tri County Pumps, ReFresh LED and Trinity Hair Salons. FCFChurch.com

MICHAEL SOKUP

MICHAEL SOKUP

STEVE BARR

STEVE BARR

STEVE BARR

STEVE BARR

MICHAEL SOKUP

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Night to Shine (NTS) is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. NTS is hosted by churches all around the globe. The mission of the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day. Since its inception in 2010, TTF has served those who are hurting and marginalized in 86 countries and counting. In addition to ministry operations and services that meet some of the most direct physical needs, TTF also has a heart to share the Gospel with as many people as possible to help them know their inherent value as children of God. TimTebowFoundation.org

STEVE BARR

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STEVE BARR

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DINO BROWN II

business monthly

Frederick Flying Cows

The Frederick Flying Cows is a new professional basketball team based in Frederick, Maryland. The organization is one of about a half-dozen new teams joining the Basketball League (TBL) for the 2024 season! The Frederick Flying Cows is a community organization that is invested in Frederick County. The team will be dedicated to providing fun, affordable entertainment for Frederick citizens! Home games are played at Hood College. GoFlyingCows.com

Photography: Lytebox Photography

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Kristi Lynn Photography

Kristi Podolskiy, owner of Kristi Lynn Photography, is passionate about getting that perfect shot for family portraits and special events. Whether it be a wedding, anniversary, celebration, community event or a private family or baby photoshoot, Kristi provides a relaxed and fun experience with excellent results. Based in Frederick County, Kristi is a proud mom of three adventurous boys and when she's not behind the camera, she serves patients as an ER nurse.  KristiLynnPhotographyFrederickMD. MyPixieset.com

Photography: Kristi Lynn Photography

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Melissa Lentz, CEO & Founder

COMMITTED to COMMUNICATION

Invest in one of North America’s marketing strategy leaders. At Mjach Designs, our first and foremost focus is serving our customers. The return on your investment is the accurate,

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MacR o GET TO KNOW

Commercial Real Estate and Land Investments

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN WOJDAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MACRO

Meet the leaders at MacRo, Frederick County’s go to brokerage for value-added commercial real estate and land transactions. From negotiating an office lease and selling or leasing office space to enhancing investment portfolios and listing family farms, MacRo will maximize the value of your assets. MacRo provides the best of both worlds—deep Frederick County and Maryland market understanding and a team with its finger on the pulse of national trends and big data. MacRoCommercialRealEstate.com

ROCKY MACKINTOSH President

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE FREDERICK AREA?

My father purchased a working cattle farm in Frederick County in the late 1950’s. Growing up, our family spent summers and weekends on the farm, and we eventually moved here permanently in 1972.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE MACRO?

Upon graduation from college in 1972, I entered the field of real estate. My early experiences were as a project manager for commercial construction projects. I also worked in land development, the home building industry and new home sales. In 1980, I purchased a branch office of a local general real estate brokerage firm and renamed it “Mackintosh, Inc. Realtors.” Being the eldest of six siblings, I recruited some of my younger brothers to join the firm...Over the period of ten years, the firm grew to approximately 100 agents. We had provided general real estate brokerage services throughout the region.

HOW DID MACRO GET STARTED?

In 1990, I established MacRo, Ltd. to focus on building a small boutique land and commercial real estate brokerage and consulting firm...I established an office presence in the area of Westview Office Park just south of the City of Frederick.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I have a large and extended family, which has always been a very high priority in my life. My wife Nancy and I have been married for over 48 years. We have two daughters and five grandchildren to whom we are very devoted...Over the years, I have devoted much of my time to any number of community causes, including past service as chairman of the board for Frederick Health Hospital, Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, as well as board service with the Community Foundation.

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT YOUR TEAM?

Our small team of four individuals acts truly as a team, as we constantly share the knowledge and insight that we have learned in the market. To truly be a team member, each has to stay focused on what is best for the welfare of the company before individual goals. The best way to do that is to align personal goals with those of the company; however, as opportunities arise and individuals with a certain level of expertise in that field can also shift the direction of the company. With the number of years that the MacRo Team has worked together, we have fine tuned this art to create a special team dynamic.

DAVE WILKINSON Vice President

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE FREDERICK AREA?

I was born in Providence, Rhode Island. My family moved to Frederick when I was in elementary school. After graduating from Governor Thomas Johnson High School, I went off to college and then took my first ‘real’ job in Virginia Beach...In the mid 1980’s...I sought to move back to Frederick.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE MACRO?

I started my career as an economist focusing on economic development. While analyzing the real estate market was interesting, I realized I was happier interacting directly with people. I was fortunate to be hired by the Frederick County Economic and Community Development Commission (now known as the Office of Economic Development) where I worked for three years before crossing over to the private sector.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER MACRO?

When Rocky started MacRo I knew it was a tremendous opportunity. Rocky was well known and respected as an entrepreneur and a community leader. After meeting with Rocky I was sold on his vision for the company, his business

DAVE WILKINSON Vice President

ASHLEIGH ROSSI Vice President

acumen and his integrity. It was a perfect fit for me and when Rocky offered me the position, it was an easy decision.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I understand the nuances of getting projects through the governmental approval maze. I’m loyal to a fault, and when I start a project I work hard to see it through and produce the best outcome for my client.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT FREDERICK?

Frederick offers a tremendous mix of history, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation and a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. Frederick retains its own sense of community.

ASHLEIGH

ROSSI

Vice President

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT FREDERICK?

The community. Originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, I’ve lived in a number of towns and nothing compares to the Frederick community!

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER MACRO?

In the summer of 2015, I was browsing LinkedIn for job opportunities. I came across a blog posting for “The Next Great Apprentice." I decided to apply because the posting was so interesting. I had to write the normal cover letter, resume and a 500-word essay. After four interviews, a Myers-Briggs test and sitting with a career psychologist, I got the job!

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW?

One of my favorite things is watching clients get keys to their new properties. Whether it’s a purchase, a lease or an investment, it’s truly exciting to see the accomplishment in their faces! One other thing to know about me: the tougher the deal, the better. I love a good challenge.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I spend a lot of time outside of work volunteering on local non-profit boards. I enjoy spending time with my family, cheering my kids on at their events, continuing to play volleyball, running, and, of course, Orangetheory!

WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT YOUR TEAM?

We call ourselves the “MacRo Family” and we truly are. We have been there to celebrate so many life events for each other— birthdays, graduations, weddings. We really are a family!

ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTI LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

In Frank Capra’s  It’s A Wonderful Life, a bank run provides the occasion for local Building & Loan director George Bailey to explain the real impact of community banking. A group of anxious customers jostle to withdraw their funds; George tells them that he can’t return them everything at once, because “[their] money’s in Joe’s house… and in the Kennedy house, and Mrs. Macklin’s house, and a hundred others…” We don’t often consider it, but in truth, few other institutions are as embedded in community success as the community bank. Woodsboro Bank in Frederick County has exemplified this for 125 years.

Founded in 1899, the principal branch has been located in the same downtown Woodsboro building for almost all of its long history. The space was constructed in 1901, and along with the bank, this community center, of sorts, housed a grocery store, the post office and served as the town hall as well as an opera house. It was a space for meetings and events outside of the primary locations of home and church and meant that Woodsboro Bank was created as a true community institution from

the very start. Senior Vice President of Deposit Operations JR Delauter recounts how the building provided a home for literary societies, homemakers’ clubs and even a bingo fundraiser location to start the Woodsboro Fire Department.

“Today we have people in and out of the building that have come for generations,” he says.

Building on this generational legacy is a cornerstone of Woodsboro Bank’s mission and values.

Today, the bank has expanded to encompass five branches and 60 employees, and has widened its community focus to support all of Frederick County—yet has retained its Main Street ethos and its commitment to treat clients like family.

President Steve Heine explains that most banks work for shareholders first, but that Woodsboro’s shareholders are unique in recognizing the bank’s foundational purpose. Seven years ago, shareholders had an opportunity to approve a merger that would have increased the bank’s size and potential earning power, but declined it in favor of allowing Woodsboro to remain independent. Both Heine and Delauter say that Woodsboro shareholders recognized the deep value in staying the course as Frederick County’s last true community bank—with all decision makers and key players locally based and engaged. “[Clients] know our names, they’re our neighbors,” Delauter says. “It’s a meaning of community and community spirit.”

Through a new partnership with Hood College, athletic events will be hosted in the newly named Woodsboro Bank Arena!

Woodsboro Bank...will continue to be a community anchor which allows the county to flourish.”

— STEVE HEINE, PRESIDENT

President of Woodsboro Bank, Steve Heine

“Our values are so important… they drive our culture.”

— BETHANY LORD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Along these same lines, Woodsboro Bank is also unique in the degree to which its organizational values are interwoven in all operations. Heine cites the bank’s three “permission to play” values as integrity, a strong work ethic and a commitment to business ethics itself. Beyond that, Woodsboro team members take pride in their ability to be client-focused, innovative, pursue excellence and generate results.

Senior Vice President of Human Resources Bethany Lord shares how, of all the organizations she’s been a part of, only Woodsboro Bank has tied performance appraisals to day-to-day adherence to company values. “Our values are so important… they drive our culture,” she says.

Marketing Director Samantha Cutrona brings it all together in explaining how Woodsboro seeks to accomplish their vision—being the best bank in Maryland for their colleagues, community, clients and shareholders—by staying true to their history while remaining fully up-todate. The bank recently launched a new website, upgraded several of its banking products, and is revamping its online banking platform and app.

Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer Thomas Ramsay also explains that innovation at Woodsboro Bank often simply means that clients have access to custom solutions that larger, more corporate banks aren’t able to offer. This “local touchpoint” means that clients aren’t “put into a box where [they] might end up getting a call two weeks later,” he says. Woodsboro has no canned 800 number and this “pride in client experience,” according to Ramsay, is a “huge separator.”

Considering the bigger picture, Woodsboro Bank’s 125th anniversary is a milestone for the community in addition to being a major accomplishment for the bank. As Heine tells it, Woodsboro has been with Frederick through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the most recent recession and COVID—and will continue to be a community anchor which allows the county to flourish. Woodsboro Bank has achieved what it seeks to make possible for local families and businesses: longevity. This is something for all of us to celebrate. WoodsboroBank.com

100

Kathy Schultze, Agent

100 Tuscanney Drive

Bus: 301-694-6711

MD 21702

kathy.schultze.bvmx@statefarm.com

Bus: 301-694-6711

KathySchultze.com

Kathy@KathySchultze.com

VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN WOJDAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE MCINTYRE

Frederick Livable

COUNTY EXECUTIVE JESSICA FITZWATER, DIVISION OF PLANNING & PERMITTING DIRECTOR

DEBORAH A. CARPENTER AND LIVABLE FREDERICK PLANNING & DESIGN OFFICE DIRECTOR

KIMBERLY GAINES HELP BRING LIVABLE FREDERICK TO LIFE

“Livability is the sum of the factors that add up to our quality of life in Frederick County. It is the ability to easily get where you’re going, to enjoy great parks, to benefit from great schools, to find support when you need it, to form bonds with your neighbors, to have access to excellent stores, restaurants, and entertainment, to have good jobs close to home, to enjoy the revitalizing qualities of our forests, rivers, mountains and countryside, and to be in harmony with the systems that surround, support and underlie our ability to live happy, healthy, long and prosperous lives. To preserve, sustain, and create livability, we must define and advance our shared values as they impact our built and natural environments, our community health, our economic prosperity, our social stability and equity, our education, and our cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities. This is the central ambition of Livable Frederick.” (The Livable Frederick Master Plan, May 2019)

WHY IS THE LIVABLE FREDERICK MASTER PLAN IMPORTANT FOR OUR COMMUNITY?

Jessica Fitzwater: Livable Frederick is truly a one-ofa-kind comprehensive plan. This is not a plan written to check a state-mandated box and sit on a shelf. Rather, this plan is a roadmap to take us on a journey towards our shared community vision of a unique and vibrant community where everyone can live, work and thrive while feeling a strong sense of place and belonging. Livable Frederick was developed with the community every step of the way and for it to be successful, we must operationalize the plan within County government and continue to engage our community partners throughout its implementation.

Deborah Carpenter: The Livable Frederick Master Plan is the community’s vision for Frederick County.

It was written by the people for the people and will be implemented through the cooperation and continued support of the people. It was written by acknowledging where we are, visualizing where we want to be and devising a strategy for how to get there…Antoine de Saint-Exupery said ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish’. In Frederick County we aren’t just wishing for our vision to become reality. We’re planning for success.

Kimberly Gaines: …Livable Frederick is the community’s plan... People who care about the arts, the future of farming, the quality of our air and water, the safety of our roads for pedestrians and cyclists, the preservation of our history, housing affordability and many other important issues all contributed actionable items to the plan and now have an important role in the plan’s implementation.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF THE LIVABLE FREDERICK MASTER PLAN?

Jessica: I love that this plan looks at land use decisions through the lenses of Our Health, Our Community, Our Economy and Our Environment...This framework recognizes that land use, preservation and development impact every aspect of the quality of our lives.

Deborah: Livable Frederick is not your traditional comprehensive plan. The County’s goals are decided by the community, but who decides the definition of ‘community’?...Livable Frederick intentionally stopped defining community by geography only. We stopped labeling people and their engagement opportunities by where they live and instead have recognized who they are, allowing them to engage across the whole spectrum of communities

“It is the year 2040. Frederick County is a vibrant and unique community where people live, work and thrive while enjoying a strong sense of place and belonging.”

- Vision Statement, Livable Frederick

with which they identify...the whole premise of the plan is rooted in community, not geography...the plan is free to be flexible.

Kimberly: Livable Frederick goes beyond [Maryland State] requirements...particularly in the Our Health section of the plan. Goals and action items included address access to healthy food, prevention of violence, engagement of our senior population, access to affordable childcare and the provision of services to residents struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.

HOW DOES THE LIVABLE FREDERICK MASTER PLAN HELP TO GUIDE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT INTO FREDERICK?

Deborah: The responsibility for achieving our collective community visions lies with all of us. Because the vision is so clearly defined, community members are encouraged to peruse the list of supporting initiatives, find the one that sparks their passions and engage with the entities that are pursuing the implementation of that initiative. Do your passions lie with the arts, helping seniors, ensuring everyone has access to transportation, maintaining quality open spaces, passing down cultural traditions, helping business startups, educating the youth, or any of a myriad of other interests? Chances are

one of the over 600 supporting initiatives in the plan will be of interest.

Kimberly: Livable Frederick is a blueprint that identifies where farmland and natural lands will be protected, where growth will occur, and the shape that growth will take. Public investment in our rural areas to support private investment includes land preservation programs, reforestation programs, the County’s Rural Historic Preservation Grant Program, and the County’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. Public investment in our growth areas takes the form of libraries, schools, roads, parks, and trails for biking and walking. These amenities, and the sense of community that they foster, help make the places that have been designated for development attractive to employers and their employees.

WHAT DO YOU WANT READERS TO TAKEAWAY?

Jessica: I want people to know that this plan belongs to you—to the community.

Deborah: The vision of Frederick County as a vibrant and unique community where people live, work, and thrive while enjoying a strong sense of place and belonging…happens when we realize that we are all responsible for the outcome and are partners in protecting and advancing that vision.

Kimberly: By design, Livable Frederick is an accessible, user-friendly document that describes in everyday language the future the community desires and the actions needed to achieve that future. FrederickCountyMD.gov

“By design, Livable Frederick is an accessible, user-friendly document that describes in everyday language the future the community desires and the actions needed to achieve that future.”

County Executive Jessica Fitzwater (center) with Kimberly Gaines (left) and Deborah Carpenter (right). Photography by Chris Martin

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ADVENTURE

CAMP WEST MAR awaits at

ARTICLE BY LAURA MARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ROSARIO FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY AND YMCA

SUMMER CAMP EMPOWERS CHILDREN TO BUILD CONFIDENCE WHILE HAVING FUN

Hidden in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, the sound of water gently flowing in a creek and wind blowing through the trees invites campers to experience their summer adventure to the fullest at YMCA Camp West Mar.

Operated by the YMCA of Frederick County, Camp West Mar provides campers with an opportunity to build new skills and create friendships while connecting with nature. Camp West Mar offers overnight camps for campers ages 9 to 14 and day camps for campers ages 6 to 14. For kids ages 6 to 17, the YMCA additionally offers traditional, themed, specialty and teen camps.

MAKING MEMORIES

Camp West Mar welcomes campers from Frederick County and surrounding areas—including Pennsylvania and Delaware—to experience life immersed in nature and unplugged from technology. With more than 100 children in attendance for day camp, Camp West Mar provides campers with many unique opportunities to connect and start friendships with children from outside their local communities.

“Even in classrooms, everything is so digital today,” said Sara Robertson-Ryan, Executive Director of Camp at the YMCA of Frederick County. “Being outside all day in a wonderfully natural environment is the best part.” Camp West Mar is full of activities for campers to have memorable outdoor adventures, including archery, swimming in an outdoor pool, playing a variety of sports and exploring the natural world around them during outdoor education.

Another activity campers can’t get enough of during the summer at Camp West Mar is gaga ball. If you’re not familiar with the game, imagine a gentler version of dodge ball played with a soft foam ball inside a contained area, called the pit. Camp West Mar has gaga pits nestled beneath the tall trees on the camp’s property, where campers can exert their energy during a fun, fast-paced game. “The kids would play gaga ball all day if they could,” Victoria Anderson, Director of Camp West Mar said.

BOOSTING CONFIDENCE AND BUILDING LIFE SKILLS

At summer camp, kids learn and practice new skills they can feel proud of. Their independence and

sense of responsibility is strengthened as kids spend time away from their parents, allowing them to discover their inner strengths.

For campers who are spending time away from their parents for the first time—and parents who haven’t experienced their kids being away overnight—having camp counselors who genuinely care for the kids makes

“Camp West Mar provides campers with an opportunity to build new skills and create friendships while connecting with nature.” CONTINUED

a difference. “Last summer there was a young girl in the overnight program who was quite homesick,” Victoria said. “Her dad was worried about how she would cope emotionally. And, while she appeared sad or stoic through most of the week, her father emailed us after she went home and said, ‘She literally had the time of her life at camp and thanks so much for a great week...she still talks about it every day.’”

The core values at the Y and Camp West Mar are represented through core value beads: red represents caring, blue is honesty, yellow is respect and green represents responsibility for ourselves, others and the environment. Camp counselors make note of campers who display the core values and award campers with a bead at the camp’s core value bead ceremony.

“It’s cool to see campers attend camp all summer and rack up so many beads,” Victoria said. “Kids will want to show off their bead and chat about it with their parents...they’re a good conversation starter.”

CONTINUED >

At summer camp, kids learn and practice new skills they can feel proud of.

WELL SUITED FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Getting campers to and from summer camp is made easy with transportation options provided by the YMCA. Campers can be dropped off at the Natelli Family YMCA or the Downtown YMCA location for bus service to Camp West Mar.

The camp hours of operation were created with working parents in mind. Regular camp programming occurs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with before and after care opportunities. For overnight campers, drop off is on Sundays and campers are picked up in the evening on Fridays.

Each summer, Camp West Mar employs staff from around the world through their international program, providing campers with a unique opportunity to understand new perspectives. The staff at Camp West Mar create a safe environment for campers, but they also build relationships and connect with campers on a deeper, more personal level. “They create family among themselves,” Victoria said.

Camp West Mar offers an enriching experience for campers and counselors from Frederick County and beyond to enjoy nature and forge new friendships away from screens. Camp West Mar is the ideal retreat for children to bond, play, learn and create memories to last a lifetime.  FrederickYMCA.org

5 Reasons Families

Love Camp West Mar

1 2 3 4 5

Swimming: Campers get to swim in an outdoor pool every day.

Specialized Activities: Campers can experience canoeing, fishing, archery, slingshot, a giant swing and a low ropes course.

Weekly Themes & Special Guests: During safari season week, reptiles and small critters will make a special visit to Camp West Mar for campers to encounter.

Building Connections: The international program offers campers an opportunity to get to know people from beyond their local community.

Off-Season Fun: After summer comes to an end, the Camp West Mar property, including five sleeping cabins with 85 beds in total, can be rented for family reunions, scout troops and birthday parties.

“Camp West Mar is full of activities for campers to have memorable outdoor adventures.”

eat kind

EMBRACING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BODY

Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way.

Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon

• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil

• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos

• Zest and juice from one lemon

• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard

• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened

• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced

• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.

2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.

3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.

4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!

simple roasted salmon with dill coconut cream

APRIL 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 1ST -5TH

Spring Break Camp at Rose Hill

Rose Hill Manor Park | 8:00 AM

Spend your Spring Break at Rose Hill exploring history! Each day we will complete games, crafts and other activities to learn about different parts of American and World history. Ages 6-14 are welcome to attend. Register online. Recreator.com

APRIL 4TH & 18TH

Free Estate Planning Seminars

The Law Office of Lena A. Clark 1:00 PM

Join The Law Office of Lena A. Clark for free Estate Planning seminars on March 28th, April 4th and 18th at 1:00pm at 129 W Patrick St Suite 1. An experienced attorney will guide you through the process, discussing crucial decisions for your Will and other essential documents. Secure your spot now! RSVP at bit.ly/EPchoices

APRIL 6TH

Internationally Acclaimed Claire Jones - Free Concert!

GreenSpring International Academy of Music | 2:00 PM

GreenSpring Foundation is pleased to present this free concert, which is made possible through the generous support of the Maryland State Arts Council and the Tourism Council of Frederick County. Claire is passionate about promoting her instrument as well as performing, and regularly visits schools and communities to speak and demonstrate and is the director of the International Harp School based in Wales. GreenSpringMusic.org

APRIL 14TH, 20TH, 21ST, 26TH & 28TH

Frederick Flying Cows Home Games

BB&T Arena at Hood College

Bring the entire family for a fun evening with the Frederick Flying Cows, a new professional basketball team based in Frederick, Maryland. The organization is one of about a half-dozen new teams joining the TBL for the 2024 season! The team is dedicated to providing fun, affordable entertainment for the Frederick community! Reserve tickets online before they sell out. GoFlyingCows.com

APRIL 20TH

Sweetheart DanceFather/Daughter, Mother/Son or Family

Natelli Family YMCA | 4:00 PM

The much-loved Sweetheart Dance is always so special. And this year they’re back at the YMCA, with more room to spread out! Enjoy DJ and dancing, a buffet of snacks and drinks, games and prizes and a fun photo booth!

FrederickYMCA.org

APRIL 20TH

Junior Ranger and Earth Day

Monocacy National Battlefield

10:00 AM

Junior Ranger and Earth Day – How did the soldiers of the Civil War move over the battlefield? How did the war affect the very landscape on which soldiers fought? Join the infantry and then join a hike for this Monocacy National Battlefield Junior Ranger and Earth Day program. Free. NPS.gov

events CONTINUED

APRIL 20TH

Spring Open House & Earth Day Celebration

Talley Rec Center and Baker Park

11:00 AM

Join us for the Spring Open House & Earth Day Celebration at Talley Rec Center and Baker Park! Enjoy games and activities and enjoy a free trial of our fitness classes. Listen to live music while munching on some food from a food truck! Check out the tables to learn about sustainability in Frederick, check out eco-friendly vendors, and join in on some nature crafts and activities! PlayFrederick.com

APRIL 24TH

Coloring and Filling

Truffles with Chef Mark

Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm

6:30 PM

A two-hour class for adults to learn how to use cocoa butter to create artistic designs on their chocolates. You will have the opportunity to try out free-hand cocoa butter painting. Bring home with you up to 12 chocolate pieces created in the class. ChocolatesAndTomatoes.com

APRIL 27TH

Battle of the Bands 2024

Carroll Creek Amphitheater

3:00 PM

Six Bands will "Battle" it out on stage for a prize package worth over $5000, including a recording package from Frederick Recording Studio! Come out and enjoy food, beer, live music, games, activities and more! All proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County. Buy tickets at: BOTBFrederick.com

APRIL 27TH

Bring A Broom Saturday

19 E Church Street | 8:30 AM

Join the 13th annual Bring a Broom Saturday and help Downtown Frederick

get ready for spring. Volunteer a few hours of your time with friends and neighbors to help make downtown shine! Volunteers will sweep sidewalks, mulch tree wells, pick up trash and plant flowers. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. This is a great volunteer opportunity for companies, sports teams, social clubs and civic groups. Register online. DowntownFrederick.org

APRIL 28TH

Downtown Wedding Walk & Cake Dig

Colonial Jewelers presents the Downtown Wedding Walk & Cake Dig. If you're planning a wedding you won't want to miss this event. Explore downtown venues and meet all your wedding vendors all in one day. End the day at Colonial Jewelers for their big Cake Dig sponsored by Sage Cakery. And, be sure to stop by Colonial for their Diamond Days Sale between April 20th-27th. ColonialJewelers.com

APRIL 28TH

The Frederick Symphony Orchestra presents “The Best of Broadway”

The Weinberg Center for the Arts 3:00 PM

The Frederick Symphony Orchestra presents an enchanting evening filled with timeless melodies and unforgettable stories that have captivated audiences for generations. From the haunting melodies of  Cats to the epic tale of  Man of La Mancha, and the toe-tapping energy of  Oklahoma, prepare to be transported to the enchanting worlds of these iconic productions.  WeinbergCenter.org