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The Health & Wellness Edition JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Health & Wellness Edition

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com

The start of a new year is often filled with excitement and a sense of renewal. A time to set goals, embrace new opportunities and dream big. January, however, can also bring a sense of pressure—a reminder of resolutions left unfulfilled or the weight of expectations. This edition of Frederick Lifestyle was crafted with the goal of offering something different: inspiration for long-term, sustainable improvements in physical, emotional and mental health. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Whether it’s in health, relationships or business, it’s not what you do occasionally that makes the difference—it’s what you do most of the time. Consider this: you wouldn’t go on vacation every day, but planning a couple of trips each year is a realistic and restorative goal. Similarly, indulging in a decadent dessert from Bakehouse ideally isn’t an everyday event, but it’s a delicious treat to enjoy now and then. This year, we challenge you to focus on small, consistent actions that lead to a more balanced and rewarding life. Join a community focused gym, prioritize moments of rest and remember to savor life’s pleasures. It’s the “most of the time” choices that shape our lives. Something pretty neat happened as the pages of this edition came together. Local influencers shared their wisdom and lived experiences to help equip you, our readers, with new ways to pursue change and transformation and in the process, a unifying theme formed. Realign values. Reclaim joy. Redefine reset. Their insights and encouragement sparked renewed hope and it’s my prayer the same will happen for you. Are you one of many seeking real change and freedom in a certain area of your life, maybe several? You’re not alone. Pictured above with me is Shadae Paul, CEO of Cornerstone for Women Leaders. We had the privilege of being panelists for a Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce event, a new statewide organization already brimming with impact and opportunity. I wore my “Revival” shirt that day because I believe so many of us are needing just that—not momentary relief but lasting transformation. Have faith, Frederick. It’s possible. There’s a God who loves you and redemption, restoration and revival is what He does best. Here’s to a new year, filled with possibility.

AMBER SMITH, PUBLISHER @FREDERICKLIFESTYLE

P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Sierra Moore | Sierra.Moore@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Danielle Rizzo, Blake Bomberger, Marc George, Sierra Moore, Emily Dickey, Angela Broockerd C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Gigi Saenz, Michelle Chu Photography, Janie Jones

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Frederick Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Frederick area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Frederick Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

24 32

Featured

24 28 32 8

28 Departments

Built On Strength Together

A Q&A with Co-Founders of Unrivaled Iron Gym—Blake Bomberger & Marc George

Reclaiming Joy

How to Consciously Move Forward After a Difficult Year

Aligning With What Matters Why Your Health Starts With Who You Are

House Calls are Back

Summit Family Health is Revolutionizing Healthcare and Delivering it Right to Their Patients’ Doors

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Self Care FITNESS

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

House Call HEALTH + WELLNESS

Trend Setter WELLNESS

Events

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JANUARY 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 6

1-7: Frederick showed up in full force for the first-ever COWFEST in 2025: 1,048 cows strong and just a few hooves away from breaking the world record! The energy was unforgettable as the community shared their “moos”. The herd is only getting bigger! Next year the record is ours, Frederick. Tell your friends, family and neighbors — be a part of a world record! Frederick is coming for that #1 spot planned for October 25th, 2026.

Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ F R E D E R I C K L I F E S T Y L E

C I T Y SC E N E

JANUARY 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

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BOOMTOWN: The Story of Downtown Frederick – Get Involved BOOMTOWN: The Story of Downtown Frederick is a locally produced docudrama celebrating the creativity, courage and community that transformed a small town into a cultural destination. BOOMTOWN is in its final stretch and inviting local businesses and individuals to join as sponsors. Don’t miss the world premiere at the Weinberg Center on January 24, 2026—VIP reception at 5:00 PM, screenings at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM. Learn more and support the film at BoomtownFrederick.com.

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STRONGER WITH EVERY YEAR At 70, Dan hikes across Spain, rides long-distance bike routes for fun and can crush a pull-up — because he chose strength over slowing down. When Dan first walked into The X in Frederick, everyday movement felt harder and life felt smaller. With coaches who tailored training to his goals, he built strength safely, regained mobility and unlocked the energy to hike 500 miles, travel, garden, build and stay active with ease. Dan’s story isn’t about age—it’s about momentum. If you want to move well, feel capable and age boldly, your starting point is here.

Strength, Energy, Confidence—At Any Age. Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ FREDERICK

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TOGETHER

BUILT ON STRENGTH

Q&A WITH BLAKE BOMBERGER & MARC GEORGE— T H E CO - F O U N D E RS O F U N R I VA LE D I RO N GY M

ARTICLE BY BLAKE BOMBERGER & MARC GEORGE

S ELF CA R E | FI TNES S

“OUR ABILITY TO BUILD AUTHENTIC AND GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS IS WHAT SETS US APART—SEAMLESSLY BLENDING ACCOUNTABILITY, HARD WORK AND FUN.” Frederick has no shortage of gyms, but Unrivaled Iron Gym never set out to be just another one. From day one, co-founders Marc and Blake set out to build something different: a place where high-level coaching meets genuine connection, where recovery is taken as seriously as reps and where every walk of life—from beginners to elite competitors—feels at home. In just two years, Unrivaled has evolved into a full-scale wellness destination: part gym, part supplement center, part community hub. With hand-curated equipment, a roster of expert trainers and an atmosphere people describe simply as “different,” Unrivaled has become a place where goals are met, friendships form and lives change. We sat down with Marc and Blake to uncover what makes their approach so unique—and why the Unrivaled community continues to grow at record speed.

COACHING CONNECTION

Q: What makes Unrivaled’s coaching style stand out from other gyms? How do you tailor programs for different individuals? Marc: The coaching style at Unrivaled Iron Gym is truly unique. We set out from day one to establish a coaching program tailored to individuals’ needs, understanding that every person is different. We take the time to understand those differences and create custom plans and programs that address each person’s goals on a personal level. Our ability to build authentic and genuine

relationships is what sets us apart—seamlessly blending accountability, hard work and fun to get the best outcomes possible. Blake: Each coaching inquiry is reviewed directly by me and paired with a detailed questionnaire. This gives us insight into athletic background, age, injuries, current nutrition and more. From there, we determine not only which trainer is the best fit, but what their program needs to look like. We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach; we rely on the quality of service we provide. Recovery needs, genetics, personalities and goals vary for everyone—so their coaching absolutely should too.

PERFORMANCE & RECOVERY

Q: Beyond offering a wide range of products and services, how do you help members understand what they actually need for recovery and nutrition? Marc: When it comes to recovery, we stopped at nothing to make sure members have the best options available. Our on-site Unrivaled Supplement Center carries protein, amino acids and recovery drinks, and our full Wellness Center offers physical therapy, chiropractic care, medical massage and sport-performance stretching. We’ve partnered with local Frederick professionals—Mid Atlantic Chiropractic Center, Premier Integrative Health & Wellness and Hanson Physical Therapy— to offer everything from injury rehab and dry needling to prenatal chiropractic care and disc-related treatment. Everything someone needs is under one roof. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / F R E D E R I C K

S ELF CA R E | FI TNES S

Blake: Recovery is a term that gets thrown around, but it can mean sleep, hydration, muscle repair, micronutrients, hormonal health—the list goes on. When someone asks about recovery, we ask very specific questions to pinpoint the exact pain point. If you blanket-statement recovery, you could give someone ten products they don’t need. Our goal is precision. We invest time in understanding what each person struggles with so the solution actually benefits their health and fitness goals. Q: What’s one supplement myth you’d love to bust? Marc: Creatine monohydrate is not just for bodybuilders—it’s something anyone and everyone can and should take. It boosts strength, builds muscle, speeds up recovery and even supports cognitive function. Research continues to show its benefits for memory, reducing mental fatigue and potentially helping with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and depression. It’s one of the most widely studied supplements and truly beneficial for all.

STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY

Q: Unrivaled is known for its unique atmosphere. What do members say makes this space feel so different and so much like home? Marc: The Unrivaled community motivates one another simply by being a true community. Watching people support each other’s goals— regardless of background, ability level or what style of training they prefer—has been one of the most rewarding parts of the last two years. Whether you’re a CrossFit competitor, professional bodybuilder, powerlifter or a first-time gym-goer, everyone is here to support each other and get better. CONTINUED >

“UNRIVALED IS A LABOR OF LOVE—BUILT SO INDIVIDUALS CAN EXCEED THEIR OWN EXPECTATIONS IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT CARES ABOUT THEM.” JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / F R E D E R I C K

Blake: Most people walk in and say, “I don’t know, it just feels different here.” We’re a commercial-size gym, but we make all of our own rules. From the music to the graphics to the relationships built between staff and members, the feel is completely opposite of what you get elsewhere. We have a blend of old-school and newschool equipment that brings a cool “rough around the edges” vibe, but the culture is extremely inviting. It’s hard to have “hardcore” and “friendly” in the same sentence, but that’s exactly what Unrivaled is. Q: What’s your WHY behind building Unrivaled? Has it turned into what you hoped? What’s next? Marc: Our “why” is simple—we love helping people improve their health, fitness and nutrition. With more than 30 years of combined experience in bodybuilding and powerlifting, we knew we wanted to build a gym that mirrored Frederick’s sense of community. The fitness industry can be full of people driven by profit instead of people’s progress and we wanted to be different. Unrivaled is a labor of love, built so individuals can exceed their own expectations in an environment that cares about them. We’re incredibly fortunate to do what we love every day.

“WE BUILT THIS WITH PURPOSE, AND THE COMMUNITY HAS MADE IT SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY.” Blake: Frederick needed a gym that matched its community-focused spirit. Seeing this culture come to life—members forming friendships, trainers helping people transform and the entire space growing into a true home—has surpassed every expectation. We built this with purpose and the community has made it something extraordinary. And we’re still just getting started. UnrivaledIronGym.com

S ELF CA R E | FI TNES S

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Recla i m i ng Joy How to Consciously Move Forward After a Difficult Year

Humans love a comeback story. We tend to praise resilience but deny support for the struggle. Let’s change that. Hardships offer us an opportunity to step more fully into ourselves, and return softer, wiser

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

YOU’VE GOT TO NAME IT TO TAME IT

We can’t bypass the hardest truth: Every difficult season brings invisible grief. Your year may have involved mourning a loved one, a relationship, a dream or the sense of safety and predictability you once had. The first step toward joy is acknowledging the loss instead of suppressing its sadness. All the recent neuroscience research has taught us that once our brain can label and identify an experience, we are then able to process it with more clarity and objectivity. Try: Creating a personal ritual of release: light a candle, name what has changed and read it aloud. When you allow your body to feel the weight of your story, you begin to create space for something new to enter.

ARTICLE BY VANESSA DURRANT

THE CLICHE OF “BOUNCING BACK”

and more grounded in truth. As a licensed psychotherapist who continually supports people recovering from adversity, I’ve developed a supportive guide to help you reclaim the joy that is rightfully yours.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE CHU PHOTOGRAPHY

A new year has the power to help us contemplate the previous twelve months. This solemn reflection offers an opportunity to authentically move through each year mindfully. Truth is, there are years that stretch us beyond recognition and years that seem to dismantle the identities we’ve built. Difficult years can leave us wondering if we’ll ever feel okay again. Paradoxically, even through the toughest times, or when your life demands all your energy just to keep going, joy never really disappears. Instead, it gets buried beneath the weight of survival. Reclaiming joy isn’t about forcing positivity. It’s about learning how to authentically face yourself again, slowly, gently and honestly.

RECONNECT WITH YOUR MIND AND BODY

It’s normal to experience a disconnection between the mind and body during high conflict times. You might feel stuck in your head, constantly analyzing or ruminating over what went wrong. Staying in that intellectual space prevents us from tapping into the way our body is holding onto stress. Before you know it, your body will begin to give you signals that something is not okay. Many peer reviewed studies have shown that chronic stress impacts the onset of many physical ailments. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of mind-body healing, joy is considered an energy that flows naturally when your life force (prana) is balanced. When you nurture your body with warmth, rest and nourishment, that flow begins to return, and with it, your vitality too. Try: Incorporate body stretches when you wake up, take a slow walk without your phone, breathe deeply into your belly.

CULTIVATE GRATITUDE FOR THE MICROJOYS

Joy doesn’t always arrive as fireworks or grand gestures. More often, it shines through the cracks of the ordinary. These moments are known as microjoys; like the smell of coffee in the morning. A beam of sunlight through your window. Feeling your pet’s unconditional love or witnessing the magic inherent in nature. Over time, noticing helps rewire your brain to remember: joy is still possible. Try: Keep a daily “Microjoys” list, like a short note each night naming something small that made you feel a flicker of peace or delight.

“Joy never really disappears. Reclaiming joy isn’t about forcing positivity. It’s about learning how to authentically face yourself again, slowly, gently and honestly.”

BUILD EMOTIONAL AWARENESS

True joy doesn’t come from avoiding pain, it comes from allowing the full range of your emotions to exist. When you suppress sadness, anger or fear, you also suppress happiness. Try: When you notice a difficult feeling, pause and name it. Ask yourself, “What does this feeling need from me right now?” Sometimes the answer is rest. Sometimes it’s movement. Sometimes it’s reaching out for support. *If you’ve experienced trauma, therapy that includes somatic or mindfulness-based approaches, like Brainspotting, can help you safely reconnect with your emotions.

REBUILD SOCIAL SUPPORT

Pain thrives in isolation. You may have withdrawn from relationships or felt misunderstood in them. But joy is relational, it multiplies through connection. Research shows that quantity is not what is important here; it’s the quality of your friendships. One friendship that is based in authentic truth sharing, support and laughter, is enough! Try: Send your friends a text letting them know you’re thinking of them. Then make some plans to have fun together!

KEEP DISCERNING ALIGNED CHOICES

Hardships can cloud decision making. Living with purpose means aligning your choices with your values, even if it means choosing the harder path. For some, that might mean slowing down. For others, it’s saying yes to something new. The shift begins when your energy moves toward what nourishes you, not what drains you. Try: Instead of, “How can I do more?” ask, “What feels meaningful now? What is true for me now?”

MAKE TIME FOR PLAY

Play is joy in motion and it’s deeply restorative. It tells your nervous system, “We are safe enough to explore again.” You don’t need a plan, just curiosity. Play helps you reclaim spontaneity, the essence of feeling alive. Try: Experiment with something you’ve never done before, even in a small way. Paint without judging the outcome. Sing while you cook. Wander without a destination.

CALL IN GIVERS

Sometimes being a giver feels easier and those who expend so much energy on supporting others may struggle to receive without guilt. Yet joy is deeply connected to our ability to receive: compliments, help, beauty, love... Try: Practice pausing when something kind comes your way. Let it land. Resist the urge to minimize or deflect kindness. Breathe and say thank you.

TRUST THAT GROWTH IS NOT LINEAR

It’s not possible to remain in a perfect state of bliss. Instead, joy comes back quietly, in whispers and glimpses. Contrary to how we chronologically age, the rest of life moves in convoluted spirals, not straight lines. Try: Mindfulness practices. This allows you to stay rooted in the present, without judging your thoughts or feelings. This fosters acceptance and reorients your focus to the present moment. KindredTreeHealing.com JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / F R E D E R I C K

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“TRUE WELLBEING BEGINS WHEN YOUR LIFE REFLECTS WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU. HEALTH IS NOT JUST WHAT YOU DO, BUT WHO YOU ARE WHILE YOU DO IT.” We spend so much time trying to improve our health that we rarely pause to ask whether our idea of wellness is actually our own. We count steps, adjust diet, meditate, journal, set boundaries and push for balance, yet something still can feel slightly off. Many people that are doing everything “right” wonder why they still feel tired or unsettled or uninspired. Often the missing link isn’t discipline or motivation, but alignment. True wellbeing begins when your life reflects what matters most to you. Not what you wish mattered or what others expect from you, but the values that already shape the most meaningful parts of what makes you, you. Values are not lofty ideals. They show up in the choices and in the principles you defend without effort. Maybe you value family or creativity, adventure or faith. Maybe you value independence or legacy, maybe simplicity. The values themselves are not the point; what matters is whether your life supports them. When your actions match what you believe, the mind and body soften into ease. It becomes easier to rest, nourish, move and connect because your actions are not working against your identity. On the flip side, misalignment carries a cost. When you say yes out of fear, when you stay in environments that require self-abandonment, when you chase goals that impress others more than they fulfill you, the body starts talking. You may be confused at first, experiencing resentment, fatigue or anxiety with no obvious trigger. Sometimes it shows up physically through tension, disrupted sleep, emotional eating or the instinct to numb. These aren’t failures of character; they are extremely intelligent signals from a nervous system that is doing its job to indicate something is off. This is why wellness so often falls apart even when the routine is perfect. A lifestyle built on misaligned values forces the body to operate in a constant state of internal contradiction. You can do everything right yet still feel unwell because your choices are not rooted in who you are. If your deepest value is family and connection, but your routine has you spending most nights at the gym in pursuit of self-improvement, you may be prioritizing growth at the expense of what grounds you.

ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE

Living in alignment is less about reinventing yourself and more about returning to yourself. It often reveals itself not through a dramatic life overhaul but through subtle, consistent shifts. Choosing to protect family time by aligning family friendly activity. Saying no to opportunities that look good but feel wrong. Choosing rest without guilt. Making space for creativity that does not produce income. Allowing your life to match your priorities rather than hoping your priorities will survive your life. When you feel grounded in who you are, you naturally move toward habits that sustain you. It becomes less about willpower and more about resonance.

5 PRACTICES TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR VALUES

These are not steps to fix yourself but ways to hear yourself more clearly. 1. Silence digital noise Turn off notifications and remove inputs long enough to notice your own thoughts again. 2. Listen to your body’s signals Your chest tightening, shoulders dropping or stomach clenching often tell the truth before your mind does. 3. Schedule what matters first Put core values on the calendar before filling in obligations. 4. Surround yourself with people who reflect your identity Alignment thrives in relationships where honesty is safe and individuality is celebrated. 5. Create rituals instead of performance goals Rituals anchor identity. Resolutions police it. Your healthiest life may not be the one that looks the most impressive on paper. It may simply be the life that tells the truth about you. When you live in that alignment, your wellbeing follows.

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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

ALIGNING WITH WHAT MATTERS Why Your Health Starts With Who You Are

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / F R E D E R I C K

HOUSE CALLS ARE BACK

It’s safe to say, relationships are the best medicine. The team at Summit Family Health makes relationships top priority when conducting their “good ol’ fashioned house calls,” giving patients and their families a dose of compassion and understanding that aren’t always found in an office setting. “We come to you. We listen. We educate. We validate. What our patients say matters,” said Sophia Wilmot, a certified registered nurse practitioner and medical director at Summit Family Health.

H OU SE CA LL | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

ARTICLE BY EMILY DICKEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIGI SAENZ

SUMMIT FAMILY HEALTH IS REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE AND DELIVERING IT RIGHT TO THEIR PATIENTS’ DOORS

Created in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Wilmot said there was a need to have a practice centered around medical freedom where patients could be heard. With offices filled to the brim and restrictions on patient visits, Wilmot first helped a friend who needed an appointment, but couldn’t get into their regular family doctor. After helping that friend by conducting a home visit and providing specialized care, Wilmot and her husband, Sheldon, created the business plan which started as Summit Nurse Consulting and has since grown to become Summit Family Health. Although the name has recently changed, the services have stayed true to their origin. Summit Family Health provides services typically seen in a general family practice by a primary care physician but without the limitations of an office space or waiting room. Instead, patients are seen in their homes by board certified nurse practitioners. In the state of Maryland, nurse practitioners have full practice authority (FPA) which allows nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice to the full extent of their education, experience and training without physician supervision. NPs can independently evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order and interpret tests and manage treatments, including prescribing medications, completing forms or letters, and writing referrals.

Services include newborn visits, routine check-ups, sick visits, referrals to specialists and health education, but not emergency or urgent care services. Patients of any age can be seen by the Summit Family Health Team, with their youngest patient being a few days old and their eldest patient being in their nineties, according to Wilmot, who noted the practice serves about 800 patients. “We provide quality healthcare in a comfortable setting without judgement,” said Wilmot, who has more than 19 years of experience in the health and medical field, in both hospital and family practice settings. She is experienced in pediatrics, women’s health, emergency care, nutritional education, wellness support and mental health. By operating on a direct-pay model, Summit Family Health has the ability to provide patients with more medical freedom because they are not confined to the parameters of medical insurance protocols. A typical visit costs $295 and includes a oneon-one visit with one of three registered nurse practitioners in the comfort of the patient’s home. In addition to avoiding long waiting times in a doctors’ office, seeing a patient in their natural environment gives the visiting nurse practitioner the opportunity to observe their patients, such as young children, to better advise anything that parents might have questions or concerns about. “Mothers of young children often have questions about whether their child is meeting milestones. When we are in the home, we can have a fuller picture of what the child is able to do and attend to.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / F R E D E R I C K

The personalized care isn’t limited to the 30-60 minute visit, according to Wilmot. Patients can communicate with their provider via email and phone calls after and between visits, providing a seamless line of communication, which also enhances the patient-provider relationship and encourages peace of mind. “Because we don’t collect insurance, we can work jointly with our patients on treatment options,” Wilmot explained. “Our treatment plans are not driven by insurance, but instead they are driven by combining our team’s medical expertise and the patients’ personal choices, allowing for a collaborative plan of care.” This also includes a vaccine-friendly environment, where patients are educated about vaccines, but are not governed by an insurance-driven timeline of administration. Summit Family

H OU SE CA LL | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

Health providers are able to collaborate with holistic providers, specialists and other forms of treatment options. In addition to Wilmot, Summit Family Health currently has a team of two certified registered nurse practitioners and one registered nurse: Shannon Dummer, Family Nurse Practitioner, Lynne Soper, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Jeanette Logan, Registered Nurse and Administrative Assistant. Interested patients can go online for an appointment and can expect to be scheduled within a few days. “This model is deeply fulfilling — for both providers and patients. Our practice is growing because people see the value in this type of personalized, at-home, convenient care. I want people to feel like they can talk to our nurses and someone is listening.” SummitNurse.com

A TI M E G AT

e: info@briandhall.com w: www.briandhall.com

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I was pleasantly surprised; no pain at all. Dr Hall communicates, listens, and explains everything!

604 Solarex Ct, Suite 202 Frederick, Maryland 21703

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B uilding a Life You Don’ t Need a B r eak From

REDEFINING THE RESET ARTICLE BY DANIELLE RIZZO

What if we could forget the pressure of becoming a “new you.” This year, the goal isn’t reinvention—it’s restoration. Here’s how to build a life that feels good to live, not one that you need to escape from.

T R E N D SE T T E R | WEL L NE SS

Every January, we fall into the same rhythm—a list of resolutions, a burst of motivation and a silent hope that this year will finally feel different. But a few weeks in, we’re right back where we started: tired, stretched thin and wondering why the “fresh start” never seems to stick. Maybe the problem isn’t us. Maybe it’s the idea that we need to keep starting over. So what if this year wasn’t about becoming a new version of yourself and instead you learned to honor the one that’s already here? Somewhere along the line, we’ve been sold this idea that growth has to look extreme. Wake up earlier. Hustle harder. Cut everything out. Reset your entire life overnight. But the change that ACTUALLY lasts, doesn’t come from swinging to extremes. It comes from being honest with ourselves about what’s working, what’s not and what your life actually needs right now. That’s where the reset begins: not with a plan, but with awareness. If you get quiet long enough, your life will start to speak. It will show you what feels heavy, what feels light and what no longer fits. Sometimes that means drawing clearer boundaries. Sometimes it’s slowing down to actually enjoy what you’ve already created. And sometimes, it’s finally releasing the things you were never meant to carry in the first place. Imagine if things weren’t constantly pressing in and you didn’t have to do it all at once. That’s what it feels like when you are truly aligned. You are zoned in on what actually matters to you and letting everything else go. When you do that, life stops feeling like something you need to escape from and suddenly, it actually starts to feel good.

“You don’t need to start over. You just need to start listening and rebuilding your days around what truly matters.”

Take five minutes today to do this. Grab a pen and paper (or your phone notes).

1. Write down everything that takes up your energy — work, obligations, social commitments, even thoughts that weigh on you. 2. Circle the things that actually matter to you — the things that make you feel alive, fulfilled or proud. 3. Cross out or put a line through the things that drain you — even if they feel “necessary.” Think about what you could delegate, postpone or let go of. 4. Pick one small change to act on this week — say no to one thing, carve out 15 minutes for yourself, or simplify a task. CONTINUED >

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Notice how it feels. Even small shifts like this start to create space in your day and in your life for what truly matters. Let’s be honest: life doesn’t slow down just because we want it to (if only it worked that way). We all have responsibilities, bills, people who need us and dreams we’re still chasing. We’ve been sold this lie that rest=weakness and slowing down=falling behind. But what if rest is actually how you move forward? And what if slowing down is how you learn to build something that lasts? Creating a life you don’t need a break from doesn’t mean your days will be perfect or peaceful all the time. It just means you’re choosing to live with more awareness, more grace, and more intention. It’s the kind of peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances because it’s built in the small, quiet ways you take care of yourself every day. So what does that look like in your day to day? That might look like putting your phone away during dinner so you can actually taste your food. It might look like saying no to one more commitment so you can say yes to yourself. Or maybe it looks like finally asking for help because you’re tired of carrying everything alone. Little by little, those choices start to stack. You begin to breathe again. You start feeling proud of the life you’ve built not because it’s perfect, but because it’s yours.

T R E N D SE T T E R | WEL L NE SS

This year doesn’t need to be the year of the “new you.” Maybe it’s the year you come home to yourself. The year you stop running from your own reflection. The year you stop waiting for permission to rest, to reset, to realign. Danielle Rizzo is a Business Growth Strategist and Accountability Coach, and the founder of Marielle Agency—a company designed to help midlevel business owners and professionals scale with clarity, purpose and sustainable momentum. With over a decade of experience leading high-performing teams and supporting entrepreneurs through seasons of growth and challenge, Danielle brings a unique blend of operational insight and heartfelt mentorship to every room she steps into. She is known for helping clients cut through the noise, align with their core values and take bold action toward their personal and professional goals. Whether she’s consulting one-on-one, leading a team strategy session or hosting the Award Winning Rich In Life Podcast, Danielle’s mission remains the same: to help ambitious individuals live a life that feels as good as it looks. When she’s not working with business owners, you can find her raising four kids, keeping it real on Instagram or reminding people everywhere that they don’t have to do it all—just what matters most. MarielleAgency.com

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / F R E D E R I C K

JANUARY 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JANUA RY

"We Heart Wednesdays" Downtown Frederick | 9:00 AM Join Frederick mid-week for all things local! Enjoy shopping small, dining local and discovering special deals at your favorite independent businesses. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit, a unique gift, a bite or a relaxing drink, wander the streets of downtown, explore locally owned stores, enjoy the community vibe and have a little fun in the mid week. DowntownFrederick.org JANUARY 5TH

Press Paws Therapy Dogs of Teens Urbana Regional Library | 6:30 PM

Find Your Community When you join Homewood Living Frederick, you will find a warm, welcoming community where neighbors become lifelong friends. Here, connection and community are in the heart of everything we do. Whether taking an art class, enjoying a meal in the dining room, or participating in social events, each day will offer opportunities for you to enjoy.

Call 301-732-6157 today for a tour to see what maintenance-free living looks like.

Teens are invited to unwind with a comforting visit from a certified therapy dog. Whether popping in for a quick homework break or staying to enjoy a full hour of canine cuddles, participants can relax, reset and relieve stress in a warm, welcoming environment. Friendly therapy dogs from Wags for Hope provide the perfect dose of calm, joy and connection. FCPL.org JANUARY 10 TH

Greenbrier's 23rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge Greenbrier State Park | 10:30 AM

7407 Willow Rd, Frederick, MD 21702 HomewoodLivingFrederick.com Homewood Living Frederick does not discriminate in admissions or the provision of services in accordance with federal, state and local law.

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The annual Polar Bear Plunge invites participants to brave icy waters in support of the Humane Society. Plungers can register in advance, fundraise individually or as teams and compete for fun awards, including best costumes and top fundraising efforts. Supporters may also donate to their favorite participants, helping animals receive vital care year-round. HSWCMD.org

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10 N CARROLL ST, FREDERICK, MD, 21701

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KEVIN S. OAKES, DDS, FACP DIPLOMATE , AMERICAN BOARD OF PROSTHODONTICS