Frederick, MD June 2026

The Men's Edition GO I NG TH E E X TRA M ILE

J U N E 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Men's Edition

June 2026 PUBLISHER

There’s something about this time of year that feels like motion—longer days, fun filled calendars, a subtle nudge to get outside and live a little more intentionally. Maybe it’s the sunlight or maybe it’s just perspective, but June has a way of helping us notice what we might have missed before.

When I think about the role men play, I don’t just think about titles or accomplishments. I think about presence. Showing up. Steady hands in uncertain moments. Quiet sacrifices that don’t make headlines but make all the difference. The kind of leadership that’s less about recognition and more about responsibility.

This issue, at its core, is about men who show up.

Not in loud, self-seeking ways but in consistent, meaningful ones. You’ll meet a retired police officer who saw a need and answered it—bringing dignity through something as simple, and as powerful, as clean clothes. You’ll hear from a fitness expert redefining what’s possible for older adults, proving that limits are often more negotiable than we think. You’ll get a front-row seat to Leaders on Tap, where stories of resilience and hard-earned wisdom remind us that setbacks don’t disqualify us—they shape us.

We’re proud to highlight a local artist whose creativity is making an impact far beyond our town, alongside a Q&A featuring men who are investing in others, leading with integrity and showing what it looks like to build things that last.

And then there’s this throwback photo with my five-year-old nephew Christopher, grinning wide, now suddenly a high school graduate. I’m still trying to figure out how that happened. One minute it’s snack time and a cartoon, the next it’s cap and gown; a not-so-gentle reminder that time doesn’t slow down, no matter how much we’d like it to. Hold your people close. Say the thing. Show up while it counts.

To the men reading this: you are needed. Your presence, your leadership, your care—it all matters more than you probably hear.

And with Father’s Day around the corner, here’s to the dads, the stepdads, the granddads, the mentors and the “I’ll just YouTube it and figure it out” heroes— thank you for fixing what’s broken... including, occasionally, things that weren’t.

Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

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

David Weigelt, Emily Holland, Michael Gaines C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Bill Green, Brittany Dawn Short, Cody Cervenka of Crvnka Photography

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

Happy Father’s Day,

AMBER SMITH, PUBLISHER @FREDERICKLIFESTYLE

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.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FREDERICK

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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.

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inside the issue JUNE 2 0 2 6 | G EN T L EMEN ’ S

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Featured

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16 28 34 6

Blessed with Clean Socks

Wade Milyard Launches Fresh Step Laundry to Serve the Unhoused with Free Clean Clothes

The Frederick Man

Local Men Reflect on Moments & Mindsets That Define Them

You’re Not Too Old

Why Feeling Like Yourself Again Has Less to Do with Age and Everything to Do with the Right Approach

Coloring Frederick

Local Artist Matt Long Transforms Everyday Spaces Into Vibrant, Whimsical Works Across Frederick and Beyond

28 On the Cover

Departments

Retired officer Wade Milyard founded Fresh Step Laundry to provide free, mobile laundry services to Frederick’s unhoused community. By restoring dignity through clean clothes, he is filling a vital gap in local outreach.

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Lifestyle Letter

8

Business Monthly

10

Expert Help LOCAL SERVICES

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Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

22

Local Limelight EDUCATION

28

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

34

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

38

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

40

Events

Photography: Cody Cervenka of Cervenka Photography

All watches tell time.

Shinola Tells More.

Built to work. Built to wear. Built to be lived in.

Find yours at Nelson Coleman Jewelers.

11 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD

(240) 931-3801 | NelsonColeman.com

View the Collection

JUNE 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

NE Bob Waltz Plumbing & Heating Celebrates 70 Years with $70,000 Donation NE Bob Waltz Plumbing & Heating is celebrating 70 years of family-owned service by donating $70,000 to local nonprofits. Now under third-generation leadership, the company will support seven key areas of need, including veterans, youth and mental health. This initiative honors the legacy started by founder Norman E. “Bob” Waltz in 1956, thanking the Frederick community for seven decades of support. NEBobWaltz.com Photography by Mary Kate Battles

Scan to read more

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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If you truly want things to be simple for your family when you go, consult with an experienced Estate Planning attorney to ensure your wishes are accurately documented and your assets are protected. The risks of using free or cheap online services can vastly outweigh the apparent savings.

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JUNE 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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Blessed with Clean Socks Wade Milyard Launches Fresh Step Laundry to Serve the Unhoused with Free Clean Clothes Anyone who’s ever lived in an apartment without laundry machines knows the struggle and inconvenience of heading to a laundromat. But for the unhoused, even that “inconvenience” often taken for granted presents barriers that force them to do without. Wade Milyard, founder and operator of Frederick nonprofit Fresh Step Laundry, is spending his retirement years providing a free and accessible service for local unhoused individuals to wash and dry their clothes. But just a few years ago, he never would have thought he’d be a full-time provider of a blessing most people never think about.

Fresh Step’s story started toward the end of Milyard’s tenure as a Frederick City police officer. In 2024, he had been called to a homeless campsite to settle a domestic dispute. While the call was wrapping up, as a person of faith, he says he sensed God nudging him to ask those at the encampment about their laundry. They showed him how they had been washing their clothes in a dirty creek and hanging them from nearby trees to dry.

“I asked them, if there were a free laundry service, would they use it?” he says. “They told me, yes, they really would.”

ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CODY CERVENKA OF CRVNKA PHOTOGRAPHY

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EXP E RT H E LP | LO CAL SE RVICE S

With six months left to go until his retirement in January 2025, Milyard told his wife about his idea and began researching the details of mobile laundry services. On September 4th, 2025, the Fresh Step Laundry vehicle did its first load of clothes.

The road to getting a mobile unit operational was made easier with family pitching in and generous community support. The bus which serves as a base of operations was donated by the Frederick Police Department and much of the internal buildout was completed DIY. “My father and father-in-law helped to renovate the bus and build the cabinetry,” Milyard says. “We were able to save a lot of money by doing the bulk of it ourselves. For everything else, we fundraised through Facebook networks. People quickly saw the vision and rallied around what we were working toward.”

For more on the ins and outs of running a mobile laundry service, Milyard connected with Tony Peterson of Living Water Shower Ministry and the team of The Laundry Truck LA. Both, he says, were

“very helpful,” and happy to answer his many questions and share their knowledge. Milyard has also developed local partnerships with Frederick’s Department of Health and Human Services and recovery agency On Our Own of Frederick County. Frederick has a number of resources available for the unhoused, but Fresh Step Laundry still fills a gap many might not be aware of.

CONTINUED >

JUNE 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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“There are free laundry facilities at homeless shelters, for sure, but capacity is limited, and not everyone is able to access them,” Milyard says.

“Some people are denied at shelters because of substance abuse regulations. Others just may prefer to stay elsewhere. Fresh Step makes sure that clean laundry is a possibility for everyone no matter what their situation.”

The Fresh Step Laundry bus is clean, bright and equipped with three washer / dryer units and a long countertop. When clients arrive at the site, they check in on a clipboard and their clothing joins the line of hampers-towash. The Fresh Step volunteer team handles all of the washing, drying and folding. Clients simply circle back to retrieve their clothes at pick-up time.

“You connect from a very human place” “I’ve gotten to know some of the people I serve on a more personal level than was ever possible for me as a police officer,” Milyard says. “During my police career, I had to have a tough shell, but this side of the work is a lot more vulnerable. You connect from a very human place.”

One of his favorite stories so far, he says, has come from serving a repeat client who recently got hired at a much-needed job. “I’m not saying that helping him with his laundry led to that directly,” he says, “but I know it’s important for a sense of dignity and confidence to have clean clothes for an interview.”

Milyard continues to seek local support for Fresh Step Laundry, and looks forward to seeing the nonprofit expand.

“Within a year I’d like to have another mobile unit specifically to serve unhoused families through FCPS,” he says, “and within five years, it would be wonderful to have a brick-and-mortar space.” One of the challenges Milyard mentions facing is continuing to serve the community during winter when temperatures can cause mobile unit water to freeze: “Our best case would be to have a headquarters that’s climate controlled.”

On the ordinary Monday when Frederick Lifestyle paid Fresh Step a visit, Milyard and his team were parked at one of their regular locations behind On Our Own. An early client dropped off his laundry, gave Milyard a handshake and stopped to chat. As he left, Milyard handed him a pack of clean socks.

“Out here doing the Lord’s work?” asked another man, passing by.

Milyard gave a shy wave. “I’m trying,” he said.

FreshStepLaundry.com

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EXP E RT H E LP | LO CAL SE RVICE S

Ways to Support Fresh Step Laundry: • Follow on Facebook (Fresh Step Laundry) or Instagram (@fresh_step_laundry) • Give a tax-deductible donation via freshsteplaundry.com • Become a volunteer – reach out to Wade to inquire at wade@freshsteplaundry.com

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THE FREDERICK MAN

TRUNG HUYNH

Local Men Reflect on Moments & Mindsets That Define Them

Owner, Lucky Corner Vietnamese Cuisine

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK COUNTY? The balance between city and rural life...Being able to breathe fresh air and still be five minutes from a grocery store. And the gorgeous sunsets.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU RIGHT NOW? Building a business that can support not just my family, but other creatives who might not be able to make a living doing what they love otherwise.

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET BETTER AT RIGHT NOW? Finding the balance between work and family. Our daughter, Penny, just turned one, and if work keeps me late, it doesn’t feel right until I’ve kissed her goodnight.

PurpleDonutStudios.com

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK? What’s not to love? The beautiful scenery, wineries, history and great schools. The people are friendly and kind. Frederick has grown so much over the past 20 years...more diverse, more vibrant and the community events bring people together. We’re blessed to be here.

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET BETTER AT RIGHT NOW? My health. Twenty years in the restaurant business hurt my eating habits. I’m focused on eating the right foods at the right times. I want to live long enough to watch my kids grow up and have families of their own.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW? Learning to trust my team and step back. I have four sons who remind me the restaurant will survive without me. They just want their dad in the stands, going to paintball on weekends and watching movies together.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU RIGHT NOW? I hope to expand the business, put my kids through college and one day pass it on to one of my sons. But honestly, success is making sure they never have to work as hard as I did.

LuckyCornerRestaurant.com

CAMERON HARRIS

Co-Owner, Purple Donut Studios

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I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK COUNTY? The diversity. Being from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s meaningful to connect and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED? “Do what you mean and mean what you say. Stay authentically true to who you are and keep it real.” —Mark Coleman

A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE? When my stepfather passed away, my perspective on life shifted drastically. It reminded me that life is short and we have to cherish every moment with the people we love.

BRIAN HALL

WHAT DOES BEING A GOOD MAN MEAN TO YOU TODAY?

Endodontist, DDS, PA

Doing right by your people. If you take care of your partner, family, friends, colleagues and community, it comes back around.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK? Being born and raised in Frederick, I’ve seen so many changes. But what continues to stand out is that this county stays the same at its core. People either come back or take a piece of it with them wherever they go.

NelsonColeman.com

A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE?

DEVON’TE CILLS General Manager, Nelson Coleman Jewelers

The day a truck literally drove through my first dental office. It made me realize that negative events don’t have to block your path and they can push you forward, open doors you never knew existed.

WHAT DOES BEING A GOOD MAN MEAN TO YOU TODAY? I used to think being a good man meant providing for your family. Now I realize it’s about being present, as a husband and father, and bringing God to them through me. That means more than anything else.

BrianDHall.com

DAN SCHIFFMAN

Founder & Advisor at Capital River Wealth Management

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK COUNTY? The sense of community, paired with access and opportunity. I’ve lived here nearly 30 years. I grew up in a small town with strong community and later lived in large urban areas with endless things to do—but less connection. Frederick strikes that balance: a real sense of community with plenty of opportunity and proximity to everything else.

A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE? When I was 20 and studying abroad, I visited Winchester Cathedral in England.

That day, I held a stranger—a woman likely in her 80s—as she took her last breath while waiting for first responders. That experience stayed with me. The contrast of that moment—the end of her life and the beginning of mine, the beauty of the day and the sorrow within it—made me more humble and deeply grateful.

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET BETTER AT RIGHT NOW? Two things: becoming a better listener and getting more comfortable with courageous conversations. The second doesn’t come naturally to me. Both are ongoing work. I consider myself a constant work in progress.

CapitalRiverWealthManagement.com

CONTINUED > JUNE 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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CJ DORMAN

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK COUNTY? Frederick offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant downtown with shopping, dining and music, plus quick access to the mountains for camping, fishing and outdoor adventure.

President of Dorman Home Remodeling

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU RIGHT NOW? After 40 years of remodeling homes, success is being part of a team that helps create beauty and harmony in families’ lives.

WHAT DOES BEING A GOOD MAN MEAN TO YOU TODAY? Being honest and trustworthy with my wife, children, friends, family and business partners—and always showing up for them.

DormanHomeRemodeling.com

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK COUNTY? I love that Frederick blends community, history and a quality of life that just feels like home. There is always something fun to do—whether it’s a Keys game, a show at the Weinberg or a stroll through downtown or Baker Park, this county provides balance with a great work environment.

WHAT YOU’RE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW? We are nearing the completion of One Oak Dental, a concierge level dental experience scheduled to open in Fall of 2026. It’s exciting to be able to enhance our business community in this way.

WHAT DOES BEING A GOOD MAN MEAN TO YOU TODAY?

KEVIN OAKES

DDS, FACP Owner of Dental Arts of Frederick

Being a good man means being honest and having integrity, showing up for family, working hard, supporting the community, being positive and passionate and having fun.

DentalArtsofFrederick.com

RICHARD OHNMACHT

President & CEO of Woodsboro Bank WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN FREDERICK COUNTY? I love the fact that Frederick retains our special community feel while at the same time benefitting from being on the edge of two major metros. I like that you can always run into somebody you know.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED From an executive coach, empowering people do what they are great at, especially when they are better at it than you. Letting go of control sometimes, has served me well over the years!

WHAT ARE YOU PROUD OF THAT NO ONE SEES? My Three Kids! None of them are local currently, but each of them in their own way are crushing it as they take on this complex world we live in.

WoodsboroBank.com

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I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

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Leaders on Tap

A Live Conversation Series Where Maryland Leaders Share the Stories — The Good, the Bad and the Redemptive ARTICLE BY DAVID WEIGELT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

It started on a Wednesday evening with a message from a local business leader I barely knew. He asked if we could meet at his office—a space that, upon my arrival, felt beautiful but unusually quiet. He invited me in, closed the door and moved his chair from behind his desk.

Over the next ten minutes, this man, a person with a reputation for success and generosity, poured out the reality of his troubles. A group of his most trusted employees had just left to start a competing firm. His beloved wife was enduring a tough health journey.

Beneath the surface of his professional wins, he was struggling to see if any of it was still worth it. He looked at me and said, “I need a few people in my life right now that I can trust and who understand what it’s like to walk in my shoes.”

In that moment, I was reminded that even the most successful leaders are often the most isolated. I didn’t have a magic formula or a ten-step plan to fix his situation. So I did the only thing I knew to do: I listened and shared the stories of other leaders who had navigated similar storms with faith and grit, and those stories became his fuel.

The conviction that there’s something redemptive and life-giving about hearing how someone else made it through the near breaking points of leadership is what birthed Leaders on Tap. It is a live audience conversation series where successful business leaders from around Maryland share their stories—the good, the bad and the ugly—in comfortable public venues like RAK Brewing Co., whose beautiful lounge has become our monthly home.

Leaders On Tap is for anyone who has ever sat in that chair—men and women alike—who just need to know they’re not alone, that there is hope and that in their life, leadership and business there is a greater purpose.

These are some of those stories.

Leaders on Tap Founder & Host, David Weigelt | Principal Chair of C12 Business Forums

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION

AJ BALLANTINE FROM “STUNTED SHRUB” TO STEWARDING INFLUENCE The inaugural Leaders on Tap event featured AJ Ballantine, the high-energy founder of Cornerstone Home Remodeling and the software startup, RENDR. While AJ appeared to be “making it look easy” from the outside, he opened the conversation with a refreshing vulnerability regarding the weight of running two fast growing companies doing over $10M in business. He spoke candidly about the “culture shock” of managing competing priorities and the creeping shadow of imposter syndrome.

The turning point for AJ came through a deep dive into Jeremiah 17. He described a season where his identity was so tightly wrapped in his professional success that he felt like a “stunted shrub” in the desert, surviving but barely living. Through prayer and his community of peers at C12, AJ learned to detach his personal identity from his balance sheet. This surrender was put to the ultimate test when a cash offer for his company sat on the table.

By being willing to walk away regardless of the terms, AJ found that God provided a “third way”, bringing in key employees as minority owners, granting him the freedom to lead from a place of peace.

Today, AJ lives in a “ministry of influence.” Whether it is placing Bibles in his office foyer, an act that remarkably saved an employee’s life during a mental health crisis, or speaking at industry prayer breakfasts, AJ views his businesses as opportunities for others to bump into God. He emphasizes the importance of “focus blocks” to protect his most valued asset: being fully present at the dinner table with his family.

“

Shared stories have the power to turn breaking points into fuel.

CONTINUED > JUNE 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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CHARLES GRIFFIN THE POWER OF THE “NOT YET” Charles Griffin, former CEO of NexRev Technologies, shared a masterclass in faithful discernment. Charles spent years “running hard,” waking up at 4:00 AM to build a premier government contracting firm. However, as the business grew, so did the internal tension between his professional success and his role as a husband and father. During a pivotal presentation to his peers, Charles admitted he felt he was failing his family, only to have his children chime in over speakerphone to express how much they admired his support and work ethic.

The core of Charles’ story revolves around the “Not Yet.” When a lucrative acquisition offer arrived, Charles was exhausted and ready to exit. However, through prayer, he felt a clear prompting that the timing wasn’t right. He boldly told the buyers “not yet,” a move that shocked the other side but honored his spiritual conviction. Several months later, a significantly better deal materialized, one that not only rewarded him financially but also honored his team and integrity.

Now in his “post-exit” life, Charles remains active with a mission of building future leaders, but with a renewed perspective. He warns other leaders not to “forget the scraps”, the lessons and disciplines learned during the lean years. For Charles, success is no longer defined by the exit, but by the fruit of his relationships: the ability to be present with his wife, family and those he leads.

“

“Steward the fuel of your own journey for others.”

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION

VINEET RAJAN FROM “DRIFT” TO DRIVE Vineet Rajan, CEO and co-founder of Forte, opened with a confession that resonated across the room: “You can be successful on paper and still feel yourself drifting.” Despite building a company, leading teams and providing well for his family, Vineet found himself running low on the clarity and energy his professional life demanded.

The productivity tools and performance hacks that had gotten him that far weren’t built for the parts of him that mattered most.

That gap gave rise to the question at the heart of Forte: What if the work of being human deserves the same serious training as the work of being a professional? Operating as a Public Benefit Corporation, Forte has built what Vineet calls a “mental fitness” platform — a proactive way to strengthen the mind, will, emotions and spirit rather than wait for crisis to force the conversation. Through assessments, short training exercises, paired coaching and real-world application, leaders and their teams learn to move from drift into drive.

For Vineet, this is ultimately a “ministry of presence.” He challenges leaders to see their people not as units of production but as whole human beings with a God-given story — and to see themselves the same way. When inner strength is trained like a muscle, faith and ambition stop competing and start compounding, at the office, around the dinner table and across the community.

Whether you are a leader seeking a fresh infusion of hope or one ready to steward the fuel of your own journey for others, Leaders on Tap has a seat saved for you. Join us every fourth Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 PM at RAK Brewing Co.—or at one of our rotating venues across Maryland—for an authentic audience conversation followed by fellowship and networking. No leader was meant to navigate the furnace of leadership in isolation. Watch our full conversations and discover upcoming gatherings at LeadersOnTap.Live.

JUNE 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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IT’S

LONELY AT THE TOP.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Each month, C12 gathers Christian CEOs and business owners in peer forums to build great businesses for a greater purpose.

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27

You’re Not

Too Old

It’s something I hear often and reluctantly, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”

It’s not dramatic or said for attention. But it’s real, and it tends to come from the same group: adults over 55 who once felt strong and capable in their bodies. Now, things feel different. Getting up takes longer and movement feels stiff. Tasks that were once second nature require more effort or get avoided altogether. Most people chalk it up to aging.

But that’s not the full story.

IT’S TIME TO RETHINK WHAT’S “NORMAL”

Most people haven’t been given a system that actually works for their body and their life. So when things stop working, they assume it’s them.

For years, the fitness industry has sent mixed signals. On one end: push harder, go faster, do more. On the other: take it easy, don’t push at all. Listen to your body. For many adults, especially those over 55, neither approach delivers results.

They’re stuck between workouts that are too intense to sustain and ones that aren’t effective enough to create change. And that’s where people start to lose confidence.

THE SHIFT

Then, people begin to move less. They avoid certain activities. They become more cautious. Over time, the world they live in starts to shrink.

You go from building your life to protecting it. That’s the shift I’m trying to change.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH

At The X, my team and I focus on something different: not workouts, but systems.

A workout tells you what to do for an hour. A system shows you how to move, train and live in a way that works long-term.

Our approach centers on three priorities: • Move better • Get stronger • Build confidence In that order. Because if you skip the first two, the third never comes.

Every client starts with a conversation about where they are, what their body has been through and what they want their life to look like moving forward. From there, each step is tailored, adjusted and guided. I call it “pain-smart training”—a method built around the idea that if something doesn’t feel right, it won’t last.

Why Feeling Like Yourself Again Has Less to Do with Age and Everything to Do with the Right Approach ARTICLE BY MICHAEL GAINES

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WHEN IT CLICKS

There’s a moment I watch for in every client. It doesn’t happen on day one, but when it does, it’s unmistakable.

Someone finishes a movement and instead of bracing for discomfort, they pause and say, “That actually felt good.” When movement feels good again, people stop fearing it. And when the fear is gone, they start showing up consistently.

MORE THAN FITNESS

For me, this work goes far beyond the gym.

This isn’t about six-pack abs. It’s about being able to live your life.

That might mean playing with grandkids without hesitation.

Traveling without worrying about physical limitations. Moving through the day without constant discomfort.

Ultimately, it’s about freedom.

REAL RESULTS, REAL LIVES

Clients like Dan and Susan are proof of what’s possible with the right approach.

Dan, now in his 70s, came to The X needing to lose more than 150 pounds. Movement was difficult, and like many, he had already tried countless programs without lasting success. What he needed

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

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G N E RV E S & B

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604 Solarex Ct, Suite 202 Frederick, Maryland 21703 JUNE 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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wasn’t more effort—it was a system. Through consistent, structured training, he not only lost over 150 pounds, but gained strength he hadn’t felt in decades. Today, he can do pull-ups and has even completed a 500-mile hike across Spain.

He didn’t just get in shape. He got his life back.

Susan, in her early 60s, had a different challenge. Each time she tried to exercise, pain would stop her.

When she came in, she said, “I just want to feel better in my body.”

With a guided, personalized plan, she began to rebuild trust in her movement. Within weeks, there was a shift. Today, she’s not only stronger, but more confident.

THE COST OF WAITING

For many, doing nothing feels like the safest option, but I see it differently.

Every year you wait, you lose strength, confidence and options.

And slowly, your world gets smaller.

In contrast, I’ve seen people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, even 80s, become stronger than they’ve felt in decades.

Not because they tried harder. Because they finally followed something that worked.

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A DIFFERENT KIND OF EXPERIENCE

At The X, the environment reflects that philosophy.

It’s not louder or more intense. It’s just better.

Clients are known by name. Coaching is hands-on. There’s no guesswork and no going it alone.

A NEW STARTING POINT

For those unsure where to begin, I offer a simple first step: a conversation.

It’s called a No Sweat Intro. No workout, no pressure. Just a chance to talk about where you are and what your next step could be. Because: You’re not too old. You’ve just never been shown the right way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Gaines is the owner of The X in Frederick, Maryland.

He specializes in helping adults 55+ build strength, reduce pain and regain confidence through simple, personalized training. His approach blends movement, psychology and habit-based coaching to help people feel better, move better and stay active for life.

XProjectFitness.com

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Strong academics Faith-centered learning Leadership opportunities Small class sizes Athletics, clubs and community NOW ENROLLING GRADES 5-7

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COLOR ING FR EDER ICK Local Artist Matt Long Transforms Everyday Spaces Into Vibrant, Whimsical Works Across Frederick and Beyond

Matt Long is a Frederick-based multimedia artist and graphic designer who holds a BFA degree from Shepherd University. His client roster includes Sheetz, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Frederick Visitor Center, the Frederick Arts Council, New Spire Arts, the Frederick Keys, Ausherman Properties, Love for Lochlin, Frederick County Public Schools and the City of Frederick.

With vibrant colors, whimsical energy and fun graphic elements, Matt’s work spans illustration, brand identity, and public art across the Mid-Atlantic. You’ll find his work gracing a variety of formats including tractor trailer wraps, art cars,

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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

sculptures, maps, murals, apparel, print collateral and even storm drain covers!

Regionally, Long has worked with brands such as Children’s National Hospital, the Washington Auto Show, Disney, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, San Mar Bester Community of Hope, the City of Hagerstown, the City of Cape May, SurfAid andthe City of Alexandria bringing a consistent artistic sensibility to every project regardless of the brief. @artistmattlong

New Spire Arts Window Installation

Sheets Fleet Art Frederick Visitor Center Map Mural

Pawsitive Vibes Mural

Frederick Keys - Art in the Park Jersey

Love for Lochlin Mobile Clinic Wrap

Frederick Arts Council Magazine Cover, Photo taken by Bill Green

JUNE 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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HELPING YOU COVER THE ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD. Kathy Schultze, Agent 100 Tuscanney Drive Frederick, MD 21702 Bus: 301-694-6711 KathySchultze.com Kathy@KathySchultze.com VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent

You worked hard for your home and securing it with the right amount of coverage is essential. With my team, we are committed to taking the stress out of the process.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

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Your stories told with our delicious design We’re Purple Donut Studios, Frederick’s creative powerhouse for video, web, social, and so much more. www.purpledonutstudios.com Video Production

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JUNE 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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AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short Creative Director: Jen Birn Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

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T H E Q U I E T S TA N D A R D :

MIKE JOHNSON

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed.

Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

“Too many people have prayed for me.

So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

F E AT U R I N G MIKE JOHNSON Scan for the full conversation.

JUNE 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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JUNE 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

JUNE 6TH

Tour de Frederick Fire Hall, 79 W. Frederick St., Walkersville, MD | 6:30 AM The Tour de Frederick is an annual charity bike ride benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County.

Powered by the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, this community event offers four scenic routes, ranging from a family-friendly 10 miles to a 100-mile century. Participants enjoy a vibrant finish line festival featuring live music, delicious food and local beverages afterward. VisitFrederick.org

STRONGER WITH EACH 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.

xprojectfitness.com

240-301-3826 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Ste. 110 Frederick, MD 40

EVE N TS

JUNE 13TH-14 TH

Maryland Lavender Festival Springfield Manor Winery Distillery Brewery | 9:00 AM Join the Maryland Lavender Festival for a fragrant weekend in the fields! Enjoy live music, over 70 artisan vendors, food trucks and craft beverages from Springfield Manor’s winery, distillery and brewery. Tickets include unlimited lavender lemonade, spirit tastings and educational seminars. Capture picturesque views, participate in workshops like bath salt making or shop for fresh lavender bundles and unique gifts.

SpringFieldManor.com

J U N E 1 3T H - 1 4 T H

32nd Annual Frederick Festival of the Arts Carroll Creek Linear Park | 10:00 AM Presented by the Frederick Arts Council, this outdoor festival showcases talented regional artists and an unforgettable showcase of their creative work.

Visitors can explore fine art and a craft marketplace, enjoy a lively atmosphere with shops and dining and experience a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and artistic expression in a picturesque setting. Admission is free. FrederickArtsCouncil.org

JUNE 20TH

History on the Double

PUT YOUR PLANS INTO

ACTION

Frederick Visitor Center | 12:30 PM Step aboard a vintage yellow London double-decker bus for a whimsical guided tour of Downtown Frederick.

Departing from Carroll Creek Park, this 'History on the Double' expedition explores centuries of local lore, including colonial stories and Civil War landmarks. Led by witty 'clippies,' this family-friendly sightseeing tour combines architectural brilliance with British humor for an unforgettable journey through Maryland’s past.

MarylandDoubleDeckers.com

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JUNE 21ST

Monocacy National Battlefield Classic Car Cruise South Mountain Battlefield State Park | 10:00 AM Experience a unique blend of automotive heritage and Civil War history at the Monocacy National Battlefield Classic Car Cruise. Starting at Turner's Gap, participants drive a scenic route toward Monocacy Battlefield, the “Battle That Saved Washington.” This free event includes guided tours of key historic sites. Registration is required for this memorable journey through Maryland’s stunning landscapes and storied past. VisitFrederick.org

JUNE 3 0 TH

Fresh Berries: Curds, Custards, Creams Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, 7957 Hollow Rd., Middletown, MD 6:30 PM Join Chef Mark at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm for a 1.5-hour culinary class focused on seasonal berries. Adults will learn to create decadent curds, custards and creams using chemical-free raspberries and blueberries harvested directly from the farm. This hands-on experience includes recipe demonstrations, tastings and professional techniques. Perfect for all skill levels, guests leave with recipes and fresh samples.

VisitFrederick.org

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G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ FREDERICK

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The Colonial Jewelers Box...

There’s just more in it

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DENTAL ARTS OF FREDERICK HAS BIG NEWS! COMING SOON: New Location, New Name, Same Trusted Care Still serving patients at 196 Thomas Johnson Drive #130 FA M I LY & C O S M E T I C D E N T I S T RY | P R E V E N TAT I V E C A R E PROSTHODONTICS | IMPL ANTS | CLE AR ALIGN E RS | & MOR E REQUEST A CONSULTATION www.DentalArtsofFrederick.com 301-663-5552 71 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, MD

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