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Frederick, MD September 2026

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The Style Edition

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Style Edition

September 2026 PUBLISHER

Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com

Dear Reader, There is something about September that feels like an invitation to refine—to edit, refresh and welcome a new season with anticipation and purpose. That makes it the perfect time for our annual Style Edition. To me, true style has very little to do with having the “right” things. It’s about knowing what you love. It’s about craftsmanship, character and the confidence to make something your own. A room doesn’t need to be perfectly coordinated to be beautiful and neither does a wardrobe. In fact, I’d say that the most compelling spaces and people are the ones with some history, a little surprise and a story worth telling. That spirit is especially alive here in Frederick County. The legacy of fashion innovator Claire McCardell lives on in the creative energy of people like my friend I’m pictured above with, stunning cover star Bianca Margolis, and in the countless artists, makers, designers and visionaries who continue to shape our community in wonderfully unique and meaningful ways. This edition is a celebration of the art of putting things together: old and new, classic and unexpected, timeless and distinctly of-the-moment. It’s about recognizing beauty, honoring craftsmanship and perhaps most importantly, resisting the urge to make everything look the same. So as you turn the pages, I hope you’re inspired to take a few chances. Bring something old back to life—on your own or with the help of a local expert. Mix in something unpredictable. Wear the thing you’ve been saving. Make your home a little more you. Because the best style, in my opinion, is not about getting everything “right.” It’s about creating a life that actually reflects you—layer by layer, story by story, beautiful imperfection and all. Here’s to a new season, a little inspiration and the freedom to make it your own.

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

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

Suzie Thornton, Kristin LeDuc, Mike Ganassa, Emily Holland C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Quincy Santiago of Bori Films, Kristin LeDuc, Cody Cervenka of Crvnka Photography, Kristi Lynn Photography, Ana O Photography, Illustration by Madelyn Wilson

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

Cheers,

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.


inside the issue SE PTE M B E R 2 02 6 | STYL E

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Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

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WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Featured

Departments

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19 30

A Legacy Set in Stone

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Lifestyle Letter

Three Generations of Craftsmanship Shaping Homes Across the Region

10

City Scene

12

Business Monthly

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Expert Help HOME + DESIGN

Timeless Treasures

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Inspired By HOME + DESIGN

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Maker’s Studio ARTS + CULTURE

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Trend Setter STYLE + BEAUTY

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Events

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Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE

An Antique Dealer’s Guide to Styling Your Home

Claire McCardell Style

Frederick’s Famous Fashion Innovator Provides Inspiration for Fall

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

On the Cover Bianca Margolis, owner and stylist of Frederick Fashion Boutique, poses in front of the iconic Claire McCardell statue in Downtown Frederick, celebrating the creativity, style and local influence that make the city’s fashion scene unique. Photography: Kristi Lynn Photography

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Discover The

Collection

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SEPTEMBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

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1-7: The inaugural 2026 Frederick Fitness Games proved that true strength extends far beyond the gym floor. Hosted by Unrivaled Iron Gym, the competition united athletes, families and local supporters in a celebration of perseverance, teamwork and community pride. Teams pushed through seven demanding events, demonstrating grit, determination and sportsmanship that inspired everyone in attendance. Even more meaningful, the Games championed the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Frederick County; reminding us that physical wellness and mental wellness go hand in hand. When fitness becomes a force for compassion, an entire community wins. Frederick deserves more events that build healthier bodies, stronger connections and brighter futures for all. UnrivaledIronGym.com FCMHA.org Photography by Quincy Santiago, Bori Films

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

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C I T Y SC E N E


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SEPTEMBER 2026

We Help Families Protect Money and Loved Ones in the Event of Death or Disability

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Breakfast at Tiffany's Returns to Downtown Frederick Dress in your best Audrey Hepburninspired attire and join hundreds of women for Breakfast at Tiffany's on September 9, 2026, at 4 p.m., benefiting the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund. Hosted by Colonial Jewelers, this beloved Pink Ribbon Frederick event includes the popular Holly Golightly kit with admission to participating downtown restaurants and bars for an evening of friendship and fundraising. Kits go on sale August 11. PinkRibbonFrederick.org Photography by Ana O Photography

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY


A LEGACY SET IN STONE ARTICLE BY MIKE GANASSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CODY CERVENKA OF CRVNKA PHOTOGRAPHY

THREE GENERATIONS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP SHAPING HOMES ACROSS THE REGION

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EXP E RT H E LP | HO M E + D E SIGN


Behind every remarkable project is a team committed to excellence, integrity and the relationships that make lasting work possible. For three generations, Washington Marble & Granite has embodied those values. Representing the family behind the business, Mike Ganassa reflects on the legacy, craftsmanship and culture that continue to define the company today. WHAT DOES BEING A THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS MEAN TO YOU? Mike: It’s about honoring our past while building for the future. When your name is on the building, you take pride in every project because your reputation is on display. The Ganassa name is rare in America, and we feel a responsibility to uphold the standards my grandfather established. WHAT DO YOU HOPE CLIENTS REMEMBER AFTER WORKING WITH WASHINGTON MARBLE & GRANITE? We want every client to feel they made the right choice. There are plenty of competitors, but what people

Ron, with his daughter, Laura and son, Mike

“The beauty is in the stone; the difference is in the craftsmanship.” remember most isn’t always the finished product—it’s how they were treated. We want every customer to feel confident, comfortable and heard throughout the process. IS THERE ONE PROJECT THAT STANDS OUT AS ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL? Several come to mind, but one residential project will always stand out, even though I can’t share details for privacy reasons. Around our office, we call it our “Super Bowl.” It demanded an incredible level of coordination, craftsmanship and expertise. If it could be made from marble, we did it—from custom countertops and flooring to trim and moldings. It’s a project we’ll always be proud of and one we’ll reference for years. CONTINUED >

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WHAT DESIGN TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING TODAY? Timeless materials continue to lead the way. Taj Mahal Quartzite remains one of our favorite natural stones because of its beauty and durability. Homeowners are gravitating toward warm earth tones like beige, creamy white, gold and light brown, while greens, reds and coral are making a comeback in the right settings. We’re seeing less demand for stark whites and overly synthetic-looking marble patterns. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE HOMEOWNERS CHOOSING A SURFACE? Don’t overcomplicate it. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—that’s why we’re here. Start with your budget, your lifestyle and your personal style. Whether you cook often, have young children or simply want a low-maintenance surface, there’s a material that fits. For example, Ice White granite offers beautiful color, lasting strength and great value, while quartz provides even greater stain resistance. HOW DO YOU BALANCE TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY? It’s not always easy, but we believe the best results come from combining both. While modern equipment increases efficiency, our skilled craftsmen still take pride in the hands-on work that defines our company. We’ve built a culture centered on quality, integrity and exceptional talent, and that remains our greatest strength. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF RUNNING A FAMILY BUSINESS? Continuing a legacy of quality and integrity has been the greatest reward. For my father, Ron, working alongside his son has been especially meaningful, knowing the next generation will continue delivering high-quality work at a fair price. Looking ahead, Laura and I are committed to building on that legacy together for years to come. WashingtonMarble.com

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EXP E RT H E LP | HO M E + D E SIGN


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DESIGN | BUILD - MAINTENANCE - OUTDOOR STYLING S EP TEMB ER 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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Countertops | Fireplaces | Tile Work | All Hard Surfaces Info@washingtonmarble.com | Washingtonmarble.com | 301-831-1329 | 18


TIMELESS TREASURES AN ANTIQUE DEALER’S GUIDE TO STYLING YOUR HOME ARTICLE BY SUZIE THORNTON

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Whether you’re an avid collector or have inherited a few treasured family pieces, antiques can add warmth, personality and timeless beauty to any home. In this guest feature, local antique dealer Suzie Thornton shares some of her favorite ways to incorporate vintage finds into everyday décor with style and intention.

PLATTERS AND PLATES • Hang on the Wall: Display a collection of platters and plates in similar colors and varying sizes. Hang them vertically or, my favorite, arrange them in a symmetrical pattern. Don’t be afraid to hang them in any room in your home, even a laundry room. Sometimes the unexpected is the most beautiful and interesting.

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I NSP IR E D BY | HO ME + D E SIGN


• Place under a Planter: Placing a beautiful antique plate underneath a planter is both practical and chic. An antique plate adds visual interest while also protecting the surface beneath it. Find a plate that complements the shape and color of your planter, so they can visually play off of one another. • Create a Grouping: Use a platter or plate to group other items and anchor them in a display. Arrange objects of varying heights on the platter or plate to create a layered display. I particularly love placing my favorite candles on them along with other antique pieces.

VASES AND BOWLS • Display Flowers or Plants: Fresh flowers always look beautiful in an antique vase, especially when they’re gathered from your own garden. I also love placing potted flowers, such as geraniums, in an extra-large antique French Bowl. This looks particularly stunning on a dining table inside or outside. • Place on a Pedestal: Some antique vases and bowls deserve their own pedestal for displaying their beauty. This works well when you choose a pedestal that compliments the antiques size, material and shape. Place the pedestal with the antique vase or bowl in an empty corner or even in front of a window. • Turn into a Lamp: Some antique vases are the perfect shape and size for turning into a lamp. This is a great way to add a custom and unique feel to your home. You do not have to add holes or damage an antique vase to make a lamp, there are wiring options that are safe for your antique pieces. Don’t forget to add a beautiful shade to your custom lamp, a patterned fabric one would be my first choice.

ART • Prop on a Table: Sometimes the perfect spot for an antique piece of art is displayed on top of a table, not on the wall. This works particularly well when the artwork is smaller and you use a chic art easel. • Hang on a Cabinet Door with a Sash: For smaller antique artwork, try hanging it with a ribbon or fabric sash from a cabinet door. It’s an unexpected display that adds charm and character. You could hang it on the wall, but hanging it on a furniture cabinet door is more unexpected and charming. • Lean on a Mantel: Not all antique art needs to be hung on the wall above your fireplace mantel. One of my favorite ways to display those special antique pieces is by layering them and leaning them on a mantel. Make sure to choose pieces that are different sizes with different frames to add visual interest. Always place the larger piece towards the back with smaller artwork in the front and off centered.

Suzie Thornton is an antique dealer who sources and curates beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces for the home and garden. She specializes in helping homeowners style antiques in fresh, livable ways that blend timeless character with everyday living. @Suzie_Thornton_Interiors | suziethorntoninteriors@gmail.com Shop my Curated Items at: On A Whim Antiques 14924 James Monroe Hwy Leesburg, VA 20176 Bedford Lee Shop 101 West Federal St. Middleburg, VA 20117 Instagram: @bedfordleeshop

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Flip The Script—Your Home Should Tell Your Story, Not Just the Story You Inherited

second

chances

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIN LEDUC

There’s a piece like this in almost every home. An antique, handed down through more hands than you can name, and somewhere along the way, you were quietly appointed as its next caretaker. You’re not really allowed to give it away. And for years now, it has cast something flat and tired over the room, and maybe over you, too. It doesn’t fit your style, or the pace of life anymore. So, you’ve learned to live around it instead of with it. Over time, I’ve learned to pay attention to how my own mindset is shaped by what I own, and then to give myself permission to change it. The practice that gets me there is simple, if not always easy: honor a piece’s story first, then decide what it gets to become. I used to think the only options were to get rid of a piece or to leave it alone. But there’s a third option, quieter than both: give it permission to change, without erasing where it came from. Stuff matters, too. That’s my mantra, and the real work is never just the paint: it’s listening to what a piece means before deciding what it becomes. A client of mine had her grandmother’s antique tilt-top table gathering dust in a forgotten corner, casting a dark, heavy spot in her living room. We talked through what that table did to her bandwidth every time she looked at it, then explored what actually brought her joy, which turned out to be a memory of jewel-toned peacocks she used to spot on walks through the zoo hand-in-hand with her grandmother, a favorite animal of hers ever since. That was the exercise: honor her grandmother’s story first, then give the piece permission to become something new.

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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | ARTS + CU LT U RE

So, the table isn’t a table anymore. It’s an easel, and on it, artwork that finally reflects the woman who looks at it each morning, not just the grandmother she loved. Another client commissioned me shortly before her home on the Chesapeake Bay was freshly built. She had a well-loved cabinet she wasn’t sure she’d keep, so instead of deciding its fate right away, we brainstormed how it could tell her story instead. We landed on a single photograph of the part of her new land she’d already fallen for hardest: the waterline, a tall birch, a dock reaching toward the horizon, right where she pictured her grandchildren fishing and jumping into the water for years to come. I turned that photograph into a watercolor interpretation, then created custom tissue paper from that image and decoupaged the scene across the cabinet’s top. This was once the kind of piece that quietly disappears, donated and forgotten. Now it is a manifestation of memories not made yet, standing in her foyer to greet every guest who walks into a home just beginning its own story. That’s true of the furniture, and it’s true of me. This business has been built on second chances: for forgotten pieces, for homes ready to feel more personal, for anyone who believes beauty can be found in what already exists. Telling a piece’s story and giving yourself permission to change it are the same practice, and it’s one I try to bring into every home I touch, including my own. So, look around your own home. Is there a piece that’s been telling you the same story for years, one you inherited but never quite chose? It might be ready for a second chance, too.


Before

Before

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“I quit my corporate job because I needed a second chance. A second chance to be a different kind of mom, to build something with my hands, to create a life that felt more honest, more present and more mine.” — KRISTIN LEDUC

Before Before

Before

KRISTIN LEDUC Kristin is the owner and creative force behind Porch Nook, a Frederick-based furniture and décor company known for turning sentimental, inherited pieces into custom, story-driven work. She’s also the writer, photographer and editor behind Porch Nook Magazine and produces a companion podcast. Before founding Porch Nook, Kristin spent years in corporate marketing and brand development, work she now channels into Spire City Marketing, LLC, alongside her own creative business. Join Porch Nook’s email list for first looks at vintage finds, new product launches and the stories behind every transformation. PorchNook.com

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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | ARTS + CU LT U RE


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CL A IR E MCCA R DELL ST Y LE

Frederick’s Famous Fashion Innovator Provides Inspiration for Fall ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTI LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY, ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN WILSON

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As temperatures begin to cool, many of us trade bright and whimsical summer outfits for styles that are a little more restrained. Restrained, however, doesn’t have to mean boring, and fall offers us one of the greatest opportunities we have all year for intentional timeless elegance. Frederick’s most notable


Claire McCardell revolutionized women’s fashion by proving practicality and elegance could go hand in hand. fashion superstar, Claire McCardell, is actually one of the best places we can look for fall style inspiration. Whether on a runway today or last century, her creations endure and have stood the test of time.

WHO IS CLAIRE MCCARDELL?

If the name sounds unfamiliar to you, no worries – you’re not alone. Despite the fact that she revolutionized women’s fashion in the mid-20th century, her recognition as a fashion designer has largely slipped under the radar. My theory as to why this is the case is because of McCardell’s personality—certainly creative, innovative and daring, but also quiet, humble and continually rooted with her Frederick family rather than seeking attention among the jetset scene. McCardell was born in Frederick in 1905, and while her family was close, she knew early on that her creative ambitions would lead her farther afield. She left for New York to study fashion design at Parsons,

traveling to Paris as part of her studies, and then returned to NYC to seek work as a designer, rare for a young single woman at the time. It wasn’t an easy road, but by the time she was 27, she held the chief designer position at Townley Frocks (another rarity for a young woman in the 1930’s). Her simple and practical fashions proceeded to take the world by storm, setting a new standard for the freedom of movement active women could enjoy in their lives. During WWII, when rationing brought European couture to a halt, American retailers stopped looking overseas to dictate the next season’s fashions and instead began to embrace designers at home. McCardell became one of the pivotal designers responsible for pioneering ‘The American Look’—a carefree, simple and elegant way of dressing that reflected American women’s active, increasingly independent lives. She was also the first American designer to publish her name on her clothing label, a CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 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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privilege she fought for as lead designer at Townley Frocks. Beginning in 1940, her designs all carried the label, “Claire McCardell Clothes by Townley,” and pieces that have survived under her name are highly prized by collectors today. Along Carroll Creek, you may have seen the bronze statue that the Frederick Art Club commissioned to honor McCardell, with an unveiling in 2021. Easily one of the most successful businesswomen to call Frederick home, the statue honors not only her contribution to women’s empowerment but her popularization of style staples we couldn’t live without today.

FALL CLAIRE MCCARDELL STYLE

McCardell’s designs were marked by some signature elements that translate really well to a fall wardrobe:

Stripes & Plaids

McCardell absolutely loved patterns with plaids and stripes, and she was most famous for cutting outfits so that stripe patterns would align at sharp geometric angles (“mitered stripes”). Plaid is a gentle way to tease the holiday season, and stripe patterns especially with an interesting cut can help lengthen and define the shape of the body.

Wraps & Ties

Before Diane von Furstenberg, Claire McCardell loved a good wrap dress. A simple, long-sleeve wrap dress is an excellent addition to any fall wardrobe. McCardell was famous for dresses with string ties that were otherwise simply draped and played into the “Greek goddess” look.

Dolman Sleeve

Part of McCardell’s commitment to practical clothing was making sure that women could move their arms! A dolman sleeve is a relaxed style where the sleeve and bodice are cut as one piece so there are no shoulder seams (creating a signature slouchy look). Today, dolman sleeves tend to show up on comfy fall sweaters. They’re great on an oversized piece that you can pair with tighter jeans or leggings for contrast and style.

Ballet Flats

Yes, that’s right – Claire McCardell is responsible for the invention of the “ballet flat.” The shoe came out of wartime leather rationing and a collaboration with ballet brand Capezio. Ballet flats are the perfect addition to a fall outfit because they bridge our open-toe sandals and heavier boots. Add some tights when it gets chillier and they still look on-point with a skirt or dress.

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McCardell became one of the pivotal designers responsible for pioneering ‘The American Look’—a carefree, simple and elegant way of dressing that reflected American women’s active, increasingly independent lives.

CLAIRE IN FREDERICK TODAY

The Carroll Creek statue was a great place to start acknowledging McCardell’s legacy at home, and the celebration continues with exciting Frederick projects.

FREDERICK FASHION WEEK

Bianca Margolis, owner and stylist behind Frederick Fashion Boutique and our cover star for this edition—launched the annual Frederick Fashion Week event in spring 2026. The event builds on McCardell’s legacy and spotlights Frederick’s thriving community of designers

Illustration by Madelyn Wilson

and creators. To learn more or get involved, visit FrederickFashionBoutique.com.

CLAIRE MCCARDELL BIOPIC

Big Blue Foundation, the local social impact film nonprofit behind the recent Boomtown docudrama, is developing a biopic based on McCardell’s life, projected to begin filming in spring 2027. The Foundation is seeking production partners and investors as research and story development continues. To learn more or get in touch, visit bigblue. foundation or write to Rhonda McLaughlin at rhonda@bigpicturemedia.tv.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S VAR IOUS SEPTEMBER DATES

Live Performances at the Weinberg Center Weinberg Center for the Arts Enjoy an exciting lineup of concerts, performances and cultural experiences at one of Frederick’s most historic venues. From music and comedy to theater and special events, the Weinberg Center offers entertainment for audiences of all ages throughout the year. WeinbergCenter.org

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SEPTEMBER 4 TH & 18TH

Dog Days with Warrior Canine Connection

ACTION

Linganore Winecellars | 13601 Glissans Mill Rd. Mt. Airy | 5:00 PM Bring your furry friends and enjoy an evening supporting local animal rescues at the winery. Meet adoptable dogs, connect with rescue organizations and spend time outdoors with fellow pet lovers. A portion of purchases made during the event will benefit the featured rescue, making it a fun night out while helping animals in need. LinganoreWines.com SEPTEMBER 11TH-OCTOBER 4 T H

Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents Into The Woods 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick 7:30 PM

Business Banking Solutions

Personal Banking

Mortgages

Digital Banking Services

5 N Main St. | Woodsboro, MD 21798 | P 301-898-4000 | F 301-898-0818 woodsboro-bank woodsboro_bank woodsborobank.com WoodsboroBank

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EVE N TS

Bringing fairy tales in all their wonder, humor and heartbreak to the black box stage with a production of Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical. As Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and a Baker and his Wife venture into the woods in pursuit of their wishes, they soon discover that every choice carries consequences. See a show you won't want to miss! MarylandEnsemble.org


S E P T E M BE R 1 2 T H

In The Streets Downtown Frederick | 11:00 AM Frederick’s beloved annual street festival returns with live entertainment, local food vendors, artisans, community organizations and activities throughout downtown. Explore Market Street and Carroll Creek Park while celebrating the creativity, culture and community spirit that make Frederick unique. VisitFrederick.org S E P T E M BE R 1 3T H & O CTO B E R 18TH

Boat & Brew - Kayak & Visit to Smoketown Brewery Brunswick Family Campground | 40 Canal Rd. Brunswick | 10:00 AM Enjoy a scenic adventure on the Potomac River with a guided 5.5-mile kayak trip surrounded by nature and wildlife. After paddling, unwind with a craft beer tasting, brewery experience and delicious food while learning about locally made brews. It’s the perfect combination of outdoor exploration, relaxation and community. RiverTrail.com S E P T E M BE R 1 8T H- 2 6TH

The Great Frederick Fair 797 E Patrick St, Frederick | 9:00 AM Celebrate the traditions of fall at The Great Frederick Fair, featuring carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, live entertainment, fair food favorites and family-friendly activities. A Frederick County tradition for generations, the fair offers something for everyone to enjoy. TheGreatFrederickFair.com

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ FREDERICK

UNSTOPPABLE IN HER OWN STRENGTH At her heaviest, Melissa could barely lift 10 pounds and struggled with constant fatigue— but she chose change over comfort. When she first walked into The X in Frederick, she knew she needed something different. What she didn’t know was how powerful that decision would become. With supportive coaches and a community behind her, Melissa built strength step by step. She didn’t just lose weight — she gained confidence and momentum. Today, she’s down 110 pounds and can lift 145% of her body weight. Melissa’s story isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about what’s possible when you commit. If you’re ready to feel stronger and take control of your life, your starting point is here.

Strength, Energy, Confidence—Built to Last.

xprojectfitness.com

240-301-3826 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Ste. 110 Frederick, MD S EP TEMB ER 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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ARTICLE BY ALLISON BANKSTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

1 bottle, standard size, of pinot grigio 2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider 1 cup club soda 1/2 cup ginger brandy 3 honey crisp apples, chopped 3 pears, chopped

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients together and stir. Refrigerate for an hour or so (or longer) before serving. The drink can be enjoyed immediately, if desired, but the longer you let the ingredients sit and mix, the deeper the flavors will be. Giving it time to develop will make the drink more captivating and interesting.

NOTE: Regular brandy can be used, but ginger brandy gives it an extra kick of flavor.

APPLE CIDER

sangria A LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL TREAT

As the season transitions into fall, it still features the warm, sunny days of summer but nights start to drop into the crisp temperatures. That leaves us in the limbo of wanting cool, refreshing drinks part of the time but also craving the deeper, spice-infused flavors of autumn. This recipe for apple cider sangria is the perfect blending of the seasons, leaving you feeling both refreshed and warmed through the deep flavors and interesting hints of spice. It’s a great drink to add to any dinner party, cocktail gathering, back deck after-hours get-together, or birthday bash. Here’s what you need to make the perfect mid-season cocktail to enhance whatever event you have planned.

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H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE


Lori Rogers,MBA Live your bliss...

Downtown End Unit Townhome “I’ve bought and sold many properties over 40 years in 7 different states and I can honestly say Lori has been the best realtor I’ve ever had. I’m not one to write reviews but I felt I needed to spread the word that if you want someone that is very professional, talented and just plain nice to work with, Lori is your go to. Just a pleasure to work with - highly recommended.” - Kerry Reisinger

cell: 301.693.8599

| office: 240.309.6000

LORI ROGE RS HOME S . COM 5280 Corporate Drive, Frederick, Maryland 21703


BUILDING SOMETHING WORTH SMILING ABOUT UNDER CONSTRUCTION

A NEW HOME FOR YOUR SMILE Dental Arts of Frederick is becoming One Oak Dental. Expanded space. Advanced technology. More comfort. More convenience. The same doctors and team you’ve trusted for years. Still serving patients at 196 Thomas Johnson Drive #130

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY | PREVENTATIVE CARE PROSTHODONTICS | IMPLANTS | CLEAR ALIGNERS | & MORE

REQUEST A CONSULTATION www.DentalArtsofFrederick.com (301) 663-5552 71 Thomas Johnson Dr, Frederick, MD

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


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Frederick, MD September 2026 by City Lifestyle - Issuu