Frederick Magazine - November 2024

WHEN TO CONSIDER REVISING YOUR ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS

Creating Estate Planning documents will leave you with the peace of mind that your family is protected in the event of your death or disability. You should review your documents each year to see if anything has changed in your circumstances or wishes. So, what kind of life events could lead to the need for changes?

TOP 5 REASONS TO UPDATE YOUR WILL, TRUST, AND POWER OF ATTORNEY:

1. Someone Named in your Documents Passes Away: In this scenario, your first instinct will be grief - not your Estate Planning documents. However, it will be very important to update your decision-makers and/or beneficiaries.

2. New Grandchildren: Being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys in life. This milestone is also an important time to consider your Estate Plan. For example, without a Revocable Living Trust, money left to a minor child must be managed by a court-approved custodian, instead of your chosen Trustee.

3. Marriage/Divorce: Any time your marital status changes, you should revise your Estate Planning documents. Divorce typically precludes your former spouse from being a beneficiary or decision-maker, but you should update your documents to fit your wishes and leave no room for confusion or doubt.

4. Buying a Home: A home is typically one of the largest assets many of us have. It is also one of the most common assets that goes through Probate proceedings. Putting your home in a Revocable Trust will avoid Probate proceedings for your home after you are gone.

5. Significant Change in Financial Situation: Perhaps you initially prepared your documents when your finances were simpler. Maybe a family member left you a large share of their Estate. Any time you experience a significant change in your financial circumstances, you should meet with an Estate Planning attorney so that your assets are protected.

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Dewees / Joseph Silovich

Editor-in-Chief

Guy Fletcher

Assistant Editor

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Jody Brumage

Lisa Gregory Scott Grove

Emily Holland Amy

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Joseph Peterson

Jake Wynn

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Michael DeMattia

Mark Youngblood

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Find It Inside

Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Preparatory, one of the most prestigious music schools in the region, has been instructing students of all ages for more than 100 years. Classes from the Peabody in violin, viola, cello, guitar and piano are now available in Downtown Frederick through the YMCA.

BY COLIN McGUIRE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

CRAFTING A FUTURE

The 1980 movie Fame shined a light on New York City’s High School of Performing Arts and several years later Frederick County established its own arts school. In the four decades since, what is now known as the Academy for the Fine Arts at Governor Thomas Johnson High School has prepared future artists, Broadway performers, college professors and others in creative careers.

BY EMILY HOLLAND

SERVICE TIME

There are only approximately 100,000 surviving World War II veterans in the United States and Frederick’s Melvin Hurwitz is among that exclusive group. The man who once served as a gunner and radio operator on a B-17 bomber in Europe added another distinction to his life earlier this year when, at the age of 99, he had a chance meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

BY LISA GREGORY / PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

Veterans Day

Guy Fletcher / Editor-In-Chief / gfletcher@fredmag.com

The “busy season” here in Frederick County seems to open every September with the Great Frederick Fair and In the Streets. From there, it really gets rolling through an October filled with autumn events and then the unofficial start of the holiday season this month.

You get the feeling it will be March before we know it?

But before you race past Election Day and dive into the turkey and pumpkin pie, I hope you will take some time to reflect on a holiday that too often gets rushed by—Veterans Day, which is observed Nov. 11. Today’s federal holiday is rooted in the end of World War I, with the conclusion of hostilities taking place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of

the 11th month. The observance in the United States was first known as Armistice Day but later extended to celebrate all veterans.

Though I never served in the military, my respect and admiration for those who made such a sacrifice is limitless. My late father was a veteran and one of my favorite memories was thanking him every Veterans Day for serving. Frankly, I should have done it more often than that.

Since he passed away 14 years ago, I have tried to extend that gratitude to other veterans in my circle.

Here at the magazine, we do our best to observe Veterans Day by including a story or some other kind of content in the November issue that relates to the military. This year, I believe we have a great one. Melvin Hurwitz is a 99-year-old veteran, who, just like his three brothers, joined the military during World War II. One of our writers, Lisa Gregory, recently sat down with Melvin to discuss his experience as a radio operator and gunner on a B-17 bomber during the waning days of the war in Europe.

But Melvin’s journey didn’t end on VE Day. It included involvement in one of Downtown Frederick’s oldest businesses and then took a rather dramatic turn earlier this year when Melvin met a certain newsworthy world leader. I won’t spoil who it was, so check out Lisa’s story about Melvin to find out. “Service Time” begins on page 48.

Going in a completely different direction, this month’s issue also has something of an arts theme, starting with writer Emily Holland’s feature about Frederick County Public Schools’ Academy for the Fine Arts at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, starting on page 28. That’s followed by Joseph Peterson’s look at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Preparatory, one of the most prestigious schools for the performing arts, opening a branch campus through the Frederick YMCA, starting on page 36.

I hope you enjoy these stories and the rest of this issue of Frederick Magazine. Have a safe and happy November. FM

Frederick County Youth Apprenticeship Program Looks to Partner with Local Businesses

Attention Frederick County businesses — Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) want to collaborate with employers interested in growing their workforce through the Frederick County Youth Apprenticeship Program.

Since 2016, the Youth Apprenticeship Program has offered FCPS juniors and seniors the ability to ‘earn while they learn’ to better prepare them for life after graduation. Some careers do not require students to immediately go to college. This program allows students to gain real-world experience, work alongside mentors, and earn industry certifications.

The program aims to empower both students eager to develop their skills and

businesses seeking to build their own talent pipeline. Businesses involved in the apprenticeship program often offer employment to the students they train upon completing the required 450 hours. Typically, students work an average of 15 hours per week, with the possibility of working additional hours during the summer.

There are over 40 Frederick County businesses that currently participate in the program. Fields range from healthcare to technology, government to automotive, plumbing to childcare, technology, and more. Applications for students to apply are launched three times a year: at the start of the school year, midyear, and over the summer. Every job opening receives dozens

of applications as student interest in the program is high. FCPS officials would like to provide additional opportunities through more business partnerships.

FCPS staff are receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from employers who are part of the program. Some people appreciate the fresh perspectives and new energy that students bring, while others value the digital ideas they generate to improve business efficiency. The apprenticeship experience provides an avenue for students to learn soft skills such as arriving on time and communicating with peers and supervisors.

Businesses get to develop their employee leadership and mentoring opportunities. Work-based learning coordinators are present in every high school, serving as intermediaries with businesses to facilitate a smooth process and provide valuable support.

Upon graduation, many students secure rewarding jobs that allow them to build a strong foundation for their careers. The ‘earn while you learn’ program is cost-effective for employers, allowing them to explore working with students before offering them a permanent position.

The program enables students to explore their true passions within various professional fields. If they find that a particular area isn’t the right fit, the program makes it easy for students to pivot to another interest that may align better with their long-term goals.

The goal of the Frederick County Youth Apprenticeship Program is to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing students with valuable handson experience in partnership with local businesses in Frederick County.

All Frederick County businesses and organizations are invited to apply to participate in the program. Employers interested in the program can visit apprenticeship.fcps.org/employers.

“I just started a new career and I want to begin saving and investing. Do you have any recommendations for getting started?”

L.E. – Middletown, MD

In the world of personal finance, it’s not just about how much you earn; it’s about how you manage what you have. Whether you’re fresh out of college, eyeing retirement, or somewhere in between, developing strong financial habits is critical for long-term success. Let’s explore four key moves that can help you build wealth, reduce financial stress, and achieve your long-term goals. Although they aren’t quick fixes, you’ll be amazed at how they can positively affect your financial future if you stick with them.

Put Savings and Investments on Autopilot

You’ve heard this before, but don’t dismiss it as a cliché: pay yourself first. This means setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings and investment accounts as soon as you get your paycheck. Begin by logging into your online banking platform and setting up recurring transfers. You can start small—even 5 percent is worthwhile— and gradually increase the percentage over time. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, ensure that you’re contributing enough to take full advantage of this free money. Remember, even small, consistent contributions can grow significantly over time due to compound interest.

Track Your Spending

To make informed money decisions, you need to know where your cash is going. Keeping track of spending helps you figure out where you can cut back and increase the funds you put toward your goals. Start by choosing a way to record your purchases, whether it’s a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or just an old-fashioned notebook. Record every expense, no matter how small, for one month. Then, go over your spending patterns and figure out where you can make cuts. You might find some surprises, like buying coffee, snacks, or a daily lunch salad add up to a vacation’s worth of cash over time. Use this information to create a practical, goal-centered budget, and continue tracking to ensure that you’re sticking to it.

Get Familiar with Your Credit Report

Your credit score affects everything from loan approval to interest rates, so it’s a major factor in your financial life. Make it a habit to check your credit report regularly to catch errors and find ways to improve your score.

Hot tip: Every 12 months, you’re entitled to one free credit report by mail from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through Annual Credit Report.comHome Page .

Stick to It

It’s not always fun or easy to stick to a financial plan, but consistency is key when it comes to money matters. Developing discipline helps you stay on track, even when you spot a great sale or find a must-have collector’s item. Start by setting clear, achievable goals. Write them down and keep them somewhere you’ll see them often, like your fridge or as a phone background. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. If you want to save $5,000 for an emergency fund, for instance, set monthly or weekly savings targets.

Developing strong financial habits is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about making small, smart choices each day. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks. Start by choosing one or two habits to focus on, and gradually incorporate the others as you become more comfortable.

As always, we’re here to help you reach your goals. Feel free to reach out for more information or advice on how to adopt these habits for a more financially secure future.

Scott A. McCaskill CFP®, RFC® President

UNCOVERED

Typing Practice

By Amy L. Metzger Hunt / Curator, Heritage Frederick

Keeping children busy to prevent them from wandering off or getting into trouble has been a challenge for parents from the beginning of time. Simple games played with pebbles, spinning tops, playing cards and dolls are all found in ancient cultures. Some games and playthings are practice for adult life or careers. For example, children learn to be careful, nurturing and protective by playing with dolls; they learn about mathematics and statistics from board games; and many children gain their first public speaking experience by reading an elaborate, illustrated storybook to an audience of stuffed animals.

Timeless Toys, a Heritage Frederick exhibit to debut next year, will feature one item that, in a wonderful way, connected a young Frederick girl to her family’s generations-long businesses, her future career and her passion for research and writing. Her 100th birthday passed without fanfare last month, but her legacy will live long in our community’s history as a businesswoman, author, leader, mentor, mother and friend.

In the era of computers, using a typewriter is something that many have never experienced firsthand. The innovation of a machine to print individual characters took the combined genius of Italian, British, Danish, Austrian and American inventors over a long period of time, beginning as early as 1575. Advancements eventually led to the creation of the first commercially successful typewriter,

An index typewriter could type about 30 to 40 words per minute with practice.

introduced by a team of four Americans in 1868 in Milwaukee, Wisc. The Sholes and Glidden Type-Writer was produced by E. Remington and Sons, a company best known for making sewing machines at the time. Early machines were heavy and expensive and within 10 years a cheaper alternative, the index typewriter by Simplex, was intoduced. Rather than having one key for each character, the index typewriter had a large dial requiring a two-step process of moving a pointer and striking the appropriate character. While significantly less expensive and easily portable, the tedium of the index style, as well as improvements to the keyboard typewriter, led to its downfall. By 1900, Simplex began marketing its lightweight tin index typewriter as a toy for children. This toy Simplex Typewriter belonged to Frances Ann Delaplaine, later Randall, who was born in Frederick on Oct. 6, 1924, to Ruth and George Delaplaine Sr. Her family was instrumental in news and printing in Frederick for more than 120 years as owners of The Frederick News-Post . Frances Randall herself wrote several books about local history. FM

The last colors of autumn can still be found on the campus of Hood College, where Thanksgiving recess begins Nov. 27. Classes resume Dec. 2. FM

Photography By Michael DeMattia

Capital Road Trip

The great American road trip is embedded deep in the national narrative, romanticized and sometimes critiqued by writers like John Steinbeck, Jack Kerouac and Charles Kuralt, who crafted images of desolate highways, big skies and adventuresome souls.

But can you take on the country’s open roads with a little international flair?

Chris Kline Sr. found a way. A seasoned traveler for decades, including multiple cross-country trips, the Frederick resident spent part of the COVID-19 pandemic pondering a notso-simple question: How many cities, towns and other locales in America share names with world capitals?

“It just came to me: How many world capitals are named in the United States?” he recalls. “I just started to look into it. It was overwhelming.”

In his research, he found some interesting places, including:

• Cairo, Neb. Though named for the Egyptian capital when a railroad surveyor compared the desolate landscape

to the Sahara Desert, the local pronunciation is KAY-row.

• Sofia, N.M. This semi-ghost town is named for the capital of Bulgaria and

was settled by immigrants from that country. But within two decades of its establishment, most of the Bulgarians moved back to their homeland.

• Rome, Ga. Situated among seven hills and three rivers, it was the local topography that inspired settlers to name their new community after Rome, Italy. The Italian government even gifted a replica of the statue of Romulus and Remus to the Georgia city.

But Kline didn’t merely investigate the places—he put them together in a 31-stop road trip covering some 8,000 miles that begins in Dublin, Pa., and concludes in Washington, Va. Or, if you prefer, you start in Washington and end in Dublin. He even marked the route on a map of the United States.

Of course, Kline’s trip doesn’t include every world capital named in the United States. There are many more places across the country that share names with international capitals. For example, there are at least 18 Dublins.

“It was a lot of fun,” Kline says of his research and road trip assembly. “ I really learned a lot about the United States.”

CELEBRATING LAFAYETTE’S VISIT

In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette arrived from France to the United States for a grand tour of the country he had a role in founding during the American Revolution. For a little over a year, he traveled more than 6,000 miles and visited 24 states. Most important to Frederick residents was his stay here from Dec. 29-31 when he was the toast of the town with parades, parties and a grand ball thrown in his honor.

Two centuries later, Frederick is commemorating the visit of the Revolutionary War hero and friend of George Washington with living history programs, special tours, exhibitions and a gala reception.

The events are part of a nationwide celebration highlighting Lafayette— battlefield hero, human rights activist and statesman.

Throughout the year, the Lafayette in Frederick Committee has hosted various commemorations with more to come, including a symposium on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 106 W. Church St. Register for the free presentation at www.visitfrederick.org/ lafayette/symposium.

Symposium speakers include Alan R. Hoffman, president of the American Friends of Lafayette and the translator of Lafayette’s private secretary’s journal of the voyage to the United States. Hoffman is the author of Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1925 ; Cheryl Gooch, executive director of the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society, who will discuss Lafayette as a staunch abolitionist in defense of a new country that continued to support enslavement; and Nancy Spannaus, a political journalist with expertise in Alexander Hamilton’s American System, who will discuss the economics of the American Revolution and the American financial system.

Letters from Home

Amid the chaos of daily life, where most stories are told a few words at a time on social media, writing an actual letter feels like a lost art. The idea behind Dear Frederick is to encourage people to write letters for others to read on its website and social media.

“This project isn’t about chasing trends or headlines. It’s not for trolls or keyboard warriors. It’s about genuine stories, notes that spark

smiles, art that tells stories, and messages hidden in cherished books,” according to the website, DearFrederick.com.

Writers can share their names or remain anonymous. (In fact, the creators of Dear Frederick themselves prefer not to be known.) Letters can be mailed to P.O. Box 334, Frederick, MD, 21705.

STOP AND LISTEN TO THE SAX

It’s a “feeling thing” that makes H.T. Myles decide when to take his saxophone and set up shop on the Square Corner in Downtown Frederick for an impromptu concert. “Plus, the weather has a lot to do with it,” says the native New Yorker who, along with his wife, now call Frederick home.

Myles has been playing the sax for nearly five decades and is a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, he was also part of the 2nd Armor Division Army Band in Germany and has performed with various local musicians and the Maryland Defense Force Band.

“Playing the sax is very therapeutic,” he says. It also does something good for the listener, evidenced by the people who stopped and gathered around him on a recent Friday night, many pausing from a race to restaurants for dinner. While Myles draws from a repertoire ranging from John Coltrane to Frank Sinatra and gospel to blues, the saxophonist instantly injected Jingle Bells into the mix when he spotted a little girl being held by her father. She loved it.

Myles says the Square Corner “is the best place around to be with the people.” Watch for him this holiday season.

Dear Dina

DEAR DINA: How do you comfort your best friend who’s been in a 3-plus-year relationship with a man who called to break up over the phone? They had a huge argument, but he won’t talk at all to resolve the situation. She was going to end it anyway because he doesn’t like most of her friends. My friend lives 12 hours away, so I need long-distance comfort suggestions.

SIGNED, FREDERICK FRIEND

DEAR FREDERICK FRIEND: Relationships require effort. And you are demonstrating that by asking how you can comfort your friend in her time of need. Good on you! One thing I can suggest is to meet halfway to have a girls’ weekend. You can be a shoulder for her to cry on and a listening ear. Remind your friend that she was going to end it. Rejection is never easy. Perhaps it’s for the best. Three years is a long time to be in the wrong relationship. Encourage your friend to stop wasting even more time on this guy.

Dear Dina is written by Dina Carole, host of the Morning Show on Key 103 (WAFY-FM). You can ask her questions anonymously at any time by going to key103radio.com and clicking on the “Features” tab. Listen to answers weekday mornings at 7:45 and 9:45.

TECH GAMES

The ninth annual TechFrederick Games at Baker Park adopted a ‘90s theme with 34 teams from various tech businesses and other groups tackling events such as American Gladiators Jousting, The Sandlot Relay and trivia from the decade that gave us the internet and The Spice Girls. www.techfrederick.org

PINK RIBBON EVENTS TURN SILVER

The 25th annual Pink Ribbon Gala was held at Hood College’s Coblentz Hall to support the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund. The elegant evening featured dancing to the band Special Delivery, a silent auction and the always-popular Diamonds in Champagne contest. The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund also hosted the Pink Ribbon 5K walk/run at Hood. Proceeds from both events benefit the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer in our community. www.pinkribbonfrederick.org

Photos courtesy Kimberly Howes Photography

pix

DOING GOOD

The ninth annual DoGood-er Awards recognized 14 people for their contributions to the community in various ways, from educating and volunteering to supporting the military and serving with nonprofit organizations. The winners in nine categories and runners-up were honored at a program at the Arc of Frederick County. www.dogooderawards.com

PROST TO OKTOBERFEST

The annual Frederick’s Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, drew thousands of attendees—many in authentic attire—to the Frederick Fairgrounds for two days of music, German food and, yes, a stein or two of beer. Proceeds from the volunteer-run event support a wide variety of local charities. www.frederickoktoberfest.org

CANVAS & COUTURE

The Frederick Arts Council presented an evening where art met fashion in the courtyard of the Ordinary Hen, 228 N. Market St. The event, which included fashions from Alicia L Boutique and a silent auction, benefitted the work of the arts council. www.frederickartscouncil.org

Photo courtesy Byron Foreman Photography

Photos courtesy Dee Dolan

Photos courtesy Chris Martin/ Convoy Creatives

NORTH EAST STREET AND CARROLL CREEK PARK

Even as a student at Monocacy Middle School, Daniela Canas was passionate about theater. As she prepared to enter high school, she had the benefit of teachers who clued her into a unique and exciting educational option: Frederick County Public Schools’ Academy for the Fine Arts at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.

Canas applied to the program as soon as she could, during her freshman year at TJ, and started in the academy as a sophomore. Now, she is looking toward a college major in theater or psychology, to pursue either drama therapy or acting itself.

“The AFA is helping to make my dreams a reality,” says Canas, a senior in the theater concentration.

The academy’s s hands-on model stands out at a time when post-COVID education headlines reveal that many schools—and students—are facing uncertainty: “High School Students Think They Are Ready for College. But They Aren’t,” says Education Week, and from Forbes, “Are High School Graduates Ready for College?” These are buttressed by concerned statements from college professors and employers that students aren’t nearly as equipped for college coursework and “real world” employment as they once were.

But the Academy for Fine Arts challenges that narrative by producing graduates with an abundance of direction and confidence. Teachers, current students and alumni alike seem to associate the program most strongly with the word “prepared.”

The cornerstone of the program is, of course, its rigorous coursework, but the academy also develops young artists with a large dose of independent study and pre-professional training. Students prepare by designing creative projects, using high-level thinking skills and collaborating with one another. Alumni say they were well-prepared for college and for making their way in a creative field, more so than peers who didn’t have the same educational advantage.

The Academy for the Fine Arts empowers students to guide their own intensive creative education in an environment that’s still structured with plenty of support.

Decades of Change

It is no surprise in a community like Frederick—where the arts are actively blossoming—that a program like the academy exists. “We’ve seen huge growth in the last few years in program interest and applications,” says Jason Patellis, a visual art instructor at the academy. “Soon we’ll have to explore how we can expand.”

Caitlin DeLong, a theater instructor, says she wishes she had known about the program during her high school years at Urbana. Indeed, the academy operated as a kind of “hidden gem” for some time, but that is changing as both academy students and teachers hope to get the word out in Frederick County so that more aspiring artists can take advantage of its opportunities.

Part of the reason for the academy flying under the radar, says Jonathan Kurtz, music instructor and current program coordinator, is that “it’s shifted forms and names” over the nearly four decades of restructuring, rebranding, rebuilding and reimaging.

The program was originally established in 1986 as the Visual and Performing Arts Program, initiated by then-FCPS Superintendent Stuart Berger, who had seen the public high school arts academy model in other states and intended to create the first such program in the region. An advocate for arts education, Berger sought to position the county as a leader; the original academy included concentrations in music, visual art, theater and dance, and was exceptionally well-staffed and -funded for a program of its kind.

But by 1997, the program had been essentially gutted, with only the Advanced Music Studies courses remaining but also endangered by potential school board cuts. Students and parents challenged the proposal and the program was reconfigured and reinstated as the Arts and Communications Academy.

“2015 was when we really started to build back up,” says Kurtz. “That’s when the ACA was rebranded and

renamed Academy for the Fine Arts. Since then, we’ve re-introduced dance as a concentration, and also added musical theater,” joining the existing subject areas of visual art, theater and music.

Even more options for creative students are in the program’s future. “We have a photography and digital media focus beginning in 2025, and we’d love to add creative writing at some point, as well,” Kurtz says.

Apprenticeship and Friendship

“One of the most unique things AFA provides,” says Patellis, a previous program coordinator, “is the sense of friendship and community.”

The academy is located at Governor Thomas Johnson High School but is open to students districted in any high school across the county. Students from other schools bus in for the program, which takes place during the first half of each school day. “It really brings the arts community across the county together,” Kurtz says. “Students come partially just to be part of the environment.”

Students can apply as early as ninth grade to begin academy coursework in tenth grade and continue through their senior year. Applications include a

portfolio submission or performing arts audition. The current program acceptance rate is about 50 to 60 percent, Kurtz says.

“The AFA offers the opportunity for students to spend half of their school day on something they truly love,” says Kurtz. “They’re going to class with other students who are just as passionate as they are. It makes for a very engaging learning experience.”

In addition to rigorous coursework, including college-level courses and study of arts history and theory, the academy also grounds students in plenty of arts practice and enrichment. Students perform at least twice a year, with major student productions in the fall and spring, and also take part in a yearly multi-day city trip. Students have visited New York City and Chicago in the past, and this school year will be traveling to Boston, Kurtz says. These intensive field trips expose students of all concentrations to high-quality productions, such as the Boston Ballet, as well as museums and masterclasses with local arts professionals.

One area that differentiates the academy from a traditional high school arts program, says Patellis, is the “generous amount of studio time” built into the program block.

“The art program is run like a true studio program,” he says. The structure not only simulates an under-

graduate college experience, but also draws on the framework of even graduate school models. Students are expected to develop independent time management and spend part of their school days honing their craft. A mandatory capstone project and focus on portfolio development require students to budget time to create, experiment and revise.

DeLong points to the “collaboration between disciplines and across focus areas” as another thing that makes the academy stand out. She says that one of her favorite experiences has been working on this fall’s student production, a true “jukebox musical,” in which students are writing the script, choreographing dances, singing and acting, and even applying visual art skills to the set. Kurtz cites a special event each February called “Collaboration Week,” where students of multiple disciplines work on projects together and then present them.

These emphases on collaboration, independent study and engagement attempt to provide as many “real world”-style experiences for students as possible. “A majority of our students are looking to pursue careers in the arts,” Kurtz says.

Kate Sigouin, a junior in the visual arts concentration, is combining multiple talents. An illustrator as well as a writer, one of her current portfolio projects is illustrating her own fantasy novel. She’s been inspired

in part by the Narnia series and the work of Roald Dahl, and she hopes to make a career in creative writing and illustration.

“AFA has helped me develop responsibility and time management,” Sigouin says. “We also work together a lot on critiquing our work and brainstorming. The community is amazing and I have close friends here at AFA.”

Cora Preda, a senior in the music concentration, focuses primarily on the flute, which she’s studied at a Tanglewood woodwind intensive and played with the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras. Passionate about arts education accessibility, she points to the benefit of having a program like AFA available through the public school system. “AFA recently introduced a program where music students get free weekly private lessons in the summer through FCC,” she says.

Daniela Canas’ favorite part of the curriculum is her theories and practice class, featuring an almost entirely discussion-based format, where students do readings and engage with materials relevant to broader issues in the arts. Her class recently completed a discussion, she says, about the creative “flow state,” a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity—a theory developed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a pioneering psychologist.

“My favorite part of AFA is the community,” Canas says. “Everyone in your classes appreciates your art form just as much as you do.” She also notes that she’s “never met teachers who care so much.”

Looking Back and Ahead

Many academy alums look back fondly on the program, grateful that the experience set them up for success. “It was the best thing I did in high school, for sure,” says Colleen Hayes, an adjunct professor at George Mason University, professional dancer and choreographer who graduated from the program in 2008.

After college at James Madison University, Hayes headed to New York City, where she gained a spot in the first national tour of Catch Me If You Can. From there, she went on to work with singer Sheryl Crow in the world premiere of Crow’s musical Diner and perform in several other award-winning musicals such as A Chorus Line and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the Olney Theatre Center.

Specifically, Hayes says studying music theory in high school was a game changer. “It really helped lay the foundation for college,” she says. She credits a particularly passionate instructor, Jennings Glenn, for helping her understand the inner workings of music.

In her transition to teaching, she believes that her academy experience “showed the benefit of arts education for kids and adults, whether professional or not.” She’s happy to see how the academy has grown and changed.

Rachel Anderson, a 2020 graduate soon to complete her music therapy degree at Duquesne University, also cites the academy’s advanced courses as giving her a “leg

up” for college. “There was a lot of support for the college auditioning process,” she says. She discovered music therapy as a career option in her high school sophomore year and loved how she could take the sense of connection she’s always felt with music to help others heal.

The academy’s grounding flies in the face of conventional wisdom and stereotypes that suggest creative career paths are nebulous and impractical. Perhaps the most encouraging quality of the program is that it takes careers in the arts seriously and gives students the tools to make them happen.

Indeed, numerous graduates of the program in its various incarnations over the years have gone on to distinguished creative careers, including: Christian Lane, current director of Boston Organ Studio; Colleen Daly, an acclaimed opera singer and music educator; Jeffery Keilholtz, senior vice president of Broadway Licensing Global; and Brent Comer, who made his recent Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning musical The Outsiders.

Chelsea Waite, a senior researcher at the Center on Reinventing Public Education, says “authentic experiences in the real world” provided by programs like the academy are what supercharge an effective education: “Students … should have some sense of the options and concrete pathways … so they can deeply consider and start defining what success means on their own terms.” FM

Tuned In

Peabody Preparatory Offers

Music Education Downtown

By Colin McGuire / Photography by Mark Youngblood

Years ago, Phyllis Freeman would walk by the former Frederick County Board of Education building at 115 E. Church St. and think one thing: This is a music school.

Freeman would know. For decades, she has taught strings through the county to almost anyone who wanted to pick up an instrument. In truth, she has given her life to music, making a career through art education while also holding down the principal viola chair for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra.

Her vision for the old school board building proved to be prophetic. Today, the Johns Hopkins University Peabody Preparatory, one of the most prestigious schools for the performing arts in the region for more than 100 years, has opened a branch campus through the Frederick YMCA, located at the very spot Freeman envisioned to be a music education hub. To run the program, the Peabody turned to Freeman.

“It’s a great location,” Freeman says. “We have one really large room to do group classes in, and it’s a great place where we can become a strong partner with other organizations in town. I feel like we can fill a niche that isn’t being filled right now and really bring something to the table that is new for Frederick.”

The branch offers private lessons in violin, viola, cello, guitar and piano, and it is open to aspiring musicians of all ages. Prices range from $35 to $45 an hour for group classes and up to $130 an hour for private instruction. Some courses last 16 weeks and others extend to 32 weeks.

When Phyllis Freeman (right, middle) would walk by the former Frederick County Board of Education building, she knew it would make an ideal music school.

The Peabody’s presence in Frederick came to fruition, in large part, due to Freeman’s work. Maria Mathieson, executive director of the Peabody, recalls it was Freeman who connected the music education stalwart and the YMCA even before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

“Phyllis had this vision and presented this idea that Frederick would actually be a good location for us to work,” Mathieson says. “We were looking through the building and saw one corner in the basement that was perfectly set up for smaller-sized studios, which are great for one-on-one instruction. At that point, we realized not only would this be a great partnership, but it would be a great location for opening operations in Frederick.”

Lorraine Kituri knows the value of that partnership firsthand. Having explored piano lessons as a child, she never quite finished her quest to become a player. Fast-forward to her maternal days, when she was in search of a musical mentor for her daughter, Eli, and she came across Freeman, who invited Kituri to a concert.

“It was love at first sight for my daughter,” Kituri remembers. “She really wanted to learn about the violin ever since that

night. She’s 14 now and at the time, she was 5. Music is very, very important in a child’s life. When she is stressed, it’s something that calms her. Music has been wonderful for her development, and it’s become a confidence-building tool.”

Beth Zumbrun, another parent with children enrolled at Peabody’s Frederick branch, agrees.

“Music makes our kids more compassionate people because they’re tapping into feelings and they get to tune in with each other as they play,” Zumbrun says. “I think it definitely helps with their cognitive functioning. I saw that myself because I started playing trumpet late and my grades just took off after I started playing. I have four daughters that have studied with Ms. Freeman and I feel like she just cultivates good character.”

For her part, Freeman stays committed to the program in the name of teaching above all else.“I think the arts are very critical to a lot of childhood development,” she offers, “but here, we also want to respond to this community and find out what this community needs and wants in terms of music education.”

The Peabody Preparatory program in Frederick offers lessons in violin, viola, cello, guitar and piano, and it is open to aspiring musicians of all ages.

I feel like we can fill a niche that isn’t being filled right now and really bring something to the table that is new for Frederick. “ ”

—Phyllis Freeman

artsy SPOTLIGHT

Fiedler and Ricco at TAG/ The Artists Gallery TAG/The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St., honors sculptor Luc Fiedler and painter Marie Riccio as November’s featured artists. Fiedler’s exhibit, X-ing A Paragrab, was inspired by the 1849 Edgar Allen Poe story of the same name. “Just as writers use letters and words to craft sentences, poems and stories, I combine individual elements with other forms and processes to create a statement,” Fiedler says.

Riccio’s contemporary still life exhibition Scattered Structures showcases works centered on the relationships between objects, space, color and atmosphere. Drawing from her roots in abstract painting, Riccio’s still life oil paintings incorporate elements of flatness co-existing with three-dimensional illusions, creating a push-pull of space and interpretation. www.theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

Way Off Broadway’s New Season

Way Off Broadway has announced its lineup of shows for 2025. The dinner theater’s 31st season of bringing live entertainment to the stage will kick off in January following Anastasia and Christmas Chronicles later this year.

The season will begin with the production of the world’s longest-running play, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. That will be followed in the spring by A Second Helping, the sequel to the hilarious musical comedy Church Basement Ladies. The summer will welcome Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella—The Broadway Musical to the theater, followed by Stephen Sondheim’s Company in the fall and Once Upon a Christmas Night for the holidays.

The theater’s producers consistently seek to put together a season that has something for everyone, including laughs, intrigue and heartwarming moments. Over the years, the theater has grown from having the majority of attendees being local, to now attracting a regional fan base. www.wayoffbroadway.com

Brunswick Arch Unveiled

The Brunswick Arch, designed by Dayton Castleman of Verdant Studio, was completed recently through a commission by the Frederick Arts Council with the Ausherman Family Foundation in partnership with Pleasants Construction. The project was a collaborative effort with the City of Brunswick and numerous stakeholders and subcontractors.

This project is part of the implementation phase of the Frederick Public Art Master Plan: Connections and is supported by a Focus Grant awarded to the Arts Council by the Ausherman Family Foundation. www.frederickartscouncil.org

Locally owned and operated De Leon Painting Services is ready to transform houses

You’ve fallen in love with a paint color. Maybe it’s agreeable gray, sea salt, heron plume or another choice. But you would love to see that color painted in a room or rooms of your home.

The problem is the only painting you’ve done was in art class. You don’t have the materials needed or the patience or time. Taping off and covering up a room correctly as well as avoiding spills, drips and streaks is a job for a professional painter.

Frederick is home to the locally owned and operated De Leon Painting Services offering residential and commercial painting as well as light carpentry work and epoxy flooring services.

Dave De Leon Jr. was first drawn to painting through his father Dave De Leon Sr. who was a painter for his professional career. After Dave Jr. graduated from Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, he started painting professionally at 18 years old. “I just took to it,” he said. “It was something that I enjoyed and I had a passion for it. I loved everything about the trade.”

He always knew he wanted to be a business owner so in 2006, at the age of 29, he partnered with his father to found De Leon Painting Services. (Dave Sr retired four years ago.)

One of the most popular services the company offers is cabinet painting. “It is an inexpensive way to make a nice upgrade in the kitchen,” he said.

Rather than replacing kitchen cabinets, painting them is an affordable and easy way to upgrade the kitchen. And the paint job will last for years when applied by De Leon Painting Services.

Residential interior repainting is also in demand with foyers, hallways and family rooms as some of the most popular rooms to get new looks with fresh coats of paint. After every job, De Leon wants clients to get a top notch professional paint job that they will value for years to come.

“We’re known for great quality, great customer service and the ability to finish projects quickly and efficiently with our team of 13 skilled painters.”

All of their clients are through referrals with many repeat customers. “Frederick has been so good to me and I am grateful to all of my clients,” he said.

For more information, go to DeLeonPainting.com or call 301-378-9513.

Toby Mendez

Nov. 4 marks the 45th anniversary of the Iranian takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, occupied by 59 American diplomats and citizens. Twelve weeks later, a dramatic plot executed by CIA operative Tony Mendez resulted in the exfiltration of six of the Americans that came to be known as the “Canadian Caper.” The rescue was dramatized in the 2012 film Argo . Celebrated sculptor and painter Toby Mendez, son of Tony, provides a snapshot of life as the son of an American spy and insights concerning the rescue that resulted in his father’s celebrity.

Scott: You were born in Denver and then moved to the Washington, D.C., area with your older sister, Amanda, and younger brother, Ian. What prompted your parents to move?

Toby: We moved there because Dad worked at the CIA headquarters in Langley, Va. I also have a brother, Jesse, who was born during Dad’s second marriage to Jonna (after his first wife and Toby’s mother, Karen, died in 1986). My brother Ian passed in 2010.

Scott: How old were you when your family made the move?

Toby: We moved to Falls Church, Va., when I was 1 and then when I was 4, Dad was transferred to Okinawa, Japan. There, we lived on a base, Camp Chinen, known as the CIA base. Living there was ideal for a kid. We had a great deal of freedom, which meant I could ride my bike in the neighborhood, run over to a friend’s home and go to the movies. From the ages of 8 to 11, we lived in Bangkok, Thailand, where we lived in the city and had to be escorted every -

By Scott Grove

where. In 1974, we moved back to the United States, to a house my parents built near Knoxville. Once there, I attended local Washington County schools.

Scott: At what age did your father tell you about his career?

Toby: Until I was 11, I thought Dad was an artist. That’s when he told my brother and me what he really did. He explained what he did but not in great detail. He related it more to what we had seen in movies.

Scott: What was the daily household routine?

Toby: Dad would go to work by train, commuting from Brunswick to D.C., and get home around 7. We lived where I live now—out in the country. Weekends, we either worked on the house or cut firewood. The only time I ever went into my dad’s office was when I was 19 and one of his co-workers showed me some of the masks he made for use in exfiltrating. I really wasn’t supposed to have seen them, but it was impressive! When you’re a kid and you find out that your dad has a job like James Bond, the first thing you want to know is whether he carried a gun. And when you’re told, “No,” you wonder if he had a briefcase with hidden compartments, which Dad had. In time, I learned that he was more like Q in James Bond—helping make all the secret gadgets.

Scott: Upon learning the truth, you then had the responsibility of keeping it secret. How difficult was this?

Toby: If asked, I’d say my dad worked as an artist in the graphics department for the U.S. Air Force.

I did tell about five of my closest friends what he did, and all of them kept it a secret.

Scott: How old were you when the Canadian Caper was planned and executed in 1979-1980 and were you aware of it at the time?

Toby: I was 16 when the Canadian Caper was carried out. Dad would travel often, especially when we lived overseas. We all knew he was going on a trip, but didn’t know where he was going. I later learned that he almost told my brother and me what he was going to do and that it was dangerous and that he might not make it back—but he didn’t, concerned that it would break his own confidence. When he returned, we learned what he did but we had to keep it a secret. Dad was awarded the CIA’s Intelligence Star, one of its highest honors. John Chambers, the renowned Hollywood prosthetic artist who also contributed to the operation, also received an honor. My mom was able to see the presentation but us kids weren’t invited. Dad couldn’t bring the award home until his retirement.

Scott: Were you and your father pleased with the story portrayed in the 2012 film Argo ?

Toby: We loved the film! Dad had written the book Argo, which was published at the same time. The book Argo is the true complete record of what happened.

Scott: How did he feel about the celebratory praise and the Oscar and Golden Globe award winnings?

Toby: He absolutely loved it, which was a blessing because he was battling Parkinson’s then.

Scott: In early preparation for your career, you studied with John Chambers.

Toby: What I learned professionally from John stays with me even today. It was also a mentorship—how to manage people, how to manage your business, how to be a professional. He wrote my recommendation that got me into the Art Institute of Chicago. John marveled at Dad’s confidence and determination, which was saying a lot. John was a genius at

sculpting and a revered Academy Award-winning makeup artist.

Antonio “Toby” Mendez is an award-winning national public art sculptor whose commissions include figures of Baltimore Orioles greats at Camden Yards, the Thurgood Marshall Memorial in Annapolis and fly fisherman Lefty Kreh at Frederick’s Culler Lake. Scott Grove is the owner of Grove Public Relations, LLC., a marketing and advertising firm. His work also includes interpretive planning and exhibit design for museums and historic sites. For more info, visit www.scottrgrove.com.

We all knew [Dad] was going on a trip, but didn’t know where he was going. “ ”

Toby Mendez FM

Community Champions

Wertheimer Fellow Awards Recognize Volunteer Contributors

By Guy Fletcher / Photography by Mark Youngblood

Named for late businesswoman and volunteer Janis Miller Wertheimer, the Wertheimer Fellow Awards were created more than two decades ago when the Frederick resident left the Community Foundation of Frederick County a generous donation through her estate to support community organizations.

“Janis Miller Wertheimer was a force in the community during her lifetime, both as a businesswoman and as a volunteer,” says Elizabeth Y. “Betsy” Day, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “The Community Foundation is honored to hold the charitable funds that allow her work to carry on across Frederick County decades after her passing.”

Adult award winners receive $25,000 each to create a new charitable fund or add to an existing one to support organizations and causes of their choice. The youth award was created in 2012 and gives recipients $2,000 to present to the nonprofit of their choice.

This year’s adult recipients are Elaine Junker and Shirley Shores. The youth awardee is Caitlyn Lewis. “It is because of dedicated volunteers like Elaine, Shirley and Caitlyn that nonprofits thrive in our community and the Wertheimer award is our way of celebrating those who give so much, expecting nothing in return,” Day says.

Elaine Junker

Elaine volunteered at Frederick Health Hospice for almost 30 years. In addition to working directly with hospice patients, she also helped raise money for the organiza-

Elaine Junker (right, above) has given her time to many local organizations, most notably Frederick Health Hospice. Wertheimer awardee Shirley Shores (right, below) is a familiar contributor to the Brunswick community.

tion. She’s also been active with Friends of the Child Advocacy Center, the Frederick Woman’s Civic Club and Frederick County Landmarks.

“It is satisfying to make lives easier at a difficult time, dealing with unknown territory and emotional upheaval during times when people wonder how they will cope,” Junker says. “Hospice volunteers are strangers who step in to provide help and support to get through this period, at no obligation. It is easier at times to talk to a stranger, someone who understands the difficulties, who is calm and supportive. I discovered a need that I could fill in a supportive but unobtrusive way.”

With her $25,000 award, Junker will create a fund in her name that aligns with her volunteer work.

Shirley Shores

Shirley Shores worked for the federal government for 37 years and upon retiring enjoyed giving back to the community in a variety of ways. She is best known for her work with BEACON (Brunswick Ecumenical Assistance Committee on Needs) and has also been active with the Brunswick Food Bank, Grace Episcopal Church, the Community Foundation of Frederick County and several other organizations.

“Volunteering has been rewarding and a great opportunity to work with and to connect with people in the Brunswick community and Frederick County,” Shores

says. “I hope that I have made a positive impact on the quality of life to my neighbors in the Brunswick community through my compassion and support. Taking the time to listen and to make a person feel that they are loved and valued does make a difference. When out in the community and someone says, ‘Hello, Ms. Shirley,’ it gives me a feeling of joy and gratitude knowing I made a connection and a friend.”

Shores will contribute her $25,000 award to The Brunswick Emergency Relief Fund.

Caitlyn Lewis

Caitlyn Lewis is a senior at Phoenix Recovery Academy, a high school designed specifically for students in recovery from substance use disorder or dependency. There, she spends time supporting new students as they adjust to sobriety and a new learning environment. Additionally, she goes to hospitals and other organizations to speak about addiction and provide encouragement to others.

“I feel successful when I see others succeed and push through challenging times within their early sobriety,” Lewis says. “I also have enjoyed seeing others succeed and find new ways to cope with challenges they faced by gaining employment, phasing up in the residential programs and remaining in school to graduate.”

Caitlyn will award her $2,000 grant to Heartly House.

Caitlyn

Lewis is truly paying it forward as a senior at Phoenix Recovery Academy, where she helps other students in their path to sobriety.

I feel successful when I see others succeed and push through challenging times within their early sobriety. “ ”

—Caitlyn Lewis FM

TRENDING

stylin’

I sell more turkey basters after Thanksgiving because people realize they didn’t have one. “ ”

—Marién Hornyak

THANKSGIVING BEHIND THE SCENES

There’s nothing more heartwarming and appealing as a carefully laid out and well-planned Thanksgiving dinner (at least Norman Rockwell thought so) with the good china and table linens brought out for the occasion and a golden-brown turkey taking center stage. But before all that magic can happen, work needs to happen in the kitchen.

Here to help is the Kitchenette, 217 N. Market St., owned and run by Marién Hornyak. The store may be small, but is chock full of mixing bowls, including the ones seen on The Great British Bake Off, as well as salt-and-pepper shakers, dish towels, napkins and aprons. “And you have to have dessert,” Hornyak says. “We have pie plates, pie weights and rolling pins that were made in Maine.”

Some of the wooden cutting boards, which would be perfect for charcuterie prior to the main feasting event, were made by her husband who has a basement workshop as a hobby and uses wood scraps to fashion the unique objects.

In addition to the stylish tools needed for the meal, the serving spoons and dishes with fall designs, the shop has the workhorses—the basters, vegetable peelers, potato mashers and ricers and fat separators, crucial to a tasty gravy. Hornyak also lists a meat thermometer, “the kind you leave in, not an instant read,” as a necessary tool, even if the bird has a pop-up timer.

Hornyak doesn’t plan to cook Thanksgiving, that will come at Christmas, and instead she will be staffing the store on Frosty Friday and Small Business Saturday, making sure cooks can get what they need. www.thekitchenettefrederick.com

DOWNTOWN FREDERICK HISTORIC

MARYLAND

tell us TRENDING

Jan Knox Chair, Greater Frederick Maryland Wild Ones

What is the Wild Ones’ mission?

Wild Ones promotes native landscapes through education, advocacy and collaborative action. Learn more at the Wild Ones Greater Frederick Maryland Facebook page or on our website at greaterfrederickmarylandwildones.org.

Why did you become involved in this type of gardening?

I have three children and five grandchildren that need to have a future of a natural world in which they can grow and thrive. Educating myself about native plants and creating a habitat for wildlife in my own yard is my contribution to their future. Through my own native garden, I hope to inspire others to reduce lawns and plant native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers.

Tell us a little about your own garden. I’m on a corner lot in the Carrollton neighborhood in Frederick. I started The Pearl Street Garden almost nine years ago. I have been a gardener since my Aunt

Mary gave me a geranium when I was 5 and I have had flower gardens everywhere I have lived since. My gardening style and ideals have changed since then and I now embrace a more “native, natural look” for my gardens.

I started my current garden by dividing it into six sections over the first several years. I reduced the lawn by sheet mulching. I cut the grass down as close as I could, added eight layers of newspaper and wet that down, and topped it off with several inches of chipped wood. A few months later, I dug holes through the mulch and newspaper and planted my first natives.

My small garden currently has 109-plus native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials. I have a full sun pollinator

garden, a shade garden, a hedgerow, a reforestation area and a living privacy screen between my house and my neighbors, all on less than a quarter acre lot.

How can you plan your garden now for spring?

Fall is a fabulous time to plant native trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials, just remember to water over the winter if we don’t get at least one rainfall per week. It’s also very important that you do not cut down stems or tidy up your garden in the fall. Many insects winter in plant stems and leaf litter. If you want to see fireflies next summer, leave your fallen leaves on the ground. If you are worried about leaves affecting your grass just rake them into a wild area. Just don’t use a leaf blower as the force will kill beneficial insects.

What reaction do you get from people seeing your garden?

Just love! I have never had a negative comment. People who stop in their cars and walk by tell me how much they enjoy the garden. One gentleman told me, “You have kissed the neighborhood with your garden.”

Near the end of World War II, a young American airman took a train to Bristol, an English city still deeply scarred from the German blitz of 1940-41. “The town was bombed out,” recalls Melvin Hurwitz. “I was walking on these deserted streets, looking at these craters and piles of bombed-out buildings.”

Hurwitz, a radio operator and waist gunner on a B-17 bomber, visited Bristol in search of a family whose only child, a daughter, had been a pen pal with his brother Albert before the war. “Her name was Jean,” says Hurwitz. “He was always talking about Jean.”

He found his way to the family’s home. “They had a lovely dinner for me that night,” says Hurwitz. The family had saved their ration book coupons and purchased a “little piece of meat,” he says. “Smaller than the palm of my hand. It was heartbreaking.”

The family had struggled to put food on the table throughout the war, but they saved a single can of peaches for a special occasion.

“I was the special occasion,” recalls Hurwitz, today a 99-year-old Frederick resident. “They were just so grateful for what the Americans had done.” He shakes his head slightly at the memory. “Back at the base, we had peaches,” he says, his eyes welling with tears. “I could have brought them plenty of canned peaches. I didn’t realize.”

Fast forward eight decades to another special occasion—the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in Normandy that ultimately liberated Europe. Hurwitz attended the ceremony, accompanied by other WWII veterans, and was introduced to many dignitaries, including President Joe Biden and Britian’s Prince William.

At one point, Hurwitz, sitting in a chair, saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before him. “I was so taken back,” he says. “I was just so surprised and overwhelmed when he knelt down to me and looked me right in the eyes. It tore me up.” Adding, “His leadership is sustaining his country. I told him that I pray for him.”

In a video clip that went viral and shared around the world, the emotional Hurwitz is seen eagerly reaching for Zelensky’s hand, saying, “You are the savior of the people.”

Zelensky responded, “No, no, no, you saved Europe.”

SILVER WINGS

Hurwitz grew up in Westminster, one of four sons whose parents were Russian immigrants who met each other in Baltimore. Hurwitz’s father, Ben, had immigrated in 1920 at the tender age of 14 to join extended family already in the United States.

“He was chosen because he was intelligent and the most likely to succeed,” says Hurwitz. His father, who had learned clockmaking in Russia, became a skilled watchmaker in America. By 1920, he had founded Colombia Jewelers on West Main Street in Westminster. Now known as Colonial Jewelers and managed by Hurwitz’s great-niece, Sarah Hurwitz Robey, the business has been on the Square Corner in Downtown Frederick since 1998.

Young Melvin Hurwitz attended Peabody College in Tennessee, following his two older brothers. “We were all very close,” he says. “They would come back with these great stories of what was going on down there. So, I wanted to go there, too.”

But he wouldn’t be in college long, again following his older brothers in joining the service

to support the war effort. The youngest brother would also join. “I couldn’t wait to turn 18 and go,” says Hurwitz.

He remembers chatting with college buddies about which branch of the service he should choose. Albert, the oldest brother, was a Marine. William, or Willy, joined the Navy. Youngest brother Gerald, or Jerry, would join the Army.

Considering his options, one of Hurwitz’s friends said to him, “Why don’t you join the Air

“I was just so surprised and overwhelmed when [Zelensky] knelt down to me and looked me right in the eyes. It tore me up. … I told him that I pray for him.”

Corps? You’ll get to wear the Silver Wings, and the girls love Silver Wings.”

So, the Army Air Corps it was.

Hurwitz attended basic training in Greensboro, N.C., and then went to Army Air Corps training centers around the country, becoming a radio operator and waist gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He would

serve with the 863rd Bomb Squadron, 493rd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, which was the last bomb group assigned to the “Mighty 8th” in the war.

However, while in training in Arizona, he received word that his mother was ill. Having her sons taken from her and sent overseas to fight had taken its emotional toll. He went to visit her. “She was a quiet, nervous type,” says Hurwitz. “I was young then, and I don’t think I really understood how hard it was for my parents. How they were feeling as each son left.”

Once their four sons returned home safely, the family took a photograph, which still hangs in a place of honor in Hurwitz’s home. “They wanted a photo of us in our uniforms,” he says. “They were proud of us.”

COMBAT AND RELIEF

Hurwitz may have chosen the Air Corps, but he had never been in a plane. His first time would be during training. “They took me up unannounced after I had a big breakfast,” he says, grinning. “We go up and then we are spiraling and spiraling down. The pilot didn’t warn me. I started to get dizzy. I couldn’t even talk to him. I threw up. So, then he pulls out and says to me, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’”

But Hurwitz found his place in an aircraft after discovering he was a natural with Morse code. “I was a drummer in the Boy Scouts and the college band, the snare drum,” he says. “The sound of the Morse code was not that unfamiliar.”

Nicknamed Sparky by his fellow airmen, Hurwitz flew four combat missions. “I had the benefit, if you want to call it that, of coming in towards the end of the war,” he says. “The German Luftwaffe [air force] was almost nonexistent. We had no fear of aircraft flying at us or gunning at us.”

However, he and his fellow soldiers did have to contend with “flak,” the antiaircraft artillery that launched explosive rounds at high altitudes to damage aircraft. “We had flak with big bursts of metal coming at us,” he says. He remembers seeing another U.S. plane shot down by flak fire, hitting him with a jolt of clarity about the war and its consequences. “I thought to myself, ‘How did I get here?’” he says. “This was serious.”

Ask Hurwitz about those combat missions and he will regale you with stories of a young man on a great adventure. “I don’t think I knew any better,” he says. But ask him about his humanitarian missions, ferrying prisoners of war and food, and his eyes light up and he leans forward slightly, eager to share. “War is about devastation,” he says. “Those missions were about restoration.”

Those missions included returning French prisoners of war back home to France. “We landed in Austria, and they were waiting for us,” says Hurwitz. “They were skin and bone. Just emaciated. We took off all of their clothes, stripped them naked, and had a big bonfire. We burned all the clothes and doused them with some sort of powdered pesticide. Then we gave them a nice blanket. Each one was wrapped in a blanket and then we lined them up on each side of the plane. I guess we took 30 to 40 at a time.”

The French soldiers were silent, a shell of their former selves. “They were so weak,” says

Hurwitz. “And they couldn’t speak English, and we couldn’t speak French. But you could tell by the look in their eyes how appreciative they were.”

Hurwitz did learn some French, though, during those trips. “Three words,” he says. “Trois vins blancs. Three white wines. There were three of us hanging out together.”

And the newly liberated French were more than eager to oblige Hurwitz and his fellow soldiers. “The French were beside themselves,” says Hurwitz. “There was a big carnival. And here we were, these innocent little flyboys and to them we could do no wrong.”

The Dutch were also grateful. As the war came to an end, the Allies devised a plan to deliver much-needed food via airlift to the German-occupied Netherlands. “We came in about 300 feet, the rooftops almost, and dropped food,” says Hurwitz.

The British participants in the Dutch effort named it Operation Manna. “Americans didn’t

want that,” says Hurwitz. “It wasn’t American enough. So, somebody came up with Operation Chowhound for us.”

As part of Operation Chowhound, “I remember flying into Haarlem and the Dutch had made in a big field, three or four acres, a sign that said, “Thank you Yanks,” out of tulips and flowers. I got emotional then, and I still get emotional. You are so far away from home and here these people are recognizing the fact that we are there to help them.”

TELLING THE STORIES

On May 8, 1945, the war in Europe ended. “Near our base I remember seeing men and women, farmers, holding hands and dancing around haystacks,” says Hurwitz.

But the war was not done with Hurwitz. After a visit home, he was sent to prepare for the continuing battle against the Japanese. He began training with the B-29 Superfortress. “I remember we’re in a classroom learning about the plane and so forth,” he says. “I looked out the window and sitting on the tarmac were these monsters. We thought our planes [in Europe] were big. They were like toothpicks compared to the B-29s.”

“We

did what we

had to

do.

There was no question about that. I would do it again in a minute.”

However, “After about a week there, they dropped the atomic bomb. And that was it,” he says. “I never got on a B-29.”

Hurwitz returned home and began civilian life. He married twice and had a family, and he was active in the family jewelry business. He and his brother Willy opened branches of Colonial Jewelers in Annapolis and Frederick. Hurwitz now lives near the Frederick store and still stops

by every now and then to chat with customers and “flirt with the ladies,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “I was there yesterday.”

In recent years, he has become involved with the Best Defense Foundation, a nonprofit that enables veterans such as Hurwitz to return to the battlefields where they once fought, such as the D-Day ceremony. Veterans also use these opportunities to share their experiences.

Approximately 16 million Americans served in World War II and approximately 100,000 are still alive. During the next decade, the number of living WWII veterans is expected to fall to 1,000, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Lest we forget,” says Hurwitz. “Time is of the essence. There are only so many of us left. We

need to talk and explain and remind people what went on in the past.”

Like his trip to Bristol near the end of the war.

Once his visit was completed that day, the English family insisted on driving Hurwitz back to the train station. “Using their petrol stamps, which were so precious,” he says. “I kept telling them, ‘No,no,no.’ But they wouldn’t hear of it. Through all of that, at the end of the war, they had such grace.”

World War II, especially its profound moments of thanksgiving and charity, left a lasting impact on Hurwitz.

“It was a terrible war,” he says. “We did what we had to do. There was no question about that. I would do it again in a minute.”

By Design Square Corner Firm Captures Downtown Spirit for Clients

The “Square Corner” of Patrick and Market streets has long been a hub of commercial and social activity in Downtown Frederick. Today, a full-service interior design and build firm has taken that community-centered characteristic of the Square Corner as its inspiration and office location, and even its namesake.

Occupying a second-story office on the northeast corner of that historic intersection, the new Square Corner greets passersby with a cheerful seasonal message plastered on its angled pop-out window just above the ACNB Bank. Inside, the firm serves Frederick-area clients with comprehensive residential interior design and renovation services, all united by the underpinning philosophy of being rooted in the community.

“We intentionally made the decision to focus our work in Frederick County and Downtown Frederick,” says Meredith Ericksen, interior designer and vice president of design at Square Corner. “We live in Frederick and work in Frederick. It is wonderful to chat with clients we see walking downtown— building relationships and friendships, remodeling beautiful older homes, and being part of a vibrant community.”

Ericksen is the former owner of Tuscan Blue Design. But after several successful and rewarding collaborations on local projects with renovator Pete Ring of Lighthouse Craftsman Inc., the two decided to take their business in a new direction and merge their companies. More than a skills and services merger, however, Square Corner also represents the union of like minds in

The driving forces behind the Square Corner collaboration are Pete Ring (Lighthouse Craftsman Inc.) and Meredith Ericksen (Tuscan Blue Design).

By Joseph Peterson

their approach to the work—one that’s focused on developing genuine relationships with clients.

“We are working in people’s homes and personal spaces. Places that are personal to them, where they raise their kids or grow memories,” Ring says. “The more we are around our clients and get to know them, we learn their interests, their wants, what is important to them. These are the areas that we can put a little extra into exceeding their expectations.”

It’s an intentional mindset, this emphasis on prioritizing a relationship with the client. It serves an important purpose to help develop the trust both Ericksen and Ring feel is necessary to collaborate effectively. With the design process, Ericksen says it starts with the idea that she and Pete are trusted advisors.

“Our clients have chosen us because they understand we have the experience and knowledge to lead them through design and construction,” she says. The process starts with a flexible, conceptual design and several possible options on where to begin.

From spacious, historic homes to efficiency-forward innovations in small spaces, and every kind of renovation, addition or remodel between, the Square Corner

team has succeeded in building a robust book of business, including many repeat customers who want to tackle new projects or refer their friends. As business grows, so, too, does the team’s capacity in what they’re able to do. That can include business acquisitions like the custom cabinet shop they recently brought in-house.

As for the craftsman, Ring cares deeply about what it means to build a relationship with a client. “People want to know you care about them and their project; that they are valued,” he says. … “This work matters to me. I have never just wanted a ‘job,’ I want to be a part of something bigger than me. At the end of my life I will not be thinking about the work that I did, I will be thinking about the relationships. How I conducted myself, and how I treated people.”

Until then, there is work to do, and increasingly more of it. According to Ericksen, the firm is adding larger, more complex projects and looking to expand their design team with an in-house architectural draftsperson.

There’s always that dream project, however, that remains a white whale, at least for now. “If anyone is listening,” Ericksen says, “we would love to add a restaurant design-build in Downtown Frederick to our portfolio.”

We intentionally made the decision to focus our work in Frederick County and Downtown Frederick. “ ”

—Meredith Ericksen

The business takes its name from the popular term for the intersection of Patrick and Market streets, which has been a hub of commercial activity since before the Revolutionary War.

biz bites

BUSINESS

Blooming Business

Elissa Abod, owner of Calluna Flower Truck, has always had an interest in floral design, and is now taking that love of flowers on the road in an eye-catching turquoise pickup,

New Owner of AR Workshop

As the new owner of AR Workshop Frederick, 914 N. East St., Gina Korrell is excited to offer new projects for folks to try, as well as expanding the store’s boutique of ready-made items to include more from local creators, whether it’s jewelry or home decor. She plans to bring in a florist to teach flower arranging and a baker for cookie decorating. The store offers itself for occasions from youth birthday parties and summer camp to bridal parties and friends wanting to share a project. “I love helping those who don’t think they’re crafty,” Korrell says. www.arworkshop.com/frederick/

the bed filled with flowers that customers can gather into arrangements.

The Rockville resident, who serves Frederick County, says, “I wanted to do something

creative and meaningful into retirement. It was an idea I stumbled on during a Google search. I saw flower trucks across the country and thought, ‘I can do this.’ Customers like the convenience and novelty of bringing flowers directly to their door.” As for opening a store, “As long as there is a demand for the truck, I will continue trucking on.” www.callunaflowertruck.com

40 Years of Creating Fabulous

Mary Jane Tabor, owner of Thomas Scott Hair Salon & Spa, 1305 W. 7th St., in the Frederick Shopping Center, has always been interested in styling hair, starting as a child when she practiced on her sister. Today, her business is celebrating 40 years of satisfying their legions of clients. On Nov. 7-9, the salon will offer refreshments and a chance at prizes for those stopping by to visit. Tabor, assisted by general manager Debra LaCoste and business manager and daughter Janie Delchamps, says she has seen changes in the beauty business during her tenure. Women who would come in weekly for a shampoo and set changed to those wanting perms and, later, those who wanted color and highlights added to their tresses. Nail services, massages, facials and waxing are also part of what the salon offers. “We always gave a lot of training to

Reverse Job Fair

The Fall 2024 EmployABILITY Showcase is changing the traditional job fair by embracing diversity, hiring abilities and elevating opportunities for people with disabilities. The fair, Nov. 19 from

10 a.m.-noon at the Arc of Frederick County, 555 S. Market St., is hosted by Developmental Disabilities Administration provider agencies, Frederick County Workforce Services, the SUCCESS Program

the staff,” Tabor says.

The shop, named for her son because Tabor says many famous salons at the time bore men’s names, is like a family among the staff and clients. “I love being with people,” she says. She is also known in the community at large for her charity efforts with various groups. Her motto has always been “prayer, patience and persistence.” www.thomasscottsalons.com

and Maryland’s Division of Rehabilitative Services. Human resource reps, visionary business executives and individuals in search of diverse, exceptional talent are invited to attend.

on tech

BUSINESS

By Jeni Lubbert

Digital Seniors

While some older adults may feel hesitant about learning to use new tech devices, many are discovering how accessible and beneficial these innovations can be. Technology can improve quality of life, offering tools that make daily tasks easier, add safety measures and create opportunities for communication and entertainment. Here are a few key ways seniors can leverage technology for their wellbeing.

Communication

Staying connected with family and friends is very important, especially those who live alone. Smartphones, tablets and video-calling platforms like FaceTime, Zoom and Skype offer simple and effective ways to keep in touch. Many devices today come with voice-activated features, enabling seniors to make calls or send messages just by speaking. This can be particularly helpful for those with mobility issues or arthritis. Social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp also help older adults stay updated on family news, interact with loved ones and participate in online communities where they can meet new friends with similar interests.

Safety

Technology offers numerous solutions to increase safety and peace of mind for seniors and caregivers. Medical alert devices, for example, are essential tools for seniors who live independently. These wearable devices can summon help with the press of a button in case of an emergency, such as a fall. Some advanced models include automatic fall detection, which immediately contacts emergency services if a fall is detected.

Smart home technology also offers a layer of security and convenience. Devices like smart doorbells, cameras and motion sensors allow seniors to monitor their

surroundings and ensure their homes are secure. Smart home assistants such as Amazon Echo or Google Home can assist with daily reminders for medication, appointments or even turning off lights and locking doors with voice commands.

Entertainment and Cognitive Health Technology can also provide a rich source of entertainment and mental stimulation for seniors. Streaming services like Netflix, YouTube and Spotify offer endless options for movies, music and documentaries that cater to different tastes. Many seniors also enjoy interactive games or brain-training apps such as Lumosity or Sudoku, which help keep the mind sharp.

For the readers, e-readers and audiobooks provide a convenient way to enjoy literature. Apps like Kindle allow users to adjust font sizes for easier reading and services like Audible provide access to audiobooks, which are perfect for those with vision challenges.

By embracing technology, seniors can enhance their communication, safety and overall quality of life, while staying active and connected. The benefits are worth the effort it takes to learn a new way of accomplishing everyday tasks.

Jeni Lubbert is a Project Manager at 270net Technologies, a website design and digital marketing firm in Frederick. Contact her at 301-663-6000, ext. 615, or visit www.270net.com.

Party On A Holiday Celebration Even the Host can Enjoy

For many, the most eagerly anticipated time of the year is the festive season, full of joy and cheer, when families come together to celebrate cherished holidays. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or any of the many other festive occasions, we all crave the special times spent with family and friends. And when we get the chance, we want to ensure our loved ones are well-fed, relaxed and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

While we plan elaborate meals, the task can quickly become stressful, especially for large gatherings. We caught up with a few exceptional caterers and event planners of Frederick County to get their advice about delicious, stressfree solutions for parties of any type or size.

Regina O’Rourke, owner of local boutique company Gather, says she enjoys working with themes. Gather specializes in the art of charcuterie. No simple dish of meat and cheese here. Gather takes this tradition to the next level, offering holiday baskets filled with treats, grazing tables, picnic boxes and party platters—all prepped and ready for parties or as gifts to hosts, neighbors, friends and family.

This year, a client enlisted O’Rourke for a Barbie movie party. For the holidays, she’ll craft hot chocolate charcuterie boards full of toppings to cozy up any winter evening (summer s’mores boards make camping luxuri -

Looking to add some sizzle to your holiday party? Consider Gather’s wide range of charcuterie options.

By Andrew Bartel

Photos courtesy Gather

ous). If you worry that the charcuterie might not be filling enough, there are the lavish grazing tables. O’Rourke recalls their biggest project, a 24-footlong table loaded with a bounty of festive food. You never want people to go away hungry when they gather around the table.

O’Rourke’s advice: Don’t spend all your time in the kitchen. Your guests are there to see you.

Whatever the party, it never hurts to plan early. “The earlier the better,” says Cheri Thompson, owner of The Savory Spoon, a caterer that works with home parties and business galas alike.

For those trying to gauge how much food to make, Thompson suggests having 8 ounces of protein per person. If you provide two options, plan for 4-to-6 ounces of each per guest. And you don’t need to go overboard with menu choices. Thompson says two sides and a salad or three to four sides total is usually enough variety to satisfy guests.

If you don’t know guests’ dietary preference, it’s always kind to ask, she advises. If you have a large group of unfamiliar folks attending, provide a few alternatives that are vegetarian or gluten-free, just in case. The Savory Spoon works with all dietary needs

and special requests. They even have a weekly “Meals to Go” program that starts at $95 for five meals. It’s an easy option for those who want convenient, healthy alternatives for more than special occasions. “We shop on Mondays, prep on Tuesdays and deliver on Wednesdays,” says Thompson.

Her advice: Look for value, but don’t cut corners, especially when it comes to food safety.

For larger parties, like weddings or company banquets, consider planning six months to a year in advance to ensure every detail is flawless, according to Stacey Rayburn, founder of Storybook Weddings and Events.

Known for its thorough and imaginative event planning, Storybook has earned a reputation for its complete party planning service. Rayburn takes pride in delivering thoughtful details. She also owns The Frederick Floral Bar in downtown Frederick where folks can make their own holiday wreath or bouquet while enjoying some wine or a mocktail.

Her advice: It is never too early to start planning the next event.

With an emphasis on planning and preparation, a dazzling holiday celebration can come together without stress.

We

shop on Mondays, prep on Tuesdays and deliver on Wednesdays.

“ ”

—Cheri Thompson

tiny plates ON THE TABLE

DANISH, COOKIES, CROISSANTS & MORE

With a focus on unique, Old World-inspired flavors, Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro and Café recently opened to enthusiastic crowds at 1305 W. 7th St. in the Frederick Shopping Center. Roggenart’s menu includes breakfast and lunch items like egg and cheese on a flaky croissant, oven-baked melts and cast-iron pressed sandwiches.

“Frederick is a charming area steeped in history—a perfect spot for us to showcase our baked goods, pastries and patisserie, all based on the traditional European style, but with a twist,” says Neman Popov, owner and managing partner.

Roggenart means “the art of rye” in German. Creating doughs and food from scratch with simple, whole ingredients and passion is at the heart of the business. Since 2017, Roggenart has sustained the communities it operates in with its freshly baked goods, breakfast and lunch dishes and bold coffee. Roggenart has eight locations in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Chicago.

MENOPAUSE MEALS

Chef Christine Van Bloem, who has fashioned a career around feeding people, is always on the lookout for ways she can help people live healthier lives, starting with what’s on their plates. Recently she launched a program for women going through menopause.

“I took a culinary medicine certification course at Frederick Community College this summer and learned that no one was talking about food and menopause, or perimenopause for that matter. I made it my mission to get the word out about how the Mediterranean diet and certain parameters are shown to improve the symptoms,” she says.

After extensive research, Van Bloem came up with Menopause Meal Plans. She provides three dinner menus per week, plus a shopping list for her members that fits within the parameters best shown to improve symptoms. Membership is $19 a month and includes the menus and support through a private Facebook group. For more information, visit www.emptynestkitchen.com/join.

LET THE STUDENTS MAKE DINNER

Students at Frederick Community College’s Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute will once again show off their education with meals available to the public on Nov. 7 and 14 and Dec. 5 and 12 at 200 Monroe Ave. Students cook for the public as part of their capstone learning experience.

The fall menu features three courses, with the entrees including roasted winter squash risotto, miso-ginger marinated salmon and cottage pie made with root vegetables and braised short ribs topped with whipped potatoes. The star of the dessert selections is the pumpkin crème brûlée.

Reserve a table online or place a carryout order. Call 240-624-2888 or go to www.frederick.edu/200Monroe.

FCC students are also hosting a bakery pop-up shop at 200 Monroe Ave. on Nov. 6 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring soup, quiche, cookies, brownies and more.

ON THE TABLE

cravings

★ Voted “Best of Frederick”

$ entrées $8 and under - $$ entrées $8–$15 - $$$ entrées $15 and over

10 Tavern

10 E. Main St., Thurmont. 301-271-7422. Classic all-American cuisine. $

agave 137 Tequila Bar & KiTchen

137 N. Market St, Frederick. 240-439-4367 Best margaritas, tacos and entertainment on Market St. $$

airways inn

310 Aviation Way, Frederick. 301-228-2100 Sandwiches, salads and more. Adjacent to airport. $

H a.K.a. Friscos

4632 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick. 301-698-0018. Upbeat sandwich shop also offering house-roasted meats, salads and potatoes. $$

aleKo’s village caFé

4304 Old National Pike, Middletown. 301-371-3500. Greek, vegetarian and vegan specialties, subs and salads. $

analia’s caFé

480-A Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-378-8663. Greek cuisine, lunch and dinner. $$

anchor Bar

5605 Spectrum Dr., Frederick. 240-651-5580. Home of the Original Buffalo Wing. $$

H Avery’S mAryl And Grille

9009 Baltimore Road, Frederick, 301-228-2722. Fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, burgers and wings. $-$$$ ★

Antrim 1844 SmokehouSe reStAurAnt

30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown. 410-756-6812. Open daily for dinner. French-American cuisine. Reservations required. $$$

aTlanTic grille

3531 John Simmons St., Suite D-05, Urbana. 301-810-5220. American steak and seafood restaurant. $-$$$

H Beans & Bagels

49 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-2165 Light breakfasts and lunches. $

Beans & Dreams

203 E. Main St., C, Middletown. 240-490-7070 Café and coffee shop. $

BeeF ‘n Buns ‘n ParaDise

1448 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-898-2075 Big burgers and great ice cream selections. $

Belles’ sPorTs Bar & grill

1202 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-9623. Great ribs and other American fare. $

Bellisario’s Pizza

934 N. East St., Frederick. 301-662-9233. Sauce and dough made fresh daily. $$

BenTzTown

6 S. Bentz St., Frederick 301-301-8430. Southern fare. $$-$$$

Big PaPi’s

5711 Industry Lane, Frederick. 240-651-5969. Authentic Mexican dishes. $-$$

H BlacK hog BBq & Bar

118 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-662-9090 221 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-9600 3323 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0070. 100 Middletown Pkwy, Middletown. 240-490-8147. Specializing in various styles of barbecue. $$

Bollinger’s resTauranT anD uncle DirTys Brew worKs

210 N. Church St., Thurmont. 301-668-1522. Home-cooked meals, fresh baked pies, cakes and desserts. $$-$$$

BoneFish grill

1305 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-271-3500. Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks and cocktails. $$$

Brewer’s alley

124 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-631-0089. Contemporary American regional cuisine and microbrewery. $$

BuFFalo wilD wings

210 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-1333

3335 Worthington Blvd., Ijamsville. 240-699-0313

Chicken wings, sandwiches and other family fare. $

BuShwAller’S

209 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-695-6988. Irish fare in an attractive pub setting. $$-$$$

The Buzz caFé

11801 Fingerboard Road, Suite 3, Monrovia. 301-865-4900. Scratch bakery and café that eatures breakfast and lunch items as well as custom cakes and goodies. $-$$

cacique

26 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-695-2756. Fine Spanish and Mexican cuisine. $$-$$$

H caFé Bueno

255 E. 4th St. 301-620-8858. Authentic Mexican food. Burritos a favorite. $-$$

caFé nola

4 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-6652 Bistro café. Coffee, tea and sandwiches. $

callahan’s seaFooD Bar & grill 1808 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. 301-698-9596. Fresh seafood. $$

carriage house inn

200 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-2366. Traditional dishes served in a colonial setting. $$$

carroll valley golF course

121 Sanders Road, Fairfield, Pa. 888-330-4202. American cuisine. $-$$$

CarterQue BarBeQue & GrillinG Co

1310 S. Main St., Mount Airy. 301-829-2222. Award-winning barbecue and seafood dishes. $-$$

Casa RiCo

1399 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-663-3107. Mexican fare in a comfortable, pleasant setting. $-$$

Cellar Door restaurant

5 E. Church St., Frederick. 301-695-8460 American Casual Cuisine & Cocktail Lounge. $-$$$

Chatime tea

5219 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-378-2530. Bubble tea. $

Chef lin Buffet

417 S. Jefferson St., Frederick. 301-620-0664. Asian cuisine. $-$$

Chili’s Grill & Bar

5100 Pegasus Court, Frederick. 301-662-8130. Fresh Tex & Mex. $$

China GarDen

506 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-695-5055 Asian cuisine. $-$$

Clay oven restaurant

1170 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-631-2004 Indian, Nepalese cuisine. $$-$$$

Coal fire

7820 Wormans Mill Road, Frederick. 301-631-2625. Coal-fired pizza, sandwiches, salads and dinner entrées. $-$$

Common market

927 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-663-3416

Organic fare and vegetarian specialties, takeout. $

the Comus inn at suGarloaf mountain 23900 Old Hundred Road, Dickerson. 301-349-5100. Fine dining at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. $$$

CraBapples DeliCatessen

101 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-0208. Traditional New York–style deli. $

CuCina Massi

111 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-624-1052. Italian and more. Small plate appetizers to share. $$-$$$

CuGino forno

1705 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-835-9575 Neapolitan pizza. $$

Delizia Café

14 E. Patrick St. Frederick. 240-439-4265. Great spot for coffee and pastries, along with Italian dishes. $-$$

H the DerBy restaurant anD Bar

83 W. Main St., New Market. 301-865-2222

Casual family-friendly spin using locally grown produce and ingredients. Full bar. $$

H DuBlin roasters Coffee

1780 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-772-5274. $-$$

H DutCh’s DauGhter

581 Himes Ave., Frederick. 301-668-9500. Seafood, steak and poultry specialties. $$$

fajita GranDe

5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. 301-698-8989. Mexican cuisine. $-$$

H fireBirDs WooD fireD Grill

5201 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 315-850-0077. Steakhouse. $$

firehouse suBs

1700 Kingfisher Drive, Frederick. 301-8982027. 5100 Buckeystown Pike, #194, Frederick. 301-668-6301. A variety of hot gourmet sub sandwiches. Dine in, takeout and catering available. $

flaminG Grill & Buffet

1003 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-664-3388 Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine. $-$$

FRatelli’s italian & seaFood

200 Middletown Parkway, Middletown. 301-371-4000. Made-from-scratch Italian classics, homemade pasta, award-winning crab cakes. $$-$$$

freDeriCk Coffee Company & Café

100 N. East St., Frederick. 301-698-0039 Coffee specialties, light fare and weekend entertainment. $

freDeriCk soCial

50 Citizens Way, Frederick. 240-629-8525 Brew pub and cafe. $$

freDeriCk soups

124 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Homemade comfort food and soups. $-$$

the GaraGe

440 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 240-344-5340 Wood-fired pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, salads and locally brewed beers. $-$$

GlaDChuk Bros restaurant

489 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-662-7750 Hearty international fare. $$$

Glory Days Grill

1305 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-696-1112 American grill with a sports theme. $-$$$

GoGi Go korean BBQ

1003 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-9888. Korean barbecue. $$-$$$

Gran azteCa mexiCan fooD Bar & Grill

6956 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-378-2785. Authentic Mexican Cuisine. $$-$$$

hinzi’s kitChen

503 N. East St., Frederick. 301-835-7694 Traditional Pakistani cuisine. $$

hippy ChiCk hummus

237 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-815-7175 Vegan restaurant. $$

hootCh & Banter

49 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-732-4971. New American, upscale casual cuisine. $$-$$$

iBiza Café

8 W. 4th St., Frederick. The best selections of coffee, teas, sandwiches and locally made pastries in a European-style café. $-$$

H il FoRno PizzeRia

1035 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-0422

Wood-burning oven-cooked pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. $$

il PoRto

200 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-620-7480 245 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg. 301-590-0735. Fine Italian food. $-$$

inDian Wok

8415 Woodsboro Pike, #J, Walkersvillle. 301-304-0103. Traditional Indian fare, along with Indo-Chinese food. $$

H isabella’s taveRna & taPas baR 44 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-698-8922. Tapas. $$

jB seafooD

308 Main St., Myersville. 301-293-2722

“From the shore to your door.” Seafood, beef, poultry, pork. $$-$$$

jasmin meDiterranean Grill 3532-B Urbana Pike, Urbana. 301-363-5877 Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Dine-in, carryout and catering. $-$$

jerk it smoke it

2060 Yellow Springs Road, Frederick. 240-831-4157.Authentic Caribbean-American culinary experience. $-$$

jerk n’ jive CariBBean kitChen 911 N. East St., Frederick. 240-439-4518. Authentic Caribbean cuisine. $-$$

JoJo’s RestauRant & taP House 16 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5197. American fusion. $$-$$$

jollof on point 452 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 703-473-5788 Authentic Nigerian cuisine. $-$$

kinG’s neW york style pizza & italian restaurant 8415-G Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville. 301-845-4910. Classic pies, subs, pasta dinners. $-$$

kittiWat thai kitChen

5205 Presidents Court, Frederick. 301-631-0999. Authentic Thai cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily. $-$$$

lava volCaniC Grill & Wok 8925 Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 240-483-8475. Asian fusion. $$

H la paz

51 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-694-8980. Mexican fare. $

1306 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5193. A wide array of authentic Chinese and Thai food. $$ ★

Las Tunas

1043 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-629-8008. Authentic Mexican food. $$

H Lazy Fish

10 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-695-9656 Asian sushi bistro. $-$$$

Ledo Pizza

490-1 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-663-9800. 1293 Riverbend Way, Frederick. 301-694-0050

3303 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0303

Pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches in a casual setting. $-$$

LeLuna Bakery & CaFe

162 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-575-9107. Fresh baked goods, quiche, coffee and tea. $$

LiBerTy road seaFood & sTeak

10524 Liberty Road, Frederick. 301-898-3181

Home of the largest crab in Frederick County. Open all year round. $$$

Long Shot’S

5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick. (inside the Clarion Hotel). 301-694-7500. Starters, salad, sandwhiches, BBQ, full bar. $$ -$$$

Los amigos

205 Frederick Road, Thurmont. 301-271-8888. Mexican food with specials through the week. $$

Lucky corner reStaurant

5100 Buckeystown Pike, Suite 174, Frederick. 301-360-5913. Vietnamese grill and noodle restaurant. $$

H madrones

7810 Worman’s Mill Road #J, Frederick. 240-439-4010. Traditional American steak and seafood. $$-$$$

magoo’s PuB & eaTery

1-A W. 2nd St., Frederick. 301-378-2237 Traditional Irish-American favorites. $$-$$$

The main CuP

14 W. Main St., Middletown. 301-371-4433 Casual café and coffeehouse. $-$$$

H manaLù iTaLian resTauranT

5227 Presidents Court, Frederick. 240-578-4831. Authentic Italian restaurant serving traditional foods in a warm and cozy atmosphere. $$-$$$

mangia e Bevi

Turning Point Center, 8927-J Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 301-874-0338. Italian comfort food at a good value. $-$$$

mariaChi resTauranT

5854 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-418-6367 Fine Spanish and Mexican cuisine. $$

maTsuTake sushi and sTeak

5225 Buckeystown Pike (Westview Promenade), Frederick. 301-631-5060 Hibachi and Japanese cuisine. $-$$$

may’s

5640 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-662-4233

Home-cooked meals, crabs. $$

H mayTa’s Peruvian Cuisine

5010 Buckeytown Pike, Suite 148, Frederick. 301-732-4441. Fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Serving lunch and dinner. Catering available. $-$$$

miyako

1005 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-0024

Sushi, noodles, Japanese steak house, specialty cocktails. $$$

mod Pizza

5256 Buckeystown Pike (Westview Promenade), Frederick. 240-877-7967. Custom, artisan-style pizza and salads. $-$$

monoCaCy Crossing

4424-A Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-846-4204. American comfort food and fine wine. $$-$$$

morgan’s ameriCan griLL

11717 Old National Pike, New Market. 301-865-8100. A family-friendly restaurant with big city dining. $$-$$$

mounTain gaTe FamiLy resTauranT

133 Frederick Rd., Thurmont. 301-271-4373. Buffet and menu selections. $

mounTain view diner

1300 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-1300. All-American diner food. $

new york J&P Pizza 6103 Spring Ridge Pkwy., Frederick. 301-644-1372. Lunch and dinner daily. $$-$$$

H norTh markeT PoP shoP

241 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9070. Trickling Springs Creamery ice cream. 400-plus soda choices. $-$$$

nuTriTion 4 ur mind 5828 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. Smoothies, Boosted Teas. $

oLd dominion griLL & sushi 5732 Buckeystown Pike #18-20, Frederick. 301-682-6888. Family restaurant, American, Japanese, Thai, etc. $-$$$

H The orChard 45 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-663-4912. Flavorful healthy fare and vegetarian selections. $$

osCar’s aLehouse 906 N. East St., Frederick. 301-378-2793 Buzzing bar and grill featuring updated American fare and craft beers on tap. $$-$$$

ouTBaCk sTeakhouse 1007 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-662-9584 Steak and seafood. $$-$$$

PasquaLe’s

11670 Old National Pike, New Market. 301-882-7103. Italian restaurant and pizzeria. $$

PaTowmaCk Farm

42461 Lovettsville Road, Lovettsville, Va. 540-822-9017. Seasonal organic cuisine. $$$

Peking gourmeT 5732 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-846-0001 or 301-846-0002 Peking-style cuisine. $$

The Pham 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Unit 119D 240-651-0987. Vietnamese cuisine. $$

Pho an Loi 440 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-378-9099. Specializes in Vietnamese dishes, along with Thai food. $$

Pho 52 701 Motter Ave., Frederick. 240-575-9479 Vietnamese dishes including noodle-based pho. $$

H P.i g s. BBq resTauranT 2401 Whittier Drive, Frederick. 240-629-8001. BBQ restaurant. $$

PisTarro’s 221 N. East St., Frederick. 301-378-9536. Traditional Naples-style wood-fired pizza, hand-made pastas, beer and Italian wines. $-$$

H PL aza mexiCo 2481 Merchant St., Frederick. 301-228-9889. 50 Carroll Creek Way #130, Frederick. 240-439-4041

Mexican fare that’s beyond ordinary. $$-$$$

H Modern aSia

ProsPect Pantry

1 W, Main St. New Market. 240-915-2238. American Fare. $$

PumPernickel + rye

3538-Urbana Pike, Urbana. 240-397-9600

Market and deli. $-$$

ragin’ reef

506 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-815-5438

A casual seafood restaurant with top quality fresh food, affordable prices, and unmatched service. $-$$$

H The Red hoRse

996 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-663-3030. A Frederick institution for great steaks and seafood. $$$

red lobster

1020 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-9474. Fresh seafood. $$

ricci restaurant

1021 Mill Pond Road, Frederick. 240-578-4273

Restaurant and wine bar offering tasty Italian dishes, wood-fired pizza and steak. $$

roasthouse Pub

5700 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-418-6098 Craft beer, American fusion bistro. $$

rosati’s Pizza

911 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-694-4650 Chicago-style pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. $$

rube’s crab shack

17308 N. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-4116

All-you-can-eat seafood, dinner menu, lunch, fullservice bar and carryout. $-$$$

sabor de cuba

9 E. Patrick St., Frederick 301-663-1036 Cuban cuisine. $$

santa rosa restaurant

107 Baughmans Lane, Frederick. 301-662-9348 Salvadorean and Mexican food. $-$$

saPPoro ii

5 W. Church St.., Frederick. 240-815-7079

Fine Japanese and Korean dining. $-$$$

schroyer’s tavern

Maryland National Golf Club, 8836 Hollow Road, Middletown. 301-371-0000 Contemporary American cuisine. $$$

showroom

882 N. East St., Frederick. 301-835-7628

Modern American diner with menu designed by celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio. $$-$$$

the shuckin’ shack oyster bar

41 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9876

Seafood, friendly gathering place. $$

H silver diner

5120 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-694-9501. Award-winning burgers, all-day breakfast, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. $-$$$

simPly asia Pan asian bistro

120 Frederick Road, Suites B&C, Thurmont. 301-271-2858. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, sushi bar, Asian fusion, dine in, carryout, catering. $-$$

H south mountain creamery

50 Citizen’s Way, Ste. 101, Frederick. 301-383-8790. We take your favorite sweet and savory treats to a whole new level. Sweet: sundaes, milkshakes, and more. Savory: Farm-fresh pizzas, made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. $-$$

south market sandwich co.

105 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-651-3797

A quaint, gourmet sandwich shop. $$

starvin marvin Pizzeria and subs

6942 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-695-7827

New York–style pizza, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and more. $

sumittra thai

12 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-668-2303

Thai favorites including satay, pad thai and garden rolls. $-$$

surf house island cantina 8925 Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 240-341-7157

Authenic surfer food and drinks. $$

sushi Nomu

4969 Westview Drive, Frederick. 240-656-1330. Asian sushi. $-$$

suvai biryani

11791 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-363-8725. Mixing classic recipes with a modern twist. $$

Taco Bar

1450 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5716

Authentic Mexican fast food. $

Tempo di pasTa

244 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-780-8517. Gourmet Italian dishes. Handmade pasta. $$

taichi bubble tea

5866 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. 240-815-7961. Bubble teas, fruit teas, ramen, poke bowls, sushi burritos and rice bowls. $$

taj mahal bar & grill

1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-682-2213

Authentic Indian fare featuring home made spices. Serving lunch and dinner. Wine and beer available. $-$$

taPia’s on main

203 E. Main St., Middletown. 240-490-8461

Signature brick-oven pizzas, pastas, paninis, house-crafted cocktails. $$-$$$

temPo di Pasta

244 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-780-8517. Gourmet Italian dishes. Handmade pasta. $$

texas roadhouse

5105 Pegasus Court, Frederick. 301-682-7427. Hand-cut steaks, ribs, fresh-baked rolls and cold beer. $$

thacher & rye

228 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-332-3186

Chef Bryan Voltaggio’s cuisine prepared with seasonal, local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere. $$$

Thai meRic eaTeRy aNd BaR

1170 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-651-0998 Authentic Thai cuisine. $-$$

thai table

5221 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 240-877-7034. Thai + Lao cuisine. $$

the tasting room

101 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-379-7772

European cuisine. $$$

thurmont kountry kitchen

17 Water St., Thurmont. 301-271-4071. Family owned and operated serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award winning broasted chicken. $-$$

tin corner

700 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9374 Serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. $-$$

troPix Pots cuisines bar & grill

490 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 240-877-4858

Authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine. $$-$$$

uP on market bistro

301 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-831-4847. Charming restaurant/bistro offering full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. Uniqueness and variety with a touch of elegance. $-$$$

valley grill sPorts bar Hollow Creek Golf Club, 50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown. 301-371-0400 Contemporary American cuisine. $-$$

H wag’s 24 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-694-8451 Classic hamburgers and fries. $

white rabbit gastroPub 18 Market Space, Frederick. 240-651-1952 Craft beer house serving high-end beer and food. $-$$

wilcom’s inn 11234 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-798-8686. Iconic local landmark. International steakhouse and sports bar. $-$$

the wine kitchen on the creek 150 Caroll Creek Way, Ste. 160, Frederick. 301-663-6968. Wine bar with American bistro fare. $$

zi Pani café bistro 177A Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-620-1932. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual dining with full bar. $-$$

Lancaster’s Time

Holiday Season Sparkles In Pennsylvania Dutch Country

LANCASTER, Pa.—A walk around downtown Lancaster might suggest another Mid-Atlantic community building its tourism industry on a “hip and historic” small city life rich in arts and entertainment, shopping, and diverse cuisine.

Indeed, there is a lot about Lancaster that would feel familiar to a Frederick Countian … and, as you travel into surrounding Lancaster County, a few things that would not, including the area’s biggest tourism draw: The nation’s oldest Amish community, where tens of thousands live in a basic agricultural lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for 300 years.

Despite their cloistered existence, the Amish have long welcomed outsiders who visit their communities for tours, dining and shopping, or simply to learn more about their unique and often misunderstood way of life. As many as half the tourists who visit Lancaster County do so specifically to experience the Amish culture.

“We always want to do it respectfully,” explains Joel Cliff, director of communications and advocacy for Discover Lancaster, the local tourism organization.

One tourist attraction is the Amish Christmas Cookie Tour, which kicks off Nov. 29. Participants visit Amish homes, where they sample homemade cookies and learn about the holiday traditions. The cookie tours continue through the holiday season. For more information, go to www.amishfarmandhouse.com/ christmas-cookie-tour.

Indeed, November and December are busy times throughout the city and coun-

Story by Guy Fletcher

Lancaster County boasts a wide range of activities all year, highlighted by historic, cultural and commercial attractions.

Photos courtesy Discover Lancaster

try, the perfect opportunity for a Lancaster newbie to discover the area.

Like Frederick County, Lancaster County also has covered bridges, just a lot more—27 to be exact. And with the serious chill of winter still yet to arrive, now is still a great time to take in beauty of the bridges, even if some of the fall colors are starting to fade.

Strasburg Scooters offers a Covered Bridge Tour that brings modern travel convenience to your visit. Go to strasburgscooters.com/tour/covered-bridges for more information. “It is a great time of year to explore these bridges,” Cliff says.

In fact, there are many outdoor activities scheduled for this time of year, including the Fall Fest Days at Refreshing Mountain (refreshingmountain.com/fall) and taking in the area’s abundant hiking and biking trails.

Animal lovers can visit the Wolf Sanctuary of PA (wolfsanctuarypa.org), a refuge for gray wolves and wolfdogs just outside Litiz, Pa., or check out the Eastland Alpacas Fall Open House from Nov. 2 to Nov. 10.

For those who prefer their entertainment indoors, the historic Fulton Theatre will stage the musical Frozen from Nov. 15-Dec. 29 and the American Music

Theatre’s annual Christmas show, Joy to the World, takes place on Nov. 5. Want more theater? The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre’s White Christmas starts Nov. 8.

Families will especially find plenty to do this time of year, including the Dutch Winter Wonderland event at the Dutch Wonderland theme park. Running from Nov. 16 to Dec. 31, activities include cookies and visits with Santa, themed areas of the park and more than 20 rides.

“It really is a great family outing,” Cliff says.

Children (and their parents) will also enjoy the Christmas Trains that start at Strasburg Rail Road on Nov. 16.

One of Lancaster’s most popular holiday stops is Kitchen Kettle Village, a collection of shops, eateries and an actual working canning kitchen, nestled next to rolling farmlands. Christmas events begin Nov. 29 and take place every Saturday until Dec. 21. There will be music performances, food demonstrations and more. Go to www.kitchenkettle. com/events/old-fashioned-christmas-events-and-activities.asp for more information.

“It’s always a great place to visit for the holidays,” Cliff says. Information about all Lancaster events can be found at www. discoverlancaster.com.

FM

Lancaster’s Central Market, which dates to 1730, features 65 local vendors offering produce, meat, dairy and culinary fares.

It’s a beautiful time of the year up here. “ ”

—Joel Cliff

postcards ON THE ROAD

SPAIN

BERMUDA

The Sundergill family (from left, Meghan and Mike, John and Barbara, Jennifer, and Linda and Jim) enjoy an ocean cruise.

GREECE

Lori and Jim Dickson take in the spectacular sights along the coast of the island of Santorini.

Carole and Joe Rodero celebrate their wedding anniversary in Lekeitio, a small town in the Basque Country.

you’re here ON THE ROAD

By Jake Wynn

Shop Local

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to plan your shopping right here at home. Frederick County boasts a vibrant array of shopping districts that make it easy to support local businesses and invest in our community.

Downtown Frederick immediately jumps to mind as a go-to place for shopping local. With more than 200 locally owned boutiques, shops and businesses, the historic district has become a shopping area known across the region for incredible antiquing, clothing boutiques, specialty foods and quirky gifts.

Explore some of the newest Downtown Frederick businesses this season, with shops like Perennial Clay & Garden and Terra Moda opening their doors this year. You’ll also find old favorites in new locations—Brick and Mortar Mercantile moved to North Market Street, while A Lit’le Irish Too found its way to a larger space on East Patrick Street. On the east side of Downtown, Everedy Square and Shab Row is a great spot for local gifts. The Frederick Basket Company creates one-of-a-kind gift baskets with plenty of locally supplied and Maryland-themed items available for the holidays, but great any time of year. Next door, Take Root is an interior plant shop that specializes in houseplants and accessories that will add a green flair to

your home or someone on your shopping list. Just up East Street, you’ll find a Frederick favorite, The Little Pottery Shop. This small store features the work of artists, established and new, who work next door at the Frederick Clay Studio.

Beyond the city, there are thriving businesses throughout the county. Travel to Middletown and you’ll find new businesses and beloved ones with a new spin. Hearth and Home Mercantile on Main Street opened this year in the beautifully restored Memorial Hall building with home decor, fits and antiques. Another great option near Middletown is Orchid Cellar, Maryland’s first meadery that serves a variety of spiced honey wine that makes for a great gift.

Near Thurmont, you’ll find Catoctin Mountain Orchard, a go-to place for local produce perfect for seasonal cooking and baking through the holiday season. While you’re out and about in northern Frederick County, be sure to stop by Gateway Candyland to refuel with ice cream, baked goods and, of course, a huge selection of candy.

Another one of the exciting developments on the shopping front in Frederick County is the transformation going on in Brunswick. Seriously, if you haven’t journeyed down to southern Frederick County and seen the remarkable historic preservation efforts going on in recent years, it’s worth a quick drive.

Along Potomac Street in Brunswick, you’ll find exciting new businesses popping up alongside old favorites. Be sure to stop in Potomac River Interiors in the historic Newberry Building that is experiencing new life as it undergoes restoration. This is just one of several businesses opening in renovated spaces in the historic railroading and canal city. Be sure to stop by Maple & Rye Bakery, Bridgeway Bikes and Whistle Punk Farm Deli on your walk through Brunswick. Don’t forget a visit to Smoketown Brewing, Beans in the Belfry and Boxcar Burgers, the steadfast favorites for local residents and C&O Canal enthusiasts.

No matter where you choose to shop this season, when you shop local in Frederick County, you’re helping to strengthen our local economy and supporting friends and neighbors. Happy shopping!

Jake Wynn is the senior marketing and communications manager at Visit Frederick, the designated destination marketing organization for Frederick County. Contact him at 301-600-4023 or jwynn@ fredco-md.net. Learn more about Visit Frederick at visitfrederick.org.

HOT PICK

Nov. 17

Annual ‘The House Is in The Bag’ Fundraiser

Union Mills Public House, 340 E. Patrick St., Unit A. Kick off the holiday shopping season at this fun-filled evening featuring both silent and live auctions of new and gently used purses, gift baskets and accessories. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Frederick and Faith House. 1

p.m.–4 p.m. $. 301-6982449. www.thehouseisinthebag.com

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

Fall Fun Fest

Through Nov. 5

Gaver Tree Farm, 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy. More than 65 attractions including a corn maze, hayrides, jumping pillows, beeline zipline, giant slides, farm animals, mini mazes, pumpkin barn, pedal karts, pick-your-own apples, games, playgrounds and more. Free hayrides to the pick-yourown pumpkin patch or purchase pre-picked pumpkins, gourds and fall décor at the farm market. 10 a.m.−6 p.m. daily. $. 301-865-3515. www.gaverfarm.com

Carillon Recital Sundays in Nov. Joseph Dill Baker Carillon in Baker Park, Downtown Frederick. The tower is open for guests to hear John Widmann, City Carillonneur play the 49-bell carillon of bronze bells. 12:30 p.m. www.visitfrederick.org

Historic Homes Tour Sundays–Thursdays in Nov.

St. Joseph’s School, 339 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. The legacy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on tour at two historic homes and grounds where she lived and worked. Tours offered daily. See website for tour times. https://setonshrine.org/event

Nov.

MET Comedy Night Fridays in Nov. Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Enjoy comedy every Friday and some Satur days through June. See The Com edy Pigs on Nov. 1 and 2, Off Key Musical Improv on Nov. 8 and Oh Crit! on Nov. 22. 8:30 p.m. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

1–3, 8, 9, 16, 23, 29, 30

Historic District Ghost Tours

Downtown Frederick. In the Historic District Ghost Tour, participants take a journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past, with nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge and documented stories of the paranormal. Tours meet in front of Brewer’s Ally Restaurant, 124 N. Market St. Private tours also available. 7 p.m. Reservations required. $. www.marylandghosttours.com 301-662-6600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Schifferstadt Architectural Museum Tour

Saturdays and Sundays in Nov. Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave. Tour the home of a pioneer family and learn about the town’s German heritage and the German way of building a house. 2 p.m.–5 p.m. 301-663-3885. www.fredericklandmarks.org

160th Commemoration of the End of Slavery in Maryland Nov. 1 Monocacy National Battlefield Visitor Center, 5201 Urbana Pike. The 1864 Maryland Constitution ended slavery in Maryland. To commemorate this event, Monocacy National Battlefield will host a reading of the names of those enslaved on the farms that now make up the battlefield and those men who shipped out from Monocacy Junction to join the United States Colored Troops to fight for freedom. 1 p.m.–5 p.m. 301-6623515. www.nps.gov/mono

Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd—Wish You Were Here Nov. 1 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Experience Pink Floyd’s ninth studio album, in its entirety, performed note for note and cut for cut. 8 p.m. $. 301600-2828.

Metamorphosen and Other Musical Selections Nov. 1

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. The National String Symphonia performs Richard Strauss’ “Metamorphosen” during the first half of the evening followed by music of American composers.7 p.m. $. www.frederickartscouncil.org

The Rocky Horror Show Nov. 1, 2

Frederick Community College, Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, 5932 Opossumtown Pike. In this cult classic, squeaky clean couple Brad and Janet have some car trouble and are forced to seek refuge in the gothic castle of the mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Upon arrival, Frank-N-Furter and his kooky staff of Transylvanians open up the couple’s minds in ways they never imagined. Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 2 at 9 p.m. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

Anastasia Nov. 1, 2

The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. From the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a Soviet officer, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family. See website for show times. $. 301-662-6600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

Invasive Species

Nov. 1–Dec. 1

NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St. Jim Roberts’ exhibition, “Invasive Species,” is a new look at what can constitute an existential threat. Roberts identifies non-biological “organisms” that have been introduced into our environment and that have the potential to cause harm to the species that exist there. Fridays and Saturdays, noon–8 p.m.; Sundays, noon–4 p.m. 240-367-9770. www.nomagalleryfrederick. com

First Saturday: Love Local Nov. 2

Downtown Frederick. Support local businesses by shopping with an independent retailer, eating at a local restaurant, supporting local artists and exploring Downtown Frederick. Every First Saturday features streets filled with live music and entertainment and unique events at Downtown businesses. Many shops, galleries and restaurants will be open until 9 p.m. or later. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org

Sugar Skull!—A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure Nov. 2

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A captivating bilingual musical that follows twelveyear-old Vita Flores on a magical journey, guided by the charismatic Sugar Skull, to discover the true essence of Día de Muertos through music, dance and ancient traditions. 2 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

Never To Be Forgotten—The Battle of Cool Spring Nov. 2

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 East Patrick St. Join the NMCWM as Jonathan A. Noyalas, Director of Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute, examines the July 17-18, 1864 Battle of Cool Spring, Virginia as a case study of how the war left a lasting impact on soldiers and civilians. This event will also be livestreamed on Facebook. 2 p.m.–3 p.m. www.civilwarmed.org

Frederick During the Civil War Walking Tour Nov. 2

Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Explore what it was like to live in Frederick during the Civil War. Stories include the last Confederate invasion of the North, the ransom of Frederick and the Battle of Monocacy. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

Acton Children’s Business Fair

Nov. 2

Along Carroll Creek, 110 E. Patrick St. Support young entrepreneurs and get a head start on holiday shopping at this annual event. Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. Noon–3 p.m. 240-360-1879. www. childrensbusinessfair.org/frederick-md

Choose Your Own Election!

Nov. 2

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Pat rick St. Scrap the candi dates, the parties, the pundits and choose your own election with improvisers on a journey through an audience-inspired, hilarious and infinitely more bearable election. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Creative Outlet

Nov. 2

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Kids and adults are invited to drop-in to get creative together on art activities at family tables. Each session features a themed activity. This month, create art with no control of the outcome, inspired by the Dada art movement. $2. 3 p.m.−5 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

National Juried Photography Exhibition

Nov. 2–24

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Part of FOCUS: A Celebration of Photography, this exhibition takes place every other year in November and features selected photographs by regional and national artists. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Autumn Excursion Nov. 2, 3 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the woods and into picturesque Maryland farm country before returning to Walkersville Station and crossing the beautiful Monocacy River. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org

Doug Moulden & Beth Stinson

Nov. 2–24

Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St. Works by featured artists Doug Moulden and Beth Stinson. A First Saturday opening is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon–5 p.m. www.eastsideartistsgallery.com

Marie Riccio and Luc Fiedler

Nov. 2–30

TAG The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St. Explore works of art by TAG artists Marie Riccio and Luc Fiedler. Friday and Saturday, Noon–8 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4 p.m. 301-228-9860. www.theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

Ron Ames Nov. 2–Dec. 29

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of photography titled, “Impressions of Frederick: Reimagining Perception.” Ames’ approach to photography attempts to use the camera like a brush to reimagine perception, to alter, not only what he sees, but how he sees it. Using long exposure techniques and intentional camera movement, Ames creates abstracted images of the world around him. An exhibit opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

FCC Faculty Recital: Carnival of the Animals Nov. 2, 7

Frederick Community College, Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The FCC music faculty team up to present this beloved work in all its fun, passion and whimsy. 7 p.m. $. https://calendar.frederick.edu

Ally Christmas Nov. 2–Dec. 29

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of mixed media and photography titled, “/ bodycrumbs.” As a way to combat anxiety and chronic pain, Christmas’ work focuses on repetition in production, simulating ritual. Her work vacillates between more traditional forms of photography and alternative and mixed-media methods, including cyanotype printing and hand-embroidered images. An exhibit opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of photography and mixed media titled, “Waterworks.” Combining photography, wood and ceramics, the work in this exhibition explores water as a theme and hopes to express its varying aspects through the variety of techniques and materials. An exhibit opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Foundations of Frederick Walking Tour Nov. 2, 9, 23

Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St.

Experience the history and beauty of downtown as knowledgeable guides share the fascinating stories that make up historic Frederick. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

Community Concert Series: Salon Trio Nov. 3

Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. 2nd St. Accomplished and award-winning musicians, The Salon Trio features clarinetist Robert DiLutis, saxophonist Noah Getz and pianist Mary-Victoria Voutsas. Their program, Influential Voices, explores the often-neglected chamber music of Black composers who helped forge a path for future generations of musicians. This event is free and open to the public. 3 p.m. 301-662-1464. https://calvaryumc.org/concerts

Linda Agar-Hendrix Nov. 2–Dec. 29

Downtown Frederick Artwalk

Nov. 3

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Take a self-guided jaunt downtown and visit local galleries. At the Delaplaine, Martha Pierce showcases artworks handcrafted with crystal pigments. Noon–4 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

A Walk in Faith Starring Mezzo

Soprano Tracie Luck

Nov. 3

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Tracie Luck returns with a healing musical journey through life’s darkest and brightest moments. Accompanied by Maestro David Antony Lofton. 3 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

Art Matters Artist Talk

Nov. 4

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Saskia Kahn, juror of the National Juried Photography Exhibition, will discuss her work, choices for the exhibition and announce awards. 2 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Tea Arty with Sarah Diaz

Nov. 4

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Art and tea have a long, intertwined history. Join the Delaplaine for a tea tasting and ceremony by local sommelier Sarah Diaz of Flow Enterprise and find inspiration for your artwork. Bring your own supplies. 5 p.m.–8 p.m. $. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org

Trae Crowder

Nov. 7

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Trae Crowder’s viral “Liberal Redneck” porch rants sparked bestselling books and sold-out tours captivating audiences with sharp political humor and insightful storytelling. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

General Grief Support Group

Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28

Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way. A drop-in group designed to provide support to individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. Participants can share their stories and express their grief as they work towards healing. Nov. 7 and 21, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; Nov. 14 and 28, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. 240-566-3030. www.frederickhealthhospice.org

200 Monroe Restaurant

Nov. 7, 14, Dec. 5, 12

Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave. Frederick Community College’s Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute students cook for the public as part of their capstone learning experience. Reserve a table online or place a carryout order. 5 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $. 240-624-2888. www.frederick.edu/200Monroe

EVENTS

Frederick @ Night Nov. 8

Downtown Frederick. Experience an enchanting start to the holiday season as Downtown Frederick transforms into a winter wonderland, with luminaries and tree lights, live music, outdoor dining spots and shopping. 5 p.m.–8 p.m. www.downtownfrederick.org

Chicago Rewired—The Premiere Chicago Tribute Band Nov. 8

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Talented musicians recreate Chicago timeless hits, providing fun and nostalgia at every show. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

Gypsy Nov. 8–10

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Presented by Landless Theatre Company and 24/7 Dance Studio, the jewel of Broadway’s Golden Age, Gypsy boasts an incomparable score and brilliantly conceived book. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m; Sunday at 2 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Downtown Frederick Light Walk Nov. 8–March 9, 2025

Downtown Frederick. Explore five creative lighting installations (Disco Garage, Starlite, Light Drops, Kaleidoscope and Snowfall) on display in downtown locations. See website for location map. www.downtownfrederick.org

Wild West Express Nov. 9

Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Jesse James and his gang are on the loose. Expect an Old West raid on the train and be aware that there will be the sound of gunfire. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org

Christmas in the Country Nov. 9

St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 9190 Church St., Libertytown. An annual event featuring a turkey and ham dinner, bake sale, vendors, raffles, a silent auction, general store, Santa meet and more. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. www.stpeter-libertytown.org

Galina Kolosovskays Nov. 9–24

Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thur mont. In this exhibition titled “Joyful Creations— Fine Art and Craft,” Kolosovskaya executes paintings in styles that range from classic still life to mixed media works featuring paint and feathers. Open weekends 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 301-466-2413. www. linksbridgevineyards.com/pictures

Annual Veterans Day Parade Nov. 10

Downtown Brunswick, East and West Potomac Streets. Military and high school bands, marching units, majorettes, patriotic floats, antique cars and scout troops all come to show their patriotism at this annual event. The opening ceremony with a keynote speaker begins at 1 p.m. and the parade follows at 2 p.m. 301-834-7500. www.brunswickmd.gov

22nd Annual Echo Taps Nov. 11

Market and Second streets, Downtown Frederick. Brass musicians line Market and Second streets and play Taps twice in turn, passing the call from Mt. Olivet Cemetery to Memorial Park. Rain or shine. 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m. 301-6940829. www.visitfrederick.org

Meet the Author: Between the Lines Virtual Book Club Meeting Nov. 12

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. Join the NMCWM staff and author Jill L. Newmark for an online discussion of Without Concealment, Without Compromise: The Courageous Lives of Black Civil War Surgeons. 7 p.m.–8 p.m. www.civilwarmed.org

Selena Nov. 13

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. A 1997 biographical drama about Selena Quintanilla (Lopez). Sponsored by Brewer’s Alley. Happy hour at 6:30 p.m. with free tasting and more. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org

U.S. Air Force Concert Band Nov. 10

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The Concert Band serves as the official symphonic wind ensemble of the United States Air Force, featuring 52 active duty musicians performing musical selections for everyone, from classical transcriptions, original compositions, solo features, light classics, popular favorites and patriotic selections. 3 p.m. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

FCC Jazz Ensemble II

Nov. 14

Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. FCC’s advanced jazz improv group performs jazz favorites under the direction of Jordan Clawson. Reserve free tickets in advance. 7:30 p.m. 301-8462566. http://calendar.frederick.edu

Phantom of the Opera

Nov. 14

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Enjoy this classic film from 1943 presented by Wonder Book. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

The Paul Carr Quartet

Nov. 14

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Joined by special guest Sharon Clark, Paul Carr is an acclaimed jazz saxophonist, bandleader and educator known for his chart-topping recordings, global performances and founding the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Ladies

of Laughter Funny & Fabulous Tour 2024

Nov. 15

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. The tour includes winners and the best talent from the Ladies of Laughter international competition, the one-andonly women’s comedy programming with the sole purpose of highlighting, celebrating and furthering the careers of women in standup comedy. 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org

Frederick’s Black Heritage

Walking Tour Nov. 16

Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. Visit landmarks and hear stories revealing Frederick’s Black heritage from the early 19th century to the present day. This tour features sites associated with enslavement and segregation and highlights the achievements of a diverse and vibrant Black community in the pursuit of equality and freedom. 10:30 a.m. $. 301-6631188. www.frederickhistory.org

Holiday Bazaar Nov. 16

Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. 2nd St. Ring in the holiday season at this benefit featuring Santa’s workshop with crafts for kids, vendors, crafters, baked goods, a silent auction, white elephant items, live music, food and more. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 301-6621464. https://calvaryumc.org

Joan & Joni Nov. 16

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Experience the mesmerizing tribute to the iconic music of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, performed by acclaimed singer-songwriters Allison Shapira and Kipyn Martin. 7:30 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Lorrie Morgan Nov. 16

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A country music song stylist in the grandest tradition, Morgan is known for her lustrous vocal phrasing and the down-to-earth believability of her torchy performances. 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

Mount Olivet Cemetery History & Mystery Tour Nov. 17

Mount Olivet Cemetery, 515 S. Market St. Guests discover Frederick’s history as they navigate through the labyrinth of graves, crypts and monuments of one of Maryland’s largest cemeteries. Tours meet inside the main gate. Reservations required. Private tours also available. 1:30 p.m. $. www. marylandghosttours.com

Coping with the Holidays Workshop Nov. 18, 19 Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way. This two-hour workshop will explore practical ideas to help cope with the holidays and ways to commemorate loved ones, especially throughout the holiday season. Register in advance. Nov. 18, 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. 240-566-3030. www.frederickhealthhospice.org

A Motown Christmas Nov. 22

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A family-friendly show promising a magical evening of music and joy, featuring legendary vocalists from Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Maryland Christmas Show

Nov. 22−24, 29, 30, Dec. 1

Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St. Discover the joys of shopping under the big top tents and in seven buildings that house fine artisans, craftsmen and merchants. Find holiday presents for friends and family with a wide selection of fine art, pottery, furniture, jewelry, clothing, toys, wreaths, ornaments and more. 10 a.m.−5 p.m. $. 301-845-0003. www.marylandchristmasshow.com

Indecent

Nov. 22–Dec. 11

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Presented by Endangered Species Theatre Project, Paula Vogel’s thought-provoking play tells the true story of a Yiddish theatre troupe’s resilience as they bring Sholem Asch’s controversial play God of Vengeance from its 1907 Berlin premier to its censored 1920s Broadway debut. See website for show times. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

A Very Jewish Christmas

Nov. 22–Dec. 22

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Tensions are high when a Jewish-Catholic family reunites for their Hanukah and Christmas celebrations. Relationships are challenged and secrets are revealed that test the family more than ever. Come for the brisket, wine and whiskey but stay for the heartfelt story of love, heartbreak, discovery and forgiveness. See website for show times. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

Christmas

Chronicles

Nov. 22–Dec. 22

The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. Following a boisterous family Thanksgiving dinner, Paw Paw McCallister heads to the attic to start bringing down the Christmas decorations. As he’s sorting through the collection, family members join him and reminisce about past Christmases and talk about their hopes for the year to come in this heartwarming and fun filled production. See website for show times. $. 301-6626600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

Art at Noon and Tintype Photo Sessions

Nov. 23

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Dave Wilson, Victorian Photography Studio, will demonstrate and discuss wet plate collodion photography. This method, also known as tintype photography, is most commonly associated with the American Civil War but is having resurgence among photographers today. The demonstrations and talk will cover the history, process and chemistry required to capture photos before the turn of the century. Art talk, noon–1 p.m.; demonstration and photo sessions, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Valley Craft Network Annual Studio Tour Nov. 23, 24

Middletown and Pleasant Valley areas. In this 43rd annual self-guided tour, experience the beautiful Maryland landscape and dine at a partner restaurant as you visit local studios showcasing fine arts and crafts. 10 a.m.−5 p.m. www. vcntour.com

17th Annual Foothills Artists

Studio Tour Nov. 23, 24

Adams County, Pa. Meet 14 artists and tour their studios nestled in western Adams County, Pa., just a few miles from Gettysburg. Visit, meet the artists and enjoy painting, pottery, photography, printmaking, woodworking, jewelry, enamels, fiber and textile arts, bookbinding, illustrations and more. This popular tour, located in the Fairfield, Orrtanna and Cashtown areas, is self-guided and may be completed in order. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.foothillsartists.net

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Nov. 23–March 14, 2025

Carroll Creek Linear Park, Downtown Frederick. Carroll Creek is lit up with boats sponsored by local businesses for observers to enjoy. The fleet sets sail at a kick-off event with music and food trucks on Nov. 23 at 8 a.m. 301-5141182. www.coloronthecreek.com/sttws

Frosty Friday Nov. 29

Downtown Frederick. Kick off the holiday season with all-day shopping, live holiday music, and free parking in Downtown Frederick. Most businesses are open 9 a.m.–9 p.m. with special deals and downtown-wide giveaways at the Snowflake Tree. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org

Festival of Wreaths

Nov. 29–Dec. 8

Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. This 27th annual event features hand crafted holiday and seasonal art that ranges from whimsical to wacky to wonderful. Art is displayed at the Art Center and is sold through an online silent auction that benefits the Carroll County Arts Council. Noon−7 p.m. daily. 410-848-7272. www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org

Candlelight Tours: The Promise of Hope

Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 and 5–8

The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 339 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Revisit the past in a whole new way during this living history experience that features a stroll down illuminated walkways to encounter and see the historic homes of Mother Seton, each tastefully decorated for the season. Guided tours start every half hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $. https://setonshrine. org/events

Santa Train

Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Enjoy a scenic ride through the woods on this picturesque excursion featuring a visit with Santa. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. $. 301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org

Small Business Saturday

Downtown Frederick. Shop Small in Downtown Frederick. With more than 200 locally owned and operated businesses, Frederick is the perfect destination for holiday shopping. 301-6988118. www.downtownfrederick.org

Tuba Christmas

Nov. 30

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The popular tuba comrades return with a variety of Christmas hits, delighting audiences of all ages in an annual Weinberg Center holiday tradition. Free with cash or canned food donation to benefit the Community Action Agency of Frederick City. Noon. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org

Vintage Holiday Shorts

Nov. 30

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The silent film era returns to the screen accompanied by the mighty Wurlitzer. Sponsored by the G. Frank Thomas Foundation. 3 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells

Nov. 30–Dec. 22

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Back by popular demand, based on the children’s books by Barbara Park, this play follows the feisty and irrepressible Junie B. Jones as she plays Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate, Tattletale May. Don’t miss this family-friendly story full of laughs and life lessons. See website for show times. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

World Ballet Company: Nutcracker Dec. 1

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Performed live by a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers gathered to bring the most beloved holiday tradition to life. 6 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www. weinbergcenter.org

The Frederick Chorale’s Holiday Showcase Dec. 1

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 8619 Blacks Mill Road, Thurmont. The Frederick Chorale celebrates the season with its annual festive concert featuring classic holiday songs. Sunday at 4 p.m.; Monday at 7:30 p.m. www. frederickchorale.org FM

REFLECTIONS Charles Wright Ely

By John W. Ashbury

When Maryland officials began a search in 1870 for a superintendent to replace William D. Cook at what is now the Maryland School for the Deaf, they turned quickly to Charles Wright Ely, a veteran of the Civil War and a teacher at the Ohio state school for deaf children.

It turned into a fortuitous collaboration, for Ely remained in the position for the next 42 years, incorporating advancements developed across the country and Europe to teach children to communicate and contribute to society despite their disability.

Ely was born March 14, 1839, in Madison, Conn., not far from where American Sign Language was developed earlier in the 19th century at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Conn. He was the son of Elias S. Ely and Hester Wright Ely, a daughter of Jedediah Wright, a retired sea captain. Elias Ely was a prominent farmer and served his community in just about every public office.

At 19, Ely entered Yale University in New Haven, Conn., obtaining his degree in 1862. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the Union Army as a private and quickly rose to the rank of sergeant, fighting in the Battle of Fredericksburg where a third of his regiment was lost. He was later promoted to lieutenant.

At the end of his nine-month enlistment, he left the Connecticut infantry and took a position with the Ohio Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. Seven years later he was recruited by Maryland officials to come to Frederick to head up the school in the southern part of the city.

The school had begun in 1868 in what we know today as the Hessian Barracks, with only 36 students. It quickly grew and on Jan. 1, 1873, the “handsome and commodious building” opened. The iconic building would serve the school for nearly 100 years before being replaced by an even larger and more modern building.

Through effort and Ely’s leadership, the Maryland school garnered a reputation as one of the finest and most successful institution of its kind in the nation, a reputation it still enjoys thanks in large measure to the programs Ely instituted during his years as superintendent.

On the morning of Oct. 1, 1912, while on a business trip to Baltimore, he decided to take a side trip to Washington, D.C., to see his son, Charles Russell Ely, who was a professor of natural science at Gallaudet College, then the nation’s only institution of higher learning for deaf students.

Upon arrival in Washington, Ely became ill. When informed of his condition by telegram, his wife, the former Mary G. Darling of Elyria, Ohio, and one of his daughters immediately caught a train but did not arrive before Ely passed away.

Elaborate funeral services were held first at the school and then at Mount Olivet Cemetery, where he was laid to rest on Oct. 3, 1912.

Ely was Presbyterian by faith and served his church in many capacities. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and the Sons of the American Revolution.

In addition to his wife, he was survived by four children: Charles Ely, Grace Darling Ely, Mabel Darling Ely and Richard G. Ely. A fifth child, Robert Ely, died as an infant in 1873.

Ely was succeeded as superintendent of the Maryland school on an interim basis by his son Charles. The next year, Thomas C. Forrester was named superintendent and Charles Ely returned to Gallaudet. FM

Photo Shop

By Jody Brumage / Archivist, Heritage Frederick

William Pearre Etchison was born into a well-connected Frederick family. His father, William H.B. Etchison, ran the family’s furniture and undertaking business on Market Street, which was started by William’s grandfather, Henry Nelson Etchison, at the end of the Civil War. His uncle, Henry Dorsey Etchison, was a prominent Frederick attorney and civic leader. William’s maternal relatives were from the wealthy Pearre family who owned several farms in eastern Frederick County near Unionville.

Like his three siblings, William chose a career that left a lasting legacy on Frederick. William attended Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Va., and later traveled to St. Louis, Mo., to take courses in photography. After returning

to Frederick in 1904, he opened a studio on the second floor of the Examiner Building on the corner of North Market and West Church streets.

In addition to traditional portrait photography, Etchison created

The invention of color photography in the 20th century ended the practice of hand-coloring black-and-white images.

works of art photography such as these hand-colored portraits. The costumed boy and girl are William’s younger brother, Carol Lee, and sister, Josephine. In each image, William applied color and painted additional elements into the scenes, such as the duck at Josephine’s feet in the second image. Art photography was a specialty offered by some studio photographers as the business grew in popularity in the early 20th century.

Etchison also published many postcard images of Frederick landmarks and scenery that carried his studio imprint. In later years, he became an agent for the Defender Photo Supply Company before his death at the age of 46 in 1929. FM