Frederick Magazine - December 2023

FREDERICK :: DECEMBER 2023 :: ISSUE 462

®

HOLIDAY ISSUE :: COLD CASES :: LEGACY OF LIGHTS

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9640 Liberty Rd. Frederick, MD

700 E. Diamond Ave. Gaithersburg, MD

1115 Baltimore Blvd.

Westminster, MD

3828 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore, MD

866-RIPPEON • www.rippeonequipment.com

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magazine

Issue 462

Publishers Shawn Dewees Joseph Silovich Editor-in-Chief Guy Fletcher Assistant Editor Nancy Luse Graphic Designers Ian Sager Alexandra Werder Contributing Writers Jeanne Blackburn Jody Brumage Lisa Gregory Scott Grove

Jenny Lubert Amy L. Metzger Hunt Jake Wynn

Contributing Photographers Michael DeMattia Turner Photography Studio Advertising Account Executives Terri Davis • tdavis@fredmag.com Shawn Dewees • sdewees@fredmag.com Stephanie Dewees • stephdewees@fredmag.com Debra Tyson • dtyson@fredmag.com Distributor Josh Ensor • alloutdist@fredmag.com Subscriptions Stephanie Dewees • subscriptions@fredmag.com Events Calendar and Proofreader Niki DeSanto • events@fredmag.com

Telephone: 301-662-8171 FAX: 301-662-8399

www.fredmag.com

Letters to the editor: editor@fredmag.com

Frederick Magazine, Volume XXXVIII, Number 12 is a monthly publication of Diversions Publications, Inc., 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601 (ISSN 006-923). Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, MD 21701 and at additional mailing offices. Subscriptions, $24.95 per year, which includes the Frederick City/County Guide, Homegrown, and all other annual guides (available through the business office). Back issues w/in the last 12 mos./$3.95. Prior to 12 mos. ago/$7.00. POST­MASTER: Send address changes to Frederick Magazine, 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601. Customer inquiries to same address or call 301-662-8171. Distributed through mail subscriptions, home delivery, and sold at newsstands and other locations in Frederick, Upper Montgomery counties, and throughout the Central Maryland region. Advertising rates available on request. Manuscripts, drawings, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Frederick Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submissions, including letters and e-mail, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to Frederick Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. © DIVERSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC. 2023. Frederick Magazine, Best of FrederickTM, and People to WatchTM, are owned exclusively by Diversions Publications, Inc. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher.

Printed on Recycled Frederick is a registered trademark of Paper Diversions Publications, Inc.

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Contents

DECEMBER ✶ VOL. XXXVIII, NO. 12

FEATURES

50 ’Tis the Season

Downtown Frederick wears the holidays like no other season.

From decorated homes and businesses to shimmering white lights wrapped around trees and popular events like the Kris Kringle Procession, the season of cheer is all around. Look at some of the colorful ways the holidays are on display in the streets.

PHOTO ESSAY BY BILL ADKINS

58 Hope Never Lost Behind each criminal cold case is a personal tragedy and often many unanswered questions. As the years turn by and questions remain unanswered, those affected by these unsolved mysteries remain steadfast in their desire to resolve their cases and find justice for their loved ones.

BY LISA GREGORY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

About the Cover

DEPARTMENTS 15

Downtown sparkles at the holidays. See page 50.

68 11 Editor’s Note 15 Timepiece 16 Up Above

facebook.com/FrederickMagazine

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66 Talking History Charles Poindexter

68 Trending Neighbors Remember

18 Insider

74 Crave

38 Then & Now

80 Lifestyles

40 December Events

Dining Guide

96 93 Tech Talk Virtual and Augmented Reality

95 Backyard Tourist History Holiday

96 Look Back

Candlelight House Tour

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I

Holiday Setting

I KNOW THE HOLIDAY SEASON HAS OFFICIALLY KICKED OFF

editor’s note

AT MY HOUSE WHEN I turn on the TV in the morning and am greeted by the Hallmark Channel. I am no detective, but that means my wife was up late watching one of Hallmark’s nonstop holiday romance movies.

Since it feels like these movies start in August, that means the holidays start early at the Fletcher household. (Nonetheless, my request to put up the Christmas tree immediately after Halloween gets rejected every year.)

Anyway, I have to confess to watching a couple of these Hallmark movies and I always note two things: The coffee cups are always empty and Frederick, with all its historic charm and holiday glittery, would be the perfect setting for one of these box recipe romances.

Can’t you just imagine it?

Brett and Megan were high school sweethearts at Frederick High School, but she went off to “the big city” to chase her dream of being an actress, only to find an unfulfilling but highly lucrative career in corporate America. Brett stayed home to run the family Christmas tree farm and take care of his parents.

Amazingly, both stayed single for the next 10 years.

One day, Megan travels back to Frederick because her boss gave her a difficult assignment to complete the acquisition of hundreds of acres of land, ultimately displacing hundreds of families living in an apartment complex.

As she walks through Downtown Frederick one night, Megan slips on some fake snow and literally bumps into Brett, but that is OK since both their coffee cups are empty. Beneath the white glow of the Market Street holiday lights, they fill each other in on the broad strokes of their lives and agree to get together at the Kris Kringle Procession.

Walking along the parade route with their cups of hot chocolate (also empty), Brett and Megan delight in the sights. She confesses she never should have left Frederick and he says he should have fought to keep her. Their romance is rekindled.

The next day Megan joins Brett and his parents out at the “old Christmas tree farm.” A fun day of making decorations, cookies and drinking eggnog from more empty cups leads to her finally admitting to Brett her reason for being in Frederick: Her big city boss sent her here to buy the apartment complex.

Later, as the couple strolls along Carroll Creek Park to see the holiday boats, Brett tells Megan he is troubled by her revelation. He is not sure he can be in a relationship with her now, knowing how easily she can carry out such a heartless task.

Especially during the holidays!

But Megan says she needs her job and will probably need to return to the big city.

Or will she?

You will just have to tune in after Hallmark buys my script.

Have a safe and happy holiday season. FM

GUY FLETCHER V EDITOR-IN-CHIEF gfletcher@fredmag.com

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“We are going to be visiting my elderly parents over the holidays, and we’ve never really discussed their financial situation. Is there anything we should ask them about? Or are there things we should be reviewing with them?” S.C. – Ijamsville, MD the holidays approach A: As and we get together with

family, this can be the perfect time to have important face-to-face conversations. You may be inclined to keep the chats light and stick to topics like television shows and the weather to avoid conflict, but there’s one subject you should be discussing, even though it might be uncomfortable: estate planning.

The thought of your parents or relatives passing away is not a pleasant one, but you should discuss their wishes beforehand, especially while your parents can make these decisions for themselves.

Not sure how to broach these subjects with your family? Bring this article to share and start with these key questions.

1) Do you have a will, DPOA, or Trust? The main purpose of a will is to make two designations, specifically who: • The recipients of your property will be after your death • The executor, the person who will take care of the administration of the estate If your parents don’t have a will,

those determinations will be left to state law and the courts and may not be what they want.

Another helpful document to have is a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). This allows your parents to choose someone to act on their behalf in financial matters if they become physically or mentally unable to do so.

Finally, a Trust is an option that allows your parents to have someone manage their property after their death. One major benefit of a living trust is that it keeps their assets out of probate and it may help to avoid paying some taxes on an inheritance.

2) Do you have a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPA) or Living Will?

Like a POA, a HCPA allows someone to make decisions about their medical care. They can authorize life support and other medical treatments, and make health care decisions for your parents if they are incapacitated.

That person should know what your parents’ wishes are and be trusted to carry out those plans.

3) Where are your important papers stored? Even if your parents

have taken the necessary estate planning steps, they won’t do much good if you don’t know where they’re located. Many financial advisors (like us) can provide a document for their clients to record this information so everything is in one place. Just be sure you know where it is—whether it’s a fire-safe box, a desk drawer, or under a mattress.

We often scan or keep copies of these documents as well, as an emergency back-up.

The people who are appointed as executor, trustee, and power of attorney should know what will be expected of them.

4) Are you working with an estate planning professional, or do you need help connecting with one?

Regardless of how complicated your parents’ situation is, if they want to be sure their wishes are recorded and carried out correctly and according to legal requirements, it’s wise to seek out an attorney and/or financial advisor for guidance. If you—or your relatives—have any questions about the information in this article, please feel free to reach out to our office via phone or email.

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE:

WWW.MCCASKILL-FINANCIAL.COM FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, FINANCIAL ARTICLES AND INFORMATION

To submit questions for future articles

Email to scott@mccaskill-financial.com or Call our office at 301.668.7366 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

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Name to Remember

A

✶

BY AMY L. METZGER HUNT CURATOR, HERITAGE FREDERICK

timepiece

A SLIP OF PAPER IS CAREFULLY WRAPPED AROUND one small piece

of flatware. The note, in the handwriting of Ruth Carty Delaplaine, reads. “My father’s fruit spoon.” The silver-plated spoon, made in 1883, is marked with the retailer’s name, George E. Myer, a Frederick jeweler. It has an elongated and pointed bowl for scooping out segmented fruit, like oranges. Even without the note it might be possible to guess the item’s owner by the “CCC” monogram on the handle. This amazing, small piece of history is just one of the artifacts from a large collection of items recently donated to Heritage Frederick by the family of Frances Delaplaine Randall.

Randall’s grandfather, Clarence Clarendon Carty, was the oldest son of Joseph W.L. and Margaret C. Hardt Carty and was born at his family home on South Market Street in January 1847. Following studies in Frederick’s public schools, Carty learned cabinet making for several years before going into business for himself at just 22 years of age. At the time, Joseph Whitehill had been selling furniture and operating an undertaking business from a shop on East Patrick Street since 1832. But after Whitehill closed his business, Carty made the store his own in 1869. While Carty surely aspired to success, he could not have foreseen that “C.C. Carty” would become a Frederick institution for the next century.

Through a move, a rebuild, expansions, upgrades and modernization, Carty built his success through innovative thinking and hard work. Along with his craftsmanship, Carty’s use of illustrated, eye-catching advertisements in local newspapers made “C.C. Carty” a household name. At one point, Carty’s shop was the largest furniture store in the state outside of Baltimore. The business, which stayed in the family following its founder, closed in 1978. FM

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A

A COLD WINTER MORNING ARRIVES ON

up above

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN as the sun rises above Frederick on the horizon. The barren trees of the mountain could soon be covered in snow.

✶ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL DeMATTIA 16 fredMAG

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Experience F R E D E R I C K ’ S E A S TS I D E S H O P P I N G & D I N I N G A DV E N T U R E

SHOPS

FITNESS Barre East Fitness Studio GALLERIES / HOME DESIGN Eastside Artists’ Gallery Primitive Homespuns Pure Home Collection Take Root

The Little Pottery Shop​​​​​​​​

Unique Hand-made Pottery, Jewelry, Gifts and More! www.littlepotteryshop.com

Shab Row Tea Emporium 325 Varieties of Loose Leaf Tea fredericktea.com

Support Your Local Merchants!

Find Great Gifts at Everedy Square & Shab Row

GIFT SHOPS The Frederick Basket Company The Lerner Collection The Little Pottery Shop CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Bella’s Closet Footlights Ivy’s Haven A Perfect Fit Bra Boutique Talbots & Talbots Petites Teresa’s Treasures CRAFTS & SUPPLIES Charlotte’s Cottage Quilt Shop Frederick Clay Studio I Made This!

Primitive Homespuns Wool & Needleworks SALONS & SPAS Daisy’s Salon Unique Studio Hair Salon FOOD & DRINK Frederick Coffee Co. & Café Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream Sanctuary: Modern Kitchen Shab Row Tea Emporium SERVICES Amada Senior Care The Cook’s Kitchen The Cutting Board Sir Speedy Printing Stadtkind Photography Steve Hissey Guitar Studio

PLENTY OF FREE PARKING

Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream​​​​ Special Holiday Flavors www.fredicecream.com

Primitive Homespuns

Colonial Furnishings & Folk Art www.primitivehomespuns.com

Located at the Intersection of East Church Street & East Street in Downtown Frederick

301-662-4140

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“It’s bigger than just the walk.

People have before- and afterparade parties.”

—Patrick McFadden, Retsy Ray Tambourine Band

frederick magazine

Insider Local business, events, the arts, style, travel and more

Retsy Ray Tambourine Band Will Rock You BETSY DAY IS ALL ABOUT THE TAMBOURINE. “MY DREAM IS TO PLAY TAMBOURINE in Bruce Springsteen’s band,” says the president and CEO at the Community Foundation of Frederick County. Maybe, but until then, Day has her own band to consider.

The Retsy Ray Tambourine Band made its debut in the 2018 Kris Kringle Procession in Downtown Frederick and, save for 2020 when the pandemic sidelined the parade, the tambourine troupe has grown larger and more boisterous each year as friends tell friends and those watching from the sidewalk decide there’s more fun in actually being part of the parade.

This year’s march is Dec. 8, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of

South Carroll and East Patrick streets, winding up North Market Street and ending at the Baker Park bandshell for a ceremony and lighting of the city tree.

The story behind the tambourine band’s creation comes in two versions, one from Day and the other from her longtime pal, Patrick McFadden.

According to her, it first came to light when they and their spouses were visiting a London pub and hatched the idea. No, McFadden counters, it was

when they were all at a reception for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and he told the conductor that Day played the tambourine—and was quite good at it. She was invited to join in and the notion of spreading the tambourine joy began.

“Patrick got a banner and we’ve been doing it ever since,” Day says.

“We do an email blast to remind people. A lot have made this part of their holiday tradition.” McFadden adds that

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“it’s bigger than just the walk. People have before- and after-parade parties,” often at Downtown restaurants and bars, to which Day jokes that “maybe we’re an economic engine.”

The first time out, the Retsy Rays gathered together roughly 40 people.

Today it’s one of the largest features in the parade with everyone from kids to seniors. “We’ve had people in wheelchairs, a woman with a knee scooter,” Day says. “And the kids make it memorable. We had kids in strollers, kids on shoulders, kids running down the street in front of us, parents running down the street after their kids. It was a hoot!”

No fancy choreography is used, and turning corners while marching can get chaotic, but sharp precision isn’t the important part. Rather it’s keeping the parade moving while doubling over with laughter.

The only requirement for being a Retsy Ray is to show up with a lighted tambourine (available on Amazon) and any kind of holiday attire—one youngster had his Batman costume from Halloween, while others dressed as elves and angels. Dave McKinney, one of their friends, is the sound man, hauling the equipment on a wagon and selecting the best tambourine songs.

“We Will Rock You from Queen is a fan favorite,” Day says. “People are singing along with us. It’s just a wonderful Frederick experience.”

Frederick Growers Ready with Christmas Trees

A Christmas tree in the house is a tradition for many, with some taking it to the next level of fun by going out and chopping down a tree on their own. Frederick County growers are obliging with eight Christmas tree farms listed by the county Office of Economic Development.

In addition to trees, many of the farms offer greenery and wreaths for purchase as well as crafts and other gift items. Some of the farms add to the joy of strolling through the fields looking for the perfect specimen by having hot chocolate and other snacks available. You might even run into Santa.

Check out the following farms: Clemsonville Christmas Tree Farm, 10120 Clemsonville Road, Union Bridge, www.clemsonville.com; Darlene’s Christmas Trees, 5139 Doubts Road, Adamstown, www.facebook.com/darlenechristmastrees; Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm, 2700 Sumantown Road, Middletown, www.dreamlandchristmastreefarm.com; E&E Trees, 9420 Dublin Road, Walkersville, www.eandetreeinc.com; Eberle Christmas Farm, 13415 Liberty Road, Union Bridge, www.eberlechristmasfarm.com; Franz Tree Farm, 12056 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia, www.marylandsbest.maryland.gov/item/franz-tree-farm/; Gaver Farm, 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy, www.gaverfarm.com; and Mayne’s Tree Farm, 3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown, www.maynestreefarm.com.

Know an Outstanding Bus Driver?

Frederick County Public Schools is accepting nominations for the school system’s 2024 Support Employee of the Year Awards, which recognize outstanding employees such as bus drivers and bus assistants; custodial, maintenance and warehouse staff; instructional assistants, community liaisons and user support specialists, secretaries and resident substitutes; as well as those working in business support positions.

Nomination eligibility, criteria and process information are available at www.fcps.org/awards. Nominations are due Jan. 26.

The Board of Education of Frederick County will recognize one finalist from each of the job classifications at its

April 10 meeting. During the recognition, Superintendent Cheryl L. Dyson will present one of the eight finalists the overall 2024 Support Employee of the Year Award. Finalists and the Support Employee of the Year are chosen by a panel of FCPS staff across various departments.

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Spreading a Passion for Soccer

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Joel Ramirez started playing soccer at age 5, with a love for the game that drew him to play for Tuscarora High School, Frederick Community College and area club teams. “I play now just for fun,” says the 25-year-old father of two sons who works as a security supervisor and serves in the U.S. Army National Guard. But make no mistake, soccer is still a big part of his life as the president and founder of Frederick Skyline Club de Futbol.

Frederick Skyline is a minor league soccer team with both a men’s and women’s team where players are paid. Additionally, Ramirez has established a youth program. “Our money comes from sponsorships, donations and fundraisers,” he says. The program uses fields at county parks, but plan to announce in January “where we will have a solid home either at a college or high school.”

The adult teams boast 60 players who participate in fall and spring games and travel from as far as Washington, D.C., or Harrisburg, Pa., to take part. “I had a dream of bringing soccer to Frederick County and opening new opportunities,”

Ramirez says on the team’s Facebook page. “In every single country some person is playing soccer.

It’s a culture we’re trying to bring here.”

More than 100 people showed up for the first game, he says, and he has a vision of the team being as ingrained in the community as Frederick’s semi-pro baseball and basketball teams. “I want to walk down the street and

hear someone ask someone else, ‘Are you going to the Skylines? You are?

Well, let’s go together.’” www.skylinesportsunion.com

Never too Early to Learn Money Sense Teaching financial literacy to a young audience is the basis for a partnership between SkyPoint Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution serving Frederick and surrounding counties, and Frederick County Public Schools. “Finance Fridays” are being held this school year at all 13 FCPS middle schools.

“We applaud FCPS for seeing the value in teaching financial best practices at a young age,” says Audra Pettus, Skypoint’s director of community relations. “We are proud that we can support and fulfill a big mission under our SkyPoint Cares initiative for financial well-being in our communities, and hopefully this partnership can lead the charge in getting similar programming implemented at all Maryland schools.”

Program goals include decision-making, money management, problem-solving, collaboration, choices, prioritizing expenses, making trade-offs, learning to track income and expenses, managing money, and avoiding debt. Additionally, lessons in analyzing financial challenges, identifying problems, finding solutions and working individually or in teams to discuss financial strategies, negotiate, and make joint decisions will be incorporated.

“SkyPoint is the perfect partner for us,” says Norm McGaughey, FCPS coordinator of Career Technical Education.

“Their sponsorship allows our students an opportunity to literally gain a healthy and hands-on understanding of dollars and sense.” www.skypointfcu.com

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Tastings News for Foodies

Venezuelan Menu Available in Frederick

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In Suite 120 at 5010 Buckeystown Pike, diners are in for a surprising taste sensation at Arepa Queen—unless they have already tasted the Venezuelan cuisine from Jorge and Gaby Ramos’s food truck and know how unique and tasty it is.

The brick-and-mortar store opened earlier this year with a menu that includes a variety of empanadas as well as arepas, made with ground maize dough and stuffed with a filling, be it shredded beef or chicken or a vegetarian option of black beans, avocado and

plantains. Arepas have been eaten in South America since pre-Columbian times. A cousin to that dish, cachapas, with its pancake-like base for fillings, is also available. Finishing off your feast is the availability of tres leches cake. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Nod to Nog

Part of the beauty of the holidays is that many of the treats we enjoy are only available now. Take eggnog, for instance. It’s not something you’re going to want to sip on July 4th, right? But with a cozy fire or a spirited party, eggnog is the perfect cocktail.

Eggnog is thought to have originated in medieval England among the upper classes, and is a milk, cream, egg and alcohol concoction that’s finished off with a dusting of ground nutmeg. If you’d rather take the simple route, packaged eggnog is available. Three local dairies—South Mountain Creamery, Moo Cow Creamery and Dairy Maid Dairy—are excellent sources. But if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, television food show host and author Alton Brown has a popular recipe that yields six cups.

If your guest list is bigger, just double the ingredients.

Ingredients 4 egg yolks 1/3 cup, plus 1 tablespoon sugar 1 pint whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1¼ ounces bourbon

1¼ ounces dark rum 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 4 egg whites Directions In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup of sugar until the yolks lighten in color and the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon, rum and nutmeg and stir to combine.

Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks, With the mixer running gradually add the tablespoon of sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the original mixture. Chill and serve.

While many count on the alcohol in eggnog to kill any potential bacteria, Consumer Reports recommends using pasteurized liquid eggs or heating raw eggs (mix with

milk and stir constantly) to 160 degrees to kill any salmonella that may be present.

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BizInk

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Frederick County Business

Visitors Opening Their Wallets

Plant Store Sprouts Another Shoot

Visitors to Frederick County spent a record-breaking $518 million in the region in 2022, the numbers surpassing the previous record of $460 million in 2021. This marks the first year in history that visitors spent more than $500 million in the region in a single year, according to Visit Frederick, the Tourism Council of Frederick County.

Take Root, a plant business at 10 N. East St., has gown into a second location just around the block at 320 E. Church St., where The Green Room by Take Root offers generous space for classes and a lush venue for special occasions, whether it’s a birthday party or a baby shower.

Owner Kaitlyn Makers is excited about the new space where her students can take classes ranging from making natural dyes to creating pressed plant mugs or gathering with like-minded plant people to socialize and trade growing tips.

Executive Director Dave Ziedelis points to the Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland study, which found that 1.9 million visitors came to Frederick County in 2022, the highest number seen since 2019, the last year before COVID-19 affected travel. He says strong numbers from Frederick County hotels are yet another sign of the region’s success post-pandemic. Hotel revenues in Frederick County raced to more than $60 million, outpacing the previous all-time high recorded in 2021 by more than 7 percent. www.visitfrederick.org

The original shop “just kept filling up,” Makers says, and the new space will also do duty as a place to store plants that she rents out for weddings.

Take Root opened about three years ago at a perfect time for pandemic-weary folks who appreciated the shop that felt like a breath of fresh air and new life. www.takerootplants.com

FCPS Purchasing Department Lauded The Frederick County Public Schools Purchasing Department earned the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute, a nonprofit that serves public procurement professionals internationally. FCPS is one of seven organizations in Maryland to earn this award, which recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement and leadership attributes.

“This honor symbolizes the steadfast dedication the FCPS Purchasing Department upholds every day,” FCPS Chief Financial Officer Leslie Pellegrino says. The department’s job is to obtain the goods and services neces-

sary for students and staff in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. Open competition is fostered among vendors through negotiation, competitive bidding and contract buying.

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Sustainability Efforts Rewarded

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The Frederick County Sustainability Commission recently selected the following 2023 Sustainability Award winners based on demonstrated leadership, innovation and success in sustainability.

Kite, A Gilead Company—The company is committed to making transformative cell therapies the right way by continually improving the environmental impact of their activities, preventing pollution and prioritizing conservation of resources, among other initiatives.

Black Ankle Vineyards—The winery makes wise use of its farmland resources, including construction methods that incorporate repurposed materials, straw bales and green roofing, as well as the installation of solar panels that generate all the operation’s electricity and using a biodiesel tractor.

House In the Woods Farm—The certified organic farm grows diverse crops featuring heritage breeds, drip irrigation and field rotation methods that contribute to their community supported agriculture program. The farm also provides opportunities for experiential environmental education programs.

Carey Murphy—She is a master naturalist and co-founder of Green Team Urbana, a volunteer organization committed to increasing biodiversity and restoring the ecological health of heavily developed areas. Murphy leads numerous efforts to foster community engagement in environmental issues and is working to develop and support green schools.

Kerri Hesley—She serves as the lead of the Sierra Club Catoctin Group’s Zero Waste Team. Her efforts to educate the community on the hazards of single-use

plastics contributed to the City of Frederick enacting legislation to ban businesses from providing plastic bags (effective Jan. 1).

Mobilize Frederick—This organization seeks to advance economic vitality, equity and human health by promoting innovative and effective local solutions to the climate emergency. Its efforts partner with others to support the goals established in the county and the City of Frederick’s climate emergency resolutions.

Urbana High School STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Mindfulness)—Niranjana Attoor, Aarna Chakarvarty, Rakshita Jayaswal, Mihir Kumar, Aahana Nigam and Rhea Ramesh are students supporting the environment by volunteering in activities such as tree planting, used battery recycling, litter cleanups and community gardening. They donate organic food grown to those in need. The group also encourages awareness and participation of others.

Pragna Yalamanchili—She volunteers many hours to help manage the recycling and composting program at Oakdale High and provides educational presentations for students and staff on the topic of waste reduction. She has communicated with county and state officials to expand efforts to other schools.

More information about the Sustainability Commission and the awards program can be found at www.frederickcountymd.gov/FCSC.

Dr. McLaughlin Celebrates 30 Years Whether it’s gaining relief from nagging pain to being treated like one of the family, thousands of individuals from children to seniors have appreciated the services of McLaughlin Family Chiropractic, 8701 Antietam Drive, Walkersville. Dr. Mimi McLaughlin is now celebrating 30 years as a chiropractor, opening her practice in Walkersville “because I felt it had a nice hometown feel.”

McLaughlin’s philosophy is to use a deeply holistic approach to the body and says, “Our objective is to foster wellbeing and empower our patients to reach new pinnacles of vitality.” McLaughlin, who has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fordham University and doctor of

chiropractic degree from Life University, Marietta, Ga., is active in the community with children’s sports, her church, Carroll Creek Rotary Club, the Walkersville Business and Professional Association and the Women’s Giving Circle, among other local organizations. www.drmimi.com

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Guest Appreciation Week December 4th–9th d Stop by and Enter to Win Gift Basket Valued at over $200 (includes a $50 Gift Card) No purchase necessary.

d 10% off Redken & Pureology Gift Sets! d *Play PLINKO for an extra 5% Off Already Discounted Full Size Products *Some restrictions apply.

Cut & Color Designs • Nail Services • Relaxing Massages Skin & Body Services

301.662.6116 www.thomasscottsalon.com

Frederick Shopping Center - West 7th Street - Frederick)

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State of the Arts Checking out the theater, gallery, literary and music scene

A Jolly Event at TAG TAG/The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St., will celebrate the holiday season with an exhibit and pop-up craft market.

Affordable art and unique crafts will be featured in this month’s show, Jolly. In addition to paintings, drawings, sculptures, pottery and mixed-media projects, TAG artists are offering one-of-a-kind gift bags, ornaments, handpainted T-shirts, bookmarks, cards and more.

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You can meet the artists and enjoy refreshments from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2 during the opening reception. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. www.theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

CREATING FABRIC DESIGNS WITH NATURAL DYES

Learn the art of bundle dyeing and eco-printing with plants under the instructions of Kristen Artz, a local educator, gardener and designer, who wants to make the study of natural dyes accessible to everyone. The class is at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Frederick Arts Council Art Center, 5 E. 2nd St. The cost is $65 plus a $15 materials fee. The class will instruct how to work with natural dyes using whole plants to create colors and patterns on fiber. Students will work with natural dyestuffs including food scraps, fresh and dried flowers, locally foraged leaves, and more.

Participants will also learn how to bundle dye on silk and cotton, including how to prepare the fabric, place the dyestuffs, create organic patterns, craft improvisational and intentional printmaking on cloth, wrap the fabric and steam on a stovetop. At the end of the class, attendees will leave with three dyed projects, including a

cotton bandana and silk scarf.

Artz has been involved with Local Cloth and Fibersheds—involving farmers and fashion activists—across the country.

She grows her own seasonal dye plants at home, often sharing seeds and sprouts with students. After becoming enamored with the world of natural color, she has taken years to expand her toolkit, traveling far and wide to learn directly with specialized teachers in the dye community. Register at Eventbrite.com and search Frederick Arts Council. www.frederickartscouncil.org

Ornamental Art

The work of artist Adeyemi Fagbohun, known simply as “Yemi,” can be found throughout Frederick County in his many paintings and murals. (He has begun preliminary work on the Frederick Sports Mural, honoring 250 sports figures from county history at Harry Grove Stadium and, when complete, would be the world’s largest sports mural by a single artist.) But Yemi has a knack for smaller pieces, as well. Among his popular creations are annual Christmas tree ornaments in various sizes, styles and prices, which can be found in many local shops. Go to YemiArt.com or email yemi777@gmail.com for more information.

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Style Seasonal Fashions & Trends

Ho-Ho-Ho Sweaters

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When Linda Allen gathers with her friends for a holiday lunch, they wear their “ugly sweaters” with as much glitz and glitter as they can stand. “We have the waitress judge the worst sweater,” she says. Putting on that reindeer or Santa sweater, “is almost like putting on a costume. It’s just such a happy feeling.”

Allen knows exactly where to get some of the best ugly sweaters since she, along with Pam Schafert, are co-managers of Select Seconds thrift shop run by the auxiliary of Frederick Health Hospital. Not only are there holiday sweaters, but the shop also has sweatshirts and T-shirts that will make you want to sing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. But shop early, Allen says, because they go fast.

Christmas-themed sweaters started to make the scene in the 1950s and were originally referred to as “Jingle Bell Sweaters.” By the 1980s, they hit the mainstream,

thanks no doubt to movies such as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Clark Griswold attired in cringe-worthy sweaters. A decade later, they were relegated to clothing drives or thrift stores, only to be revived again in the 2000s, again through the movies.

This time it was Bridget Jones’s Diary with British actor Colin Firth and his “jumper” with a giant, red-nosed reindeer splashed across the front. It was horrifying to Bridget, played by Renee Zellweger, but it was also sweet (his parents gifted him the sweater), bringing smiles and chuckles. Exactly what we need, especially these days.

FEATURED VENDOR: Select Seconds, 8 E. Patrick St., 301-662-8280 Follow on Facebook

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HISTORIC

DOWNTOWN FREDERICK MARYLAND

LOCAL jewelry bath & body FUNCTIONAL kids stationary HANDMADE home accessories 19 N. Market St., Frederick H 301.663.3632 www.shopthemuse.com H Facebook “shop the muse”

301-624-4030

10-B East Street • Everedy Square • Frederick, MD www.imadethispottery.com

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Click

On the Scene at Local Events

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Collaborative Concert

The music of Johann Sebastian Bach recently flooded the sanctuary of Evangelical Lutheran Church, 35 E. Church St., as singers and musicians from Downtown churches—All Saints’ Episcopal, Centennial United Methodist, Calvary United Methodist, Grace United Church of Christ, Frederick Presbyterian and St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic— plus Hood College presented Bachtoberfest. The first-time concert, spearheaded by Evangelical Lutheran’s director of music Daniel Catalano and Jesse Ratcliffe of All Saints, raised $1,954 for the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs and is planned to be an annual event with a community hymn sing in the spring.

Canines on the Creek The fourth annual celebration of Frederick’s love of dogs was held at Carroll Creek Park by the Francis Scott Key Lions Club in conjunction with the Downtown Frederick Partnership and nonprofit Leader Dogs for the Blind. Pet owners dressed their dogs in costumes for a parade as part of the event.

Turkey, Ham and Oysters, Oh, My! A community dinner featuring roast turkey, ham, fried oysters and all the fixings was hosted by Glade United Church of Christ, Walkersville, at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Department.

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AARCH Unity Ball

The 2023 Unity Ball fundraiser was held recently at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., to benefit the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage (AARCH) Society and the Western Maryland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Foundation, which has granted funds supporting children and families since 1938.

AARCH is in the midst of raising money for its new center/ museum at the corner of South Carroll and East All Saints streets. www.aarchsociety.org

Veterans Saluted

The annual Veterans Day ceremony in Memorial Park on North Bentz Street had picture-perfect weather as the community gathered to pay tribute to those who have served and are currently part of the U.S. military. The event is organized by Francis Scott Key Post 11 of the American Legion.

Pink Ribbon Gala

The 24th annual Pink Ribbon Gala was held at Dutch’s Daughter to support the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund. The elegant evening featured Flying Ivories dueling pianos, a silent auction and a Diamonds in Champagne contest. All proceeds go to direct patient care

in our community. The fund’s current focus is on innovative initiatives, including new clinical trials in breast cancer treatment at Frederick Health, along with genetic testing to detect those at risk for breast cancer. www.pinkribbonfrederick.org

Have an event you would like to see featured in Click? Let us know by emailing editor@fredmag.com.

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Q&A Speak Easy

Steve Hissey Guitar Instructor

blues star Jimi Hendrix, Why? These musicians took the guitar and music to a new level, and they were exciting, and inspirational.

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What made you pick up the guitar and do you play other instruments?

One of my fondest childhood memories is sitting on the corner of my father’s bed on Sunday mornings, reading the funny papers while he played the guitar and made up funny songs about me. I think I wanted to have fun, just like he did. I also play a little piano and bass.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is a work in progress. The more I teach, the more I learn. After years of performing, and over five decades of teaching, I am left humbled to have been given such a role in life. It’s an honor to be a teacher and to be trusted by someone to help them on their journey. I try to live up to that trust.

Why do most students want to play guitar? A desire to be in a band, perhaps?

I could say that just like the bird on the wire and the whale at the bottom of the sea, we all have our song to sing, but it really was the Beatles.

They drove the guitar boom, and guitar lessons. Many students did start with the hopes of being in a pop band. The guitar can accompa-

ny many styles and is fairly easy to get halfway good at. The other half takes a lifetime, LOL! Who do you consider to be the world’s best guitar player, living or dead? Why? I really can’t name the world’s greatest, but I can name a few who blew my mind. Classical guitarist Andres Segovia, jazz great Joe Pas and rock/

How many guitars do you own, and do you still have your first one?

I currently own eight guitars, mostly classical and jazz. I’ll need a tissue when thinking about the fate of some of my older instruments. Between fire, theft, pawn and trade, I’ve said goodbye to many old friends. I even backed over two of my favorite guitars with a station wagon.

Do you have names for your guitars like B.B. King did with Lucille?

I’ve only named one: Mr. Steve.

Back in the day, I used to teach a lot of young kids, and just before they would start to play their lesson, I would hear, “Hey, Mr, Steve,” as they turned and smashed their guitar neck into the face of my guitar. At first, I was irritated, but now I realize that they have created a trophy that I cherish. Each one of those dings became a precious memory.

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DOWNTOWN FREDERICK MARYLAND

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Wish You Were Here

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Your Photos from Around the World

France During a “bike and barge” tour of Southern France, members of the Frederick Ski Club pose in Avignon on the last day of the trip.

United Kingdom Kim Genau, Debbie Zoulias and Patty Puglisi visit Big Ben (officially the Elizabeth Tower) in London, England.

Hungary Jan and Tim Klosky stop at Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square) in Budapest, which honors the country’s seven founding figures.

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BENTZ AND WEST PATRICK STREETS

then & now

✶

then: circa 1955

now: 2023

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✶

december events

Hotk Pic Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along Dec. 19 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., 8 p.m. Join fellow music enthusiasts, alongside a professional orchestra, superstar soloists and chorus for an unforgettable performance presented by the Frederick Children’s Chorus that will fill you with holiday spirit.

The experience is fully interactive, inviting the audience to raise its voices in harmony with the classic Handel’s Messiah. All levels of singing ability are welcomed. Lyrics will be provided, and vocal scores are available for purchase in the lobby. While you savor the evening’s music, there’s an opportunity to participate in an online silent auction. www.fredcc.org/messiah/

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The Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Through Dec. 22 Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. From 1896 until 1954, a network of interurban trolley lines was built linking communities across Frederick and Washington counties. This exhibit presents the history of these electric railways and how they changed the landscape and communities of Frederick County. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

My Father the Elf Through Dec. 17 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Lorrie’s world is turned upside down after she discovers that her dad is moonlighting as an elf at the North Pole. But when the ‘up to no good’ Kris Kringle kidnaps Santa Claus, it’s up to Lorrie and her dad to save the holidays. See website for show times. $.

301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

Festival of Wreaths Through Dec. 3 Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. This 26th annual event features more than 100 unique theme wreaths that range from whimsical to wacky to wonderful. Wreaths are displayed at the Art Center and are sold through an online silent auction that benefits the Carroll County Arts Council. 10 a.m.−7 p.m. daily. 410848-7272. www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org

Holiday Art Competition and Exhibit Through Dec. 30 Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Enjoy original artwork depicting the holidays in Downtown Frederick by local artists for this annual juried competition. 301-600-2844. www.celebratefrederick.com First Lady Moore’s Holiday Exhibit Through Dec. 31, except Dec. 25 Maryland State House, Main Hall, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland present trees from around the state, including Frederick County, presented by The Garden Club of Frederick, Greenwalled Garden Club and Tasker’s Chance Garden Club. Tree decorations celebrate the county’s German heritage with hand-made ornaments.

The trimmings feature handmade Putz houses; tussie-mussies made from vintage sheet music and dried hydrangeas; textured pinecones; sheet music rosettes with photos of Frederick County landmarks, courtesy of photographer Michele Corr. www.MeganMcGinn-Meals@Maryland.gov

Jingle Jingle All the Way Through Dec. 23 The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. In this year’s Way Off Broadway Christmas production, Santa Claus is holding auditions for a singing group to help bring back the Christmas spirit, but not everything goes according to plan as a mischievous elf gets involved. See website for show times. $. 301-662-6600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

Isabel Manalo

Through Dec. 31 Gaslight Gallery, 118 E. Church St. An exhibition of works by Isabel Manalo. Manalo’s paintings possess an uncommon transcendence and mysticism, yet they are essentially simple and familiar in their subject matter, often with her two young daughters engaged in exploration and wonder amid the natural world. Saturdays and Sundays, 1 p.m.–6 p.m. www.gaslightart.com/ninety-degrees

Stitches through Time: Women’s Work from Farm to Fashion Through Dec. 22 Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. An exhibit that explores one story of women’s work, interpreting the history of textile production up to the 1950s. The exhibit features a selection of hand-sewn quilts and clothes from the 1800s; equipment, advertisements, photos and ephemera from the factory era; and selections of mid20th century clothing by Clair McCardell. Ten wedding dresses spanning 100 years showcase the themes of the story. 301-663-1188. www. frederickhistory.org Figured and Fancy: Coverlets of Frederick County Through Dec. 22 Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St. View four examples of ornate, durable coverlets made by Frederick County weavers between 1830 and 1870. 301-663-1188. www.frederickhistory.org

Christmas at Gaver Farm Through Dec. 23 Gaver Tree Farm, 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy. Cut your own Christmas tree, spend time with loved ones, enjoy bakery treats or visit the wreath shop at Gaver Farm this holiday season. 9 a.m.− 5 p.m. daily. $. 301-865-3515. www.gaverfarm.com

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december events

Michael Douglas Jones Through Dec. 31 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of mixed media assemblage titled, “The Weathered Inch.” Jones’ assemblage work utilizes books, writing accoutrement, photography and more as a metaphor of the stories we carry inside of ourselves: the books we’ve read, experiences we’ve had and the lessons we’ve learned. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org Sailing Through the Winter Solstice Through March 2024 Carroll Creek Linear Park, Downtown Frederick.

Carroll Creek is lit up with 28 boats sponsored by local businesses for observers to enjoy. 301-5141182. www.coloronthecreek.com

Chris Madden Through Dec. 31 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of oil paintings titled, “Chasing Flies: The Satirical Art of Christopher Madden.” Madden uses satire in his work to evoke and create dialogue about contemporary culture constructs. The old adage, “you catch more flies using honey than vinegar,” is turned upside down to illustrate how humor can be used to present challenging concepts to the world in an accessible manner and hopefully provide a reflection of the human condition. 301698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

FAC After Hours: Meditative Dance Movement Mondays in Dec. Frederick Arts Council Art Center, 5 E. Second St. A weekly inclusive healing space that allows participants to move freely while tapping into divine bliss. 6 p.m.–7 p.m. 301-662-4190. www. frederickartscouncil.org

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MET Comedy Night Fridays in Dec. Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Enjoy comedy every Friday and some Saturdays at the MET, including The Comedy Pigs on Dec. 1 and 2, Oh Crit! on Dec. 15 and Hallmark Holi-Improv on Dec. 22. See website for show times.

301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org Historic District Ghost Tours Saturdays in Dec. Downtown Frederick. In the Historic District Ghost Tour, participants take a journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past at some of the most haunted sites in the city. Tours meet in front of Brewer’s Ally Restaurant, 124 N. Market St. See website for start times. Private tours also available. Reservations required. $. www.marylandghosttours.com Carillon Recital

Sundays in Dec. 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.–1 p.m. www.visitfrederick.org

Cynthia Scott-Johnson Through Dec. 31 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of watercolor and mixed media paintings titled, “Bubbles: Awareness is the First Step.” Artist Cynthia Scott-Johnson’s work in this series looks at how belief, memory, imagination and visual sensory input affect levels of perception.

301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

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december events

December Saturdays Weekends in December Downtown Frederick. Each weekend you’ll find something special happening in Downtown Frederick. Streets are filled with musicians and carolers performing holiday classics, fire pits are set up all around town to warm up and roast marshmallows as you stroll from shop to shop, and dazzling lights and decorations are on display. See website for a complete list of holiday-themed activities.

301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org Movie Knight Dec. 1 Frederick Arts Council Art Center, 5 E. 2nd St. Local filmmaker nights presented and curated by Falling Squares every first Friday of the month.

7:30 p.m. 301-662-4190. www.frederickartscouncil.org

FCC Wind Ensemble Performance Dec. 1 Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike.

FCC’s Wind Ensemble performs an engaging, free concert highlighting contemporary compositions, concert band favorites and traditional masterpieces, under the direction of Kimberly Hirschmann. 7:30 p.m. 301-846-2566. http://calendar.frederick.edu

Candlelight Tours Dec. 1–3 The National Shrine of Saint 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

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Inebriated Holiday Dec. 1–23 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Laugh your way through the holidays with this original show featuring favorite holiday stories told on screen by actors imbibing in holiday cheer, while a team of actors acts out the antics live on stage. See website for show times. $.

301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org Glyphs Dec. 1–31 NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St. An exhibition of works by Richard Schellenberg and Watson. An opening reception is Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and an artist talk is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. 240-367-9770. www.nomagalleryfrederick.com Elf Workshops Dec. 2 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Calling all elves! The best gifts are the ones you make. Join the Delaplaine at the North Pole workshop (otherwise known as the third floor studio) to create craft projects to give as holiday gifts.

Register online at www.delaplaine.org/instruction/ youth-classes. $10 per elf (includes gift wrapping).

Session 1, 1 p.m.−2:30 p.m.; Session 2, 3:15 p.m.–4:45 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

A Motown Christmas Dec. 1 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A powerful family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with favorite holiday classics. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

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december events

JACOB | HAGERSTOWN

LET’S GET ONEYOURTHING STRAIGHT. TEETH.

Meet the Artists Dec. 2 DISTRICT Arts, 15 N. Market St. DISTRICT Arts gallery artists talk about their current bodies of work, their motivations and techniques at this evening event featuring light appetizers, sparkling beverages and conversation. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 301-695-4050. www.districtarts.com

toothmanorthodontics.com Hagerstown 301.791.1770 Frederick 301.662.3366

2021 Platinum+ Provider

Art Matters Artist Talks Dec. 2 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Enhance your understanding and appreciation of art at these monthly talks. This month, members of the Frederick Camera Clique and solo exhibition artist Ellen Hill discuss their work and artistic practice. 2 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

Traditional Village Christmas Dec. 2 Village of Catoctin Furnace, 12525 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont.

European-style Christmas market complete with artisans, apple cider and baked goods, children’s activities, wreath decorating and a visit from Belsnickel. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 443463-6437. www.catoctinfurnace.org/events

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Walkersville Christkindlmarket Dec. 2 Downtown Walkersville. Walkersville honors the town’s rich German history and celebrates the holiday season with a parade, carolers, musicians, artisans, crafters, homemade food, sweet treats, family events and more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www. walkersvillechristkindlmarket.com Brunswick Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Dec. 2 Downtown Brunswick, East Potomac St. to Square Corner Park. Enjoy the annual holiday parade hosted by the City of Brunswick, followed by a tree lighting. 5 p.m. www.brunswickmd.gov

The Polar Express Dec. 2 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Enjoy this classic film on the big screen.

Presented by Wonder Book & Video. 2 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

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december events

Christmas in Thurmont

Dec. 2 Thurmont Guardian Hose Company, 21 N. Church St., Thurmont. Spend the day in Thurmont and enjoy pictures with Santa, craft stations, prize drawings, readings, performances, horse and carriage rides and more. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 301-271-7313. www.thurmontmainstreet.com/events

Christmas in the Valley Dec. 2 Downtown Middletown. Celebrate the holiday season at this annual event that includes caroling, the lighting of the town Christmas tree, story time with Mrs. Claus, music with Mr. Jon and Friends, photos with Frosty and a visit from Santa Claus, followed by Christmas music and treats at Zion Lutheran Church. 4 p.m. 301-371-6171. www.middletown.md.us

“50 Years Gone” A Tribute to Jim Croce Dec. 2 New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Hear all of the legend’s biggest hits and the stories behind the songs. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

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The Spires at Christmas Dec. 2 Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The Spires Brass Band performs Christmas music featuring soprano Holly Shockey. 8 p.m. $. 301-846-2566. www.spiresbrassband.org Christmas in New Market

Dec. 2 Main St., New Market. Celebrate the season along Main Street with a Christmas market, local artists, food truck, craft beverages, story time, Mrs. Claus’ workshop, bake sale, photos with Santa, live nativity, lighting of the town tree, a parade and more. 2:30 p.m.– 7 p.m. 301-865-5544. www.townofnewmarket.org

Ellen Hill Dec. 2–21 The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of mixed media titled, “Patterns of Life.” This exhibition celebrates the constancy found in natural cycles and the ties that bind us to each other. The richly textured artworks are assembled from panels and fragments of carved, painted and inked wood. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

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One day, he was just gone.

Jaime Romero, 30, a loving and doting uncle, an adored son and brother, a man planning a wedding with his fiancee, was nowhere to be found. His car was parked at his home with the keys in the ignition.

Also inside the car were his wallet with cash inside and his cell phone.

But no Romero.

Eleven years later, his family still considers where he might be and what happened to him. “It’s a pain that never goes away,” says Romero’s sister, Sonia Castell of Frederick.

Whether it be a missing person, as in Romero’s case, or a Jane Doe found in a trunk at Gambrill State Park or the unsolved murder of a young man whose body was discovered on his 21st birthday, the Frederick County community has felt the pain of heart-rending, unexplained mysteries—leaving relatives, amateur sleuths and law enforcement all searching for answers.

Like Romero’s family.

“We’ve hit a wall”

Romero, who came to the United States with his family from El Salvador as a little boy, struggled with depression throughout his life. “He was molested when he was young,” says Castell. A master electrician with his own business, Romero was also suffering from a medical condition causing chronic pain in his legs.

But there was a bright side as well, says Castell. “I remember he let me know that he had found a place where he and his fiancee were going to get married,” says Castell. “They had picked a venue.”

A devout Jehovah’s Witness, Romero, who was living at Montgomery Village in Gaithersburg with his mother, had gotten up and dressed for church the day he went missing. “He and my mother were always at church,” says Castell with a soft smile. The family later learned that he drove to the church, but never went inside. He turned around and came home instead.

“He then went over to his fiancee’s house,” says Castell. “He called my mother that night and asked her to walk his dog and said, ‘I’ll be home later.’” The next morning, his mother assumed Romero had re-

turned home and as she left to visit a family member, she saw his car. But she never heard from him. “He was always hugging her and telling [my mother] how beautiful she was and making her laugh,” says Castell.

“He was always calling my mother. All the time. She heard nothing from him all that morning.”

Police were notified. “They brought a dog to try and track him with his scent,” says Castell. “The dog walked around but it lost the scent right around the house.”

The family plastered flyers in the area. They even hired their own private detective. “We searched his phone, his computer,” says Castell. “There was nothing. Absolutely nothing. When people want to commit suicide, they might look up how to do it or the easiest way to do it. If they are running away, there is evidence of a plane or train ticket. Some interest in going away. Again, absolutely nothing.”

The family is still searching for answers. “There have been no leads, nothing new on the case,” says Castell. “We’ve hit a wall.”

Romero’s mother dreams of him. “He is always coming home,” says Castell. “Walking through the door.” Castell feels strongly that Romero did not kill himself or run away. “I think someone might have taken him,” she says. “He would never have done this to his mother.”

“It’s a loss you can’t imagine”

Terry Horman knows too well the pain of not having answers. Her son, Joshua Crawford, didn’t disappear like Romero, but was murdered. In 2003, Crawford was found in his Frederick apartment beaten and stabbed with his hands and feet bound by duct tape.

The duct tape also covered his mouth and nose, asphyxiating him. “He couldn’t see. He couldn’t breathe,” says Horman.

For the past 20 years Horman has been on a quest to discover who murdered her child. As she excitedly lists his interests and accomplishments growing up, she breaks into a big grin. “He was a Cub Scout and worked his way up to being a Boy Scout,” she says.

“He loved sports. His best was baseball.” Crawford also enjoyed a frozen treat with his mother at Dairy Queen. “We always argued about who was going to pay,” says Horman, chuckling.

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As much as she adores her son, she is honest about the path his life took. “He got in with a bad crowd,” she says. That would lead to drug use and jail time.

Right before he was murdered though, Horman says she was seeing a turnaround in Crawford. He was working, had a place of his own and was pursuing his interest in art.

She visited with him shortly before his murder and of course they made a trip to Dairy Queen. “We were talking about what he might like for his birthday,” says Horman.

In the wee hours of the morning on July 2, 2003, Crawford’s 21st birthday, Horman just couldn’t help herself. “I was up at 3 a.m. and wanted to wish him happy birthday,” she says. “My husband said, ‘He’s probably sleeping.’ So, I texted him but there was no answer. I wanted to be the first to wish him happy birthday, you know?”

Later that same day, he would be found dead. “It’s a loss you can’t imagine,” says Horman. Law enforcement found no evidence of forced entry. “He was covered with sofa cushions, like whoever killed him didn’t want to look at him while they were there,” says Horman. The evidence pointed to Crawford maybe knowing his killer or killers.

Horman has hired private detectives, done her own investigating and even went on The Montel Williams Show to speak with nationally known psychic Sylvia Browne. She remains in frequent contact with the Frederick County Sheriff ’s Office, which handles the case. With advances in DNA evidence comes renewed hope. Recently, the sheriff ’s office Sonia Castell submitted a hair found on Crawford’s hand for testing that uses both DNA analysis and traditional genealogy research to solve crimes. However, a recent law in Maryland restricts the use of public genetic genealogy databases in criminal investigations, requiring judicial authorization and creating a backlog of cases.

“It could take up to two years,” says Horman.

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Terry Horman

As she waits for answers, Horman still makes the trips to Dairy Queen, now alone. “I always save the wrappers from the ice cream cones,” she says with a sad smile.

“I want to know”

Kat Johnson doesn’t have a family member missing or murdered, but she does have a passion for finding answers for those who do, and she has witnessed firsthand the devastation families experience.

“I remember I was out in the woods with this mother looking for her daughter,” recalls Johnson.

“She went over to what she thought was a grave and began digging. Or, you have the father who is out looking for his children and has to determine if a bone he has come across belongs to an animal or his child. No parent should ever go through that.”

Johnson is the founder of both the Maryland Missing Persons Network and the advocacy group Maryland Cold Cases. She also helped create the Doe Network, a nonprofit organization of volunteers who work with law enforcement to connect missing persons cases with John/Jane Doe cases, and has a Facebook page called Vanished Voices of Maryland. Through these efforts, Johnson has participated in missing person searches, held vigils, connected families of missing persons with each other for support and even assisted in solving cases.

Yet, for all the work she has done for the past 25 years there is one case that continues to haunt her, one that touched her life early on. “I have become obsessed with it,” says Johnson.

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In 1991, an unidentified woman’s body was found at the bottom of an embankment along the southbound side of Interstate 270 in Frederick. The Jane Doe’s body was badly decomposed and it was estimated that she was 15 to 29 years old.

Johnson, 21 years at the time, remembers it well. “I was hitchhiking to Frederick the same day she was found,” says Johnson, who grew up in Rockville but frequently visited Frederick. “I remembered thinking then that that could have been me.”

After a while, she heard no more about the case and assumed it had been solved.

Years later, while participating in online chat rooms discussing cold cases with like-minded enthusiasts and conducting searches for clues, Johnson came upon the I-270 Jane Doe. “It was still unsolved,” she says.

She jumped into the case wholeheartedly, even raising funds to help Maryland State Police solve the mystery. “I am positive she has a local connection,” says Johnson. “She was seen in an apartment in Frederick a couple of weeks before she died.”

Johnson has developed a theory about the killer, as well. “I have walked the stretch of highway where the body was found, and I am convinced that whoever killed her is local,” she says. “She was found right near the Baker Valley Road overpass, which is directly below the Monocacy National Battlefield Worthington Farm entrance. If you weren’t from the area, you wouldn’t be dumping a body right at an overpass like that where you don’t know how often cars are coming up and down the road.

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If you’re local, you are going to know that there aren’t a lot of cars on that road.”

Despite efforts by Johnson and others, the I-270 Jane Doe remains a mystery. Johnson is not giving up. “I want to know,” she says.

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11/20/23 12:02 PM

“She deserves a name”

For Sabrina Swann, supervisor of crime scene investigations for the Frederck Police Department, helping solve criminal cases is her job. But she is especially intrigued by cold cases. “I loved solving puzzles when I was a little girl,” she says.

She is putting her skills to work on such cold cases as an unidentified female body found in a trunk at Gambrill State Park in 1982. “I dove into it years ago,” says Swann. “In between casework or if I was taking a break, I would look at it.”

The trunk, discovered by mushroom hunters, was in plain view with sticks and leaves on top. It was estimated at the time the unidentified woman had had been there at least a few months but may have died up to 10 years prior. Her age was estimated to be as young as 17 but no older than 45.

She had evidence of injuries to her back and feet, more likely from physical activity than abuse. She also had extensive dental work that might have been performed by dental students since investigators were unable to trace its source.

Swann has spent hours, including on her own free time, delving into the case and searching for clues through NamUs, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, and the Doe Network, while building on previous investigative work which included a “trunk expert.”

“I started to think maybe she wasn’t from the United States,” says Swann, who expanded her search to Canada and even Europe. By broadening her search, she may have found someone else.

“Looking in Canada, I found a couple who went missing I believe in 1974,” she says. “They were on their way to a wedding but had also talked

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about maybe just running away, like going on an adventure.”

There was even speculation that the couple may have crossed paths with serial killer, William Dean Christensen, known as the American Jack the Ripper. “Reading the missing person report, I guess they broke down on the side of the road and someone thought that they saw them standing there with a guy who kind of looked like Christensen,” says Swann.

She wonders if the “lady in the trunk,” as the case is sometimes called, could be the woman from the missing couple. “What if she went missing with her husband?” says Swann.

“I wanted to see what the husband looked like.

I brought up his missing person profile. Then, I wanted to see if I could find unidentified remains that matched him.”

She found a possible match with a body found in a hotel room in Anne Arundel County. “I showed it to my lieutenant at the time and the detective assigned to the case,” says Swann. “They both looked at me and they’re like, ‘Well, if this isn’t him it’s his twin brother.’ I contacted the detective in Canada and said, ‘Hey, I don’t know if the female could be ours but here’s a potential lead for you.’”

The detective in Anne Arundel County and the detective in Canada have been put in contact with

each other. “They are working together to do a DNA comparison,” says Swann.

As for the “lady in the trunk,” Swann will keep searching. “She doesn’t have a name,” says Swann.

“She deserves a name.” FM

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✶

BY SCOTT GROVE

… with Charles Poindexter

Talking History

ALTHOUGH HE WAS RAISED ON A PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FARM AND EDUCATED IN WASHINGTON, D.C., it wasn’t until Charles Poindexter moved to Frederick’s West All Saints Street neighborhood that he truly discovered “home.” Poindexter reflects on his youth, his courtship of Dolores Roberts and his first years in Frederick.

Scott: When and where were you born?

Charles: I was born in 1933 in Camden, N.J., and dropped off by my mother at her parent’s home in Bowie, Md., when I was three or four weeks old. They owned a 38-acre farm and raised tobacco, corn, pork, beef and fowl. Eight of their 10 children were still in the house. My grandfather was respected in the community because he was a property owner. Tobacco was his biggest crop. If you had a big tobacco crop you would get a big check from the tobacco man when he came around.

Scott: What about your education?

Charles: I attended elementary school in Bowie until seventh grade.

Then I went to St. Katherine Academy in Baltimore for eighth grade. It was a Catholic school with an all-Black order of nuns. Then I went to Armstrong Technical High School for ninth grade and finished out at Dunbar High School, both in Washington.

Scott: Attending school in the city must have made for a long day.

Charles: I would get up at 6 a.m. and bring in wood for the three stoves we had in the house. Get cleaned up and board a Greyhound bus at 7:30. School would let out at 3:30 p.m. and I would arrive home about 5. Then there were chores, dinner, kitchen cleanup and homework. I went to bed around 10.

Scott: When were you in Washington?

Charles: From 1948 to 1952.

Scott: What were your impressions of the city?

Charles: I had never spent time in Washington until then. It was a real eye-opener. I would cut class and survey the Northwest part of the city. I learned where the White House was, the Treasury and Justice Department. I would also take walks up U Street and 7th Street, which were Black parts of town.

Scott: That sounds very educational to me. What about fun?

Charles: I was able to get to the Howard Theater and Lincoln Theatre, where some of the biggest musicians of the day performed.

I saw Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, the Nat King Cole Trio, Bennie Goodman, Artie Shaw and many others. We would catch a weekday matinee. Just 25 cents.

Scott: How did you meet Dolores?

Charles: At a Friday social at Bowie State College in 1950. She was at Bowie getting a teaching degree. Dolores was a lady of very high standards and had many suitors. She was much more sophisticated than me. She had grown up in Frederick on West All Saints Street, where we live today. We courted for four years before marrying. I would visit her here. Having grown up on a farm I had never spent time in a small downtown neighborhood. Here I

found a community of nice people. On weekends, people set up tables on the street and sold baked goods and dinners. Folks would get dressed up and go to the Elks Club on Sunday afternoons or to the Pythian Castle or the Black American Legion. Major entertainers performed in these venues through the 1960s. All Saints Street was Frederick’s Black hub when it came to people coming together.

This was new to me. Of course, I had it easy because Dolores’s parents, Frank and Christina Roberts, were well known and well liked. We lived with them. I’d never experienced such parental love. They were lovely, hard-working people and I miss them as much as Dolores does.

Scott: Do you have other memories of the street?

Charles: There were several grocery stores, a café, a restaurant, services and clothing stores. I shopped at Bill Lee’s store. We also shopped for clothing in the White-owned Market Street stores, although we weren’t allowed to try anything on before purchasing it and couldn’t return it once it left the store.

Scott: Hard to believe. What about Frederick’s segregation laws then?

Charles: As was true in Bowie and D.C., Blacks and Whites were segregated, but they also just naturally tended to separate. I wasn’t aware of racial disparity here until we went to the Frederick Fair. I had never been to a fair, so I was having fun. At some point I had to use the restroom and I saw the signs on the doors that said “Colored” and “White.” I was really taken aback by this.

Scott: Did the Civil Rights laws of the 1960s alter the All Saints Street community?

Charles: I didn’t feel so. The biggest changes here have happened in the last 10 to 15 years with new people moving in. Prior to then, you wouldn’t see White folks walk up Saints Street.

Scott: What are your feelings about the state of racial issues in our country today?

Charles: I think the big thing now is that Black people have made such enormous progress in certain areas of life and there are some folks who can’t or won’t accept it. There is room for everyone.

Scott: On a much happier note, what was or what is Christmas like on All Saints Street?

Charles: It’s all about the lights and decorations. I love my lights!

Charles Poindexter, 90, and his wife Dolores married in 1954 and have three sons. They are longtime parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Frederick. A former reporter, 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. FM fredMAG 67

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trending

Celebrating Christmas meant the world to Bobby and Nancy Harley. Their neighbors are making sure that the Harleys’ festive tradition endures.

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Legacy of Lights

A Couple’s Love for the Season Celebrated by Neighborhood ✶

BY LISA GREGORY

T

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT THE HARLEY HOME MAY HAVE GONE DARK, but the legacy of a couple’s love for Christmas and their joy in decorating for it shines on—a house and a neighbor at a time.

For decades, Bobby and Nancy Harley, who resided on the corner of Hawthorne and Mountainview drives in the West Hills neighborhood, delighted family, friends and even strangers with their festive holiday display. There was the motion-activated Santa that sang, another Santa perched on the side of the chimney, the strand of lights draped around a towering 25-foot flagpole and even lights that outlined the pool in the backyard.

“The entire property was covered,” says Colleen Nestor, who along with her husband, Matt, were long-time neighbors of the Harleys. Adds another neighbor, Gail Martin, “The front yard was filled with all of these snowmen and angels and Grinches. Everything you can possibly imagine.

New decorations were added every year. It was never the same.”

The Harleys loved Christmas.

“And not just the decorations but the spirit of the season,” says Sally

Hoague, a teacher who worked with Nancy, a special education instructional assistant at Walkersville High School.

Bobby, say neighbors, would begin working on decorations the day after Halloween at the behest of his wife. “She would start talking about the decorations weeks and weeks and weeks before Christmas,” Hoague says.

Bobby never wavered in his task. “He was well into his 80s and still climbing the roof to put

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trending Bobby Harley died in 2020 as did Nancy the following year, but their tradition of elaborate holiday decorations has taken hold at other homes in the neighborhood and has even grown. “They would’ve been thrilled to tears to know that the magnificent tradition they started still goes on,” says Gail Martin.

up the decorations for the missus,” says Nancy Golay, another neighbor. “He would do anything to make her happy,” says Nestor.

Those who knew the Harleys agree it was Nancy who bought the decorations and that Bobby put them up. “Bobby had to build an additional shed because Nancy got so many decorations,” says Nestor.

By Thanksgiving evening all would be in place and lit up.

“Thanksgiving wasn’t complete until our family walked up the street to see what Bobby had done,” says Frederick resident Nancy Whitmore.

“They just enjoyed the fact that people enjoyed it,” says Nestor.

No matter the cost. “People would say to her, ‘But isn’t your electric bill high?’” says Hoague.

“She didn’t care. People stopped

asking because they knew it didn’t matter to her. She was always so proud to have others enjoy the spirit of Christmas.”

Nancy brought Christmas to her job as well, wearing holiday sweaters in festive colors and some even jingling with bells. “You knew she was coming before you saw her,” says Hoague with a chuckle.

Throughout the years, those who lived near the Harleys felt the pressure to step up with their own decorating efforts. “I call it positive peer pressure,” says Nestor.

“He was the gold standard for the neighborhood for many, many years,” adds David Hyden, who lives nearby. “People who knew of the house that didn’t even live in the area would drive by it just because they are like, ‘You got to

see this house!’ It became a folklore kind of thing.”

Other area houses and yards became decorated elaborately, as well, becoming what is sometimes referred to today as Christmas Row. The word got out over the years and lines of cars now make their way through the neighborhood each Christmas. “You can barely get down our street,” says Nestor.

Martin has long embraced the crowds despite the inconvenience it might pose for residents. “I like seeing all those cars coming through our neighborhood and the kids hanging out the windows and yelling and oohing and aahing,” says Martin.

For newcomers moving into the neighborhood, there is a gentle reminder of expectations. “You

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trending Newcomers moving into the vicinity of Hawthorne and Mountainview drives in the West Hills neighborhood are gently explained holiday expectations. “You are starting the conversation with, ‘Have you been here at Christmas? Do you know what we do?’” Colleen Nestor says.

are starting the conversation with, ‘Have you been here at Christmas?

Do you know what we do?’” Nestor says with a smile.

If they don’t, they soon will.

“We moved here in 1997 on Yellow Springs Road which is just around the corner from Hawthorne and Christmas Row,” says Hyden. “I remember looking out our back window on Thanksgiving evening that first year and seeing the Christmas lights. Mr. Harley went crazy with his Christmas lights. It was like, ‘Wow.’ We didn’t realize then that Mr. Harley had started up a grassroots activity which began with his house and crept out into the entire neighborhood.”

Sadly, Bobby died in July 2020. Given the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic at the time, neighbors couldn’t pay their respects in person. But he was not

forgotten. After his passing, “Some of us put out a single Christmas decoration in our front yard,” says Nestor. Truly a Christmas in July. Bobby, no doubt, would have appreciated that. Even his obituary mentioned the Christmas lights and decorations the couple displayed every year.

Nancy passed away the following year, having to endure one holiday season without her beloved Bobby there to put up the decorations.

“That last year, when there were no lights there, I know she was looking out the window watching the cars come by,” says Martin.

“Nobody outside of the neighborhood knew that Mr. Harley had passed away and that the lights wouldn’t be there, so they still came in droves.”

Now, neighbors not only decorate but do so in honor and

remembrance of Bobby and Nancy. Some even place signs in their yard that note the Harleys’ memory. “We’re going on year three putting out the signs,” says Nestor. “It is a tradition for me now,” says Martin.

Among the decorations displayed in the neighborhood are ones that once belonged to the Harleys and given to neighbors by the family. The Nestors have the singing Santa and continue to display it proudly. “Which is pretty awesome,” says Colleen Nestor.

It’s all part of keeping the Christmas spirit of Bobby and Nancy alive.

“They would’ve been thrilled to tears to know that the magnificent tradition they started still goes on,” says Martin. “One that my own grandchildren and great-grandchildren look forward to every year.” FM

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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. $$

★ Voted “Best of Frederick” 2022 - $ entrées $8 and under - $$ entrées $8–$15 - $$$ entrées $15 and over

Airways Inn

310 Aviation Way, Frederick. 301-228-2100.

Sandwiches, salads and more. Adjacent to airport. $

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. $$ ★

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. $-$$$

B. Anderson’s Backyard Experience

1448 W. Patrick St, Frederick.

301-898-2075. Farm-to-table soul food with a Jamaican fusion experience. Serving lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

Beans & Bagels

Beef ‘n Buns ‘n Paradise

Bushwaller’s

Belles’ Sports Bar & Grill

The Buzz Café

1448 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-898-2075.

Big burgers and great ice cream selections. $ ★

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. $$ ★

209 N. Market St., Frederick.

301-695-6988. Irish fare in an attractive pub setting. $$-$$$ 11801 Fingerboard Road, Suite 3, Monrovia. 301-865-4900. Scratch bakery and café that features 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. $$-$$$ ★

Big Papi’s

Café Bueno

Black Hog BBQ & Bar

Café Nola

5711 Industry Lane, Frederick. 240-651-5969.

Authentic Mexican dishes. $-$$ 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. $ ★

49 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-2165.

Light breakfasts and lunches. $ ★

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

crave

Clay Oven Restaurant

Avery’s Maryland Grille

1170 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-631-2004.

Indian, Nepalese cuisine. $$-$$$

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

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Coal Fire

7820 Wormans Mill Road, Frederick.

301-631-2625. Coal-fired pizza, sand- wiches, 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. $$

Delhi 6 Indian Restaurant

5732 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick.

301-698-9970. Authentic Indian cuisine. $$-$$$

Delizia Café

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

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. $$

Distilled

221 Shorebird St., Frederick.

301.228.3629. Craft cocktails and casual eats. $$-$$$

Dublin Roasters Coffee

1780 N. Market St., Frederick.

301-228-9367. Artisan, hand-roasted coffee, featuring organic and fair-trade products. $ ★

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. $-$$

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. $

Firestone’s Culinary Tavern

105 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-663-0330.

Elegant cuisine in a casual atmosphere. $$-$$$

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Firestone’s Market on Market

113 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-696-8586.

Custom made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Wines, craft beers, specialty and locally-made goods. $-$$

Firestone’s Sidecar

109 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-663-0330.

Serving custom desserts & elegant milk shakes, as well as the full Tavern menu. $-$$$

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. $$ ★

The Garage

440 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 240-344-5340.

Wood-fired pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, salads and locally brewed beers. $-$$

Frederick Soups

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

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. $-$$$

Gran Azteca Mexican Food Bar & Grill 6956 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick.

301-378-2785. Authentic Mexican Cuisine. $$-$$$

Hippy Chick Hummus

237 N. Market St., Frederick. 3240-815-7175.

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. $-$$

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. $$

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

490 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-835-7403.

Authentic Caribbean cuisine. $-$$ ★

JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House

16 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5197.

American fusion. $$-$$$ ★

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. $$

La Paz

51 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-694-8980.

Mexican fare. $

Las Tunas

1043 W. Patrick St., Frederick.

240-629-8008. Authentic Mexican food. $$

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. $-$$

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Old Dominion Grill & Sushi

5732 Buckeystown Pike #18-20, Frederick.

301-682-6888. Family restaurant, American, Japanese, Thai, etc. $-$$$ ★

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

Modern Asia

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

Liberty Road Seafood & Steak

10524 Liberty Road, Frederick. 301-898-3181.

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

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. $$ ★

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. $-$$$

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

crave

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. $$ ★

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Mayta’s Peruvian Cuisine

5010 Buckeytown Pike, Suite 148, Frederick. 301-732-4441. Fresh, authen- tic 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. $$-$$$

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.

240-498-6798. Smoothies, Boosted Teas. $

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. $$

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. $-$$ ★

Plaza Mexico

2481 Merchant St., Frederick.

301-228-9889.

50 Carroll Creek Way #130, Frederick.

240-439-4041.

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

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. $-$$

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Ragin’ Reef

Simply Asia Pan Asian Bistro

The Red Horse

South Mountain Creamery

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

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

120 Frederick Road, Suites B&C, Thurmont.

301-271-2858. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, sushi bar, Asian fusion, dine in, carryout, catering. $-$$ 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. $-$$ ★

Sapporo II

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. $$

Hollow Creek Golf Club, 50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown. 301-371-0400.

Contemporary American cuisine. $-$$

Schroyer’s Tavern

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

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

Valley Grill Sports Bar

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

Fine Japanese and Korean dining. $-$$$

5120 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick.

301-694-9501. Award-winning burgers, all-day breakfast, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. $-$$$ ★

Thacher & Rye

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. $-$$$

107 Baughmans Lane, Frederick.

301-662-9348. Salvadorean and Mexican food. $-$$

Silver Diner

5105 Pegasus Court, Frederick.

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

Up On Market Bistro

Santa Rosa Restaurant

41 S. Market St., Frederick.

240-575-9876. Seafood, friendly gathering place. $$

Texas Roadhouse

17 Water St., Thurmont. 301-271-4071.

Family owned and operated serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award winning broasted chicken. $-$$

9 E. Patrick St., Frederick 301-663-1036.

Cuban cuisine. $$

The Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

244 E. Church St., Frederick.

240-780-8517. Gourmet Italian dishes.

Handmade pasta. $$

Thurmont Kountry Kitchen

Sabor de Cuba

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

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

Tempo di Pasta

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

European cuisine. $$$ ★

17308 N. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg.

301-447-4116. All-you-can-eat seafood, dinner menu, lunch, full-service bar and carryout. $-$$$

Showroom

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

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

The Tasting Room

Rube’s Crab Shack

Maryland National Golf Club, 8836 Hollow Road, Middletown. 301-371-0000.

Contemporary American cuisine. $$$

Tapia’s On Main

Tempo di Pasta

244 E. Church St., Frederick.

240-780-8517. Gourmet Italian dishes.

Handmade pasta. $$

Surf House Island Cantina

8925 Fingerboard Road, Urbana.

240-341-7157. Authenic surfer food and drinks. $$

Taco Bar

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

Authentic Mexican fast food. $

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. $-$$

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. $-$$ ★

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lifestyles

Frederick’s Candlelight House Tour returns this year on Dec. 2-3, following a three-year hiatus that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Candlelight House Tour

Behind the Scenes at a Holiday Favorite Returning after a Pandemic-Prompted Break ✶

BY JEANNE BLACKBURN

I

IT’S BACK. FOLLOWING A THREE-YEAR BREAK THAT BEGAN IN THE MIDST OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, Frederick’s Candlelight House Tour returns this year. One of the community’s most anticipated holiday events for more than three decades features as many as eight homes whose owners generously open the doors of their beautifully decorated homes to the waiting public for two evenings.

But that is the easy part. Behind the scenes, the tour is a bit like a theater production, with set, cast and crew and much the “audience” never sees.

Plans start early in the year and have been actively in the works for months. The first order of business begins with committee meetings that start in the spring and the selection of homes. Then, docents and house captains have to be selected, as well as designers, decorators and garden experts. All are tapped for their expertise while working with the homeowner

on a theme for each stop on the tour.

There are other details.

Publicity is created, programs printed and even thank-you baskets are designed for the homeowners. Through it all, there’s coordination. It is a production.

Jen Martin, executive director of Celebrate Frederick, chairs the committee and has been involved with the organization for the past 20 years. She knows the pitfalls of organizing an event with so many moving pieces, that annually raises nearly $40,000, and she endeavors

to keep everything on track.

Martin says assembling the team of dedicated volunteers “is the biggest challenge in making the tour a reality.” Being more specific, she adds, “The tour requires a massive amount of volunteer manpower, from the homeowners that graciously agree to open their homes to hundreds of tourgoers and the designers who donate their time and talent to assist them in creating magical, festive spaces, to the over 100 docents who volunteer during the tour weekend to ensure that the event runs

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lifestyles Planning for this year’s Candlelight House Tour began in the spring with committee meetings and the selection of the six homes to take part in the tour. Docents and house captains were also selected, as well as designers, decorators and garden experts.

smoothly. The Tour requires many hands to make it a success.”

Cristy Stup of Frederick Town Realty began volunteering five years ago and is now instrumental in selecting potential homes to be included in the tour. But she insists it’s a group effort. “The committee pulls together thoughts from any homes they know of. We also ask friends or past tour homeowners if they have any suggestions. Oftentimes an owner who has agreed to it knows of someone in their neighborhood who may be interested,” she says.

In addition to finding the manpower to keep the event on schedule, selecting locations is no easy task, either. “It can be a real challenge to find homes and homeowners willing to participate,” Stup says. “Some homeowners have just remodeled or are

in the process of remodeling and don’t feel they are ready. Or they are created but that year’s calendar is too full to make it work. We always keep a running list of homes for the next year’s tour.”

Martin notes that the final selection of homes for the tour is based on several criteria and enumerates “a variety of factors including historical significance, interesting architectural features, ease of flow for large numbers of guests, proximity to other homes highlighted on the tour and unique collections featured in the home, such as art or holiday trims.”

In readying a home for the tour, homeowners are helped by the designers and garden experts. “Designers are paired with homeowners that have a similar aesthetic, so the end result is a

true reflection of the homeowners’ style,” Martin says. “We love featuring local designers and garden clubs who collaborate with homeowners to enhance their style and traditional holiday décor, resulting in a showcase of homes that are truly decked for the festive season.”

Volunteers are just as enthusiastic about participating in the Candlelight House Tour as are the homeowners. Karen Coblenz says, “When I was asked to participate as a volunteer, I had no idea what I would be doing. As a recent retiree I have time for volunteering and giving back to the community. I’ve enjoyed meeting the volunteers on the committee and learning what it takes to make the tour happen. And getting holiday decorating ideas for my own home will be a plus.”

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lifestyles “The Christmas house tour was a hit even on the coldest nights. Whether as a docent, helping to decorate a house, or as a person just enjoying the tour, the spirit of the participants is contagious,” says longtime volunteer Linda Morgan.

The event has evolved over time. Linda Morgan, a longtime volunteer, recalls, “In the very early years of the Christmas house tour, I recall being given $50 to cover expenses. We polished a lot of red apples, cut a lot of greens and borrowed items from neighbors to spruce up the decor.”

Morgan adds, “The Christmas house tour was a hit even on the coldest nights. Whether as a docent, helping to decorate a house, or as a person just enjoying the tour, the spirit of the participants is contagious.”

There also is a sense of being rewarded for months of thoughtful planning and hours of participating among the committee members and volunteers. Martin says, “Having the opportunity to interact with the hundreds of visitors that attend the tour annually as a holiday tradition with their friends and

family is one of the most rewarding aspects.”

Stup offers something of a tour secret: “The committee and the homeowners have a private tour the night before [the official tour begins] and seeing all the hard work that went in to making the tour a success is the best feeling.”

Coblenz notes that the end result justifies all the hard work.

“The most satisfying thing is sharing the talents of volunteers, and discovering how it will all come together on Dec. 2nd and 3rd is inspiring.”

Martin points out the Candlelight House Tour is also a major fundraiser for Celebrate Frederick, which hosts some of Frederick’s most popular free community events including Frederick’s 4th, In The Streets, the Summer Concert Series and the Kris Kringle Procession. “A portion of

this year’s proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity’s West All Saints Street project to renovate three properties on West All Saints Street into 12 units of affordable housing,” she says.

Not a bad way to bring the event back.

“After a three-year hiatus, we’re thrilled that the Candlelight House Tour is returning,” she adds. FM

This year’s Candlelight House Tour will be held Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Dec. 3 from noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $40 for a package that also includes admission to the 2024 Beyond the Garden Gates Tour. Tickets may be purchased at the Frederick Visitor Center, 151 S. East St., or online at www.celebratefrederick.com/events/ holidays/house-tour-tickets.

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december events

Stoney Gardens Crafts and Open House Dec. 2, 3 Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Start your holiday shopping and seasonal gift giving at this event featuring wreaths, swags, santas, snowmen, birdhouses, wooden and metal crafts, quilted and sewn items, ornaments, painted gourds, pottery, jewelry, antiques, pet accessories, local honey and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit Stoney Gardens on Facebook for more information.

Candlelight House Tour Dec. 2, 3 Downtown Frederick. This self-guided walking tour takes visitors inside private homes elaborately adorned with holiday décor throughout historic Frederick. Purchase tickets in advance. Saturday, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, noon–4 p.m. $. 301-6002489. www.celebratefrederick.com/events

The Wizard of Oz Dec. 2, 3 The Maryland Theatre, 27 S. Potomac St, Hagerstown. Authentic Community Theatre presents a delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $. www.mdtheatre.org

Evangelical Lutheran Church Winter Market Dec. 2, 3 Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 E. Church St. An annual Winter Market benefitting Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–noon. www.twinspires.org/socialministry

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Santa’s Farm Fest Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10 Green Meadows Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. Get a picture with Santa and the Grinch, and enjoy a day on the farm with hands-on animal visits, holiday hay rides, food, fire pits and more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $. 301-865-9203. www.greenmeadowsevents.com Winter Express Dec. 2, 16 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Join Santa and the Ice Queen and Princess for a Christmas celebration featuring sing alongs, a magical platform performance and a train ride filled with meet and greets and on-board entertainment. Reservations required. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. $.

301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org Holiday Art Mart Dec. 2–23 Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St. An all member show. A First Saturday opening is scheduled for Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m.–5 p.m. www.eastsideartistsgallery.com

FCC String Ensemble: Bach to the Future Dec. 3 Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Celebrate the season with FCC’s String Ensemble at this free concert. 3 p.m. 301-846-2566. http://calendar. frederick.edu

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Santa Claus: The Musical Dec. 2–23 The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. In this family theatre holiday event, it’s Christmas Eve and Santa and Mrs. Claus have a big announcement. After 1,000 years of faithful service, they’ve decided to retire! See website for show times. $. 301-662-6600. ww.wayoffbroadway.com

december events

Jolly, TAG’s Holiday Show Dec. 2–31 TAG The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St. Peruse works of art at this holiday-themed show. Friday and Saturday, Noon –8 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4 p.m. 301-228-9860. www. theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

FCC Jazz Ensemble 1 Performance Dec. 7 Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike.

FCC’s Jazz Ensemble 1 performs under the direction of Anita Thomas, featuring classic jazz tunes played by students of all ages. 7:30 p.m. 301-846-2566. www.calendar. frederick.edu

Ceremony of Carols: A Frederick Chorale Christmas Dec. 3, 4 St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 118 E. 2nd St. The Frederick Chorale celebrates the season with its annual Christmas concert.

Sunday at 4 p.m.; Monday at 7:30 p.m. www.frederickchorale.org

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Santa Trains Dec. 3, 9, 10, 17 Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Ride the train with Santa, take photos and enjoy the spirit of the season. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. $.

301-898-0899. www.wsrr.org FAC After Hours: Jazz Improv with Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band Dec. 6, 20 Frederick Arts Council Art Center, 5 E. 2nd St. Keyes captivates audiences with his deep, commanding vocals, punctuated by tales of love, family and addiction from his six decades on Earth. 7 p.m. 301-662-4190. www.frederickartscouncil.org The Barefoot Movement Dec. 7 New Spire Stages, 15 W. Patrick St. Memorable tunes shored up by silky-smooth bluegrass and Americana harmonies. 7:30 p.m. $.

301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org The Nutcracker Dec. 8–10 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. A Frederick holiday tradition, this full length ballet features artists from the New York City Ballet and students from the Frederick School of Classical Ballet. Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

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december events

General Grief Support Group Dec. 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.

Dec. 7 and 21, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; Dec. 14 and 28, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. 240-566-3030. www.frederickhealthhospice.org Kris Kringle Procession Dec. 8 Corner of S. Carroll and E. Patrick streets to Baker Park, Downtown Frederick. This parade welcomes the holiday season with local children and groups marching through downtown streets. The whimsical procession ends at the Baker Park bandshell for a closing ceremony featuring the lighting of the city tree and the singing of holiday carols. 6:30 p.m. 301-600-2844. www.celebratefrederick.com

Living History at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine

Dec. 9 National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. Civil War medical care comes to life at this special living history event featuring the Blue and Gray Hospital Association. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 301-695-1864. www.civilwarmed.org

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Dec. 9 Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. The classic Hanukkah children’s book by Eric Kimmel comes to life in this actively staged reading. 2 p.m. $. 410-848-7272. www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org

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FCC Big Band Holidays Dec. 9 Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. Enjoy a swinging night of jazz favorites as Howard Burns, the FCC Big Band and special guests perform holiday tunes old and new. 7:30 p.m. 301-846-2566. www.calendar.frederick.edu Museums by Candlelight

Dec. 9 Downtown Frederick and throughout the region.

Discover the area’s rich history, featuring special programming and hands-on fun for visitor of all ages. This free, self-guided event offered by Frederick’s historic sites and museums, includes period demonstrations, living history vignettes, crafts, refreshments, tours, music, holiday decorations and historic settings by candlelight as night falls. See website for participating museums and programs. Noon–8:30 p.m. 301-600-4047. www.visitfrederick.org Frederick Holiday Market at Carroll Creek Park Dec. 10 Carroll Creek Linear Park, Downtown Frederick.

Get in the holiday spirit as you peruse unique gifts, handmade crafts, vintage finds, delicious treats and more along Carroll Creek. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.eventbrite.com

A Christmas Carol Dec. 15–17 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s Fun Company presents a live theatrical play for both the young and young-at-heart. Experience the beloved holiday story with a message that never grows old. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

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december events

Bah Humbug Dec. 16, 23 New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. A fully improvised, choose your own Scrooge, version of A Christmas Carol. 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $. www.weinbergcenter.org Mystery of the Christmas Star Dec. 12 Earth and Space Science Lab, 210 Madison St. Explore the Earth and Space Science Laboratory and enjoy a showing of Mystery of the Christmas Star in the planetarium. 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. $.

240-236-2694. www.edu.fcps.org/essl

The Secret of Christmas

Dec. 16 Urbana High School, 3471 Campus Drive, Ijamsville. The Frederick Catoctones, along with special guests the Alexandria Harmonizers and the Clustered Spires Chorus, present a warm and fuzzy acapella concert with a family-friendly message. 3:30 p.m. $. www.catoctones.com 92 fredMAG

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Virtual and Augmented Reality: Beyond Gaming Tech Talk

BY JENI LUBBERT

Festival of Lights Dec. 15 City Hall Courtyard, 101 N. Court St. Holiday greetings, carols and an inspirational message are all part of this community tradition-based event that highlights the true meaning of the holiday season and concludes with a candle lighting ceremony, filling the courtyard with magnificent light. 7 p.m.

301-600-2844. www.celebratefrederick.com

Christmas and the Civil War Dec. 16 National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. Learn about the surprising connection between the Civil War and the modern Christmas season, including the depiction of Santa Claus. 2 p.m.–3 p.m. 301-695-1864. www.civilwarmed.org

Breakfast with Santa (and Mrs. Claus) Dec. 24 The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. The most popular event at the theatre each year, Way Off Broadway hosts a holiday breakfast for children and their families to visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves. 10 a.m. $. 301-662-6600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have come a long way since their inception, and they’re no longer just the playthings of gamers. The latest developments in VR and AR are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and extending their applications into numerous fields.

EDUCATION With VR, students can immerse themselves in historical events, explore the cosmos or travel to exotic locations, all from the comfort of their classroom. The level of engagement and retention in VR-based learning is impressive, as it enables experiential and interactive education. AR, on the other hand, enhances traditional learning materials by overlaying digital content onto physical textbooks or classroom settings.

It offers a new dimension of interactivity that makes complex concepts easier to understand.

HEALTHCARE Surgeons can practice complex procedures in a risk-free virtual environment before entering the operating room. This improves their skills and enhances patient safety. Patients can use VR to manage pain, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder through immersive therapy sessions. AR is being employed in diagnostics, as well, enabling doctors to overlay patient information directly onto their field of vision.

This improves accuracy and reduces the risk of errors. The potential for telemedicine is also vast, with AR glasses allowing doctors to remotely guide medical procedures or consult with colleagues in real time.

INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS In architecture and real estate, VR allows clients to take virtual tours of properties before they’re even built, while AR can provide additional information about objects in their immediate surroundings. In retail, AR apps are transforming the way we shop, with virtual try-ons and interactive product displays.

In manufacturing and maintenance, workers can use AR glasses for real-time information, improving efficiency and safety. Even the tourism industry is benefiting from AR, offering travelers enhanced experiences by overlaying historical or contextual information onto interesting destinations.

The technology that underpins VR and AR is continually evolving. VR headsets are becoming more affordable and lightweight, while the quality of visuals and motion tracking is improving. AR is increasingly accurate and accessible. With artificial intelligence added to the mix, the possibilities are endless. These once-niche technologies are becoming powerful tools for the industries we’ve touched on here, and many more soon. These exciting developments are not just about entertainment; they’re about redefining the way we interact with the world around us.

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.

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december events

World Ballet Series: Nutcracker Dec. 22 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. World Ballet Series presents a mesmerizing edition of The Nutcracker, featuring Clara and the Nutcracker on a thrilling Christmas night adventure to the Land of Sweets in this family-friendly performance.

3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Home for the Holidays Dec. 16, 17 The Maryland Theatre, 27 S. Potomac St, Hagerstown. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra performs its annual holiday concert, a magical, sing-along celebration of the season with a program featuring beloved traditional and popular music. Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. $.

301-790-4000. www.marylandsymphony.org Nutcracker Sweets Dec. 16, 17 Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike. The Frederick Symphony Orchestra performs its annual holiday concert featuring selections from the Nutcracker Suite and other holiday selections. Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. $. 301-685-3585 www.fredericksymphony.org Spousal/Partner Loss Socials Dec. 20 Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way. An informal gathering designed for individuals who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner and are looking to find peer support and connect with others in a similar situation. 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. 240-566-3030. www.frederickhealthhospice.org 94 fredMAG

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Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship Dec. 26 Downtown Frederick. Celebrate Frederick’s tradition of religious diversity, local history and the holiday season with this free self-guided walking tour of historic worship sites, featuring special programs, angelic choirs and nativity scenes. Stop by the Information Center at 19 E. Church Street for a printed map of participating sites. 4 p.m.−9 p.m. 301-600-4047. www.visitfrederick.org The Bucket List Book Club Dec. 31 Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way. Explore issues surrounding death and life through a variety of books and other media at this monthly support group. Reading the selected book each month is not required for book club attendance. 2 p.m.–4 p.m. 240-566-3030. www. frederickhealthhospice.org Krumpe’s Donut Drop 2023 Dec. 31 Downtown Hagerstown. Middletown Valley Bank presents the Krumpe’s Donut Drop to kick off 2024, complete with fireworks, live music, kids’ activities and free coffee, hot chocolate and donuts.

5 p.m.–7 p.m. www.mdtheatre.org/donut Family New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31 Adventure Park USA, 11113 West Baldwin Road, New Market. Ring in the New Year with the whole family at this fun event that includes indoor attractions, engaging games and a massive balloon drop at midnight. 9 p.m.–12:30 a.m. $. 301-8656800. www.adventureparkusa.com

History at the Holidays Backyard Tourist

BY JAKE WYNN

During this time of year, the Frederick County community serves up two great events that fuse history with holiday spirit, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich past of the region while getting into the festive mood.

Look no further than the great traditions surrounding Museums by Candlelight and the Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship. Both provide experiences that are sure to leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for Frederick County’s rich history.

The community is home to an array of remarkable museums and historic sites that come to life during the annual Museums by Candlelight, held this year on Dec. 9. At more than 25 locations spanning the county, visitors will find living history events, children’s activities, live music and guided tours.

Each site is open with free admission, offering an opportunity for everyone to experience these museums and historic buildings during the holiday season. Programs begin at noon around the county.

This year, Museums by Candlelight is also the concluding event in Frederick County’s 275th Anniversary celebration. At 7:30 p.m., a special program at Rose Hill Manor Park and Museums will mark the official end of the 275th commemoration.

Eric Byrd Trio performs A Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 23 Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Enjoy a screening of the heartwarming animated cartoon, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” followed by a live performance of the Vince Guaraldi masterpiece jazz score performed by the Eric Byrd Trio. 8 p.m. $.

301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org FM

Frederick County also offers an equally enchanting experience with the Candlelight Tours of Historic Houses of Worship.

This event celebrates its 37th iteration on the evening of Dec. 26, inviting visitors to explore numerous historic churches that are situated in Downtown Frederick.

Frederick is a treasure trove of historic places of worship, many of which have stood for centuries. During the tour, these sacred spaces are aglow with candlelight, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the beauty of the architecture, the harmonious carols sung by choirs and the historical significance of these spaces.

The tours also provide an opportunity to learn about the diverse religious traditions that have contributed to the fabric of Frederick County.

From the graceful elegance of St. John’s Catholic Church to the simplicity and grace of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, each house of worship has its own unique story to tell. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Head to 19 E. Church St. to find the information center for the event.

Attending Museums by Candlelight and the Candlelight Tours of Historic Houses of Worship is a memorable way to experience history during the holidays. Beyond the historical and architectural significance, the candlelit ambiance and the warm glow of the holiday season evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. It’s a reminder of the simple joys that transcend time and connect us with the past. Learn more at visitfrederick.org.

Jake Wynn is the 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.

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Sleigh Ride ✶

BY JODY BRUMAGE

look back

ARCHIVIST, HERITAGE FREDERICK

T

THIS CHARMING WINTER SCENE FROM BUCKEYSTOWN CAPTURED WILLIAM AND SARAH THOMAS as they took their daughter, Virginia, on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered village.

William Henry Thomas was born in 1878 to a long-established family in Buckeystown. His mother, Sarah Catherine Thomas, was a sister of prominent businessman and philanthropist Joseph Dill Baker. William’s father, Charles Franklin Thomas, was orphaned at a young age and raised by the Bakers, working at the family’s Standard Lime and Stone Company, becoming the general manager of the firm.

Charles also served as a trustee of the family’s Buckingham Industrial School for Boys.

Around the turn of the 20th century, Charles struck out on his own and built a general store in the center of Buckeystown. Two years later, he and his

son, William, established a brickyard along the northern bank of Rocky Fountain Creek. The brickyard became an industrial center for Buckeystown, where coal was sold in addition to masonry building materials.

C.F. Thomas and Son furnished bricks for the construction of several houses in Buckeystown, including the residence seen in the background of this photograph.

Charles Thomas built the house in 1907 for William, who soon occupied it with his wife, Sarah Emily Veasey Thomas. Daughter Virginia was born there in 1909. Ill health forced William to leave the brick business and relocate his family, first to Atlantic City, N.J., and later to Pasadena, Calif., where he died in 1938.

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