72 HOURS April 17, 2025

APRIL

17

INSIDE:

Roadtrip playlists

Nearby getaways to unwind and relax

The AT’s Centennial

Tips for preserving travel memories

An excursion to England’s Lake District

Lessons learned while living on the road and more ideas for your wanderings

FIELD NOTES

FREDERICK ARTS COUNCIL CELEBRATES OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY

The Frederick Arts Council invites the public to celebrate this year’s Community Arts Development grantees at its Spring Reception on April 23 at the Delaplaine Arts Center. The evening festivities will feature performances by select grantees and networking opportunities. This year’s 15 funded organizations continue to enrich Frederick’s cultural landscape through diverse programming, from choral performances to theater productions. Members attend free; non-member registration is $20 through Eventbrite.

YOU’RE INVITED: STATE OF DOWNTOWN FREDERICK BREAKFAST

The State of Downtown Frederick Breakfast on April 24 promises a glimpse into the urban evolution that has transformed our historic core into a national model for downtown revitalization. As the Downtown Frederick Partnership celebrates its 35th anniversary, this gathering at the Academy Ballroom in the Visitation Hotel will offer more than just networking; it represents a moment of collective reflection on how intentional community stewardship shapes urban identity. DFP executive director Kara Norman will share insights alongside Ed McMahon, chair emeritus of Main Street America. Tickets are available through Eventbrite for the gathering, which starts at 7:30 a.m.

EASTER EGG HUNTS ABOUND

Let the egg-hunting begin! There is no shortage of egg hunts in the area for the little ones this weekend. Hop on over to Adventure Park Bunny Breakfast on April 19 for a morning buffet and egg hunt at Adventure Park USA in Monrovia starting at 9:30 a.m.; hunt for eggs in New Market at Hawkins Produce Celebration on April 19, which includes crafts, food trucks, and music; Parks & Rec Spring Festival at Baker Park Bandshell will host age-grouped egg hunts, Earth Day vendors, and a Touch-a-Truck on April 19; South Mountain Creamery will host hayrides to egg hunting grounds (plus crafts, bagpipes and calffeeding) on April 19; the Thurmont Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 will be held at the Thurmont Event Complex; Sophie & Madigan’s Playground will host face painting, sack races and bunny photo opps on April 19 and 20; or visit the Easter Egg-stravaganza Tea Party on April 19 at Teeter Tots at FSK Mall.

CELEBRATE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL’S CENTENNIAL AT REGIONAL EVENTS

As the iconic Appalachian Trail marks its 100th anniversary in 2025, local celebrations will honor this 2,200-mile testament to human perseverance. The trail, completed in 1937, challenges hikers with elevation changes equivalent to climbing Mount Everest from sea level 16 times. Annapolis resident Harvey Dennenberg, aka “Grandpa Walking,” embodies this spirit of determination. At 84, he completed the entire trail in sections between 2009 and 2021, finishing at age 80. His journey involved 33 hiking partners and countless memories of trail magic, from restorative massages to memorable meals. Regional AT centennial celebrations include the Flip-Flop Kickoff on April 25 to 27 in Harpers Ferry, celebrating alternative thru-hiking approaches, and several others throughout the region.

FOREVER STAMPED IN HISTORY

Meanwhile, the Boonsboro Appalachian Trail Community Advisory Committee will host an unveiling of the new Appalachian Trail Forever Stamps at 11 a.m. April 25 at Washington Monument State Park. The Maryland stamp showcases Annapolis Rock’s stunning sunset vista overlooking the Hagerstown Valley, highlighting our region’s natural splendor.

THE FREDERICK MOM

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of April 18

Activities to do with the kids this weekend, courtesy of The Frederick Mom.

Touch a Truck

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18

Othello Regional Park, 1901 Jefferson Pike, Knoxville Free Schools are out! On Friday, visit beautiful Othello Regional Park to touch (and hop inside) a variety of trucks and vehicles. This event is rain or shine and appropriate for all ages. Food trucks will be on site. Enjoy lunch at the park while learning about big trucks!

•••

Musical Games

1 to 2 p.m. April 18

C. Burr Arts Library, 110 E Patrick St., Frederick

Free

Join the Frederick Children’s Chorus on Friday when schools are out!

Check out musical games, songs and instruments at Frederick’s beloved downtown library. This event is geared towards kids in elementary school and younger.

•••

Easter Bunny Breakfast

9:30 April 19

Adventure Park USA, 11113 W. Baldwin Road, Monrovia

$20.95/person

Hop into the Easter spirit with a magical morning breakfast buffet with the Bunny himself! Meet & Greet with the fluffy guest of honor then take part in their kid-friendly Easter Egg Hunt. Get tickets at adventureparkusa.com.

•••

Easter Egg Hunt

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 19

Hawkins Produce, 11616

Thursday, april 17, 2025 |

Road, Middletown

$10/person, kids ages 3 and under are free

Hop into spring with SMC’s family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt! Bring your own baskets, hop on a hayride to the egg hunting grounds, and search for colorful eggs filled with sweet surprises. On the farm, enjoy crafts, a delightful bagpipe demonstration, a kid-friendly DJ, feed the calves at 4 p.m. SMC’s food truck will be serving up family favorites from 12 to 4 p.m. For tickets, visit southmountaincreamery. com.

•••

Easter Egg Hunt

12:45 p.m. April 19

Thurmont Event Complex, 13716 Stratford Dr., Thurmont Free

Three thousand eggs will be hidden for children ages 0-12 to find. The egg hunt starts promptly at 1 p.m. There will be exciting giveaways and a special opportunity to take photos with the Easter Bunny! Don’t miss out on this festive, family-friendly event as we celebrate the Easter season together! Hosted by Thurmont Community Ambulance Service.

•••

Old National Pike, New Market Free

It’s an Easter celebration for the family at Hawkins Produce, where crafts, food trucks, music, and Easter bunny will make an appearance. The Egg Hunt Round 1 starts at 10:30 a.m., next round begins at 2 p.m. •••

Parks & Rec Spring Festival

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19

Baker Park Bandshell, 121 MD-355, Frederick

$5/city resident, $10/noncity resident

Bring your own basket to Rec Fest! Tickets include the Egg Hunt, Earth Day vendors and fun activities, a Touch-aTruck event, the Talley Rec. Center Open House, food trucks on site, and more. Group 1 is for kids ages 1-3 at 11 a.m., group 2 is for kids ages 4-6 at 11:45 a.m., and group 3 is for kids ages 7-12 at 12:30 p.m. Preregistration required. Buy tickets online.

•••

Easter Egg Hunt

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19

South Mountain Creamery, 8286 Bolivar

Spring into Fun

2 to 7 p.m. April 19 and 20

Sophie & Madigan’s Playground, 638 Contender Way, Frederick Free

This 2-day community Easter event is for everyone! Saturday and Sunday, enjoy free face painting, a sack race, sidewalk chalk art, Easter activities and don’t forget to get pictures with the Easter bunny!

•••

Easter Egg-stravaganza Tea Party

3 to 5:30 p.m. April 19

Teeter Tots, 5500

Buckeystown Pike, Frederick $10/adults, $35/child

Head inside the Francis Scott Key Mall to Teeter Tots where kids can get crafty, enjoy Kinder-music, take photos with the Easter Bunny, participate in fun gym activities, and hunt for eggs filled with chances to win summer camps and other events at Teeter Tots! For tickets, go to teeter-tots. com.

•••

Princess Tea Party

3:15 to 4:30 p.m. April 19

Pediatric Movement Center, 4640 Wedgewood Blvd, Suite 103, Frederick $20/kid

Pinkies up! Little ones can dress up and enjoy tea, treats, and activities. Join PMC, an amazing sensory-friendly indoor gym and playground, for a fun experience with a touch of fairy tale charm! For ages 4 to 8 years old. For more info, go to pediatricmovementcenter. com/frederick. •••

Rock Skipping Contest

4 p.m. April 19

Prospect Park, 107 Prospect Road, Mount Airy Free

Old fashion fun! The annual rock skipping contest is here and open to all ages! Bring your best flat rocks and come test your skills. There will be various age categories and multiple prizes, such as longest skip and longest distance! No registration required.

Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifth-generation native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. She is the owner of The Frederick Mom on Instagram. Follow her @thefrederickmom.

TIFFANY MAHANEY

Tiffany Mahaney

Visit Sophie and Madigan’s Playground for Spring Into Fun.

Great Wolf Lodge is a full vacation destination under one roof

BY SHUAN BUTCHER

Special to The News-Post

You may have seen their advertisements or heard about the property, but until you experience staying at Great Wolf Lodge, you have no idea how much there is to do at one location.

There are nearly two dozen of these resorts currently located across the country, with the closest one in Perryville, just 90 minutes from Frederick.

The one amenity Great Wolf Lodge is best known for is their indoor waterpark. You can spend your entire stay at The Great Geyser Water Park. The facility houses a wave pool, lazy river and multiple slides that weave in and outside of the building. The best part is you can do this any time of year, regardless of the weather. Of course, there is an outdoor pool as well, which is seasonally open for anyone who wants to catch some rays.

But you may not want to spend your entire time at the waterpark, because there is so much to do on the property and inside the facility. For example, Howler’s Peak Ropes Course is an elevated obstacle course inside the resort that allows individuals, both youth and adults, to traverse across a number of challenges several feet up in the air, culminating in a zip line that brings you back to the ground.

If you have never done a ropes course, it is a lot of fun. Most of the challenge is purely mental, and when you do reach the end, you’ll feel good that you accomplished something.

For those afraid of heights or not wanting to give the obstacle course a try, right below the course is Howl in One mini golf, a nine-hole miniature golf course that has par 2 and par 3 challenges. It is a simple course but a great way for the family to have fun together.

The fun doesn’t end with goofy golf. There is also Ten Paw Alley, a mini bowling alley that provides an opportunity to play multiple games of pint sized bowling. The nice thing here is that people of all ages and abilities can play as the bowling balls are much smaller and lighter to throw.

A unique opportunity for everyone in your group to try is the Moonstone Mine, which is a maze comprised of

mirrors that gives the appearance and illusion of not knowing exactly which direction you need to go. Throughout the mirror maze, there are hands-on activities that kids can also try. This was surprisingly a cool experience. At Oliver’s Mining Company, you can also sift through water and sand to hunt for gemstones.

Next door to the mine sits Northern Lights Arcade, which is a great place for kids and the kids at heart. There are carnival-like games such as ring toss, water guns, whack

n win, and bean bag toss. In addition, there are games like skee-ball, air hockey, and basketball shooting as well as a virtual reality experience. There’s traditional arcade games as well, and lots of prizes to win. Resort staff offer an array of other activities throughout each day, so you almost have to check the daily schedule to plan out your day. For example, during your stay the kids might have a chance to participate in arts and crafts or even take an active part in story time. There’s also bingo,

yoga, and a dance party, which are applicable to the grownups too. What is really impressive is the Legend of Luna experience that takes place nightly when the lobby comes alive with a multi-media presentation that includes visual and audio effects. This happened to be taking place when we first walked in expecting to just check in and were immediately blown away from it. In fact, it felt like we were transported to a Disney-like atmosphere. So that is surely not to be missed during your visit.

Throughout the property, guests can also engage in MagiQuest. This interactive adventure game where participants can search for clues and treasures all over the facility, sometimes in not so obvious places. Provided with a magic wand, adventurers can unlock stories, characters, and secrets along the way with the objective of completing all the stations.

Plenty of souvenirs can be purchased in their gift shop that will provide you and your family with memories from your trip. The resort also has a Build a Bear Workshop available and a candy store to satisfy any sweet tooth during your stay. Other special treats can be purchased at Pretzel Maker and Wood’s End Creamery, where you can get soft serve or hand dipped ice cream cones. Their unique soft serve flavors are highly recommended.

Several other food establishments exist onsite. Some quick options include Timbers and Hungry as a Wolf, which mainly serves pizza and pasta. If you want a more traditional sit-down restaurant, check out Barnwood which has a full menu of items to choose. Camp Fire Kitchen offers a full breakfast buffet in the morning and an Italian dinner buffet in the evening. The resort is also big enough to have its own Dunkin’.

The individual hotel rooms also carry out the wolf and nature themes. Of course, when you get to your room you are exhausted from all the fun you’ve had. Great Wolf Lodge is really is a fully contained vacation in one place and without the need for you and your pack to drive a long distance. Learn more at greatwolf. com.

Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.

Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is a full vacation destination under one roof.

Great Wolf Lodge is a full vacation destination under one roof.

MUSIC

Roadtrip playlists for all of your needs

BY KARI A. MARTINDALE

Special

to The News-Post

What makes a good roadtrip playlist? Lyrics you can belt out, melodies you can bebop along to, themes of driving and roaming the world, tunes with some ‘tude, beats that get the head nodding and shoulders rolling, songs you can blare, some silly songs to break up the monotony, songs to chill to, and nostalgic throwbacks to your youth. Bonus points for songs featuring the names of places you’re passing through.

No roadtrip playlist would be complete without Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” and “I’ve Been Everywhere,” by Johnny Cash. But what else is a must-listen on the road?

Here’s a sampling from my 40-hour playlist.

HIGHWAY TUNES

On the Road Again (Willie Nelson) East Bound and Down (Jerry Reed) Born to Be Wild (Steppenwolf)

King of the Road (R. Miller) Truckin’ (Grateful Dead)

Everyday is a Winding Road (Sheryl Crow) Freeway of Love (Aretha Franklin) Roam (The B-52s) Road Trippin’ (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Highway to Hell (AC/DC)

Mercedes Benz (Janis Joplin)

Life in the Fast Lane (Eagles) Slow Ride (Foghat)

Around the World (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Life is a Highway (Rascal Flatts)

The Long and Winding Road (The Beatles)

Go Your Own Way (Fleetwood Mac)

Low Rider (War)

Pickup Man (Joe Diffie)

Hot Rod Lincoln (Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen)

FOR BE-BOPPING ALONG

All About that Bass (Meghan Trainor)

The Lazy Song (Bruno Mars)

Straight Up (Paula Abdul)

Mambo Italiano (Rosemary Clooney)

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) (The Proclaimers)

My Humps (Black Eyed Peas)

I Like it, I Love it (Tim McGraw)

We Built This City (Starship)

Manic Monday (The Bangles)

Give It Away (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Kiss (Prince)

Come Go With Me (The Del-Vikings)

Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow (The Rivingtons)

Bottoms Up (Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj)

Señorita (Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello)

All-Star (Smash Mouth)

Run-Around (Blues Traveler)

Lookin’ Out My Back Door (CCR)

Can’t Stop the Feeling! (Justin Timberlake)

Take A Chance on Me (ABBA)

Get a Job (The Silhouettes)

Walking on Sunshine (Katrina & the Waves) Werewolves of London (Warren Zevon)

Movin’ Out (Billy Joel)

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (Beyoncé)

Happy (Pharrell Williams)

I’m So Excited (The Pointer Sisters)

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da (The Beatles)

The perfect playlist will set the mood for any roadtrip.

That’s What I Like (Bruno Mars)

Working in the Coal Mine (Lee Dorsey)

Shake it Off (Taylor Swift)

Honky Tonk Badonkadonk (Trace Adkins)

This is How We Do It (Montell Jordan, Wino)

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Wham!)

Got My Mind Set On You (George Harrison)

TUNES WITH ‘TUDE

How You Like Me Now (The Heavy)

Bad Girls (M.I.A.)

Milkshake (Kelis)

NO (Meghan Trainor)

Pretty Girls Walk (Big Boss Vette)

Title (Meghan Trainor)

I’m Too Sexy (Right Said Fred)

Check On It (Beyoncé)

Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles)

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ (Nancy Sinatra)

FOR CHILLIN’

Santeria (Sublime)

Piano Man (Billy Joel)

People are Strange (The Doors)

Black Water (The Doobie Brothers)

Under the Bridge (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

The Joker (Steve Miller Band)

Upside Down (Jack Johnson)

I Shot the Sheriff (The Wailers)

Money (Pink Floyd)

The Gambler (Kenny Rogers)

Believer (Imagine Dragons)

Don’t Blame Me (Taylor Swift)

Come As You Are (Nirvana)

For What It’s Worth (Buffalo Springfield)

Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)

I Wanna Sex You Up (Color Me Badd)

Get Up, Stand Up (The Wailers)

Mockingbird (Eminem)

Moondance (Van Morrison)

deagreez/Adobe Stock

Radioactive (Imagine Dragons)

HEAD-NODDING, SHOULDER-ROLLING BEATS

It’s Tricky (Run DMC)

Casey Jones (Grateful Dead)

Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It (Will Smith)

Turn Down for What (DJ Snake, Lil Jon)

Conga (Miami Sound Machine)

Low (Flo Rida, T-Pain)

Work (Rihanna)

Party Up (DMX)

Freak Out (CHIC)

Take on Me (a-ha)

We Will Rock You (Queen)

Upside Down (Diana Ross)

HandClap (Fitz and the Tantrums)

Jump Around (House of Pain)

Footloose (Kenny Loggins)

Tootsee Roll (69 Boyz)

You Can Do It (Ice Cube)

My Name Is (Eminem)

Not Like Us (Kendrick Lamar)

Kashmir (Led Zeppelin)

SONGS TO BELT OUT

Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)

What’s Up? (4 Non Blondes)

Proud Mary (Ike & Tina Turner)

Respect (Aretha Franklin)

Just a Friend (Biz Markie)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)

You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi)

One Way or Another (Blondie)

Fight for your Right (Beastie Boys)

Great Balls of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis)

Livin’ On a Prayer (Bon Jovi)

Something to Talk About (Bonnie Raitt)

I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston)

Love Shack (B-52s)

Hello (Adele)

Eternal Flame (The Bangles)

If it Makes You Happy (Sheryl Crow)

I Love Rock ‘N Roll (Joan Jett)

I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues (Elton John)

Get Back (The Beatles)

One Way or Another (Blondie) (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin)

Any Man of Mine (Shania Twain)

Nothing Compares 2U (Sinéad O’Connor

Never Enough (Loren Allred)

Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag (James Brown)

Bennie and the Jets (Elton John)

Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar)

Hit Me with Your Best Shot (Pat Benatar)

Get Up Offa That Thing (James Brown)

Barracuda (Heart)

If I Could Turn Back Time (Cher)

Joy to the World (Three Dog Night)

Roxanne (The Police)

Cryin’ (Aerosmith)

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (Rolling Stones)

Black Dog (Led Zeppelin)

Ring My Bell (Anita Ward)

Roar (Katy Perry)

Bitch (Meredith Brooks)

SONGS FEATURING PLACE

NAMES

I’ve Been Everywhere (Johnny Cash)

Route 66 (The Rolling Stones)

The Devil Went Down to Georgia (The Charlie Daniels Band)

No Sleep Till Brooklyn (Beastie Boys)

Kansas City (Wilbert Harrison)

Pennsylvania (Bloodhound Gang)

Viva Las Vegas (Elvis)

Texas Hold ‘Em (Beyoncé)

Georgia on My Mind (Ray Charles)

Motownphilly (Boyz II Men)

SILLY SONGS

Along Came Jones (The Coasters)

Yellow Submarine (The Beatles)

Witch Doctor (David Seville)

You Be Illin’ (Run DMC)

Things That Make You Go Hmm… (C&C Music Factory)

Beep Beep (The Playmates)

The Name Game (Shirley Ellis)

Purple People Eater (Sheb Wooley)

Peaches (The Presidents of the United States)

Big Balls (AC/DC)

Swinging On A Star (Bing Crosby)

Mah Na Mah Na (Mahna Mahna and the Two Snowths)

My Ding-a-Ling (Chuck Berry)

Yakety Yak (The Coasters)

Lollipop (The Chordettes)

Barbie Girl (Aqua)

You Can’t Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd (Roger Miller)

Coconut (Harry Nilsson)

Charlie Brown (The Coasters)

Shaving Cream (Benny Bell)

Kari Martindale is a poet, spoken word artist and teaching artist who has read at arts guilds across Maryland and performed at the White House. A road-tripper at heart, she has visited all 50 states and more than 40 countries.

Music from Mexico! Que Viva el Salterio!

Shepherdstown Music and Dance will bring an all-ages concert on Easter weekend in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from Queretaro, Mexico. These musicians will bring a unique interpretation of Mexican music, using the traditional psaltery, a plucked version of the dulcimer. Dueto Dulcemelos will be joined by their students from the Makochi Youth Orchestra to play a program of music featuring classical, traditional and popular favorites that showcase the richness and diversity of Mexican music.

Dueto Dulcemelos, features Alejandra Barrientos on salterio and Hector Larios on piano. This couple have a strong passion and life mission to revive the traditions of the Mexican Orquestra Typica, and especially the little-known instrument, the Mexican salterio, an instrument brought to Mexico by the Spanish in the 16th century. The instrument remained popular as a parlor and classical instrument until the early 20th century, but it gradually become less well-known. Barrientos learned the instrument, starting at the age of 6, while a student at a Catholic boarding school and

became entranced and wanted to bring the instrument back into the limelight by teaching children to play. Together, the couple have started a school where they teach music to children and give them opportunities to play and learn both at home and abroad. Students from the school have played all over Mexico as well as internationally in Greece, the U.S., Spain, Venezuela, Switzerland, Moldova and other parts of the European Union.

The couple came to Shepherdstown in about 20 years ago, to teach at the Upper Potomac Dulcimer festival, where they met local dulcimer builders, Sam Rizzetta and Nick Blanton. They shared with them their problem with finding good instruments for the students to learn on in Mexico. Rizzetta and Blanton were fascinated by the problem and set about designing an instrument that suited their needs. This project has worked so well, that the couple has returned with their students several times to share their music because they are fascinated to see where they are built. This time they are travelling with 4 students between the ages of 8 and 11 who have gained a good

proficiency on the instrument and are passionate about their music. The concert will be held in Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, on the corner of King and Washington streets in Shepherdstown at 2 p.m. April 19.

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to help fund the Makochi Orchestra school.

For more information, see smad. us, call Joanie Blanton at 304-2632531, or email at upperpotomac@ gmail.com for more details.

Courtesy photo

SATURDAY APRIL 26, 7:30P.M.

KUSSMAUL THEATER FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

All Brahms program featuring Symphony No. 1 in C minor and piano soloist Rachel Franklin performing Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor.

For tickets and information, visit fredericksymphony.org or call 301-685-3585.

QUADER MUSIC DIRECTOR

Unapologetic Songs of the Sea

Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at 3 p.m.

From Gilbert and Sullivan to Disney and back, this delightful concert invites you to tap your toes, sing ‘yo-hos and usher in the summer!

Tickets at casof.org/tickets

Unwind, relax and heal in the Frederick region

BY SHUAN BUTCHER

Special to The News-Post

This day and age, we all need to find ways to unwind and relax. There are a number of businesses in the region that can help you to do that, while also assisting with healing the body.

In Frederick, City Magnolia Day Spa is a day spa that truly provides an escape. I started to feel relaxed the moment I walked in the door as my senses were treated with sights, sounds and scents that immediately put me in a comfortable state.

The day spa offers traditional massages, facials and other wellness activities and body treatments. A relatively new service, the Aescape, a robotic massage machine, was just introduced in October 2024. City Magnolia Day Spa was the first in Maryland to get this technology. The Aescape can be used as a standalone service or it can be used to complement your other activities, between services or assist by prolonging the benefits.

Like a traditional massage, the Aescape helps to stretch out the spine and glutes and work out knots. It is a great way to focus on wellness and take care of yourself. The machine might be great for individuals who like the benefits of massage without the human interaction. “It is also accessible to more people,” said manager Julia Lebe. “Including those with anxiety.”

You can target various areas of your body, including your upper, middle or lower back as well as glutes and hamstrings. “The Power Up” option encompasses all of the above and really gives you a nice boost of energy to get you through the day. The machine is very user-friendly, and you can select from more than 2,000 songs to listen to during the massage. You can tell the machine when you like a particular technique or you can also skip one that you don’t like.

Another option in Frederick is Light Side Floats. Tom Palermo opened the flotation therapy center in 2016 to help people feel better. When you arrive, the first thing you should start with is the hydro massage bed to loosen up and begin to relax your body and mind. It is like lying down on a covered waterbed while power jets of water and heat move up and down your back and legs.

“It is all the benefits of a hot tub without having to get in the water,” Palermo said.

Five float cabins are located onsite, allowing you to totally relax in water. Noise from the outside world doesn’t reach you, and you can turn off the light to float in total darkness. Your body will get to rest and heal. Floating focuses on everything you are not doing rather than what you are doing. Basically, you won’t be fighting gravity, so there is no pain on the joints.

IF YOU GO

City Magnolia Day Spa citymagnolia.com

Light Side Floats lightsidefloats.com Cornerstone Wellness House and Salt Cave cornerstonesalt.com Marigold Healing Center gotohealing.com

and more. Throughout the year, they offer special retreats where you can experience all of the services in one visit.

The water is set around 95 degrees, so it is temperature neutral to your body.

The water is only 10 inches deep but gives you the sense that you are floating on water like a cork. The salt and magnesium is absorbed into the body, providing you with even more benefits. After you get out, you have access to a private shower and a grooming station if desired. Before you head back into the real world, you can also enjoy the relaxation area to unwind a little bit longer.

Light Side Floats has five float cabins, which are small rooms with a large tub inside each one. They also have two infrared saunas and two hydro massage beds. The business offers a $99 package that includes all three services and lasts approximately 90 minutes. It is open by appointment only, so it is not overly crowded.

“It gives you a quiet sense and that you are alone,” Palermo said.

Memberships are also available.

If you have never experienced a salt

cave, you are missing out on a truly relaxing experience. In Hagerstown, Cornerstone Wellness House and Salt Cave not only has a salt cave but salt booths. Inside, you get to lean back in a relaxing chair as if you are sitting on a beach, while mood lighting and music is employed that leads you to unwinding and enjoying the benefits of the salt that is dispersed through the air.

Dry salt therapy, known as halotherapy, has been known to assist those with asthma, coughs and colds, sinus infections, inflammation, allergies, sleeping problems and skins issues, not to mention stress, anxiety and fatigue.

Samantha Frey, integrated health coach and one of the owners of the family-run business, also notes the salt cave is used for yoga classes and business and group outings. A number of other services are offered and are individualized to the customer, including acupuncture, reflexology, saunas, Reiki, an ion foot detox

In Charles Town, West Virginia, Marigold Healing Center combines new technology and ancient practices that can help give the body a reboot. Their Energy Enhancement System, or EE System, creates quantum energy and pushes it into the room. The 24 machines provide a lot of power that pushes out bio-photonic light and scaler energy that has been seen as an alternative medicine for headaches, digestive issues and other ailments. The Fibonacci Sequence and color goes through you and into the cellular structure of your body.

“People have to be in the right mindset,” said owner Michelle Williams. “You have to be open to possibilities.”

Among the various other offerings, they have a Sunlighten infrared sauna and a red light panel, which can help to rejuvenate good cells and destroy bad cells.

There are plenty of other ways to relax — something as simple as getting out in nature or reading a book — but open your mind and experience something that you haven’t tried yet. Any of these nearby places would be a great place to start.

Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.

Marigold Healing Center

People experience an Energy Enhancement System session at Marigold Healing Center in Charles Town, W.Va.

Douglas Via/Light Side Floats

Light Side Floats puts you in a deep state of relaxation through sensory deprivation.

The Medicine of Movement What I learned from living on the road

BY LAUREN LAROCCA llarocca@newspost.com

I’ve chosen to go on the road for many reasons throughout my life, but it wasn’t until I went fully nomadic — wandering through America by hatchback and sleeping in a tent, with no job or home to go back to — that I received its greatest teachings.

Road life provides a medicine that is harsh at first and bitter — the loss of comfort and routine, with no distractions and nowhere to hide.

But as it worked its ways on me, the magic of its medicine unfolded, and it showered me with gifts and insights. I took so many of these lessons with me.

NON-ATTACHMENT

Living in motion offers the experiential version of nonattachment that no amount of meditation or philosophical reading could teach me. When home is everywhere and nowhere, you begin to connect with transience itself. The discomfort of constant hellos and goodbyes eventually transforms into a new rhythm and the recognition that all of life is exactly this: continuous arrivals and departures.

PERSPECTIVE

As Henry Miller once put it: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” This new vision doesn’t arrive all at once — it accumulates in fragments — but I will never see the world or my own life as I did before living on the road.

TRANSIENCE

The fleeting moments of wonder — morning fog lifting from a valley, spring peepers in Appalachia, sharing tea with a stranger who becomes a daylong companion before disappearing forever — became my sustenance. I began to collect them not as possessions but as invisible mementos. They became precious precisely because they couldn’t be grasped or replicated or photographed.

PRESENCE

Without the scaffolding of familiar routines, even simple tasks require presence. Making coffee becomes a ceremony when you’re balancing a kettle on a campstove at dawn. Finding a place to sleep becomes an exercise in reading geographical

fundamental way that every material thing is replaceable, regardless of its perceived value or sentimentality. We never truly own anything; we’re just borrowing this stuff for a time. When life is distilled to what fits in a car, priorities become clear. The question shifts from “what do I want?” to “what do I need?” And the answers were always simpler and fewer than I’d expected.

TRANSFORMATION

The person who leaves home is never the same person who returns.

THE ROAD IS A MIRROR

The road serves as a mirror, reflecting who you are, who you aren’t, who you always were, who you never were, and who you could be. It shows possibility and missed opportunity, past lives and future lives, places and people that resonate and those that don’t.

THOUGHT VS. EXPERIENCE

The road liberated me from my own head — that hamster wheel of analysis, projection and rumination. It was replaced with direct experience: the sensation of wind against skin, the changing light of day, the taste of cold water from a natural spring.

and cultural cues. Even the most seemingly routine acts — washing dishes, showering, eating a meal, working — change each day with each location.

This constant state of awareness becomes a living meditation.

Memory catalogs differently, too, organizing around place rather than dates on a calendar. When recalling conversations or books or other small moments, I remember the campground where I was, the weather, what the air felt like or the light of day or where I’d eaten dinner, rather than whether it was March or April, 2019 or 2023.

THE HEART IS A COMPASS

In the silence of long drives and the anonymity of unfamiliar towns, I started to hear my own thoughts again. Not the reactive thoughts that bounce like pinballs but the deeper currents. And as my thoughts quieted, my intuition grew louder. I began to trust those strange intuitive nudges — turn here, stop

there, talk to this person, avoid that place — even when they made no rational sense.

I learned to let my body wisdom — my heart, my intuition — lead me. The heart is much wiser and its path much more expansive than the plans constructed by the mind.

All of those subtle nudges connect to a larger pattern, a life path that can only be seen in retrospect, when the seemingly random dots connect into a constellation that was always there.

SURRENDER

The road taught me to surrender — to weather, to mechanical failures, to closed roads and changed plans. I learned to let the wind carry me, to resist the urge to control outcomes and to expect the unexpected.

A DISCONNECT FROM MATERIAL THINGS

Material possessions fell away, sometimes literally, like offerings to the journey. I learned in a

The thinking mind recedes on the road, and something more primal, more immediately alive, takes its place.

HOW TO BE ROOTED

I discovered that my roots are internal and invisible, not tied to geographical location but to my own sense of being anchored in something within myself — feeling stable and secure within myself, with no need for an external symbol for this state of being.

You can be profoundly connected while perpetually in motion, just as you can be desperately alone while surrounded by familiar faces in familiar places.

THERE IS SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH FREEDOM

Paradoxically, I learned that freedom thrives within certain constraints. Unbounded freedom becomes formless and overwhelming, like trying to contain an ocean in cupped hands. Some structure or

(See ROAD 23)

Lauren LaRocca

A stretch of highway in Northern New Mexico.

BY ERIN JONES

Special to The News-Post

The loveliness of the Lake District

When my cousin and I were little girls, we once dialed the 1-800 number on the TV screen at our grandmother’s house to request travel brochures that were being advertised. Like mid-90s analog magic, an information packet arrived in the mail weeks later.

We planned a full itinerary for our trip to Ireland, including lodging. Funding did not occur to us, nor did the logistics of intercontinental travel as unaccompanied elementary school students, because the important part was an overseas travel adventure together.

We did not travel to Ireland, but instead grew up. We did have a few memorable adventures over the border in Canada, and I spent time in England for graduate school, but our concrete plans of traveling abroad together did not materialize until 2019.

We jumped on a Black Friday deal for plane tickets to London, traveling in — you guessed it — the spring of 2020.

The COVID pandemic arrested our plans, and before long, my health as well. In the worst of my battle with Long COVID, I could barely walk, couldn’t drive or work, and landed in a hospital. As the world swirled in chaos, we watched our airline vouchers expire. In spite of many dark days, I was one of the lucky ones who began to recover. As I slowly regained my cognitive and physical abilities, my cousin haggled with the airline, convincing them to honor our ticket vouchers.

We arrived in Keswick, England, on a soggy afternoon in midSeptember 2023. Keswick is a small town in Cumbria, in a region known as the Lake District. On the 30-minute journey from the train station into town, the remnants of rain still pooled in pastures and rushed in rivulets along the road. The cab driver told us that just that morning the flooding had been so bad, people had to be rescued from their cars.

Outside the window, we had traded the London skyline for the towering mountains of the Lake District. Unlike the thick, leafy green of the treecovered mountains in Maryland, the hills and mountains, sometimes called “fells” in the Lake District, sport a closer shave, if you will. They are often covered in rocks and grass, occasionally heather and a fern called bracken. As a result, the mountains appear smooth from far away, the natural folds of the topography almost malleable, like they were formed and

sculpted with massive hands. In some ways, they were, as the Lake District draws much of its formation from glaciers during the ice age. Tucked among these mountains are the grand lakes that give the region its name.

It’s little wonder the Lake District has inspired so many writers and artists to capture her wild, rugged beauty. The delightful world of Beatrix Potter sprung from the Lake District, as did the sailing adventures of Arthur Ransome’s “Swallows and Amazons” series. The sublime grandeur of the region stirred deeply in the hearts of the Romantic poets. William Wordsworth famously “Wandered lonely as a cloud,” before he became transfixed with, “A host of golden Daffodils/ Beside the lake, beneath the trees,/ fluttering and

dancing in the breeze.”

I dream of one day visiting all the little towns that are dotted around the Lake District, but so far it is Keswick that keeps drawing me back. Keswick sits on the edge of Derwent Water lake, surrounded by vast peaks and sheep-dotted hills. The stone streets and rows of shops and pubs in the center of town give the town a fairytale aesthetic. At the same time, the shops — and even the shoppers — are largely oriented to the outdoors. People and dogs alike move about the town geared up for a hike or muddy

with the remnants of one. Dogs are welcome in pubs but happiest rambling the many hillsides and trails that wind throughout the region. A wet dog in the Lake District is joy personified.

Along the hillside that overlooks the water are quaint row houses that have been converted to bed and breakfasts, many of which are familyrun. We heaved our suitcases through the narrow stairwells to the top floor and collapsed into our comfortable room. Outside the window, the steady drops on the slate roof tile grew softer, and the leaves outside began to shimmer with sunlight peeking through.

Downtown was an easy walk through a tunnel painted with woodland creatures and usually echoing with the sound of a busker. We tucked into the corner of a cozy pub. There, serenaded by ABBA and the punchy northern dialects of the locals, we feasted on golden, crackling fish and chips, and a side of mushy peas.

After dinner, we picked up a bottle of rosé from a nearby convenience store, as well as a touristy mug. We hurried towards the water and up a hillside overlooking Derwent Water lake to catch the sunset. Raindrops plodded onto the grass with increasing frequency, but instead of scattering and fleeing indoors, we lingered. The sky turned the color of the rosé and the bottle grew lighter and lighter. Soaking wet dogs ran by as Cumbrians, unhindered by rain as ever, trudged along the mountain side.

The sun turned the puffy clouds golden as it slowly sank below the peak. The moment would have been impressive under the best of circumstances, but represented so much more to us after the many hurdles we had faced in getting there.

The days ahead held lake tours in wooden boats, open air markets, the best gin and tonics of our lives, the silliest British late-night shows, and eventually a train that would take us even further north to Scotland. But for our first night in Keswick, the Lake District was really showing off.

Erin Jones is a freelance writer, former humanities teacher and owner of Galvanize & Grow Copywriting. She holds a BA in English from Hood College and an MA in English from the Bread Loaf School of English, through which she studied literature at Middlebury College and Oxford University. Learn more at erinjoneswriter.com, or follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter.

The magic of Keswick is a bit like a fairytale.

Photos by Erin Jones

Keswick is a small town in England’s Lake District.

Keswick is a small town in England’s Lake District.

Senior Capstone Exhibits — through April 25 and April 29 to May 9, Esther Prangley Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with gallery talk at 6 p.m. April 17 and May 1. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 410-8572592 or mcdaniel.edu.

”In Stone: A Study of Stone in Paint and Jewelry” — through April 27, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Oil paintings by Caroline Mayer and jewelry by Stephanie Schaub, sets out to bring the element of stone to our attention and to look at the many beautiful forms it can have. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770 or nomagalleryfrederick.com.

Dual Show: “Old Paintings by An Old Man” and “Abstract Paintings”: — through April 27, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Featuring sculptural artwork by Doug Moulden and abstract artwork by Lynn Hotes. Noon to 5 p.m. weekends. eastsideartistsgallery. com.

Bettie Awards Exhibition — through April 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View artworks created by local youth selected as the 2025 Bettie Award winners. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Mix It Up!” — through April 27, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Features the county-wide artists of the Frederick County Art Association and their diverse talents. Call 301-473-7680 for gallery hours.

”Still Waiting for the Light” — through April 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. Carol Williams compares her art to political cartoons, using the “women’s work” of quilting and sewing, rather than pen and paper, to make statements about women, the environment, race, and politics. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-6980656 or delaplaine.org.

”Layers of Wonder: A Journey Through Nature’s Depth” — through April 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This collaborative exhibition between Elizabeth Willson and Regina Boston uses photography as a means to explore the intersection of elements within the natural world that compel the mind toward wonder. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.

org.

”Emerging Perspectives” — through April 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This annual juried exhibition highlights young adult artists at the onset of their creative endeavors. Works in a variety of media. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine. org.

”Shield and Reveal” — through April 27,

photo

Carol Williams exhibits “Still Waiting for the Light” at the Delaplaine Arts Center through April 27. Shown here, “The Puzzle,” by Williams.

Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Liana Owad’s work is a reflection of the intricate dynamics of domestic spaces and the way that these spaces shape identity within the ebb and flow of their characteristics of protection and vulnerability. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”The Sound of Line” — through April 27, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Part of the continued “Wine and Art Series.” An exhibit of artwork by Bryan Jernigan, an abstract artist from the metropolitan region of Washington, D.C. His work is especially interesting for the statement it makes about the authority, traffic, purposefulness and chaos of our capital city. His roots are rural but he has been immersed in this urban area for 35 year. Open weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment other days. 301-4662413.

”Youth Perspectives” — through May 2, City Hall, 101 N. Court St., Frederick. Featuring artwork and images alongside accompanying text by Frederick youth ages 2 to 24. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership and Transformative Arts Projects. City Hall hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 301-600-1380 or cityoffrederickmd.gov

”The Sincerest Form: Master Art Copyists” — through May 11, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Special project featuring the work of regionally based artists officially authorized as “master copyists” by the National Gallery of Art, creating on-site new copies based on MFA collection, Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. May 10, 1-3 p.m. Master Art Copyists close-out ceremony and panel discussion; free, light refreshments. 301739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

Cumberland Valley Photographers Exhibit — through July 27, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Juried, annual exhibition showcasing artists of the Cumberland Valley region. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

Student Art Showcase — April 24 through May 2, Kepler Center, Hagerstown Community College, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown. Features artwork from students enrolled in the visual arts studio courses this spring, including drawing, painting, photography, digital art and ceramics. Opening reception 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 24, with musical and choral ensembles, creative writing readings and awards by the HCC Alumni Association for visual artists. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 240-5002221 or hagerstowncc.edu.

“Into the Bittersweet Wood” — May 5 to 16 at Hood College Tatem Arts Center Gallery in Frederick. MFA thesis exhibition by Annie Boyer. Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. May 10.

”Tea and Tranquility: Savoring the Beauty of Small Moments” — May 1 through June 30, Frederick 50+ (Senior) Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick. Jamie Moore is a food, lifestyle and fine art photographer based in Frederick County. Her work will be on display at the Rosemary & Thyme Gallery in the Frederick 50+ Community Center. Hours are 8:30 am. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 301-600-3525. www. essentialquince.com.

”Old Gods” — May 3 through June 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Sumner Crenshaw’s paintings pull from mythological and folkloric imagery to explore the inner psyche. The artist brings to life figures from many pantheons, including Greek, Irish, Welsh, Norse, and Persian traditions. Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”SILVER: A Journey Through Space and Time” — May 3 through June 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Multidimensional digital art and animation photography by Dan Silver. Fusing colorful animated loops and photography in collaboration with technology, Silver finds the process forms the journey of his art, continually inventing a new creative communication between mediums. Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Hinterland” — May 3 through June 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This series of paintings reflect upon DeAnna Boyer’s relationship with and understanding of nature, inspired by time spent sketching and observing various biodiverse ecosystems from the Appalachian Mountains to the Burren National Park in Ireland. Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

National Juried Exhibition — May 3 through July 13, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Features works in a variety of media by artists from around the region and the nation. Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-6980656 or delaplaine.org.

”Interpretations” — May 3 through June 1, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Featuring artworks by two visual storytellers: Watercolors by Vicki Clarkson and colored pencil by Lis Zadravec. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. May 3 with music by Airmont Road Band 2-4 p.m. Artist talks: Vicki Clarkson at 3 p.m. May 10, Lis Zadravec at 3 p.m. May 25. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 703-537-6345 or www.lisarts.com, eastsideartistsgallery.com.

Courtesy

The art of preserving travel memories

BY KARI A. MARTINDALE

Special to The News-Post

Trips always come to an end, but there are many ways to embed memories of your travels into your everyday life to keep your travels alive for years to come. Our home is filled, floor to ceiling, with travel memories.

THE WALLS

I admittedly am not a minimalist. I love to cover our walls with memories. Recently, my husband was in a Zoom meeting and someone asked if he was working from a pub or museum because he was surrounded by an eclectic gallery wall of photos, postcards, menus, plaques and artwork.

A postcard can be as lovely as an expensive print, and they’re more affordable and easier to transport home. Still, sometimes I buy fun prints, like a burlesque woman being swept up by an umbrella above a Czech city and mythical elves from Finland; or artwork, such as an Italian street artist’s painting of a Venetian canal, or a watercolor of a Dutch farm that I picked up in an antique shop near some windmills we’d pulled over to see near Amsterdam.

Placemats are usually free and can be a colorful way to brighten up your walls. It always evokes memories of that meal, that restaurant, that city. One vivid red placemat from Spain features a full menu, complete with pictures of each of the Basque dishes. A placemat from Bremen, Germany, features the Musicians of Bremen, from Grimms’ fairy tales, all eating in the Rathaus where we’d enjoyed a meal during an unexpected snowstorm.

Maps make interesting wall art and are often free at tourist centers. They can be a reminder of walking around that city, whether in awe or in misery. Among the maps on our wall, you’ll find Rome, with highlighted routes reminding me of towing my then-6-year-old daughter all over the city in the sweltering heat of August; Normandy, which reminds me of

Eating off of Portuguese dessert plates brings back memories of a shopkeeper in Porto.

features of the location.

We also have a photo map of the U.S. made by Thunder Bunny Labs. When you have a photo for a state, you place an order and the print is in the shape of the country for easy insertion. While I’ve been to all 50 States, we reserve the frame for times at least two family members visited the state together, making it a true family frame.

Every now and then, I’ll print a Google My Maps representation of a roadtrip route we took in order to accurately reflect a trip.

biking into the wind during a family roadtrip; and old-town Girona, Spain, where I spent a few days stuffing my face with xuixos.

A fun map of Germany’s Maerchenstrasse includes illustrations of Brothers Grimm fairy tale characters by each stop. It hangs by our entryway, reminding us of our first German roadtrip, my daughter still firmly seated in suspension of disbelief, peering through binoculars in search of the Big Bad Wolf and fearing that the prick of a needle might throw her into a deep slumber.

Maps of National Parks remind me of many scenic drives, but the map of

Sequoia National Parks reminds me of my husband getting lost on a hike while my daughter and I waited for hours on a boardwalk trail, worried that he’d been eaten by a bear.

We have a personalized wall map with pins in it for countries we’ve visited, but I didn’t stop there: small frames of the different countries surround the map. Nearby, a map of the National Park System is flanked by brochure holders that hold maps of parks we’ve visited, and postcard holders feature scratch-off postcards for national parks and world cities, marking the must-see and must-do

The Maryland Theatre presents Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Friday, June 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM

As a linguist, I like to surround myself with as many foreign languages as I can, including event posters and programs, postcards and even Happy Meal boxes. Brochures are often colorful and feature illustrations that evoke happy memories.

A program for the street fair La Festa Major de Gràcia hangs on the wall, reminding us of when we happened upon the festival while wandering the streets of Barcelona.

I pick up small signs to hang around the house, such as brass men’s and women’s bathroom door plates written in Gaelic from a roadtrip of Ireland, a Polish tile W.C. sign, a metal “chambre” bedroom sign from France, and German signs throughout the house.

I’ve used toiletry bottles from

(See COLLECTIONS 26)

Photos by Kari Martindale

Jars filled with shells and pebbles collected on beaches.

Celebrating 100 years of adventure on the

BY GARY BENNETT Special to The News-Post

In 2025, the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, celebrates 100 years of measuring the skills, endurance and heart of thousands of intrepid adventurers.

Over 3,000 hikers attempt to complete the entire length in any given year. Only about one in four succeed. The successful ones are forever known as “thru-hikers” and are treated on the trail with the awe and respect they deserve.

Along with these remarkable thruhikers, the AT also welcomes and tests the more modest among us: day-hikers, section hikers and “2,000-milers.” The latter are pretty amazing, too. They are the people who hike the entire distance of the AT but not all at one time and not necessarily all in one year.

From its humble beginning at a conference of likeminded hikers and outdoorsmen in March 1925 to today, the AT has provided what was once unthinkable: a continuous, 2,200-mile footpath, skipping along the tops of the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. The trail was ultimately completed in 1937.

To be sure, the trail tests one’s mettle at every turn. The terrain is mountainous for its entire length, with an elevation gain and loss equivalent to hiking Mt. Everest from sea level and back 16 times. Hikers of all stripes grouchily complain about the PUDs — the seemingly “pointless ups and downs.” The trail passes through some of the densest wilderness in the U.S.

GRANDPA WALKING

Although not a thru-hiker, Annapolis resident and divorced father of three Harvey Dennenberg is as adventurous as they come. He has been alive for almost the entirety of the AT’s existence. The 84-year-old hiking savant is a proud 2,000-miler. He completed the entire trail in sections, beginning at age 68 in September 2009 and finishing up in 2021 at age 80. He lectures about the AT and has written a book, “Maine’s Appalachian Trail: How Seniors Made Section Hiking Easier,” which is available on Amazon and other sites and is also part of the permanent collection at the Appalachian Trail Museum in Pennsylvania. And, no, he is not the oldest to ever complete the trail. But he’s close! Dennenberg, known as “Grandpa Walking” (because all hikers must have a trail name) credits reading Bill Bryson’s famous book, “A Walk in the Woods,” in 2000 as his impetus for taking on the

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Centennial Celebration continues throughout 2025 with events in all 14 AT states. You can visit the Centennial website at keepthetrailalive.org to learn about the ATC’s history, purchase merchandise, schedule upcoming events and find ways to get involved. Here are some close-by events.

Flip-Flop Kickoff

April 25-27

Harpers Ferry, W.Va. flipflopkickoff.org

Appalachian Trail Days Festival

May 16-18

Damascus, Va. visitdamascus.org/traildays

Celebrates the alternative thru-hike of the AT where hikers begin their journey in Harpers Ferry heading north and then return to head south — a flip-flop.

AT. There was something special about Bryson’s account of attempting but failing to complete the trail with his overweight friend Katz that piqued Dennenberg’s curiosity. Could he do it? He began to think he could.

He had some hiking experience. In 1993 he bought a second home in Boulder, Colorado, and hiked the local trails in the summer. He did his first modest AT day-hike in 2003 and then some overnight backpacking in 2005.

He retired in 2007 and moved to Maryland. Living in Lutherville, he fre-

The “Friendliest Town on the Trail” celebrates hiker culture like no other.

Loudoun AT Festival

June 7

Hillsboro, Va. loudounat.org

Celebrates the work of the ATC and how to get involved in taking care of the trail. Free swag.

Harrisonburg AT Celebration

June 14

Harrisonburg, Va. facebook.com/HarrisonburgATC

In collaboration with the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s Best Weekend Ever.

quented the trails around Loch Raven Reservoir and even did some camping and hiking in Frederick County at Catoctin State Park. One early AT section hike took him and a partner across Maryland from Pen Mar Park southbound to Harpers Ferry over four days.

Two hikers wear rain gear on the Appalachian

Over the next 12 years, he completed the AT in all 14 states, often hiking with other seniors — 33 different partners at last count, several of whom were women.

Dennenberg counts these many hiking partners and how they helped him among his fondest memories.

“Lee and Randy taught me two-car,

Dennenberg began his AT journey in earnest in 2009 by driving to Maine and attempting to scale Mount Katahdin, the infamous starting/ending point of the AT that stands over 5,700 feet high, is often snow-covered and is always rocky and treacherous for even the most seasoned hiker. He failed on this attempt “off the couch,” but he was hooked.

Courtesy photo

Harvey Dennenberg, aka Grandpa Walking.

Trail in

Appalachian Trail with ‘Grandpa Walking’

THE AT IS FOREVER

ceived at Woods Hole in Virginia after nine days of hiking.

And the food! Hiking the AT is a study in deprivation, according to most, so when you get the chance to eat well, you take advantage of it. He remembers a sumptuous breakfast buffet at Mountain Harbour on the Tennessee/North Carolina border and savory meatballs and lobster rolls at another stop.

Not everything, of course, was sunshine and roses.

Heat and humidity were his worst enemies, sapping strength and ending hikes. “I had planned a solo backpack [trip] for three days and two nights in July 2011. I had to quit after eight miles and call my shuttle driver to come get me. I had stopped sweating and knew I was in trouble.”

Fording streams in Maine was particularly tricky and harrowing.

“The rivers and streams have strong currents, and the smooth bottom rocks are covered with moss,” he said. “I always made sure one foot was firmly planted before moving the other foot.”

across. I spent a lot of time crawling.”

While never seriously lost, he agrees that poorly-marked or unmarked areas can be a problem, especially in wilderness areas. Being able to use a map and compass in addition to a GPS device can make the difference between staying on track and getting lost.

Dennenberg never had any run-ins with wildlife but cautions hikers to be vigilant nonetheless. Food must be hung and not kept in tents unless you want company from a hungry bear. Hikers should also watch out for moose, especially in Maine, as they tend to use the trail to get from place to place, just as we do.

The Boonsboro Appalachian Trail Community Advisory Committee and Boonsboro Economic Development Commission will host the Appalachian Trail Forever Stamp dedication and unveiling, free and open to the public, at 11 a.m. April 25 at Washington Monument State Park, 6620 Zittletown Road, Middletown.

USPS

The new Forever stamp.

But Dennenberg would do it all over again if he had the chance and recommends the AT to anyone who has the will and desire to test themselves.

The Postal Service is releasing new Forever stamps that feature images of the Appalachian Trail. The trail was established on the notion that in the increasingly hectic and industrialized world, it is physically and spiritually restorative for an individual to ramble, one step at a time, through unspoiled nature.

road-to-road hiking. Fred and Greg taught me about pre-planning and using spreadsheets to plan hikes. Big Ed, aka Joker, always got water for me when I was too tired to move. Jim, aka Chill, was always calm and collected and a great influence when I got frustrated.”

The hostel owners along the way were also great and always willing to help, he said. He fondly remembers the wonderful, full-body massage he re-

Then there are the infamous White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine. For large chunks of the trail, there are steep, almost vertical climbs and descents. In many places, you must “hike” hand over hand.

“Mahoosuc Notch in New Hampshire is the most difficult one mile on the entire AT,” Dennenberg said. “There are huge boulders to climb over and crawl under and gaps in the boulders to jump

Unfortunately, in 2023, Dennenberg herniated his L2/L3 discs hiking the Long Trail in Vermont and had to quit after the first day. He has not hiked since and fears his hiking days may be over.

Even if he never takes another step on the AT, Dennenberg will be forever known as a 2,000-miler and affectionately as Grandpa Walking.

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Annapolis Rock, a popular hiking destination along the Appalachian Trail in southern Washington County, is the overlook near the eastern county line that is featured on the Maryland stamp in the U.S. Postal Service’s Appalachian Trail collection. The Maryland stamp features a sunset highlighting the fall foliage in the Hagerstown Valley section of the trail. Middletown and Boonsboro are towns located near the Appalachian Trail and are considered an Appalachian Trail Community, offering a welcome respite for hikers. Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at post office locations nationwide.

Courtesy photo

Harvey Dennenberg, right, on the AT.

Photo Contributed By Neal Lewis in Shenandoah National Park, Va., in 2024.

Courtesy photo

A book by Harvey Dennenberg, aka Grandpa Walking, about hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Loneliness of the long-distance letter writer

So, this is the travel issue of “72 Hours.” This column is relevant to that premise, I promise, but give me a second to wind together some themes that will lead into that. Indulge me a moment.

I remember, fairly vividly, a short conversation with my roommate, a fragment from the early ‘90s, so around 35 years ago, when I was stranded in Fort Lauderdale. Ostensibly, I was studying video production and music engineering at the now-defunct Art Institute, a chain of non-accredited, for-profit academic diploma mills with locations across the U.S.

I was resident on the living-room sofa in an off-campus apartment with three of the oddest roommates you could find in a town that seemed a magnet to odd transients in a state that should have had a mental health warning label on its “Welcome to Florida!” border signs.

My roommate, slightly older than me, was given to providing me with life advice on the occasions he felt I needed it, and so it was as we were sitting together on my bed/the couch while he was riffling through the morning’s mail.

“I sign up to mailing lists,” he explained, “because that way, you’ll always have something in your mailbox to open.”

I was too naive at the time to recognize the profundity of that comment — not because it was particularly good advice; it wasn’t — but what lay behind it, the reason he said it, that spoke volumes. Looking back, I can see now how depressed, how lonely he was, and how he craved human connection so much that he willingly signed onto spam mail lists just so he wouldn’t have to face the dark void of an empty letterbox.

Now, this may sound sad and cringy, in the trite sort of way that olds like myself sometimes talk about what life was like before the 24/7 connectedness of the information super highway. But I believe there’s a more eternal notion underneath all that — the importance of curating meaningful, analog human connectedness.

More and more, as we delegate our lives to the digital services of social connection, so too has eroded all the things we used to do societally and in person. Now, I’m not advocating for ludditeism. Far from it. I enjoy working remotely. I’d much rather text or email than have a phone conversation, even with close friends. I am frequently happier staying in than going out. Buying stuff from a physical store? No thank you.

But the truth is, and much research has shown, the contradictoriness inherent in our digital lives — the more we use social media, the lonelier we become.

I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions about exactly what I mean by all of the words in this definition: “meaningful, analog human connectedness,” and how the meaning of each word affects the other and, more, what that becomes when applied as art in the real world. Further, what’s my part in that as an artist? I’m not a bright man, so these reflections, and what emerges from them, take some time. (If you’ve ever wondered why I

Cliff Cumber

A copy of “Tangible,” ready to send.

CLIFF CUMBER

became a writer, it’s because I have to write out ideas to understand them.)

Even this column was born out of a vague notion of human connection among members of the regional comics community. This is a subject that’s been nagging at the back of my mind, as longtime readers will understand (please stop the eye rolling; yes, we’re doing this again …).

I mentioned in my January column my desire to get back to something physical and real — a Thing You Can Hold in Your Hand.

So, I did it. Not a big thing. Not a market disruptor or a grand entry into the pantheon of alt-comix. Just … a small thing. My own personal adventure. One I hope you’ll be part of.

It’s called “Tangible” and, if I did it right, a few people — just a few — recently found a white envelope in their mailbox with my handwriting on it. Inside: two printed pages with sketches, scribbles, fragments of stories and odd screenshots. No logo, no spine, no price tag. No me aggressively pushing a copy into your hand as you wander past my table in the artists’ alley of a random con.

What is “Tangible”?

I don’t entirely know. I’ve called it an “analog sketchbook comic newsletter,” which is both accurate and entirely misleading. It’s not regular, it’s not curated and it’s not tidy — think strange drawings, occasional existential despair, one page about an astronaut floating in space trying to reach someone who can’t hear them. You know. Stuff.

I made “Tangible” because I’ve grown weary of the digital echo chamber — the doom-scroll, the algorithmic dopamine chase, the shrinking emotional half-life of online art. I wanted to make something slower, something vulnerable. Something where I’m not demanding your precious attention. Something you could hold. Something that will never appear online, unless its recipients choose to post it there — an act that is out of my hands. (“Tangible” has no strings. Do with it whatever you want.)

(The little anxious voice in my head right now is whispering, “If it isn’t online, it isn’t real.”)

If you see it and feel something, good. If you don’t, that’s fine too. It’s not meant to be viral. It’s meant to be there. Meaningful, analog human connectedness. The art of the letter. A momentary distraction from the existential void inside your mailbox. If you want a copy, you’ll have to send me your address. Physical. Actual. Somewhere a human lives. I’ll post something strange your way. Or not. No pressure.

Shoot me a note at cgcumber@ gmail.com. Follow along with me not posting that often to the socials at @cgcumber.

Best roadtrip movies of all time

AGARY BENNETT

rt certainly does imitate life, especially when it comes to roadtrips. There are so many great roadtrip movies because Americans really love a good roadtrip. It seems to be baked into us. There’s something magical about hitting the open road with endless possibilities in front of you and the mundane, workaday world behind, at least for a little while. Seeing new places, meeting new people, and enjoying new adventures are the promises of the all-American roadtrip.

The joys and tribulations of roadtrips are well depicted on the silver screen. Folks of the Greatest Generation remember the start of it all with the many “Road to” movies of the ’40s and ‘50s, starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. This series of zany musical comedies took the audience to exotic places like Singapore, Zanzibar and Morocco. We were hooked.

Then, in 1957, Jack Kerouac published his seminal novel “On the Road,” that glorified the carefree and adventurous travels of two friends deeply engrained in the counterculture movement. It captured the imagination of a new generation of travelers.

Shortly after that, in the ‘60s, construction began in earnest on the Eisenhower Interstate System that made it possible to travel safely and comfortably for long distances by car, even coast to coast if one wanted. Ever since, Americans have been off and running, planning their very own roadtrip adventures with friends or family.

With spring comes the unmistakable itch for adventure, but before you start planning your own getaway, settle in with a great roadtrip movie or two to amp up your excitement — or maybe temper your expectations a little bit, too.

10. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)

Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman

This true, cult-classic story starts out with the lovable rogues trying

to steal their way out of the Great Depression, town by town, crosscountry, but ends in the bloodiest shootout the movies had ever seen.

“When we started out … I thought we were really going somewhere. But this is it. We’re just going.”

9. THE MUPPET MOVIE (1979)

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear

The delightful, smart-alecky animated gang make their way from Florida to California so Kermit can begin his Hollywood career.

Kermit: “Where did you learn to drive?”

Fozzie: “I took a correspondence course.”

8. SIDEWAYS (2004)

Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church

A winding trip around California’s wine country allows two friends to explore their love lives and bond before one is to marry.

At a gas station: “I’ll take a Barely Legal, please. Uh, no, the new one.”

7. HAROLD & KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE (2004)

John Cho, Kal Penn

Two friends get stoned and set off in search of a highly prized White Castle restaurant deep into the New Jersey backroads trying to avoid trouble along the way.

“You wouldn’t happen to know how to get on the highway from here, would you?”

“Dude, I don’t even know where the f— I am right now.”

6. ROAD TRIP (2000)

Seann William Scott, Breckin Meyer

A guy mistakenly videotapes his risqué affair and then somehow mails it to his girlfriend 2,000 miles away. They set out in his car to get the video before she does.

Looking at a broken bridge: “Hey, it’s 10 feet. Bob Hope could jump this in his golf cart. See? Watch. I can spit across it.”

5. GREEN BOOK (2018)

Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali

A white man and Black man develop an unexpected friendship as they drive around the segregated South during the Black man’s piano concert tour.

“I ain’t worried about nothin’ … in fact, when you see me worried, you’ll know.”

4. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (1987)

Steve Martin, John Candy

This feel-good comedy classic throws together two lovable but bickering strangers trying to get home for Thanksgiving. Everything that can go wrong does.

State trooper: “Do you have any idea how fast you were going?”

Del Griffith (John Candy): “Funny enough, I was just talking to my friend about that. Our speedometer melted [from a small fire], and as a result it’s very hard to see with any degree of accuracy exactly how fast we were going.”

3. THELMA & LOUISE (1991)

Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis

This quintessential girl-buddy movie runs roughshod over men and other n’er-do-wells until the polar-opposite ladies meet their unexpected demise at the end.

“Look, you shoot off a guy’s head with his pants down. Believe me, Texas is not the place you wanna get caught.”

2. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983)

Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo

Of the many vacation movies, we’ll stick with the original because it is the most endearing. A caring but buffoonish dad simply wants to take his family on a memorable vacation, but the universe conspires against him.

Considering his newly deceased aunt: “You want me to strap her to the hood? She’ll be fine. It’s not as if it’s going to rain or something.”

1. EASY RIDER (1969)

Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson

A truly great movie, “Easy Rider” was emblematic of ‘60s counterculture. Fonda and Hopper tool around on their choppers while smuggling cocaine from Mexico to Los Angeles.

“You know, this used to be a helluva good country. I can’t understand what’s gone wrong with it.”

Honorable Mentions: Almost Famous (2000), Bucket List (2007), Deliverance (1072), Duel (1971), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Midnight Run (1988), Motorcycle Diaries (2004), Nomadland (2020), Paper Moon (1973), Rain Man (1988), Rat Race (2001), Smokey and the Bandit (1977), Straight Story (1999), Wild (2014) and Zombieland (2009).

Local Mentions Local Mentions Local Mentions

2025 BIG MONEY CASH BASH Sat May 17, 2025

Thurmont Community Ambulance

Thurmont Events Complex Building 13716 Strafford Drive, Thurmont, MD 21788

Bring Your Lawn Chairs & Canopy

Gates Open 10:00 a m Food, Can Beer, Wine Coolers and Soda included 12:00 - 5:00 p m NO COOLERS ALLOWED

Drawing beings 11:45 a m • Winner Every 5 Minutes

Must be off premises by 8:00 p m $20 00 Per Person

No patrons under 18 - ID Required - Must present ticket to enter gate No pets except service animals NO CARRYOUTS ALLOWED Ticket holder can win multiple prizes PHOTO

301-748-5359 or 301-271-3820 or Any Friday Night at Complex 5:00 p m -10:00 p m

BIG MONEY BINGO

Damascus Vol Fire Dept

Friday, April 25, 2025 $300 Games

Proceeds benefit Damascus VFD & Damascus Days

Doors open 5pm; 5:30pm Fried Chicken platters served; Bingo starts at 7pm

Adv tix $50 per person

Tix at door $60 per person

For tix, call 301-253-3942, 301-253-5452 or 240-578-0734

Includes platter & 6 pack/20 games Other games sold separate: $500 jackpot game, two 50/50 games & pull tickets

10211 Lewis Drive, Damascus

Must be 18 yrs or older to play

We reserve the right to change payouts if less than 200 tix are sold

CASH BINGO

Benefit St. Paul's

Evangelical Lutheran Church, Burkittsville, MD

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Doors open 5:30pm Bingo starts 7:00pm $25 per person 20 Games + Specials + Raffle

Event held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 401 Central Ave , Brunswick MD For info call 301-473-5299

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Jefferson Ruritan Club Sat April 19, 2025

7-11am

Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Country Ham, Hominy, Pudding, Sausage Gravy, Coffee & Juice/ $14 per adult; Children 6-10yrs $7; children under 6 yrs No charge Eat in Or Carry Out Bake Table; Easter Bunny Present for Pictures; Easter Egg Hunt 12pm-1 pm for 12 yrs and under 4603B Lander Rd, Jefferson, MD

HENRY'S BLACKTOP PAVING, LLC

301-663-1888 • 301-416-7229

henrysblacktoppaving @gmail com Call for FREE est. MHIC 3608

CASH BINGO

Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company April 21, 2025

More than $1000 In Prizes Per Night Call Jo Ann 240-446-0451 For Information

At the Fire Hall 2 South 3rd Street, Woodsboro, MD

Doors open at 5:30 p m Games begin at 7 p.m.

Show a newspaper or social media ad (or a repost) and get a FREE special Food and beverages available for purchase NO Outside food or drinks allowed

CATOCTIN

MOUNTAIN

ORCHARD

Available in our Market: Strawberries, Blueberries, Red Raspberries, Blackberries Pink Lady, Fuji, Goldrush & Evercrisp Apples Bananas, Clementines, Mandarin Oranges, White Seedless Grapes, Red & White Onions, Celery, Cherry Tomatoes, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Asparagus, Cabbage, Red & Green Peppers Pre Made Sandwiches (Limited), Fresh Baked Fruit Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Fresh Apple Cider, Jams & Jellies

301-271-2737

Open Daily 9am-5pm 15036 North Franklinville Rd Thurmont MD

www catoctinmountain orchard.com

EASTER FESTIVAL & EGG HUNT TO CELEBRATE JESUS!

Sat , April 19, 2024 10 am – 11:30 am Crafts & games, ~ 10:45 am Story, ~11:00 am Egg Hunt Bush Creek Church of the Brethren 4821A Green Valley Road, Monrovia, Md. 21770 301-865-3013

Children age 2 - 12100 dozen eggs! Special Guest–The Easter Bunny https://www facebook com/ BCCoB1855/

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 19, 2025

Starts Promptly at 1:00 p m Rain, Shine, or Snow Ages 0-12 Years Old FREE

Visit the Easter Bunny Thurmont Event Complex 13716 Strafford Drive Thurmont, MD 21788

SPRING IS OFFICIALLY HERE!

Garden veggie plants, Flowers, hanging baskets

Back by demand: our own fresh baked bread on Friday and Saturday!

10 – 6 Daily, Closed Sunday 11434 Keymar Rd Woodsboro, Md 21798 240 439 9401

QUARTERMANIA

Sunday 4/27/2025

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Doors Open Noon/ Bidding 1:00pm

Tickets $5 Advance/ $8 at the Door Extra Paddles $3/ Call 301-371-6404

80+ Great Prizes & Food 4603B Lander Rd Jefferson MD 21755

Local Mentions Business Opportunity Services Services

SLIPPERY HAM & TURKEY POT PIE CARRYOUT

and country ham sandwiches

Woodsboro Lutheran Church

101 S Main Street

Sat, April 26,

pickup from 11 am - 2 pm

Quarts $9, sandwiches $5

Baked goods available For orders, leave message @ 301-2713309, by April 23

SPORTSMANS DRAWING

May 10, 2025

New Midway Vol Fire Co

Doors Open: 5:00 Buffet at 6:00

Drawing Start: 7:30

Tickets: $40 00 includes Buffet Meal And Beer, Sodas, Iced Tea 12 Guns plus Lucky Loser ATM Available For Tickets Call 301-898-7985 or 301-2714650

SPRING CONCERT SERIES IN THE UNION CHURCH

3 PM Start Time

April 27th: Emmitsburg Community Chorus

Spring Concert

May 4th: Flute Choir

Spring Concert

May 4th: Mother's Day Weekend

Free will offering collected for all events

St John's Lutheran Church of Creagerstown 8619 Blacks Mill Road Creagerstown, MD

THE MANOR REFORMED CHURCH CEMETERY CO, INC.

Annual Meeting will be held

April 23,2025 at 7:00PM It will be held in the social hall at the Emmanuel Trinity Lutheran Church located at 4004 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick MD 21703

All interested lot owners and trustees, please attend David Hawker,Pres , Rosina Biser, Sec.

WEEKLY BINGO

Every Friday Night

Doors open @ 5 p m , Bingo starts @ 7 p m

Bonanza, Early Bird, Regular, Specials, Jackpot! Small Jackpot-$500 Big Jackpot-$1500 Great Food!

Thurmont Event Complex 13716 Strafford Drive

Thurmont, Maryland Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, Inc

COMPLETE LAWN CARE BUSINESS FOR SALE

• 2006 Ford Explorer, runs perfect, has been used to tow the business for last 10 yrs;

•Tandem Trailer, 4 wh, long bed, tires in very good cond , carries everything you need with no problem for any service;

•60 in Zero-turn, in perfect cond less than 500 hours, (Cannot be bought for less than $10k today!)

•38 in Lawn Rider, all belts & any parts showing wear, were replaced

•All hand tools - right down to the invoices READY TO GO BUSINESS! Selling as 1-Piece

$14,000 OBO for everything! Call 301-694-4721

Yard Sales

BALLENGER CROSSING COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, April 19th • 8a-12

Community of 364 homes located off Corporate Dr in Frederick, MD

CAMBRIDGE

FARMS COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, April, 19th

8 a m to 2 p m

Off Holter Road in Jefferson MD No outside vendors allowed, but outside buyers encouraged to attend!

WATERSIDE COMMUNITY is having their COMMUNITY-WIDE SPRING YARD SALE

April 25, 26, & 27 from 8am-5pm Come early to find the best treasures! All yard sales are individual homes in the community

WOODBOURNE COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, April, 19 8 a m to 1 p m On Jefferson Pike across From Valley Elementary No outside vendors allowed, but outside buyers encouraged to attend!

Services

• Trash/Junk/Yard Waste Removal

• Appliance Removal

• Bed and Mattress Removal

• Mulch Delivery

• Lawnmower & Equipment Removal

• Light Demo

• Welding repairs and fabrication

• Hauling needs

• Dump trailer available for rent

GREAT PRICES! 20% Off 1st Job!

Please call to enquire Talkinscrap@yahoo com

COMPETITIVE PRICING

BIG or Small, We Haul it All

• Junk Removal

• Professional Moving Services

• Yard Clean-Up & Trash Pick-Up

• Estate Clean-Outs & Light Demo

• Garage & Shed Clean-Outs

• Furniture Rearrangement & Disposal

• Mulching & Landscaping

• Hedge Trimming & Small Tree Removal 20% off 1st-time customers 240-732-9442

lukeshaulandproperty @gmail com

LANDSCAPING

Spring Cleaning • Trimming Mulching • Mowing and more Call Will Landscaping At 301-401-4463 Comercial & Residential Free estimates

MHIC # 157234

"When Your Honey

Services Services

SPRING SALE

$500.00 off all in-stock Fireplaces, Stoves and Equipment! Come Visit Our HUGE Showroom 4959 New Design Rd #118 Frederick, MD 21703 301-662-0600

ThompsonBestHVAC com MD HVAC Lic #2 Valid to 4/15/25

STRICTLY STUMPS & MORE TREE SERVICE

Affordable, low impact tree care & stump removal Insured Based in Southern Washington Co Serving the Tri-State area MD LTE #2268 240-285-7419

JR McCrumb, owner/operator

TOBY'S CONCRETE

Driveways, Patios, Basements, Sidewalks, Yard Work and more Call today for free estimate 240-316-2349

COATES LAWN CARE LLC

Reliable, Affordable, Insured Mowing, Mulching, Clean-Up, etc For all of your lawn care needs 301-788-2492 TreyCoatesLawnCare @Gmail com Facebook: @TreyCoatesLawnCare

Thursday April 17

CLASSES

Flow & Go Yoga — 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Center. Frederick., 28 E. Sixth St., Frederick. This class focuses on balance, including balance poses. An energizing flow practice that includes asana, breath control, and ending with a body scan. All levels welcome. Pre-register, ages 18 and older. $18. 301-305-0693. parkerpsyd@gmail.com. www.thecenterfrederick.com.

ETCETERA

2025 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. See our all new and renovated exhibits, now through Dec. 13. Free admission on Wednesdays.

$5, $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

FCC HCTI Bakery Pop-Up Sale — Plus Meet King Arthur Baking Company Professionals — 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. King Arthur Baking Co. is sponsoring a recipe contest with scholarship prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 in awards for Frederick Community College Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI) and FCPS Career & Technology Center students this spring. The event culminates with the popular HCTI Bakery Pop-Up Sale! Savor freshly prepared foods made by HCTI students on site at the Monroe Center. Enjoy homemade soups, quiches, artisan breads, scones, cookies, brownies, pies, and more! Cash or credit card only. Proceeds benefit HCTI student scholarship programs.  240-629-7912. HCTI@frederick.edu. calendar.frederick.edu/event/ hcti-recipe-contest--bakery-pop-up-sale.

Hood College Author Talk: Taurean Washington — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Beneficial Hodson Library Learning Commons, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Hood College graduate student Taurean Washington (’27)

will premiere a new book, “Heroes of Ministry,” along with other literary works under his comic book imprint, Taureanverse Comics. Special guest and 11-year-old author Frederick “Morgan” Fleming will also premiere his first nationally published book, “The Adventures of the Black Eye Galaxy with Ralf and Neo.” Both will share their ideas and processes in the Hood College Library Cafe. 301-465-1087. tcw1@hood.edu. hood.campuslabs.com.

200 Monroe Restaurant — 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Frederick Community College (FCC) invites you to enjoy a gourmet dinner created by the students at 200 Monroe Restaurant! Guests will enjoy a first course, entree, and dessert freshly made by the baking and pastry class. Reservations are required.

$40-$48. hcti@frederick.edu. opentable.com/200-monroe.

Frederick County Civil War Roundtable Meeting and Presentation — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Antietam Battlefield Park Ranger Brian Barancz presents “True Grit — General George S. Greene at Antietam.” Gen. Greene and his division attacked through the Cornfield and eventually took up position behind the Dunker Church. Their story does not fit into the story of Antietam, but they were heavily engaged on some of the most popular spots visitors see as they tour the field.

$5 suggested fee for non-members, free for members. gldyson@comcast.net. www.frederickcountycivilwarrt.org.

FAMILY

Easter Egg Hunts — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. Continues April 6, 12, 13, 17-20, 2025. Hunts will be between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Hunt areas will be sectioned off according to age. No sign up is necessary. Participating children 12 and under will get a Hunt Ticket with the purchase of a farm admission. Bring your own basket or buy one from us.The Easter Bunny

will be here as well for photos. Admission includes one free hunt and our regular petting farm fun (hayride, free animal feed, pig races and more!).

$18 credit only for ages 2+, babies free. 301-865-9203.

info@greenmeadowsevents.com. greenmeadowsevents.com.

Musical Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Music, movement, stories and more.

301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

School’s Out: Squeegee Art — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Create abstract artwork with only paint and a squeegee! Not only are squeegees useful for windows, but they make an excellent paint brush! Ages 5-12. 301-600-6329.

MDeHart@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Elementary Explorers: Who Was Alexander Graham Bell? — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Travel back to the 1870’s and learn about the man who dedicated his life to helping people communicate. Participate in a variety of experiences related to science, technology, engineering, and history.  This program is designed for children in grades K-5 and their caregivers. 301-600-7200.

bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Maryland Writer’s Association: Teen Writer’s Club — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Calling all young writers ages 12-17! We’re inviting teens to practice the craft of writing, share their work, and enjoy the wonderful world of writing. Stop by for activities and discussion with other teen writers. www.marylandwriters.org. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

Pajama Storytime — 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton

Ave., Emmitsburg. Enjoy music, stories and more! Designed for ages up to 5 with a caregiver. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Rabbits in the Library — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Hop on into the library to learn all about rabbits! Join members of the Rabbit Raisers 4-H Club and their furry friends for an evening of education and enjoyment. All ages. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

FILM

Microbiology, Public Health and History Film Festival Presents — 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall, 401 Rosemont Ave, Frederick. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is thought to cause the majority of anal, cervical, vaginal, penile and throat cancers in the United States. Following the film, a panel of experts will address common misconceptions about HPV and the HPV vaccine. Or register for a Zoom invitation at https://tinyurl.com/mph-film-fest. 301-696-3663. chee@hood.edu. tinyurl.com/mph-film-fest.

MUSIC

Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older. 301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

DMV Jazz Series: The Eric Byrd Trio — 7:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The Eric Byrd Trio, comprised of pianist/vocalist Eric Byrd, bassist Will Hazlehurst, and drummer Alphonso Young, Jr. will play a repertoire to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and the legends of jazz that have helped shape the genre. Enjoy the music of Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and

more. They’ll also invite some special guests to collaborate with them. $20. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ the-eric-byrd-trio.

THEATER

“Jane Anger” — 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Jane Anger is a Cunning Woman with a bone to pick! It’s 1606 and there’s a plague on. A certain William Shakespeare is quarantining and trying to write “King Lear,” but writer’s block — and his own ego — are getting in the way. When Jane Anger crawls through his window unannounced, she give Shakespeare a piece of her mind ... and more! $7-$36. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/jane-anger.

Friday April 18

ETCETERA

Annual PEEPshow — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at TownMall of Westminster, 400 N. Center St., Westminster. Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays noon to 6 p.m. A display of marshmallow masterpieces, including sculptures, dioramas, mosaics and even videos, all crafted from or inspired by PEEPS. Admission is free, buy votes for your favorites. Proceeds benefit the Carroll County Arts Council.

Jackson Chapel Good Friday Fish Fry — 11 a.m. at Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church, 5609 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. Starting at 11 a.m. until sold out. $18 dinner includes fried fish, green beans, mac & cheese or potato salad, roll, dessert and water or iced tea.  Walk-in orders only — eatin or take home.   301-694-7315. jacksonchapel@comcast.net. www.jacksonchapelumc.org.

Guided Exhibit Tours — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Experience the Museum of Frederick County History through a guided tour. Join either archivist Jody Brumage or curator Amy Hunt as they explore the exhibits. Each tour is a unique experience based on the interests of the group and what special things staff wants to highlight that week. Descriptions of each week’s tour can be found on the Heritage Frederick website, which includes accessibility notes. Tours are included with admission.

$5, $10. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org/event-calendar/.

Love on Tap: Speed Dating at Steinhardt Brewing Company — 6:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Steinhardt Brewing, 340 E. Patrick St., Unit 102, Frederick Spring is in the air, and so is the possibility of finding your next great connection! A night of quick conversations, craft beer and maybe even a little love on tap. Session times: Ages 35 and up: 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.; ages 21-35 8:15 to 10 p.m. Register online. $25. 240-626-6639. jennifer@nevermoreevents.com. bit.ly/LoveOnTapatSteinhardtTix.

FAMILY

It’s Time for Turtles — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at

Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg Branch, 6400 W. Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg. For ages 3-6. Join us for a visit with box turtles and the naturalist from the Piney Run Nature Center.  Preschoolers will learn all about turtle behavior and create a turtle craft. Food items may be present. Only kids need to register. Visit site for details. 410-386-4460. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com.

School’s Out: It’s Hoppin’ at the Library — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Hop on over to the Thurmont Regional Library for EGGciting activities with our friend the Spring Bunny!  301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

MUSIC

Live Music at the Cocktail Lab — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Every Friday in the Cocktail Lab we’ll be servin’ up our deliciously wild concoctions and some sweet tunes to get your weekend started off right. 21 and older. 301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

THEATER

“Jane Anger” — 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Jane Anger is a Cunning Woman with a bone to pick! It’s 1606 and there’s a plague on. A certain William Shakespeare is quarantining and trying to write “King Lear,” but writer’s block — and his own ego — are getting in the way. When Jane Anger crawls through his window unannounced, she give Shakespeare a piece of her mind ... and more!

$7-$36. 301-694-4744.

marylandensemble.org/jane-anger.

MET Comedy Night: Oh Crit! — 8:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Roll for initiative! Improv comedy fused with Dungeons & Dragons! Join us as we embark on an adventure of twists and turns, bizarre characters, and occasional epic failure. ... All with the help from YOU and the whim of an unforgiving 20-sided die!

$15. 301-694-4744.

Saturday April 19

CLASSES

The Spring Gardener: Growing Veggies

— 10 a.m. to noon at Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks, 1635 Ballenger Creek Pike, Brunswick. Learn how to grow a vegetable garden. Presented by Frederick County Master Gardeners Tiger Waddel and Tracy Grubb. Teens and older. 301-874-4560. scwells@frederickcountymd. gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

English-Spanish Conversation Hour / Hora de Conversación Inglés-Español — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. ¡Bienvenidos! Welcome! Join us for a fun and friendly hour of language practice and cultural exchange.

Whether you’re a native English speaker looking to brush up on your Spanish, or an ESL learner eager to practice English, this group is for you! 18 and older. eschenkelberg@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Maryland Writers Association: Side Hustles for Writers — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join Lauren LaRocca, features editor of The Frederick News-Post, in a discussion about what editors look for in freelancers and other writing tips. Attendees can also share other ways they’re earning money. Presented in partnership with the Maryland Writers Association. 301-600-7000.

Handmade Greeting Cards for Beginners — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Want to learn how to stamp and make beautiful handmade greeting cards? Create 2 special greeting cards using stamps, cardstock, and embellishments. For teens and older. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.

ETCETERA

Audubon Society of Central Maryland Native Plant Sale — at Fred Archibald Audubon Sanctuary, 6011 Boyers Mill Road, New Market. Turn your garden into a bird and pollinator friendly habitat! Our curated offering of native perennials, shrubs, and trees are all resourced from reputable nurseries. Container sizes are limited so the most economical sizes were selected. Order online no later than April 26 at audubonsocietycentralmd.square.site/  Plant pick-up: May 3, from 9-11 AM at the Fred Archibald Sanctuary. info@centralmdaudubon.org. audubonsocietycentralmd.square.site.

Freecycle Event (for Frederick City Residents Only) — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Public Works Complex, 111 Airport Drive East, Frederick. Acceptable items include appliances, bicycles, large toys/swing sets, mattress/box springs (limit 3 per household), mowers, weed eaters and trimmers with fluids removed, grills (no tanks). All items must be less than 7 feet in length. No bags of trash accepted. Local charitable organizations may also be onsite to accept clothes. purses, belts, books, CDs and DVDs etc., electronics and computer equipment, TVs, plastics. Document shredding available. Proof of residency will be required. 301-600-1680. cityoffrederickmd.gov.

Community Shredding Event — 9 a.m. to noon at Watkins Park, 615 Center St., Mount Airy. Grab those old paper billing statements and other confidential forms.

The Town of Mount Airy’s Recycling and Sanitation Commission hosts. Residential item shredding only, no businesses. Do not bring magazines, newspapers, advertisements, etc. Confidential paper shredding only.  mountairymd.gov.

Easter Bake & Flower Sale — 9 a.m. to noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 15 N. Church St., Thurmont. Get the very best homemade baked goods and flowers for your Easter celebrations. 301-271-7877. admin@saintjohnlutheran.org. saintjohnlutheran.org/index.html.

Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship. Free admission and parking. Minerals, original jewelry, fossils, rough & cut gemstones. Silent auctions, door prizes and activities for cids.

info.chesapeakegemandmineral@ gmail.com. chesapeakegemandmineral.org.

Monthly Collection for Little Sisters of the Poor. — 10 a.m. to noon at In front of , 114 E. Second St., Frederick. St. John’s Council #1622, Frederick, is serving as the hub location for councils in Western Maryland every third Saturday for the monthly KofC Maryland State Program to provide material support to the Little Sisters of the Poor’s St. Martin’s Home in Baltimore. 301-305-2127. satterf@comcast.net. www.kofc1622.org/little-sisters.html.

2025 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. See our all new and renovated exhibits, now through Dec. 13. Free admission on Wednesdays. $5, $10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Foundations of Frederick Walking Tour — 10:30 a.m. to noon at Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Experience the history and beauty of downtown as knowledgeable guides share the fascinating stories that make up historic Frederick. Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History. RSVP required. Tour starts at and returns to 24 E Church St. RSVP required. $12, $10, $8. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org/programs-and-events/ walking-tours.

One Vast Hospital - Civil War Walking Tour in Downtown Frederick — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Saturdays and Sundays from April through September, join NMCWM docents for a walking tour of Downtown Frederick focused on the city’s role as a makeshift hospital in the final months of 1862. $15. 301-695-1864. chris.reed@civilwarmed.org. www.civilwarmed.org/weekendtours. Book Signing — noon to 4 p.m. at Barnes and Nobel, 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. Meet the author of “Sour Apples” and get a copy of the book signed. author@pauljantzenbooks.com. www.pauljantzenbooks.com.

Tour Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick. Step back (way back!) in Frederick’s history to see how the pioneering Brunner family lived in the 1750s. You can do that at the Schifferstadt — Frederick’s oldest intact house, built in 1758. You can see how German engineering and home design came to Colonial America. Guided tours explain the features and tell the history of the family and their home. $8 adults, under 12 free. 301663-3885. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

ROAD

(Continued from 10)

limitation provides the vessel for freedom to take shape.

THE ROAD KNOWS

WHAT YOU NEED

The road gives you precisely the medicine you need in the moment, whether you recognize it as medicine or not at the time. The medicine works slowly, invisibly, until one day you wake up and realize the chronic ache of whatever you were carrying has faded.

FAITH

I began the journey with a “leap and the net will appear” mindset — and those nets did appear, over and over again. As I worked my faith muscle, it grew stronger.

After enough roadside emergencies, close calls and unexpected rescues, I just started trusting that everything was going to work out, because it always did. Sometimes the “disaster” turns

out to be a gift, the “wrong” turn the right path, the “breakdown” the breakthrough.

Faith becomes a living thing on the road, a bridge between the known and unknown that leads me along my path.

WE ARE ALL NOMADS

Whether we cross continents or simply move from room to room in the same house for decades, life is in constant transition. We are moving geographically or emotionally, intellectually, spiritually.

Seeing everything through a traveler’s perspective — as temporary, as a gift, as a visitation — is the most valuable medicine the road gave me. Everything we encounter is fleeting and worth celebrating. The joy is in the witnessing, in the passing through, in the momentary communion and exchanges.

Lauren LaRocca is the editor of 72 Hours. You can reach her at llarocca@newspost.com, or follow her on Instagram @karmarocca.

Law Office of Lena A. Clark

What Happens If I Die Without a Proper Estate Plan

Our Ten-Year Anniversary According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about SixtyFive Percent (65%) of all new businesses fail during their first ten (10) years. Although the odds may not have been in our favor, this month marks our Ten-Year Anniversary!

Growing Staff and Office Space

We opened our doors on April 17, 2015. In our early days, we only had two employees, including Attorney Clark. Ten years later, we have ten total employees, including three full-time attorneys. As our staff continues to grow, so does our office space. We have even purchased a second office space just across the parking lot from our main office located on West Patrick Street in beautiful downtown Frederick near the courthouse.

Estate Planning and Probate

Our office concentrates exclusively on Estate Planning and Probate matters. Estate Planning is essential for people of all ages and all levels of wealth. Experienced Estate Planning attorneys can assist their clients develop a strategy that maintains financial security during their clients’ lifetimes as well as ensure the intended transfer of their property and assets at death, while considering the unique circumstances of each individual.

Without a valid Estate Plan, intestacy laws may dictate that your assets will be distributed to your closest living relatives in a predetermined order of priority, which means that relatives with whom you have no meaningful relationship may be legally entitled to your hard-earned life savings. It could also potentially take years for Probate to be over, causing financial strain on surviving family members who may rely on those assets. With a proper Estate Plan, however, Probate may potentially be avoided entirely.

Estate Planning Is More Than Just a Will People often use the term “Estate Planning” interchangeably with “Will,” but an effective Estate Plan often consists of more than just a simple will. In fact, there are at least four (4) key documents that are considered essential for an Estate Plan to be complete: 1) Last Will and Testament, 2) Revocable Living Trust, 3) Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, and 4) Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.

Our firm will create and tailor an Estate Plan for you and your needs and provide additional instructions to ensure that your loved ones are not burdened by having to go through Probate after you’re gone. No matter the size of your Estate, you will help protect your loved ones from having to expend a considerable amount of time and money navigating through the Probate process.

If you need help protecting your assets and loved ones in the event of death or disability, call us at 301-696-0567 or selfschedule online at www.lenaclarklegal.com.

Guys In Thin Ties

10-Year Anniversary Bash — 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery Riverside, 8411 Broadband Drive, Suite K, Frederick. Former members John Coghill, Jeff Carrell and Ron Cruz will be coming back, to join us for the party and will pay tribute to the first guitarist, Mark Amberg. 21 and older.

$10. 240-575-9755. matt@rockwellbrewery.com.

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., Frederick. Take a remarkable journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past. Nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the “paranormal” with “Maryland’s Oldest Operating Ghost Tour!” Reservations recommended. $17 for adults. 301-668-8922. info@MarylandGhostTours.com. marylandghosttours.com.

FAMILY

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Jefferson Ruritan Club, 4603B Lander Road, Jefferson. Includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, country ham, hominy, pudding, sausage gravy, coffee & juice. $14 per adult; ages 6-10 years $7, under 6 years free. Do not miss having your child’s picture taken with our “special Easter Bunny”! Followed by an Easter egg hunt – noon to 1 p.m. for ages 12 years and under. 301-662-3643. rdhigdon@comcast.net. jeffersonruritan.org.

Family Storytime — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Stories, movement, music and fun for the entire family. Designed for kids, with a caregiver.   301-600-7200. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Other Voices Inc. presents “The Wizard of Oz” — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Also at 7 p.m. April 18 and 19. A new, original adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy, Toto and other well-known favorites land on the Weinberg stage, along with new characters pulled from the original works of L. Frank Baum. The perfect family event for the Easter holiday weekend with 2 hours of high-energy dance, music, special effects, and clever dialogue as you travel from Kansas to the Emerald City and back again with Dorothy and friends!   $16-$30. 301-662-3722. office@performingartsfactory.com. www.WeinbergCenter.org.

Rock Skipping Contest — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Prospect Park, 107 Prospect Road, Mount Airy. To kick off the Town’s annual weeklong Love Your Park celebration, the Town hosts its annual rock skipping contest. Free and open to all ages. No registration is required. Bring your flat rocks and come test your skills against friends and neighbors. There will be various age categories and multiple prizes, such as longest skip, longest distance, etc. We hope to see you there!  nhernandez@mountairymd.gov. www.mountairymd.gov.

MUSIC

Urban Nation H.I.P.-H.O.P. Youth Choir Concert — 3 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Poolesville Baptist Church, 17550 W. Willard Road, Poolesville. Riverworks is again hosting a concert by the Urban Nation H.I.P-H.O.P. Choir. This high-energy, infectious youth choir will perform a variety of musical styles, including gospel, jazz, contemporary, folk, musical theater, hip-hop and classical. $25. 301-690-9337. contact@riverworksart.org. www.riverworksart.org.

Celtic Harp Trio — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Enjoy the beautiful music of the Celtic harp, violin and flute. 301-600-7560. fcpl.org.

The Nighthawks — 7:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Born from Mark Wenner’s musical vision, The Nighthawks blend blues, R&B, country, doo-wop, gospel, and rockabilly into a rich musical stew.

$30. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/the-nighthawks.

Jacqueline Kerrod, Harp, & Joe Morris, Guitar — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick . Harpist Jacqueline Kerrod and guitarist Joe Morris will perform in duo for the last installment of Frederick Experimental Music Association’s series, “String Theories: New Music for String Instruments.” Doors open at 7 p.m;

artists conversation at 7:30 p.m.; concert at 8 p.m.

$20. 301-466-8176. admin@pointofdeparture.org. frederickymca.org/ string-theories-jazz-concert-series.

THEATER

“Jane Anger” — 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Jane Anger is a Cunning Woman with a bone to pick! It’s 1606 and there’s a plague on. A certain William Shakespeare is quarantining and trying to write “King Lear,” but writer’s block — and his own ego — are getting in the way. When Jane Anger crawls through his window unannounced, she give Shakespeare a piece of her mind ... and more! $7-$36. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/jane-anger.

Sunday April 20

CLASSES

Self Defense for Women & Teen Girls — 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at The Common Market, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. These classes will cover situational awareness, verbal de-escalation and physical de-escalation. In the physical de-escalation portions, the class will cover primarily “open hand” techniques, not the use of weapons or other tools of self-defense. Each 45-minute lesson will include review of the previous week, some core strengthening, some aerobic conditioning, proper use of hands, and one-on-one

practice of each technique with a partner, with the goal of developing a “muscle memory” response to various aggressor holds such as front bear hug, double wrist grasp, lapel grab. Safety of all participants will be emphasized.

$20-$40. 301-663-3416. aharmon@commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ self-defense-for-women-teen-girls.

ETCETERA

Easter Sunrise Service — 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Taylorsville United Methodist Church, 4356 Ridge Road, Mount Airy. Join us on the front lawn to celebrate our risen Lord! Breakfast afterwards. All are welcome. 410-875-4101.

taylorsvilleumcmd@gmail.com.

Tour Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick. Step back (way back!) in Frederick’s history to see how the pioneering Brunner family lived in the 1750s. You can do that at the Schifferstadt — Frederick’s oldest intact house, built in 1758. You can see how German engineering and home design came to Colonial America. Guided tours explain the features and tell the history of the family and their home.

$8 adults, under 12 free. 301-663-3885. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

One Vast Hospital: Civil War Walking Tour in Downtown Frederick — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Join NMCWM docents for a walking tour focused on the city’s role as a makeshift hospital in the final months of 1862, every Saturday and Sunday from April through September. Tickets include admission to the museum. too. Tickets are free for museum members, but you must still reserve your spot. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. $15. 301-695-1864. chris.reed@civilwarmed.org. www.civilwarmed.org/weekendtours.

Monday April 21

ETCETERA

Mondays in Mount Airy Weekly Food Truck Event — 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Railyard, 3 N. Main St. , Mount Airy. This community event is designed to support locally owned and operated food trucks as well as the businesses along Downtown Main Street. 301-829-9660.

Bar Bingo — 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Frederick Eagles, 207 W. Patriick St., Frederick. Get your packets for $12, which includes 7 games. Happy hour 5 to 7 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. 301-663-6281. FrederickAerie1067@gmail.com.

FAMILY

City Nature Challenge Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join FCPL for a City Nature Challenge storytime! We’ll read books about nature, sing songs, and learn more about plants and animals found in our community. Following storytime, participate in a mini “bioblitz” as we

use the iNaturalist app to find and identify as many species as possible in our surroundings. 301-600-6329. MDeHart@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Baby Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories and play for babies and their grownups. Designed for children up to 24 months with a caregiver. Afterwards, we offer a “stay and play” for all to enjoy. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Story Time with Carroll County Library — Mount Airy Branch — 11 a.m. to noon at Wildwood Park, 400 Park Ave., Mount Airy. Story and a nature-themed craft outside! The Town of Mount Airy and the Carroll County Library -- Mount Airy Branch have teamed up to offer a fun free story time. The event will feature an Earth Day theme with a story read aloud as well as a nature craft. The event, which is a part of the Town’s annual Love Your Park week celebration, is free and open to the public.  www.mountairymd.gov.

Little Adventurers: City Nature Challenge! — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. In honor of the City Nature Challenge, children and caregivers will become community scientists, as we document species in our surroundings! 301-600-6329. MDeHart@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Tuesday April 22

CLASSES

Align and Restore Yoga — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Center. Frederick, 28 E. Sixth St., Frederick. A slow flow gentle practice to engage the parasympathetic nervous system with breath control, body scans, and ending with an extended savasana that includes the rejuvenating practice of yoga nidra (yogic sleep) on heated floors. All levels welcome. 18 and older, pre-register. $20. 301-3050693. parkerpsyd@gmail.com. www.thecenterfrederick.com.

ETCETERA

Open Chess Play — 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Stop in and play chess with your friends. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Weekly Tuesday Night Bingo — 5 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. at New Windsor Fire Dept., 101 High St., New Windsor. Every Tuesday night. Doors open 5 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. Food and drinks available. 410-596-6313. d_pstrine@msn.com. info@nwfd10.org.

End-of-Life Planning Panel Discussion

— 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join our panel as they discuss Advanced Care Directives, DNR forms, and MOLST forms. We’ll explain these important documents in an easy-to-understand way. 301-600-7000.

COLLECTIONS

(Continued from 13)

memorable hotels in various ways–creating a decorative basket for the guest room, or encasing them in a floating display frame and hanging them in a bathroom. I encase tokens, tickets, sharks’ teeth, and other tiny mementos.

Sometimes I frame conversation pieces: if you ask me about a framed slip of paper with Czech writing and a shiny seal on it, I’ll tell you about the time I was pulled over while driving down a sidewalk in Prague. If you ask about the blurry photo of my daughter holding her nose, I’ll describe the heat wave in Paris that drove us into the underground sewer museum to stay cool.

I also sometimes hang my daughter’s artwork. A sketch that she whipped up in middle school while kneeling in front of a building in Strasbourg, France is my favorite. I was on the phone with my husband, telling him how lost we’d gotten ourselves while searching for a museum on foot, and by the time I got off the phone, voilà! There was this lovely sketch. It hangs on the foyer wall.

I don’t just stick to artwork. Another memory that I love is a paragraph my daughter wrote while attending elementary school in Germany, about what she’d done during the fall break. In German, she recounted our road trip. I framed the paragraph with a printed Google map of the loop we’d taken. It commemorates the trip as well as her German language fluency (firstgrader spelling errors and all).

A favorite collage I made is our last name, in architectural elements that resemble letters, including Venetian windows in the form of an M, the Eiffel Tower as an A, part of the London Eye forming a D, my daughter running toward the ocean in San Sebastian with her shadow forming an L-shaped 90-degree angle, and a gondola’s combshaped foro as an E.

IN THE KITCHEN

My husband’s favorite souvenirs are practical ones we can use every day. We grab a rubber hot pad of the Eiffel Tower for hot dishes, we’re surrounded by dish towels featuring brightly-colored illustrations of cities, and we eat off of Polish pottery that we hand-picked during trips to Bolesławiec, Poland.

When I eat from a snowflaketrimmed bowl I bought in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, I visualize my

NOTEBOOKS AND PENS : As a writer, I like to pick up notebooks that remind me of a trip so that I can easily identify the notebook corresponding to the place but also because it can serve as a trigger for future writing. I bought a notebook with a cork cover in Portugal, the world’s leading producer of cork, which now holds lines of poetry from traveling the Portuguese countryside. I also like to bring home hotel pens and purchase souvenir pens and pencils. When I pull one from the overflowing junk drawer, I glance at it and remember a museum visit, a delicious restaurant meal, or taking a dip in a rooftop pool.

TRINKETS : A small table with a glass top holds a mishmash of Kinder Egg toys from Europe, pins from events, golf balls from courses played, hotel keycards and other tchotchkes. Foot-long cork strips on the wall display pins from Disney World.

daughter at 5, learning to ski in the Dolomites, and when I use dessert plates from Porto, Portugal, I recall standing in a tiny shop as the shopkeeper taught me what to look for in patterns and signatures when selecting plates.

A German-language sign by the table lists compliments for the chef while a sign across the room reminds us to eat our vegetables.

I also frame fun photos and hang them in the kitchen. A photo of me and my daughter eating spaghetti in Burano, Italy, hangs above the kitchen table alongside a fun photo of my husband and daughter enjoying churros in Santander, Spain.

IN THE GARDEN

Scattered throughout our garden are Bavarian metal cowbells, Alsacian wind chimes and cascading bells from the Czech Republic. A roadrunner dangles from wind chimes bought in the desert of New Mexico, a rooster tops a wind chime from Iowa, and a loon tops wind chimes from the Yukon.

MISC.

GETTING CRAFTY : A favorite project I did, as a lover of maps, was decoupaging a wooden end table. It makes a nice addition to a guest bedroom. I simply arranged the maps and decoupaged.

STICKERS : My husband began covering our hard-shell suitcase set in stickers starting with the first trip we took with them in 2013. The suitcases are covered in stickers from European adventures, Middle Eastern travels and destinations around the U.S. When one suitcase broke, I carefully peeled off those stickers that could be saved, and transferred them to another suitcase from the set. I get every minute of use out of a memory that I can!

Kari Martindale is a poet, spoken word artist and teaching artist who has read at arts guilds across Maryland and performed at the White House. A road-tripper at heart, she has visited all 50 states and more than 40 countries.

The kitchen is filled with souvenir dish towels.

Photos by Kari Martindale

Our photo map of the U.S.

SARAH KOENIG

Hello Spring

From Everedy Square & Shab Row to Market and Patrick Streets, discover vibrant spring styles, home goods, and unique finds around every corner. Support local, explore charming boutiques, and enjoy the energy of downtown There’s something new blooming in every shop come see what’s in store!