From architect to abstract artist, he embraces beauty surrounding him
Bain Kevin
JUST LOOKIN’ CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Mark your calendars for a celebration this weekend, as Just Lookin’ Gallery commemorates three decades of bringing exceptional Black American art to downtown Hagerstown. What started as a dream in 1995 has blossomed into a nationally respected gallery that’s welcomed artists and arts enthusiasts from 45 states and beyond. Stop by their public reception from 1 to 7 p.m. Feb. 23 to see their “New Year-New Visions” exhibition.
SWEET DELIGHTS RETURN TO MOUNT AIRY
After a weather-related postponement, Mount Airy’s Chocolate Crawl will now happen from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 22. Walk down Main Street and discover chocolate-infused cocktails and innovative treats like chocolate pizza at Tony Pazzo’s. Parents, here’s a sweet bonus: Childcare is available, so you can fully immerse yourself in this delectable adventure.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL BREAKUP DAY?
Plenty of artists have done the work for you in crafting the perfect goodbye message to your soon-to-be-ex-lover. If you’re celebrating National Breakup Day on Feb. 21, sorry and good luck. Cue the bubble bath. From Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack” to Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” writer Gary Bennett brings us his Top 10 best breakup songs in this week’s 72 Hours.
THREE-DAY GOSPEL PLUS FESTIVAL
Get ready for a celebration of musical heritage at the Gospel Plus Festival, running Feb. 27 to March 1. This three-day event at New Spire Arts and the Weinberg Center showcases how gospel music has woven itself into the fabric of American culture. Check out the Harlem Gospel Travelers, fresh off their 2025 Grammy nomination, as they redefine gospel for a new generation.
GAME ON AT DILL DINKERS
Looking to stay active — but also stay indoors? Frederick’s newest recreational hotspot, Dill Dinkers Frederick, is bringing the pickleball craze to town (and inside) with seven state-of-the-art courts. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about what has arguably become America’s fastest-growing sport, their cushioned courts welcome players of all ages and skill levels. As they say: “Teamwork makes the pickleball dream work.”
A COMMUNITY’S HEART ON PAPER
In a tribute to our city, Michael DeMattia’s “Dear Frederick” project is reviving the lost art of letter writing. Started in November 2024, this initiative invites everyone to share their Frederick stories through handwritten letters, whether it’s a cherished memory or a moment of gratitude — or even a poem or piece of artwork. Letters can be sent traditionally through snail mail or through the Lettre app.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Share your community stories and events with us! Email llarocca@newspost.com.
EAT & DRINK
Hinzi’s Kitchen owners share their inspiration for bringing Pakistani cuisine to Frederick
BY ROCCO GEPPI and JENNIFER LEE Special to The News-Post
Passion. Tradition. Community. Hina “Hinzi” Awan has brought her love for — and modern take on — Pakistani food to the heart of Frederick.
Awan is the founder and head chef of Hinzi’s Kitchen, located at 503 N. East St. in downtown Frederick. It’s the first and only restaurant in town that offers a culinary journey into flavorful and authentic Pakistani cuisine.
“I think [cooking] is therapeutic, and it makes me happy,” Awan said, adding that it became a passion.
The dream of owning a restaurant became a family endeavor when she and her husband, Malik, decided to turn her vision into reality.
“When we got married, my husband asked me if I had anything in mind, career-wise,” she said. “I told him about my dream of a small cafe or restaurant, where I could try [Pakistani] fusion food recipes. That was 17 years ago, and here we are.”
Hinzi’s Kitchen officially opened its doors in February 2024. For Awan, it marked the realization of a lifelong passion and a leap into the unknown.
“We didn’t know what we were getting into. I’ve never worked in a restaurant my whole life,” she admitted. “We just decided to go with the flow and see what we could learn along the way.
“Every day is like going to school,” Awan continued. “You meet new people, talk to them, and learn something valuable. It’s always exciting and rewarding.”
Her enthusiasm for the restaurant is matched by her husband’s, who often joins her in managing the operation. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” she said, also crediting her husband’s devotion and commitment for the restaurant’s success.
Born in Pakistan, Awan moved to the United States when she was 8 or 9 years old and attended Gaithersburg Middle School in Maryland. Her love for cooking started when she was just 10 or 11. Her culinary journey began in her middle school cooking class.
“The teacher would assign different tasks, but I always volunteered to cook because I enjoyed it so much,” Awan said.
Her efforts earned her frequent
praise and top grades, motivating her to delve deeper into cooking.
“That positive encouragement pushed me to try more recipes,” Awan said. “I wanted to do more and more, and I would come home and try those same recipes for my parents and my [four] siblings, and they would all enjoy [what I made]. And it just kind of kinda grew.”
She eventually began cooking daily, experimenting with new recipes during the summer and delving into cookbooks to refine her techniques. She developed a knack for blending health-conscious approaches with traditional flavors and focused on creating food that was both delicious and nourishing.
“Everything we serve is made from scratch, using fresh herbs and spices,” Awan said. “We cook in small batches throughout the day to ensure the
freshest meals for our customers.”
Nothing in Hinzi’s Kitchen is readymade or prepackaged food, and all their sauces are handmade.
For Awan, food is more than sustenance; it’s a way to communicate love and culture.
“In Pakistani culture, food is how we show love. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or comforting someone who is grieving, food is central to every event,” she said.
Malik echoed this sentiment, noting that sharing food at Hinzi’s Kitchen is like offering a gift to the community of Frederick.
“When we share these flavors with someone trying Pakistani food for the first time, it’s amazing to see their eyes light up with surprise and delight,” he said.
The restaurant’s popularity has grown quickly. Customers come
not only from Frederick but also surrounding counties and occasionally farther. Malik shared that recently a family traveling through the area from Wisconsin stumbled upon the restaurant via a Google search. They vowed to return the next time they’re in the area.
One of Hinzi’s Kitchen’s standout features is its unique approach to Pakistani cuisine. While it draws heavily from traditional recipes, Awan puts a modern spin on her dishes to appeal to a wide audience. This balance allows customers to enjoy the bold flavors of Pakistan in a casual and contemporary setting.
“All of our food is authentic, but I wanted to give a modern choice to it with my own recipes,” Awan said. “We use authentic spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander and garam masala, but the dishes are presented
Staff photos by Ric Dugan
Hina “Hinzi” Awan prepares a dish at Hinzi’s Kitchen on N. East Street in Frederick.
LAHORI CHARGHA
Lahori Chargha is a speciality dish from Pakistan. It’s made with chicken that’s marinated in a mixture of spices and then cooked on a skewer over an open flame, or steamed and deep fried. The result is a charred and juicy chicken that’s bursting with flavors.
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 1 whole chicken (approximately 2-3 lbs), skinless, cleaned, and with deep cuts/slits
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
For the Marinade:
• 1 cup yogurt (thick, plain)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp green chili paste (or finely chopped green chilies)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (optional, for aroma)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp mustard oil (or any neutral oil)
For Frying or Baking:
• Oil for deep frying (if frying)
• Butter or ghee for basting (if baking)
For Garnishing:
• Lemon wedges
• Onion rings
• Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
• Wash and pat dry the chicken.
• Make deep slits on both sides to allow the marinade to penetrate. Rub the chicken with lemon juice and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
1. In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients into a smooth paste.
2. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it gets into the slits and cavity.
3. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for best results.
3. Cooking Methods:
Option 1: Deep Frying
1. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok on medium heat.
2. Carefully lower the marinated chicken into the hot oil.
3. Fry on medium heat for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Option 2: Steaming + Frying (Traditional Method)
1. Steam the marinated chicken in a steamer or a pot for 15–20 minutes to ensure it’s tender.
in a way that’s approachable for everyone, like rice bowls or wraps.”
As with all authentic and traditional Pakistani food, the Awans strictly follow the practice of halal when it comes to the use of animal proteins for their dishes.
Hinzi’s Kitchen also caters to the dietary preferences of its patrons, offering vegan and vegetarian options inspired by customer demand.
“It wasn’t really part of Pakistani culture traditionally, but many of our customers began requesting vegan options, and we wanted to make them feel welcome,” Awan said.
Malik added, “The Pakistan culture is very meat-heavy, for the most part. We did [vegan options] because we had some very nice and loyal customers ask for it and we just couldn’t say no.”
The warm and inviting atmosphere of Hinzi’s Kitchen reflects the Awans’ desire to create a space that feels like home. They designed the space to “feel cozy and welcoming, like sitting in your own dining room,” Awan said.
Malik, who created and designed much of the restaurant’s aesthetics and artwork, added, “We wanted it to be a space where people can relax,
enjoy good food and socialize.”
Running a restaurant has been a labor of love, but despite the challenges, they wouldn’t have it any other way. As Awan put it, “It’s a gift to the Frederick community — our way of sharing our culture and our love for food.”
Rocco Geppi is a freelance writer, having earned his professional journalist credentials in his late teens, and has made a career out of his passion. He enjoys connecting with people, bringing communities together, and highlighting what makes the people and the community uniquely invaluable.
2. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the steamed chicken for 5–7 minutes, just enough to get a crispy exterior. Option 3: Baking or Roasting
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F
2. Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray or roasting rack.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally with butter or ghee. For a crispy exterior, broil for 3-5 minutes at the end.
4. Serve:
• Garnish with lemon wedges, onion rings, and fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with naan, raita, and spicy mint chutney. Enjoy the spicy, flavorful Lahori chargha!
— Recipe provided by the Awans
Hina “Hinzi” Awan, left, and her husband, Malik Awan, owners of Hinzi’s Kitchen on N. East Street in Frederick.
The Chicken Rice Bowl at Hinzi’s Kitchen.
The Samosa Chaat Bowl
10
Breakup songs to drive home the message
BY GARY BENNETT
Special to The News-Post
Valentine’s Day is nice, but because real life happens, Feb. 21 is National Breakup Day. It should be no surprise. It comes only one week after the big day because, you know, love can be fleeting.
This anti-est of Valentine’s Day is sad, sure, but necessary. Who among us has never had trouble ridding ourselves of that certain someone who seems to just hang on and won’t take no for an answer?
Despite your protests, you might need help in this area. Maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, but the day might come when you’ll find yourself hiding in the bushes rather than spending another evening with Mr. or Ms. Wrong.
Here are my Top 10 Breakup Songs for your life-skills pleasure. I know what you’re thinking, but no, I’m actually happily married. Keep in mind, though, I’m an older guy who enjoys rock and pop tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ’80s, so that’s what you’re getting here.
As I’m sure you know, breakup songs come in two flavors. There are the “I’m so sad we broke up, I’m just going to wallow in it” songs and the “please go away” songs. This list is comprised of the latter. Enjoy your breakup!
1. HIT THE ROAD, JACK
Ray Charles, 1960
This classic from a legendary artist is a verbal jousting match between a frustrated woman and a no-good man.
“Now baby, listen baby, don’t ya treat me this way, ‘cause I’ll be back on my feet someday, don’t care if you do ‘cause it’s understood, you ain’t got no money, you just ain’t no good.”
2. DON’T GO AWAY MAD (JUST GO AWAY)
Motley Crue, 1990
The hard rockers were at their peak with this gleeful, sleeper hit.
“Seasons must change, separate paths, separate ways, girl, don’t go away mad, just go away.”
3. ONE LESS SET OF FOOTSTEPS
Jim Croce, 1973
The mustachioed, blue-collar rocker shows the door to his old squeeze in no uncertain terms.
“If that’s the way that you want it, well that’s the way I want it more, ‘cause there’ll be one less set of footsteps on your floor in the morning.”
4. GO YOUR OWN WAY
Fleetwood Mac, 1977
Lindsey Buckingham wrote the song about his breakup with fellow band member Stevie Nicks.
If you’re celebrating National Breakup Day on Feb. 21, sorry and good luck.
“Tell me why everything turned around, packing up, shacking up is all you want to do, you can go your own way.”
5. IT’S OVER
Boz Scaggs, 1976
Scaggs writes about a fed-up lover who has had enough … but not really.
“Why can’t you just get it through your head, it’s over, it’s over now, yes, you heard me clearly, now I said it’s over. It’s over now.”
6. IT’S TOO LATE
Carole King, 1971
This classic from the great ‘60s and ‘70s songwriter tries to gently (maybe too gently) explain why their relationship just isn’t working.
“And it’s too late, baby, now it’s too late. Though we really did try to make it, something inside has died, and I can’t hide, and I just can’t take it.”
7. ALREADY GONE
The Eagles, 1974
The most successful American band struck gold with an early hit that declared victory over a failed relationship.
“So oftentimes it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even
know we have the key, but me — I’m already gone and I’m feelin’ strong.”
8. SMOKE FROM A DISTANT FIRE
Sanford-Townsend Band, 1976
A terrific, rollicking, one-hit wonder song with the best breakup line ever (involving a screen door). It tells the story of an unfaithful girl who is now getting her comeuppance.
“This lying and cryin’ is upsettin’ and gettin’ nowhere. It don’t stack up, so slack up and pack up, I just don’t care. Don’t let the screen door hit you on your way out.”
9. YOU’RE NO GOOD
Linda Ronstadt, 1974
This bluesy version, from early ’70s queen of pop Linda Rondstadt, congratulates herself for finally coming to her senses. She really lets her ex have it.
“Feelin’ better now that we’re through, feelin’ better ‘cause I’m over you. I learned my lesson, it left a scar, now I see how you really are: You’re no good.”
10. RAMBLIN’ MAN
Allman Brothers Band, 1973
These Southern rockers explain they will be leaving soon because it’s in their DNA and can’t be stopped.
“And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope
you’ll understand, that I was born a ramblin’ man.”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
• The All American Rejects’ “Gives You Hell”
• Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright”
• Greg Kihn Band’s “The Breakup Song”
• J. Geils Band’s “Love Stinks”
• Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing”
• Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”
• Marshall Tucker Band’s “Heard it in a Love Song”
• Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”
• Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May”
• Styx’s “Babe”
• Taylor Swift’s “Picture to Burn”
• Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”
• Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know”
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.
Yana Iskayeva/Getty Images
Three-day Gospel Plus Festival will celebrate gospel music and its roots in American history
The Gospel Plus Festival, a threeday celebration of gospel music and its deep roots in American history, will take place from Feb. 27 to March 1 at New Spire Arts and the Weinberg Center for the Arts.
Featuring a dynamic lineup of acclaimed artists, this festival showcases the evolution of gospel through its intersection with blues, jazz, R&B and contemporary sounds.
The festival opens at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at New Spire Arts with Common Chords, a duo featuring Matt Watroba and Robert Jones. Their program, Music That Matters, takes audiences on a journey through the evolution of American music, tracing the fusion of European and African influences from the early spirituals of the 1840s to modern hip-hop. With an emphasis on cultural diversity and the power of music to foster understanding, Common Chords offers an enlightening and inspiring start to the festival.
Then at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Weinberg Center, audiences can hear The Harlem Gospel Travelers. Fresh
Gatling, Dennis Bailey, and George Marage — are redefining gospel for a new generation. With their latest album, “Rhapsody,” the trio explores the intersection of gospel, soul and funk, drawing inspiration from the lesser-known gospel funk movement of the 1960s and beyond. As the first openly queer artists nominated in their category, The Harlem Gospel Travelers bring a powerful message of inclusion and musical innovation to the stage.
At 8 p.m. March 1 at the Weinberg Center, bass-baritone Joseph Parrish will deliver an evening of music that bridges the worlds of opera, gospel and classical performance. A winner of the 2022 YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Parrish is a Juilliard-trained vocalist who will be joined by three gospel choirs: the Asbury United Methodist Church Choir, the Tabitha James Singers, and the AUMC Adoration Choir.
The Hot Sardines bring vintage jazz to the Weinberg Center stage
Experience the golden age of jazz when The Hot Sardines take the stage at the Weinberg Center at 8 p.m. Feb. 22. This internationally acclaimed ensemble is renowned for their brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies and captivating vocals that transport audiences to bygone eras.
Led by bandleader Evan Palazzo and vocalist Elizabeth Bougerol, The Hot Sardines have performed at iconic venues and festivals worldwide, including the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Their performances are a joyful celebration of classic jazz, blending beloved standards with fresh originals, proving that timeless music continues to unite and inspire.
Praised by Downbeat as “one of the most delightfully energetic bands” and hailed by The London Times for their “crisp musicianship” and “immaculate showmanship,” The Hot Sardines deliver an experience that bridges generations.
off their 2025 Grammy nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album, these groundbreaking vocalists — Ifedayo
Tickets start at $25 and are available at weinbergcenter.org, by calling the box office at 301-600-2828, or in person at 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at weinbergcenter.org, by calling the box office at 301-6002828, or in person at 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick.
Shervin Lainez
The Hot Sardines will perform jazz of a bygone era in Frederick on Feb. 22.
Courtesy photo
Grammy-nominated Harlem Gospel Travelers will perform as part of the Gospel Plus Festival in Frederick.
Courtesy photo
Bass-baritone Joseph Parrish will perform as part of the Gospel Plus Festival in Frederick.
Frederick Experimental Music Association will present String Theories: New Music for String Instruments
Frederick Experimental Music Association will present String Theories: New Music for String Instruments, a monthly series at the Y Arts Center in Frederick, beginning Feb. 22.
Each concert will feature a duo of internationally acclaimed virtuosi. Over the course of the series, a wide variety of Western and Asian string instruments will be heard.
The participating artists are Jason Kao Hwang (violin) and Sun Li (pipa), performing on Feb. 22; Terry Jenoure (violin, voice) and Angelica Sanchez (piano) on March 25; and Jacqueline Kerrod (harp) and Joe Morris (guitar) on April 19.
Conversations with the artists about their histories as instrumentalists, the intents and purposes for what they do, and their relationships to contemporary currents in music, will be held 30 minutes prior to each concert.
Doors for each concert open at 7 p.m., with artists conversations beginning at 7:30 p.m. and concerts commencing at 8 p.m. Tickets for each concert are $20, available at the door and at frederickymca.org/string-theories-jazz-concert-series.
The Y Arts Center is at 115 E.
Church St. in downtown Frederick. There is wheelchair accessibility through the back parking lot entrance.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Jason Kao Hwang and Sun Li
Violinist and violaist Jason Kao Hwang has been a leader in the integration of American and Asian music since the 1990s, when his Far East Side Band included Chinese American, Korean American, Japanese American, and African American instrumentalists. In addition to composing for his renowned ensembles — including Human Rites, Critical Response, and Burning Bridge — Hwang has written extended works like The Floating Box: A Story in Chinatown, one of the Opera News’ Top Ten Opera Recordings of 2005. Hwang is the recipient of many grants and fellowships from such esteemed bodies as the National Endowment for the Arts, Meet the Composer, and the Rockefeller Foundation. Before coming to the US in the early 2000s, pipa player Sun Li was a member of the Central Song and Dance Ensemble of Beijing, performing traditional Chinese music internationally. Since
2002, she has performed with the New York-based Music from China, garnering acclaim for her “virtuosic and colorful” music by The New York Times. She has been a soloist with several US orchestras, performed with Jason Kao Hwang at new music festivals throughout North America, and given recitals at Lincoln Center, the Staunton Music Festival, and other prestigious classical music festivals.
Terry Jenoure and Angelica Sanchez
Terry Jenoure is a polymath, a violinist, a vocalist, a visual artist working in a variety of media, a scholar documenting African-American performing artists in academia, and an educator specializing in diversifying arts education in public schools. A member of the ensemble that recorded John Carter’s epochal Roots and Folklore: Episodes in the Development of American Folk Music in the 1980s, Jenoure’s own music frequently draws upon the life experiences of her parents and grandparents, a family with Jamaican and Puerto Rican roots. Over the years, the duo with Angelica Sanchez has become central to Jenoure’s music. The Arizona-born pianist has collaborat
ed with iconic figures like Wadada Leo Smith, recorded albums praised by, among others, National Public Radio and The New York Times, and received numerous awards and fellowships in the U.S. and Europe.
Jacqueline Kerrod and Joe Morris
South African harpist Jacqueline Kerrod has performed with everyone from Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and NEA Jazz Master Anthony Braxton to Rufus Wainwright and Jane Birkin. She has premiered more than a dozen works written for her by South African composers. In her solo music, Kerrod has made innovative use of electronics. A seasoned improviser, her latest album with cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum, “Simple Ways Such Self,” documents their 2023 performance as part of FEMA’s Improvisers Forum series, presented at the Y Arts Center. Joe Morris is one of the more innovative guitarists to emerge in the past 40 years, integrating African, Asian and Eastern European influences into a singular vocabulary. Appearing on nearly 200 recordings playing guitar or double bass, Morris has been on the faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music since 2000.
THE FREDERICK MOM
The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of Feb. 21
Activities to do with the kids this weekend, courtesy of The Frederick Mom.
Candle Making with Rose Hill Manor
2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 21
C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick Free
Families can get hands-on experience rolling their own keepsake beeswax candles at this candle making event! Head to the Community Room (CBA) in downtown Frederick’s library on Friday afternoon while diving into local history with Rose Hill Manor. Discover captivating stories from the past as knowledgeable staff members bring history to life. This event is for all ages.
Teen Trivia
2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 21
Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick Free
Friday afternoon, teens ages 11 to 18 can enjoy fun trivia games with their friends at the Urbana library! Snacks are provided, while supplies last. Teen Trivia is held in the Small Conference Room. Bring a friend along or meet a new friend there and beat the buzzer! •••
Master Docent Series: Frederick History Workshop
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, 15 W. Church St., Frederick
$40/Frederick County residents/docents; $45/non-Frederick County residents/docents; Free for students
For those interested in exploring Frederick’s history, consider attending this local annual workshop where all ages can expand their knowledge and explore our historic communities. Join the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium this Saturday in downtown Frederick for a day of education. Students are free to attend. Registration includes lunch and continental breakfast. Pre-register at visitfrederick.org/master-docent-series. Walk-in registration is also welcomed.
meet-and-greet with the princesses and photo ops. Grab a $20 add-on fun pass to enjoy the arcade while at Adventure Park! Reserve your tickets online. •••
Acrylic Painting: Wicked 1 p.m. Feb. 22
Frederick MADE, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick
$45/painter
Pop-u-lar! Sign up for a Wicked-themed, beginner-friendly canvas painting with Christy at Frederick MADE in downtown Frederick! All materials and instruction are provided. Frederick MADE classes have an average size of 6 to 8 students, so painters can expect great one-on-one attention. Students are welcome to bring their own beverage of choice to class — non-alcoholic or alcoholic for those over 21. Sign up at frederickmade.com.
•••
Family Board Games
2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 22
Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown Free
This Saturday afternoon, bring the whole family to Middletown’s library for an afternoon of board games. Learn a new board game or play an old favorite. A variety of games are provided, like Carcassone, Happy Salmon, Here to Slay, and Splendor. This event is for all ages!
Family Play
9:30 to 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Feb. 23
Grasshopper Grove, 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick
Tumbling Tots
9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 22
Elixir Dance and Fitness, 25 E. Frederick St., Walkersville
$10/child
Kids can roll, tumble and have fun at Elixir Dance and Fitness during their Saturday morning Tumbling Tot Class! This drop-in class is perfect for your energetic toddler who loves to move and explore. Let them get their wiggles out at Elixir!
Princess Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Feb. 22
Adventure Park USA, 11113 W Baldwin Road, Monrovia
$20/person
Calling all princesses! Escape to the fairytale land of Adventure Park USA for a magical buffet breakfast with your favorite princesses, including two enchanting guests from the Land of Oz. Fun for any age and sure to be a memorable event for the whole family! Ticket includes admission, breakfast buffet, a
$17/child with sibling discounts Sunday imagination play sessions at Grasshopper Grove is where you want to be. Head inside the Francis Scott Key Mall for the new imagination play center, Grasshopper Grove! It’s like a tiny town for kids where they play with wooden and cloth toys in settings like the vets office, a grocery store, a bakery and more! Great for toddlers, but loved by ages 4 months all the way to age 12. Sign up for a session at grasshopper-grove.com.
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
Grasshopper Grove, an imagination play center for kids inside the FSK Mall.
BY ROCCO GEPPI
Special to The News-Post
New pickleball facility offers Frederick refuge from the cold
A young recreational facility is buzzing with activity near Frederick, as Dill Dinkers brings the ever-popular sport of pickleball to the community.
Opened in October 2024, Dill Dinkers is a state-of-the-art indoor pickleball facility. The Frederick franchise was founded by Kaylin Corsiatto, Alex McKenna and their family. The business combines a love for the game with a passion for building community and improving health, while addressing the growing demand for year-round pickleball venues.
Pickleball is arguably America’s fastest-growing sport. Originating in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island, Washington, it was first invented by a family improvising a game in their backyard. Over the decades, the sport has expanded, but the pandemic fueled its explosive growth. With its simplicity, adaptability and capacity for social distancing, pickleball became a popular outlet for physical activity and community engagement.
Now supported by professional leagues such as Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association, the sport has secured a place in mainstream recreational culture.
“It’s something everyone can learn in 15 to 30 minutes and immediately start enjoying,” Corsiatto said. “That accessibility really contributes to its popularity.”
For Corsiatto and McKenna, pickleball wasn’t just a pastime but a business opportunity waiting to be seized.
“My dad loved the game but complained about not being able to play indoors during the colder months,” Corsiatto said. “Most indoor options were on shared courts, like gyms or basketball courts, and lacked dedicated facilities.”
From this gap in the market, Dill Dinkers in Frederick was born.
The facility offers seven indoor courts with a unique cushioned surface that reduces joint stress and fatigue, making it appealing for players of all ages. Over 14 months of planning went into its creation, with Corsiatto’s operations expertise and McKenna’s community networking playing key roles in the business’s establishment.
Dill Dinkers aims to create a welcoming environment for every player, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Their programming includes open play, private reservations, lessons, leagues and clinics.
“We have something for everyone,” Corsiatto said, “whether it’s beginners learning the basics or competitive players honing their skills.”
For younger enthusiasts, Dill Dinkers has launched junior sessions, targeting age groups 10 and under and age 1114. Future plans include after-school programming and youth leagues, aiming to foster the next generation of pickleball players.
IF YOU GO
Dill Dinkers Frederick is at 3950 Dartmouth Court, Frederick.
“I love teaching pickleball because it can be played by people of all ages and skill levels,” says Amy Darlington, who coaches private and group lessons, as well as clinics for Dill Dinkers Frederick.
“And although some people see pickleball as an ‘easy’ sport, there are actually a lot of nuances for new players to learn that can be intimidating. Dill Dinkers [Frederick] does a great job of helping people learn in a welcoming and fun environment.”
Corsiatto and McKenna have a clear vision for their franchise that extends beyond financial goals.
“For us, it’s about building community,” McKenna said.
Pickleball, often played in doubles format, naturally fosters social connections. Participants are not only moving their bodies but engaging with others in meaningful ways.
“There’s a lot of talk about loneliness
being a health epidemic,” Corsiatto added. “Pickleball offers an antidote.”
The sport’s social aspect, combined with its moderate physical intensity, appeals to a broad demographic. Whether it’s college students, young professionals or retirees, Dill Dinkers provides a space for everyone to connect, laugh and play.
At 18,400 square feet, Dill Dinkers Frederick sets a high standard for indoor pickleball venues. The facility includes seven pro-cushioned courts for enhanced play and reduced joint strain; climate control, ensuring comfortable gameplay regardless of weather; a pro shop, offering equipment and apparel for players of all levels; on-site coaching; and spaces for corporate events and parties, giving local businesses a unique team-building option.
Corsiatto and McKenna also prioritize accessibility, striving to keep pickleball affordable and easy for newcomers. Open-play sessions and beginner leagues encourage participation without the pressure of steep learning curves or intense competition.
(See
Courtesy of Dill Dinkers
Dill Dinkers Frederick offers something for everyone — all ages and skill levels. It’s become a place for social gathering and community building
‘Dear Frederick’ aims to revive the lost art of letter writing
BY JENNIFER LEE
Special to The News-Post
In a digital age dominated by fleeting messages and posts, Michael DeMattia is on a mission to revive the lost art of letter writing.
Part storytelling, part time capsule, his “Dear Frederick” project launched in November 2024 and invites anyone to share handwritten letters reflecting personal moments, memories, reflections and experiences tied to Frederick.
“Stories are meant to be shared,” DeMattia said. “Every story matters.”
His project is a simple idea that encapsulates a bold purpose: “To bring back the lost art of letter writing,” as stated on the “Dear Frederick” website.
“It’s the opposite of how we communicate today,” DeMattia said. “We live in a world of instant messages, short texts and posts that disappear as quickly as we see them. Asking people to sit down, write something thoughtful, and send it in feels almost radical now.
“It’s about finding those thoughts or feelings that people might have tucked away for years — things they haven’t shared but still carry with them,” DeMattia continued. “I’d love for people to send lighthearted moments too — not everything has to be deep and serious. Notes that spark smiles … from funny stories to quick thankyous.”
DeMattia is also looking forward to seeing displays of creativity outside of letter writing, perhaps poems, sketches or other visual art forms.
“Dear Frederick” is about giving “giving those moments a place to be seen, heard and remembered,” he said.
The project’s first letter reminded DeMattia of why he started.
“It was reflective and personal,” he said. “It felt like someone handing over a piece of themselves, trusting it would be understood. Some letters might feel like love notes to the city itself. Others might use Frederick more as a backdrop. They just need to feel personal. There is no right or wrong way to do it.”
“Your story doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be signed. Just write what feels true. Think of it as writing to an old friend,” DeMattia said.
Letters will be featured on DearFrederick.com and “Dear Frederick” social media platforms.
DeMattia explains that the website is a forever space to hold the heart of “Dear Frederick,” “to showcase letters without likes, comments or shares. It’s
A handwritten letter that was mailed to the “Dear Frederick” project.
a quieter space, focused on reflection instead of reaction.”
Social media is used only to promote the project and reach people who primarily interact online.
The main goal of the “Dear Frederick” project is to create connections. His mission is to “bring back something that feels lost. There’s something about writing by hand that feels more honest. It’s the effort, the thought and the time you put into it.”
Handwritten letters are also real and not perfect.
“That’s why letters stick with us,” he said. “You can’t just backspace and edit every word.”
He thinks moments too easily slip away.
“We’ve lost that ability to really sit with an idea and let it take shape,” he said.
He’s spent more than 25 years in live event production in the loud and fast-paced arena of concerts, festivals and sporting events, creating motion graphics, animations and designs. He’s toured the world creating visuals that connect with massive audiences.
“Most of my work has been high-energy and fast-paced, which is why ‘Dear Frederick’ feels so different,” he said. “It’s quieter, more personal. It’s about slowing down, stepping away from screens and creating something lasting — stories that don’t just vanish with a scroll.”
“Dear Frederick” is a pushback against that feeling of being digitally worn out. The inability to settle into intentional slowness is marked by the speed at which lives are lived on
SEND LETTERS
Send letters to PO Box 334, Frederick, MD 21705, or through the Lettre app (lettre. app), which allows letters to be handwritten but doesn’t require a stamp and envelope. Digital handwritten letters can be created with an iPad and Apple Pencil, then emailed to letters@dearfrederick.com.
“scroll, refresh, repeat,” as DeMattia put it.
DeMattia was originally going to keep his “Dear Frederick” project anonymous but realized it needed a face behind the project to make it more approachable. Although the letters themselves can still be sent anonymously, he wanted participants to know “there’s someone on the other side, reading, listening and making sure their stories get the attention they deserve.”
But he understands people might be hesitant about sending a letter and how it might feel intimidating or leave someone feeling vulnerable. But he believes once they take the step, it can be freeing.
He wants to encourage people to take a moment to pause and write, to be present as they reflect on a memory, to go deeper to give the moment weight, rather than just sharing to share like we do on social media.
He also sees letter writing as an art form.
“It’s art because it leaves an impression, and that’s what art is supposed
If “Dear Frederick” creator Michael DeMattia were to write his own letter, this is what he would write:
Dear Frederick, I’ve been watching you for years — through lenses, from rooftops, and behind windows that caught just the right light. I’ve framed your streets, your shadows, and your seasons, trying to hold onto the pieces that feel too good to let slip away.
You’ve changed while I wasn’t looking and stayed the same when I was. And no matter how many photos I’ve taken, it always feels like there’s one more shot I haven’t captured yet. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back — because you’re never finished, and neither am I.
to do.”
Letter writing is not just words; it’s “structure, rhythm and tone. It’s the pauses, the details, and even the imperfections that make it feel alive,” DeMattia said.
And DeMattia believes art should be out in the world, “where people can see it, react to it, and maybe even see themselves in it.”
He would love to turn “Dear Frederick” into an exhibition, but it’s still growing. For now, it’s about collecting handwritten letters.
“Frederick has this incredible energy. It’s historic, creative and layered — small enough to feel personal but big enough to surprise you,” DeMattia said. “Whether someone’s lived here forever or just passed through, Frederick has a way of leaving an impression.”
“Dear Frederick” is a long-term project. He said it doesn’t matter how many or how few letters arrive, “the idea doesn’t stop.” It’s more about the impact of the letters, not how many he receives. He wants to create something that lasts, while reviving a lost art form.
Success for him is “hearing from people who felt something, whether it’s the person who wrote the letter or the person who read it. It’s like getting a glimpse into someone else’s world and realizing that, in some way, their story feels familiar. Letters are personal by nature, but that’s what makes them so powerful.”
“Dear Frederick” is already doing what it was meant to do: starting conversations and getting people to think about their stories.
Courtesy photos
”Gash” — through Feb. 23, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Sculpture by Jin Lee. Provoked by recent political controversies surrounding women’s rights, Lee’s work focuses on conflict and responses to conflict’s power to result in transformation for the individual and society. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
”Time Is A Place” — through Feb. 23, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Noelani Jones’ work in this exhibition focuses on the accrual of thread in woven cloth and its metaphorical and actual connection to time and place. All of the textiles in the exhibition have been made with reciprocity with the land in mind, from the cultivation of plants for dyeing to the utilization of a foot-powered loom. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
”Emergence” — through Feb. 23, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Come out, come up, come forth. Join us as we emerge from winter into a new season, a new light. The varied talents and styles of the NOMA artists will help you break through and see something new. Noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240367-9770 or nomagalleryfrederick.com.
Metro Washington Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America Exhibit — through Feb. 23, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. See the beauty and richness of colored pencil as a medium for creating fine art. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
”Lineage” — through Feb. 23, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. The artworks in this exhibition are a reflection on the tradition of teaching in the visual arts and how aesthetic ideas and techniques are passed on to successive generations. Lee Newman’s own work will be accompanied by those of his teacher, Robert D’Arista. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 301-6980656 or delaplaine.org.
A Group Exhibit — through Feb. 23, EastSide Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 15 artists with their own unique styles and a range of mediums, including painting, colored pencil, forged steel, glasswork, photography and fabric arts. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsideartistsgallery.com.
“Memories and Metaphors” — through Feb. 23, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. A collection of African-American art from across the nation, curated by Eileen Berger, owner of Just Lookin’ Gallery in Hagerstown.
Residents of D.C., Maryland and Virginia artists are invited to submit their work and be awarded $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 26. Up to eight finalists will be chosen to display their work at Bethesda’s Gallery B in June. The competition will be juried by Kevin Mitchell, lecturer of studio art at The Catholic University of America; Mary Proenza, associate professor of art at Marymount University; and James Williams II, professor of painting at Maryland Institute College of Art. Each artist must submit five images, an application, and an entry fee of $25. Submit at bethesda.org/bethesda/bethesda-painting-awards. Email jliu@bethesda.org with any questions. Shown here, Lou Haney’s “Dinner Table.”
Each piece serves as a powerful testament to the resilience, creativity and cultural heritage of the African-American experience, and to foster a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of African-American art. 301-473-7680, bagalleryappointment@gmail.com, frederickuu.org.
”Winter Warmth” — through Feb. 23, Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. A celebration of the beauty and tranquility of the winter season. The exhibit features a collection of paintings, sculptures, and assemblage that capture the essence of winter in all its forms. Open 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. gallery322.com.
Wine and Art Series Presents “Hidden Fruit of the Vine — Digital Artwork by Allen Hirsh” — through Feb. 28, Links Bridge Vineyard, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. A biophysicist by profession, he comes at his artwork via a very novel process. Starting with a pho-
tograph, Hirsh creates impressionistic and abstract images using a massive mathematical program he created. Manipulating both the color and position of each pixel in images of the vineyard allows him to uncover a hidden world of fascinating unanticipated scenes. For this exhibit, he started with photographs taken at Links Bridge Vineyards then transformed them using his unique process. Hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment. 301-466-2413 or linksbridgevineyards.com.
”Holding Space” — through Feb. 28, Mary Condon Hodgson Gallery at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Annie Quinlan and J G Orudjev will show work in mixed media in an expanded version of their exhibition which explores the creation of space through process, developing intimate work that elevates vulnerability and tenderness. Both artists involve meditation practice and action
as parts of their process, and have found this a point of deep connection in their work. 301-846-2513 or calendar.frederick.edu/event/holding-space.
”Sunflowers & Snow” — through Feb. 28, Garryowen Irish Pub, 126 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. Paintings and prints by Dorothea Barrick. Daily 11 a.m. to midnight. 240-674-9488 or 717-3372719.
”Moving Forward” — through March 2, Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. A juried show featuring selected works from CH/Art Inc. members, an active community of artists and artisans centered in Chevy Chase, D.C. Gallery hours and more info at bethesda.org/ bethesda/gallery-b-exhibitions.
Washington County Art Educators Exhibit — through March 4, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100, Hagerstown. Gallery hours 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 301-7913132 or washingtoncountyarts.com.
”Romancing the Novel” — through March 7, Esther Prangley Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. A major exhibition exploring romance novels and their cultural impact featuring original cover art, including paintings by James Griffin, Frank Kalan and Gregg Gulbronson, manuscripts, publicity materials, genre history, and fan artwork. In association with McDaniel’s Nora Roberts American Romance Collection, Bowling Green State University’s Browne Popular Culture Library, renowned romance publisher, Harlequin, and Yale University Art Gallery. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 410-857-2592 or mcdaniel.edu.
“Resting in Winter” — through March 9, Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. This solo exhibition by Gaithersburg photographer Timothy Lynch focuses mainly on close-up imagery of nature. “I named the exhibit ‘Resting in Winter’ because, like us, everything needs time to grow,” says Lynch. “I enjoy exploring artistic expression, particularly botanical photography in winter, showcasing wilting plants and fallen leaves that reveal the beauty of decay. In this process, while life diminishes, beauty endures.” 301-258-6394.
Bettie Awards Exhibition — March 1 to April 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View artworks created by local youth selected as the 2025 Bettie Award winners, who were announced Feb. 8. On March 1 at 2 p.m. the winners are presented and the grand prize announced. Gallery hours
(See EXHIBITS 22)
Courtesy photo
Annie Quinlan and JG Orudjev show mixed-media work that explores transcendence, memory
The exhibition “Holding Space” explores the creation of space through process, developing intimate work that elevates vulnerability and tenderness, featuring work by mixed-media artists Annie Quinlan and JG Orudjev.
The show runs through March 5 in the MCH Gallery at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.
First mounted at NOMA Gallery Frederick in 2024, the show continues and expands at FCC, as the artists continue to investigate connection and transcendence, the nature of memory, and the making of meaning.
Both artists use meditation practice and action as components of their
artistic process, and have found it to be a deep connection in their work. Quinlan investigates spiritual connections, with mantras in her underpainting. Orudjev’s work explores the nature of memory, transformative and transitory states, and the act and language of making meaning.
Orudjev is a collage artist and painter with a background in sculpture whose work has been shown and published internationally. She regularly seeks out collaboration with other artists.
Quinlan’s work is driven by the creative process and is born from the silence of the inner world as an expression of the depth of human experience. Her work is informed by her experience as an art therapist and yoga instructor.
Courtesy photo
An example of mixed-media sculptural work in the show “Holding Space,” on view at FCC through March 5.
KEVIN BAIN
From architect to abstract artist, embraces the beauty that surrounds him
BY ERIN JONES
Special
to The News-Post
In 1962, fifth-grader Kevin Bain had his first taste of artistic fame when his picture appeared in the Winkler County News in his hometown of Kermit, Texas. Seeing the student’s artistic talent, his teacher, Glen Turnbo supplied him with colored chalk and allowed the budding artist to fill a chalkboard with his homage to Monument Valley. Turnbo was so taken with the piece that he called the newspaper, who photographed and published it.
This past December, 62 years later, Bain won the Delaplaine’s Holiday Art competition for his painting “Frederick Feelings.” In between the two events are many miles, many years, and an impressive career in architecture. But 2024 brought him to a new town called Frederick, Maryland, and sparked a return to his original love of visual art.
As a child, Bain was always drawing pictures, and his parents took notice and encouraged his efforts. They signed him up for art lessons with Annie Meers, a widow who had remodeled her garage into an art studio.
Before long, the local town was also taking note. Just a year after the chalkboard drawing made the newspaper, Bain appeared again, holding a painting that had been put on display at the National Bank in 1963.
Soon after, the family relocated to Phoenix. He not only left behind Mrs. Meers but stopped taking art lessons altogether. He tried painting on his own but found it harder to stay engaged with his work. In hindsight, he believes he held a belief that his work had to be hyperrealistic to have merit.
“Mainly I was trying to reproduce photographs,” he said recently from Frederick. “I thought that was the measure of really good art. I found that really tedious, and I would spend a lot of time on just one painting.”
With his interest in art waning, he turned to a related interest: architecture.
His first architectural rule was given to him by Turnbo, the same teacher who had supplied him with the colored chalk and use of the chalkboard.
“I told him I was interested in becoming an architect,” Bain recalled. “Apparently, at some point or another, he had done some drafting, so he brought in an architectural rule and said, ‘Well, here — this is what real architects use.’ He was a great mentor. I think we probably all have stories of really special teachers, and he was one, definitely.”
As a young adult, Bain’s early career as an architectural draftsman began explosively, when he and wife Sue arrived in Washington State to the eruption of volcano Mount Saint Helens.
“We drove by it as we were moving in,” Bain remembered, “and we woke up the next morning and it had exploded the top third of the mountain.”
The years that followed would take Bain to architectural firms in Aberdeen, Washington, and Vail, Colorado. While
he moved into more architectural design work, he had the advantage of his experience creating construction drawings.
“They started using me to do a lot of the design work because I had a background in the actual construction process. I knew how to put the building together,” Bain said. “A lot of the designers were younger guys, and very creative, but they didn’t have any experience in actually knowing how buildings physically went together.”
In the mid-1980s, the Bains returned to Phoenix to be closer to family. He initially worked as director of design at a local firm, but within a few years he started his own architectural business. By then, the Bains had three children and ran the business as a team out of their home.
Fittingly, the family-owned business specialized in custom single family homes, a niche Bain enjoyed even more than his previous commercial work.
“It worked really well. I did a lot of homes for a lot of really nice people,”
Courtesy photo
Work by Kevin Bain.
Kevin Bain is shown with some of his paintings.
Bain said. “They always became friends, because it’s such a personal process when you have to get to know people and know how they live and become intimate with their lives.”
In addition to permanent residences, Bain said many of his clients were from the East Coast and looking to build a second home for a winter escape.
In the spring of 2024, Bain followed the reverse path of those clients, leaving the Southwest to move to the East Coast.
Eight years had passed since his wife’s 2016 death, and Bain was looking for a fresh start, as well as proximity to his grandchildren. His son, daughterin-law and two grandchildren live in Lovettsville, Virginia, and Bain explored nearby towns to find a good fit for him — from Gaithersburg to Harpers Ferry and Charles Town. He landed on Frederick.
The architect was immediately taken by the historic downtown. But after so many years in the desert, it was the vegetation and natural beauty that began to stir and rekindle a renewed creativity within him.
“Everywhere you look, there’s just beauty,” he said.
After decades of dealing with the precision, logistics and realities of architecture, Bain discovered a particular love for abstract painting.
“I don’t have to make anything work. I can just do what I want,” he said.
“I really enjoy the abstract work at this point, more than any other, just because there’s so much freedom there. I quite honestly don’t know what I’m going to end up with when I start working on a piece.”
The painter who once felt pressure to make photo-realistic images now uses his photography as a springboard to create abstract work.
He remembers a recent photo he took after a sunrise that inspired a new work: “The sun was coming up, and it turned in to a cloud bank behind the building I was looking at, sort of pink fading into the yellow, and it was just so beautiful — the blue sky up above it and then trees in
front of that. It had some lacy feeling.”
Once captured in photograph form, Bain will play with recreating the colors, but once it’s on the canvas, it will take on a life of its own.
“I might start off with what I think might be sort of a landscape … but sometimes it just turns into a real explosion of color and form,” he said. “I play with it until I’m happy with it.”
Bain’s artistic experiments are not just with the image itself but with the techniques and materials used to create it. Looking through his prolific online gallery will reveal a range of mediums. While much of it is acrylic on canvas, some of the pieces are on cardboard, parchment or foam board. Others incorporate elements like marble powder, gold leaf, mesh decoupage and even rust.
Despite the abstraction, traces of architectural elements can be found in some of his works, including his awardwinning “Frederick Feelings,” which captures the structures along Church Street in downtown Frederick, along with the bustle and festive glow of a holiday evening.
“I just wanted to get that feeling of what it’s like to be in downtown Frederick, especially at the holidays,” Bain said.
Bain said he loves the Delaplaine Arts Center and became a member very soon after his relocation to Frederick, after stumbling upon it during a family walk with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Prior to his holiday win, several of his paintings qualified for inclusion in the “Over 70” show. As of the time of this writing, he is also showing
FOR MORE
five pieces at the ArtistAngle Gallery in Frederick, and others are available through his website.
Now that a rekindled love of art has been ignited, Bain continues to create in his new Frederick hometown. He says he is thrilled to be beginning a new career at this stage of his life.
“I’ve been lucky to always do what I wanted to do in architecture,” he said. “Sometimes it was a lot of work. I find that art [painting] — there’s no work to it at all.”
In both visual art and architecture though, Bain has found inspiration from one of his heroes: Jim Henson. Bain recalls that Henson was once told to stop playing with puppets and get a “real job.”
“He really built an empire based on that and entertained so many people, made so many people happy through his artistic expression,” Bain said. “He’s always been one of my heroes, just because he is an example that you can make your career something that you enjoy.”
Perhaps it’s fitting that Jim Henson would inspire an artist whose own creative dreams were nurtured in Kermit, Texas, around classroom chalkboards and garage art studios.
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.
Staff photo by Ric Dugan
View the artist’s work at kevinrbain.com.
Courtesy photo
Work by Kevin Bain.
Not even comics will be immune from the chaos that has so far unraveled in the nation’s capital. Add to that the uncertainty also being created around the bankruptcy announcement of comic distributor Diamond Distribution, and things aren’t looking good for the industry. Not good at all.
Tumult isn’t new in comics, neither on the printed page nor among the professionals who bring us the monthly funnies. But this new crop of generalized economic insanity has me seriously worried about the downstream ramifications on an industry that’s never been that robust to begin with.
Last month, Diamond filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. For decades, Diamond was the dominant distributor of comic books to specialty shops across North America through what would become known as the “direct market.” There are multiple reasons for the company’s insolvency, including the loss of exclusive publisher contracts, industry-wide financial struggles and operational inefficiencies that led to declining revenue and distribution challenges.
Nearly every major and independent publisher — Marvel, DC (until 2020), Image, Dark Horse, and countless small press creators — have relied on Diamond to get their comics into stores. (Fun local connection: Diamond was founded in 1982 by Baltimore-based Steve Geppi and is headquartered today in Hunt Valley.)
Diamond has had a monopoly over comics distribution, so if restructuring fails and the company dies, that means an outsize impact on smaller publishers. The company has suspended payments for books already shipped to retailers, leaving smaller publishers unable to cover costs. And if the service disappears, those publishers will have to find an alternative way of distributing books to retailers.
Retailers will also need to adapt,
THE LONG BOX
Facing uncertainty
cost increases may only add to that.
Setting aside presidential tariffs for a moment and the impact those could have on printing and paper costs (many comics are printed in Canada), a 25% hike on a $4.99 issue means, rounded up, $6.25, or only four comics for the five you were previously able to afford.
(Look, I don’t do a lot of math, so economics aren’t my strong suit. Those numbers are me making an educated and totally uninformed guess. Don’t @ me.)
Comics are a luxury item — and a niche one. Market pressures will only narrow that niche as buyers and collectors have to make a choice between their beloved monthlies and, say, paying for groceries or utilities.
•••
In happier news, March marks the glorious fifth anniversary of Tribute Press, the small but feisty independent comic publisher to which I’ve hitched my art-supplyfilled wagon.
True to form, the four main Tribute contributors — founder Tony Esmond fittingly calls us “The Grottfathers” — were together at the 500th episode celebration for the Awesome Comics Podcast in London at the end of January. We hijacked the event faster than Elon raided USAID to promote a sudden rush of imprints that Tribute is forcing on an unwilling world.
Does this mean “Tony Osmond is Movie Star” issue two is coming? Yes, my loves. Yes, it does. With a story by Esmond and art from me, TOIAMS is one of four new Tribute publications heading your way.
Let the cover of Tribute’s spring catalog, with art by the indefatigable Adam Falp, act as both a lure and also a warning.
and with many comic book shops already struggling or closing, it’s no exaggeration to say that a significant number of stores could disappear.
The bankruptcy “will be shattering to the small press comic industry,” Antarctic Press publisher Mark Ripley stated on social media.
None of this means comics are going away, but it will presumably impact access to the kind of comics
you want, if only because of the inevitable cost being passed on to consumers. I’ve railed on before about how outrageous the cost of individual issues has become (particularly related to the perceived drop in quality from major publishers). Many issues cost around $5 for 24 pages (OUTRAGEOUS!), and any price fluctuation and potential shipping-
You can find the Tribute Press Substack at tributepress.substack. com. (Not to be even more selfpromotional, but you can read a brief interview with me in the Feb 9 post, “A Visit to the Land of Mary.”)
Have a recommendation? Shoot me a note at cgcumber@gmail. com. Follow along with me not posting that often to the socials at @ cgcumber. Visit thelongbox.substack. com for deleted scenes and other content.
Courtesy photo
Tribute spring catalog cover, 2025.
CLIFF CUMBER
Q&A: Writer/director Phil Blattenberger on his neo-Western film ‘Laws of Man’
BY ROCCO GEPPI and JENNIFER LEE Special to The News-Post
“Laws of Man” is gritty and violent, while weaving the irrationalities of religion and war through a neo-Western action/thriller film. Multiple plot twists bend the mind as much as the LSD being dropped by the story’s Beatnik evangelical preacher. In January, Saban Films released the film, written and directed by Phil Blattenberger, who grew up in Hagerstown. The film is available for streaming online.
72 Hours talked with Blattenberger about the film and his ideas behind it. What research did you do to write the screenplay?
“Laws of Man” is fun story because it delves into Cold War conspiracy … and leaves just enough plausible deniability to keep our audience wondering whether this really happened or — through another motif established early on with Harvey Keitel’s turn as an LSD-slinging gypsy preacher — whether this really ever happened at all.
Certainly the surface-level references to Cold War operations in the early 1960s have some grounding in basic fact, and naturally delving into those facts requires a lot of research. But I think in films like this where you reimagine historical events, you ground yourself to the basic facts and then, if you’re gonna create alternate histories, you just go for it. [Quentin] Tarantino killed Hitler in “Inglourious Basterds.” Sometimes you just have to go for it.
How did you and your crew cast the actors? Did you have any of them in mind as you wrote the screenplay?
I usually write with certain voices in mind but rarely individual actors, with the exception of Harvey Keitel, who I saw as our preacher from day one. There’s a certain quality to the character — he’s a strange, new-age Beatnik, father of the hippies, as I wrote him, but an evangelical, as many of those guys were back then — that I thought Harvey would nail. And he did. It was perfect casting.
Leads Jacob Keohane and Jackson Rathbone both worked in my previous film, “Condor’s Nest,” and their chemis-
try was off the charts. We already knew they looked great on camera together, and those two characters were the other exceptions to my rule of writing with a blank slate. I always knew I wanted Jacob as teetotaling U.S. Marshal Frank Fenton and Jackson as his spitfire partner, Tommy.
Is this movie a metaphor for the invisible war people are fighting in their own minds?
Sure. Our main character wrestles
with PTSD and his understanding of masculinity, bravery, heroism, justice. He’s dealing with these things at a time when men don’t go to therapy, they just suffer. Rev. Cassidy (Keitel) knocks down these barriers and we see our main character follow this transformative arc, which is really what the film is ultimately about.
The Benjamin Bonney character’s childhood trauma instills violence. Are you intentionally nodding to the way our current society is
focused on trauma?
I think original pain is a theme in this movie, too. Benjamin Bonney, our cruel villain — we plumb the depths of his backstory and we find terrible trauma. We see, through a series of flashbacks to World War II, the trauma endured by Frank, our protagonist. Both men find themselves pitted against each other with vendettas, dispositions and philosophies irreducibly shaped by the constituent social circumstances that formed them. The connection there is understood today better than probably at any point in history.
What was your inspiration for writing the movie?
I fear I overuse the term neo-Western, but it’s a great fit. I’ve always loved the cinematic tradition of the old classic Westerns of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, and I think it’s fun to see that tradition used to frame modern narratives. “No Country for Old Men” was probably my greatest inspiration, honestly. It’s one of my favorite films of all time. I couldn’t help but be influenced by it.
I don’t know that the audience needs to take something from it necessarily. I’m not trying to push a message. I want people to be entertained. I also think there are some deeper thematic undertones and political layers that the right audience ought to really appreciate, and for those that don’t, that’s fine — you get Richard Brake on meth, Jackson
Courtesy photos
Jacob Keohane stars in “Laws of Men.”
Forrie Smith stars in “Laws of Men.”
Blattenberger
Local Mentions Local Mentions Services Services
BREAKFAST BUFFET
New Midway Vol Fire Co
Sunday February 23, 2025
Serving: 7:00 am – 12:00 Noon
Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs Sausage, Potatoes
Puddin, Hominy
Sausage Gravy, Spiced Apples
Orange Juice, Coffee
Adults: $14 00
Children 5-10: $7 00
Under 5: Free Credit Cards Accepted
Buckeystown United Methodist Church is hosting its ANNUAL PANCAKE SUPPER
on Tuesday March 4th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
PANCAKE SUPPER
South Mountain Shared Ministry St Paul’s Lutheran Church 5 E Main Street, Burkittsville, MD
Saturday, March 1st
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit Cup, Orange Juice and Coffee Free-Will offering Info call: 301-834-9866
SPORTSMAN’S BINGO
SATURDAY, March 8, 2025
DOORS OPEN 5:00, BUFFET 6:00 GAMES BEGIN 7:30
NEW MIDWAY VOL FIRE CO
20 Games (10 Games paying $200 Cash, 10 Games for Guns), 50/50, Money Jars, Gun Jars
Come enjoy plain and blueberry pancakes, country sausage, bacon, biscuits & gravy, eggs and drinks This event is free, and we will accept donations that will support our building maintenance and missions https://buckeystownumc org/ 3440 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown, MD 21217 Yard Sales
FRESH PORK SALE
Burkittsville Ruritan Club
500 E Main St , Burkittsville, MD
Sausage, Pork Chops, Sliced Bacon, Bean Soup & Country Ham Sandwiches
Preorder by: March 1st
Pick up: March 8
8 a m to Noon
Call: 301-371-7795
COUNTRY BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 8th
6 a m to 10 a m
Adults: $10 00
Children: $5 00
HILLSIDE
TURKEY FARMS
Turkey, Chicken, Duck, Pork, Beef, Smoked Meats, Deli Meats & Cheeses, Seafood & More Hillsideturkey com
301-271-2728
30 Elm St
Thurmont, MD 21788
Thursday 8-7
Friday 8-3
Saturday 8-12
$40/Person includes Buffet Dinner
Tickets: Buddy 301-271-4650 or Nick 301898-7985
COMPETITIVE PRICING
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• Junk Removal • Professional Moving Services
• Yard Clean-Up & Trash Pick-Up
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ESTATE SALE
Feb 22 & 23 • 9 a m - 4 p m 315 Redwood Ave, Fred Antiques, Clothes, HH, Pictures, Baskets, misc.
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Services Services
Thursday Feb. 20
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. thecenterfrederick.com.
Parsons Newman Lecture Series: “’Flee North’” — A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery’s Borderland” — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Scott Shane will discuss his book “Flee North,” which tells a true story of the Underground Railroad and the domestic slave trade in the Chesapeake region. He will have signed copies of the book for sale. 410-707-1105. outreach@frederickhistory.org.
Heart Healthy Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Myersville Community Library, 8 Harp Place, Myersville. Join Dr. Stacy Benner, physical therapist and yoga instructor, in a gentle yoga practice and learn how yoga can support a healthy heart. Suitable for all abilities and beginners. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. 301-600-8350. rkurtz@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Candlelit Sound Bath — 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. Experience the sounds of crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes & more. Relax, either seated or laying, and transcend into a magical soundscape sprinkled with silence. Leave feeling refreshed and renewed! Please bring a yoga mat to lay on and any item that will make you more comfortable and relaxed (Ex: pillow, blanket, etc.)
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. Author and attorney Bernie Siler will present “Parallel Lives — Washington, D.C., in the 19th & 20th Century,” based on his novel that compares how lives would have been experienced in D.C. just 100 years apart. Free for members, there is a fee for non-members. gldyson@comcast.net. frederickcountycivilwarrt.org.
ReWIND Wellness Series Program for Adults — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Zohreh Rezazadeh, 2494 Bear Den Road, Frederick. UNESCO Body and Mind Wellness is going to have basic, intermediate and advance wellness sessions for your own upliftment based on a unique meditation method. 18 and older. 240-446-1658. unescobmw@gmail.com.
ETCETERA
Mission and Mingle at Goodwill Monocacy Valley — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Goodwill Main Campus & Career Center, 1750 Monocacy Boulevard, Suite B, Frederick. Come enjoy an evening with the Goodwill Monocacy Valley staff and learn about the impact they are having on the community. This event will provide opportunity to learn more about how Goodwill is making a difference in Frederick and Carroll counties, and to network with other community professionals. 240-215-0172. Tyler.Wolfe@gimv.org. gimv.org.
Thirsty Thursday — 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Frederick Eagles, 207 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Domestic beers are just $3.15, non-domestics are $4.35, and wings are a steal at 94 cents each. And if you’re a member, you get an extra 20% off! Can’t beat that! 301-663-6281.
FrederickAerie1067@gmail.com.
Teen Time: Friendship Bracelets — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915
N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Make a variety of friendship bracelets to keep or gift to friends. This program is for teens in 6th through 12th grades (ages 11-18). 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Critters on the Catwalk — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Warehouse Cinemas, District 40 Complex, 1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Hosted by Friends of Our County Animal Shelter, 100% benefits the shelter. Meet some of the most fashionable pet residents and see the latest looks from local boutiques such as TLC Bridal Boutique, Fetch Thrift Shop, Alicia L, The Little Turquoise Trailer, and The Velvet Lounge, all while enjoying some delicious appetizers from Amvets Post 9. The models will be looking their best as they strut their stuff with our adoptable pets down the runway, thanks to The Beauty Company. Meet with many local pet-themed businesses. Wizer Productions will provide music, and Megan Purtell will be photographing the event. $25.
Crittersonthecatwalk.eventbrite.com.
FAMILY
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.
Elementary Explorers: Freedom Quilts — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Participate in a variety of experiences related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. This program is ideal for children in homeschool programs and activities in grades K through 5. 301-600-7200.
Pajama Storytime — 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join us every Thursday Night at 6 p.m.! Enjoy music, stories, and
more! Designed for ages up to 5 with a caregiver. 301-600-6329. fcpl.org.
Pajama Storytime — 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Meets weekly for songs, stories, games and more. PJ’s optional! 301-600-6333.
dspurrier@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org.
FILM
Wonder Book Classic Film Series Presents “Les Miserables” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The classic story of a prisoner on parole in charge of raising a female as his own in the midst of the French Revolution. As they try to live in the best way that they can, a police officer does everything that he can to locate the prisoner for what he did in the past.
“Invisible Corps” — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Hood College, Hodson Auditorium, Rosenstock Hall, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. The Microbiology, PublicHealth and History (MPH) film festival continues with a screening of the 2023 documentary “Invisible Corps” (pbs.org/show/invisible-corps). This film delves into the critically important work of the only uniformed service in the U.S. dedicated to public health service, the USPHS (United States Public Health Service). Their mission, to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation, has led them to touch the lives of countless Americans and people overseas, particularly those in underserved communities with little to no access to healthcare and amenities that we take for granted. In-person or via Zoom, register online. 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. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.
DMV Jazz Series: The Warren Wolf/ Allyn Johnson Experience — 7:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Warren Wolf, a multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore, began his musical journey at age 3. Trained on vibraphone, drums and piano, he studied at Peabody Preparatory and Baltimore School for the Arts before attending Berklee College of Music. Mentored by Caribbean jazz vibraphonist Dave Samuels, Warren became a prominent figure on the Boston music scene. Now an international touring artist and music professor, he teaches at Peabody Conservatory and San Francisco Conservatory. $20. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ the-warren-wolf-allyn-johnson-experience.
THEATER
“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” — 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. In this intimate and pitchblack comedy from Martin McDonagh (author of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore”), in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, Maureen cares for her manipulative, ailing mother Mag in a seemingly endless cycle of spite and mutual loathing. When an old friend arrives from Maureen’s past, will he be enough to break the cycle? $7-$36. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/ the-beauty-queen-of-leenane.
Friday Feb. 21
CLASSES
Mindfulness Practice — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Public Library, 10 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Relief, fulfillment and self-understanding become radically more available when we view mindfulness practice through a broader lens of skill development. Learn how to practice mindfulness skills to improve concentration, sensory clarity and equanimity. 301-600-1630. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
ETCETERA
Disabled American Veteran Service Officer at Fort Detrick — 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Porter Street, Fort Detrick. The third Friday of each month by appointment only. The DAV Service Officer will be available to provide information and prepare VA claims to obtain VA benefits for service members, veterans, their spouse and dependents. Appointments can be made by calling DAV Service Officer, Ernie Unger 301-842-2562, or 301-331-0091 or email michelobqt@yahoo.com. dav.org.
FAMILY
Candle Making with Rose Hill Manor — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Families can get hands-on experience rolling your very own keepsake beeswax candles while diving into local history with Rose Hill Manor. Discover captivating stories from the past as knowledgeable staff members bring history to life. This event is for all ages. fcpl.org.
Teen Trivia — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Teens ages 11 to 18 can enjoy fun trivia games with their friends at the Urbana library! Snacks are provided, while supplies last. Teen Trivia is held in the Small Conference Room. Bring a friend along or meet a new friend there and beat the buzzer. fcpl.org.
MUSIC
F.A.M.E. Song Circle — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mount Airy Town Hall , 110 S. Main St., Mount Airy . Make some music with other folks. All ages and abilities welcome. Bring an instrument, your voice, or just your ears. D.Koronet@att.net. frederickacoustic.org.
Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin - “LED ZEPPELIN IV” — 8 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Released in 1971, this is Led Zeppelin’s best-selling and most widely acclaimed work, featuring hits like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Four Sticks,” “Going to California” and “When the Levee Breaks.” It blends hard rock with folk influences, showcasing the band’s versatility and earning critical praise as one of the greatest albums of all time. $40, $35, $30. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org.
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. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.
THEATER
Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. In the world’s longest-running play, when a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. When a second murder takes place, tensions and fears only escalate. Brimming with intrigue, sophisticated humor, and surprising twists, “The Mousetrap” is one of Agatha Christie’s most iconic murder mysteries. Friday and Saturday evenings and matinees on the first, third and fifth Sunday, through March 1. Tickets vary. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.
“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” — 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. In this intimate and pitchblack comedy from Martin McDonagh (author of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore”), in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, Maureen cares for her manipulative, ailing mother Mag in a seemingly endless cycle of spite and mutual loathing. When an old friend arrives from Maureen’s past, will he be enough to break the cycle? $7-$36. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/ the-beauty-queen-of-leenane/. 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 Feb. 22
CLASSES
Planning Your Veggie Garden (online only) — 10 a.m. to noon at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Think you want a vegetable garden? Wondering how to plan a home vegetable garden? Learn what kind of garden will fit your needs, when to start, what to plant, how much is enough, and tips on finding resources for planning, garden supplies, and seeds. 301-600-1596. strice@umd.edu.
Mugwort & Dreaming Half-Day Retreat with Frederick Dream Lab — 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm & Retreat Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Set aside some time and space to decompress as we embrace the season of introspection and dreams. In this half-day workshop, treat yourself to a deep stretch, mindset recalibration, and a nourishing plant-based brunch.
Zentangle Workshop — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at FAC Studios Classroom, 7 N. Market St., Frederick. Unlock your creativity and discover the calming art of Zentangle with the Transformative Arts Project, facilitated by Dr. Laura Sherwood, CZT, a certified Zentangle facilitator! This workshop is designed for everyone, regardless of artistic ability – no experience necessary! RSVP required.
$10 material fee due at time of workshop. 301-662-4190. emma@frederickartscouncil.org.
ETCETERA
Master Docent Series: Frederick History Workshop — 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, 15 W. Church St., Frederick. For those interested in exploring Frederick’s history, consider attending this local annual workshop where all ages can expand their knowledge and explore our historic communities. Join the Frederick Historic Sites Consortium
for a day of education. Students are free to attend. Registration includes lunch and continental breakfast. Pre-register at visitfrederick.org/master-docent-series. Walk-in registration is also welcomed. $40 for county residents, $45 for non-Frederick County residents/docents, free for students.
visitfrederick.org/master-docent-series.
CSQG Quilters Yard Sale — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clover Hill Clubhouse, 8122 Glendale Drive, Frederick. Clustered Spires Quilt Guild is happy to announce an indoor Quilters Yard Sale! Fabric is only $8/lb., with plenty of patterns, notions, books and more! There will be antique sewing machines for sale, as well as a quilter’s estate. All proceeds support our nonprofit guild. csqg@clusteredspiresquiltguild.org.
Seed Swap — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Mount Airy Town Hall , 110 S. Main St., Mount Airy. If you have extra seeds and are looking to get a bigger variety for the upcoming growing season, come to the Seed Swap. Co-hosted by the Town of Mount Airy and Frederick Plant and Seed, seeds will only be traded and not sold. No registration is required.
acollier@mountairymd.gov. www.mountairymd.gov.
The Dirty Middle featuring Cyrus — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Steinhardt Brewing Company, 340 E. Patrick St., Suite 100-102, Frederick . Local Frederick band is back for their first performance of 2025! Come for original rock ‘n’ roll with some of your favorite tunes from artists gone by. This performance will feature Cyrus from Rays of Violet on lead guitar.
240-651-0057. thedirtymiddle@gmail.com.
Mardi Gras Gala 2025 — 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Holly Hills Country Club, 5502 Mussetter Road, Ijamsville. Grab your beads and join us for the 63rd annual Mardi Gras. Celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with a live jazz band, raffle and silent auction. The event is sponsored by the Frederick Woman’s Civic Club Inc. Go to Baubles, Bangles and Beads on Eventbrite or call 301-6940060 for more info. 18 and older.
$70 per person.
fwccinc.org.
FAMILY
Tumbling Tots — 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Elixir Dance and Fitness, 25 E. Frederick St., Walkersville. This drop-in class is perfect for your energetic toddler who loves to move and explore. Let them get their wiggles out at Elixir.
$10 per child.
Princess Breakfast — 9:30 a.m. at Adventure Park USA, 11113 W. Baldwin Road, Monrovia. Escape to the fairy tale land of Adventure Park USA for a magical buffet breakfast with your favorite princesses, including two enchanting guests from the Land of Oz. Fun for any age and sure to be a memorable event for the whole family! Ticket includes admission, breakfast buffet, a meet-and-greet with the princesses and photo ops. Grab a $20 add-on fun pass to enjoy the arcade while at Adventure Park USA.
$20 person.
PICKLEBALL
(Continued from 10)
“I’ve lived and played pickleball in four states,” Darlington said. “Dill Dinkers [Frederick] is by far the best indoor pickleball facility I’ve come across. When I heard there was a facility coming to Frederick, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. This was only further confirmed once I met Kaylin and Alex; I knew I wanted to be part of what they were building.”
Despite the facility’s success, Corsiatto and her team remain deeply committed to their small-business beliefs. Their involvement in the local community includes events such as corporate gatherings and local fairs, showcasing pickleball as not just a sport but a bonding activity for families, friends and colleagues.
Their mission isn’t just to capitalize on pickleball’s popularity but to create a lasting, positive impact in Frederick.
“People tell us how happy they are to have a place like this,” Corsiatto said. “That feedback is what drives us.”
With peak seasons occurring in the colder months, Dill Dinkers anticipates quieter spring and fall periods, though summer’s heat may bring another influx of players seeking refuge indoors.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity, Corsiatto and McKenna plan to stay ahead by introducing new programming and initiatives that keep the game fresh and exciting. The facility’s versatility, paired with its warm atmosphere, positions it as a mainstay in Frederick’s recreational scene.
While some may dismiss pickleball’s surge as a passing trend, Corsiatto and McKenna believe the sport is here to stay. Its intergenerational appeal, simple rules and relatively small space requirements make it a practical and enjoyable activity for everyone.
At the heart of this entrepreneurial effort lies a focus on community, health and inclusivity. Dill Dinkers Frederick is
(Continued from 12)
are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
FCPS Faculty Show — March 1-30, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. A salute to those who make Youth Art Month possible, this exhibition showcases the creative talents of FCPS educators. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
FCPS Youth Art Month Student Exhibition — March 1 to 30, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Features hundreds of 2D and 3D artworks created by students from each pub-
Courtesy of Dill Dinkers Frederick Dill Dinkers Frederick offers something for everyone — all ages and skill levels. It’s become a place for social gathering and community building.
more than a business — it’s a meeting ground where connections are forged, skills are developed, and lives are improved, all while players enjoy the game that has captivated America.
Rocco Geppi is a freelance writer, having earned his professional journalist credentials in his late teens, and has made a career out of his passion. He enjoys connecting with people, bringing communities together, and highlighting what makes the people and the community uniquely invaluable.
BLATTENBERGER
(Continued from 17)
Rathbone with the ladies, Graham Greene talking s—, Dermot Mulroney shooting horses … there’s something for everyone!
“Laws of Man” feels a bit like a cowboy movie. Did you intentionally write it this way?
The cowboy motif really played well for Frank and Tommy’s mutual transformations throughout the film. Frank starts the opposite of a cowboy: a teetotaler, straight-laced, by the book. We found out he’s that way because his cowboy antics caused a major calamity during his time in the war. His arc is shedding the fear and becoming the cowboy again. Tommy’s the opposite: he starts a cowboy, six-shooter and all, the wild, irrepressible one, and we see his arc is one of maturation, ultimately to one of devotion and sacrifice. It’s fun to juxtapose them throughout the movie.
How is “Laws of Man” different from the other movies you have written?
I think it mixes genres in a way you don’t usually see onscreen. You’ve got war scenes, but it’s not a war movie. Lots of gunfights, but it’s not really an action movie. It’s full of drama and heartbreak, but you wouldn’t call it a drama. I think it’s just a mixed bag and that’s unique, both visually and in terms of narrative style.
The words “Mad to be saved” appear subtlety, but substantially. Is this a nod to Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road”?
“Mad to be saved” is indeed a Kerouac reference. We see all sorts of Beat poets woven into Harvey Keitel’s character here; he quotes Ginsberg, Kerouac, Burroughs, Cassady, for whom the Keitel’s character is named. For those who understand the references, it’s a fun insight into the mind of the
character, and for those that don’t, it’s just a crazy preacher saying off-the-wall stuff … both are equally as effective in building the character and the story.
Talk about how or why you chose to weave religion into the film. I liked the idea of weaving some of the redemptive aspects of religion into the film. We see our hero, Frank, searching desperately for reconciliation in his personal life, and in Cassidy’s preaching, we find a compelling invitation, combining the sanctifying aspects of orthodoxy with the new-age “peace and love” messaging that originally founded the modern evangelical movement. And — spoiler — LSD. It’s a fun and colorful vehicle for protagonist Frank’s redemptive arc.
Rocco Geppi is a freelance writer, having earned his professional journalist credentials in his late teens, and has made a career out of his passion. He enjoys connecting with people, bringing communities together, and highlighting what makes the people and the community uniquely invaluable.
lic school in Frederick County. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-6980656 or delaplaine.org.
”Glimpses of Light in the Everyday” — March 6 to April 1, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Artwork by Sara Swacina in the Main Gallery. Also, artwork by Bruce Etchison in the Michael G. Callas Gallery. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. March 6. Virtual exhibit available online on or about March 8. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 301-7913132, washingtoncountyarts.com.
”Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy” Honors Art Exhibition — March 13
to 28, Esther Prangley Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Opening reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 13, gallery talk at 6 p.m. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 410-857-2592 or mcdaniel.edu.
Kathryn E. Wentz Juried Undergraduate Exhibition — April 1 to 11, Esther Prangley Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 3, awards presentation at 6 p.m. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 410-857-2592 or mcdaniel.edu.
”Mix It Up!” — March 2 to April 27, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. The show features a variety of work by the Frederick County Art Association. Opening reception at 12:45 p.m. March 2. 301473-7680.
Senior Capstone Exhibits — April 15 to 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.
Courtesy photo
Dermot Mulroney stars in “Laws of Men.”
Read with a Dog — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Practice reading to a furry friend! For ages up to 10. 301-600-7250.
frederick.librarycalendar.com.
The Commedia Princess and the Pea — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Arlequin is afraid he’ll be stuck playing the role of the pea, but he ends up getting to play the prince. The troupe romps through a series of hilarious princess tests with great slapstick humor! A Fairy Godmother in this story? Rosetta’s playing the role, whether the troupe likes it or not! $7-$20. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/ the-commedia-princess-and-the-pea.
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.
Family Storytime — 11 a.m. to noon at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Stories, movement, music, and fun for the entire family. 301-600-7200.
Acrylic Painting: “Wicked” — 1 p.m. at Frederick MADE, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Sign up for a “Wicked”-themed,
beginner-friendly canvas painting with Christy. All materials and instruction are provided. Frederick MADE classes have an average size of 6 to 8 students, so painters can expect great one-on-one attention. Students are welcome to bring their own beverage of choice to class — non-alcoholic or alcoholic for those over 21. Sign up at frederickmade.com/products/ acrylic-painting-with-christy-february-22. $45 per painter.
Oh, Here We Go A-Wassailing! Free Orchard Care & Community Gathering — 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm, Retreat & Learning Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Join us for a festive day of orchard care to prepare our apple trees for the season ahead! We’ll practice the ancient tradition of wassailing while tending to the orchard — moving pruned branches, mulching the apple trees, and nourishing their roots with willow water to support a fruitful year. Wassailing is an ageold custom where we gather to sing to the trees, offer blessings, and ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Pre-register. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org.
The Commedia Princess and the Pea — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Arlequin is afraid he’ll be stuck playing the role of the pea, but he ends up getting to play the prince. The troupe romps through a series of hilarious princess tests with great slapstick humor! A Fairy Godmother in this
story? Rosetta’s playing the role, whether the troupe likes it or not! $7-$20. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/ the-commedia-princess-and-the-pea.
Symphony Saturdays: Woodwinds — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Through fun, hands-on demonstrations led by musicians in the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, this free session aims to introduce this instrument family followed by a related activity. Elementary-aged children are welcome. fcpl.org.
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.
301-600-6329. fcpl.org.
Family Board Games — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of board games. Learn a new board game or play an old favorite. A variety of games are provided like Carcassone, Happy Salmon, Here to Slay, and Splendor. All ages. fcpl.org.
Let’s Shake, Rattle and Roll — Daddy/ Daughter Dance — 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Beaver Creek Country Club, 9535 Maplev-
ille Road, Hagerstown. This event is open to all ages and is open to girls and their special guest — can be fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. DJ and dancing, refreshments. Sponsored by Fierce Athletics. Tickets on Eventbrite.
$35 per dad/daughter, $15 for extra daughters. fiercecheer2015@gmail.com.
Bull Riding by International Bull Riders — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Carroll County Agricultural Center & Arena, 706 Agricultural Center Drive, Westminster. Continues March 1. Watch as the top bull riders battle for final standings. Little Wranglers Rodeo prior to start of show. Food, drink and bleacher seating available. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets at the door only. $25 adults, $15 ages 3-12, ages under 3 free. 301-748-0617. carrollcountytourism.org.
FESTIVALS
Chocolate Crawl — 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Downtown Main Street, 110 S. Main St., Mount Airy. The Town of Mount Airy and the Mount Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA) have partnered together to host Chocolate Crawl along Downtown Main Street. Participating Downtown Main Street merchants will have fun chocolate themes, plus vendors onsite will offer sweet treats for purchase. mountairymd.gov.
Mardi Gras — 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Holly Hils Country Club , 5502 Mussetter Road,
Ijamsville. Grab your beads and join us for the 63rd annual Mardi Gras Gala. Dance the night away to a live jazz band as you celebrate the spirit of New Orleans. There will also be a raffle and silent auction. The event is sponsored by the Frederick Woman’s Civic Club, Inc. $70. 301-694-0060. fwcc368@gmail.com. fwccinc.org.
MUSIC
We Dem Country Boys — 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music.
Jason Kao Hwang, Violin, & Sun Li, Pipa — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Frederick YMCA Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. The first of Frederick Experimental Music Association’s String Theories concert series at the YMCA Arts Center, the duo of violinist Jason Kao Hwang and pipa (Chinese lute) virtuoso Sun Li will perform new works that connect American and Chinese musical traditions. $20. 301-466-8176. admin@pointofdeparture.org. frederickymca.org/ string-theories-jazz-concert-series.
Tusk: Fleetwood Mac Tribute — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Tusk is the #1 Tribute to Fleetwood Mac in the world, bar none. No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians re-creating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note for note renditions that no other Fleetwood Mac tribute on the touring scene today can come close to duplicating. $54-$44. 301-790-2000. boxoffice@mdtheatre.org. mdtheatre.org/tusk.
The Hot Sardines — 8 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Fueled by a passion for timeless jazz that stirs hearts and souls, The Hot Sardines reimagine classic melodies, proving the power of joyful music in a disconnected world. Led by Evan Palazzo and Elizabeth Bougerol, their brassy arrangements and captivating vocals transport listeners to bygone eras, making every performance an unforgettable journey through jazz history. $35, $30, $25. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/ shows/the-hot-sardines.
THEATER
“The Importance of Being Earnest” — from the UK’s National Theatre Live — 3 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. Presented by Shepherdstown Opera House in cooperation with the Contemporary American Theater Festival from the UK’s National Theatre, filmed live in London’s West End. While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate. Popcorn, candy, soft drinks available for purchase. Advance reservations encouraged.
Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. In the world’s longest-running play, when a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. When a second murder takes place, tensions and fears only escalate. Brimming with intrigue, sophisticated humor, and surprising twists, “The Mousetrap” is one of Agatha Christie’s most iconic murder mysteries. Friday and Saturday evenings and matinees on the first, third and fifth Sunday, through March 1. Tickets vary. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.
“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” — 8 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. In this intimate and pitch-black comedy from Martin McDonagh (author of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore”), in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, Maureen cares for her manipulative, ailing mother Mag in a seemingly endless cycle of spite and mutual loathing. When an old friend arrives from Maureen’s past, will he be enough to break the cycle? $7-$36. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/ the-beauty-queen-of-leenane.
Sunday Feb. 23 CLASSES
ReWIND Wellness Series Program — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at UNESCO Center, 129 W. Patrick St., Unit 15, Frederick. UNESCO Body and Mind Wellness is going to have basic, intermediate and advance wellness sessions for your own upliftment based on a unique meditation method. Each session is designed for 8 weeks for basic, and at the conclusion, those who attend for at least 6 of them, will receive a certificate of attendance. For teens. 240-446-1658. unescobmw@gmail.com. unescobmw.org.
ETCETERA
Tea and Whimsy Musical Program — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MIddletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. This musical program presented by local group Kokopelli Winds will offer some fun and familiar music with two kinds of tea to enjoy while listening. 18 and older. 301-600-7560. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.
FAMILY
Family Play — 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Grasshopper Grove, inside the FSK Mall,, 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. Second session 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Sunday imagination play sessions at Grasshopper Grove is where you want to be. It’s like a tiny town for kids where they play with wooden and
Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations in Frederick, they know best. Here is a personal interview with a 2024 Best of the Best winner or finalist about why they love what they do, helping those they serve and working in Frederick.
Law Office of Lena A. Clark
Before my brother passed away, he told me I was the Executor in his Will. What do I do now?
We’re sorry for your loss. As the Executor of your brother’s Estate, you have several responsibilities to ensure his affairs are settled according to the law and his wishes. In Maryland, we use the term “Personal Representative” instead of “Executor”. If your brother named you as his Personal Representative, that means he trusted you immensely and knew you would be the best person to manage his hard-earned money, possessions, and legacy.
Ask yourself these TOP 5 questions:
1. Can you locate his original Will? It is extremely important to have the original Will and any original codicils or amendments, not just a copy.
2. Can you obtain a Death Certificate? Death certificates are required for the Probate process and ensure the Court has important details about a person’s death and any surviving heirs.
3. Are you familiar with Probate? Probate is the judicial process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. A Probate Estate must be opened if your brother owned property in his sole name without a surviving beneficiary or if he jointly owned property without rights of survivorship. As Personal Representative, you are responsible for identifying, collecting,
valuing, and eventually distributing his assets. You must also complete and file numerous court forms, tax returns, and may be required to attend court hearings.
4. Have you consulted a Probate attorney? Although you were nominated to be Personal Representative in the Will, you must still petition the Court to be officially appointed. You should meet with an experienced Probate attorney to assess the scope of the Estate and the next steps to take. The law firm you hire can then monitor deadlines, complete and file all paperwork, and represent you if anyone sues the Estate. Attorney Clark has been working on Probate matters for 20 years, and we will be happy to help you.
5. Do you have any information about your brother’s assets and if they had beneficiaries? Consider his bank accounts, retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, houses, vehicles, and personal property, among other things. It is normal not to have much information immediately after his passing, but you should not let that stop you from meeting with a Probate attorney.
It is great that your brother had a Will, but if he created a Revocable Living Trust, his Estate may not have gone through Probate. It’s not too late for you to create a Trust for yourself to help your family avoid Probate after you are gone. Our office handles Estate Planning and Probate matters exclusively. You can call us at 301-696-0567 or selfschedule online at lenaclarklegal.com.
If you need help protecting your money and loved ones in the event of death or disability, call us at 301-696-0567 or selfschedule online at lenaclarklegal.com.
cloth toys in settings like the vets office, a grocery store, a bakery and more! Great for toddlers, but loved by ages 4 months all the way to age 12. Sign up for a session at Grasshopper-Grove.com. $17 per child with sibling discounts. grasshopper-grove.com.
The Commedia Princess and the Pea — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Arlequin is afraid he’ll be stuck playing the role of the pea, but he ends up getting to play the prince. The troupe romps through a series of hilarious princess tests with great slapstick humor! A Fairy Godmother in this story? Rosetta’s playing the role, whether the troupe likes it or not! $7-$20. 301-694-4744. marylandensemble.org/ the-commedia-princess-and-the-pea.
FILM
Documentary Screening: “The Tale of the Lion” — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Come and view a screening of “The Tale of the Lion: Our Voices, Our Stories,” a documentary film based on interviews with 25 of Frederick County’s “living treasures,” African-American people who are 90 and older. Barbara Thompson (a Walkersville branch patron) and her cousin, the late David Key, both leaders in the African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society, interviewed those featured in the film for over a year and half to preserve their
stories and inspire all who hear them. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.
MUSIC
John E. Marlow Guitar Series Presents Xuefei Yang — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cultural Arts Center Montgomery College, 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. “Feisty virtuosity, impeccable technique and sensitive musicianship,” (New York Times), “her lyrical playing, warm sound and charismatic artistry connect with audiences far beyond the guitar fraternity,” Classic FM Magazine.
The Anderson Brothers with Adam Moezinia — 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 25100 Ridge Road, Damascus. The Anderson Brothers, a jazz trio, are originally from Bethesda, graduated from Juilliard and are based in New York City. They will perform their mix of classic and improvisational jazz, featuring Peter and Will Anderson playing sax, clarinet and flute with Adam Moezinia on guitar. 301-253-2130. office@stannesdamascus.org. stannesdamascus.org.
Cameron Molloy and the Driving Wheel — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music.
PERFORMER
Calling Dr. Freud — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at ESP Loft, 16 E. Patrick St., 2nd Floor, Frederick. A collective creation including real-life stories, narratives, performance art, all derived from real people, real experiences and shared works. Stories will be told with truth, clarity, sensitivity and even a bit of humor. Pay-what-you-want. 301-305-1405. contact@esptheatre.org. esptheatre.org.
Cirque International — 2:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Featuring performers from around the world comes a new generation of Cirque style show, the electrifying and mesmerizing Cirque International. Created by an award-winning production team, this wonderful show features an international line-up of some of the world’s finest acrobats, gymnasts and aerial artists in an enchanting and mesmerizing spectacle of entertainment. Cirque International brings to the stage breathtaking excitement in a magnificent extravaganza that will leave you spellbound. $40 - $70. 301-790-3500. boxoffice@mdtheatre.org. mdtheatre.org/cirque.
THEATER
“The Beauty Queen of Leenane” — 3 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. In this intimate and pitch-black comedy from Martin
McDonagh (author of “The Lieutenant of Inishmore”), in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, Maureen cares for her manipulative, ailing mother Mag in a seemingly endless cycle of spite and mutual loathing. When an old friend arrives from Maureen’s past, will he be enough to break the cycle?
Sol Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join us for this free yoga class offered by Sol Yoga. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.
ESL High Beginners Conversation Class — 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. We welcome adults (18 and older) who want to practice their English to a conversation class hosted by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Students will practice their speaking and listening skills with conversations guided by an instructor from the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Registration is required by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.
