KITTY CLIQUE
Local collectors celebrate a special 50-year anniversary
All Aboard!
It’s The Frederick County Society of Engineers Holiday Train Display. Bring your family & friends to this special Christmas Train Display. Oh, and there’s more! For those of you who love Crêpes, Vernon & his family from the Thurmont Main Street Farmers Market will be there during the train display in the back room fixing up those incredible Crêpes!
Train Display & Crêpes, Thurmont Plaza, 224 North Church Street Thurmont, MD Thurmont Now has a new train shop! When visiting the train display, make sure you stop in & see East Main Trains at 6 East Main Street. Christmas in Thurmont is a Wonderful Time of Year!
A Thurmont Main Street event.
FAMOUSLY FROSTY: Caroling, marshmallow roasting and Jolly Old St. Nick in downtown Frederick PAGE 8
Submit a calendar listing for your event 10 days prior to publication at newspost.com/calendar.
TIME FOR FROSTY FRIDAY (AND FREE PARKING) IN FREDERICK
After spending a cozy Thanksgiving with loved ones indoors, had out on Friday to downtown Frederick for the annual, all-day Frosty Friday event, which has a little something for everyone — live music, marshmallow roasting, caroling, a cocktail competition and other activities throughout town. Also of note: Downtown metered parking and parking garages will be free from 8 a.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Monday each weekend between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Yay, holidays!
A PERFECT “SMALL BUSINESS” TO VISIT ON SATURDAY
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a passive — or stressful — activity. In fact, it can be just the opposite. Buy items handcrafted by Frederick artists or create your own this gift-giving season at AR Workshop Frederick, which has recently changed ownership. Gina Korrell, who you may know as the founder of 24/7 Dance Studio, and her husband, Brad Korrell, took ownership of the store last month. Browse their upcoming workshops — cookie decorating, Turkish mosaic lamp, charcuterie — and you’re likely to
find something perfectly suited for all tastes and interests. The store will be
open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 30 for Small Business Saturday. Find them at 914 N. East St., Frederick.
HELLO KITTY TURNS 50 THIS MONTH
Perhaps you’ve noticed special Hello Kitty collections in stores this month. The adorable character, beloved by young and old alike, is celebrating her collectors in the area and ask about the Hello Kitty craze and appeal. But now to determine whether Hello Kitty is a cat or a girl.
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
SCOTT MORRISON
2024, 2023 – Finalist, Law Firm –Estate Law
2024 – Finalist, Attorney, Scott Morrison
2022, 2021 – Winner, Law Firm –Estate Law
2020-2022 – Finalist, Attorney
2020 – Finalist, Law Firm
2018-2019 – Winner, Law Firm
FRIDA KAHLO SHOW COMING TO HAGERSTOWN IN THE SPRING
50th anniversary this November. We took this opportunity to find some guests can enjoy dinner at the artful tables, as well as a first look at the
Calling all Frida Kahlo lovers! And lovers of table settings. Yes, you heard that right. Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown is open to designers who want to participate in the annual Amazing Tablescapes fundraiser, and this coming event’s theme celebrates Kahlo, as it will open alongside the museum’s exhibition “Frida Kahlo: Picturing an Icon.” Amazing Tablescapes will be on view at the museum from June 10 to 13, 2025, concluding with a gala fundraising dinner on June 13, during which exhibition.
A SKATE PARK OPENS IN MIDDLETOWN
Middletown will get its first skate park when Middletown Park Skate Spot and Pump Track opens with an official ribbon cutting at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3.
Meet at the entrance of Middletown Park at 7628 Coblentz Road, if you’d like to be there to see the 13,538-square-foot park unveiled. The concept began back in 2009, and the park was designed to accommodate skaters of all skill levels. The Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation will keep us posted of its progress at recreater.com/864/skate-spot-and-pumptrack.
2015-2017 – Winner, Attorney
WHEN DID YOU OPEN YOUR BUSINESS IN FREDERICK?
After practicing law for several years in Frederick, Scott Morrison opened his own firm in 2001 to focus solely on elder law, estate planning and probate/trust administration. Megan McGrew joined the firm in 2008. Together, we focus on these areas of law by providing the best service to our clients dealing with some of the most difficult stages of life.
WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART?
Unlike many law firms, we focus on only a few areas of law and strive to provide the best possible service to our clients. Many of our clients are multigenerational, as we have represented grandparents, and their children, and then their children’s
children. We love getting to know our clients, helping them accomplish their goals and protect their families, and then doing it again for the next generation. One thing we firmly believe is that you should never pay for an initial consultation. We are proud of our firm and our services, but we don’t believe you should have to pay to meet with us to see if we are a good fit for you.
WHAT MAKES FREDERICK COUNTY A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS?
Scott has lived and worked in the Frederick area for more than four decades. Megan was raised in Frederick County and was a member of the first graduating class from Urbana High School. Even with all the growth in recent decades, there is nothing more satisfying than reconnecting with a former teacher or classmate, an old neighbor, or someone you coached in youth sports, and having them entrust you with their family’s legal needs. Most of our referrals come from our former clients, and it is the biggest compliment that we have provided a service worthy of their referrals.
Judging the Maryland Home Grower’s Cup
BY JOHN JACOBS Special to The News-Post
When I was asked to judge the Maryland Home Grower’s Cup this fall, my answer was an immediate yes. I had dreamed of being a judge at a cannabis cup since I was 18, more than 36 years ago.
So this was a dream come true for me.
Fingerboard Farm did an exceptional job hosting the judges and the event. Two weeks before the cup, each judge picked up a handful of samples to test before we met up a week later. I was a little bit in a panic because my nose was starting to get stuffy and I didn’t want that to mess with my ability to smell the
It would have been nice to get two weeks with the samples instead problems. It ended up working out nevertheless, but it’s not as easy as one may think. I ended up testing
consecutive days. Two weeks would have given me another round to
Every judge, and there were 11, based on looks, scent, effect, etc. I out which one was the best of the bunch, and that got my vote to move on. It was a blind testing; all samples were given a number and stripped of any identifying information.
A week before the event, the judges met at Fingerboard Farm. Dawn Furman Gordon, the farm owner, had reserved the inn, which is located on the property for three days so we could meet and stay over if we wanted. She also provided food.
attended, and we smoked the samples the judges had chosen from the previous week. It took about three hours that night and another three hours the next night.
The second night, seven judges entries that we wanted to vaporize. One of the judges brought a Volcano Vaporizer and some bags. It allowed like. When you burn it, you can lose
Judging anything is subjective, there were about a dozen that were
TOP: The author’s top pick. BOTTOM: Varieties of cannabis entries for the recent Maryland Home Grower’s Cup in Ijamsville.
Photos courtesy of John Jacobs
second night, we tried some of the and most were really good. I kept repeating the phrase “I like it.” The samples I initially received were all gone up compared to last year, in my opinion.
By the end of the second night, there was consensus on the top three entries, though some judges had order. I had the eventual winner as my third place winner, because I gave. It reminded me of a plant that I no longer grow — strong, but not something I would take to a desert island.
The winners: First Place, Trop Cherry, grown by Darren Kelly; Second Place, Cherrylicious, grown by Ryan Brumit; and Third Place, White Inferno grown by Rusty Morgan
If you ever get the chance to judge a cannabis event, do it. When I got to the farm on the day of the event, I got VIP status as soon as I pulled into the closest parking lot. I ended up settling in the VIP tent, where they had pizza, drinks, and so many snacks. I rolled 20 joints and gave away some of the Runtz of Eden that I had brought. I had purchased the seeds a year ago at the inaugural cup.
I can’t wait for the day that everyone will be able to sample the entrants, like a beer festival, but being a judge is the next best thing. I wish they had hash samples of each it was another great event hosted by Fingerboard Farm. If you grow and are looking for some friendly competition, enter next year’s cup. Hope to see you there.
John Jacobs is an award-winning cannabis cultivator who lives in Frederick.
A rebranded Brewery Fire in Taneytown
In this episode of the UnCapped podcast, host Chris Sands talks with cofounder Jesse Johnson from Brewery Fire in Taneytown. Here is an excerpt of their talk.
UnCapped: Can you talk about all the exciting changes and big happenings at Brewery Fire?
Jesse Johnson: The past year has been a year of transition for us. Dave [Palmer] has decided that he wants to focus on his own career, and as you know, owning a brewery is a lot of time, a lot of work …
UnCapped: Not much reward.
Johnson: Not much reward (laughs). So he decided to focus on his family and his career, and we found a new partner. I’m an OK brewer, but business is not my forte, so we looked for someone who had that strength that I don’t really have.
UnCapped: It’s smart that you recognize that, because I think plenty of people are good at certain aspects of a business but don’t recognize that they aren’t necessarily the best business owner but still forge ahead.
been thought about before that?
Johnson: Yeah, it’s something we’ve thought about. We’ve been open just
time for a refresh in the brand, to make our presence known differently on the shelves. There are so many great beers out there now and so many great labels, we wanted to have something with more continuity. When you see our new brand,
over five years now, and it was just it's a dragon with fire in the
BREWERY FIRE
4337 Old Taneytown Road, Suite B, Taneytown
Open Wednesday through Sunday.
Johnson: When I work behind the bar, I always feel guilty for taking people’s money for beer. I just want everybody to enjoy it and have a good time. It’s always like, “You’re gonna give me money for this? Ugh.”
^
: Yeah, that s definitely not
UnCapped the right mindset if you wanna run a business.
profits. But yeah, it's good to have some
Johnson: That might work for non-one to tell me, “Jesse, it’s alright to take money.”
UnCapped: You’re supposed to, if you want to keep the lights on.
Johnson: New partner’s name is Deep Patel. He’s got a business background with retail — liquor stores and stuff. I’ll be brewing, he’ll be doing the business, and we’ll have our same staff running the bar and managing the taproom.
UnCapped: Was the idea of rebranding based on the ownership structure change, or is this something that had
background. All of our new labels are gonna have that as the primary focus. All the same beers, just reworked by one artist, Eric Piisila, who’s a friend of mine.
He’s been coming to the brewery for a couple years now. He’s a musician. He did a label just for fun for us a couple months ago, and the new partner really liked it, and the team working on the branding loved his art, so we got him on board as our new artist.
UnCapped: Did he design the logo also?
Johnson: Yeah. … I brought you a gift today, which is a barrel-aged Mexican hot chocolate stout.
UnCapped: What kind of barrels?
Brewery Fire cofounder Jesse Johnson.
date: 12/31/24
Johnson: Kind of a cool story, to bring Frederick into the mix. I bought them through a vendor — I didn’t know what I was getting into, I just wanted a single malt whiskey barrel — Whiskey Del Bac, based out of Arizona. I tagged them one out to me and said, “Hey, our distiller came from Frederick.” So I’m sending them some bottles of it this week.
whiskeys. They do really good stuff. Most of their malts are mesquite-smoked. I was kind of worried when I went to try it, because I’m not a fan of smokiness in liquids. I can’t stand smoked beers, I hate Scotch. I just don’t like smoky notes. But the mesquite in all of their whiskeys that I tried was phenomenal.
Johnson: Can you get them locally?
Johnson: About three months.
UnCapped: So it probably picked up
a decent amount of the [flavor],
Johnson: Yeah, it’s good.
UnCapped: I could see their stuff working really good with a stout.
Johnson: When I was hydrating them, I got all these crazy sweet smells and I them up, and it was some Christmas edition that had last year, like chocolate and vanilla.
thought, these were flavored. So I looked tributed in Maryland. They're definitely day when I filled them and they reached
UnCapped: I’m pretty sure they’re disworth checking out. Then they have a rye, but they don’t make that themselves. I think that’s one of the only ones that isn’t smoked.
UnCapped: Oh, so that’s kind of perfect then!
Johnson: Yeah, it is perfect.
UnCapped: Have you ever tried their whiskey?
Johnson: I have not.
UnCapped: It’s really good. I have that at my house. I have a bunch of their
Johnson: But yeah, we have this delicious Mexican hot chocolate stout in their barrels. Nice, fancy bottle, wax-tipped.
UnCapped: How long was that in the barrel?
This excerpt has been edited for space and clarity. Listen to the full podcast at fnppodcasts.com/uncapped. Got UnCapped news? Email csands@newspost. com.
Chris Sands
MUSICIAN TO MUSICIAN
Jazz trombonist Euan Edmonds releases ‘Beyond Hope and Fear’
Euan Edmonds has traveled the country playing trombone everywhere from here in Maryland to Chicago for years now. He bandleader, “Beyond Hope and Fear,” as he settles back into living in Maryland after spending nearly a decade in the Midwest. We caught up with Edmonds, who now lives in Germantown and teaches at Shepherd University, to talk about his new set, what inspires him to write, starting all over again, falling in love with teaching and, of course, the role being sad plays in composition.
How did you get into music to begin with? Was it something you had a passion for all of your life?
Yeah, I started piano lessons when I was tiny, but that didn’t last too long. Then I did band starting in
recently released his first-ever set as a fifth grade. I started on trombone - I'm a trombone player - and I started to be
good at it. Then I continued all through high school. I came to Maryland when I was in high school and I started to play in a lot of garage band type stuff, in people’s basements. When I found out you could study music in college, I kind up studying at Shepherd College in Shepherdstown. The irony is that I’m actually teaching at Shepherd now as an adjunct. I teach jazz and improvisation.
That’s been my experience with a lot of people who go into the jazz world — they do a lot of teaching. Was that something you always wanted to do?
I suppose if you would have asked the high school version of me, probably not. But it’s something that has developed over the years and I think it’s kind of an important way for people to pay their bills. I lived in Chicago for seven years and my general take on the whole scene was that very, very few people were
Pretty good. All of this is a learning process. I always kind of envisioned myself more as a sideman, but I’ve gotten pretty heavily into writing over the years and releasing my own music was the next step. To be honest, I think it’s just another important part of being a musician these days. I don’t think the lane for the sideman is strong footing anymore, if that makes sense.
Yeah, it’s kind of changed. There was a time when you could make a living out of music as a sideman if you were well-known. These days, it’s a little harder. With the evolution of jazz music, do you think it’s in a better place than it was 20, 30, 50 years ago?
I don’t know. I would say that everybody has been trying to get their voices heard. I suspect that the institutional system that has supported the production of music has changed so much at this point that almost all of the onus is on the artist these days. I would say that’s probably unfortunate in a certain respect, but on the other side, it puts me in a position where I’m putting out all my music myself with a
label in Chicago - it's not a huge label; just some people I know in Chicago -
but I suppose there are positives and negatives on both sides, but I think the way things are now is much more
beneficial to the artist. Ultimately, this of dove head-first into it and I ended
comes down to how the money is made now, and it’s through streaming services and not record sales. That really has changed the landscape, I think. You can also make it through playing out and gigging. Do you perform a lot?
I did. I’ve been back in Maryland for a while now, but I haven’t started making strong inroads in D.C. It’s been a bumpy few years, but one of the bright spots has been the job at Shepherd. I came back for a family emergency and then I started making plans to leave and realized that my place is here. I made
that choice about six months ago - that
rounded out.
It’s got to be rewarding, right?
and it was something that was really rewarding.
making a living as a full-time musician. It started out kind of specific -
I wasn’t going to be leaving. I’m kind of the personality type that overthinks everything, so I’m a bit of a slow mover. The album is called “Beyond Hope and Fear.” What does that title mean?
Everybody supplemented their income, somehow, with teaching. And the truth is that I actually really like it and I found out I’m pretty good at it. I taught at a music lessons and music classes for free to kids across the city. I was actually
Yeah, it is. The truth is when I moved to Chicago, it was, “How am I going to pay my rent?” I did that by walking dogs for a year and a half. Then I picked up a job at the People’s Music School
nonprofit in Chicago that was giving and there was definitely an element of
teaching young kids - third grad through high school - and that's where I
“this is helping me pay my rent,” but the longer I did it and the more I got to know the students, it became personal
I want to get into this new release, because I think it’s today that it came out.
It is. I woke up at three o’clock in the morning to see if it had made it onto Apple Music, and I was relieved to see that it did. does it feel?
think it’s to do with when you have that moment in life where things go all wrong and you get the worst news. In my case, a loved one was dying. But there could be a chance that it could come around, and you’re stuck in the
Courtesy photo
Euan Edmonds
COLIN McGUIRE
Frosty Friday: Caroling, marshmallow roasting and Jolly Old St. Nick in downtown Frederick
Downtown Frederick Partnership will host its annual Black Friday holiday event, Frosty Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 29, with 8 a.m. breakfast options throughout downtown Frederick.
Event highlights include a free Frosty Friday tote bag filled with gifts from downtown businesses while supplies last, live music and caroling throughout town, as well as marshmallow roasting from 4 to 9 p.m.
At 30 N. Market St., enjoy an Early Bird Bag Giveaway at 9 a.m., the Snowflake Tree from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and photos with Santa from noon to 3 p.m.
A Frosty Friday Cocktail Competition will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., where you can taste cocktails around town and vote for your favorite.
Downtown metered parking and parking garages will be free from 8 a.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Monday each weekend between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
The holidays in Carroll County
FREE HOLIDAY BENEFIT CONCERT
A free Holiday Benefit Concert and Community Sing, "The Christmas Carroll," sponsored by Carroll County Arts Council, will be hosted on behalf of The Shepherd's Staff and the Northeast Social Action Program at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Crossroads Church, 1040 S. Carroll St., Hampstead.
The holiday concert, featuring festive selections from local musicians, choirs and artists, will be complete with audience sing-alongs and favorite tunes to help get everyone in the holiday spirit. This year's selections include "Joy to the World," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," "Mary Did You Know" and "The Hallelujah Chorus."
Seating is first-come, first-served, and seating is limited. No ticket is needed and there is no charge for the concert, although there is a suggested donation of $13 plus a charitable donation of personal care essentials, wipes, baby items or nonperishable food items.
In the event of inclement weather, call 410-857-5944 for a recorded message or visit The Shepherd's Staff Carroll County Facebook page.
For more information, email info@ shepstaff.org, or call 443-244-0453.
FESTIVAL OF WREATHS AUCTION
The Carroll County Arts Council once again will present its signature holiday fundraising event, the annual Festival of Wreaths auction, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8. Admission is free to visit the cheery display of uniquely handmade wreaths and holiday decor at the Carroll Arts Center from noon to 7 p.m. daily.
Through HANDBID, an online auction platform, visitors can bid on the seasonal treasures with their smartphone in-person at the festival or bid remotely via computer, tablet or phone.
The Festival of Wreaths is a holiday wonderland of creativity and generosity featuring a display of extraordinary wreaths and holiday art pieces, from whimsical to wacky to wonderful. In the past, wreaths have been adorned with a wide range of items and decorations including gems, sock monkeys, computer mice, thumb tacks, paintbrushes, duct tape, Legos, flip flops, seashells, auto parts, origami, wine corks, autographed sports memorabilia and even toilet paper rolls. They make great gifts or memorable seasonal decor for
your home. Many also come with bonus items like gift cards, specialty food and beverages, merchandise, or tickets to local and regional attractions.
The CCAC will also be awarding 1 0 Audience Choice prizes. The public can vote for their favorites when they visit the festival at the Arts Center. The top ten winners will win a hand-crafted holiday ornament. Kids can also get in on the fun with The Festival of Wreaths scavenger hunt. Voting closes for Audience Choice at 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Winners will be announced Dec. 8.
The auction bidding opens Nov. 29 at noon. Online bidding will close at 7 p.m. Dec. 8.
This festive fundraiser benefits the Carroll County Arts Council. Additionally, for the first time this year, the Arts Council is partnering with Lifebridge Health to give auction winners the option to donate their wreaths directly to Carroll Hospital.
For more information, call 41 0848-7272 or visit festivalofwreaths. com.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
The Shepherd's Staff will host its annual Carroll County Festival of
Hear live music throughout town during Frosty Friday on Nov. 29.
Trees in conjunction with downtown Westminster's holiday events again this year from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at John Street Quarters.
The event will feature a silent auction, with virtual and "buy now" options of more than 30 decorated trees, entertainment on Friday and Saturday featuring local choirs and schools, baked goods available for purchase, artisan gifts, cash-andcarry items and more.
The organization is excited to once again host this unique annual holiday tradition that benefits The Shepherd's Staff, a local nonprofit organization that provides assistance to people in crisis within the Carroll County community. This event is the organization's largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting their emergency financial services and other programming for those in need in the community.
The event will be held from 1 0 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 and 1 0 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1. John Street Quarters is at 28 John St., Westminster. Admission is free.
Learn more at 410-857-5944, or email info@shepstaff.org.
Courtesy photo
The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of Nov. 29
Activities to do with the kids this weekend, courtesy of The Frederick Mom.
Frosty Friday
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 29
Downtown Frederick Free
Make plans the day after Thanksgiving to be downtown Frederick for Frosty Friday! Get in the festive spirit with caroling and live holiday music playing around town between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stop by bright and early at 30 N. Market St. for an early-bird bag giveaway, while supplies last. At the same location, the
be lit from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and families can snap photos with Santa from noon to 3 p.m. While you’re walking around and shopping, enjoy free marshmallow roasting throughout downtown from 4 to 9 p.m. Later, catch a cocktail competition from 6 to 9 p.m. Coinciding with downtown’s event, families can also visit Heritage Frederick on 24 E. Church St. to see the museum all decked out for the holidays for a fun Frosty Friday event from 1 to 3 p.m., where kids can make a keepsake ornament, play games in the garden, and enjoy a warm beverage. There’s something for everyone!
•••
Santa Train
11 a.m. and 1:30 and 4 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1
Walkersville Southern Railroad, 34 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville
$18/adult, $17/senior, $16/child (ages 2-12), children under age 2 are free if riding on a lap
The most sought-after train excursion at Walkersville Southern Railroad is the Santa Train. Starting this weekend, Jolly Ol’ St. Nick himself will board a 1920s train with your family for a 70-minute scenic ride through beautiful Mary-
land countryside. Be sure to check out the Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum next door to discover Maryland’s railroad heritage. The museum has awesome family programs, educational exhibitions, real trains and scale model trains, plus a Children’s Corner with a hands-on activities, books and games. The museum is open Saturdays only from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The museum is free to visit, but consider making a donation. Additional Santa Train rides are offered on Dec. 7 and 8 at the same times. Visit wsrr.org/ws for tickets.
•••
Holiday Train Display & Crêpes
Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1
Thurmont Plaza Shopping Center, 224 N. Church St., Thurmont Free
Christmas in Thurmont is a wonder-
ers Market. If you didn’t know, Thurmont now has a new train shop. When visiting the train display, make sure you stop in and see East Main Trains at 6 E. Main St. If you miss this weekend’s display and crêpes, it’s open again every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 22 at Thurmont Plaza, beside the Dirty Dawg. For more information, visit thurmontmainstreet.com. •••
”Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells”
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 1
Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick Street, Frederick $20/adult, $17/child/senior/military
This show, by Allison Gregory and based on the book by Barbara Park, is the perfect jolly performance for the whole family. There are additional show dates from Nov. 30 through Dec. 22. Go to marylandensemble.org for tickets.
•••
Santa Open House 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 1
Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy Free
ful time of year. The fifth annual Holiday local fire company!
Train Display is back! Bring your family and friends to this festive event, presented by the Frederick County Society of Model Engineers and enjoy warm crêpes from the Thurmont Main Street Farm-
This is your sign to make unforgettable memories watching a holiday play together at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre. MET’s FUN Company Family Theatre Series presents “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” Your kids may already love the character Junie B. Jones, so see her come to life as she plays Secret Santa to her least favorite classmate.
This Sunday, bring the family out to Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co. to visit Santa Claus! Kids will love being in the station with the big red engines, enjoying refreshments, and telling Santa what they want for Christmas. Fire and safety information will be available for all ages. Join the community and get festive with your -
eration native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. She is the owner of The Frederick Follow her @thefrederickmom.
Tiffany Mahaney
The holidays in Frederick are fun and magical.
Tiffany Mahaney
Downtown Frederick gets festive along Carroll Creek each winter.
Photos by Tiffany Mahaney Get in a visit with Santa Claus — or Mrs. Claus — this season.
TIFFANY MAHANEY Snowflake Tree will
Hydrate. Make lists. Leave yourself time. And other tips for reducing holiday travel stress.
BY KATHERINE ROTH Associated Press
Travel can be stressful in the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that seems to be baked into every holiday season and it’s clear that travelers could use some help calming frazzled nerves.
Travel pros say there is plenty you can do ahead of time to make for a happier and less-stressful holiday journey. Make a list and check things off A week before you leave, write down things you need to bring and tasks you need to do before the trip.
“This can include essential packing items, as well as simple tasks like cleaning out old food from the fridge or watering the plants,” says Jess Feldman, special projects editor at Travel and Leisure magazine. “The key is to leave the list out for the entire week before you go. I cross the to-dos off throughout the week, and it helps me feel extremely prepared, lessening the stress every time.”
Carry your comfort zone with you
Noise-canceling headphones can go a long way toward blocking out annoyances during travel, although if you use them you should keep an eye on display gate changes.
Spotify, YouTube and other sites offer music playlists with names like “Relaxing Chill Out Calming Music for Airports” and “Perfect — Music Travel Relax.” Or try “Music for Airports,” a groundbreaking album that launched the ambient music genre in 1978.
It’s also good to carry extra medications, a change of clothes, a toothbrush and a phone-charging cable, just in case. Bringing along some snacks or a sandwich from home can feel comforting and be a great alternative to pricey airport offerings.
“I tend to pack for worst-case scenar-tions. This includes bringing things to do of course, like more than one book, knitting materials, or a few extra downloaded movies,” Feldman says. For longer journeys, she might bring a meal in a Tupperware container.
Stay hydrated -
ter you go through security) and a small pouch with lip balm and travel-size moisturizers.
Hallie Gould, editor in chief of Byrdie, a digital site for beauty care, recom-
mends “loading up on skin hydration be-
products to boost hydration, so you’re covering your bases inside and out.”
Get app-y and know the rules
“Every airline has different requirements when it comes to the boarding process, paying for perks in advance, or seat upgrades,” Feldman says. “It’s best to understand all of the above before getting to the airport so that you are not taken off guard.”
Having the airline’s app lets you knowcellations sooner and allows you to moretions if needed.
Give yourself the gift of extra time
Security lines can be much longer — and slower — than expected, and so can the walk through a large airport. So giving yourself plenty of extra time can reduce stress. The general rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport two hours before
If you’re too early, you can always explore the airport shops and lounges or settle in with a good book somewhere.
is a lounge I have access to in my departing gate ahead of time,” Feldman says. But even without lounge access, she says, “I like to know what the restaurants and waiting areas (near) the gate are like.”
Try to identify the source of your anxiety
“If you have a sense of why you are
ways to reduce that stress,” says Lynn F. Bufka, head of practice for the American Psychological Association. “So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, are there things that you can outsource? Is there someone in your family who can help with parts of the planning?”
Recognize that crowds, bad weathcontrol.
And some people just don’t like to
portant to know that it can be treated, and that treatment can really improve the quality of your life,” Bufka says.
Prepare to welcome yourself home
A little extra time tidying your home and making sure you have some easy-toprepare food ready in the freezer or pantry will make for a much more welcoming return.
“Always, always, always clean your space before leaving for a trip. You are inevitably going to feel a bit off after a long travel day, and coming home to an unorganized space will make it so much worse,” Feldman says.
Wash the sheets, take out the trash, put away clothes, clean the countertops. “Arriving home to a neat and tidy space is the best homecoming, especially after a long time away,” she says.
AP Business Writer Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this report from Detroit.
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File
Frederick arts and crafts studio has new owners
AR Workshop welcomes Santa’s little helpers
BY MARTI MOORE
Special to The News-Post
A workshop for arts and crafts enthusiasts is under new ownership at the same location by a Frederick native and businesswoman established in the local performing arts community.
Last month Gina Korrell and her husband, Brad Korrell, took ownership of the AR Workshop at 914 East St. in the Monocacy Village Shopping Center. Their arts and crafts studio is decorated for the holidays and ready for Santa’s little helpers to purchase projects, learn how to make onsite and take home their finished works of decorative art.
Gina, 56, has been a repeat customer since the previous owner opened the do-it-yourself workshop in 2017. It’s where Gina has held her annual holiday staff parties for the 24/7 Dance Studio, which she founded 23 years ago at 482-A Prospect Blvd.
In June, two of Gina’s friends learned the previous owner of the AR Workshop accepted a new career opportunity and was in search of a qualified buyer to take over the franchise. One friend was a client of the dance school, liked Gina’s business style, and knew she was a great fit as the next owner.
“Just knowing how well Gina runs a business” motivated Frederick resident Rebecca Marrone to reach out to the dance studio owner and suggest she buy the DIY shop.
The franchise was transferred to Gina and her husband Oct. 1. Instead of throwing a launch party, they plan to hold an open house in January. The North Carolina-based AR Workshop has 150 franchises nationwide. Customers expressed relief to Gina when the Frederick location did not close.
Extending her reach from a performing arts service to a visual arts retail business has some challenges, Gina admitted. She runs her 24/7 Dance Studio remotely with the help of a business manager and artistic directors who provide dance lessons to 863 students age 18 months to 72 years.
Her AR Workshop staff includes one manager plus eight part-time employees and instructors. “This
At the AR Workshop Frederick, Gina Korrell is proud of her “trucker hat bar,” where crafters can customize their own caps with patches. Clients also can burn designs onto wide-brimmed hats in the Frederick arts and crafts studio. She says this project is on-trend in the South and is new to this area. The next hat burning workshop is Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and starts at $69 with additional upgrades available.
one has a retail component that is new to me,” Gina said.
Thank goodness her husband helps with the heavy lifting.
Brad, who retired in July from the Potomac Edison energy company, got to work creating a separate space for inventory and the power saws he uses to cut wood for customer projects. He also built his wife an office, which protects the
plotter — a machine that cuts stencils — from sawdust. A sliding barn door separates the studio from Brad’s workspace and Gina’s office. The faint aroma of fresh-cut pine is in the air.
Six large worktables, each with plenty of elbowroom for six students, take center stage in the middle of the 3,000-square-foot store.
Photo courtesy of AR Workshop Frederick Finished products of the Turkish mosaic lamp class at the AR Workshop in Frederick. The next class is held Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. and costs $80 to make and take this personalized home décor accessory.
IF YOU GO
AR Workshop Frederick will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 30 for Small Business Saturday.
Cookie decorating workshop on Dec. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. that includes making a wood serving tray.
Turkish mosaic lamp workshop on Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Charcuterie demonstration Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to craft a wood plank. Customers can bring their own beverages. The AR Workshop sells water and snacks.
Drop-in customers are welcome at the AR Workshop at 914 N. East St., Frederick. For party reservations, call 301-298-9016 or send an email to frederick@arworkshop.com. The menu of projects and classes are posted on their website at arworksop.com/frederick. Follow them at AR Workshop Frederick on Facebook and Instagram.
“This is where the magic happens,” Gina declares with the smile and hand flourish of a gracious entertainer. The space can accommodate large and small DIY classes for birthday parties, date nights, baby showers and walk-in customers. Gina has started booking
Marti Moore
Wine and Art Series: Original Paintings by Galina Kolosovskaya — through Nov. 29, Links Bride Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Russian-born Kolosovskaya executes masterly paintings in styles that range from old world classic still life to modern mixed media works. This exhibit includes works that feature paint and feathers. Hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends, other days by appointment. 301-466-2413, linksbridgevineyards.com.
“Civil Rights — Civil Wrongs” — through Nov. 30 at Just Lookin’ Gallery, 40 Summit Ave., Hagerstown. Join us on a journey that traverses the tumultuous landscape of human rights, illuminating the perilous path from the shackles of slavery to the hopeful aspirations of a brighter future. Works in all mediums by more than 35 African American are featured. 301-714-2278, justlookin@justlookin. com, justlookin.com.
”The Loaded Brush” — through Nov. 30, Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. Featuring the artwork of larger scale paintings. Working at this scale highlights his exceptional use of dramatic settings and vibrant color. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 240-815-7777 or gallery322. com.
“Works on Paper by Werner Drewes” — through Nov. 30 at Triangle Art Studios, 7711 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. After studying at the Bauhaus in Germany, Werner Drewes (18991985) emigrated to New York in
one
to bring the creative principles of non-objective art to America. He was a founding member of the American Abstract Artists Group and art at the Guggenheim and MOMA. Curated by Drewes Fine Art, this show embraces works spanning his Bauhaus studies to his retirement years of creating stunning abstract collages. 301-346-9033, karen@ seibertgroup.com, bethesda.org/ bethesda/triangle-art-studios.
“invasive species” — through Dec. 1 at NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Solo exhibition by Jim Roberts exploring what can constitute an existential threat to
populations that exist there. 240367-9770, nomagallery2@gmail. com, nomagalleryfrederick.com/ upcoming-exhibitions.
exploring figures in urban scenes.
“The Unloaded Brush” — through Dec. 1 at Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. This exhibition of recent artwork by Tom Ritchie illustrates his passion for the intersection between tight, detailed images and loose, abstract shapes in landscapes. Included are also works 301-509-8212, gallery322.com.
are explorations of the color of air and beauty. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. 301-215-7990 or bethesda.org.
Chris Mona: Recent Solo Projects & Collaborative Projects — through
Dec.
McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. This solo exhibition features works by Anne Arundel Community College professor Chris Mona, including printmaking projects done in collaboration
Features the works of a few of the most notable artists who have worked in Frederick County, past and present. With beautiful paintings of the county’s landmarks and natural splendor, our story explores the ways in which the visual arts provided economic opportunity to individuals and communities. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 301-663-1188 or frederickhistory.org.
with Pyramid Atlantic Art Center our well-being. Roberts identifies significant transformation. Her
other “organisms” that have been introduced into our environment and that have the potential to cause harm to the indigenous
”Light is a Kind of Generosity” — through Dec. 1, Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. Loriann Signori is a painter of light, air and energy. While her preferred mediums have always been oil or pastel, her methods, techniques and aesthetic aims have all undergone paintings, situated between abstraction and recognizable form,
founder Helen Frederick, who he began collaborating with in 2023. OCMwork@mcdaniel.edu, 410-8577000, chrismona.com.
”Brushes With History: Inspiring the Personality of Frederick”
— through Dec. 14, Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage
Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick.
”Impressions of Frederick: Reimagining Perception” — through Dec. 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Ron Ames approach to photography attempts to use the camera like a brush to reimagine perception, to alter, not only what he sees, but how he sees it. Using long exposure techniques and intentional camera movement, Ames creates abstracted images of the world around him. Gallery hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
Courtesy photo
“The Unloaded Brush” is on view through Dec. 1 at Gallery 322 in Frederick, featuring recent artwork by Tom Ritchie. Shown here, “Assateague Abstract V,” by Ritchie.
Ross Schofield. Exhibit includes his
1930. He was one of the first artists
of the first to exhibit abstract
13 at Esther Prangley Rice Gallery, located in Peterson Hall at
”Waterworks” — through Dec. 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Combining photography, wood, and ceramics, the work in this exhibition, by Linda AgarHendrix, explores water as a theme and hopes to express its varying aspects through the variety of techniques and materials. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
”/bodycrumbs” — through Dec. 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Photography and mixed media. As a way to combat anxiety and chronic pain, Ally Christmas’s work focuses on repetition in production, simulating ritual. Her work vacillates between more traditional forms of photography and alternative and mixed-media methods including cyanotype printing and hand-embroidered images. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
Baltimore Watercolor Society’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Exhibition — through Jan. 5 at Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. The annual regional juried exhibition featuring the work of more than 90 of the best watercolor artists. A variety of educational opportunities will be available during the exhibit. See gaithersburgmd.gov for details. gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/
visual-arts.
”Floating Beauty: Women and the Art of Ukiyo-e” — through Jan. 12, 2025, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. This exhibition examines historical perspectives on women and their depiction in art from Edo Period Japan (1615 – 1858). Organized and drawn from the collection of the Reading (Pa.) Public Museum, this exhibition features over 50 woodblock prints, including works by ukiyo-e masters. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.
—
through February 2025, Garryowen Irish Pub, 126 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. Paintings and prints by Dorothea Barrick. Daily 11 a.m. to midnight. 240-674-9488 or 717-337-2719.
”Unraveling Narratives: A Dialogue in Toile” — Dec. 6 through Jan. 12, 2025, Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. The exhibition aims to foster a visual conversation that highlights the interplay between tearing, collaging and the rhythmic motion of needle and thread. Works by Kate Norris and Jennifer McBrien. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Noon to 5 p.m. Friday
Luc Fiedler shows work at TAG
Sculptor Luc Fiedler’s exhibition, “X-ing A Paragrab,” was inspired by the 1849 Edgar Allen Poe story of the same name. Fiedler’s series helps
and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Dowell Farm Paintings — Dec. 7-29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Margaret Dowell collapses time and space in this series of paintings, using
the tobacco fields of her family's
Southern Maryland farm as a way to think about the correlations between an artist’s labor in the studio and the labor of her ancestry. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
”Inspired by ...” — Dec. 7-29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This exhibition features a wide range of quilting imagery, color and techniques. Clustered Spires Quilt Guild members were asked
to make work that is a reflection
on personal inspiration and to include imagery and words based on where that inspiration motivates their creative work.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
15th Annual Community Art Show: The Best of Local Art — Dec. 12 through Jan. 7, 2025, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Virtually Dec. 14. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 301-791-3132 or washingtoncountyarts.com.
Designers sought for Amazing Tablescapes Fundraiser with Frida Kahlo theme
Calling all designers who want to create something hermosa , or beautiful, for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ annual Amazing Tablescapes.
The popular fundraiser asks designers to decorate dining tables in elaborate, overthe-top, creative ways, and each table must include a table setting.
This year, the event has been combined with the opening celebration of the museum’s major exhibition, “Frida Kahlo: Picturing an Icon.” Designers are encouraged to take inspiration from Kahlo’s life, art, artistic milieu and culture to create their tables.
“Just as writers use letters and words to craft sentences, poems and stories, I combine individual elements with other forms and processes to create a statement,” he says. “These works are an homage to various sculptors like Michael Todd, Richard Hunt, Thomas Walsh and Aldon Addington, just to name a few. By no means am I trying to express
to explain his sculptural processes and influences. their works, just their influence."
“X-ing A Paragrab” is on view through Dec. 1 at TAG/The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St., Frederick. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. See theartistsgalleryfrederick.com, or call 301-2289860 for more information.
A designer orientation for those wanting to learn more will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the museum, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Deadline to become a designer is Jan. 10.
Amazing Tablescapes will be on view at the museum from June 10 to 13, concluding with a gala fundraising dinner on June 13, during which guests can enjoy dinner at the tables, as well as a first look at the exhibition.
Interested designers who would like to participate should contact WCMFA director of development Beth Smith at 301-7395727 or esmith@wcmfa.org.
Photo courtesy of WCMFA
Frida Kahlo, October 1932.
Luc Fiedler’s work can be seen at TAG/The Artists Gallery through Dec. 1.
Courtesy photo
CAT’S MEOW
A TALK WITH LOCAL HELLO KITTY COLLECTORS
ACROSS GENERATIONS
A Build-a-Bear Hello Kitty.
BY CRYSTAL SCHELLE Special to The News-Post
For those who have adored the
white, fluffy Hello Kitty over the past 50 years, here's a news flash: Kitty is a little girl, not a cat. Are you kitten me?
Either way, Hello Kitty has become a favorite character for children and adults alike. The character was created in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu and whose likeness is owned by the Japanese company Sanrio.
According to Sanrio, Hello Kittywhose name is actually Kitty White - is a British girl who looks like a white cat. Kitty lives in the London suburbs with her family and twin sister, Mimmy, who wears a yellow bow compared to Kitty's red one.
The beloved Kitty first appeared on merchandise in 1975 on a small coin purse and now can be found on nearly anything imaginable, from T-shirts to Hello Kitty contacts.
Ellen Patton, 54, of Frederick loves everything about Hello Kitty. It's been a longtime love for her, who jokingly said her sister makes fun of her for her mild "obsession."
Patton is a Navy veteran and has been a dietician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda for 27 years as a civilian. She said she isn't about to let her sister's kidding sway her from wearing anything emblazoned with Hello Kitty.
Patton was around 8 years old when she saw Hello Kitty at a Bon-Ton department store in her hometown of York, Pennsylvania.
"They had a section of just her, and
Ellen Patton, left, and Quinn Woodyard are Hello Kitty collectors.
I remember going there with my mom, and would always go over to that section just to look at her," Patton said.
Patton blames her Hello Kitty obsession on not having a lot of money growing up.
"It's like my funny excuse that was deprived as a child," she said with a laugh. "That's my excuse now: didn't really get a lot of Hello Kitty items as a kid."
And as Hello Kitty has been seeing a resurgence in popularity these past several years, Patton said she can find just about anything with Hello Kitty on it made for adults.
"I guess I've kind of made up for it over the years," she said. "I still love her."
Hello Kitty can be found everywhere in her closet Hello Kitty sneakers, a Hello Kitty cardigan. She's also been collecting pins and buttons, which might have been the beginning of her collection, she said. One of her prized possessions in the collection is a crocheted Hello Kitty blanket a coworker made for her.
It's no secret at the office that she's a fan. Her desk is decorated with Hello Kitty items, including a mouse pad, stapler and a Hello Kitty badge holder. When she graduated college, she decorated her cap with Hello Kitty. Patton's not sure why she loves Hello Kitty so much, especially because she and Hello Kitty are opposites. While Kitty
is quiet and doesn't talk, Patton admits she is not.
"Maybe it's because I think she reminds me something from my childhood," she said. "We moved around. My mom divorced when I was 6, so maybe she means stability. ... She just takes me back to my happy place."
But she's not the last generation to fall in love with Hello Kitty. Patton has passed her love along to a friend's daughter.
Quinn Woodyard, 10, ofTaneytown, is a fifth grader at Taneytown Elementary School. She also is a huge fan of Hello Kitty.
Quinn said a friend first told her about Hello Kitty, and she started
watching some YouTube videos about the character.
"Also Miss Ellen [Patton] gave me a couple of Hello Kitty things," she said. "Then I started liking her, and then I noticed that Hello Kitty had a couple of other friends."
Just like Patton, Hello Kitty can be found everywhere in her room.
"My friend gave me a couple of Hello Kitty pins, and I have Hello Kitty shoes and have like a big Squishmallow, and I have Hello Kitty lip smackers and lip gloss, and have a Hello Kitty poster in my room, and I have Hello Kitty clothes and stickers," she listed.
She said she also owns a pair of black and white sneakers that read "Hello Kitty" on the side.
Quinn likes Hello Kitty for a variety of reasons.
"I like Hello Kitty because Hello Kitty has different friends," she said. "And my friends, they're all different."
Her favorite Hello Kitty friends are Cinnamoroll and Pochacco.
Quinn also likes to draw Hello Kitty dressed in different costumes on her phone.
"I look up different Hello Kittys and learn to draw her," she said. "She's fun to draw."
Quinn said she likes Kitty's personality.
"She really likes different colors, and she's just an outgoing person," she said And, she said, they have something in common: "She likes pink, and like pink and red as well."'
As for whether Hello Kitty is a girl dressed as a cat or just a cat, Quinn definitely thinks she's a cat.
"I would be surprised because she doesn't look like a little girl dressed up as a cat," she said. "She just looks like a cat dressed up in clothes."
Crystal Schelle is a journalist whose work has been published locally, regionally and nationally. She enjoys trivia, cats and streaming movies.
Staff photos by Ric Dugan
SPIRES BRASS BAND
EDMUNDS
(Continued from 6)
middle ground. That's how the first
piece in the suite came about. It’s part of a progression. You’re stuck in that area of hoping for the best and fearing the worst, and the middle piece of the suite more relates to that turning point where it’s going to go one way or another. Then, ultimately, you get shot out the other end, whether it’s positive or negative, and that’s what the last piece is — endurance. You just move forward and endure. The funny thing I realized is that these cycles just
continue in life. The impetus for the first
about my specific experience. It's more
piece was positive, but ultimately, we knew that it wouldn’t last forever. The truth is that I don’t want the piece to be a metaphor for how everybody goes through these things. It could be about anything.
That’s interesting. I know this is way far out there because the new album just came out, but what else do you think could inspire you to write more compositions? This sounds like a very sad time and even life changing. Is there a possibility you could be inspired by happy things?
composition, it's more about finding
compose, you have to be inspired by something negative. I know that can be a tough thing to navigate through. I know what you mean. I think with that little thread that pulls you in. That’s more the impetus. Whatever can get the imagination going. That, combined with realizing all the possibilities that choices represent — moving the jigsaw around — just getting that ball rolling is it for me. I’m not sure how that relates to how my general mood is. Writing isn’t so cathartic for me. I think playing is. I’m not a hardcore composer. I walk that line of “I write a lot of music,” and I play a lot of trombone and it’s more in the middle ground.
We’re coming up on the end of the year. What are your plans for 2025? Do you have any performances lined up?
I don’t have anything on the horizon right now for my own music. I’ll be playing a guest artist spot with the Shepherd Jazz Ensemble in January. That’s the nice thing on the horizon. I’m going to be doing that slow process all over again that I did in Chicago —
slowly putting down roots and finding my place in this area and finding the
places where I want to play music and the people I want to play music with. It’s a slow process, and to be honest, it’s a little daunting.
Yeah, to be honest, it seems like all of my music seems to be some kind of self-portrait. With this suite, I don’t really intend it to be that way. There is other music on the record that represents period music from before the suite was written. There are other pieces that came after. I don’t know if any of the music on there is that happy [laughs]. I’m not complaining. I like sad music. I’m just saying it can be a hard thing in order to be able to write or
WORKSHOP
(Continued from 11)
Colin McGuire has been in and out of bands for more than 20 years and also helps produce concerts in and around Frederick. His work has appeared in Alternative Press magazine, PopMatters and 72 Hours, among other outlets. He is convinced that the difference between being in a band and being in a romantic relationship is less than minimal. Contact him at mcguire.colin@gmail.com.
private events, such as corporate holiday parties.
On a Tuesday evening, Nov. 12, two students sit at one of the tables laying out their gem patterns as they learn how to make a Turkish mosaic lamp. Marrone is a repeat customer, who brought her colleague Lisa Marchesani of Walkersville for her first visit to the AR Workshop. Marrone reveals she isn’t crafty but is a perfectionist. “That’s the beauty of this place. Gina and her team have the talent and patience to make sure you’re happy with your project when you leave,” Marrone claims as Gina helps her line-up the design of small glass mosaic pieces before starting the intricate phase of
gluing them to a clear glass orb that forms the lamp shade. Marrone uses a pair of yellow tweezers to keep her fingertips from getting sticky from adhesive. She admits she likes the challenge and enjoys the sense of accomplishment of designing and making her blue lamp.
The AR Workshop entrance is a boutique, where customers can buy items handcrafted by Frederick artists — from jewelry, Christmas tree ornaments and repurposed flannel shirts. Gina dedicated a special section in her boutique to Swifties that includes friendship bracelets and necklaces.
Walk-in customers are welcome. The most popular crafts are 12-inch round signs, lazy Susans and serving trays.
LIGHT IN A DARK BOX
There are plenty of great shows and movies to stream for free, if you know where to look
Back in the analog days of yore, when I was looking for something new and different to watch on TV, I had to hunt for it.
Every Sunday, I’d grab the upcoming week’s TV guide from the newspaper and go through the lineup for each channel, looking for a program or movie I’d never heard of before but sounded like it could grab my fancy. Oftentimes they’d be on basic cable channels, which could be a bit more adventurous in their scheduling than the standard networks (this was also back in the day when
programs - although the Netflix
romantic comedy “Hot Frosty,” about a sentient hunky snowman, does look delightfully unhinged, in a Chuck Tingle kind of way.
The search for better content continues, and while I’ve now traded the TV guide for the internet in order to
MICHAEL HUNLEY
Bravo used to show foreign films and
art programs, before Andy Cohen slithered his way to power).
Not everything I watched was great, mind you, but it was different, which is what I wanted — something outside of my usual TV comfort zone that was unlike anything I had seen before.
TV cable listings mostly being filled
But those days are gone, with with “90-Day Fiancé” spin-offs and marathons of “Family Feud.” (Why is that always on? ... And yes, I always watch it when I come across it.) For a while, the new and most exciting offerings were popping up on streaming services, but those have sadly gone the way of TV cable: They’ve become too expensive and
filled with advertisements and subpar
Instructors also teach children how make canvas tote bags, pillow covers, Christmas ornaments and decorate a plank with stencils from the studio’s youth collection. Gina is developing a special event for kids to spend three hours making Christmas ornaments while their parents do their holiday shopping. Customers who are too busy to sit down during the holiday season can purchase projects and have AR Workshop artisans complete them instead.
Marti Moore is a freelance writer who previewed local entertainment in a “weekend’s best events” column on the Friday front page of the former Montgomery Journal daily newspaper. Reach her at marti. writes.moore.news@gmail.com.
experience of riding a roller coaster while high on bath salts. It’s like if Crocodile Dundee wandered into a telenovela, because “Prisoner” is one of the wildest, campiest, most outrageous shows ever. In other words, it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen. There are kidnappings, murders, bomb threats, musical
find something unique to numbers, an evil prison officer
watch, I’ve discovered an oasis in some of the most unlikely places. And want to know the best part of all these places? Here, I’ll tell you ... come a little closer ... THEY’RE FREE!
During my skimming for new TV content, I went down several rabbit holes and somehow ended up on the most random of genres: Australian soap operas. One program that kept getting mentioned again and again in this category was a long-running soap that aired in the ‘70s and ‘80s called “Prisoner: Cell Block H,” set in a women’s prison. It even inspired a contemporary reboot, “Wentworth,”
nicknamed the Freak — Ryan Murphy only wishes he could create something this insane and good. And since none of the streaming services carry the show, YouTube was the only way I was able to view this masterpiece, and all without having to subscribe to a new streaming membership. (Sure, there’s occasional ads, but a small price to pay for watching perfection, and does anyone really subscribe to YouTube Premium?)
Amazon has announced plans to shut down Freevee, its content will soon be available for free on Prime Video.)
And it’s not just a bizarre infatuation with Australian soaps that these free services have provided me, they’re also home to some nostalgic favorites that I thought had been long lost. An assortment of Jim Henson’s superb TV movies like “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” and “The Christmas Toy” can be found, as well as cheesy childhood favorites such as “The Mouse and the Motorcycle” and “Splash Too” (oh, yes, “Splash” had
none of the original cast).
a made-for-TV sequel starring nearly is the 1986 gem "The Worst Witch,"
viral green-screen-filmed musical YouTube to watch the entire film. And So next time you get a notification to the rescue. Not only did I find serials that was on Netflix for a while. The "Neighbours," which first aired in 1985
original “Prisoner,” though, is beloved and still has a devoted cult following, to the point where, as I’d discover, fans had uploaded all 692 episodes of the show on YouTube.
Thus began my love affair with Australian soaps. And let me tell you, if you have not watched an Australian soap opera, you have not experienced the televisual
My love for “Prisoner” pushed me to look for other Australian soap operas available here in the U.S., and this is again where free services came like “Blue Heelers” and “All Saints” for no charge, but I also stumbled across the granddaddy of all Aussie soaps, and helped launch the careers of Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Margot Robbie. The show has produced over 9,000 episodes to date, and though they’re not all online, a couple thousand are sprinkled throughout YouTube, Dailymotion and Amazon’s Freevee, which is also the home for current episodes. (And though
But the jewel in the crown in made-for-TV treasures found online starring Fairuza Balk, Diana Rigg and Tim Curry. If you haven’t seen Curry’s number “Anything Can Happen on Halloween,” then stop reading this article immediately and head to then feel shame for having never seen it before.
that your streaming service bill is going up soon, remember there’s tons of great content all over the web, all free of charge. You just have to hunt for it.
Michael Hunley is a copy editor at POLITICO’s E&E News in D.C. He previously worked as a copy editor for The Frederick News-Post. Contact him at mr85mt@gmail.com.
Marti Moore
From left, registered nurses by day and artists by night, Rebecca Marrone
Turkish mosaic lamp class Nov. 12 in the AR Workshop at 914 N. East St.
Photo courtesy of AR Workshop Frederick Gina Korrell and her husband, Brad Korrell, took ownership of the AR Workshop at 914 East St., Frederick.
Local Mentions Firewood/Coal/Oil
LIVE NATIVITY
Sunday, Dec. 1st
Showtimes 6, 7, & 8 p.m.
ASL interpreter avail all shows
Featuring live animals including a camel. Urbana Fire Hall, 3602 Urbana Pike
Free Admission & Refreshments
Wesley Chapel UMC
In case of inclement weather, call 301-6634956 or www.wesleychapelurbana.com
FIRE PREVENTION
SANTA DRIVE THROUGH
Sunday, December 3rd
12 30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Santa Goodie Bags
• Craft Bags
• Fire Prevention Bags
• And More!!! Your Firefighters and EMS Responders are Looking Forward to Seeing You!! Don’t Forget!! Plan and Practice Where Your Families Safe Meeting Place is!
All premium & seasoned. Oak $260/cord or $170/half cord. Mixed Hardwoods $240/cord; $150/half cord. Credit cards accepted. 888-873-3018 www.mdtreeexperts.com
Hauling
Friday Nov. 29
ETCETERA
Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and Holiday Open House with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors.
301-639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. facebook.com/StoneyGarden.
MUSIC
Mike Kuster and The Catoctin Cowboys’ “Honky Tonkin’ Good Time Show” — 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Company, 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. IMN Male Country Artist of the Year, Mike Kuster will bring his “Honky Tonkin’ Good Time Show” back to Tenth Ward Distilling Co. to kick-off summer! 21 and older.
301-662-3355. mike@mikekuster.net. tenthwarddistilling.com.
THEATER
Murder Mystery Party — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant, 581 Himes Ave., Frederick. Whodunnit for Hire and Dutch’s Daughter team up to bring you “Wanted Dead or Alive,” the wild west themed murder mystery party. Multiple dates from which to choose. Price includes three course dinner with entree options, mystery, tax and gratuity. https://ddmysteries.eventbrite.com. 21 and older.
$85. 410-549-2722. murdermysterycompany@gmail.cm. ddmysteries.eventbrite.com.
Saturday Nov. 30
ETCETERA
Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and Holiday Open House with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors.
301-639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. facebook.com/StoneyGarden.
FAMILY
Craft Party & Kit Sale with Sue — noon to 3:30 p.m. at Give Rise Studio, 125 S. Carroll St., 101, Frederick. Also Dec. 19, 4-7:30 p.m. All ages are encouraged — a great friend and family pit stop as you walk around downtown. Free card
making, paper ornament project and jewelry making (pay as you make) and more. RSVP helpful but not required. More info online.
$0-25. giverisestudio@gmail.com. giverisestudio.com.
“Christmas Chronicles” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. Following a boisterous family Thanksgiving dinner, Pap Pap McCallister heads up to the attic to start bringing down the Christmas decorations, having not been allowed to start putting them up
until after Thanksgiving - a rule set by
to come. A heartwarming and fun-filled
Grammie McCallister. As he’s sorting through the collection of decorations, family members begin joining him as they reminisce about past Christmases and talk about their hopes for the year evening with the McCallisters will have audiences in the holiday spirit as they leave the theater. Tickets vary. Weekends through Dec. 22. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.
FESTIVALS
Holiday-themed face painting will be available. 301-662-3643. rdhigdon@comcast.net. jeffersonruritan.org.
GALLERY
Shenandoah Potters Guild Annual Show and Sale — 10:10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at War Memorial Building, Jim Barnett Park, 1001 E. Cork St., Winchester, Va. Continues Dec. 1. On display and available for purchase are hundreds of unique works created by many members of the Shenandoah Potters Guild, ranging from functional pottery to art pieces. This widely attended event is a highly anticipated holiday tradition in the Shenandoah Valley and the perfect place to shop for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Checks, credit cards, and cash accepted. 703-888-8246. maplecottagepottery@gmail.com.
MUSIC
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and Holiday Open House with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors. 301-639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. facebook.com/StoneyGarden.
FAMILY
Annual Train Garden Display — noon to 5 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co., 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy. Visit the
Fire Company's Train Garden. Visit www. mavfc.org for all the information.
301-829-0100. info@mavfc.org. mavfc.org.
Mr. & Mrs. Claus Visit the Carroll County Farmer’s Market — 8 a.m. to noon at Carroll County Agriculture Center, 706 Ag Center Drive, Westminster. Mrs. Claus will be excepting phones for a photo opportunity with the Claus’s. Fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, seasonal evergreens and more. 410-848-7748. ccfm@comcast.net. carrollcountyfarmersmarket.com.
letters to Santa. Parents, bring your be held to benefit the Community Action
Tuba Christmas — noon at Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join us for a jubilant celebration of brass music with a symphony of tubas, euphoniums and baritones in a harmonious blend of holiday cheer. An unforgettable musical for all ages with a variety of brassy Christmas hits, in this annual Weinberg Center tradition. In lieu of admission, a canned food drive will Agency of Frederick City. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ tuba-christmas-2024.
until after Thanksgiving - a rule set by
to come. A heartwarming and fun-filled
“Christmas Chronicles” — 12:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. Following a boisterous family Thanksgiving dinner, Pap Pap McCallister heads up to the attic to start bringing down the Christmas decorations, having not been allowed to start putting them up Grammie McCallister. As he’s sorting through the collection of decorations, family members begin joining him as they reminisce about past Christmases and talk about their hopes for the year evening with the McCallisters will have audiences in the holiday spirit as they leave the theater. Tickets vary. Weekends through Dec. 22.
301-662-6600.
WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.
THEATER
Hagerstown Model RR Museum Fall Train Sale — 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Washington County Ag Educational Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro. Vendors will be selling model trains in various scales/sizes, along with railroad memorabilia. Food and drink available for purchase. Plenty of free parking and is handicap accessible. Admission is $5 adults, children 12 and 301-800-9829. hmrrm@myactv.net. antietamstation.com.
Holiday Craft Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jefferson Ruritan Club, 4603B Lander Road, Jefferson. Over 20 vendors providing a wide variety of crafts/wares. The Club will be serving/selling lunch food and homemade apple dumplings. Boy Scout Troup 1066 will sell Christmas trees. Santa Claus and the Grinch will
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Other Voices at The Performing Arts Factory, 244B S. Jefferson St., Frederick. In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem — and the fun — when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas!
Santa Open House — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co., 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy. Come cheer Santa’s arrival at the Fire Station. He will arrive on bring your camera. 301-829-0100. info@mavfc.org. mavfc.org.
the fire engine at 1 p.m. Refreshments, under are free.
$10-$14. 301-662-3722. administration@othervoicestheatre.org.
Sunday Dec. 1
be present for pictures with the kids. sits with a donkey. Real sheep fill the
ETCETERA
Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House —
music and narration. Free admission, free
Live Nativity Presentation — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Urbana Volunteer Fire Department, 3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick. Wesley Chapel U.M. Church presents its 24th Live Nativity. Showtimes 6, 7 and 8 p.m. at the Urbana Fire Hall rear parking lot. Over a dozen characters dress in costume and perform under the night sky. A live camel accompanies the Wise Men to the stable where the Holy Family “hills” while shepherds hear the host of angels. An innkeeper, King Herod and his court round out the cast. Professional cookies and hot chocolate. Presentation is
held outdoors. Shows last approximately 20 minutes. In case of inclement weather,
contact the church office at 301 -6634956. 301-662-5769. maher323@verizon.net.
wesleychapelurbana.com.
FESTIVALS
- 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company Reception Hall, 1 008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy. Do your shopping
Holiday Craft and Vendor Show at the Fire Company’s annual Holiday
Craft and Vendor Show. Visit www.mavfc. org for the entire list of crafters and vendors. 240-674-1 961. info@mavfc.org. mavfc.org.
GALLERY
Colorful Pet Portrait
p.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church , 3604 Chatham Road , Ellicott City . Featuring Handel's "Messiah," Bach's "Christmas Oratorio: Cantata I" celebrating the Nativity with festive orchestration and choral magnificence. Mozart's "Et incarnatus est" from the Mass in C minor, Part's "Magnificat" offers a meditative and ethereal experience. Traditional carols "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," arranged by Sir David Willcocks, invite joyful audience participation. $39 general, $1 0 students, free for kids. 410-941-9262. elizabachinbbaltimore@gmail.com. bachinbaltimore.org.
Emmitsburg Community Chorus Free Concert
- noon to 2:30 p.m. at Give Rise Studio, 1 25 S. Carroll St., 101, Frederick. Creating a pet portrait using paint, the glass, and unconventional
techniques results in a unique and dynamic piece of art that captures twist to classical pet portraits.
the essence of your beloved pet. This portrait blends traditional painting with innovative methods, providing a modern $40. giverisestudio@gmail.com. giverisestudio.com.
MUSIC
Song Circle — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at
Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. A song circle is a gathering of folks to make music together, to sing, play and share songs. Bring your own acoustic instrument. You can also just sing or listen. Hosted by The Frederick Acoustic Music Enterprise (FAME). 18 and older. 301-600-7560. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.
The Frederick Chorale’s Holiday Showcase
celebrate the holiday season with solo to celebrate the season.
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8619 Black Mill Road, Thurmont. Join us as we and group performances from Chorale members! This concert will showcase several performances that preview our upcoming Christmas concert [Dec. 8 & 9] in addition to small group and solo performances of favorite Christmas and holiday-themed songs. This showcase is a perfect event for family, friends, and individuals of all ages to come together 301-514-4524. kiley.mead@frederickchorale.org.
Hagerstown Municipal Band’s “A Touch of Christmas”
Christmas music and more just in time
FCC Career Exploration Open House & Workshop
and production, real estate and home
- 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at FCC Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Discover a variety of affordable career training programs designed to prepare you for employment in high demand industries, including biotechnology, business, childcare, computers and technology, health care, hospitality, culinary and tourism, logistics inspection, trades and vocational training. 301 -624-2888. workforce@frederick.edu. FCC20240penHouse.eventbrite.com.
ETCETERA
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
home. $60 for museum members, $70 for the general public. To register in advance, contact Donna Rastelli at 301 -739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org. Or visit us online at wcmfa.org. 1 8 and older. 301 -739-5727. cschelle@wcmfa.org. wcmfa.org/wreath-making-class.
ETCETERA
free performance. Under the direction
- 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Fall season with a of Peggy Flickinger, the 31 -voice group includes members from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. They are accompanied by pianist Lisa Mattia.The concert features holiday favorites. jnbgraham@gmail.com.
THEATER
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” — 2
St., Frederick. In this hilarious Christmas with the story of Christmas!
p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Other Voices at The Performing Arts Factory, 244B S. Jefferson classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide head-on $10-$14. 301-662-3722. administration@othervoicestheatre.org.
World Ballet Company “The Nutcracker”
- 6 p.m. at Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A family-friendly experience accompanied by Tchaikovsky's timeless score, over 1 50 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets, and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography. This fairytale will take you on a Christmas night adventure with Clara and the Nutcracker to the Land of Sweets. See the iconic Waltz of Flowers, and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, meet Mother Ginger and the Drosselmeyer. $89, $75, $55. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ world-ballet-company-the-nutcracker.
Tuesday Dec. 3
CLASSES
- 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, 1 59 S Main St, Chambersburg, Pa. Sprinkled with for the greatest time of the year! Special guests: Bob Eyer on the MollerTheatre Pipe Organ and vocalist Lisa Turchi. All tickets $19. 7172630202. vperry@thecapitoltheatre.org. thecapitoltheatre.org.
Bach in Baltimore: A Baroque Christmas & Carols
- 4 p.m. to 5:30
FRIDAY, NOV. 29, 2024 |
Holiday Craft - Iris Paper Folding
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Iris paperfolding is done by layering strips of resembles the iris of a camera lens. We holiday cards. 18 and older. 301-600-7560. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.
paper or fabric in a spiraled pattern that will use this simple craft to make beautiful
mcdaniel.edu.
Sacred Sisters Circle: Winter Pajama Party
- 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Give Rise Stuido, 125 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Women's circles are a tradition that goes
Often these circles involved song, dance, sharing, prayer, creating, teaching, caring, lifting up, laughing, and holding space for one another's joys and sorrows. Join us for an evening of playing and resting. $20 sliding scale. amandaluciaart@gmail.com. themind-bodyway.com/
way back within many different cultures. sacredsistersfrederick.
FAMILY
Elementary Explorers: Design a Food Truck (ages 5-10)
Valley Quilters, TLC meeting companionship to those interested in the
- 11:30 a.m. at Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Roj Student Center, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Join McDaniel College's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in honoring individuals with disabilities by promoting awareness, understanding, and support of their rights and well-being. 410-857-2459. odei@mcdaniel.edu.
- 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3864 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson. Valley Quilters, TLC meets the first Wednesday of each month at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Open to all ages and levels, our guild offers teaching, learning and art of quilting. Visitors welcome. valleyquiltersTLC@gmail.com.
FAMILY
Mrs. Claus Cookie Celebration — 5 pipe cleaners and beads, and write your
p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dancing BearToys and Games, 1 5 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Join our first-ever Mrs. Claus Cookie Celebration! While supplies last, decorate a festive cookie, make ornaments with letter to Santa at our letter-writing station! Mrs. Claus will be in attendance. This event is free and intended for kids of all ages.
301-631-9300. info@dbeartoys.com. d bea rtoys.com/event/ mrs-claus-cookie-celebration.
GALLERY
Holiday Art Reception
- 5:30
7 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S.
Celebrate Frederick. "Frederick During the Holidays" is a delightful display of original artwork created by local Frederick artists. The exhibit is on display in Gardiner Hall during the reception. A limited number of pieces will remain on display throughout the month of December in the Community Outreach
- 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Feeling creative? Join us to read "Duck, Duck, Taco Truck" and create your own food truck design and menu. Hear from a real food truck owner! Food will be available for purchase from the truck. Kindergarten through fifth grade. 301-600-7250.
frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Wednesday Dec. 4
CLASSES
Holiday DIY: A Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Carroll St., Frederick. In partnership with Gallery.
301 -698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.
Thursday Dec. 5
ETCETERA
Senior Cafe: The place to come for coffee, conversation, friendship and fun events! Chair Yoga
- 10:1 5 a.m.
- 1 0 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Anna with Country Meadows will be back to do a Chair Yoga class.
301-600-8200. fcpl.org.
card and ornament to share with family
to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Make a and friends. This program is for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.
Wreath-making Class
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Using fresh flora, Sukey Rankin shows
how to make a holiday wreath to take
200 Monroe Restaurant
- 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Frederick Community College invites you to enjoy a gourmet dinner created by students. Guests will enjoy a first course, entree, and dessert freshly made by the baking and pastry class. Reservations required. $40-$46. hcti@frederick.edu. opentable.com/200-mon roe.
Mega Networking at FITCI — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc., 321 Ballenger Center Drive, Frederick. Join FITCI’s end-of-year “funnest,” fastest, festive facilitated networking. THE event for people who don’t like to network! This event is guaranteed to facilitate over a hundred connections! Be sure to bring hundreds of business cards!
MUSIC
and classic blues. 301-694-2999. officemanager@fitci.org. 410-857-7000. OCMwork@mcdaniel.edu fitci.org/events.
Jazz Night — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Senior adjunct lecturer Tim Jenkins directs the concert featuring diverse styles of jazz, including classic big band swing, bebop, Latin, funk, jazz-rock, mcdaniel.edu.
with the freelancers, entrepreneurs and teleworkers of the Cowork Frederick community is hands-down the best way to pre-register.
see if it's right for you. Free, but you must heycowork@coworkfrederick.com. coworkfrederick.com/
open-coworking-day.
FAMILY
making tie fleece scarves. All materials
Teen Time: Community Service Project — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Join us to give back to our community by provided. Scarves will be donated to the Brunswick BEACON Food Pantry and Brunswick House. This program is for teens in 6th through 12th grades (ages 11-18). 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
FESTIVALS
Scents & Sweets Competition and Auction — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Free to attend. The holidays bring out the creativity in all of us, so why not let the gingerbread structures
Friday Dec. 6
ETCETERA
Christmas Bazaar — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Ave., Frederick . The Women’s Fellowship and Service Guild of the Frederick Church of the Brethren sponsors. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring home-made chicken corn, beef vegetable, and bean and ham soups; country ham, chicken salad, hot beef, and hot dogs sandwiches; pie and cake. There will be comforters, quilts, fancy table, bake table, books and videos, white elephant, and
antiques and collectibles, and floral arrangements at this year's 301 -662-1 81 9. info@fcob.net.
Scents & Sweets competition inspire you? Exhibit and reception showcasing festive gingerbread and holiday wreath creations. celebratefrederick.com.
FCOB.net.
Open Coworking Day — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cowork Frederick, 122 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Curious about coworking? Spending a day coworking
Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and Holiday Open House with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors.
301 -639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. facebook.com/StoneyGarden.
for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
— 11 a.m. to noon at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple
Ave., Brunswick. Meet a firefighter and learn about fire safety from an expert!
We invite all adults with developmental disabilities to join us for this informative, sensory event. 18 and older. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Holiday Nights at the Museum: City Park Tree Lighting — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. The museum will be open late for the public to see our exhibitions, and soak in the holiday spirit.
301 -739-5727. cschelle@wcmfa.org. wcmfa.org/conce rts-lectures-2.
“Christmas Chronicles” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. Following a boisterous family Thanksgiving dinner, Pap Pap McCallister heads up to the attic to start bringing down the Christmas decorations, having not been allowed to start putting them up
until after Thanksgiving - a rule set by to come. A heartwarming and fun-filled
Grammie McCallister. As he’s sorting through the collection of decorations, family members begin joining him as they reminisce about past Christmases and talk about their hopes for the year evening with the McCallisters will have audiences in the holiday spirit as they leave the theater. Tickets vary. Weekends through Dec. 22. 301-662-6600.
WOB@wayoffbroadway.com.
wayoffbroadway.com.
finest.
bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/
“The Nutcracker” — 8 p.m. at Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The stunning artistry of the Maryland Regional Ballet and the beloved Tchaikovsky score combine to transport audiences to the Kingdom of Sweets. Under the direction of Joyce Morrison and featuring guest artists from the New York City Ballet and students from the Frederick School of Classic Ballet, it’s a holiday tradition at its $35, $30, $20. 301-600-2828. the-nutcracker-2024.
FESTIVALS
Christmas Open House — 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Taylorsville United Methodist Church, 4356 Ridge Road, Mount Airy. Food, crafts for kids, Christmas carols, Santa. 410-875-4101. taylorsvilleumcmd@gmail.com. taylorsvilleumc.org.
Virginia Ave.,
City Park Tree Lighting — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hagerstown City Park , 501 lighting of holiday lights and music on City Park lake. Free family-friendly activities and watch the lights turn on at 7 p.m. Hay wagon rides will be available between sites. Photos with Santa, music, refreshments, drive-thru synchronized lights in the park. 240-382-0520. lcarroll@hagerstownmd.org. hagerstownmd.org.
FILM
discussion follows film. Exploration of a
“Turn Every Page” — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. A Shepherdstown Film Society Selection, famous author-editor relationship, that of author Robert Caro and editor Robert Gottlieb. Free. 304-876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com.
GALLERY
Countryside Artisans Holiday Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Maryland
destination as you explore the beauty
ceramic, quilts, textiles, and more. Enjoy and brewery along the way.
Agricultural Reserve, . Continues Dec. 7 and 8. Meet the artists, see where they work, and learn about their mediums. Download the map to reach each unique of Maryland’s countryside. Find original paintings, prints, glass, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted beverages from our winery 3013371745. sugarloafquilting@gmail.com. countrysideartisans.com.
MUSIC
College Band Concert — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. Directed by Linda Kirkpatrick, senior lecturer in music, the College Band features nearly 50 musicians, including McDaniel students, as well as McDaniel faculty members, band alumni, and community musicians, performing musical selections by contemporary composers, including several holiday selections. 410-857-7000. OCMwork@mcdaniel.edu. mcdaniel.edu.
make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night. 301-790-3500.
boxoffice@mdtheatre.org.
mdtheatre.org/celtic-christmas-2024. FCC Wind Ensemble Performance — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Frederick Community College, JBK Theater, Visual and Performing Artrs Center, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A captivating blend of contemporary compositions, toe-tapping concert band favorites, and traditional masterpieces. Led by Kimberly Hirschmann, the music is brought to life by the dynamic performance of our college-community ensemble. 301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu.
FCC2024WindEnsemble.eventbrite.com.
B’more Bridges: Lafayette Gilchrist + Gregory Thompkins — 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Frederick YMCA Arts, 115
ETCETERA
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast — 7 a.m. to noon at Prospect United Methodist Church, 5923 Woodville Road, Mount Airy. Buckwheat & regular pancakes, country sausage, applesauce or fruit cup, milk, juice, coffee. All-you-can-eat. $12 adults, $6 ages 6-12, kids 5 and under free. 301-829-9244. prospect. marvinchapel.umc@gmail.com.
Country Butchering and Breakfast — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Jefferson Ruritan Club,
4603B Lander Road, Jefferson. Includes
pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, fried country ham, pudding, hominy, sausage gravy, coffee & juice. Adults - $14; children 6-10 years - $7 and children
under 6 yrs. are FREE! Annual pork butchering pickup from 8 a.m. - noon.
301-662-3643. rdhigdon@comcast.net. jeffersonruritan.org.
with some of the world's finest Irish
“A Celtic Christmas” By A Taste of Ireland — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Prepare to be enchanted dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will
present B’more Bridges, a series of three concerts of improvised music, intermedia, and jazz, by renowned Baltimore artists at the Frederick YMCA Arts Center.. Doors open at 7:30, performance begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $20 – no cards. $20. 301-466-8176. admin@pointofdeparture.org.
E. Church St., Frederick. Frederick Experimental Music Association will pointofdeparture.org/FEMA.html.
Aaron Lewis: The American Patriot Tour
- 8 p.m. at The Event Center at
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. Second show Dec. 7. Country powerhouse Lewis (Staind) brings his hits and older. $75. hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com.
(No. 1 albums, "Am I The Only One). 21
THEATER
“A Victorian Christmas : An Evening’s Entertainment At Balmoral Castle, Scotland” — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St
John's UCC, 1811 Lincoln Way East,
Chambersburg, Pa. Also on Dec. 7. Presented by Discover DanceWorks. Prince Albert designed & built Balmoral Castle as a family vacation retreat in Scotland where the Royals would entertain friends & family. The Royal Family’s dance teacher kept a diary while he was there. From this record, we have imagined an evening’s entertainment, brought to life with popular dances, songs, parlor game and period
readings. Performers will be dressed
in reproduction period clothing. Doors open at 5 p.m.
$10 adults, $5 under 18.. 717-414-1166. DanzaAntiqua@gmail.com.
Saturday Dec. 7
CLASSES
Christmas in Thurmont: Ornament Making — 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at
Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser
Road, Thurmont. As part of the Christmas in Thurmont celebration, children are welcome to drop in the library for a fun Christmas themed craft. 301-600-7200. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Winter Arts Emporium — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Check off your holiday gift list with one-of-a-kind artworks from our annual holiday artists’
market! The event features 20+ vendors
featuring a wide array of artworks and gift items created by local artists and artisans.
Admission is FREE!
301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.
Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stoney Gardens, 4220 Delauter Road, Myersville. Craft show and Holiday Open House with items for sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors.
301-639-3862. stoneygdn@aol.com. facebook.com/StoneyGarden.
Friends of the Thurmont Regional Library Winter Book Sale — 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. atThurmont Regional Library, 76 E.
Moser Road, Thurmont. Find many deals on a variety of books at the Winter Book
Sale benefiting Friends of the Thurmont Regional Library. It's the perfect time to gifts.
stock up on material to read over the cold winter months or to purchase as holiday 301-600-7200. frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Frederick Ukulele Jam! — noon to 2 p.m. at The Common Market, 5728 Buckeystown Pike, Unit B1, Frederick. A
monthly group ukulele jam! Bring your
ukulele, a few copies of some songs you might like to play, and/or an iPad/tablet. Take turns leading and suggesting songs for the group to play, any genre. All
Jeanne Rhodes for more information at jeanne.rhodes@icloud.com. 301-663-3416. aharmon@commonmarket.coop. commonmarket.coop.
Pics with Santa — 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
ability levels and ages welcome! Contact at Steinhardt Brewing Company, 340 E.
Patrick St., Suite 100-102, Frederick. Operation Paws for Homes volunteers annual Pics with Santa, who will sit with your furry friends, family or children for your holiday picture. Pictures will be uploaded to the OPH event page for folks to download. All available for a minimum $10 donation. cherylg@ophrescue.org.
Hagerstown . The official
Candlelight House Tour — 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Historic Frederick, . Also noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 8, rain or shine. Self-guided walking tour takes visitors inside private homes elaborately adorned with holiday
$25 advance, $30 day of tour. 301-6002844. adavey@cityoffrederickmd.gov. celebratefrederick.com.
Twilight Lantern Tours of Schifferstadt — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Schiffertstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Call it creepy or call it authentic, after dark you can explore Frederick’s oldest house by lantern light. For just three evenings, we’ll provide a lantern for each visitor; you bring your imagination as to what it would have been like to live in this 266-year-old stone house, called Schifferstadt, before electric lighting. Trained docents will guide you safely through the doorways, rooms and stairways, even up to the attic and down to the cellar. Tours on Nov. 27 and Dec. 7. $8. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.
FAMILY
Breakfast With Santa — 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Smithsburg Volunteer Fire co., 22 N. Main St., Smithsburg. All-youcan-eat pancakes, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits. $8 adults, $5 ages 5 to 12, under age 4 free with paying adult. Bring your own camera to take pictures with Santa.
301-824-3439. sebceb98@yahoo.com.
Santa Comes to Hoober — 8 a.m. to noon at Hoober , 1003 Tibbetts Lane, New Windsor. Hoober is a third-generation family-owned and operated farm machinery dealer that has been serving the agricultural community since 1941. The store will host its family-friendly event. Crafts, snacks, pictures with Santa, prizes and the option to purchase in-stock toys at a discount. 410-635-2404.
Wild For Winter — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center, 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown. Celebrate wintry wonders with hikes, crafts and warm treats. Advance registration required. All ages. $7 per person. 301-600-2936. recreater.com.
Holiday Family Movie Matinee: “The
Muppet Christmas Carol” — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. Ages 6-12. Kids are welcome to snuggle up with a bag of popcorn and a holiday classic
$5 kids/$7 adults.
friendsofthefarmpark.org.
Annual Train Garden Display — noon to 5 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co., 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy. Visit the
Fire Company's Train Garden. Visit www. to ponies. No crocs. Also, a demonstra mavfc.org for all the information.
301-829-0100. info@mavfc.org. mavfc.org.
Secret Elf Workshops — 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Second session 3:15-4:45 p.m. Calling all elves! The best gifts are the ones you make, so join us at the North Pole (otherwise known as
our third floor studio!) to create craft
projects you can give as holiday gifts! Gift wrapping is included. Space is limited, so register early online. Children aged 6 and older may attend without an adult. If you are registering a younger participant, please accompany your child. NOTE: If you are registering more than three children, please call the Delaplaine to check availability.
$10 per participant. 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.
Baked Goods.
working horse barn; hear a special story about our therapy horse, Hilde; visit with and groom our polite ponies. Participants must wear closed-toed shoes to get closetion by a local blacksmith, Sean Losee, who will be crafting holiday ornaments. Baked goods will be for sale from Ana’s $5/family. 301-639-9872. kimpheobus@gmail.com. fc4htrp.org.
Christmas in Thurmont: North Pole Storytime — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Very special guests from the North Pole will join us for a reading of The Night Before Christmas. There will be a meet and greet opportunity after the storytime for pictures.
301-600-7200.
frederick.librarycalendar.com.
guaranteed to entertain the whole family. finest.
Christmas on the Farm — noon to 5 p.m. at Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood. Also Dec. 8. Enjoy free cookies and cider, a bake sale table, hay rides, barn decorations, music, holiday crafts, farm animals. Visit the tool museum. lifeissweet91@gmail.com.
Holiday Open Barn and Visit with Santa at the Farm — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Silverado Stables, Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program, 11515 Angleberger Roiad, Thurmont, . Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program in conjunction with the Maryland Horse Discovery Centers Program host. LIVE seasonal music by AJ’s Jazz Band; enjoy a casual unhurried chat with Santa in a
“The Nutcracker” — 2 p.m. at Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The stunning artistry of the Maryland Regional Ballet and the beloved Tchaikovsky score combine to transport audiences to the Kingdom of Sweets. Under the direction of Joyce Morrison and featuring guest artists from the New York City Ballet and students from the Frederick School of Classic Ballet, it’s a holiday tradition at its $35, $30, $20. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ the-nutcracker-2024.
decor throughout Historic Frederick.
“Christmas Chronicles” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. Following a boisterous family Thanksgiving dinner, Pap Pap McCallister heads up to the attic to start bringing down the Christmas decorations, having not been allowed to start putting them up
Grammie McCallister. As he’s sorting through the collection of decorations, family members begin joining him as they reminisce about past Christmases and talk about their hopes for the year evening with the McCallisters will have audiences in the holiday spirit as they leave the theater. Tickets vary. Weekends through Dec. 22. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.
“The Nutcracker” — 7 p.m. at Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The stunning artistry of the Maryland Regional Ballet and the beloved Tchaikovsky score combine to transport audiences to the Kingdom of Sweets. Under the direction of Joyce Morrison and featuring guest artists from the New York City Ballet and students from the Frederick School of Classic Ballet, it’s a holiday tradition at its $35, $30, $20. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ the-nutcracker-2024.
FESTIVALS
Christmas Bazaar and so much more! — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brook Hill United Methodist Church, 8946 Indian Springs Rd, Frederick. 27 vendors, handmade crafts, live music, Nativity display, kids’ shopping room with “our elves” — all gifts under $1, gift wrapping, train display with a kids’ play area, breakfast, lunch and snacks available for purchase with a dining area. Free parking, handicap accessible. Free. 301-758-0356. rsevans613@comcast.net. bhumc.org.
Santa’s Farm Fest — 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. Also Dec. 8, 14 and 15. Visit with our warm furry animals in our Animal Barn, feed the animals for free, take pictures with Santa, enjoy our vendors’ goodies in the heated Stables AND go on a free festive hayride on the farm. Visit and take free pictures with a live Elsa in our Frozen-themed snow globe (and a blow-up Olaf!) AND
$18 (credit) for ages 2 to 82 (babies free). 301-865-9203. info@greenmeadowsevents.com. greenmeadowsevents.com/events/ santas-day-farm-green-meadows-farm.
Eastern National Dolls, Toys & Bears Show & Sale — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Montgomery County Agricultural Center
Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall 6, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg. Continues Dec. 8. The largest doll, toy and bear show in Md. Free parking, food. “The Learning Room” will feature speakers on related topics. Dolls from antique and vintage to modern, Barbies, doll accessories, parts, houses, furniture and more. Toys from antique to modern, mechanical and tin, holiday and more.
$10. 239-440-3184. sbellman714@gmail.com.
Got greens? — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Catoctin Furnace, 12610 Catoctin Furnace
wreaths and pine roping for the holidays.
Furnace Traditional Village Christmas festival. You can design your own wreath or leave it to our elves while you shop at the European Christmas market. Bring the kids to meet Belsnickel, the anti Santa who rewards good children with treats and gives the naughty ones something to think about.
$40. 443-463-6437. ecomer@catoctinfurnace.org. catoctinfurnace.org/shop.
Yuletide Sip & Shop Handmade Market — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gravel and Grind, 15 E. Sixth St., Frederick. In the patio and parking lot on First Saturday. Several Maryland artisans offer a variety of handmade goods: Jewelry, stickers, prints, ceramics, candles & perfumes, knit goods,
are having a live music yuletide performance by local Celtic band, Vesper’s
forget to grab some delicious coffee and
Free street parking and parking in lot. 240-563-3893. thedwellinggem@gmail. com.
Holiday Cookie Crawl — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 60 W. Washington Street storefront, Hagerstown . Visit downtown shops and restaurants to build your own plate of locally-made holiday cookies during this self-guided tour that’s great for groups of friends and families alike! Register now (while tickets last)! Tickets are $10 per box and participants will receive at least 1 cookie at each stop. $10. 240-382-0520. lcarroll@hagerstownmd.org. mainstreethagerstown.org/ downtowncookiecrawl.
Christmas in Thurmont: Holiday Sing-A-Long — 12:45 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. As part of the Christmas in Thurmont celebration, join the choirs from Thurmont Primary and Elementary schools for a holiday sing along. 301-600-7200.
frederick.librarycalendar.com.
A Main Street Christmas — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Downtown Main Street, 110 S. Main St., Mount Airy. The Town
holiday season with this beloved annual event. The tree lighting ceremony will start at 5:30 p.m. and parade kicks off at
Holiday Nights at the Museum
Join us infor three FREE
Dec. 6: City Park Tree Lighting. The museum will be open late for the public to see our exhibitions, and soak in the holiday spirit. The City of Hagerstown’s holiday lights are turned on at 7 p.m.
Dec. 13: Holiday Night: Storytime and Hot Cocoa. Bring the kids in their PJs for an evening of festive cheer. They can listen to a classic holiday story while sipping on cocoa. Exhibitions will be open for tours.
Dec. 20: Holiday Night: Tours and Toasts. Slow down and bask in the holidays. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a special holiday cocktail and charcuterie before touring our exhibitions.
Nights at the Museum
along with several specially selected local students will light the Town Christmas tree in the Railyard. Then get ready as the annual holiday parade makes its way
a very special appearance by Santa Claus. The parade starts at Mount Airy Elementary School and runs to Calvary United mountairymd.gov.
GALLERY
Art Matters Artist Talk: Members of the Clustered Spires Quilt Guild and Margaret Dowell — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Frederick. Members of the Clustered Spires Quilt Guild and solo exhibition artist Margaret Dowell share about the work in their exhibition. delaplaine.org/programs.
MUSIC
Christmas in Thurmont: Holiday Music with the Monocacy Jazz Trio
of the Christmas in Thurmont celebra-
guests with the soulful sounds of the holiday. The trio features Ali Afrookteh on frederick.librarycalendar.com.
Westminster Symphony Orchestra Concert
of McDaniel and Carroll Community and community musicians. Selections include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” and the premiere of cellist Collin
mcdaniel.edu.
Emmitsburg Community Chorus Concert
gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/ cool-yule-with-alfred-yun.
“The Spires at Christmas” performance by Spires Brass Band will have you Rockin’ Around the Christmas
much more. A popular family event you won’t want to miss!
spiresbrassband.org/concerts.
The Dirty Middle and Night Walks
kids — probably the most inventively the mayhem — and the fun — when the Sunday Dec. 8 ETCETERA
Stoney Gardens Crafts & Open House —
sale to the public that are made by local artists and vendors.
facebook.com/StoneyGarden. Christmas House Tour
The concert features holiday favorites.
“Cool Yule” with Alfred Yun performed across the globe from South Merrier Christmas.”
will share the stage with Baltimore indie-
THEATER
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
to put on a church Christmas pageant
and docents will be in period costumes.
warmth and good cheer and ready to welcome you and your family and friends
FAMILY
6-1 O, ages 5 and under eat free. Benefits
Breakfast With Santa — 8 a.m. to noon at Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department Inc.., 21400 Laytonsville Road, Laytonsville. $15 adults, $8 ages the Laytonsville VFD Apparatus Fund. 240-876-8937. tr9864@yahoo.com. ldvfd.org.
Annual Train Garden Display — noon to 5 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co., 702 N. Main St., Mount Airy. Visit the
Fire Company's Train Garden. Visit www. mavfc.org for all the information.
301-829-0100. info@mavfc.org. mavfc.org.
“Christmas Chronicles” — 12:30 p.m.
dinner, Pap Pap McCallister heads up Christmas decorations, having not
at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. Following a boisterous family Thanksgiving to the attic to start bringing down the been allowed to start putting them up until after Thanksgiving - a rule set by
Grammie McCallister. As he’s sorting through the collection of decorations, family members begin joining him as they reminisce about past Christmases
301-662-6600.
and talka bout theirhopesforthe year to come. A heartwarming and fun-filled evening with the McCallisters. Tickets vary. Weekends through Dec. 22. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.
Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The Ballet and the beloved Tchaikovsky score Kingdom of Sweets. Under the direction artists from the New York City Ballet and students from the Frederick School of Classic Ballet, it's a holiday tradition at its finest.
“The Nutcracker” — 2 p.m. at Weinberg stunning artistry of the Maryland Regional combine to transport audiences to the of Joyce Morrison and featuring guest $35, $30, $20. 301-600-2828.
bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ the-nutcracker-2024.
All Aboard with Santa — 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg.
Railroad-themed visit with Santa. Freshbaked cookies and hot chocolate around a campfire and crafts in the 1 884 RR Station. Visit with Santa as he greets
Shop, from inexpensive stock stuffers a quiet car where visitors can get away.
visitors from the cab of the 1918 steam engine. Fun things to see and do and many gifts to purchase in the Museum to complete railroad sets. There is also Santa habla español. This program is sensory friendly. Reservations required. $12 per person for non-Gaithersburg residents, $10 for residents. 301-2586160. museum@gaithersburgmd.gov. gaithersburgmd.gov.
Winter Concert: Celebrate With Us! — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Katharine Drexel
Catholic Church, 8428 Opossumtown
Pike, Frederick. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Frederick Children's Chorus Concert showcases an inspiring selection of
seasonal and choral classics. Adults $10; Seniors $15; Students 18 and under Free. 240-426-2293. Kathleen.Siedor@fredcc.org. fredcc.org.
GALLERY
Downtown Artwalk for December — noon to 4 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center,
40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Take a selfguided jaunt downtown and visit local Hinton of Twisted Talismans will be showcasing jewelry and gifts crafted with
galleries! At the Delaplaine, Elizabeth intention. 301-698-0656.
jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs.
MUSIC
FCC String Ensemble: Orphans of the Orchestra
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Frederick Community College, JBK Theater, Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Directed
Visual and Performing Arts Center, 7932 by Lynn Fleming and featuring orchestral
music both old and new, to experience an ensemble that always has a few tricks
roles. Invite family and friends and save your seats today.
it's time for the instruments that lurk in the shadows to get their moment to shine with music byTartini, Dittersdorf, Michal, Tchaikovsky, and more, all while
up its sleeve. During this performance, highlighting unique instruments in solo
FCC2024StringEnsemble.eventbrite.com. Gospel Choir Concert — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mainstage Theatre, WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster. McDaniel College’s Gospel Choir performs traditional and selections, under the direction of senior
301 -846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. contemporary gospel music with surprise adjunct lecturer Shelley Ensor. 41 0-857-7000. OCMwork@mcdaniel.edu.
mcdaniel.edu.
“Behold the Miracle” Concert — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church, 5 E. Main St., Burkittsville. Kokopelli Winds and organist Jody Brumage present this holiday concert. "Behold the Miracle" music that harkens back to the days of Christ's birth. Don't
miss this festive holiday event suitable for the entire family. 301-834-9866.
stpaulsburkittsville@gmail.com.
Tidings of Joy: Christmas with the Frederick Chorale — 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic
Church, 11 8 E. Second St., Frederick . The Chorale will be joined by a talented brass ensemble from the Frederick Symphony
Orchestra. This concert features an enchanting lineup, including Daniel 301-514-4524.
Pinkham's beloved "Christmas Cantata" and popular seasonal favorites like "Auld Lang Syne," arranged by Desmond Earley. kiley.mead@frederickchorale.org.
Water Street:
Make it to our Thurmont Main Street Community & Shop Small for unique gifts while supporting our locally owned small businesses on Small Business
Saturday, November 30th!
Catoctin Mountain Massage & Wellness Center – Stop by their boutique and organic products to nurture your skin and mind!!! Relax and distress with their homemade small batch soaps, healing balms, small batch blend teas essential oil blends that are perfect for gifting yourself and someone else. Ask about gift cards for their massage services. This stop is full of gifts for those who need to relax and unwind. 31B Water Street (beside NAPA)
Thurmont Main Street Center Art & Gifts: Chooses from one kind of art from local artists and handmade gifts from many artisans including jewelry, clocks, & pottery. Shop our new line of Camp David apparel. All black Camp David shirts will be 25% off from 10a-2p. 11 Water Street
Pop Up Shops: There are also 3 Pop Up Shops vendors at the Main Street Center from 10a-2p: Beautiful homemade Pottery by Zoe & Awesome Shortbread Cookies. Awesome Shortbread Cookies can personalize all your holiday cookie gifts. Also, My Favorite Baker from the farmers market will have her homemade chocolate chip cakes, snickerdoodles, old fashioned sugar, peanut butter with chocolate chips & apple dumplings. 11 Water Street
Beautiful You Salon, Spa, & Boutique: Shop their boutique for purses, handmade jewelry, and accessories for one of kind gifts for your list, or for yourself! Purchase a $100 gift card for one of their many services and receive a free blanket or tumbler. 9 Water Street
East Main Street
East Main Trains: Visit Main Street’s newest business & just in time for Christmas! Enjoy a 5% ( ) discount off the entire store & much more for in-store promotions for Shop Small Saturday. Gift cards are available too for the train enthusiast in your life.
6 East Main Street
Gateway Flowers & Gifts: Stop in to see Ronnie & Steve and visit their Christmas room for one of kind Christmas decorations. Pick up your holiday poinsettias for yourself or gift giving. Live local? Order your arrangements on Small Business Saturday for Christmas. 11 East Main Street
North Church Street:
Cousins Ace Hardware – Choose from a huge variety of sizes & colors of Yeti Cups- they have one for anyone on your Christmas List! They also have a new line of Costa Sunglasses to check out. Don’t forget about those Gift Cards! 215 North Church Street
The Dirty Dawg DIY Dog Wash & Pet Store: $5 off every Dog Wash. Variety of Homemade Dog Christmas treats, large variety of dog accessories, and ask them to do the dreaded nail trim on your pooch! Adult Puppie Love tee shirts & accessories. Gift Cards available in any amount for those who love their pooch and have everything! 224 North Church Street
Dine in one of our locally owned Main Street Community Restaurants while walking around on Small Business Saturday & also purchase gift cards for the perfect gift!
Thurmont Kountry Kitchen: 4pcs. Chicken w/ Potato Wedges and 2 Sides, Roll & Butter $12.99. Pick up some gift cards while you are there, & order your homemade Christmas baked goods while there! 19 Water Street
10Tavern: Stop by for one of their signature cocktails & a burger while shopping. Want something light? Order up some appetizers. 10Tavern Gift cards also make great Gifts too! 10 East Main Street
Shop Small Saturday is sponsored by American Express to bring awareness to our locally owned small businesses everywhere!
Specials listed above are only valid for Saturday, November 30
Bollinger’s Restaurant & Uncle Dirty’s Brew Works: Josh’s Small Business Saturday lunch special is smoked BBQ Chicken Quarters, 2 sides, & Cornbread for only $15.00. Be sure to order one of Uncle Dirty’s homemade craft beers too. Do some Christmas shopping here too & purchase gift for friends & family.
210 North Church Street
Our Main Street 5th Annual Holiday Train Display opens for the holidays on Small Business Saturday! Visit from Noon-4pm. Stop by and see the Frederick County Society Model of Engineers Holiday Trains. Also, Enjoy homemade Crêpes by Vernon & his family from our Thurmont Main Street Farmers Market.They are in the same building as the train display. 224 North Church Street
Pop Up Shops also setup at the Thurmont American Legion 8 Park Lane
Specials listed above are only valid for Saturday, November 30.
FRIDAY NOV 29 9AM–9PM WITH 8AM BREAKFAST OPTIONS
DOWNTOWN SHOPS & EATERIES
OPEN EARLY & STAY OPEN LATE
CAROLING & LIVE MUSIC
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
PHOTOS WITH SANTA PARKING IN DOWNTOWN WILL BE THE HOLIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN FREDERICK
MARSHMALLOW ROASTING
downtownfrederick.org