72 HOURS Sept. 19, 2024

September 19

On with the

THE SHOW

Rich Daughtridge creates ‘a new movie experience’ in Frederick

VIVID VISTAS: Hagerfest

along the Cultural Trail in Hagerstown

LESA COOK WINS PEOPLE’S CHOICE

A painting that captures the horrors of a fire won the People’s Choice Award for the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ “Cumberland Valley Artists” exhibition. Museum visitors named Burkittsville artist Lesa Cook the winner for her oil painting “House on Fire.” Cook’s piece was among 65 pieces of art by 62 artists in this year’s juried exhibition. The painting shows a person in the foreground watching fire lick at a house. Fortunately, Cook said, the piece is not based on an actual event but is part of a current series she’s is working on that explores fire. “I’m interested in the intersection of man and nature and particularly the mesmerizing beauty and destructive power of fire,” she said.

CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF CRIMEA BAKER

The Derby restaurant in New Market will host a celebration of life on Sunday for Crimea Baker, a mother of four who was killed at her home in New Market on Aug. 25. Derby owner Dan Caiola said she and her children were regulars at the restaurant, and he wanted to host an event to honor her life. The celebration is open to the public and will run from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 22 with live music from Hannah Michelle.

FEMA KICKS OFF SEASON

Open yourself up and take in experimental music at the Y Arts Center when the Frederick Experimental Music Association opens its fall season this weekend. Kicking things off will be jazz pianist Russ Lossing performing with his trio on Sept. 21. The New York City-based pianist, composer and improviser has performed internationally at major jazz clubs and festivals and is known for his longtime association with master drummer Paul Motian. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert.

GET DOWN AND DIRTY TO RAISE FUNDS

Girls Inc. of Washington County will host its annual Muddy Mamas Mud Run & Obstacle Course on Sept. 21 in Boonsboro, which is just as its sounds — a very messy, muddy, slippery event that asks participants to traipse through a maze of mud and a 5k mud run to raise funds for the local organization.

ALSO IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

The City of Hagerstown this year revived Hagerfest, a festival celebrating art and community that was popular a few decades ago in the city. This year’s festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at sites along the Cultural Trail, including Hub City Brewery, University Plaza, Hatter’s Plaza, the Mural of Unusual Size, Live at Hub City Vinyl and Leiter’s Fine Catering, plus muralists have been busy this week creating five new pieces of art throughout downtown and will complete their pieces the day of the event.

A TOUCH OF MAGIC AND MERRIMENT

The Maryland Renaissance Festival runs through Oct. 20 in Annapolis, where the guests are merry and the food is something to behold (think hot apple dumplings, sausage on a stick, turkey legs and root beer floats). Get festive and join in. Details at rennfest.com.

IN LOCAL THEATER NEWS …

Maryland Ensemble Theatre will launch its season this week with an adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility,” and Ardeo Theatre, a new company in Frederick, will make its debut with Eugene O’Neill’s “Hughie” at Hood College’s Black Box Theatre.

Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations in Frederick, they know best. Here is a personal interview with a 2023 Best of the Best winner or finalist about why they love what they do, helping those they serve and working in Frederick.

Law Office of Lena A. Clark

What’s the worst that could happen if I die without a Will?

We hear this question often from Potential Clients. But even more often, we see this exact scenario play out in Probate cases when someone dies without a Will. Dying without a Will, also known as dying intestate, can lead to financial and emotional costs for your loved ones. Without a valid Will, intestacy laws dictate that your assets will be distributed to your closest living relatives in a predetermined order of priority. We have had numerous instances where these laws allow unintended beneficiaries to inherit from the estate. What this means for you is that relatives with whom you have no meaningful relationship may be legally entitled to your hard-earned life savings, instead of those savings being distributed according to YOUR wishes and your close family’s needs.

Financial Costs

Before any assets can be distributed, your estate will likely go through Probate. This is the court-supervised accounting of your estate, which is time-consuming, costly, and stressful. With a Will, Probate proceedings are smoother and faster. Without a Will, extra work has to be done to determine who manages and who inherits from your estate.

It could potentially take years for Probate to be over, causing financial strain on surviving family members who may rely on those assets. For example, your hefty emergency savings may not be immediately accessible to pay bills or cover your funeral costs. Even worse is that court fees, legal costs, administrative expenses, and unnecessary tax liabilities could significantly diminish the value of your estate.

Emotional Costs

We remind our clients that the financial costs of dying without a Will pale in comparison to the emotional costs. Your family may face uncertainty about your wishes and struggle to make decisions on your behalf. The lack of clear instructions and guidance during an already difficult time often leads to family conflicts over asset distribution, often resulting in nasty and expensive legal battles! As you can imagine, this further depletes the estate and strains family relationships.

If you are a parent, dying without a Will means there is no designated guardian for minor children or children with special needs. The Court will then appoint a guardian based on its own assessment, which may not align with your preferences.

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

Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://join.industrynewsletters.com/ signup/LawOfficeofLenaClarkLLC

Big Papi’s Real Good Tacos

The first thing you notice about high school best friends

Victor Alvarez and Carlos Jimenez is their energy.

“We’re very loud. We like to have a good time,” said Alvarez.

The two met at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, but stayed close as they embarked on their various careers.

Jimenez worked construction. Alvarez got his first job at the Golden Corral in Frederick. Both performed as DJs on the side.

“As long as we’ve been DJing and in nightlife, we’ve both been in marketing,” said Jimenez.

When the nightlife shut down during the pandemic, the long-time friends needed a creative outlet for their passions and energy.

Though Alvarez had taken up work at a law firm, his passion for food remained.

They thought a food truck would make the most sense but ended up with a brick and mortar location instead.

Using recipes Alvarez made up in his head and tinkered with in his kitchen, they opened their taco shop in December 2020.

They settled on the name Big Papi’s Real Good Tacos because they thought it was the “loudest” visually.

“We were looking for the best way to stand out the hardest,” Jimenez said.

He described their success as a “zero to 100” story.

They have since opened another location in Hagerstown, signed an agreement for a location in Alexandria, Virginia, and have plans to open another location in Montgomery County.

“We both started from nothing and built this business,” Jimenez said.

He said he was a welfare baby and that Alvarez is a first-generation American who emigrated from Costa Rica.

Though the longtime friends have a burgeoning taco business, there is one pilgrimage they said they still need to make. They want to explore the taco scene in Los Angeles.

“We were gonna fly out to L.A., but then COVID hit,” Alvarez said. “We still haven’t been there, but I hope to go there one day.”

— Cameron Adams

BIG PAPI’S REAL GOOD TACOS

5711 Industry Lane, Unit 7, Frederick

240-651-5969

https://bigpapistacos.com

Instagram: @bigpapistacos

Facebook: facebook.com/bigpapis

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Price: Single tacos sell for between $4 and $6. Three tacos sell for between $10.95 and $14.95. Other items such as Birria Ramen, Quesabirria Pizza and the Cali Burrito sell for between $10.95 and $24.95.

Chef Stacy Cross recommends: Chef Victor Alvarez recommended the Birria Tacos with Consomé. The shredded beef slow cooks for six to eight hours in a signature consomé. Big Papi’s finish their tortillas on the grill before loading them up with the meat, a three cheese blend, onions and cilantro and served with consomé on the side for dipping.

Birria, a slow cooked beef taco, is a favorite at Big Papi’s.

Staff photos by Ric Dugan

Big Papi’s Real Good Tacos is on Industry Lane in Frederick.

Q&A: Karen Jonas talks about her new album, her songwriting process and capitalism

BY COLIN MCGUIRE

Special to The News-Post

Fredericksburg, Virginia’s Karen Jonas has a laundry list of accomplishments already in her music career. Wammie winner. Overseas tourer. South by Southwest performer.

These days, she’s spreading the word about her new album, “The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch.” Set to tour the UK this fall — and having played Frederick’s Alive@Five earlier this summer — she took time to talk with 72 Hours about that new album, her songwriting process, watching movies, capitalism, some of her favorite local artists and, of course, online shopping.

I want to jump into the new album. What is this spoken word track? Did you write that?

Yes, I did write that. I’ve been writing a lot of poetry … and I had this record that is so based in the past, but to me, it’s a very current record. I kind of found with some past records that subtlety is lost and I didn’t really want the record to be a fun or funny record when I thought that there was something I was really trying to say, so I decided just to say it.

There is a certain melancholy to it. Is that a product of how you’re feeling these days? Was it something you were going through while writing the songs?

The music business is tough. Money is tough in the music business — just even making records work for themselves is hard. I struggle with that as a musician and a mom and a person. I [say to] myself, “How long can I do this for? Like, how long will this work?” I wanted to say that more clearly than in the rest of the songs, though I think there are hints of it in

really just takes a turn.

To me, there’s that theme of “what is too far and what is too much?” — because there is so much good about where we are. There’s so much that is accessible and available and in a lot of ways, it’s really amazing. But next thing you know, you’re marching in a herd of plastic pink flamingos on your lawn, totally out of your mind, and I’m not sure where the cut-off is, I guess. It sounds like that’s something you wrestle with throughout the album. It sounds like you get some satisfaction from doing online shopping yourself.

Oh, I do!

Yeah, but do you feel a little guilty about that? Is that something you hope to change?

the rest of the record.

There’s a lot of shopping on the album. Where did that come from? Was that a comment on capitalism?

Yes, definitely. Capitalism, commercialism, consumerism were all kind of the big picture concepts for me to kind of dress up in this motif — not that I’m a historical expert, but looking back from when it started and when we could make little plastic things. Post-World War II, when we just started making things and buying them. My kids live so in that world, where they don’t know a non-Amazon world, so they just really assume that you can have anything by tomorrow, and it’s not just that you can, it’s that you should be able to. They’re like, “Of course, I should be able to have that, Mom. It’s on Amazon and it should be here by tomorrow.” It’s hard to find limits on that.

So there’s a lot of shopping on the album because I am big-picturequestioning where we’re heading in a way that is a little dark. For a record about pink flamingos and online shopping, it is a little darker than that.

I wanted to get to the pink flamingos. There’s a certain aesthetic to the album. I think pink flamingos kind of fits into that. If you were to describe the vibe of the album, what would it be?

To me, it’s kitschy, retro fun, aside from all the things we just said about how dark it is. There are some deeper messages there, but the song “Plastic Pink Flamingos” is about this lady that is cutely obsessed with collecting plastic pink flamingos, and by the end the song, it takes a really hard turn and she’s a militant nutcase with her pink flamingos marching on her lawn. There’s potential psychosis [laughs]. It

It’s something I think about. It’s something we’re all living right now. I think it’s something I think we’ve been working our way towards for a very long time, which is where some of these Elvis-inspired songs are coming from. It’s the fall of capitalism. I’m not a political thinker at all, so I’m not here to make a huge commentary on government structure or anything, but I look at it from a very personal level. That’s why it’s about me online shopping and why that is really fun — to be able to have whatever you want tomorrow but to wonder, “Is this real? Can this go on forever? Can we keep making all this stuff?” I don’t know. We seem to be doing it.

Was there a lightbulb moment going into this where you said you really wanted to approach these ideas in song? Or was this a gradual thing that formulated over time?

I had a draft of this record before we started working on last year’s record, “The Restless.” There are a few songs that transferred to this final

(See JONAS 6)

Domenic Cicala

Karen Jonas is supporting her latest release, “The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch.”

(Continued from 5)

version from that. “Flamingos” is a song that made it from that first draft. There was this idea that I think was a really good overview of it, like, “We’re really going to make ourselves crazy doing this.” I had a few songs like that and a couple kind of cowboy lullaby songs, digging into the retro idea but also the sustainability, commercialism concept. I put that aside when we started working on “The Restless,” because I wanted to do that.

Then, we were on our way home from South by Southwest last March and we had just released “The Restless.” I was feeling really good about it, and I was on an airplane. I never watch movies, because I take them way too seriously, but on our way home from South by Southwest, I decided to watch a movie and I turned on the Elvis movie from I think 2020. I can’t just sit and watch movies, so I was taking all these notes on it. All of those notes turned into probably six other songs on this record. When I got home and started writing those songs and putting those together, I realized and decided that was the other half of this “The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch” concept because he really lived that. From the glory to the toilet, it’s a pretty sad story but also a really glorious story. There are multiple references to Elvis on the album. He’s gotta be an influence on you, right? He’s an influence to everybody.

Yeah, he’s an influence to everybody, but these songs are pretty direct conversations from that movie, actually. The “Four Cadillacs” song comes from this scene where Elvis is in the Ferris wheel with his manager and they’re just starting to get excited. It’s the rise of the whole thing. Elvis gets excited and says he told his friends he’d get them Cadillacs and his manager says, “You could buy them two Cadillacs.” And then he says, “I’m going to buy them four Cadillacs,” and they kind of up the ante until they get to a rocket ship. So, somehow from that, I had this four Cadillacs song that really is just based on that scene in the movie.

So have you watched any movies since that?

No [laughs]. I don’t think so. No, I did. I watched the “Gatsby” movie on an airplane, but I told myself I couldn’t write a record about that. I see you’re on the road a lot, and I think you’ve done some overseas touring as well in recent years. You’ve made a lot of strides in your career. Are you happy with

those? It’s got to feel good to play South by Southwest and go overseas, right?

Yeah, definitely. We were able to play in the UK — we had a tour scheduled there in 2020, which was rescheduled for 2022, so we went in 2022 and 2023 and we’ll be back there this October. That really is a highlight of what we do. We find a really great listening, receptive audience there, and it’s harder for us to locate that here, so that’s been great. South by Southwest is kind of a fun circus of a thing. We just keep writing and keep going. We don’t have a lot of industry support, and that would be more helpful, but we’ll keep going.

Artists don’t need labels these days the way they used to. Where do you put labels in the hierarchy of everything anymore? Do you think they are essential for you, or do you thrive being an independent artist?

I like to be an independent artist.

I really like to do what I want to do and explore what I want to explore on my own terms artistically. I would hope to find some support that lets me do that. The struggle is that if you don’t have a label, you’re just thrown into a host of artist services, which are things that somebody else could be doing for you, but it costs a lot of money. When you hire your own publicist and radio person and social media whoever — all of these people that could make your record go around and expand your reach — it’s all just really expensive.

Are you on the road the rest of the year?

We’ll be in the UK in October and will do some East Coast stuff in August and September. Do you have any other albums in the pocket, ready to go?

Maybe, sort of, kind of. I’m not going to do it right away, though. I need to stop. It’s too expensive [laughs]. Yeah, I think the next one will be more personal love stories, but not yet. I have a lot of poetry, too, that

I would like to do something with. What local artists are you into? Is there anyone out there other people should check out?

I’ve been doing a lot of songwriter events with my good friend John Tyler Riley, who has a band here in Virginia that is great. I’m a big fan of Erin & The Wildfire. She played a songwriter event with me, and that was really fun. There’s a lot of great Virginia music. Mackenzie Roark in Richmond is great. There’s so much great music around.

This interview has been edited for space and clarity.

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.

Ryan Poe

Karen Jonas with her band.

FEMA opens fall season with jazz pianist Russ Lossing

Frederick Experimental Music Association will open its fall season with the first Frederick performance by innovative jazz pianist Russ Lossing’s Trio on Sept. 21 at the Y Arts Center in downtown Frederick.

A New York City-based pianist, composer and improviser, Russ Lossing has been at the forefront of creative jazz for over 30 years. Since the early 1990s, Lossing has performed internationally at major jazz clubs and festivals and has recorded 23 albums as a leader for labels in the U.S. and Europe. Lossing is also known for his longtime association with master drummer Paul Motian.

Joining Lossing is veteran drummer Billy Mintz and a guest artist.

Watch Russ Lossing in performance at russlossing.com/videos.html.

The Y Arts Center is located at 115 E. Church St., Frederick. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert. Admission is $20 cash only.

Courtesy photo

Jazz pianist Russ Lossing will perform in Frederick on Sept. 21.

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of Sept. 20

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

Touch-A-Truck

1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 20

Middletown Branch Library Free

On Friday, come out to Middletown Branch Library to see and touch real life trucks and vehicles while learning about the important jobs they do. This event coincides with FCPS’ early dismissal day. •••

All About Bees: Honey Tasting & Hive Tour

1 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 21

Fox Haven Farm, 3630

Poffenberger Road, Jefferson $12

Join beekeeper Ryan Sanders at Fox Haven Farm on Saturday for an up-close demonstration about honey bees. Learn how honey is made, about the biology of honey bees, and why bees and other pollinators are important in the production of the foods we eat. Pack a picnic to enjoy on their beautiful grounds before or after the class. Tickets are available at foxhavenfarm.org.

Urbana Latinx Festival

3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21

Natelli Family YMCA, 3481 Campus Drive, Ijamsville Free

Join the community on Saturday at the Natelli Family YMCA for a free, family fun celebration of Latino culture with live music, dancing,

Tiffany Mahaney

Touch-A-Truck will be held at the Middletown Public Library.

TIFFANY MAHANEY

delicious food, vendors and children’s crafts.

•••

San Antonio Farm’s Fall Festival

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 21

San Antonio Farm, 11346 Lorien Court, Frederick Free

Frederick County just got a lot more fun! Visit San Antonio Farm on Saturday for a day of free activities for the whole family. This Fall Festival has an extensive craft market geared toward kids and adults, sensory activities, scavenger hunts, music, yoga, Zumba and raffles, with food and wine available onsite.

•••

Farm-ily Fun Day

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21

Moon Valley Farm, 9700 Gravel Hill Road, Woodsboro Free

Celebrate the Fall Equinox at Moon Valley Farm on Saturday. Bring your family and friends for an open house celebration to connect with local farmers, listen to live bluegrass music, shop vendors, and enjoy games, including two bounce houses for the kids. Family-friendly food trucks will be onsite. Bring your own picnic blankets and folding chairs. Get your free tickets through Evenbrite.

ADDITIONAL FALL ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND:

• Fall Festival at Magnolia Meadow Farm — Sept. 21 to Oct. 27

• Corn Maze at South Mountain Creamery — Sept. 21 to Oct. 27

• Farmer ChuckBone’s Pumpkin Patch — Sept. 21 to Nov. 3

• Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch — Sept. 21 to Oct. 31

• Glade Valley Farms and Corn Maze — Sept. 21 until Nov. 3

• Fall Festival at Summers Farm — through Oct. 31

• Fall Fest at Gaver Farm — through Nov. 5

• Catoctin Mountain Orchard — through Nov. 23

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

Tiffany Mahaney Magnolia Meadows Farm

Tiffany Mahaney

South Mountain Creamery

Taylor Roman

Bee Day at Fox Haven

He’s

been king of the

Ren Fest

for 22 years. The crown is weighing on him.

BY OLIVIA MCCORMACK and SOPHIA SOLANO The Washington Post

King Henry VIII arrives at the castle on a horse named Cochise.

His court follows. His subjects salute. A royal poop scooper brings up the rear.

“Welcome, all!” he bellows. “We meet again at the gates of this shire, our home away from home.”

The assembled crowd cheers, a cannon fires, and the king proclaims, “Let this festival day begin!”

This is suburban America, 2024. It is also England, in the year of our Lord 1537. It’s the Maryland Renaissance Festival, where the masses stream in — wearing corsets and cow costumes, Harris/Walz merch and “Defend the Second” shirts — and pay a $30 admission fee to spend the day in an alternate reality. More than 300,000 will come over the course of nine weekends, through Oct. 20. They come to drink mead and eat giant turkey legs, to purchase flower crowns and take in jousting matches, to oogle maidens in off-the-shoulder blouses, to dance blithely in the village square.

They come to lose themselves. To bow before the king.

His name is Fred Nelson. Today is his birthday — Fred’s birthday, not Henry’s.

He is 61 and not sure how much longer he can do this.

He’s also not sure how to give it up.

The hours on his feet. The heavy costume in the baking sun. The way his back aches by lunch, burns by the closing of the gates.

And: The looks of wonder on the faces of children in fairy wings. The adoration of selfie-seeking subjects. The camaraderie of his fellow Ren Fest thespians. The way his spine straightens with that crown on his head.

Beyond the shire, Nelson is an aging bureaucrat. A video producer for a large government agency. It is, in his words,

“very dry, boring work.”

Within it, he is Henry, benevolent ruler of this land of make-believe, where he’s responsible not for war or peace or federal content production. He’s responsible for joy.

“I spend three months out of the year being that guy out there in that costume. I’m big and loud and boisterous and the host of everybody’s party,” he adds. “And then the rest of the year I spend in a darkened room, looking at TV monitors.

“Yeah,” he sighs. “Any therapist worth his salt would have a field day with me.”

The last man to wear the crown died suddenly in 2001. Not at the festival, mind you, but during the offseason. That

AUSTRALIA 2026

king held the throne for 15 years and was beloved by both Ren Fest regulars and staff. He would not be easy to replace.

And Nelson didn’t have much interest. After growing up in a military family in Guam, he moved to the D.C. area in the late 1990s. Acting had been a big part of his youth, but he gave it up in early adulthood while establishing a new life in the continental United States.

After two years away from the stage he waded back into community theater and was acting with a Shakespearean theater company in Manassas, when he was recruited to audition for the role of his royal Ren Fest highness.

Initially, he turned down the invitation

— he was in the midst of a production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and had another role lined up after that. But his director told Nelson that if he didn’t audition, he’d regret it “for the rest of his life.”

Days later, Nelson was crowned king. Nelson is stout and bearded, with eyes that crinkle when he smiles. And when he winces. He has a baritone that seems to vibrate the castle walls whenever he’s in character. When he’s not, his shoulders drop. He’s eloquent, thoughtful, soft-spoken.

Those first seasons in the gig were brutal. He needed to win over the

Photo by Nathan Howard for The Washington Post

Fred Nelson, playing King Henry VIII, and Laurie Simonds, playing Queen Jane Seymour, walk through the grounds at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. (See

The annual Muddy Mamas Mud Run benefits the strong, smart and bold Girls Inc. of Washington County

BY DAWN MORGAN NEARY Special to The News-Post

The mission of Girls Inc. is to inspire “all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.” The international organization has been around since the Civil War, but Hagerstown is the only Maryland city to have a club.

That local organization is known as Girls Inc. of Washington County.

Among the services it provides is a robust and affordable after school program for girls 6 to 18 at just $70 a month, which includes meals, transportation, tutoring and other activities. The club is often at capacity while keeping its class sizes small.

Their biggest annual fundraiser is the Muddy Mamas Mud Run, which is now in its 10th year, coming up on Sept. 21, and 100% of the event’s proceeds going back to Girls Inc. of Washington County.

72 Hours recently spoke with Rae Tucker, the director of development for Girls Inc. of Washington County.

How did you get involved with Girls Inc. of Washington County?

Rae Tucker: I worked at a domestic violence shelter, but burnt out during covid. I saw that Girls Inc. was hiring a van driver, so I applied. It’s the other end of empowerment. And the girls loved coming to Girls Inc. every day. They bring so much joy into our lives.

Why is it only for girls?

Tucker: The girls have said it’s “very different”; they have said it’s so chaotic [at co-ed programs]. The boys take over with wild behavior, and it takes away from their growth, is the impression I get from them. We’re nurturing. We build great one-on-one relationships with them. In general, everyone gets along really well. And with small classroom sizes, there’s a lot of one-on-one time.

What is a day in the after-school program like?

Tucker: When they arrive, they have a snack and free time until all the kids arrive. Then we break into groups. Every day, a new class by age. There are different class facilitators. No more than 10 kids in a class.

We also do tutoring. This year, we bought a new tutoring program that links back to their school, so we can identify their strengths and weaknesses. It means we can tailor their tutoring. We have a really strong relationship with WCPS, but even if we can’t access the [students’] records [due to parents not consenting], we’re still able to see on a county-wide scale where we have an impact. It’s a great way to support families. “It takes a village.” When our families suc-

ceed, our community succeeds. Do older girls go to the after-school program, too?

Tucker: At about middle school they stop attending every day, but we also have a youth advisory board. We let them lead whatever projects they’re passionate about.

I have seen plenty of unkind — downright mean — memes of Hagerstown.

Tucker: This is a community that has struggled in the past. It will continue to have its own economic and cultural difficulties. We are hoping we can prepare the girls for what we see coming down the pipeline [from Montgomery County and D.C.]. We have a strong STEM program, offer support for social/emotional learning and dealing with big feelings, and literacy.

I had the pleasure one day recently of receiving a grant — to be in a room with all the people who are getting things done. The bad comments are so loud, but if you’re active and involved in your community, you’ll find ways to benefit others.

What is the community like?

Tucker: A lot of their schools, like Salem Avenue, have been recognized

for all the work they do. As a nonprofit, we’re not a rivalry; we work together. Even with the Boys & Club, they’re our friends and we work together.

And you often have a waiting list?

Tucker: We are frequently at capacity for what we’re able to offer. So last spring, we started a pilot program: Girls Think Outside the Box. They’re boxes full of activities that girls can work on at home, by themselves or with their families. The boxes are delivered to elementary schools. The girls can bring empowerment directly home. We’re trying to meet them [the girls on the waitlist] where they’re at. And we’re able to continue it in a couple different schools this year.

Can you talk about your main event, the upcoming Muddy Mamas Mud Run & Obstacle Course?

Tucker: It’s in its 10th year! A lot of local businesses support the run. There are 18 obstacles, each sponsored by a local business. We sold out on our sponsorships this year. The support we receive makes it all possible — for example, volunteer fire fighters make sure it’s all safe — so that the participant fees go straight back to the girls and their journeys.

Why do the women of Washington

IF YOU GO

Muddy Mamas Mud Run & Obstacle Course is 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 21 at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro.

County — and beyond — participate?

Tucker: What I love about it, is it is so empowering. It has kept the women of this community empowered throughout the year. They know that they are strong, smart and bold. It is really touching. The girls see them [you have to be at least 10 to run], and they can’t wait for their turn. The community coming out to support them is truly touching.

Anything else readers should know?

Tucker: There are always opportunities to volunteer with us. Even a simple donation helps us further our mission. Find your niche to benefit your neighborhood. Help in your own backyard.

Dawn Morgan Neary has been a freelance writer and multimedia producer for more than 20 years. She has reported for the Tampa Bay Times, Current, Creative Loafing, Philadelphia Weekly and others.

Photo by Ric Dugan

Girls Inc. hosts a Muddy Mamas Mud Run each year in Hagerstown.

”The Voice of Vistas: A Plein Air Artist Speaks” — through Sept. 22, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Paula Rubin-Wexler is known for her big skies, abstracted landscapes, and her deep understanding of the moods, colors and atmosphere of the vistas she loves to paint. A collection of her plein-air painting, focusing primarily on Frederick County, will be on display and available for purchase, in the Links Bridge Tasting Room. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 301-4662413 or linksbridgevineyards.com.

”People, Places & Things” — through Sept. 29, Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. The gallery artists present a captivating journey through the human experience. From vibrant portraits to breathtaking landscapes, this exhibit explores the interconnectedness of people, places and things. Hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. 240-815-7777 or gallery322. com.

”Knots” — through Sept. 29, NoMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Julia Schrecengost uses printmaking to explore the relationship between the internal processes of her body and organic processes in constant motion. Physical objects such as netting, branches and leaves reference connective tissue and joints. Pain becomes something evocative of universal feelings, inviting the viewer to feel, whether or not that feeling is comfortable. Spontaneous in nature, the finished work represents a particular moment in the artist’s life. Artist talk 7 p.m. Sept. 19. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770 or nomagalleryfrederick.com.

Two Artists Exhibits — through Sept. 29, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. “Circling Back, Places, Remember” watercolors and mixed media by Vicki Clarkson. “Layers in Red and Black,” original prints of red and black by Lynn Hotes. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsideartistsgallery.com or eastsidearts313@gmail.com.

“Lisa Foucart: Recent Paintings” — through Sept. 30 at Waldo’s & Company, 17 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, Pa. (downstairs). waldosandco.com.

“A Clear Spring, A Quiet Snow: A rotating photo exhibition of recent work from Jeff Compton” — through Oct. 6 at Ibiza Cafe, 8 W. Fourth St., Frederick. A small but carefully curated selection of naturally themed photographic works by Jeff Compton. These works delight in the light and subtle movements of nature, inspired by far Eastern art and spirituality. Works will vary during the duration of the exhibit, proving a dynamic experience rewarding return. 240-785-0405, jeff@curiousperspectives.com, iamjeffcompton.com.

”Homesick Materials” — through Oct.

Carroll County Arts Council’s annual “Members Show” runs Sept. 16 to Nov. 9, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19. This is a non-juried show featuring the work of all Arts Council members, resulting in a diverse range of styles. Carroll Arts Center is located at 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Call 410-848-7272 for more information.

11, Hood College, Hodson Gallery, Tatem Arts Center, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Lance Rautzhan offers paintings of personal objects and a remix sound installation of reclaimed recordings to conjure specters haunting the temporal gap between sincerity and honesty. Opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at Hodson Gallery, Hood College Tatem Arts Center in Frederick. Daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 301-696-3285 or kern@hood.edu.

”Art, Fashion, Symbol, Statement: Tattooing in America, 1960s to Today” — through Oct. 13, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. The exhibition explores the evolution of tattoos, particularly in the northeastern United States, from a mark of counter-cultural rebellion to one of the most popular forms of personal creative expression. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org.

“The Divine Cochlea” — through Oct. 18 at the Williams Gallery at Mount St. Mary’s University, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg. This solo exhibition featuring work by Corey Frey explores the necessity of balance, rhythm and vacillation between the assuaging of similarity at the center of things and the disturbance of the “other” on the fringes of things. Memory, poetry, myth, story and art history inform the themes that run through the work as touchstones of apprehension while making associational leaps that allow gaps for the viewer’s memory, understanding and intuition. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday

through Friday and by appointment. 301447-5308. coreysfrey.com.

”The Yellow King” — through Oct. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Through its multi-media collage symbology, the artwork in this exhibition, by Michel Demanche, invites an examination and contemplation of the consequences of political issues, racism, and bigotry towards the marginalized in contemporary culture. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Under the Influence” — through Oct. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Mixed media sculptures by Jim Roberts. These installations are a commentary on the gun culture in our country and the various systems that fuel it, particularly the NRA. They are a response to Roberts’ 24 years of teaching in a public high school and the countless in-services and faculty meetings intended to prepare for active shooter situations. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Simple Lines” — Oct. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Studio Art Quilters Associates: Del., D.C., Md. and W.Va. Region fiber work exhibit. Living in or near a center of power such as Washington, D.C., can affect a person’s view of the world. Every day seems to be filled with activity on multiple levels, weaving a complex structure of society that can be a challenge to understand and navigate. Using fiber art, the artists express Washington, D.C.,

and the surrounding area in a simplified form. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Contemporary Innovations: Harmonious Bloom” — through Oct. 27, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This exhibition showcases a new collection of prints, paintings and sculptures that explore the interplay between human relationships, femininity and the natural world. Through vibrant colors and overlapping figures and forms, Rose Jaffe invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of transformation. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

“Quilting Frederick” — through Nov. 22 at Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis. Featuring a series of art quilts by artist Aynex Mercado, inspired by the architecture of Frederick. aynex21@gmail.com, marylandhall.org.

”Brushes With History: Inspiring the Personality of Frederick” — through Dec. 14, Museum of Frederick County History/Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. 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.

”Floating Beauty: Women and the Art of Ukiyo-e” — Sept. 21 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.

”Hidden” — Oct. 4-27, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Public art sculptor Thomas Sterner’s artworks investigating the unnoticed and concealed. Although known for his very large stainless steel sculptures in Frederick (FCC, Carroll Creek) and elsewhere, this exhibit will use various mediums and processes including wood carving, photography and metal fabrication. Opening reception 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5. Closing reception Oct. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240367-9770 or nomagalleryfrederick.com.

Courtesy photo

Hagerfest celebrates creatives at sites along the Cultural Trail

BY CRYSTAL SCHELLE

Special to The News-Post

It almost seems serendipitous that Brittany Arizmendi, the city of Hagerstown’s community engagement officer, found a vintage Hagerfest T-shirt in a closet she was cleaning out at work last year.

The city of Hagerstown will revive one of its beloved downtown festivals from the mid-‘80s to the mid-‘90s this year with new branding and a new vibe.

Hagerfest Arts & Music Festival will return to the streets of Hagerstown from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 21 along the Hagerstown Cultural Trail, which connects downtown to Hagerstown City Park.

The festival will “be a large representation of the arts and entertainment culture here in downtown,” Arizmendi said.

Hagerfest is not a standalone event; it is piggybacking on City Park Fall Fest, which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the park, as well as the South End Block Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park. Both include activities for kids and music. Fireworks will end the evening at Fall Fest.

“Next year, we would like to add Meredith Park into the mix and have a larger staging area in that space,” she said of the new baseball stadium on Summit Avenue.

Arizmendi said throughout the day, Hagerfest will hold events along the Cultural Trail at Hub City Brewery, University Plaza, Leiter’s Fine Catering, Merge Exhibition, Hatter’s Plaza, Mural of Unusual Size and Live at Hub City Vinyl.

Events include artisan vendors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University Plaza, food trucks, and A Clay and Play at Leiter’s Catering from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arts and craft activities will be held at the Mural of Unusual Size from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be plenty of music, beginning at 11 a.m. at University Plaza with student performers from Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and North Hagerstown High School, The Steel Tones, Geno Marriott & The Spirit of Jazz, Smile Back Records and Spence & Keshawn Jackson. At Hub City Brewery beginning at noon will be New Wave Drive followed by

The Dishonest Fiddlers. At 3 p.m. at the mural, DJ Notorious S.T.R will be spinning tunes. And at 1 p.m. at Hub City Live, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra will perform followed by The Wild Hymns at 3 p.m.

IF YOU GO

Hagerfest runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 21 along the Cultural Trail throughout downtown Hagerstown. Free. See hagerstownaande.org/ hagerfest.

The Silent Disco After Party runs from 8 to 10 p.m. at Live at Hub City Vinyl, 28 E. Baltimore St., Hagerstown. Tickets are $12.51. See hagerstownaande.org/silentdisco-afterparty.

One of the only separate tickets for the night is for the Silent Disco After Party at Hub City Live from 8 to 10 p.m. Guests are given headphones that are plugged into individual channels broadcasting different musical genres. Cost total is $12.15. To purchase tickets, go to hagerstownaande.org/ silentdisco-afterparty.

Also part of Hagerfest is the new Mural Festival.

“We’ll have five different muralists painting five different murals leading up to Saturday, and they’ll be finishing up their work on Saturday,” Arizmendi said. “Community members are invited to go around and see the different artists and what they’re doing.”

Artists include Leonardo Moleiro at the alley at the University System of Maryland Hagerstown, Kirsten Sandlin at 60 W. Washington St., Phil Seth at 25 N. Potomac St. and Jason Tetlak at the Cultural Trail across from The Updegraff at 51 W. Washington St.

“Our tagline for Hagerfest is ‘Turn this city up!,’” Arizmendi said. “So I think we’re just hoping that it’s just a celebration of creatives, of the diversity that Hagerstown is, and that people can come downtown, enjoy themselves, and just experience the positive and creative environment that we have.”

Crystal Schelle is a journalist whose work has been published locally, regionally and nationally. She enjoys trivia, cats and streaming movies.

Courtesy photos

ABOVE and BELOW: The Cultural Trail in Hagerstown.

Warehouse Cinemas CEO Rich Daughtridge

BY CRYSTAL SCHELLE Special to The News-Post

While some people dream of being on the big screen, Rich Daughtridge has been making a career of innovating the cinema experience itself.

That could easily be said about Rich Daughtridge, president and CEO of Warehouse Cinemas, with locations in Frederick, Hagerstown and Baltimore. At 48 years old, the Smithsburg native has been in a decades-long marriage with three kids and successfully built HighRock, a marketing agency, before leaping into the world of independent movie theaters.

While moviegoers were already lining up for tickets and popcorn on an early Monday morning at the Warehouse Cinemas Frederick location, Daughtridge sat in its spacious lounge area to talk about the movie business.

Daughtridge, who lives in Hagerstown, has recently been appointed to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation board of directors. The foundation is “dedicated to offering vital support and compassionate services to individuals in the theater industry — whether they’re working in exhibition, distribution, or as vendors — who are facing the challenges of accidents, injuries, or illnesses. Our mission is to help these remarkable individuals navigate their hardships and rebuild their lives with the dignity and care they deserve,” according to the foundation’s website.

He believes he was nominated by one of his fellow board members. But he received the official call to come aboard from Lisa Burnell, president of distribution at Focus Features.

“I think she said something like, ‘You have some fans among the board’ and asked if I would like to join,” he said.

It took him about a day to make the decision.

“Honestly, it was an honor and a privilege,” Daughtridge said. He was eagerly awaiting the foundation’s first meeting a few weeks ago.

He adds this new gig to an already packed schedule. In addition to Warehouse Cinemas and HighRock, he is also president of the Independent Cinema Alliance, a trade association for independent theaters.

The first cinema he purchased was then-named Leitersburg Cinemas near Daughtridge’s hometown. Daughtridge, along with Greg Mills, cofounder and chief operating officer, purchased the theater in 2010. In 2019, they decided to sell it to another business. However, in 2021, they announced they had repurchased the cinema. Since then, it has been rebranded as Warehouse Cinemas, and the theater has been renovated.

During the pandemic, Daughtridge attempted to open a Warehouse Cinemas location in Frederick at the former Frederick Towne Mall, now known as District 40. Once the movie house officially opened along the Golden Mile, one of the biggest obstacles was the lack of movies available at the time; no one was filming new movies during the pandemic. But that forced his staff have to think outside the box and get creative.

They started screening retro films and hosting events to bring people to the theater — and it worked.

“We just chipped away at it and hustled, and thankfully turned it around,” Daughtridge said.

Theater entryways at Warehouse Cinemas.

The bar at Warehouse Cinemas.

The concession area at Warehouse Cinemas is shown on Aug. 20.

creates ‘a new movie experience’ in Frederick

Rich Daughtridge, owner of Warehouse Cinemas, at the facility on Aug. 20. Daughtridge was recently appointed to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation board of directors.

Party-like openings for bigger theatrical releases came from those early Frederick days during the pandemic, some of which has continued to this day and earned Warehouse a reputation for its unique offerings. For instance, with a full bar onsite, staff can create special cocktails for movie premiers, like a pink drink with a small flamingo floaty on top for the “Barbie” movie. More recently, they created a special cocktail for “Alien:Romulus” called the Facehugger.

Additionally, all locations have a fast-casual menu for those wanting more than the usual popcorn and soda. And those who pop in on a Tuesday can catch a movie for $7.

The Frederick location has

also hosted special red carpet events and premieres for films with local ties, like “Last Night at Terrace Lanes,” which was executive produced by Urbana resident Ed Sanchez of “Blair Witch Project” fame.

Daughtridge’s access to the marketing information from HighRock was easily applied to the business at Warehouse Cinemas. He said the special openings have been a way to “elevate the experience.” He credits his “incredible team” at Warehouse Cinemas with continuing to generate creative ideas, he said.

Daughtridge added the Baltimore location in 2023.

“Post-pandemic, there are actually a number of cinemas that just stopped existing, like Leitersburg, which was one we brought back post-pandemic,” he said. “That location in Baltimore was another location that was not being operated by anyone. It basically was abandoned and available.”

Seeing the opportunity, Daughtridge and his business partners purchased it. Daughtridge said they are continuing to look for more opportunities throughout the state and surrounding areas to add a fourth location.

In addition to his other duties, Daughtridge took on a parttime job as president of the Independent Cinema Alliance in 2021. The alliance is a trade association that represents more than 4,000 independent theater screens across the U.S. The group champions the importance of independent theaters.

Daughtridge said he tries to carve out time with his wife, Susan, and his children, Reed, 22, Carter Ann, 19, and Keagan, 17. He said he’s unsure if any of them will follow him into the business, but he’s certainly taught them how to be entrepreneurs.

As for Warehouse Cinemas, Daughtridge said he wants it to be a place where the community can come and enjoy themselves — a place, he said, that is more than just a movie and a show. Or as the cinemas’ tagline, “A New Movie Experience.”

Crystal Schelle is a journalist whose work has been published locally, regionally and nationally. She enjoys trivia, cats and streaming movies.

Staff photos by Katina Zentz

The Warehouse Cinemas Frederick location is on the Golden Mile.

Art, anxiety, and everything in between

Vincent Van Gogh felt it. He must have. In a life where he struggled with self-persecution, Van Gogh better than anyone would know how his mental state affected his work.

“I am unable to describe exactly what is the matter with me; now and then there are horrible fits of anxiety, apparently without cause, or otherwise a feeling of emptiness and fatigue in the head … ,” he wrote in a letter to his sister in June 1889 from the asylum of SaintPaul-de-Mausole in SaintRémy-de-Provence, France, where he had voluntarily admitted himself after a series of mental health crises (including the infamous ear incident). “And yet, I’m always working as hard as I can, just to keep going.”

He was — and is — not alone.

name a few. The question of how creativity may be related to mental illness has been studied for years.

The idea that creativity and mental suffering are intertwined is an old one, but research shows mixed evidence. Some studies suggest that artists may be more prone to mood disorders due to heightened sensitivity and emotional openness, while others indicate that the stereotype oversimplifies the relationship between mental health and creativity.

and creativity, argues in “Touched with Fire” that while many creative geniuses have struggled with mental illness, this connection does not imply that suffering is necessary for creative achievement.

Being a creator allows an untrammeled, unparalleled vision of What Is. And it also grants a degree of insight into What Could Be. And in that yawning chasm of possibility is fertile imaginative soil in which can grow a sense of despair.

Oddly, the effects of depression on artists can seem counterintuitive — for some, deepening creativity in profoundly expressive ways; for others, being so debilitating that creativity becomes difficult to impossible. Van Gogh’s period in Saint-Rémy was marked by both creative productivity and profound psychological distress, yet it resulted in some of his most famous works, like “The Starry Night,” which he painted during this time.

The stereotype of a “tortured artist” is a common trope throughout visual art, but also in adjacent arenas that rely on imagination to create — performance, design, writing, to

Neuroscientist Nancy C. Andreasen conducted studies that suggested a higher prevalence of mood disorders among creative professionals. In her article “Secrets of the Creative Brain,” which appeared July 2014 in The Atlantic, she discusses how mental illness and creativity may share common neurobiological foundations. Meanwhile, Kay Redfield Jamison, a clinical psychologist who has written extensively on the link between mood disorders

David Foster Wallace, a novelist and essayist, was someone who ultimately lost his struggle, dying by suicide in 2008. He wrote extensively about his depression and often spoke about his battles with mental illness and how it intersected with his writing.

“The thing about the ‘tortured artist’ cliché is that it’s actually the opposite of what writing is,” he said. “Writing is work, and the only thing that can sustain you through the work is a sense of meaning. When you’re stuck in your own head, unable to communicate, that’s where the torture lies.”

I often wonder how the modern, “always on” age of social media might have impacted Van Gogh’s creative output. Numerous studies are gradually peeling back the layers of how social media is affecting mental health in multiple, distressing ways, especially among artists, who feel pressured to constantly produce content to maintain visibility and relevance for an audience that can be malicious in its feedback.

The field of comics has not been without casualties. I wrote in April about how online bullying and

(See COMICS 23)

Utagawa (Ando) Hiroshige I (Japanese, 1797 – 1858), Village by the Tamagawa River, 1858, color woodblock, Museum Purchase, 1979.584.1C. Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pennsylvania.

CLIFF CUMBER

Sunday Classics Series presents ‘On Broadway!’

Carolyn Black-Sotir & R. Timothy McReynolds lead you on a fabulous tour down the Great White Way at the Carroll Arts Center with an afternoon of classic musical theater highlighting Broadway’s best and brightest: Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein & Hart, Kander and Ebb, Lerner and Lowe, Webber, Sondheim and more.

Join this dynamic duo as they invite you to “come along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway!” at 2 p.m. Sept. 22 in Westminster.

Black-Sotir is a member of the Voice Faculty at Towson University teaching studio voice and musical theater. She is in demand as a clinician, conducting numerous master classes and lectures on the American music theater song for college and arts organizations. This concert is part of the Carroll Arts Center’s Sunday Classics Series, featuring acclaimed chamber musicians in Sunday afternoon concerts. Tickets range in price from $5 for ages 17 and under, $24 ages 18 to 25 and ages 60 and up, and $27 for adults. The Carroll Arts Center is at 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Learn more at carrollcountyartscouncil.org, or call 410848-7272.

Maryland Ensemble Theatre presents ‘Sense and Sensibility’

Maryland Ensemble Theatre will launch its 27th season with Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.”

This version brings a fresh, highly physical take on the classic story. The Dashwood sisters, left penniless by their father’s death, must navigate a world of gossip and societal demands while pursuing their own desires.

New Frederick theater company Ardeo debuts with Eugene O’Neill’s

Ardeo Theatre, a new professional theater company based in Frederick, will present its inaugural production, Eugene O’Neill’s “Hughie,” at the black box theater at Hood College.

“Hughie” is a poignant exploration of loneliness, hope and the human condition. Set in a run-down New York hotel in the 1920s, the play focuses on Erie Smith, a small-time hustler, who is forced to confront his personal demons as he struggles with the loss of a friend — and of his sense of self-worth. Though brief, “Hughie” is a testament to O’Neill’s genius. It’s one of the last plays of one of the 20th century’s finest

‘Hughie’

at Hood College

erick and surrounding areas.

“Ardeo means passion, and passion is why we started this company,” said co-artistic director Angello. “We are passionate about great plays, and we are passionate about bringing honest, vibrant theater to our area. We chose ‘Hughie’ as our debut production because it embodies the kind of work we want to do — intimate, powerful and deeply human.”

Director Gené Fouché returns to the MET Mainstage after closing out season 26 with the hit musical “Head Over Heels.” She notes, “Kate Hamill’s adaptation of this show is so open to creativity on the part of the performers. It allows for an abundance of physical comedy, yet preserves the integrity of the original story. Regency era ideas of love/marriage and class/ society are explored amidst an ever-present chorus of Gossips. Audiences shouldn’t expect your run-ofthe-mill Jane Austen.”

The cast features MET Ensemble members Bill Dennison, Shea-Mikal Green, Matt Harris, Julie Herber, Tad Janes, Willem Rogers and Tori Weaver. They are joined by Kira Gandolfo, Kiersten Gasemy, and Christian Harris, as well as Fred Fletcher-Jackson, Lauren McKenna, Justin Meyer and Elisa Rodero.

dramatists.

Founded by two Maryland-based theater artists, Gillian Shelly and Aaron Ang-

ello, who teaches theater and English at Hood College, Ardeo aims to bring classic and contemporary plays to Fred-

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20, 21, 23, 27 and 28 and at 3 p.m. Sept. 21, 22 and 28 in the black box theater in the basement of Tatem Arts, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Tickets are pay-what-you-can via ardeotheatre.org.

“Sense and Sensibility” opens Sept. 20 and runs through Oct. 13. Preview night is Sept. 19, with tickets priced at $15. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sundays. The show runs approximately 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission. ASL interpretation is available Sept. 27. Audio description services can be arranged through the box office.

Tickets range in price from $15 to $36 and can be purchased by phone at 301-694-4744, at marylandensemble.org, or in person at the MET box office.

Rebecca Carroll

From left, Aaron Angello and Gillain Shelly created a new theater company in Frederick.

Courtesy photo

Catch “On Broadway!” in Westminster.

Local Mentions

HOLIDAY CRAFT AND VENDOR EVENT

Hosted by Vigilant Hose Co Activities Bldg , 17701 Creamery Rd Emmitsburg, MD Saturday, December 7 from 9a-4p Many Crafters and Vendors And much more!

Food available for purchase

Visit with Santa Photos Available for sale Bring families, children and pets!

For more info contact: Sharon Keeney 410746-8776, MaryLou Little 240-285-3184 or Kenny Clevinger 240-393-0758

HUNDREDS OF BEAUTIFUL MUMS!

Grown in the fields of PA!

Guaranteed to come back next spring! - $5 to $10 a pot

Field Pumpkins (all sizes) - $4 to $8; Oddball Pumpkins (all shapes, colors, sizes) - $7 Our Front and Back Yards are Now Open! Only at DR Virts 800 Petersville Rd, Brunswick, Md - 301969-6115

Come on down and see me! Cash & Cards

JOHNSVILLE UM CHURCH'S SOUP

SALE

By the quart

$9 00 Chicken Corn Soup

- stock your freezer Cash or check only Orders due by Monday, September 30th

Call Karen at 410-775-7627 Soup pickup Saturday, October 5 from 1 - 3pm Baked table available!

JUMC Parish Hall

11106 Green Valley RD (RT75) Union Bridge MD 21791

NEW YEAR'S

EVE

BINGO

12-31-2024

Thurmont Event Complex Over $17,000 00 of Cash Payouts

$50 00 Per Ticket Advance

$60 00 at the Door

Available Friday Night Bingo, www eventbrite com

Ticket Includes:

Meal: Dinner Platter

9 Pack of 27 Games ($300 00ea ), 3

Games ($1,000ea ), 3 50/50 Games & 3 Jackpots at $2,000 (1 sheet of 3 for each

50/50’s & 3 Jackpots)

Doors Open @ 5:00 p m , Bingo Starts @ 8:00 p m

Meal Served: 6-8 p m CASH

19, 2024 |

Games ($1,000ea ), 3 50/50 Games & 3

Local Mentions

Jackpots at $2,000 (1 sheet of 3 for each 50/50’s & 3 Jackpots)

Doors Open @ 5:00 p m , Bingo Starts @ 8:00 p.m.

Meal Served: 6-8 p m

CASH BAR • TIP JARS

Kitchen Open During Break No Reserved SeatingFirst Come, First Served Basis Only No Exceptions! **We reserve the right to lower payouts if less than 300 tickets sold** Tickets: 301-748-5359 or 301-271-3820 or Eventbrite.com

Benefits The Thurmont Community Ambulance Company 13716 Strafford Drive Thurmont, MD 21788

Local Mentions

SCENIC VIEW ORCHARDS

Sweet Corn, Tomatoes

Pears: Bartlett, Magness, Seckel, Cider, Apples: Honey Crisp, Ginger Gold

Peaches: Snow Giant, Glowing Star, Laurel, Plums, Peppers, Squash, Melons, Blackberries, Kale, Cabbage, Cucumbers Flower Bouquets Honey, Jams, Jellies Scenic View Orchards 16239 Sabillasville Rd Sabillasville Md 21780 301-271-2149 Open 10:00-6:00 Daily scenicvieworchards com

Frederick Farmers Market 1215 West Patrick St Every Saturday 10:00-1:00 YMCA Farmers Market 1000 North Market Street Tuesday 3:30 -6:30

Local Mentions

SPORTSMAN’S

BINGO

Saturday, November 9, 2024

DOORS OPEN 5:00, BUFFET 6:00 GAMES BEGIN 7:30

NEW MIDWAY VOL FIRE CO 20 Games (10 Games paying $200 Cash, 10 Games for Guns), 50/50, Money Jars, Gun Jars

$40/Person includes Buffet Dinner

Tickets: Buddy 301-271-4650 or Nick 301898-7985

VIGILANT HOSE COMPANY

NEW YEAR'S EVE BINGO

17701 Creamery Road, Emmitsburg, MD Tuesday, 12/31/Doors Open @ 5pm/Games @ 8pm

New Year ’s Eve Bingo & Buffet

(Buffet of Turkey & Shrimp)

December 31, 2024

New Midway Vol Fire Co Doors Open: 5:00 Games Start: 7:30

Admission: $50 00 by 12/16/2024, After 12/16/2024 $60 00 includes 30 Reg Games

$100 Minimum - $1000 Jackpot Free Party Favors Extra Cards Available Only 250 Tickets Sold ATM Available For Info Call 301-898-7985 or 301-271-4650

PEACHES, APPLES & PEARS

Victoria Peaches

Honey Crisp, Gala, Cortland, Red Delicious & September Fuji Apples

Red & White Bartlett & Asian Pears

Pies & Bread

Veggies as available Sweet Corn & Green Beans Red Beets & Kale

Peppers & Squash

White & Sweet Potatoes Fall Ornaments

Honey, Jellies & Fruit Butters

Sparkling Ciders & Nuts

Open Daily 8am-6pm Always Call First 301-271-2693

PRYOR'S ORCHARD 2 miles west of Thurmont off Route 15 take 77 West, 1 mile to Pryor Rd www PryorsOrchard com

SOUP & SUB SALE

Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary Carry-Out Only Chicken Corn Soup or Chicken Noodle Soup - $8/qrt 8" Subs-ham, turkey & cold cut w/cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion & pickle: $8/ea ; Country ham sandwiches: $5/ea

Cut off date: 10/2

Pick up date: 10/9 10AM-6PM at MVFC Activities Building 1 Fireman's Lane

Beverly 301-293-2088

Karen 443-871-9075

Janie 301-471-9604 lv messages

Thank you for your support!

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary Oct 13, 2024 Noon to 4pm Spaghetti w/white, regular, or meat sauce, salad, bread & pie

$12/adults; $6/children 6 to 10 years-old, reservations call Lori at 240-367-0252 MVFC Activities Building 1 Fireman's Lane Walk-ins are welcome! Thank you for your support!

All Inclusive 9 pk/$50 for 30 games, 2 Jackpots @ $2000 each 5 SPECIALS @ $500 each/All other games $300/Incl Dinner Platter! Reserved seating if tickets purchased by 12/13 Tickets purchased after 12/13 will be $60 No checks mailed after 11/22 For info: Pam @ 240-472-3484 or @ Marylou @ 240-285-3184

Reserve right to change payouts if 200 are not sold

Weekly BINGO

Every Friday Night

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

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

Thurmont Event Complex 13716 Strafford Drive

Thurmont, Maryland

Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, Inc

Yard Sales

BOSTON TERRIER PUPPIES

3 males, 2 females, well acclimated to children, will be dewormed and have 1st shot, ready to go Sept 28 $550 Call the Shirks 717-776-3057

LUKE'S HOME & HAUL SOLUTIONS

• Moving Services/ Mattress disposal

• Junk Removal & Trash/ Waste Pick-up

• Estate Clean-outs & Bulk Removal

• Yard Clean-up & Hedge Trimming

• Light Demo & Post Construction Clean-up

HOME & HAUL SOLUTIONS

• Moving Services/ Mattress disposal

• Junk Removal & Trash/ Waste Pick-up

• Estate Clean-outs & Bulk Removal

• Yard Clean-up & Hedge Trimming

• Light Demo & Post

Construction Clean-up 20% off 1st-time customers Eco-Friendly, We Recycle! 240-732-9442

lukeshaulandproperty @gmail com

TOBY'S CONCRETE Driveways, Patios, Basements, Sidewalks, Yard Work and more Call today for free estimate. 240-316-2349

TOBY'S CONCRETE Driveways, Patios, Basements, Sidewalks, Yard Work and more Call today for free estimate. 240-316-2349

• Plumbing

• Landscaping

• Roofing

• Remodeling

• Auto repair

• Furnishings

• Appliances

• IT services

• Financial services

• Massage therapy

• Spas & alternative health

• Salons & barber shops

Publishes the last Wednesday of each month.

72 Film Fest returns for Year 19

The 19th annual 72 Film Fest will take place at the Weinberg Center for the Arts on Oct. 11 and 12, showcasing the creativity and talent of more than 50 teams of filmmakers made up of actors, writers, editors, directors, cinematographers, set designers, costume designers, musicians and more.

Team participation sold out early this year, but there may be last-minute team slots opening up just before the launch.

year, 15 new teams will join the contest alongside more than 35 returning.

New this year, festival organizers created the Summer Challenge, which invited teams to create a fake, 30-second ad that will play before 72 Film Fest. These ads will add a bit of fun and nostalgia to the event.

The 72 Film Fest has long been a great mix of emerging talent and families and friends looking for a weekend of fun and unpredictability. Teams are challenged to write, shoot and edit a short film in just 72 hours. This

Also leading up to the fest and continuing after, 72 Film Fest has partnered with The Ordinary Hen for Starlight Cinema, a free screening of Hollywood movies in their outdoor space on Thursday night.

The 72 Film Fest Launch Party will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26 at Cafe 611 in downtown Frederick. At the Launch, filmmakers will discover

the required theme and criteria for their films, and then have that weekend to write, direct and edit their movies.

72@Knight will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 4, featuring the debut of 30-second trailers of the films, along with a Q&A with filmmakers.

72 Film Fest will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Weinberg Center, when every film premieres along with the ads.

The Saturday Night Main Event will start at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Weinberg Center, when finalists and award winners screen along with a new short with Mikael Johnson, Doug Powell and Aura Manjarrez.

Tickets are available at weinbergcenter.org. For more information, go to 72Fest.com.

Appalachian Queer Film Festival will celebrate 10-year anniversary in Shepherdstown

This year, the Appalachian Queer Film Festival will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

The festival will be held on Sept. 27 and 28 at the Frank Arts Center at Shepherd University.

The fest will take place alongside Shepherd University’s Appalachian Heritage Festival, which runs Sept. 20 to 27.

“When we started this festival in 2014, we had no idea that it would blossom into what we have today,” says Jon Matthews, co-director of AQFF. “We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary in a place that means so much to us and has empowered the queer and trans community in West Virginia.”

The city of Shepherdstown is near and dear to the hearts of many members of the AQFF, including J. Gallienne, co-director of the festival, and Aaron Burgess, a member of the board, both of whom are alums of Shepherd University and have long been advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in Appalachia and beyond.

The Appalachian Queer Film Festival was founded in 2014 with the intent of bringing queer and trans films from around the world to Appalachia. Like many other festivals, it went on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it came roaring back in 2023 with a hugely successful festival in Huntington, West Virginia.

For more information, tickets, and the festival schedule, go to appalachianqueerfilmfest.com.

Staff file photo by Katina Zentz

Host Mikael Johnson, left, hands Oscar Rizkaloah a card at the 72 Film Fest Launch Party at Spinners Pinball Arcade on in 2022. This year’s Fest Launch Party will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Cafe 611 in downtown Frederick, when more than 50 teams will create short films that will be screened at the Weinberg Center in October.

Thursday Sept. 19

CLASSES

Sound Bath & Tea Ceremony with Fruits to the Roots — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm & Retreat Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Using singing bowls and other vibrational instruments, this 75-minute sound bath utilizes frequency, vibration and stillness to create a meditative and relaxing environment–promoting a sense of calm and peace. In this session, we will gently explore a brief intention-setting meditation, followed by a soothing sound bath and a mini tea ceremony to integrate the experience.

$35. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org.

ETCETERA

Frederick AARP Chapter 636 September Luncheon Meeting — noon to 2:30 p.m. at Dutch’s Daughter Restaurant, 581 Himes Ave., Frederick. The luncheon/meeting will feature speaker Kai Hagan, who is a former city alderman and county council committee member. For more information about Frederick AARP Chapter 636, contact Jan Dinterman, chapter membership chairman, at 301-845-8057. RSVP required. Payment for luncheon must be made to Patti Patterson NLT one week prior to luncheon. Patti’s number is 301-694-3518. $25. 301-682-6174. ronosterman@comcast.net.

Duplicate Bridge Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills. No membership requirements. If you need a partner, call 240-344-4041 or email lffutrell@yahoo.com. $8. 301-676-5656. sdobran@comcast.net. bridgewebs.com/frederick.

Teen Time: Taste Around The World — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Try some snacks from other countries, then vote on your favorites! Due to state regulations, participants in this program must be at least 12 years old. Please note that this program may include food allergens. This program is for teens in sixth through 12th grade (ages 12-18). 301-600-7250.

frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Frederick County Civil War Roundtable Meeting and Presentation — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War

Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. This season of the Frederick County Civil War Roundtable will have an exciting kickoff — a guided tour of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, the longtime hosts and supporters of the Roundtable. NMCWM staff will guide us through a detailed inside look at the Museum.  Free for members, $5 suggested for visitors. 301-695-1864. gldyson@comcast. net.

frederickcountycivilwarrt.org.

Frederick Area Unity Dinner — 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ, 25 E. Second St., Frederick. Monthly dinner in the Good Shepherd Room for food and conversation. What better way to get to know your neighbors than enjoying a meal together. This event is a potluck. Bring a dish to share. Drinks will be provided. To RSVP, email pastorchance. graceucc@gmail.com. 301-662-3312.

FAMILY

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Festival — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gaver Farm, 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy. 7-acre corn maze, giant slides, ropes courses and new bee line zip line. Farm animal petting area, free hay rides, lively chicken show, photo centers, pick-your-own pumpkins with 45 varieties, newly expanded apple orchard. Food includes apple cider donuts, cider slushies and more, farm market. See website for ticket prices. 301-865-3515. office@gaverfarm.com. gaverfarm.com.

FESTIVALS

Appalachian Festival — at Frostburg State University, Upper Quad, 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg. Continues daily through Sept. 21. Festival admission is free. Regional music, Appalachian dance, food, cultural programs, traditional arts and crafts, kids’ activities. Capstone concert 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Frostburg Palace Theatre features Appalatin — Appalachian roots music meets Latin folk traditions, tickets $15 adults, $13.50 military. frostburg.edu/annual-events/afestival.

Great Frederick Fair: The Beach Boys — 7:30 p.m. at Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Grandstand $55, track $65, grandstand G&H $35. thegreatfrederickfair.com.

GALLERY

“Floating Beauty: Women is the Art of Ukiyo-e” Preview Party — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Washington County Museum of Fine

Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Thursday, Sept. 19, 6 to 8 p.m. Floating Beauty: Women and the Art of Ukiyo-e Preview Party. Celebrate the beauty of Japanese ukiyo-e masters for the opening of this exhibition. Cost is $15 museum members and $25 general public. Register in advance by calling Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli@wcmfa.org.  301-739-5727. cschelle@wcmfa.org. wcmfa.org/floating-beauty-women-andthe-art-of-ukiyo-e.

MUSIC

Alive@Five Happy Hour Concert Series: Joe Falero Band — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carroll Creek Amphitheater, Frederick. Salsa. Craft beverages and food available by local breweries, distilleries and food trucks. 21 and older, with ID. Concert series continues through Oct. 3. $6 per person. 301-698-8118. downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive. Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

Friday Sept. 20

CLASSES

Herbalism for Homeschoolers — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fox Haven Farm & Retreat Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Join us at Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center for a month-long series of engaging and educational workshops on the diverse uses and benefits of herbs! Held weekly throughout September, this workshop is designed for homeschoolers age 11-18 to delve into the world of herbalism through hands-on activities and guided tours of our farm. $35. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org/events.

ETCETERA

Dancing Bear’s 24th Birthday! — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick. The Bear is turning 24! To celebrate, get 24% off in-store only when you wish us a Happy Birthday (valid only on 9/20/24). 301-631-9300. info@dbeartoys.com. dbeartoys.com/event/

dancing-bears-24th-birthday.

All Aboard Rails & Tales: Featured Exhibit — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Taneytown History Museum, 340 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown. The railroad came to Taneytown in 1872. This exhibition shares information about the local railroad, stories and artifacts. Scavenger hunt with prizes included. 301-639-8620. ehoover44@verizon.net. taeytownhh.org.

Groceries for Seniors — noon to 1:30 p.m. at Frederick Senior Center , 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick. A free monthly distribution of seasonal produce, canned goods, and shelf stable products. This is a “farmer’s market” style distribution located inside of the Frederick Senior Center. All Frederick County residents age 60+ with an income below $1,450 per month are eligible to participate. Please bring a photo ID to register the first time. Groceries for Seniors is offered on the third Friday of each month.  301-600-1234. DAI@frederickcountymd.gov. frederickcountymd.gov.

Porch Scarecrow Making Class — 6:30 p.m. at Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy. Embrace the start of fall with a cheerful Porch Scarecrow! Design, construct, and decorate your own scarecrow while sipping on your favorite glass of Linganore wine. Open to ages 13+, we invite you gather with friends and family alike for an evening of cozy creativity! $55. 301-831-5889. info@linganorewines.com. qrco.de/bfKZqu.

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., Frederick. Journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past — nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the paranormal with Maryland’s oldest operating ghost tour. Uncover political savvy and defiant citizens, patriots from the Revolutionary War and beckoning soldiers from the Civil War. Reservations recommended. $16. 301-668-8922. info@marylandghosttours.com. marylandghosttours.com.

FAMILY

Touch-A-Truck — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Calling all truck lovers! Come see and touch real life trucks and vehicles while learning about the many important jobs they do.

fcpl.org/branches-hours middletown-branch-library.

FESTIVALS

Great Frederick Fair: Riley Green, with John Morgan — 7:30 p.m. at Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Grandstand $60, track $70 (1/2 SRO, 1/2 reserved seats), grandstand G&H $50. thegreatfrederickfair.com.

MUSIC

Frederick Music Foundation Singer-Songwriter Showcase — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. On third Fridays, through October. Features acoustic soloists, duos or bands. Performers TBA. Donations for musicians appreciated. skystage@frederickartscouncil.org. frederickartscouncil.org/programs/ sky-stage.

Home Free — 7:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. All-vocal Country entertainers Home Free have made their mark on the music scene. The band continues to build a loyal fanbase with their harmony-laden versions of hits by John Mayer, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more. $56 and up. 301-790-2000. mdtheatre.org.

An Evening of Upbeat Country and Western Standards and Nashville-Dipped Pop Hits With Home Free = Crazy(er) Life Tour — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. With praise rolling in from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, FOX

& Friends and American Songwriter the extraordinary showmen have continued to build a loyal fanbase with their harmony-laden versions of hits by John Mayer, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more.

$43, $53, $63, and $73. 301-790-2000. publicist2024@gmail.com. mdtheatre.org.

Live Music at the Cocktail Lab — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Every Friday in the Cocktail Lab we’ll be servin’ up our deliciously wild concoctions and some sweet tunes to get your weekend started off right. 21 and older. 301-233-4817. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.

THEATER

“Anastasia” the Musical — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. This dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. Tickets vary. 301-662-6600. WOB@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

Eugene O’Neill’s “Hughie” — 7:30 p.m. to

8:30 p.m. at Black Box Theatre, Tatem Arts, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. 1928, New York City. A hotel lobby. A small-time hustler is forced to confront his personal demons as he struggles with the loss of a friend — and of his own sense of self-worth. This rarely-seen masterpiece will be performed by Ardeo Theatre Co., a Maryland-based professional theater company. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Continues 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, 27 and 28, 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Also 3 p.m. shows Sept. 21, 22 and 28. 771-212-9234. info@ardeotheatre.org. ardeotheatre.org.

Saturday Sept. 21 CLASSES

Pop-Up Yoga with Yogamour — 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at FAC’s Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. An all-levels yoga class with experienced instructors from Yogamour, a Frederick-based studio and non-profit. Saturdays, through October. Bring a mat, Sky Stage is open-air. $17. 240-285-7812. support@yogamour.org. frederickartscouncil.org/programs/ sky-stage.

A Road to Traditional Fiction & Nonfiction Publishing: One Author’s Journey — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. This presentation will blend the presenter’s own story with engaging, hands-on exercises as

participants explore their own journey and reasons for pursuing a traditional approach to publishing their fiction and/or nonfiction works. Topics covered include: the writer’s purpose; defining the difference between a writing hobby vs professional writing; self-publishing vs pursuing an agent vs using a small press; and how personal choice comes into play. 18 and older.

301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

Preparing the Heart: Understanding Anticipatory Grief — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks, 1635 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. Workshop delves into the emotional landscape of grief before loss, offering insights and coping strategies for this challenging experience. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will learn how to identify anticipatory grief, validate their feelings, and develop resilience in preparation for the future loss. Hosted in collaboration with Shepherd’s Staff Home Care. 21 and older.

301-874-4560.

gwiley@frederickcountymd.gov.

Middletown Green Lecture Series — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Since 2018, the Middletown Sustainability Committee “Green Team” has partnered with the Middletown Branch Library, hosting a variety of lectures on many important “green” topics. 301-600-7560.

ebomgardner@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org.

(Continued from 10)

cast and patrons, and to build the endurance required of a Ren Fest king. Nelson had confidence in his acting chops — he’d go on to win community theater awards for portrayals of Don Quixote and “Fiddler on the Roof’s” Tevye — but he wasn’t prepared for consecutive 10-hour days in a 20-pound costume that he privately calls his “mattress.”

“I didn’t necessarily expect it to be so bloody hard,” he says. “I guess I just looked at it as, you know, another role.”

It wasn’t. Not to audiences or fellow Ren Fest actors. Not to Nelson, who started seeing his face advertised on the back of Pepsi trucks and on posters in Jiffy Lube bathrooms.

The role, he learned, matters because of what Ren Fest means to its people. “Some of us are in situations or positions or identities that have more limitation,” explains psychologist Drea Letamendi. “Ren Fair allows us to kind of explore and expand those boundaries.”

As Lance Oppenheim, director of the HBO documentary miniseries “Ren Faire” puts it, the festivals, which have been taking place across America since the 1960s, allow people to satisfy the urge to “leave yourself, in a way, and become someone new.”

Nelson, a father to two grown daughters, admits there were times the outpouring of adoration for the Ren Fest king infected Fred Nelson, the civilian.

“I haven’t always been a perfect person, and I’m certainly not now,” he says. “Actors are egotistical creatures, even more so than other humans. You take an actor and you tell him, ‘I’m going to make you king,’ that’s like throwing gasoline on a fire, man.”

After a few years, he considered giving up the role and confided in a cast mate who played a guardsman.

“He grabbed me and shoved me up against a wall — this big, burly guy — and started crying,” Nelson recalls. “He got right in my face, and he said, ‘I was the last king’s guard. I carried his casket. I buried him. You are my king. Don’t you dare give this up.’ And I haven’t.”

The morning cast meeting begins at 9:30. By then, Nelson has woken up at his home in Glen Burnie, wriggled into his ruffled shirt and tights, driven to the festival grounds in Crownsville and gathered with the 40-odd actors who portray villagers, knights, jesters and vagabonds.

These are not Fred Nelson’s subjects. “I am never their king. I am just another cast member,” he says. “It has to be that way, because if they

don’t like me — me, meaning Fred — then, yeah, they’ll go out there and do their job, but they may not necessarily support me as king. And it’s dreadfully important that they do.”

The company administration stands to offer a rundown of the day’s updates and events — some met by cries of “Huzzah!”

As happened in history, Henry’s queens rotate, while he remains in power. This year actress Laurie Simonds plays Queen Jane Seymour. Simonds gears up for the day with granola bar, careful to avoid dropping crumbs on her dress.

Nelson, now in his knee-length, sapphire-blue coat embellished with gold stitching, slides oversize rings on his fingers. To close the meeting, everyone yells “beep,” mimicking the sound of a modern watch. They’re synchronizing, as they step back five centuries back in time.

After welcoming patrons at the gate, the king and queen make their way to the maypole for a morning dance. Wherever they appear visitors and courtiers cry, “Long live the king! God save the queen!” Cast members must bow and curtsy as the king passes, only to rise when approved by his majesty. About every 10 paces, he is stopped for a selfie.

Eventually the king and queen arrive at their Royal Pavilion for hours of photo ops. Nearby, two guardsmen entertain children waiting in line with swordplay. But the guards also carry real knives — to protect the king should a patron drink too much raspberry wine and become aggressive. One of them notes that he’s fought off a fair few frat boys during his years in the role.

The air is thick with humidity. The king’s cheeks grow ruddier as the sun reaches the top of the sky. It’s the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, so this is the beginning of a three-day marathon. By the end, he says, “I will be a quivering wreck in my bed.” To recover, he will play the online fantasy game “Skyrim” and “wait for the pain to pass.”

But he’s only halfway through day one, so all he can do now is nap at lunch, chug his homemade V8/pickle juice concoction and pop back up for a game of bocce. “Let’s go bowl a lawn!” he roars to the crowd at the village square.

Then it’s time for photos with newly knighted children — an outsize number of whom have names such as Flora and Aurora.

Most of day, Nelson is improvising as king — “Did you know I wrote this song?” he asks a patron listening to a harpsichord show — but at 4:30 p.m. every day, he stars in “Juste

tordez!” a 30-minute scripted stage show that portrays stories of Henry’s murderous rule. The Henry in this show is far more cruel and mercurial — and historically accurate — than the jovial fellow overseeing the rest of fair. The production captures Jane’s attempted regulation of Henry’s erratic temper. The grief of Henry’s castoff niece, Margaret Douglas. The scheming efforts by members of the court to rise in favor and status.

On his way to the stage, Nelson is stopped by two fellow cast members who present him with a bouquet of red roses and sing a sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday” low enough to evade the ears of nearby patrons. They were sent by his wife, Sascha. The couple is celebrating their 10th anniversary later this year with Nelson’s first trip to England — the country he’s “ruled” for two decades.

Opening day this season, Nelson recalls, he returned home broken. “I stumbled up stairs and I was just exhausted. I laid down and she put a weighted blanket on me and took care of me — you know, rubbed lotion on me,” he says. “She’s every bit as important to that character and my role as I am.

As the sun begins to set, Nelson has found what seems to be the only cushioned seat within the 19-acre fairground: a golf cart behind the jousting ring. He closes his eyes and lets out a yawn before entering the ring to preside over the day’s match.

It is the premier event of the fair, and when it ends, Henry makes his way back to the castle gates to wave to the crowds as they file out. Perhaps they can’t tell, but he’s leaned up against the divots of the elevated stone wall — anything to comfort his throbbing upper back.

He knows that after 22 years as king, he might soon need to give up the crown.

“I don’t want to be the little old man desperately trying to cling on to this part, to maintain the glory for as long as possible,” he says. “My predecessor passed away in the role. I certainly don’t want to emulate that.”

What he’d like to do, he thinks, is “peacefully retire the role in a couple of years and pass it on to a younger actor.”

“The character,” he says, “deserves that.”

For now, he’s waving as the last stragglers exit and the gates are locked, just after 7 p.m.

He steps down gingerly, no longer bombastic King Henry VIII. He’s Fred Nelson. And Fred Nelson wants to go home.

COMICS

(Continued from 16)

harassment directed at Ed Piskor drove him to take his own life. (“We need to talk about Ed Piskor,” April 15.) He was only 41.

This is where it gets personal.

I’ve been struggling recently with feelings of burnout — that all of this is, well, too much, and that my creative life has had to take a back seat to dealing with all the other challenges that have reared up. In other words, the thought of putting pen to paper just feels like a lot at the moment. (My deepest apologies to the co-creators I’m working with on projects. I will get to it, I promise.)

Speaking of “having gone through this before,” I knew I had written about this over on the Substack (thelongbox. substack.com), and it’s triggered a bit of column-related self-realization.

“I’m not trying to be dramatic, but I’ve realized over the years that I only have a limited amount of energy to expend doing this human stuff, and when circumstances conspire to require an outlay from that account for physical, mental, or emotional struggle, other areas of my life (such as art, engaging on social media, and time for friends) go comatose until I’ve dealt with the Other Stuff.” I wrote that in November 2023 and mentioned that I’d been feeling the mental entropy since October, so — lightbulb moment — this sense of cloistering seems to be reliably seasonal.

Naturally, this need to withdraw makes me feel wildly guilty and touches on the unrealistic subliminal belief that I am privileged to have the time, resources and talent to make art. I also understand that this pervasive ennui — I’ve been through it more times than I can remember across my career — is natural and will pass and is not close to the debilitating states of mind evidenced by other creative individuals. For that, I am endlessly thankful. The conversation around mental health and creativity is nuanced and multifaceted. While it’s important to acknowledge that many artists, like Van Gogh and Wallace, have struggled with mental health issues, it’s equally crucial to understand that creativity doesn’t have to be born out of suffering. Our modern era presents its own challenges, but understanding, empathy and support can help creatives navigate these sometimes difficult periods.

Are you struggling with your mental health? You’re not alone; help is available. In the U.S., you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.

All About Bees: Honey Tasting & Hive

Tour with Ryan Sanders — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm & Retreat Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Learn about the amazing biology and behavior of honey bees, how honey is made, and the importance of all bees and other pollinators in the production of food. This class can is geared towards anyone interested in the amazing world of honey bees! Weather permitting, a hive-opening tour of our apiary is included. Participants are welcome to pack a picnic to enjoy on the land before or after class. All ages. $12. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org.

Financial Planning for Young Families

— 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick.

Local insurance expert Jean-Marie Leonard, with New York Life Insurance, will share her expertise on how to prepare for all of the hurdles young families often must get through — both expected and unexpected! Through insurance and financial planning, Jean-Marie lays out a road map to a more financially secure future for young families. Bring your questions and notebook, you’ll want to get every bit of great advice down! Light refreshments will be provided. 301-600-7250.

frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Hand-Bound Nature Books with Rachel Wojnar — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Cunningham Falls State Park Nature Center, 14274 William Houck Drive, Thurmont. Learn to make

your own hand-bound nature journals and art books with Cunningham Falls State Park artist in residence Rachel Wojnar. Register via email at rpwojnar@gmail.com by Sept. 20.

Build Your Own Mini Charcuterie Board!

— 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Common Market, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Join Love Boards for an evening dedicated to perfecting the art of charcuterie board creation! This interactive workshop will teach you how to craft stunning cheese and charcuterie displays that will leave your guests in awe at your next event. Pre-register. $75-$150. 301-663-3416. aharmon@commonmarket.coop. commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ build-your-own-mini-charcuterie-board.

ETCETERA

Paper Shredding and Battery Recycling

Event — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Howard Chapel-Ridgeville UMC, 1970 Long Corner Road, Mount Airy. Shredding of documents (no photos, no X-rays) - Limit of 5 banker boxes (12x12x12) of documents per vehicle. Also batteries will be collected for recycling. 301-829-2230. lindabrightwell@hotmail.com.

Zion Lutheran Fiberfest and Quilt Show — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 107 W. Main St., Middletown. The Zion Lutheran Quilters host. Feature squilts both antique and modern and specialty quilts, quilting demonstrations; examples of other fiber arts to include knitting, crocheting, sewing and counted cross stitch both tradi-

FRIDAY • SEPT. 27 6pm–10pm 21+ Event

Presale: $8 Entry / At the Gate: $10

SATURDAY • SEPT. 28

11am–10pm

Presale: $10 / At the Gate: $12 Ages 3–12: $6 / 2 & under: Free! Full German Dress: Free Entry

tional and modern. A star quilt raffle will be held to benefit the local food bank.  301-514-4479. alexamasser@gmail.com. zionmiddletown.org.

Thurmont Main Street Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to noon at Thurmont Community Park, 21 Frederick Road, Thurmont. Every Saturday through Sept. 28. Home-made, home-grown. One of the largest farmers markets in Frederick County.  240-626-9980. vgrinder@thurmontstaff.com. thurmontmainstreet.com.

Myersville Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to noon at Municipal parking lot, 301 Main St., Myersville. Saturdays through Oct. 26. myersvillefarmersmarket.com.

Green Talk: Wildlife Corridors in Frederick County — 1 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Karen Russell, of the Climate Change Working Group of Frederick County, will discuss the local and global impacts of species loss that are being compounded by climate change. Deb Portney will discuss Wildlife Habitat Advisors, a local group that provides landowners with on-site advice on best practices for native plants and wildlife.

All Aboard Rails & Tales: Featured Exhibit — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Taneytown History Museum, 340 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown. The railroad came to Taneytown in 1872. This exhibition shares information about the local railroad, stories and artifacts. Scavenger hunt with prizes included. 301-639-8620. ehoover44@verizon.net. taeytownhh.org.

Tour the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Tour Frederick’s oldest surviving building with a knowledgeable guide. Now 266 years old, it was the home of Elias and Albertina Brunner, German immigrants who were part of the great migration centuries ago of refugees from oppressed and war ravaged Europe. The home contains the only surviving example of the German five-plate stove that provided clean, safe, energy-efficient home heating. $8. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Brewer’s Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., Freder-

ick. Journey through Frederick’s gruesome and bloody past — nearly 300 years of war, executions and revenge. True documented stories of the paranormal with Maryland’s oldest operating ghost tour. Uncover political savvy and defiant citizens, patriots from the Revolutionary War and beckoning soldiers from the Civil War. Reservations recommended. $16. 301-668-8922. info@marylandghosttours.com. marylandghosttours.com.

FAMILY

San Antonio Farm’s Inaugural Fall Festival — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San Antonio Farm, 11346 Lorien Court, Frederick. Visit San Antonio Farm on Saturday for a day of free activities for the whole family. This Fall Festival has an extensive craft market geared toward kids and adults, sensory activities, scavenger hunts, music, yoga, Zumba and raffles, with food and wine available onsite.

Farm-ily Fun Day — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Moon Valley Farm, 9700 Gravel Hill Road, Woodsboro. An open house on the Fall Equinox to celebrate our amazing farm-ily and friends! Two bouncy houses, food trucks, games, tours and vendors. moonvalleyfarm.net/community.

Urbana Latinx Festival — 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Natelli Family YMCA, 3481 Campus Drive, Ijamsville. The Villages of Urbana with its sponsors and volunteers will be once again host the Urbana Latino Celebration at the Natelli YMCA. Celebration of Latino culture with live music, food, dancing, crafts for kids, and vendors.

FESTIVALS

54th Annual Bluemont Fair — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bluemont Community Center (and entire village, 33846 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Va. An old-fashioned country fair featuring juried crafts, local art & authors, craft & farming demonstrations, music: traditional/blues/country, free children’s fair, petting zoo & pony rides, llamas, alpacas and fiber arts, quilt display, gardener’s shed, blacksmithing & stone wall building, antiques & collectables, wine & beer garden, Bluemont history slide show & museum exhibiting local Native American history/artifacts, pre-Civil War country store, homemade baked goods & jams/jellies, 1825 log schoolhouse, model trains & antique caboose, farmer’s market,

With over 45+ activities, come to Summers Farm and experience our Luke Bryan-themed corn maze,

beekeepers/hives/honey, scavenger hunt, pickle & pie contest, and other delights! No pets.

$10 adults, 9 and under free. 540-5542367. chair@bluemontfair.org. bluemontfair.org.

Fall Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Celebree School of Frederick, 5820 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. Vendors, food and plenty of fun for the whole family. You won’t want to miss it! Interested in being a vendor? Reach out to us at allfrederick@ celebree.com. See you there!  301-620-9990. allfrederick@celebree.com.

Great Frederick Fair: Casting Crowns — 7:30 p.m. at Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Grandstand $48, track $55, grandstand G&H $35. thegreatfrederickfair.com.

MUSIC

The Buckinghams Concert — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. The Women’s Club at Hagerstown presents the Buckinghams in concert to play their hit songs from the 1960s — “Kind of a Drag,” “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song),” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” “Susan,” “Don’t You Care.” Tickets available at mdtheatre.org or 301-7902000. $39-$59. womensclubhagerstwon.org.

Russ Lossing Trio — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Frederick YMCA Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick . Pianist Russ Lossing has been a mainstay on the New York City jazz

scene since the 1980s. Praised by Down Beat for “his singular playing and composing styles,” Lossing’s music is documented on more than two dozen albums. $20, no cards. 301-466-8176. admin@pointofdeparture.org. pointofdeparture.org/FEMA.html.

PERFORMER

Anam Cara Harvest Hafla Belly Dance & Alzheimer’s Fundraiser — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Dance under the stars. Family friendly. $10. troupeanamcara@gmail.com. anamcaradance.com.

THEATER

Elvis “Rock-U-Mentary” starring The Spin-Outs and Austin Irby, with Vicki Gontz as “The Fan” — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St ., Chambersburg, Pa. Featuring internationally-acclaimed, award-winning tribute artist Austin Irby as Elvis in this theatrical production depicting the life of Elvis through the eyes of “The Fan,” portrayed by actress and playwright Vicki Gontz. Adults $34, Seniors $29, Military and 1st Responders $25, 18 and under $24. 717-263-0202, Option 1. vperry@thecapitoltheatre.org. thecapitoltheatre.org.

Eugene O’Neill’s “Hughie” — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Black Box Theatre, Tatem Arts, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. 1928, New York City. A hotel lobby. A small-time hustler is forced to confront his personal demons

as he struggles with the loss of a friend — and of his own sense of self-worth. This rarely-seen masterpiece will be performed by Ardeo Theatre Co., a Maryland-based professional theater company. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Continues 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, 27 and 28, 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Also 3 p.m. shows Sept. 21, 22 and 28. 771-212-9234. info@ardeotheatre.org. ardeotheatre.org.

Sunday Sept. 22 CLASSES

Preparing the Heart: Understanding Anticipatory Grief — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. This workshop delves into the emotional landscape of grief before loss, offering insights and coping strategies for this challenging experience. Through interactive discussion and activities, participants will learn how to identify anticipatory grief, validate their feelings, and develop resilience in preparation for a future loss. This program is presented in partnership with Shepherd’s Staff In Home Care. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

ETCETERA

Autumnal Equinox Pop-Up — noon to 3 p.m. at The Center . Sound . Mind . Body, 28 E. Sixth St., Frederick. Celebrate the autumnal equinox with a selection of vendors

at this popup market. 908-418-0070. thecenterfrederick@gmail.com. thecenterfrederick.com.

All Aboard Rails & Tales: Featured Exhibit — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Taneytown History Museum, 340 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown. The railroad came to Taneytown in 1872. This exhibition shares information about the local railroad, stories and artifacts. Scavenger hunt with prizes included. 301-639-8620. ehoover44@verizon.net. taeytownhh.org.

Tour the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Tour Frederick’s oldest surviving building with a knowledgeable guide. Now 266 years old, it was the home of Elias and Albertina Brunner, German immigrants who were part of the great migration centuries ago of refugees from oppressed and war ravaged Europe. The home contains the only surviving example of the German five-plate stove that provided clean, safe, energy-efficient home heating. $8. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

Fruit Jar Howlers — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Bluegrass and country.

FAMILY

Weekly Carillon Recitals in Baker Park — 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Joseph D. Baker

SEPT 20 - OCT 13

CR LAINE UPHOLSTERY SALE

Tower and Carillon, Dulaney Ave. and Second St., Frederick. Featuring City Carillonneur John Widmann playing the carillon of 49 bells from a mechanical keyboard with fists and feet.

301-788-2806. jwidmann@yahoo.com.

Bowman House and Museum — 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bowman House and Museum, 323 N. Main St., Boonsboro. The 19th century log Bowman House Museum and Pottery open to the public for tours every 4th Sunday of the month between through October. Hearth cooking demonstrations of 18th & 19th century foods will be prepared according to the meats, vegetables and fruits that would have been available during that time. Stroll through the raised bed vegetable garden. More info on Facebook page.

301-432-5889.

info@boonsborohistoricalsociety.org. boonsborohistoricalsociety.org/ bowman-house.

Visual Storytelling: An Exploration of Color with Artist in Residence, Reagan Herndon — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Join Artist in Residence Reagan Herndon on a creative adventure to explore how color can impact stories and images. We will create our own visual stories and discuss how colors and other elements affect what others may see and feel. Program geared for children ages 6-12.

FESTIVALS

54th Annual Bluemont Fair — 10 a.m. to

5 p.m. at Bluemont Community Center (and entire village, 33846 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Va. An old-fashioned country fair featuring juried crafts, local art & authors, craft & farming demonstrations, music: traditional/blues/country, free children’s fair, petting zoo & pony rides, llamas, alpacas and fiber arts, quilt display, gardener’s shed, blacksmithing & stone wall building, antiques & collectables, wine & beer garden, Bluemont history slide show & museum exhibiting local Native American history/artifacts, pre-Civil War country store, homemade baked goods & jams/jellies, 1825 log schoolhouse, model trains & antique caboose, farmer’s market, beekeepers/hives/honey, scavenger hunt, pickle & pie contest, and other delights!

No pets.

$10 adults, 9 and under free. 540-5542367. chair@bluemontfair.org. bluemontfair.org.

MUSIC

The Frederick Catoctones present “Road Trip to Love” — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Frederick Community College, Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Join the Frederick Catoctones and the Baltimore-area Chorus of the Chesapeake as they take you on a journey across the country accompanied by old and new favorites. Driven by your deejay Jordan Nicewarner, this musical adventure features plenty of recognizable popular songs by the Eagles, the Temptations, Herman’s Hermits and even the Soggy Mountain Boys!  $24 general, $18 military and seniors 65+,

ages 17 and under $12. 240-315-4409. info@catoctones.com. catoctones.com/show.

THEATER

Eugene O’Neill’s “Hughie” — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Black Box Theatre, Tatem Arts, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. 1928, New York City. A hotel lobby. A small-time hustler is forced to confront his personal demons as he struggles with the loss of a friend — and of his own sense of self-worth. This rarely-seen masterpiece will be performed by Ardeo Theatre Co., a Maryland-based professional theater company. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Continues 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, 27 and 28, 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Also 3 p.m. shows Sept. 21, 22 and 28. 771-212-9234. info@ardeotheatre.org. ardeotheatre.org.

Monday Sept. 23

CLASSES

Positive Parenting: Mental Health Across the Perinatal and Postpartum Periods — 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Middletown Library, 31 E. Green St. , Middletown. Ever heard of the Baby Blues? Postpartum Depression? Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders? Information and resources for those curious about how the pre- and post-partum periods can create various impacts on a person’s mental health, protective and impacting factors, symptoms to be on the lookout for, and what partners, families

and other supports can do to help. 21 and older.

301-600-7560. gmcqueeney@frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org.

Sol Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join us for this free yoga class offered by Sol Yoga.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothes. 21 and older. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

ESL High Beginners Conversation Class — 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. The Literacy Council of Frederick County will be hosting a High Beginners English Conversation Class open to adults, free of charge. Join them as participants discuss everyday situations to help strengthen their listening, speaking, and conversation skills. Classes begin Sept. 16. 301-600-8200. fcpl.org.

ETCETERA

Duplicate Bridge Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills. No membership requirements. If you need a partner, call 240-344-4041 or email lffutrell@yahoo.com. $8. 301-676-5656. sdobran@comcast.net. bridgewebs.com/frederick.

SATURDAY