60 minute read
is close but a world away
GETAWAYS
Western Maryland is close but a world away
BY GARY BENNETT
Special to The News-Post
As you wind your way up stately Sideling Hill and through the iconic man-made cut in the mountain that jaggedly exposes millions of years of rock, coal and sediment, you’re finally able to see the picturesque valley of Allegany County as you begin your descent over the crest.
This is the entrance to what the tourism folks now call “Mountain Maryland.” But for me, this place will always be home.
My wife and I spent our formative years in Allegany County. I grew up in the southwestern part of the county near Keyser, West Virginia. I went to high school in Westernport at now defunct Bruce High and completed my undergraduate work at Frostburg State University. Ellen grew up just north of Cumberland and went to school at Fort Hill High, that notable state football powerhouse. As most of us know, this part of the state has fallen on perpetual, shall we say, less-than-stellar times. We wouldn’t want to live there anymore, but as they say, it’s a great place to visit.
My wife and I occasionally travel back home to eat, visit, sight see and just plain decompress. In some ways, it’s like a trip back in time. The pace of daily life is decidedly slow, traffic is nearly nonexistent, the scenery is absolutely beautiful, and the cost of food and lodging is much less than the Frederick area. There may be no better way to spend a day outside of Frederick than to take a trip to Allegany County — and perhaps farther to Garrett County, Maryland’s westernmost county.
GETTING THERE
As you head west on I-70 to Hancock where you pick up I-68, Sideling Hill should be your first stop. Get out of your car, stretch your legs and climb the stairs halfway up the mountain in just minutes to take in the breathtaking view.
At roughly 2,300 feet, Sideling Hill allows glorious views of West Virginia to the south and Pennsylvania to the north. On a map, this stretch of Maryland is so narrow, it seems you could easily pinch it off and hand it over to West Virginia. It’s no secret that most folks in these parts wouldn’t mind that a bit. The real draw, however, is the dramatic cut in the mountain that exposes over 800 feet of rock and coal, dating back millions of years. If you go in winter, you’ll marvel at the largest icicles you’ve ever seen.
Back in the car, you’ll descend past Green Ridge State Forest, the picturesque town of Flintstone and Rocky Gap State Park, where camping, swimming, boating and gambling share equal billing.
I spent much of my youth sunning and swimming here in Lake Habeeb. Today, the Rocky Gap Casino Resort has taken over much of the land once used for outdoor recreation, but plenty is still available. If casinos are your thing, this one should be your go-to. It’s a bit farther from Frederick than Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia, or Horseshow in Baltimore, but the state invested heavily to bring this cash cow to Western Maryland to help nudge along the chronically underperforming economy.
Cumberland has seen better economic times but is still charming.
CUMBERLAND
Your next stop is historic Cumberland, the county seat and hub of Allegany County’s economic, tourist and government activity. I-68 actually passes over Cumberland, so you have to be careful to find an exit and stick with it or you’ll pass it by completely. You’ll know you’re there by the beautiful church steeples that adorn the skyline.
Before you depart the interstate for downtown Cumberland, you’ll want to grab some lunch. We wholeheartedly recommend Puccini Restaurant, just east of Cumberland on Ali Ghan Road, right along the interstate. It features casual Italian dining set in the historic setting of the former Hinkle House, which served as a Civil War hospital during the Battle of Folck’s Mill. Try the wedge salad and wood-fired pizza. Their delicious pizza is unlike anything we’ve found in the Frederick area. The house-made dough is thin, crispy and perfectly blackened at the edges. The potassium-rich wood ash adds flavor. Lunch for two will set you back only about $20 or $25.
If pizza is not your thing, try one of these two local landmarks: D’Atris or Coney Island Famous Wieners. D’Atris has the best steak sandwich I’ve ever eaten — and that includes in Philadelphia (it’s all in the dressing the lettuce is soaked in, I’m told.) The Coney Island wieners actually melt in your mouth, and you’ll have a hard time having just one or two.
Queen City is pleasantly walkable. You can take a leisurely stroll on the C&O Canal towpath, which terminates near the intersection of the Potomac River and Wills Creek near George Washington’s Headquarters. The
Gary Bennett
towpath in the city is not very shady, and you’ll have to watch out for bicyclists whizzing by, unless you decide to bike it yourself. If you do, take advantage of several bike rental shops within easy walking distance of the towpath and Canal Place, the modest eating and shopping area right at the canal terminus.
If you have more time, you can hop aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a leisurely 4 1/2hour roundtrip ride to Frostburg and back, or you can get off in Frostburg and bike back to Cumberland via the Maryland portion of the Great Allegany Passage, the 150-mile bike and walking trail from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. If you do, you’ll enjoy a gentle 10-mile downhill decline on a crushed limestone surface, snaking through the “Narrows” and into Cumberland where you’ll connect with the C&O Canal towpath.
Besides the rich history and outdoor recreational opportunities, the best reason to visit Cumberland might be its architecture. My wife and I like nothing better than to stroll along Baltimore Street, the now-struggling downtown area of Cumberland, trying to recall the names of the local shopping institutions that once made these enormous and ornate storefronts their home. We can usually come up with Rosenbaum’s, Peskins, Lazarus and a few more.
Today, you can enjoy antiquing, art galleries and a few charming pubs and eateries. We then walk up to Washington Street, the “old money” residential area of Cumberland, taking note of the remarkable late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. Most of the homes on Washington Street are very large, seemingly far too large for just one family.
FROSTBURG
Known as the Mountain City, Frostburg is just 10 miles west of Cumberland — be sure to travel there on the National Road (Route 40) through the Narrows — but a world away in many respects, particularly weather-wise. Because of its elevation near the peak of Big Savage Mountain, it’s not unusual for Frostburg to be consistently 10 degrees cooler and wetter than Cumberland year-round. During my college days, it was typical for the ice and snow to pile up so much that sidewalks were not seen for months at a time.
Frostburg is a university town with an energy and vibrancy unlike anywhere else in the county. Because of Frostburg State University, the arts, entertainment and eateries abound on Main Street in a way that Cumberland cannot duplicate.
If you have time, we recommend a classic film matinee at the historic Palace Theatre, a drink and a snack at one of the many brewpubs on Main Street or a walk across the FSU campus (preferably when there are no classes) to visit the state-of-the-art library, football field, “Old Main” building, the performing arts center, Lane Center student union or environmental center.
Frostburg is also notable for its annual Appalachian Festival, which features local artisans and is one of the leading showcases for Appalachian culture in the U.S.
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which turns around in Frostburg on an old-style turntable for the return trip to Cumberland, and the Thrasher Carriage House Museum, located next to the scenic railroad depot featuring late 19th- and early 20th-century carriages of all types, are also popular draws.
Gary Bennett The trail to the highest point in Maryland on Backbone Mountain is steep, rocky and 3,360 feet high.
GARRETT COUNTY
After a few hours in Frostburg, head due west over Big Savage Mountain and into the charming hamlet of Grantsville in Garrett County, and have dinner at Penn Alps Restaurant & Craft Shop. This cozy, 1700s-style restaurant features Amish and German cooking at its best. If you go Friday through Sunday, try the hot food buffet that is lovingly tended and jam-packed with perfectly seasoned soups, meats and vegetables. Top it off with a sampling from the homemade dessert bar with old-time favorites such as bread pudding, oatmeal cake, apple pie and blueberry and cherry cobbler. Take the time to meander around the craft shop situated in the same building as the restaurant, and then take a stroll along the Spruce Forest Artisan Village next door. Unfortunately, the giant blue spruces are gone, felled by a small tornado a few years ago, but the weavers, potters, woodworkers and other artisans remain, diligently working in their cabins for all to watch and ask questions.
Finish your day with a drive past lovely Deep Creek Lake. Maryland’s largest lake is an outdoors paradise for boating, fishing, camping and skiing. It is about 20 miles west of Grantsville.
If you have more time in Garrett County, we recommend two modest hikes to work off the amazing dinner you had at Penn Alps.
The first is to find the source of the Potomac River. Spoiler alert: It’s not much of a hike at all, and the source is not even in Maryland! It’s in a small state park in West Virginia near the junction of Grant, Tucker and Preston counties. It boggles my mind to compare this little trickle, bubbling up from the ground, to its imposing grandeur at the Chesapeake Bay some 400 miles away. So much of Maryland’s geography and identity is tied to this famous river that you’ll be glad you completed this hike.
The other is a more difficult hike to the highest point in Maryland, the area known as Hoye-Crest on Backbone Mountain. The peak is nestled against the Maryland-West Virginia border near Redhouse, Maryland. Hoye-Crest is more than 3,300 feet high and is about a 1-mile hike on steep, rocky terrain.
GOING HOME
Out of breath and tired from your busy but delightful day, get back in your car and continue driving past Oakland, the attractive county seat of Garrett County, and make the long, downward trek back to Allegany County via Md. 135 into Westernport and McCoole. At McCoole, the site of my long-gone elementary school, you pick up Md. 220 for the 30-minute drive back to Cumberland. Once there, you can decide whether to stay in a hotel (we recommend the Fairfield Inn near the C&O Canal terminus) or pick up I-68 and then I-70 near Hancock for the 90-minute drive back east to Frederick.
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The mighty power of tiny libraries
BY JOSEPH PETERSON
Special to The News-Post
This month will mark a year since my family and I moved to Frederick. We moved here on a whim — and in the middle of a pandemic. With no social network to speak of and a cold winter settling in, it was a lonely time.
But whenever the sun peeked through the clouds, I grew curious about our new surroundings and ventured out into the streets. I gradually discovered a handful of homes in the neighborhood that had an air of hospitality about them. They weren’t big homes, only about two or three feet tall in most cases, and just as wide. But there they stood, hoisted on posts like bat houses, seeming to say, “We’re glad you’re here, come and rummage around, take something with you, or leave something behind — we don’t mind.”
So, I did.
Up and down the streets, houses too small to enter, owners unseen and unknown, taking the visage of a welcome friend. And inside: wonders of curiosity, sustenance and beauty. These mini libraries, food pantries, art galleries and seed banks fill my new neighborhood.
I shared my wonderment of these miniature libraries with a neighbor, Bethany Adams, who, it turns out, is also new to the area. She installed one of these little houses earlier this year to share seeds and gardening resources with the neighborhood. Her library is as cozy as a dollhouse: painted white, shingled roof, a bright red door — the very symbol of neighborly inclusion.
“They are an indicator,” she told me, speaking to that sense of community I told her I felt every time I saw one of them. She promptly began telling me what she knew about the other mini houses in the neighborhood. As we enjoyed our first chat I couldn’t help but think, Indicator, indeed.
I found myself adjusting my walking route so I could pass by all the little libraries I wanted to make “social calls” to. I started to pick up on various maintenance clues in this miniature neighborhood within a neighborhood. More than just a place to stuff discarded books or collect junk, here was order and upkeep.
There was a well-stocked food pantry where you could get a can of veggies, a package of ramen or that proverbial “cup of sugar” our parents sent us to the neighbors to borrow for an impromptu batch of cookies. As for the book collections, they were well-tended and frequently updated. More than one library was equipped with motionsensor lights to illuminate the interior. I wondered how many nighttime dog walks returned home with a book under arm, enabled by this little detail of consideration.
Something was happening. The simple act of taking a book and returning to leave another became a way to interact with my neighbors. And the surprise was that even though I never saw them, or knew who they were, that interaction became meaningful.
That’s what my neighbor Karen Fishburn experienced with the miniature library she installed outside her home.
“People get invested,” she said. “It’s almost like they become a familiar face, but it’s a library.” She laughed, recalling a quiet gentleman who comes by about once a month who isn’t one for many words, but their brief and mostly silent exchanges over time have forged a unique kind of connection. “All of a sudden you’ve got a new friend,” she said.
A lifelong book lover and
A miniature art gallery on Lee Place in Frederick. Joseph Peterson, left, stands with Karen Fishburn, owner of a miniature library on Fairview Avenue in Frederick. Peterson’s neighborhood includes a number of miniature boxes with books, food and art inside.
literacy proponent, Fishburn first saw a barn-shaped Little Free Library while on vacation in Vermont.
“I just got such a kick out of it,” she said, noting how Vermont’s sparse population might translate to difficult library accessibility for rural residents. “This was a way you could circulate books to people, and I’m a huge book person.”
So the Fishburns got to work and assembled a little library they propped up on a chair in their yard. That library made it to the pages of The News-Post in 2016 after it was stolen, and neighbors, along with citizens across
Staff photo by Katina Zentz Joseph Peterson, left, stands with Karen Fishburn, owner of a miniature library on Fairview Avenue in Frederick. Peterson’s neighborhood includes a number of miniature boxes with books, food and art inside.
the city, joined together to help rebuild and stock a new one. The response is one she still recalls with a chuckle of amazement. “Frederick always is, in my mind, very giving and very generous,” she said.
The blueprint of Fishburn’s library is a model for involving the whole community. She’s taken some books in her library to Wonder Book, our local titan of used books, to exchange for the kinds of reads she thinks might be better enjoyed by passersby from the hospital or Hood College on their way to Starbucks. Her library was among those chosen by local brewery Flying Dog to be one of several little libraries they donated banned books to during Banned Book Week.
She’s seen author-signed books donated, and advance reader copies passed along from places like the Gaithersburg Book Festival and Frederick’s Curious Iguana book shop, and she’s often found scouring the public library’s books for sale to keep her collection fresh. Fishburn says her hands-on involvement in curating a vibrant little library “opens up so many opportunities to talk to people,” as well. “I feel like people who love books, who read books, are just such a great group of people. It’s been a really great community project,” she said.
Most of the book-themed little libraries are registered with the global nonprofit organization aptly named Little Free Library, indicated by an official charter sign usually tacked above the door. The organization claims more than 150,000 registered Little Free Library book-sharing boxes worldwide and estimates more than 250,000,000 books have been circulated via these structures in all 50 states, 115 countries and in every continent, including Antarctica!
This grassroots phenomenon has led the organization to receiving the 2020 World Literacy Award, as well as honors from the Library of Congress and the National Book Foundation. As LFL states, the result of these libraries is that “thousands of neighbors have connected for the first time, building stronger and friendlier communities.”
I’m just astounded at how seemingly ubiquitous and universally loved these little libraries are. From the map of registered libraries on LFL’s website, there are about 30 of them in the immediate Frederick area. They are in neighborhoods, in restaurants and businesses, on church grounds and schools, at coffee shops and breweries … once you start noticing them, you’ll see these little neighborly “indicators” everywhere. But I’ve yet to discover the range of what’s on display that matches my Villa Estates neighborhood.
My neighbor Tammy O’Connor has hoisted a FLAG unlike any other in Frederick. By FLAG, I mean a Free Little Art Gallery with its broad front window peeking into a tiny world of easels and artwork, like a diorama of a museum. She saw the idea while traveling last year and wanted to bring it home to see it grow and get more artwork in rotation from local creatives.
“I love to be able to put artists in there that are just starting out or pursuing something,” she said.
This is no static display either. It’s a functioning art gallery curated by and contributed to by the community around it. Like the little libraries, the FLAG embraces the take-one-leave-one concept, and O’Connor hopes it encourages creative types to find inspiration in miniature.
“The diversity is just wonderful. It’s arts for everybody,” she said. “Our community over here on this end of town is pretty cool.”
There’s one more library I visit on my walks, a seed library. As it turns out, its owner, neighbor
— Karen Fishburn
Cary Smith, is coworkers with another seed library owner, Bethany Adams. “It was my idea first!” Smith joked when I asked her about the library. Smith, who wanted to specifically promote native wildflower seeds, has also found an enthusiastic response. “People love it,” she said, noting that in October she had a young teenage girl and her friend tell her they visited the seed bank every day to see if anything new had been added. “It’s hard to keep it filled,” Smith said, but added that it “makes you realize that there’s good people out there. I miss having a community where neighbors had block parties, and I missed some of that.” As these little libraries of various curiosities have become part of the fabric of our new lives here in Frederick, I wanted to find out if others felt the same way about them. What I’ve learned is that I’m not alone. And that feeling of connection to community was at the core of why these neighborly stewards hoisted their own libraries for all to enjoy, including themselves. “It actually is so uplifting and positive,” Fishburn said. “It’s a generosity. There’s no politics in it, and it’s a way to get out into the community — your community — the things you like. I don’t ever expect books to come back.” As for me, I can’t think of anything more neighborly than that. Joseph Peterson can usually be found reading the weathered plaques of obscure monuments he sees while wandering the city. He counts public libraries, public lands and places where local community is fostered among his favorite kinds of places. 72 HOURS | Thursday, dec. 8, 2022 | 13
”Notions of Place — Revisited”
— through Dec. 9, McDaniel College, Esther Prangley Rice Gallery in Peterson Hall, 2 College Hill, Westminster. The exhibition includes interpretations by McDaniel College art faculty, alumni, and current students focusing on the notion of “Place” as it pertains to work. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.Saturday. 410857-2595 or estherprangleyricegallery.com.
”The Nature of Catoctin Moun-
tain” — through December at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Urbana; satellite location of the Delaplaine Arts Center. This collection of photography is comprised of flora and fauna found in the Catoctin Mountain ecosystem. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. fcpl.org. ”Travels” — through December at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Satellite location for the Delaplaine Arts Center. Photography by Beamie Young from the photographer’s travels and a desire to discover new images, patterns and narratives. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. fcpl.org. ”The Annotated Vessel” — through December at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick; satellite location of the Delaplaine Arts Center. Acrylic paintings by Maremi Andreozzi portray, embody and celebrated lesser-known historical female artists and illustrate the fine textiles and jewelry of the period. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. fcpl.org. ”Accretion” — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Photography and mixed media by Sean Dudley. Through a series of manipulation processes, Dudley’s photography focuses on the — sometimes imperceptible changes in human experience through the accretion of time and experience. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301698-0656 or delaplaine.org. ”With Teeth” — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Photography by Jillian Abir MacMaster, a Palestinian-American photographic artist from Frederick whose exhibition is a look into invulnerability and displays of protection and survival through something as ubiquitous as facial expression. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301698-0656 or delaplaine.org. ”Life Forms” — through Dec. 31, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. A photographic exploration, by Ed Palaszynski, into the diversity and complexity of life and Palaszynski’s response to the question, “What does life look like?” Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
Clustered Spires Quilt Guild:
“The Colors or Our World” — through Dec. 31. The fiber works in this exhibition are a response to the Guild’s 2022 challenge to themselves to incorporate all seven colors of the rainbow in works that illustrate their discoveries about color and pattern. Founded in 1999, the Clustered Spires Quilt Guild welcomes quitters of all skill levels as they advance in their mastery of working with fiber. Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.
Frederick Camera Clique — through Dec. 31. For more than 30 years, the Frederick Camera Clique has dedicated itself to improving the skills of its members, which range from beginners to semi-professionals. This members exhibition runs Dec. 3-31. Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. 301-6980656. ”Season to Season” — through Jan. 1, 2023, Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Featuring Jing-Jy Chen, with artist talk and reception 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Nov. 6. For gallery hours, call 301-473-7680, email bagalleryappointment@gmail.com or visit frederickuu.org.
Crestwood Gallery Fall Exhib-
it — through Jan. 6, 2023, Crestwood Center, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original works of art, including oil, watercolor, mixed media, wood carvings, and photography from some of Frederick’s most talented artists. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460 or frederickhealth.org. ”Variable Palettes” — through Jan 6, 2023, Adams County Wine Shop, 25 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. Featuring the work of Dorothea Barrick. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. adamscountywinery.com/ events. ”Lore” — through Jan. 8, 2023, Gallery 115 at the Y Art Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. Features 15 artists from around the world including London, New York City, Wyoming and Maryland. Artists reimagine traditional folklore and explore original contemporary myth through a variety of perspectives. Artworks include an eclectic range of media including short film and an interactive installation. Artist Zoom talk noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 20. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. https://www.instagram.com/gallery_115_y.
”Joseph Holston: Color in Freedom, Journey Along the Under-
ground Railroad” — through Jan. 14, 2023, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. In this exhibit, Holston leads his audience through four movements that deepen our understanding of America’s Black enslaved people’s experience. Hours 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. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission and parking are free.301-739-5727 or wcmfa.org. ”Relief From the Heat” — through Jan. 22, 2023, Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. Works by the Washington Water Color Association. Viewing is by appointment 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 301-258-6425 to schedule an appointment. gaithersburgmd.gov.
Courtesy photo Clustered Spires Quilt Guild presents “The Colors or Our World” through Dec. 31 at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick. Shown here, “Paradise in Bloom,” by Libi Driggers.
Diana Ross, center, as Dorothy, Michael Jackson, right, as the Scarecrow and Nipsey Russell as the Tinman perform during filming of the musical “The Wiz” in New York on Oct. 4, 1977.
Associated Press file photo
New version of ‘The Wiz’ will start its tour in Baltimore
BY MARK KENNEDY
Associated Press
A new production of “The Wiz” is heading out on a national tour next year before following the yellow brick road to Broadway, with its director hoping the show becomes a “touchstone for a new generation.”
Director Schele Williams tells The Associated Press that it’s a very personal musical for her, creating possibilities in her mind as a girl when she saw it.
“It was the first time I was able to ever imagine myself on Broadway. It was because of ‘The Wiz.’” she said. “I’m really excited to awaken those dreams in other little Black girls like me.”
The tour launches in the fall in Baltimore, home of the 1974 world premiere of the musical. Following its run at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore, the tour will cross the country before it starts its limited engagement on Broadway in spring 2024.
“My goal with this show is for it to be an extraordinary celebration of Black culture, for it to be a touchstone for a new generation in the way that it was for my generation,” said Williams.
The new show will be choreographed by JaQuel Knight and music supervision, orchestrations and music arrangements are by Joseph Joubert.
The show was adapted from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, with a book by William F. Brown, and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls.
“The Wiz” opened on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tonys, including best musical. It has such classic songs as “What Would I Do If I Could Feel” and “Ease On Down the Road.”
“I don’t want ‘The Wiz’ to become anything that it’s not. But I am excited for it to become a more timeless score. So we’re going to look at how do we do that while also honoring where it came from and the sound that it originally had,” said Williams.
She will be making her Broadway directorial debut with “The Wiz.” Previously, she was the associate director of “Motown: The Musical,” and re-conceived and directed the recent national tour of the show. She is currently in London directing “Mandela,” a new musical inspired by the life of antiapartheid activist Nelson Mandela.
A 1978 movie version of “The Wiz” starred Diana Ross, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor. Michael Jackson costarred as the Scarecrow, with Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man and Ted Ross as the Lion. NBC televised a live version in 2015 with Queen Latifah, Ne-Yo and David Alan Grier.
2022|23
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F O R T H E HOLIDAYS
THANK YOU TO OUR CONCERT SPONSORS: DECEMBER 17, 2022 DECEMBER 18, 2022
THE MARYLAND THEATRE | 7:00 PM | 3:00 PM
Home for the Holidays returns to the Maryland Theatre this December. With special guests, Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet and Santa Claus, you don’t want to miss this magical celebration of the season!
BOX OFFICE: 301-797-4000 | TICKETS.MARYLANDSYMPHONY.ORG
frederick
by candlelight
Museums by Candlelight
DEC. 10, 2022 • Beginning at 10AM Experience holiday traditions at several historic locations; special children’s activities; traditional crafts; period entertainment featured at this free self-guided event.
Presented by THE FREDERICK HISTORIC SITES CONSORTIUM
36th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship
DEC. 26, 2022 • 4PM–9PM Discover Downtown Frederick’s most celebrated houses of worship and enjoy special holiday music programs at this free self-guided event.
With Support from BREWER’S ALLEY, EVEREDY SQUARE & SHAB ROW, ROY ROGERS, PLAMONDON HOSPITALITY PARTNERS, and TOURISM COUNCIL OF FREDERICK COUNTY, INC.
Events brought to you by the Tourism Council of Frederick County. (301) 600-4047 • www.visitfrederick.org
Patrick Boyton’s ‘Dwayyo’ explores growing up and grief through local legend
BY ERIKA RILEY
Special to The News-Post
Patrick Boyton is no stranger to writing about Frederick County folklore. His first two books focused on the Snallygaster, the cryptid that supposedly lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
But with his new book, “Dwayyo,” he writes not just about another local legend but about growing up and learning to grieve.
“Dwayyo” tells the story of a brother and a sister who visit their grandfather only to find that his health is failing. One night, he is convinced he sees the Dwayyo, a bipedal half-wolf half-man creature, in the darkness.
While the sister believes her grandfather, her older brother isn’t so sure. But when their aunt comes to stay and talks about putting their grandfather in a nursing home, the brother agrees to go on an adventure to find the Dwayyo. If they can prove that what their grandfather thinks he saw is real, they can prevent him from having to go away.
“I’d kind of dealt with these supernatural themes previously, but I wanted to deal with folklore in a way that could speak to different problems, social ills and fears,” Boyton said. “That’s where I think a lot of these folklores originate from: collective anxiety and fear about certain things.”
The Dwayyo has less concrete folklore than the Snallygaster, which drew Boyton to writing about it. He wanted to help contribute to its legacy without having to adhere to a large amount of existing folklore.
“So for the case of this story, the Dwayyo manifests itself in times of great uncertainty,” Boyton said. “He’s sort of this agent of chaos and disorder.”
First spotted in 1944, the Dwayyo has come and gone from the Frederick County zeitgeist. The News-Post ran a story in 1965 with a man’s account of being attacked by the Dwayyo near his home near Gambrill State Park. Legend says the Dwayyo is the mortal enemy of the Snallygaster.
The real monster in the story, however, is the grandfather’s Alzheimer’s, which Boyton drew from experience to write about. His fatherin-law passed away from Alzheimer’srelated illnesses in 2016.
Bolton found it difficult, yet 16 | Thursday, dec. 8, 2022 | 72 HOURS Patrick Boyton
Courtesy photo
Audience: Middle school (age 9-12) readers and older Where to find it: “Dwayyo” is available at Frederick County Public Libraries, Curious Iguana in downtown Frederick, and at online booksellers Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Meet the author: Patrick Boyton will be selling signed copies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick.
rewarding, to write about such difficult topics from a middle-school point of view. He began writing “Dwayyo” during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. During that time, he several read books with his son, who was 9 at the time. Revisiting those books, like “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson, reminded him of his own childhood and the vivid memories he has of that time.
“I’m very comfortable going back there,” he said. “Any further back, it gets a little fuzzy or a little sentimental. Later years, I’m just not as interested in writing about. I like writing about that that age group because I remember it pretty well.”
Boyton also enjoys writing about children’s sense of hope. He explained that as children grow older, their relentless optimism that everything will turn out alright turns to hope — hope that their family will be OK, hope that things will turn out alright — even if they are starting to learn that things don’t always go as planned. Watching his son and his friends adapt to the pandemic with the hope that things would soon go back to normal helped Boyton cement that idea.
“I was fathering him and observing him and his mind and his world and seeing the way he thinks about the world and how he’s processing those topics,” Boyton said. “We were all going through the pandemic together, so he was certainly processing all that heavy stuff himself.”
In that sense, the book isn’t all dark or melancholy. Although it deals with heavy themes, the book approaches them the way children would, with a sense of adventure and optimism.
“[Children] deal with these issues in a more pure way,” Boyton said. “Even as they’re dealing with them, they’re going on adventures and having fun and telling jokes.”
Everyday poetry
Many of you venture to visual arts exhibits in the world-class museums that surround us in D.C., Baltimore and Hagerstown. In recent weeks, you might have gone to see the special John Singer Sargent exhibit, “Sargent and Spain,” at the National Gallery of Art. As wonderful as the Sargent exhibit is, there is so much other incredible art at the NGA and nearby museums.
On your next visit to an exhibit, whether in a museum or one of the many remarkable galleries here in Frederick, you might try writing a few lines of prose or poetry on how a particular work of art affects you. It could begin a stream of consciousness journey, or you might want to describe the artwork in a clinical manner, very detailed. If what you jot down is prose, try breaking lines at what seem to you to be natural pauses. Whatever you write will border on what is referred to as “ekphrastic” poetry, or poems purposely inspired by works of art.
Though the springboard may be something else, what you write will be your work uniquely. Poetry, after all, is a form of honesty. Poets
share images, phrasing, even rhythms unique to their perceptions of experiences or objects in their world. This sharing is enhanced in some mysterious way when words are put on paper. By reading those words, you have the opportunity to enrich your perceptions. By reading your words, others might be enriched as well, and so it continues. For me, still life paintings always are the draw. From Chardin to Coorte, Cézanne, Morandi, O’Keeffe and on to the disrupted realism of current artists such as Jon Redmond, a still life can be a little jewel of symbolic commentary on life, religion or politics or not. (Lemons in a painting used to SHERYL MASSARO indicate wealth.) Regardless, we usually can recognize items in a still life because they often are objects we come across in everyday life: bottles, tablecloths, flowers. And grapes. Sheryl Massaro is a Frederick poet and oil painter. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The American University.
Grapes
In the museum’s Old Food Room on a sweltering day, a cluster of reds a century old hangs from a gold string against a subtle backdrop in an artist’s studio. Behind our polite interest, we are hot, thirsty, desperate to pluck a cold, sweet grape. But the 400-year old, blushing Anjou over there looks even juicier. So easy to feel our teeth sinking into its pale flesh, nectar gathering, dripping off our chins. And a melon, sliced open in the 1400s— our frantic fingers yearn to fling its pulp and seeds to the marble floor, leaving behind for us the near-liquid fruit-meat of old, fertile Europe.
But there is the guard, and he is watching. Unquenched, we leave the masterpieces intact, the Old Food untouched. We find the sweltering outside has brought storms, gushers, and I marvel at how water, rain, for months enters a blossom and then its growing fruit so that, even in drought, we can drink.
— Sheryl Massaro
Coming this HolidaySeason
Walt Mi ach el & Co. Holiday Concert
Saturday,Dec.10at7:30pm
Walt and his friends are breaking up Christmas the Southern Appalachian way with fiddles, banjos, a hammered dulcimer, and more!
A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas with the Eric Byrd Trio
Saturday, Dec. 17 at 4pm &7pm Sunday, y, Dec. 18 at p 6pm
The beloved animated holiday film is paired with a live performance of its iconic Vince Guaraldi jazz score!
Get Tickets at CarrollArtsCenter.org
Sheryl Massaro
Courtesy photo
WAREHOUSE CINEMAS NEWS AND EVENTS:
$7 TUESDAYS
Any movie, including Dolby Atmos. All day. Anytime.
SPECIAL EVENT:
"A Bad Moms Christmas" Thursday, December 8th @ 6:30PM
INTERACTIVE BRUNCH CLUB:
"Its a Wonderful Life" Sunday, December 18th @ 11AM
CHRISTMAS EVE EVENT:
"The Polar Express" Saturday, December 24th @ 9AM, 10AM and 11AM
FILM LEAGUE PRESENTS:
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" Wednesday, December 28th @ 7PM
Warehouse Cinemas is an independently owned cinema that offers a unique, premium movie going experience by providing first-run movies + retro films, leather recliner seating w/ seat warmers, high-quality picture and sound, including Dolby Atmos, a modern-industrial décor, and premium food and drink options, including movie themed cocktails, wine and a 28-tap self-serve beer wall. Visit us at warehouscinemas.com or scan
the QR Code for this week’s feature films.
Movies that are perfect for families this holiday season
BY METRO
Various traditions take center stage during the holiday season, one of which might be sitting down and enjoying a timeless Christmas movie or a newer holiday flick.
Here are some movies families can enjoy together this season. • “The Polar Express” (2004): A young boy enjoys a magical adventure to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express train. He learns about the true spirit of the holidays and the value of bravery and friendship along the way. • “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992): Charles Dickens’ classic story about a bitter miser might be a little frightening for young children to enjoy in its more theatrical offerings. However, when the Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale, the story becomes much more familyfriendly.
• “A Boy Called Christmas” (2021): Based on the book by Matt Haig, this movie is a reimagined take on Father Christmas. It focuses on Nikolas as he goes on an adventure to find a magical town called Elfhelm. • “Jack Frost” (1998): When a father dies in a car accident, he comes back to life as a snowman in his son’s front yard. Jack learns to keep his promises and make things right with his son — things he wasn’t capable of doing as a human. • “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004): The Kranks decide to forgo thir annual Christmas party and plan a vacation since their daughter will be out of town. But when said daughter decides to come home after all, chaos sets in as the couple tries to figure out how to put together an extravaganza at the last minute. • “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (1997): The Beast does not favor the holiday season, so Belle must change his mind on the matter in this animated Disney offering. • “Elf” (2003): As a youngster, Buddy was magically transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. As an adult, he’s determined to find his real dad in New York City and uncover a way to fit in. • “Santa Hunters” (2014): A young boy teams up with his sibling and cousins to try to capture new footage of Santa in action and prove that the man in red truly exists. • “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (2018): This is a newer take on the classic Nutcracker tale. This adventure sees Clara defending the Land of Sweets from the evil Mother Ginger.
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Local Mentions
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE & CRAFT FESTIVAL
Please join us on the farm for our annual Christmas Tree and Craft Festival! We will have pre-cut Christmas Trees, white pine roping, wreaths, crafts, home décor, kids activities, local honey and food. We will be open: Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10 & 11 10AM-4PM 4005 Valley View Rd Middletown, MD 21769 valleyviewacresmd.com On Facebook and Instagram: @valleyviewacresmd CHRISTMAS COOKIE WALK
Sat. Dec 17 • 10 a.m.
-1 p.m.
Carroll Manor Fire Company 2793 Adams Street Adamstown, MD Large Assort. of Holiday Cookies that YOU Select $12 per lb. or $7 per 1/2 lb.
Pre-packaged assorted platters are preorder only. Large Platters (2 lb.) $24.00 Small Platters (1 lb.) $14.00 Chris 301-874-5642 Pre-order cookies online: www.carrollmanorfire company.com until 12/15.
New Year's Eve Bingo 12-31-2022
Thurmont Event Complex Over $10,000.00 of Cash Payouts $50.00 Per Ticket Available Friday Night Bingo, www.eventbrite.com, or by calling 301-7485359 or 301-271-3820 Ticket Includes: 9 Pack of 27 Games ($250.00ea.), 3 Games ($1,000ea.), 3 50/50 Games & 1 Jackpot ($1,500), (1 sheet of 3 for each 50/50’s & 1 Jackpot) Doors Open @ 5:00 p.m., Bingo Starts @ 8:00 p.m. Meal Served: 6-8 p.m. Meal: Roast Beet, Fried Shrimp, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Green Beans and Applesauce Cash Bar - Kitchen Open During Break No Reserved Seating - First Come, First Served Basis Only No Exceptions! **We reserve the right to lower payouts if less than 300 tickets sold** Benefits The Thurmont Community Ambulance Company 13716 Strafford Drive
Local Mentions
Resthaven Memorial Gardens ANNUAL LUMINARY EVENT Sat., Dec. 10th, beginning at 4 pm There will be light refreshments offered including beverages and cookies. We are looking for members of the community to partake in the honorary placement of the candles on the grave sites. If this interests you, we will begin the placement at 12:00 noon on the 10th. Don’t forget to visit Santa at Resthaven Funeral Home & Community Center to get your Christmas lists to his elves and collect your commemorative ornament. Cleanup will begin Sun., Dec. 11th at 12:00 noon, any assistance with this will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing everyone there! - Happy Holidays from the Resthaven Staff
Firewood/Coal/Oil
FIREWOOD
All premium & seasoned. Oak $260/cord or $170/half cord. Mixed Hardwoods $240/cord; $150/half cord. Credit cards accepted. 888-873-3018 www.mdtreeexperts.com
Miscellaneous
DBL CEMETERY PLOT
Privately Owned, at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens on Rt. 15, a double cemetery plot. Valued at $7600; asking $6300 and will pay transfer fee. Call 301-447-6704.
Wanted to Buy
MOTORCYCLES WANTED *BEFORE 1985*
All Makes & Models. Running or Not. Any Condition. $Cash Paid $ Free appraisals. CALL: 1(315)-569-8094 Or Email: Cyclerestoration@aol.com
Services
!!FATHER AND SONS!!! HANDYMAN HANDYMAN
INTER. PAINTING Home Repair & Improvements
301-694-9630 LIC #74117 Serving Frederick for 34 Years!
Thursday Dec. 8
200 Monroe Restaurant — 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Frederick Community College invites you to enjoy a gourmet dinner created by the talented students at 200 Monroe Restaurant! Reservations are required! For dine-in, visit opentable. com/200-Monroe. For carryout orders, go to toasttab.com/200-monroe (last order time 7 p.m). $38-$42. HCTI@frederick.edu. opentable.com/200-monroe.
Winter City Lights Holiday Festival — 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Road, 4501 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney. Guests can explore 200,000 square feet of displays covering 18 beautifully decorated acres. Highlights include a 52-foot programmable Christmas tree featuring a canopy of lights and light show, an enchanted 1.5-mile trail through the woods featuring holiday displays and lights, a musical light show every 30 minutes, a snow tubing slide, concessions, lumberjack axe throwing and 14 bonfire areas for getting cozy and enjoying s’mores. $39-$48. 888-720-1112. info@ wintercitylights.com. wintercitylights.com.
Annual Festival of Lights — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple and Visitors Center, 9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington. 400,000 lights will illuminate the grounds beginning at dusk each day, Monday through Sunday. Creche displays featuring nativities from around the world. Decorated Christmas trees, a wide array of performances (see website for schedule). dctemple.org/festival-of-lights.
FCC Jazz Ensemble I — 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Frederick Community College Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. The FCC Jazz Ensemble I, under the direction of Anita Thomas, celebrates a semester of dedication and hard work with an evening of music. This festive performance will feature a wide variety of jazz. 301-846-2566. mgersten@ frederick.edu. ble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Directed by Suzanne Beal. As the family gathers at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy to celebrate Christmas, Mary - the bookish middle child of the Bennets - finally has her day. Set two years after the events of “Pride and Prejudice,” this winning sequel with period style and modern wit is sure to delight Jane Austen fans and newcomers alike. $32. 301-694-4744. zcallis@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org.
Friday Dec. 9 FAMILY
Marvin Chapel Christmas Shop — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church (basement), 5101 Woodville Road, Mount Airy. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 17. Have a cookie or two while shopping! 240-405-6989. blacksmithsgirl@gmai.com.
Christmas at the Roundhouse — noon to 4 p.m. at Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, 296 S. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown. See the trains of Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 29 Admission $6.00 adults $1.00 for children 4 through 16 Free for children 3 and under. 240-674-1882. davem301@yahoo. com. roundhouse.org.
Winter Lights Festival — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg. Also Sunday through Thursday 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific date. 3.5-mile drive through a woodland setting past more than 450 illuminated displays and trees that light up the night. (Closed Dec. 25.) $15 per car Monday through Thursday, $25 per car Friday and Saturday. gaithersburgmd.gov.
Kris Kringle Procession — 6:30 p.m. at begins at South Carroll and East Patrick streets, Frederick. Ends in Baker Park with the lighting of the City Tree. The town lights up with the holiday spirit as local groups march alongside German/English characters of yesteryear and modern favorites like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Jack Frost. 301-600-2841. celebratefrederick.com.
Holiday Market — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. The Holiday Market features all 13 Gallery members showing their various artworks — acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings, photography, forged steel sculpture, fused glass. Art prints and greeting cards. Two guest artists — Yvette Cousar (Uniquely Vetty Jewelry Designs) and Kim Hedges (Books-as-Art). Show runs from Dec 2-18. Fridays 5-7 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 1-5 p.m. Gallery Closed Dec 19 through Jan 1. eastsidearts313@gmail.com. eastsideartistsgallery.com. Bethesda Art Walk — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Downtown Bethesda, Bethesda. Delight in four downtown Bethesda galleries and studios at the Bethesda Art Walk. Enjoy refreshments, and shop at these unique and inspiring galleries. Participating galleries include Gallery B, Studio B, Triangle Art Studios, and the Waverly Street Galleries. 301-215-6660. edavis@bethesda.org. bethesda.org/arts-and-entertainment/ art-galleries-studios/schedule.
Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Contest — 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. Competition open to D.C./ Maryland/Virginia songwriters. The deadline to apply is Dec. 9. 301-672-0008. jliu@bethesda.org. bethesda.org/arts-and-entertainment/bernard-ebb-songwriting-awards.
Holiday Concert: Encore Chorales of
Frederick and Asbury — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Holiday Concert performed by the Encore Chorale of Frederick and the Encore Chorale of Asbury. 301-473-5506. kirby4peace@aol.com. encorecreativity.org. Bluegrass Jam — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville. Open to all levels of acoustic musicians and vocalists. Spectators, families welcome. Sandwiches, snacks and sodas available for purchase. No smoking or swearing. $5 donation at the door requested. 301898-3719.
“A Warm Wintery Mix” — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Jack B Kussmaul Theater at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Join the Choral Arts Society of Frederick as we celebrate the season with a selection of winter songs for friends and family. $15 adults, $12 military/senior/student, under age 12 free. 301-846-2513. tickets@ casof.org. “Irish Christmas in America” — 8 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, the hugely popular show features top Irish music, song and dance in an engaging performance rich in humor and boundless energy. The 2022 tour features special guest singer Caitríona Sherlock, showcasing the very best of new Irish female vocal talent. $35-$40. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/irish-christmas-in-america.
Kenny G in Concert — 8 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. The sound of Kenny G’s saxophone is as iconic as his curly coif; instantly recognizable. His latest release is “New Standards.” $35 to $85. hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com. “Countdown to Christmas” — 6 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick . Dinner 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m. A stroll down memory lane as stories of Christmases past are shared and the true meaning of the season is remembered. It’s a feel-good show for the entire family. Also, 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 12:30 p.m. buffet, 2:15 p.m. show first, third and fifth Sundays. $50 Fridays and Sundays; $53 Saturdays. 301-662-6600. wayoffbroadway.com. “The Nutcracker” — 8 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. The stunning artistry of Maryland Regional Ballet and the beloved Tchaikovsky score combine to transport audiences to the Kingdom of Sweets. Under the direction of Joyce Morrison and featuring
guest artists from the New York City Ballet and students from the Frederick School of Classic Ballet, it’s a holiday tradition at its finest. Also at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10, and 2 p.m. Dec. 11. $20-$35. 301-600-2828. bhiller@cityoffrederick.com. weinbergcenter.org/shows/ the-nutcracker.
“Miss Bennet Christmas at Pemberley”
— 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Directed by Suzanne Beal. As the family gathers at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy to celebrate Christmas, Mary - the bookish middle child of the Bennets - finally has her day. Set two years after the events of “Pride and Prejudice,” this winning sequel with period style and modern wit is sure to delight Jane Austen fans and newcomers alike. $32. 301-694-4744. zcallis@ marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org.
Saturday Dec. 10
Living History at the National Museum
of Civil War Medicine — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Members of the Blue and Gray Hospital Association will be in the Delaplaine Randall Conference Room at the museum describing the medical history of America’s bloodiest conflict. Dressed as members of the Confederate medical department and armed with period medical equipment, the unit brings a unique perspective to understanding the conflict. Free. 301-695-1864. john. lustrea@civilwarmed.org. civilwarmed.org.
Raise your Wine IQ at Links Bridge
Vineyard — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Links Bridge Vineyard, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Sample wine from local vineyards as you learn the 6 S’s of wine tasting. Presented by Jackie Rogers, a certified wine educator.301-600-8200. linksbridgevineyards.com.
Frederick County Pomona Grange
Cookie Walk — 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Linganore Grange Hall, 13629 Unionville Road, Mount Airy. Why mess up your perfectly clean kitchen with all that holiday baking? Let us do it for you! The Frederick County Pomona Grange Cookie Walk is back serving holiday cookies. Come early for the best selection of cookies available. $10 per pound. 240-674-6450.
Bottoms Up Bagels Pop-Up — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bottoms Up Bagels Pop Up at the Y Teaching Kitchen, 629 N. Market St., Frederick. Baltimore-based Bottoms Up Bagels will bring its classic, NJ-style boiled bagels, signature spreads, house-cured lox and breakfast sandwiches to Frederick on Dec. 10 and 11 in conjunction with the YMCA of Frederick County’s annual Santa Run, which raises funds to support theY’s programs and services. 715-497-6782. paul@bottomsupbagels. com. bottomsupbagels.com.
Holiday Makers Market — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Frederick MADE, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join Frederick MADE every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. The locally-made storefront has hundreds of items made exclusively by independent artists in Maryland and Virginia, and the shop will host an additional 8-10 artists each day. Vendor lineup is different every day. Free to attend. Drop-in activities for all ages are provided. 301-514-3866. mirandamossburg@gmail. com. frederickmade.com.
Museums by Candlelight at Rose Hill
Manor — noon to 7 p.m. at Rose Hill Manor Park, 1611 N. Market St., Frederick. Explore holiday traditions while taking a self-guided tour of the museum facilities. 301-600-1650. rosehillmuseum.com.
Civil War Style Church Service — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Rocky Springs Chapel, 7817 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick. A Civil War-style nondenominational church service. The service will be conducted by HRSC Trustee and preacher Kirk Callison, who will wear Civil War period attire. The wearing of Civil War period attire to the church service is encouraged but not required. 321-610-7246. debbymoone@ gmail.com.
Drag Queen Bingo — 5 p.m. at Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co., 1500 Volunteer Drive, Brunswick. Join Ashely Bannks, Tatiyanna Voche’, Chi Chi Ray Colby, and Nicole James for a fun night of Drag Queen Bingo! Doors open at 5 p.m., game and show starts at 7 p.m. $25 advance, $30 at the door. 301-305-0777.
Ghost Tours of Historic Frederick — 7 p.m. to 8:30 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, beckoning soldiers from the Civil War. Reservations recommended. $15. info@marylandghosttours.com. marylandghosttours.com. Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch — 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Adventure Park USA, 11113 West Baldwin Road, Monrovia. Make this winter magical at Adventure Park’s annual meet and greet Breakfast with Santa & the Grinch. Meet Santa and his grinchy helper while you enjoy a delicious breakfast. Paid admission is required. Seating is limited. One child age 2 and Like us on Facebook Christmas onChristmas on Come sit on the slei the the gh with FarmFarm Santa Saturday 12/10 12-2 Sunday 12/11 12-2 Bring your cell phone and we will be happy to take apictureofthe wholefamily in the sleigh. Food Trucks Dec 10 - Country Cookin’ 11-5 and Dec 11 - Rollin Smoke 11-4
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DINNER « DESSERT « CASH BAR « SHOW younger is free for breakfast with paid adult admission. $24.95. 301-865-6800. janine@adventureparkusa.com. adventureparkusa.com.
Fort Ritchie Community Center Holiday
Craft Bazaar and Vendor Show — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Ritchie Community Center, 14421 Lake Royer Drive, Cascade. Over 60 vendors coming with lots of Christmas gift ideas and decorations to choose from. Food available for purchase. Santa will also be available from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for pictures. Bring the kids and your camera. 301-241-5085. Bcoyle@thefrcc.org. thefrcc.org.
Breakfast with Santa and the Grinch
— 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Adventure Park USA, 11113 West Baldwin Road, Monrovia. Make this winter magical at Adventure Park’s annual meet and greet Breakfast with Santa & the Grinch. Meet Santa and his grinchy helper while you enjoy a delicious breakfast. Paid admission is required. Seating is limited. One child age 2 and younger is free for breakfast with paid adult admission. $24.95. 301-865-6800. janine@adventureparkusa.com. adventureparkusa.com.
Santa’s Farm Fest — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. Visit with friendly farm animals, feed the animals, take pictures with Santa, enjoy vendors’ goodies in the heated stables, and go on a festive hayride on the farm. Visit with a live Elsa in our Frozen-themed snow globe (and a blow-up Olaf) and a live Grinch with sleigh. Enjoy the warmth of fire rings while making s’mores. $16 (credit) for ages 2 and up. 301-8659203. info@greenmeadowsevents.com.
Marvin Chapel Christmas Shop — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church (basement), 5101 Woodville Road, Mount Airy. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 17. Have a cookie or two while shopping! 240-405-6989. blacksmithsgirl@gmai.com.
Christmas Shopping with Alpacas — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shepherd’s Purse Alpaca, 7971 Bennett Branch Road, Mount Airy. 301-452-1874. info@ shepherdspursealpacas.com. shepherdspursealpacas.com.
“Junior Claus” — 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Other Voices Theatre, 244 B S. Jefferson St., Frederick. Junior Claus is the only son of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Like many teenagers, Junior is reluctant to take over the
NOW -DECEMBER 18, 2022 FEBRUARY3 -MARCH 26, 2023
family business. Ticket price includes juice and a cookie. $15. 301-662-3722. administration@othervoicestheatre.org. Locally-Made Market — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Francis Scott Key, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join Frederick MADE at The Artist’s Market for our Locally-Made market. Kids crafting station and DIY Bar along with local vendors popping-up. 301-514-3866. mirandamossburg@gmail. com. frederickmade.com.
Schifferstadt by Candlelight — noon to 6 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Enjoy free arts and crafts for kids, open hearth cooking demonstrations, historical entertainment and tours of Frederick’s oldest house, a National Historic Landmark. Purchase German Glühwein from the Frederick Sister Cities Association and do your holiday shopping in the museum shop — period toys, paraphernalia and books, including the series by Eric Sloane. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail. com. fredericklandmarks.org/events.
Train Garden — noon to 5 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co., 702 N Main St., Mount Airy. Every weekend through Dec. 31, except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Parking and entry in the lower level of the fire station. mavfc.org.
Visit with Santa — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at American Legion Gold Star Post 191, 801 Prospect Road, Mount Airy. American Legion Gold Star Post 191 invites children to visit Santa, get a photo, and take home a goodie bag. To support Toys-for-Tots. 301-829-9161. goldstarpost191@gmail. com. post191.com.
Christmas Country Churches Tour of Myersville, Harmony, Wolfsville and
Foxville — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Myersville Town Hall, 301 Main St., Myersville. The tour is free and self-guided, drive at your own pace. The first stop is Myersville Town Hall, 301 Main St., where maps are available. If the snow emergency plan is in effect in Frederick County on Dec. 10, the tour will be rescheduled for Dec. 11. Check Facebook or wmahistory.com for status. 301-293-2436. mwahistory.com.
“The Nutcracker” — 7:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Also at 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Presented by the Western Md. City Ballet Co. and The City Ballet School. $19. 301-790-2000. mdtheatre.org. Berkeley Community Chorus — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 220 W. Burke St., Martinsburg, W.Va. 10th anniversary collaboration fea-
turing the Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra from Charles Town for this year’s Christmas Concert. $10 at the door, $8 for seniors over 65, free for 12 and under. 304-582-2965. berkeleycommunitychorus@gmail.com. berkommchorus.org.
WHS Music Jolly Jubilee and Breakfast
with Santa — 8 a.m. to noon at Walkersville High School, 81 W. Frederick St., Walkersville . Live music, crafts, games, bake sale, local vendors and breakfast with Santa. $5 for children and seniors, $10 for adults, free for kids under 3. 814-592-1964. whslionsmusicboosters@gmail.com. whslionsmusic.org/jollyjubilee.
Gallery of Gifts — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. 36 artists will display and sell their handmade wares. Open through Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. 410-848-7272. carrollcountyartscouncil.org.
The Clay and Metal Loft Holiday Art
Market — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Clay and Metal Loft, 27 Fairfax St., Leesburg, Va. With Amy Manson Pottery, Zia Design Jewelry, Ute Gil Fine Art and Juan Gil Woodturning. 571-442-8181. theclayandmetalloft@gmail.com. Holiday Market — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Show runs from Dec 2-18. Fridays 5-7 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 1-5 p.m. Gallery Closed Dec 19 through Jan 1. eastsidearts313@gmail.com. eastsideartistsgallery.com.
Frederick Acoustic Music Enterprise
Song Circle — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Faith Assembly of God , 3700 Burkittsville Road, Brunswick . In person or via Zoom, join us in making music. Tomy Wright hosts. We use Rise Up Singing as a source book. 301-471-0889. d.koronet@att.net. frederickacoustic.org.
Holiday Caroling, Crafts & Hot Choco-
late — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at FCPL (Middletown Branch Library), 101 Prospect St., Middletown. Gather together as a community to sing holiday carols, make crafts and enjoy hot chocolate. Featuring the music of Carolen, an accordion and banjo duo. 301-600-7560. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov. Emmitsburg Community Chorus — 3 p.m. at Lewistown United Methodist Church, 11032 Hessong Bridge Road, Lewistown. In the Basilica. The concert features holiday favorites from around the world. Free-will offerings accepted.
“A Warm Wintery Mix” — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Jack B Kussmaul Theater at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Join the Choral Arts Society of Frederick as we celebrate the season with a selection of winter songs for friends and family. $15 adults, $12 military/ senior/student, under age 12 free. 301846-2513. tickets@casof.org.
FCC Jazz Big Band Concert — 7:30 p.m. at Frederick Community College | Visual & Performing Arts Center | JBK Theater, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Enjoy this swinging night of jazz favorites featuring the music of Howard Burns and the FCC Big Band.
Advent Concert — 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of Immaculate Conception, 16630 University Way, Emmitsburg. Mount St. Mary’s University Department of Visual and Performing Arts presents an Advent Concert. Enjoy seasonal music in the Chapel of Immaculate Conception. 301-447-5150. venzin@msmary.edu.
Sunday Dec. 11
Holiday Makers Market — 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Frederick MADE, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join Frederick MADE every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. The locally-made storefront has hundreds of items made exclusively by independent artists in Maryland and Virginia, and the shop will host an additional 8-10 artists each day. Vendor lineup is different every day. Free to attend. Drop-in activities for all ages are provided. 301-514-3866. mirandamossburg@gmail.com. frederickmade.com.
“A Christmas Celebration” featuring the
Washington DC Temple Choir — 7 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 199 North Place, Frederick. The Frederick Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites you to “A Christmas Celebration” featuring the Washington DC Temple Choir. The Washington DC Temple Choir is composed of over 80 singers selected by audition from church members residing in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. The concert includes beloved sacred carols as well as old favorites. A reception will be held afterwards to meet the choir and enjoy fellowship. 240-575-8940. kamsleybradford@msn. com.
Santa’s Farm Fest — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville. Visit with friendly farm animals, feed the animals, take pictures with Santa, enjoy vendors’ goodies in the heated stables, and go on a festive hayride on the farm. Visit with a live Elsa in our Frozen-themed snow globe (and a blow-up Olaf) and a live Grinch with sleigh. Enjoy the warmth of fire rings while making s’mores. $16 (credit) for ages 2 and up. 301-865-9203. info@green meadowsevents.com. greenmeadows events.com/events/santas-day-farm.
Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations in Frederick, they know best. Here is a personal interview with a 2022 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
2022 FINALIST FOR BEST LAW FIRM – ESTATE
“I now have a Will. That will avoid Probate and make my family’s life easier when I go, right?” No!
One of the most common misconceptions we hear from potential clients is that a Last Will and Testament will avoid the Probate process. It will not! Setting up a Will can have several important benefits. For instance, when you die, it will be known who will be in charge of your Estate, and you can distribute your assets according to your wishes. However, many of your assets must still go through the process known as Probate, which involves opening a legal case and going through a series of bureaucratic steps. The typical, simple Probate takes around a year. This is a tedious process, with severe consequences when done incorrectly. We are happy to help families handle the difficulties of Probate when it is necessary. In fact, Probate matters are our favorite cases –they require a significant amount of work, and are therefore the most lucrative part of our practice. Simply put, we are better off when clients select a simple Will, because their families will oftentimes hire us for their Probate matter. However, we feel it is our ethical obligation to explain the pros and cons of Wills vs. Trusts when our clients are planning ahead. So, how do you avoid Probate? The first step is creating a Revocable Living Trust in addition to the essential Estate Planning documents. The Trust works hand in hand with your Will to help determine where your hard-earned money will be distributed, but has the added benefit of avoiding any reporting requirements to the court.
Next, you need to make sure that your hardearned money and assets get placed in the Trust or will go into the Trust when you die. We provide our Trust clients with step-by-step instructions and guidance to complete this step. So, who should have a Revocable Living Trust? Almost everyone who wants to avoid giving more burden to their loved ones. In addition to that, if you own a home, or have minor children or grandchildren, a Trust will help solve problems that you never knew existed. Please keep in mind that the additional expenses of setting up a Trust up front will save your loved ones tens of thousands of dollars once you are gone. As is often the case, having something done right at the outset will save a lot of money and hassle on the other end. If you would like help with your Estate Planning documents or to handle an uncontested Probate matter, schedule with us at 301-696-0567 (we have 24-hour representatives if you call after-hours), admin@lenaclarklegal.com, or self-schedule online at lenaclarklegal.com.
