72 HOURS Jan. 2, 2025

2

COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES

presented by the Music and Arts Ministry of Calvary United Methodist Church

Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. doors open at 2:30

Calvary United Methodist Church 131 West Second Street • Frederick, MD 21701

Marjory Serrano-Coyer, violinist

Hsin-Yi Chen, pianist

Join us for an unforgettable journey called “Tranquil Turbulance: A Musical Odyssey.” Experience the charm of Salzburg with Mozart’s Sonata No. 26 in B flat, lean into the rhythms of a sonata by Venezuelan composer Angel Sauce, and feel the power of the expressive Sonata in A by French composer César Franck.

Visit www.calvaryumc.org/concerts

February 16, 2025

Ganz pianist March 9, 2025

April 13, 2025

Concertdatesarefirmatthetimeofpostingandrarelychange,butchangesorcancellationsbytheartist/groupand/orinclement weathermayhappenduetocircumstancesbeyondourcontrol.Changeswillbepostedatwww.calvaryumc.org/concerts.

• AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE 50’S DANCE PARTY Music of Buddy Holly, Big Bopper & Richie Valens Lancaster, PA • Sat. Jan 11 • $123.

• AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE Show: “River Dance” Lancaster, PA • Sat .Mar 1 • $158.

• MT. HOPE MANSION Murder Mystery @ Mt. Hope Manheim, Pa • Tues. Mar 4 • $111.

• PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW Thur Mar.6 • Philadelphia, Pa. • $94.

• SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE Show: “Noah” Mar. 13 or Apr. 15 Strasburg, PA • $168.

• DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE Show: “Waitress” Lancaster, PA • $129.

• ODYSSEY CRUISE @ CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME Thurs. April 3 • $145

• DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATER Show: “Fiddler On The Roof” Lancaster, PA • Wed. Apr. 16

2025 COLLETTE TOURS

Call for details

• DISCOVER CROATIA, SLOVENIA and the ADRIATIC COAST April 24 – May 7, 2025

• SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

Southern California • July 9 – 18

• THE BEST OF IRELAND Sept. 2 – 15

OUR WISH TO ALL IS FOR A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

OUT OF THE HOLIDAZE, INTO FIRST SATURDAY (AND SUNDAY)

Just a reminder after all the holiday hubbub subsides: It’s a First Saturday week! That means later business hours and art openings throughout downtown Frederick. Then on Sunday is the monthly Downtown Artwork. Stop by the Delaplaine Arts Center, where Lori Boocks will be showcasing small, vibrant paintings on wood. Also a reminder to check out the Frederick Light Walk, with twinkly installations throughout town that will stay up through March (a map is available at downtownfrederick. org/lightwalk), as well as the Sailing Through the Winter Solstice display on Carroll Creek through the center of town — a nice outing for the little ones especially.

CIVIL WAR MEDICINE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES MAJOR RENOVATIONS

In an interview with 72 Hours, National Museum of Civil War Medicine Executive Director David Price said the museum will spend about $2.5 million (about $1 million of which has already been raised) in 2025 to renovate the space on East Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, including creating new multimedia exhibits and enhanced self-guided tours. This will be the museum’s first major renovation in 25 years. “We’re not going to change our story, but we’re going to expand it,” Price told 72 Hours.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine will begin major renovations in 2025.

WHISTLE PUNK DELI IS A BRICK AND MORTAR WORTH MULTIPLE VISITS

What began as a small farmers market stand grew to become a food truck and catering business and, most recently, a brick-and-mortar deli. Stop in the Whistle Punk Farm Deli, located inside Brunswick’s historic Newberry Building, to try seasonal fares and flavors. With a menu that changes often, it’s worth multiple stops. Owner Alexis Holland recommends the Italian panini on homemade focaccia bread — when available.

POKÉMON LEAGUE CHALLENGE FOR THE KIDS AND KIDS AT HEART

Tournament City Games at FSK Mall plays host to a Pokémon League Challenge on the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 5 p.m., the next of which will take place on Jan. 5. Play a game for $10, which goes into the prize pool and prizes are awarded to players in each age group. You can also buy, sell and trade Pokémon cards while you’re there — or mosey around the mall for after-holiday sales when it’s cold outside.

WE CONTINUE TO THINK OF CRYSTAL

72 Hours readers should be familiar with Crystal Schelle’s byline. Her writing has been featured prominently in 72 Hours for the past few years, and a few years back, she was the staff writer for 72 Hours. On Dec. 9, she was in a serious car accident in Hagerstown after losing control of her vehicle, and she remains in critical condition. The Schelle family is raising funds to help cover the cost of her continued care via GoFundMe (search “Crystal Schelle” to locate and donate to the fundraiser). Crystal was also working as the director of communications at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, as well as teaching journalism at Frederick Community College. Her longtime devotion to journalism and the arts could be felt throughout the region, and we wish her a full recovery.

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

What the college kids are eating 5 campus dining trends for 2025

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sodexo Campus, a leader in college food service, announces the five campus dining trends including top flavors and dishes for 2025. According to industry experts, students will crave vibrant food experiences in the new year, from finger-licking fusion foods to over-thetop desserts and beyond.

“Bold! That’s the central theme shaping the developments in campus dining this coming year,” said Chef Jennifer DiFrancesco, the Director of Culinary Innovation for Sodexo Campus. “To get noticed in 2025, desserts will have to dive into the deep end of indulgence and main dishes need to be infused with authentic, global flavors to satisfy students’ ever-expanding tastes. We also know students want more than just meals — they see dining as the gateway to richer social connections. We’re embracing these trends wholeheartedly to deliver unforgettable dining experiences that students are eager for in 2025.”

Sodexo Campus culinarians have revealed students will be craving these five trends in 2025:

Showstopper desserts, like these “Freakshakes” with extravagant toppings, are trendy at college campuses.

1. Showstopper Desserts

In the new year, students will expect to see more delectably indulgent desserts that are primed for social media and made from better-for-you ingredients. An example of this includes Sodexo’s signature Freakshakes, overthe-top milkshakes with extravagant toppings. First introduced as a pop-up event, Freakshakes have garnered so much student demand that they are now a staple on campuses across the U.S.

You can’t go wrong with tacos ... but have you tried them stuffed with kung pao crispy chicken or green curry tofu?

2. Tacos Get Rebellious

Tacos made with multicultural ingredients and bold new flavor combinations are on the rise in 2025. Serving as the perfect vehicle for fusion, students are drawn to unique com-

binations of authentic ingredients and surprising originality. From barbeque cornbread crumble and kung pao crispy chicken to green curry tofu bursting with spice, students will be expecting their tacos to deliver a world of flavor in the new year.

3. Chili Crunch Is Coming in Hot Chili crunch — sometimes referred to as chili crisp — will be an obsession on campuses in 2025. This traditional Chinese chili oil combines sweet heat with a satisfying crunch that packs a punch. It’s the perfect example of Gen Z’s love of global flavors and sauces that allow customization, and it will be popping up everywhere on campus in the new year, from shrimp and peanut noodle bowls to surprisingly zippy cacao ice cream.

4. Curry, Curry Everywhere Curry will be a staple in campus dining halls in 2025. Belly-warming and robust, its diverse and bold flavor

profile adds satisfying depth to dishes and will be on menus everywhere for students come the new semester. Students’ craving for originality and creative fusion is reflected in dishes like Thai red curry polenta and curry meatballs.

5. Functional Foods for Holistic Dining Experiences

Incredible food is the No. 1 driver of overall campus engagement according to Sodexo’s 2024-2025 Student Lifestyle Survey. This offers a unique opportunity for campus dining to implement programs and concepts that promote community-centered experiences, all while continuing to focus on food as fuel for mental and physical health. In the new year, the holistic dining experience — one where dining is a catalyst for fostering community — will become of even greater importance on campuses.

Associated Press photos

Curry will be a staple in campus dining halls in 2025.

Dishes at Whistle Punk Farm Deli in Brunswick are a bit like snowflakes, owner Alexis Holland said.

The menu is “constantly changing” based on the time of year, the requests of customers and what ingredients the business can source from local farmers and farm cooperatives.

“We do a lot of things that we don’t do again, just so that they stay special for our folks,” Holland said.

The deli is a recent addition to Frederick County, having opened in July 2024 in Brunswick’s historic Newberry Building. But the history of Whistle Punk Farm itself goes back to 2012.

Holland said the 12acre farm in Keedysville got its name from an old logging-industry term used by Johnny Cash in his song “Lumberjack.” At first, the farm was focused on raising heritage hogs and chickens to feed friends and family.

Holland said she tried selling food from the farm at local farmer’s markets but soon realized people did not know what to do with certain cuts of meat. That led her to start offering cooking demonstrations at the farmer’s markets.

“If people liked what we were doing, we would say ‘you can literally go buy all the ingredients and do this yourself,’” Holland said. “And our sales skyrocketed.”

Eventually, Whistle Punk Farm’s operation expanded from a farmer’s market stall to a small food trailer to a full-sized truck with catering services — and finally a brick and mortar.

Whistle Punk Farm will continue to operate the food truck and catering service alongside the deli, Holland said, adding that the she looks forward to going “full steam ahead” in 2025.

— Ceoli Jacoby

Whistle Punk Farm Deli

WHISTLE PUNK FARM DELI

30 W. Potomac St., Suite 103, Brunswick 240-818-9296

whistlepunkfarmdeli.square.site

Facebook: facebook.com/ WhistlePunkFoodTruck

Instagram: @whistlepunkfarm

Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday.

Price: Soups and sides range in price from $4 to $8. Entrees range in price from $12 to $14.

Owner Alexis Holland recommends: The Italian panini on homemade focaccia bread. The Italian panini is a special item, but a similar dish — the Italian sub — is featured on Whistle Punk Farm Deli’s regular menu.

The Italian Panini on homemade focaccia at Whistle Punk Farm Deli in downtown Brunswick.

Staff photos by Ric Dugan

Alexis Holland is the owner of the Whistle Punk Farm Deli in downtown Brunswick.

5 artists from Maryland to add to your playlist MUSIC

By JACKSON HAWKINS Capital News Service

Maryland is known for crab cakes, Old Bay and being a premiere lacrosse state — but Maryland has music talent too. Musical acts such as Billie Holiday, Frank Zappa and Toni Braxton are just a few of the notable artists from Maryland.

Here’s five innovative musicians from Maryland with fans in the state and beyond that you may not be familiar with:

1: MAGGIE ROGERS: Born and raised in Easton

Genre: Folk, Indie-Pop

Recent Release: “Don’t Forget Me” (2024 album)

You’ll like this artist if you like: Clairo, HAIM, Japanese Breakfast, or Phoebe Bridgers

Maggie Rogers is a singersongwriter from Easton who has released a total of five albums — three studio and two independent — and has opened for artists such as HAIM, Mumford and Sons and Coldplay.

Rogers, a graduate of NYU, gained popularity after a viral video showed her playing “Alaska” for producer Pharrell Williams when he visited her music production class.

Fans of Rogers admire her unique blend of folk and pop, coupled with her relatable lyrics that resonate deeply, which has allowed her to connect with a diverse and loyal fanbase.

Katherine Scott is a 21-year-old who enjoys a wide variety of genres such as ambient music, hyperpop and indiepop. Scott says Rogers crafts songs that she can connect with.

“I like Maggie Rogers because her music feels very authentic,” Scott said. “[To me] she has mastered telling a story while blending genres in the process.”

2: TURNSTILE: Formed in Baltimore

Genre: Punk, Alternative Rock

Recent Release: “Glow On” (2021 album)

You’ll like this artist if you like: Soundgarden or The White Stripes

Turnstile is a punk band originating from Baltimore in 2010 with five EPs and three studio albums.

According to an interview with Fader magazine, the bandmates met through Towson University and the surrounding local hardcore Baltimore music community.

Current band members include vocalist/keyboardist Brendan Yates, drummer Daniel Fang, bassist/ vocalist Franz “Freaky” Lyons and lead

guitarist/backing vocalist Pat McCrory.

Fang grew up in Birdsville and Yates grew up in Greenbelt alongside childhood neighbor, former bandmate and former lead guitarist Brady Ebert, according to Yahoo Entertainment.

Fans describe Turnstile’s music as a mixture between hardcore, punk and 90s alternative rock.

Orla Collins, a 21-year-old DJ who has a radio show about women in country music, discovered Turnstile when they opened for Blink-182 in 2023 — a show she says was her favorite of all time.

“I honestly was not into hardcore before listening to them. And when I saw they were hardcore band I was kind of intimidated, but I thought it was really interesting,” Collins said. “I felt like the live environment was so electric and cathartic.”

Griffin Hevsy, a 21-year-old and the music director at WMUC-FM College Park, who describes his music taste as zany, discovered Turnstile’s music through his sister who lives in Baltimore.

“I listened to it and was like, this is awesome. Since then, I’ve just been a pretty big fan of all the stuff that

they’ve put out,” Hevsy said.

“It kind of matches my taste, because it is very energetic, but it’s also really varied,” Hevsy said. “It’s also really accessible.”

3: BEACH HOUSE: Formed in Baltimore

Genre: Dream-Pop, Shoegaze Recent Release: “Become” (2023 EP)

You’ll like this artist if you like: Cocteau Twins, The Sundays or Slowdive

Beach House is a dream-pop band that was formed in Baltimore in 2004, with nine albums and two EPs. Bandmates include multi-talented musician Alex Scally and vocalist/ keyboardist Victoria Legrand.

Scally is from Baltimore, graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 2000 and from Oberlin College in 2004, according to a Pitchfork feature on the group. After his college graduation, he returned home to Baltimore to work alongside his father, a professional carpenter.

For Legrand, she spent several months in Baltimore with family after her mother’s divorce in the mid-1980s,

Wes

Gov. Wes Moore presents singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers a Maryland State proclamation to make June 16 “Maggie Rogers Day” at her June 16 concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

presents singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers a Maryland state proclamation to make June 16 “Maggie Rogers Day” at her June 16 concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

eventually moving to Rising Sun, before being primarily raised in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Beach House is regarded as one of the most popular dream-pop bands. They helped popularize the sound with a younger audience.

Paul Gracie, a 20-year-old who describes their music taste as leaning more towards chill music but still adventurous, discovered Beach House’s music right before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gracie found out about their music through a sample of their song “Silver Soul,” which appears in Kendrick Lamar’s 2012 track entitled “Money Trees.” They enjoy Beach House’s music because of their engaging rollouts and originality.

“I think musically, it’s the fact that they kind of stay in their genre and make a type of music that it’s really hard to get well … they kind of made the blueprint for it,” Gracie said.

4: JOONY: Born and raised in Silver Spring Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap Recent Release: “Memento” (2024 album)

Photo by Joe Andrucyk/ Executive Office of the Governor

Gov.

Moore

Photo by Joe Andrucyk/ Executive Office of the Governor

You’ll like this artist if you like: Jordan Ward

Joony is a 23-year-old rapper, songwriter and artist from Silver Spring, who is known for his eccentric melodies and interweaving of his particular rapping style with those melodies.

The rapper has collaborated with artists such as Brent Faiyaz, Jordan Ward and Lancey Foux, which has helped him garner 2.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify in December 2024 .

Fans of Joony like his distinctive style and the versatility of his musical projects.

People such as graphic designer Evan Jackson, a 24-year-old with his own ties to Maryland, appreciates the genuine nature of his music and how the music showcases parts of Montgomery County that are not highlighted within everyday discourse.

“I think people should listen to him because his flow is very authentic and real, and you know, he’s coming from MoCo, where a lot of people can relate to his music,” Jackson said. “He’s also really good at using his voice as an instrument.”

5: BRENT FAIYAZ: Born in Columbia Genre: R&B

Recent Release: “Larger Than Life” (2023 album)

You’ll like this artist if you like: 2000s R&B, Frank Ocean, Miguel or Bryson Tiller

Brent Faiyaz is a 29-year-old singer-songwriter from Columbia, who has steadily made himself a premiere R&B artist, with 23.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify in December 2024.

Faiyaz gained attention for his music on the 2016 track “Crew” by Goldlink and Shy Glizzy, where he sang the infectious hook that captured many people’s attention.

Faiyaz has released four solo albums and is part of the group Sonder — made up of producers Atu and Dpat with Faiyaz on the vocals. Sonder has released a handful of singles outside of their only album that was released in 2017.

Fans of Faiyaz from the Maryland area value his originality and the representation he brings for the state.

“He collabs with a lot of different artists from out here, so when you listen to an album of his, you are really getting an authentic DMV sound,” Jackson said. “It’s not just all R&B or all one thing, he’s also included a lot of different aspects and instruments in the way his production goes, so it’s very fluid.”

To speak is human; to converse, divine The art of conversation

It was Samuel Beckett who said

“words are all we have,” and I’ve always liked how that phrase feels both limiting and liberating at the same time — as if, at first, the news is bad: words alone? That can’t be! Then Beckett’s words hit like an epiphany. Of atoms, too, the same can be said.

But if words, like atoms, are foundational building blocks, the alchemy of conversation then becomes the molecular craft that takes this raw material of mere words and connects us to each other.

This fascination to peer more deeply into what good conversation is, and how it can offer such satisfaction comes from one I heard on the radio a few months ago, which I haven’t stopped thinking about since.

the loneliness we all felt during those weeks. The beans weren’t quite finished roasting, however, so there we were, strangers with time to kill in a world both six feet and a thousand miles apart.

It was a conversation about conversations, an interview on the NPR program “1A” with journalist and author Charles Duhigg on his recent book “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection.” In the book, Duhigg explores the science behind what makes for memorable and rejuvenating conversations and, even more fascinatingly, why some people seem to have a real knack for them.

It was something “1A” host Jenn White said on the NPR program that became the inspiration for this essay: “Most of us can probably think of a conversation where afterwards we felt energized,” she said, as the two journalists discussed how in a good conversation there’s something akin to a reciprocal flow of energy. According to Duhigg, that’s because the neural activity in our brains starts to match or reflect that of the person’s we’re conversing with, like synchronized watches.

Surprisingly, this is not reserved for deep conversations; sometimes it happens unexpectedly with an acquaintance or stranger. Immediately, I recalled one such conversation.

One day, at the height of the lockdown near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself waiting in my car at the back entrance of a local coffee shop, otherwise closed, to pick up pre-purchased beans to take home and brew them in isolation. It was a notion so offensive to the very idea of a coffee shop — one of society’s great gathering places — that the whole affair seemed to punctuate

For about 30 minutes, the business owner and I chatted about matters of little consequence, though we found ourselves reluctant to stop, unexpectedly lingering even after I had my order in hand. Something about it was scratching an itch, satisfying a craving I didn’t know I had. The simple pleasure of talking with an almost-stranger about whatever low-stakes chit chat came up in our shared stream of consciousness felt disarmingly rejuvenating. Naturally, we talked about things like COVID-19, the gloomy weather, his coffee business and our families. The electrons in the air began to pass back and forth between us as the molecules of conversation began to ionize.

I came home abuzz, jubilantly proclaiming to my wife that I just spent half an hour having human contact with someone outside of our tiny circle where we didn’t talk about anything apart from everything. It was magnificent.

Of course, some conversations can be unpleasant, awkward things. My father, a brilliant conversationalist himself, was known to joke that the best way to ruin the potential for a good chat comes from saying “let’s have a good conversation!” and drawing attention to it. A good conversation, however, has a remarkable effervescent quality to it, leaving the mutual parties feeling invigorated, bubbling with exuberance.

In his writings, Duhigg outlines that the best way to consistently achieve these kinds of conversations is to embrace curiosity, which is really the germination of empathy, often followed by shared expressions of vulnerability, which in turn grants a kind of permission to continue in this way, back and forth, into the magical realm of the conversation electric.

I’ve found that a walk is often the best way to lay fertile ground for a rich conversation, a practice I’ve taken to more frequently lately with my son. We’ll take the dogs, or walk to a cafe, chasing the promise of a small treat. The act of walking provides something passive to do that helps us fall more easily into a deep conversation with-

out the pressure of giving it the uncomfortability of our direct gaze. And the types of conversations we have while we’re traipsing about are as varied and unforced as they come, ambling from topic to topic, thought and feeling.

At the cafe, I unfold the day’s newspaper. “Did you see this?” I asked him, pointing to an article on the front page. I’ll always recall that what followed was an unexpected free-flowing exchange of ideas that left us feeling quickened in the excitement of organic connection. I don’t remember the article, but it was the catalyst for a great conversation.

Some conversations are so exciting, they can set the course for the rest of one’s life. The first time I went on a date with the woman I would marry, we were meant to grab a burger before heading to a D.C. United game at the old RFK stadium. But it was a rainy night, and we weren’t in a hurry to get to our open-air seats. In our hesitation, a conversation flourished as we took our time eating, getting lost in the moment, somehow covering the gamut of all that came before that point in our separate lives.

It’s one of those conversations that lives in a file in my mind labeled “legendary moments.” We just connected, so deeply and so unexpectedly that it almost scared me. OK, it did scare me, as some magic tricks do. She made the world around us disappear, and our fates were decided. Not bad for a first date.

Lively conversations bring a feeling of contentment that comes from connecting with other human beings and often leave me feeling optimistic about the future. I’m awed that this appears to be true whether it’s a twominute conversation with a barista or an hours-long, front-porch deluge of fears and dreams with a trusted friend or significant other.

When I connect with someone through conversation, even for a moment, that connection becomes the thing remembered, long after the details of that conversation are forgotten. And I think, all of that from mere words? They may be all we have, Mr. Beckett, but it seems they’re more than enough.

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.

JOSEPH PETERSON

GETAWAYS

Tips for traveling with chronic health issues

By KARI A. MARTINDALE Special to The News-Post

I’m a frequent traveler. I also have disabilities that impact my travel. Some people might wonder why I put myself through extra discomfort to travel, but if I’m going to be in pain every day, why not be in pain while experiencing new things?

It’s possible to travel with chronic disorders, but it takes preparation, selfawareness and flexibility.

Caveat: I am not dispensing medical advice. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another. Consult with your physician for your own concerns.

As far as my disabilities: I have chronic neck pain, epilepsy, a migraine disorder, arthritis, vertigo, asthma, chronic dehydration, rotator cuff dysfunction, Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, sleep apnea, TMJ and frequent ankle sprains (because vertigo is unpredictable, I find it to be the most difficult condition to deal with because it can take me out for hours or even days).

Remember: If you’re rarely symptomfree at home, you’re not going to be symptom-free when you travel. Ask yourself: What amount of increase in pain am I willing to tolerate in order to have this experience?

All you can do is mitigate the impact it has on your trip and everyday life after you return.

PRE-TRIP AND PACKING

If you’ll need to refill medication mid-trip and won’t be near a pharmacy, request a vacation override for early refill. If you forget medication and only need it for a few days and can’t get an override, sometimes the pharmacy will let you pay for just enough pills to get you through your trip.

Once when traveling to South Carolina, I forgot my anti-seizure medication. The pharmacist let me pay out of pocket for enough pills to get me through the week.

I schedule pain injections shortly before a trip to help control flareups, but not the same week that I leave, to allow for any side effects to subside.

As far as packing, pack light! I carry a flip-open pill case about the size of a bar of soap, with eight compartments and enough room for me to accommodate both myself and my daughter.

When I was younger, I suffered from periodic endometriosis. I had an unexpected attack during a trip, leaving my husband wandering the streets of Berlin with low levels of German speaking skills, looking for an open

that needs to remain cold, according to TSA.gov, you can “present ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs and other accessories … at the screening checkpoint in a frozen, partially frozen or melted state to keep medically necessary items cool.”

For comfort on board, I use a frontfacing inflatable pillow that sits upright on the tray table, with a face hole and holes for folding your arms in front of you.

Stay hydrated, and on long flights, move and stretch.

CHOOSING A LOCATION

If traveling abroad or in a remote location with a condition that might require urgent care, try to stay in an urban area. If this is not possible, locate the nearest facility to your destination ahead of time and calculate the drive time to lodging or anywhere you’ll be engaging in a major activity. Is it close enough? Guides were clear with me before a glacier hike that it could take hours to get assistance to me, but I risked it. Worth it!

When I was a writer-in-residence in France in January, a fellow resident was immunocompromised. When someone contracted COVID, the immunocompromised artist had to leave because of the distance from the château to the nearest hospital.

pharmacy — and then trying to identify the right thickness of pads on foreign packaging. Anyone of menstruating age should carry a day’s supply of their preferred products.

When traveling by car, or if there’s room in my checked bag, I pack a heating pad. If traveling by cruise, you might not be allowed to take a heating pad on board, so check the rules.

AIRLINES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

If you have mobility issues, even if temporary due to injury, request wheelchair assistance via the airline’s phone app or website, or call the airline.

The first time I traveled with an injured ankle, I couldn’t walk fast enough and missed a tight connection due to a previous flight delay. I was left with a long-distance walk to exit the airport for transportation to a hotel. The airport had no assistance available for two hours, so I walked. My ankle was severely swollen by the time I arrived at the hotel.

If you need to take medication on the plane and timing is important, acquire water in the airport to bring on board so that you don’t have to wait for a stewardess to bring you

water. Keep your medication in your seat pocket, under your seat or in an easily-accessible part of your overhead baggage.

Pack two to three extra days of medication, to cover you in the event of delays or cancellations. I’ve been stranded overseas during flight cancellations; having extra days of medication was essential.

If you have sensory issues at home, you’ll experience them while traveling. You can’t control scents, which can pose difficulties on public transportation. I was on a bus tour last year and several women were wearing strong floral perfume, triggering a two-day migraine. I no longer take group tours that I can’t easily exit.

I carry a “migraine kit” in my purse. It includes Loop earplugs, medication, nose plugs and an eye mask. The earplugs have been invaluable, mitigating the noise of shrill announcements and jet engines, while the nose plugs help when bathroom odors, gas fumes or body odors are strong. I also pack masks, which double for germ mitigation and as a barrier to odors.

If you’re traveling with medication

Also, I seek hotels with pools and hot tubs. Selecting a hotel with a hot tub isn’t just a luxury. Moving your body and relaxing your muscles in a hot tub can be a smart, healthy choice.

SLEEPING

When possible, I pack my own pillow. This is easy on a roadtrip, but when traveling by air, I sometimes have space to compress it into a suitcase. I try to cover my pillow in a brightly-colored silk pillowcase so it doesn’t blend in with the hotel linens. If you hand-carry your pillow, pack an extra pillowcase since it will get dirty in transit.

If there’s a significant time change, stay hydrated, get sunlight, and try to immediately follow the schedule at your destination. If possible during the week before your trip, incrementally adjust your sleep schedule toward the destination time zone, especially if you have insomnia or any trouble sleeping.

If you have sleep apnea, consider packing an extension cord, as your hotel bed might not be positioned near an outlet for your CPAP machine. If you’re booking via Booking.com, in the room description is a section called “facilities.” It might list “socket near the bed.” You can also call the hotel to ask.

A CPAP is an assistive device. Per the

Kari Martindale

Kari Martindale soaks her muscles and rests in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.

Department of Transportation, “Assistive devices must not count against the passenger’s carry-on limit.” Items excluded from being counted include “medical devices and/or a personal amount of medication that assist the passenger with his or her disability.”

In the States, per TSA.gov, “Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs and APAPs as well as facemasks and tubing may remain in their carrying case for X-ray screening, but may be required to be removed from the carry-on.” Overseas, we’ve been taken into small rooms to have my daughter’s nebulizer inspected. Pack appropriate wipes in case your equipment is removed or handinspected.

Although the airline must allow you to carry on your CPAP, they are not required to allow an entire carryon just because your CPAP is inside, so make sure your CPAP can be carried separately if you must remove it. I had to remove my CPAP from a carryon when a gate agent insisted on gatechecking my bag. Unfortunately, its soft carrying case tore while being lugged through the airport. I replaced the case with a USA GEAR CPAP travel backpack. It’s narrower than a normal backpack but holds the machine and extra tubing, masks, filters, wipes and an adapter. There’s also room for my daily medication, which can take up a lot of space in my carryon.

Traveling with a CPAP is cumbersome. Frequent travelers might want to look into portable CPAPs or, though less effective, a custom-fitted dental apparatus if eligible.

ADAPTERS AND CONVERTERS

Know how to plug your equipment in safely. When traveling abroad, figure out whether you need an adapter, which allows you to plug the prongs into a foreign wall outlet or a converter, which changes the voltage.

I learned this the hard way when I plugged my daughter’s nebulizer into the wall in Germany. It whirrrrred and then stopped. What followed was hours of searching for a nebulizer. Eventually, I went to a hospital, where they obtained a dual-voltage nebulizer from medical supply.

Modern equipment is often dualvoltage, but never assume. Check the back of the machine, consult the manual, Google it, call the manufacturer, or ask your doctor.

WALKING

Keep in mind traction, stability, comfort and weather appropriateness. If traveling to areas with cobblestone streets, select proper footwear and remember that a suitcase on wheels will meet more resistance as you pull it over uneven stones. In hilly areas, such as Lisbon or San Francisco, allow yourself extra time to get around and don’t forget an inhaler if you’re asthmatic. (I always pack an extra inhaler in case I lose one.)

SCENTS, NOISE AND SENSORY ISSUES

Think twice about how much you’re willing to spend on entertainment tickets. Many live shows today include lighting displays and may not have warnings. I contact shows or venues to ask about lighting or I Google footage of previous shows.

When there’s open seating, like on a cruise, I choose aisle seating in case I need to leave abruptly. On a recent cruise, choosing an aisle seat allowed me to make a quick and unobtrusive exit during lighting effects.

MEALS

I like to have at least one meal per day planned, whether that means breakfast at the hotel, a dinner reservation, or lunch at one of the day’s activities.

When you travel abroad, your meal times will change. In some countries, restaurants don’t open until much later than at home. When my daughter was 6, we were visiting Spain and all of the restaurants and stores around us were closed until 8 p.m. She got cranky, so I got creative: I went to the hotel bar, where I knew they made screwdrivers, and asked if they had any oranges. They gave me some to tide my daughter over until dinner. Many European businesses close for midday/afternoon breaks. Be prepared!

If you have a digestive disorder, carry snacks and digestive aids in case you don’t find suitable food on a menu.

SCHEDULING

Don’t over-schedule. Allow yourself time to rest and recharge.

If your medication is time-sensitive, calculate time changes before you travel. Set a phone alarm for the destination time. If you’re worried that your phone might not update in airplane mode, then instead of setting an alarm, set a timer for the number of hours until the next dose.

Don’t over-schedule your first full day, but don’t just lay around, either — get moving, drink water and get sunlight!

If you’re going to arrive at your destination early in the day after a long flight, consider reserving the hotel for the night before and alert the hotel to your morning arrival so that your room will be ready for you to rest before you hit the streets.

MENTAL PREPARATION SPREADSHEET

Two years ago, I began to create “mental preparation spreadsheets” for long or jam-packed trips with my daughter, who operates better when she knows which parts of a trip will be stressful.

I break it down by day, with fixed times and reservations. I include columns of estimated drive times and length of time for activities. If there are sleeping arrangement considerations, such as shared or twin-sized beds, I note them.

I use red fonts to indicate early wake-

ups, long drives and less-desirable sleeping arrangements; green fonts for non-driving days and sleeping in; and orange fonts for inconveniences or drives that aren’t quite in the red danger zone.

This visual helps in the planning stages. If I notice too much red, I might have to adjust to keep my stress levels down.

AFTER YOU RETURN

If you happened to fill your medication at another pharmacy while traveling domestically, verify that your medication will be refilled at your home pharmacy again. I’ve accidentally used the Walgreen’s app to refill a medication without noticing that the request was going to Utah!

RUNNING INTO PROBLEMS

If you’re traveling during the holidays, anticipate crowds, delays and cancellations. Mentally prepare for the worst-case scenario so you’re thrilled when you arrive without a hitch.

If you’re celebrating Christmas away from home, mail your gifts ahead of time. You won’t have to lug an extra suitcase full of gifts, have the stress of losing or breaking them in transit, or worry about TSA opening a wrapped gift.

If you’re flying at any time and experience an issue at the gate, such as an agent insisting on checking your medical device, request to speak with a “complaints resolution official.”

Consider trip insurance. As a frequent traveler, I carry Allianz’s annual Family All Trips Premier Plan, insuring every trip taken by me and/ or my covered family members. Earlier this year, my daughter returned early from a trip to Germany due to a medical situation and I received our reimbursement within a week, accomplishing the whole process online.

Things happen. I’ve returned from Europe more than once unexpectedly in a wheelchair. We had to leave my husband behind in Medellín, Colombia, for a week with COVID, prohibited from returning to the U.S. until his test was negative. My daughter and I were stranded for four days in Las Vegas during a connection when she felt ill and the gate agent said she looked too sick to board. Things happen, and yet we continue to travel.

I do what I can to not push myself beyond my physical limits. It’s all about the long game.

Kari Martindale is a Pushcart Prizenominated poet and spoken word artist who has been published in various literary journals and anthologies, and she has been featured in readings across Maryland. She has an MA in linguistics, sits on the board of Maryland Writers’ Association and is a member of EC Poetry & Prose.

Kari Martindale hydrates on a hike around Burg Breuberg, Germany.

HISTORY

National Museum of Civil War Medicine will undergo major renovations in 2025

BY ERIK ANDERSON Special to The News-Post

The staff of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine has grown very happy with telling its story about the development of modern medicine from the perspective of Jonathan Letterman, a Union Army surgeon who pioneered the logistics of treating mass casualties in Frederick following the 1862 Battle of Antietam.

But after more than 25 years of focusing on that story, it’s time for the museum to showcase other important narrative threads in the history of modern medical advancements that came out of the Civil War, says David Price, the museum’s executive director.

“We’re not going to change our story, but we’re going to expand it,” Price said. “We’ll be able to tell stories that reach all audiences. It’s a very exciting prospect to bring side panels and footnotes and tangential stories into the mainstream, where they should be.”

Price said the museum will spend about $2.5 million this year on creating new multimedia exhibits that will tell another seven storylines, ones that encompass female nursing stories, African-American stories, civilian stories and more.

“There’s even a dog, a mascot of one of the [Army] companies, that was wounded on the battlefield, taken to a field hospital and then an ambulance, treated there, ends up in a civilian hospital and then reunited with his company,” Price said,

In addition to expanding the cast of characters at the heart of the museum’s narrative, Price said a wider geographic scope will be included.

“We like to say Frederick was one vast hospital because a town of 8,000 doubled several times during the Civil War with an influx of patients,” he said. “Well, the same thing happened in Franklin, Tennessee, in Memphis, and a lot of other towns have the same story. So we’re telling a national story through the lens of Frederick.”

He wants the museum to engage in

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine will begin major renovations in 2025. Design concept illustrations show how the galleries will be transformed to incorporate some of the museum’s staple artifacts and exhibits with new interpretation, imagery and technology. Shown here, upgraded Camp Life diorama and displays.

partnerships with the groups that manage major battlefield sites, and he imagines the museum as a starting point for regional battlefield exploration. Civil War tourists frequently want to follow the path of a specific unit across its combat history, but Price said many tourists neglect the medical side of the war.

“Instead of just studying strategies of troop movements and where they fought, you could then follow them beyond that experience,” he said, “which then humanizes them even more.”

The planned updates are about more than filling out the museum’s story, Price said. Problems with lighting and audio equipment were the catalysts that pushed the museum toward its first update since 2000, so technical upgrades will be a major focus. But choosing the right audio/visual tech for a museum can be tricky business.

“We’re kind of a classic museum that doesn’t have a lot of technology,” Price explained. “Technology can be a distraction

because it’s either broken, or it’s just kind of wonky. Almost as soon as you install that stuff, technology moves so fast, it appears out of date.”

With that in mind, he said the museum will be looking for “a vehicle that we can change the content on.”

He said the exhibits will have videos projected onto surfaces, such as tent canvasses, and they can be changed depending on which groups are touring the museum. If a group of nursing students visits, all the videos can be switched to a nursing theme, for example.

The big goal is to improve the experience of self-guided tours.

“Our guided tours are awesome — people leave changed because of it,” Price said. “Self-guided [tours] have historically not been as powerful, so what I’m most excited about is the future of our self-guided tours having that same impact.”

The museum recently got exhibit designs from the firm HealyKohler Design, the firm that has been contracted to do the upgrades. The company designed the

Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and recently completed the Adams County Historical Museum.

Price said he’s not entirely sure where the full funding will come from for the project, but he’s confident the money will be raised. He said the museum has done very well securing grants during the early planning phases.

They received two grants from Visit Frederick, one for $15,000 and another for $25,000. The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area channeled $50,000 in state grants toward the museum. Altogether, they have about $1 million committed from various sources, Price said.

The museum has already begun to make small improvements, such as to its lighting. Price said “minor work” on moving exhibits around will begin in January, and the major renovations will begin at the end of 2025.

Erik Anderson is a freelance writer in Frederick who cares about few things more than the history of his community. Email him at erikanderson07@gmail.com.

Photos by National Museum of Civil War Medicine

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of Jan. 3

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

Line Dancing

7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 3

Bernard W. Brown Community Center, 629 N. Market St., Frederick $10/adult, $5/ child 11 and under If you and your family or friends ever wanted to learn how to line dance, head to the dance floor at the Brown Community Center this Friday evening! This twohour class includes learning line dancing terminology, showing participants steps and full line dances (even some higher-level dances) and tons of fun. Request your favorite songs, and make it a great night. Line Dancing in Frederick is presented by FIBE Dance Line Dance class with instructor Carissa Barth. This event is cash only. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.

Littles New Year’s Bash

2:45 to 4:45 p.m. Jan. 4

Pediatric Movement Center, 4640 Wedgewood Blvd., Suites 101-105, Frederick

$20/child

Kids can get down and celebrate the New Year this Saturday afternoon for two hours full of fun. Join PMC Frederick for a spectacular New Year’s Bash designed especially for little ones. This fun-filled event features a lively dance party where little ones can groove to their favorite tunes, play games and enjoy delicious snacks. Parents and caregivers can enjoy a couple of hours away, worryfree, as drop-off is welcome. Ring in the New Year with laughter, joy and unforgettable memories! Ages 3-6 recommended. Sibling discount available. Participants must be potty trained. Pre-registration required.

Creative Outlet: First Saturday

3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 4

Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick

$2/artist

Spend Saturday afternoon at the Delaplaine Arts Center on Carroll Creek in beautiful downtown Frederick,

Tournament City Games will present its Pokémon League Challenge on Jan. 5.

your mind, then dives into a fun, simple doodling activity. Using crystals, you’ll trace and design your own unique patterns. Whether you’re coming solo, with friends or as a family, this is a great opportunity to de-stress and explore art in a laid-back setting. Pre-registration is required at soulauracah.com. All supplies are included and participants will keep the crystals used during this activity.

•••

Pokémon League Challenge

1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 5

Tournament City Games, 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Unit 804, Frederick $10/player

when kids and adults are invited to drop in and get creative together. Art activities will be stationed at family tables. Each session features a themed arts and crafts project. This month will feature paper quilling with guest artist Alison Armour. This is a great way to make memories together in the city.

Dancing Bear Craft Time

1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 4

Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick Free

On the first Saturday of each month, Dancing Bear — Frederick’s beloved children’s toy store — offers a free craft for all ages to enjoy. This Saturday, head downtown between 1 and

3 p.m. where you can stop in for a fun, creative activity. Before or afterwards, be amazed at the store’s selection of toys, games, building kits, stuffed animals, sensory fidgets, educational workbooks and much more!

Mindful Doodling Workshop

4:30 to 6 p.m. Jan. 5

Soul Aura Crystals and Herbs, 405 N. Market St., Frederick

$15/person

This Sunday, relax, create and connect. Join Soul Aura Crystals and Herbs in downtown Frederick for the Mindful Doodling Workshop. This event is open to all ages and is perfect for anyone wanting to slow down and tap into their creative side. The event starts with a guided meditation to center

Have you checked out Tournament City Games inside the Francis Scott Key Mall yet? If your kids and teens love Pokémon, this store is for them. You can buy, sell and trade Pokémon cards here, and on the first Sunday of the month, you can enter a Pokémon League Challenge! It’s a Best of 1 Standard Format. Entry is $10 to play, and a Prize Pack is included with your entry. The cost per player goes into the prize pool, where prizes go to the top players in each age group. If you miss this Sunday’s tournament, the next one is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 2 and March 2.

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

Photos by Tiffany Mahaney

A world of whimsy awaits at Dancing Bear Toys and Games in downtown Frederick.

Western Maryland’s Winter Wonderland

Little Crossings and the Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville

STORY and PHOTOS by ERIN JONES

Special to The News-Post

The snow-lovers among us have probably looked on Garrett County with envy at some point. After all, how often has Western Maryland been favored with an abundance of snow, while the rest of us watch the forecast eagerly for a mere dusting?

The county holds associations of Deep Creek Lake in the summer or skiing resorts in the winter, as well as rich mountain vistas in all seasons, but nestled in the mountain views is a hidden gem so picturesque, visitors might imagine they have been transported to an alpine village.

Little Crossings and the Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville holds a particular charm when decked out in her snowy winter best. Beneath the quaint exterior lies a deeper mission to celebrate and preserve the local heritage there.

I was driving west on I-70 one afternoon after a disappointing snowfall left the ground wet and the drivers on edge, but somewhere past Hagerstown, as 70 became 68 and the mountains increased in grandeur, the snow flurries began.

I always think of the fluttering opening notes of Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Snowflakes” when a snowfall like that begins, swirling playfully before growing in intensity. Reaching the crest of one vista, I could see the snow falling like a ruffled sheet across the landscape. Over the next, the mountainsides turned white, laced with the leafless trees. By the time I pulled into Grantsville, a fluffy blanket of snow completely covered the grass, frosting every roof of the quaint village.

Situated near Casselman River Bridge State Park, a historical marker proudly states that the name Little Crossings was coined by George Washington. The nearby stone bridge and gristmill date back to the late 1700s.

Today Little Crossings sits on six acres and contains a picturesque cluster of shops and restaurants, marked by a deeply grounded sense of history and a community’s heartfelt efforts to preserve tradition.

At the center of the village is the Penn Alps Restaurant and Craft Shop. Founded by Alta Schrock in the 1950s, the site was part of a large movement to preserve and support the mountain crafts and the region’s heritage. As the restaurant’s site explains, Alta Schrock’s mission was “to provide a marketing arm for their cottage industries, a cultural center to showcase and preserve the area’s arts and crafts, its music, history, and spiritual values and to open a restaurant to serve hearty country fare.”

Many of the founding members of the organization were Amish and Mennonite and of German ancestry.

The German influence is reflected not just aesthetically but in the food and craftsmanship. An extension of the Penn Alps campus and separated by a short footpath sits a cluster of log-and-plank cabins that make up Spruce Forest Artisan Village.

Lantern-lined sidewalks carved paths in the snow, connecting the buildings, and a bonfire crackled in the center. Each of these structures is a shop that plays host and storefront to a different artisan. The village currently hosts artisans in pottery, blacksmithing, weaving and sculpting, among other folk arts. This village not only serves an

The House of Yoder in Spruce Forest Artisan Village.

The Spruce Forest Artisan Village is a cozy winter getaway in Western Maryland.

Little Crossing in Western Maryland is a unique place to shop.

Wonderland

Grantsville

artistic purpose but an educational one, hosting school groups and bus tours.

The House of Yoder rises above the village roofline, serving as a living history museum. The Yoder family immigrated to America from Switzerland in the mid-1700s. They settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, not far over the border from Grantsville, establishing an Amish community.

Yoder family descendants modeled the house after the homes built by their ancestors.

Carefully constructed using traditional building methods, the home is intended not just for the preservation of the family’s heritage

but also for education. The four-story building is full of artifacts and historical representation, not just about the family but about their heritage, faith and craftsmanship.

Another building of local historical significance is the Village Church, which was built in Oakland in 1903 as the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church. In the mid-1990s, it was disassembled, moved and reassembled as part of the Penn Alps property. The building serves as a venue for music programs and other community events.

Across the way from the Spruce Forest Village are several other shops, as well as the cozy Cornucopia Cafe. The cafe manages to combine the fare of a gastropub with the comfort and rustic warmth of an alpine lodge.

A fire roared in the cafe’s fireplace, as the light outside dimmed. After sunset, the village glowed with the twinkling of lights, lanterns, candles and bonfires. The snow swirled in thick, fluffy flakes.

The true warmth of the place is evident in the people. The heart of a community with such love for their heritage and dedication to preserving its beauty shines into the mountainscape with a warmth and resilience that will no doubt continue for years to come.

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

A pottery shop in the Spruce Forest Artisan Village.

The Spruce Forest Artisan Village is charmingly picturesque in the wintertime.

Baltimore Watercolor Society’s Mid -Atlantic Regional Exhibition — through Jan. 5 at Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. The annual regional juried exhibition featuring the work of more than 90 of the best watercolor artists. A variety of educational opportunities will be available during the exhibit. See gaithersburgmd.gov for details. gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/visual-arts.

Community Art Show: The Best of Local Art — through Jan. 7, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 301-791-3132 or washingtoncountyarts.com.

”Floating Beauty: Women and the Art of Ukiyo-e” — through Jan. 12, 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. 301-7395727 or wcmfa.org.

”Unraveling Narratives: A Dialogue in Toile” — through Jan. 12, Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. The exhibition aims to foster a visual conversation that highlights the interplay between tearing, collaging and the rhythmic motion of needle and thread. Works by Kate Norris and Jennifer McBrien. Noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

”Sunflowers & Snow” — through February, Garryowen Irish Pub, 126 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg, Pa. Paintings and prints by Dorothea Barrick. Daily 11 a.m. to midnight. 240-674-9488 or 717-337-2719.

”Imprimatur” — Jan. 3-26, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Imprimatur comes from Latin imprimere, meaning to “imprint” or “impress. We would like to “impress” you with NOMA’s January exhibition featuring four printmakers: Judith Kornett, Andrea McCluskey, Julia Shrecengost and Lisa Tayerle. Their approaches to printmaking include many techniques, styles and subject matter. Reception 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 4, artist talk and demo 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 19. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770 or nomagalleryfrederick.com.

Frederick County Art Association Members Exhibition — Jan. 4-26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media by FCAA’s approximately 100 members.

“Unraveling Narratives: A Dialogue in Toile” features work by Kate Norris and Jennifer McBrien at Gallery B in Bethesda. This is a visual conversation that highlights the interplay between tearing, collaging and the rhythmic motion of needle and thread. Shown here, at left, “Isolation,” by Kate Norris, and at right, “Ms. Spoonbill Goes to Battle,” by Jennifer McBrien.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-6980656 or delaplaine.org.

”Gash” — Jan. 4 through Feb. 23, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Sculpture by Jin Lee. Provoked by recent political controversies surrounding women’s rights, Lee’s work focuses on conflict and responses to conflict’s power to result in transformation for the individual and society. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

”Time Is A Place” — Jan. 4 through Feb. 23, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Noelani Jones’ work in this exhibition focuses on the accrual of thread in woven cloth and its metaphorical and actual connection to time and place. All of the textiles in the exhibition have been made with reciprocity with the land

in mind, from the cultivation of plants for dyeing to the utilization of a foot-powered loom. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 301698-0656 or delaplaine.org.

“Resting in Winter” — Jan. 7 to March 9 at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. This solo exhibition by Gaithersburg photographer Timothy Lynch focuses mainly on close-up imagery of nature. “I named the exhibit ‘Resting in Winter’ because, like us, everything needs time to grow,” says Lynch. “I enjoy exploring artistic expression, particularly botanical photography in winter, showcasing wilting plants and fallen leaves that reveal the beauty of decay. In this process, while life diminishes, beauty endures.” Meet the photographer at a free reception from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 16. 301-258-6394.

Jennifer Hudson: Solo 2025 and Bonnie Zuckerman: Forest of Dreams

Exhibits — Jan. 9 through Feb. 4, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100, Hagerstown. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 9; virtual exhibit available Jan. 11. Hours 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. 301-791-3132 or washingtoncountyarts.com.

Washington County Art Educators Exhibit — Feb. 6 through March 4, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100, Hagerstown. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Virtual exhibit online Feb. 8. Gallery hours 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 301-791-3132 or washingtoncountyarts.com.

Courtesy photo

Helping artists thrive, bringing communities together

‘The Best Local Art of 2024’ in Hagerstown

B y JENNIFER LEE

Special to The News-Post

Art has a way of impacting people, and though it can be subjective, it can bring communities together.

“Art can and does change lives,” said Washington County Arts Council executive director Nicole Abuhamada.

She said it is paramount for WCAC to showcase local artists and their work, so people can take pride in their community. WCAC’s mission is to support local artists and highlight the value they bring.

“Artists revitalize the communities they choose to reside and work in, and communities that lack adequate support for the arts suffer,” Abuhamada said.

The Best Local Art of 2024” exhibition runs until Jan. 7 at the WCAC gallery at 34 S. Potomac St., Suite 100, Hagerstown.

View the exhibition and support local artists Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment, as well as online through the WCAC website and YouTube channel.

This marks the 15th year for the event.

“We represent both formally trained and self-taught artists and do not discriminate based on education [or] background. It is possible to be self-taught and an adept artist,” said gallery manager Chris Brewer.

Each year, selected jurors give awards to the exhibiting artists, and one People’s Choice Award is given (viewers are encouraged to vote on their favorite).

This year’s jurors are from the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and the Hagerstown Community College art department. Awards by the jurors go out to first and second place in 2D art, first and second place in photography, and first and second place in 3D art, as well as Best of Show.

“Jurors ask me every year, ‘How many pieces can we accept?’ And [I] always tell them, ‘As many as you want!’” Brewer said. “We think it is important to accept as many of the

submitted artworks as possible, though we do have to consider space limitations.”

This year’s “Best Local Art” exhibition includes work by 57 artists with a total of 109 pieces in the gallery.

WCAC decided not to constrain the artists with themes.

“The impetus behind ‘best local art’ was to make sure artists were entering newer and their best artworks for the exhibit,” Brewer said.

The “Best Local Art” exhibitions are open for submissions to any and all artists residing in Maryland or within 100 miles of Hagerstown.

“It’s important to us that artists receive monetary awards for their exceptional work wherever possible,” Abuhamada said. “It

is part of our mission to ensure that artists thrive, and that means supporting them in the way of finances as well.”

WCAC does not charge the artists to hang their artwork in the galleries, and everything in the exhibition is for sale. The Gallery Shop online is also available to purchase the artists’ work, but buyers must arrange pickup.

“WCAC has seen many new artists and art forms this year,” Brewer said. “It’s exciting to work with these new artists. [WCAC] is looking forward to reaching even more artists next year. [The exhibitions] bring art and culture to all in downtown Hagerstown and regionally and lends a sense of community pride to those who see and enjoy the show.”

Photos by Washington County Arts Council

The opening reception for “The Best Local Art of 2024” at the Washington County Arts Council gallery in Hagerstown.

Elaine Wolfe at the opening reception.

Frank Auerbach looked again and again. His paintings unlocked inner life.

By SEBASTIAN SMEE

The Washington Post

You have to be ready to receive a painting by Frank Auerbach. The receiving takes time — takes place over time. You look at one of his portraits and it’s not immediately clear where the eyes are or how the head is oriented in space. Accretions of thick, arbitrarily colored paint, or greasy, inchoate blurs created by repeated erasures, sit beneath a handful of short, clinching notations for jaw, eyes, ear or some other structural particularity. These have been applied — or so it can seem — in a panic, at the very last moment, as if in quick response to something never seen before.

And so in fact they were. They were applied to the canvas after hours and weeks and months of looking and painting, and looking again and painting again, until something was seen in a way that had never previously been registered.

Style, Auerbach liked to say, is how you behave in a crisis. Less dramatically, it’s what you decide to do (or simply do, outside of conscious decision-making) when you have banished habitual response and cliché.

There are many ways to make a painting, and Frank Auerbach’s was only one of them. But when I think of painting as a verb and not just a means to the end of image creation — when I think of it as something someone might do as part of the attempt to connect inner life with the world around us, an activity that is all about keeping intimacy and emotion and a feeling of aliveness in play — I can’t really think of anyone in recent times who did it at a higher level than Auerbach.

Auerbach died in November. In the United States, you tend not to hear much about him. But he was one of the most compelling painters on the international stage from the postwar period until now and ought by rights to have been the subject of retrospectives at the Met, or the Art Institute of Chicago, or the Museum of Modern Art.

He wasn’t. But in Britain and Europe, Auerbach was revered — and increasingly understood as more than just an exemplar of the so-called School of London, a group of friends whose youths overlapped with World War II and whose members included Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Leon Kossoff.

Labels are convenient. But almost every designation of a school or movement creates rhetorical froth from diluted understanding. How meaningful is it to describe Edgar Degas as an impressionist? How much of a minimalist, really, was Frank Stella?

don-based painters.

People who have heard the term at all tend to associate the School of London with drab interiors, thick paint, existential angst and postwar gloom. This is at best unhelpful. Just as we should immediately and until further notice uncouple the word “existential” from “angst,” so that we can recognize how enlivening and even erotic existentialist thinking was in the postwar years, we should register how specific, vital and unique was the work of each of these fiercely figurative, Lon-

Each alternative they posited to America’s postwar tilt toward abstraction was persuasive on its own terms. Where the American approach seemed bent on transcending the world of appearances, those artists working in London thought it possible to arrive at something more powerful and convincing by digging deeper into the information received through the eyes.

Robert Hughes, the critic who wrote a brilliant early Auerbach monograph, detected in his work “the peculiar freshness of unmediated experience.” Paradoxically, this freshness was the result of some-

thing that bore all the hallmarks of staleness.

It was produced in a north London studio that Auerbach occupied for 70 years. Hughes called it “a troglodyte’s den of internalization.” The floor, he said, was “encrusted with a deposit of dried paint so deep that it slopes upward several inches, from the wall to the easel.” In his more recent monograph, Auerbach’s friend and frequent model William Feaver described Auerbach “dolloping paint from five-liter cans, coaxing it, fingering it, picking at stickiness.”

Even today, it can be hard to key into Auerbach’s stubbornly opaque and elusive idiom. The work itself can still look very radical. But it was the result of what Hughes called “exacerbation, doggedness, courage, rawness, and the slow formation of his own values.”

Those values were, in other words, fundamentally conservative, humanistic. Auerbach saw himself working in the tradition of Rembrandt, Goya, Manet and Constable. In the 20th century, his forebears were Giacometti, Soutine and De Staël and in England, Walter Sickert and his student David Bomberg (who was also Auerbach’s teacher).

Auerbach, whose parents were murdered by the Nazis two or three years after he, a young boy, was sent to safety in England, believed in intimacy — even as he understood the impediments that stood forever in its way. He grasped the unknowability of other people, the limits of love, the obstacles obstructing our longing for a secure place in the world. He wanted to convey the urgency of the insecurity that he believed was fundamental to our human situation.

His early canvases were made from inordinately thick paint. The critic John Berger described the method as “like knitting with rope.” Later, the paint thinned out and was applied with gestures of wildly varying pressure and speed: sometimes jerky and jabbing, sometimes slow, sinuous, pooling or prodding. He gradually expanded his color palette, which became brighter, at times even buoyant, though it was never what you would call seductive. He had a particular fondness for rusty reds and clashing, acidic greens.

Feaver wrote that Auerbach’s paintings “sometimes give the impression that they can’t believe their luck.” One key to understanding his method — which can feel akin to one of those sudden spurs to Zen Buddhist enlightenment after 10 years’ grueling meditation — is the famous account of a young Picasso requiring more than 90 sittings for his 1906 portrait of Gertrude Stein and then one day scraping it back and do-

Photos courtesy of Estate of artist/Frankie Rossi Art Projects

Frank Auerbach’s “Mornington Crescent with the statue of Sickert’s Father-in-Law III, Summer Morning” (1996). Oil on board.

Frank Auerbach’s “Head of Julia” (1985).

Frank Auerbach’s “Self Portrait” (2010). Graphite, chalk, charcoal and pencil on paper.

ing the whole thing over, all in one go.

“To paint the same head over and over,” said Auerbach, “leads you to its unfamiliarity; eventually you get near the raw truth about it, just as people only blurt out the raw truth in the middle of a family quarrel.”

While we all have a single, unified idea of the achievements of, say, Agnes Martin or Jackson Pollock or Mark Rothko, with Auerbach, no equivalent idea ever really crystallizes. There is only this painting by Auerbach, and then this one, and then the next one.

Before each of them, you feel that the person who made it proceeded as if no one had ever painted a head (or an urban landscape) before, as if inherited rules and conventions never existed, and so the whole thing had to be fixed, discovered or solved in the moment.

Presented with the dark and illegible lock of other human beings, Frank Auerbach set to work, day after day, creating keys out of paint. He was not compelled to see if any of these keys worked. He simply proceeded as if it might be possible that they would.

Artist opportunity at TAG

Artwork that is unseen is incomplete. It is the viewer who completes the work.

TAG/The Artists Gallery members hope your work will be seen by viewers and lovers of art at the downtown Frederick gallery.

“Being Seen” is an exhibit for all artists 18 and up who are eager to share their work. Artistic expression for this show has no limits in terms of style, inspiration or media. The goal is to exhibit engaging, masterfully executed, perplexing or uniquely beautiful works. The subject, or lack of subject, is totally up to the artist.

“Being Seen” is about allowing your work to be seen in a quality gallery setting and regional arts destination.

Juror Zoë Charlton is a professor and director of the School of Art at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where she brings more than two decades of experience in teaching and artistic practice. Charlton will honor a selection of work with cash awards: First Prize: $500; Second Prize: $250; Third Prize: $125; and three honorable mentions of $50 each.

The deadline to submit work is Jan. 5.

For more information or to apply, visit theartistsgalleryfrederick.com

‘Beautiful, dark and joyous’ Principal actor Rishi Jaiswal on ‘Life of Pi’

By SHUAN BUTCHER Special to The News-Post

For some of us, this time of year is when we most pause for self-reflection, examine our faith, and remember those we have loved and lost. It can be a difficult time. We look for light and hope.

There is perhaps no better way to grapple with these things than by experiencing “Life of Pi,” a theatrical production currently at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Based on the highly-acclaimed novel, “Life of Pi” is an epic story of perseverance and hope that will likely speak to us all.

The fictional story centers around a 16-year-old boy named Pi, who finds himself shipwrecked in the middle of the Pacific Ocean while traveling from his native country of India to Canada with his family and animals from his family’s zoo. Stranded on a lifeboat with four companions — a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker — Pi encounters trauma, tragedy and miracles over the grueling 227 days at sea. It is a journey of endurance and hope.

Rishi Jaiswal, one of the principal actors in this national tour, says the nature of this story is an allegory for everything we go through in our daily lives. “We know or sense a higher power,” he said. “We may not know what it is called. We grasp onto any sense of hope and to keep going no matter what. This show inspires us to continue through difficult times.”

Jaiswal, an Indian-American actor, writer, dancer, filmmaker and producer, plays three roles in the show, including Mamaji, Pandit-Ji and the zebra. A Los Angeles based actor, Jaiswal started out as a dancer and has appeared on shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Superstars of Dance” and “Good Morning America.”

He then focused on acting and studied at the University of California Irvine before completing his formal theater training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has appeared on the NBC comedy “American Auto” alongside Ana Gasteyer and was featured on an ABC show with Johnny Knoxville.

Born in California’s Bay Area, Jaiswal moved between India and America, which gives him a good understanding of both cultures. He founded Aikyam Entertainment and wrote, directed, produced and starred in the feature

IF YOU GO

Shows run through Jan. 5 at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. Tickets start at $49, with a limited number of rush tickets potentially available the day of each show for $39. Recommended for age 10 and up. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit kennedy-center.org.

film “Unmasked,” which garnered accolades including Best Thriller (HRIFF), Best Writer (NJIFF) and Best Actor in a Leading Role (IIFA). His play “Radicals” earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Valley Theater Awards.

Being part of the “Life of Pi” cast has, thus far, been one of Jaiswal’s biggest blessings.

“The move played a big role in my life,” he said. “It left a very deep impact on me.”

In addition, his production company is named Aikyam, which means oneness.

“Everything I do is about building unity,” he said. “That is one of my artistic goals, and this production does that as well.”

The primary role Jaiswal plays in the show is that of Mamaji, or “respected uncle.” Mamaji essentially serves as Pi’s mentor in the story and is critical to the storyline.

“This character is like a pseudo father to Pi,” he said. “Pi is like his own child,

and he wants to protect him no matter what.”

Mamaji is a catalyst in the story and helps form the basis of Pi’s identity/. Mamaji “sets out to make Pi strong and ready,” he said.

This role is perfect for Jaiswal, who also teaches kids in schools on a parttime basis.

Because Pi is the only human survivor of the tragedy at sea, remembrance of his childhood and his family are key themes throughout his journey.

“When we are at our darkest times, we cling to our memories as a way to remember our identity and who we are,” Jaiswal said.

“Life of Pi” is an incredible show, the cast and acting phenomenal, and the plot, story and message right on point. But the stagecraft and scenic design exceed expectations. The puppetry suspends belief.

“We treat the puppets as animals,” Jaiswal said. “The puppeteers disappear, and the animals come to life. You become scared of some and fall in love with others.”

Audiences can expect to experience awe, but also joy and so many other emotions.

“It is beautiful, dark and joyous, all at one,” Jaiswal said. “I hope the audience walks away with a deep sense of thought and a new lens to look at the world.”

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

Evan Zimmerman

Taha Mandviwala as Pi and Richard Parker (Toussaint Jeanlouis, Shiloh Goodin, Anna Leigh Gortner), Back-Sinclair Mitchell, Rishi Jaiswal, Betsy Rosen.

Local Mentions Local Mentions

BUFFET DINNER

Mt Airy VFC Auxiliary Fri, Jan 03, 2025 4-7p or until sold out Eat in or Carry-out

Fried Chicken, Fried Shrimp, Scallop Potatoes, Green Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Baked Apples, Cole Slaw, & Buttered Corn Adults: $18; Children 6-12: $8 00

Under 5 is FREE; ($2 extra for carry-out)

Mt Airy VFC Reception Hall

1008 Twin Arch Rd, Mt Airy

Credit or Debit Cards Accepted

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN ORCHARDS

Available in our Market: Empire, Evercrisp, GoldRush, Granny Smith, Fuji Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Jonathan & Gala Apples Seckel & Bosc Pears Kale, White & Sweet Potatoes Fresh Baked Fruit Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Fresh Apple Cider, Jams & Jellies Gift Cards Available 301-271-2737 Open Daily 9am-5pm 15036 North Franklinville Rd Thurmont MD www catoctinmountain orchard com

HILLSIDE

Market Grange No 362

14 South Alley New Market, MD

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Pick Up 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Soups-By the Quart - $9 00

Vegetable Beef Chicken Corn Bean

Sloppy Joe - By the Quart - $14 00

Country Ham Sandwich - $5 00

Advance Orders by

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Place orders by email at newmarketgrangemd @gmail.com or call Vicki at 301-799-9168

Please indicate quantity, name, and phone number Cash, Check or Credit

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

•

• Appliance Removal

• Bed and Mattress Removal

Services

• Mulch Delivery

• Lawnmower & Equipment Removal

• Light Demo

• Welding repairs and fabrication

• Hauling needs

• Dump trailer available for rent

GREAT PRICES! 20% Off 1st Job! Please call to enquire Talkinscrap@yahoo.com

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,

Thursday Jan. 2

ETCETERA

Teen Time: Tile Coasters — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Make a drink coaster out of a ceramic tile! This program is for teens in 6th through 12th grades (ages 11-18). 301-600-7250.

frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

Friday Jan. 3

CLASSES

Fridays are for Fun and Crafting —

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Brook Hill United Methodist Church, 8946 Indian Springs Road, Frederick. Use the time for scrapbooking, card making or whatever kind of craft you may do and enjoy. The cost is $20 to get your space, room for the day. BYO lunch or snacks. Pre-register. 18 and older.

$20 entrance fee. 301-712-6759. shelleysscrapshack@gmail.com. meetup.com/Shelleys-Scrap-Shack/.

Line Dancing in Frederick — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bernard W. Brown Community Center, 629 N. Market St., Frederick. This two-hour class includes learning line dancing terminology, showing participants steps and full line dances (even some higher level line dances) and tons of fun! Request your favorite songs. Line Dancing in Frederick is presented by FIBE Dance Line Dance class with instructor Carissa Barth. This event is cash only. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.

$10 adults, $5 child 11 and under.

ETCETERA

Auxiliary Friday Night Dinner — 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co. Reception Hall, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy. Fried chicken and shrimp dinner with sides. Carryouts $20. Desserts for purchase.

$18 adults, $8 ages 6-12, 5 and under free. 301-829-0100. info@mavfc.org. www.mavfc.org.

Saturday Jan. 4

CLASSES

Supporting Optimal Thyroid Functioning — 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The

Common Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. The thyroid gland is one of the most important organs in the body. In fact, it touches almost every single cell and can influence each organ’s functioning. For this reason, it’s essential to support healthy thyroid functioning in order to achieve optimal health. In this course, learn about the different root causes of dysfunction, how to investigate and assess your thyroid functioning, understand how specific nutrition and minerals support or hinder thyroid functioning, all about light and its impact on the thyroid, and how to implement simple strategies on your own to support your thyroid.

$20 - $40. 301-663-3416. aharmon@ commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ supporting-optimal-thyroid-functioning/.

FAMILY

Theatricks Circus Experience of Frederick (All Ages) — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Enjoy a circus show with Theatricks Circus Experience of Frederick, followed by hands-on lessons to learn juggling, plate spinning and other circus skills. Designed for all ages. You’re never too old to learn a fun, new trick! Theatricks is a social circus program and school! The organization promotes life skills through practice and performance of circus arts. https://theatricks.net. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

Craft Time — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick. On the first Saturday of every month, Dancing Bear offers a free craft for all ages to enjoy. 301-631-9300. dbeartoys.com.

Littles New Year’s Bash — 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Pediatric Movement Center, 4640 Wedgewood Blvd., Suites 101-105, Frederick. This fun-filled event features a lively dance party where little ones can groove to their favorite tunes, play games and enjoy snacks. Parents and caregivers can enjoy a couple of hours away, worry-free, as drop-off is welcome. Ages 3-6 recommended, sibling discount available. Participants must be potty-trained. Pre-registration required https://www.hisawyer.com/ pediatric-movement-center/schedules/ activity-set/1154930?day=2025-0104&view=cal&source=camps. $20 per child.

GALLERY

Art Matters Artist Talk: Members of the Frederick County Art Association — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Members of FCAA discuss their work in this year’s members exhibition. 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

Exhibition Openings: Jin Lee, FCAA and Noelani Jones — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View exhibitions and meet the artists! Beat the crowds and visit us earlier in the day! Frederick County Art AssociationMembers ExhibitionWorks in a variety of mediaJan 4-26The annual FCAA exhibition features members’ artworks in a variety of media, including paintings, photography, mixed media, drawings, collages, ceramics, and sculpture. FCAA’s approximately 100 members range from casual painters to full-time professionals. Vote for your favorite piece at the front desk; the artwork with the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award.Jin LeeGashSculptureJan 4-Feb 23Provoked by recent political controversies surrounding women’s rights, Lee’s work focuses on conflict and responses to conflict’s power to result in transformation for the individual and society.Noelani JonesTime is a PlaceWorks in a variety of mediaJan 4-Feb 23Jones’s work in this exhibition focuses on the accrual of thread in woven cloth and its metaphorical and actual connection to time and place. All of the textiles in the exhibition have been made with reciprocity with the land in mind, from the cultivation of plants for dyeing to the utilization of a foot-powered loom. 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

Creative Outlet for January — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Kids and adults are invited to drop-in and get creative together on art activities at family tables! Each session features a themed activity. This month will feature paper quilling with guest artist Alison Armour. Please, no large groups.

$2 per participant. 301-698-0656. jclark@ delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

Sunday Jan. 5 CLASSES

Dream Builder Life Coaching — 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at MIddletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. This workshop will provide an overview on how to create a life you love, using a proven, reliable, repeatable method. As a DreamBuilder Life Coach certified by the The Brave Thinking Institute, Janice Long loves making DREAMS come true. 18 and older.

301-600-7560. lgrackin@ frederickcountymd.gov. fcpl.org/calendar.

ETCETERA

Epiphany: Jesus Revealed — 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Natelli Family YMCA, 3481 Campus Drive, Ijamsville. Epiphany celebrates how the star led the Three Kings or Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The word comes from the Greek meaning “to reveal.” Epiphany is when the baby Jesus was revealed to the world. 240-285-9758. pastor@livinggraceurbana. org. livinggraceurbana.org.

NOW OPEN IN FREDERICK

FAMILY

Pokemon League Challenge — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tournament City Games, 5500 Buckeystown Pike, Unit 804, Frederick. If your kids and teens love Pokémon, this store is for them. You can buy, sell, and trade Pokémon cards here, and on the first Sunday of the month, you can enter a Pokémon League Challenge! It’s a Best of 1 Standard Format. Entry is $10 to play and a Prize Pack is included with your entry. The cost per player goes into the prize pool, where prizes go to the top players in each age group. $10 per player. 301-401-8202. tournamentcitygames.gg.

Mindful Doodling Workshop — 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Soul Aura Crystals and Herbs, 405 N. Market St., Frederick. This event is open to all ages and is perfect for anyone wanting to slow down and tap into their creative side. The event starts with a guided meditation to center your mind, then dive into a fun, simple doodling activity. Using crystals, you’ll trace and design your own unique patterns. All supplies are included and participants will keep the crystals used during this activity. Pre-registration required. $15 person. www.soulauracah.com/products/mindful-doodling-workshop.

GALLERY

Downtown Artwalk: Lori Boocks — noon to 4 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Take a self-guided jaunt downtown and visit local galleries! At the Delaplaine, Lori Boocks will be showcasing small, vibrant paintings on wood.  301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

Tuesday Jan. 7

FAMILY

Elementary Explorers: Create Your Own Mythical Creature — 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Are you a fan of the mythical creatures found in book series such as the Harry Potter or Percy Jackson books? Learn all about mythical creatures and have fun creating your own. This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10). 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

Wednesday Jan. 8

ETCETERA

Bingo — 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at St. Peter’s Parish in Sappington Hall, 9190 Church St., Libertytown. A fun and friendly Bingo sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 13290. You must be at least 18 years of age to play. $300 Jackpot. Doors open at 6 p.m. Early bird games start at 6:45 p.m. and regular call starts at 7 p.m. Prizes are increased depending on the size of the crowd. Plenty of food and beverages are

available for purchase. Proceeds help fund our charitable programs for outreach to the parish and the community. $20. kclibertytown13290@gmail.com. Valley Quilters, TLC meeting — 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3864 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson. Valley Quilters, TLC meets the first Wednesday of each month. Open to all ages and levels, the guild offers teaching, learning and companionship to those interested in the art of quilting. Visitors are always welcome. For more information and to RSVP, contact Peggy at valleyquiltersTLC@gmail.com. valleyquiltersTLC@gmail.com.

FAMILY

W.A.G.S. Press Paws for Teens — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks, 1635 Ballenger Creek Pike, Point of Rocks. Teens and tweens! Relax and relieve stress by spending time petting an adorable dog friend. Therapy dogs are provided by Wags for Hope volunteers, whose pets bring comfort and joy to the lives of others. 301-874-4560. scwells@frederickcountymd. gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/wagspress-paws-teens-141575.

Evening Storytime — 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Join us for an evening of stories, songs and games! This program is for children ages up to 5 with a caregiver. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

Thursday Jan. 9

ETCETERA

Senior Cafe: The Place to Come for Coffee, Conversation, Friendship and Fun Events! Ask a Physical Therapist — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Tom Sutton from MedStar Physical Therapy in Frederick will be here to answer questions and demonstrate therapies that can benefit people of all ages. 21 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

“A Real Rap Show” — Live Music — 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery Riverside, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. If you like watching innovative live music in Frederick, then we need your support to keep it going! Check out these AWESOME musical acts “A Real Rap Show” created by Demetrius. Some of the best talent in the DMV right here in Frederick! No cover, free to attend, 21 and older only.  301-372-4880. matt@rockwellbrewery.com. www.facebook.com/ events/425882403794039.

FAMILY

Teen Time: Minecraft — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Come build, explore, and play Minecraft with fellow teens at the library! This program is for teens in 6th

through 12th grades (ages 11-18). 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

FILM

Classic Film Series: “Great Expectations” (1946) — 7:30 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Pip, a poor orphan who befriends an escaped convict and who grows up in the company of a bitter old woman, Miss Havisham, and her haughty young ward, Estella. Pip learns the rewards of both vindictiveness and gratitude as a result of these events. Sponsored by Wonder Book.

$7 adult, $5 military, child, ages 62 and older and students. weinbergcenter.org.

GALLERY

Art at NIGHT: Sculptor Toby Mendez — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Join us for an evening with Maryland-based sculptor Toby Mendez. Mendez primarily focuses on figurative commissions, combining a classical approach with a contemporary eye for site design. He has been creating sculpture in both the private and public sphere for over 30 years, including large public works such as the Thurgood Marshall memorial (1996) at State House Square in Annapolis, and the Orioles Legends Celebration Series (2012) at Camden Yards. This talk will be accompanied by a tasting from McClintock’s Distilling. 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

Friday Jan. 10

CLASSES

American Red Cross Virtual Volunteer Information Session — noon to 1 p.m. at Virtual, Frederick. Learn about positions at the Frederick blood donation center, with disaster action teams and much more. Learn first-hand from volunteers and staff what it means to be a Red Cross Volunteer. The open house will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. You can join with or without video through your phone or computer. Pre-register for more information. Register at redcross.org/volopenhouse and meeting information will be sent to you upon registration. 410-913-9154. kristi.giles@redcross.org. redcross.org/local/dc-va-md-de/volunteer/ volunteer-services.html.

Saturday Jan. 11

2025 Mid-Maryland Beekeeping Class for Beginners — 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Walkersville United Methodist Church, 22 Main St., Walkersville. Continues Jan. 18 and 25 (snow date Feb. 1)Sponsored by the Frederick County Beekeeping Association. This series of classes covers beekeeping basics to best prepare would-be beekeepers to establish and maintain honeybee colonies. Traditionally,

beekeeping associations in our area offer these courses in the winter months so that students are better able to order bees and equipment before spring. The cost for the course is $90 per person for the first adult and $80 for a second person. Pre-registration required. info@frederickbees.org.

Pull This, Plant That: Invasive Plants & Native Plant Alternatives — 10 a.m. to noon at University of Maryland Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick. Find out why and how to replace non-native plants —especially invasives — with natives that help our native birds, butterflies and other pollinators. You will learn to accurately identify and control invasive plants and discover native alternatives that are beneficial and beautiful. 301-600-1596. strice@umd.edu. bit.ly/FCMG25-InvasiveNatives.

Wreath Making Demo — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join Lori Himes with A Bloom as she demonstrates how to make a dried floral wreath. Make your own wreath to take home while supplies last. 18 and older.

301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

Holistic Support for Perimenopause — 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Common Market, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Together with clinical herbalist Amy Boldt, MS, we’ll explore options for this natural (possibly challenging) transition in life. It’s time to dispel the old narrative and to shift the perspective, while at the same time learning about the changes that occur within the body. Find ways to naturally support common complaints such as hot flashes, mood swings, and disrupted sleep through herbs, diet and lifestyle. 21 and older. $20.00 - $40.00. 301-663-3416. aharmon@ commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ holistic-support-for-perimenopause/.

ETCETERA

New Year Sound Bath & Tea Ceremony with Lauren & Brian Dodge — 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Fox Haven Farm & Retreat Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Using singing bowls and other vibrational instruments, this 90-minute sound bath utilizes frequency, vibration and stillness to create a meditative and relaxing environment — promoting a sense of calm and peace. Bring your favorite tea mug or cup and yoga mat or meditation pillow, your favorite “tool” (ex. journal, tarot deck, paintbrush, running shoes, crystal, etc.) to focus your intention and re-charge your chosen object with blessings for the upcoming new year. 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. Meet your Teachers, Lauren & Brian Dodge:Our mutual love for community and learning has led us to this path filled by botanicals, philosophy, nature, ritual, science and alchemy. We are so proud to be your sound bath meditation guides and look forward to sharing this ritual offering from Fruits to the Roots. It is our deepest wish to inspire intentional exploration and

encourage you to revel in your own Unique Beauty daily. $25-$45. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org/events/new-year-soundbath-tea-ceremony-with-lauren-briandodge/.

Author Talk & Tea Tasting with Paulella Burchill — 11 a.m. to noon at Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks, 1635 Ballenger Creek Pike, Point of Rocks. Celebrate National Hot Tea Month with Paulella Burchill, author and tea sommelier, who will talk about her new book, “I Want to Drink That!” Enjoy samples and techniques for making different kinds of delicious tea beverages.

301-874-4560. scwells@frederickcountymd. gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ alt-date-tea-tasting-lecture-paulellaburchill-140832.

Marriage at the Mansion — noon to 4 p.m. at Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg. Planning your dream wedding and don’t know where to start? Need unique inspiration so your special day stands out? Get one-of-a-kind ideas at the Kentlands Mansion Bridal Show. Gaithersburg’s elegant 19th-century estate provides the perfect setting to jump-start your wedding planning process or put the finishing touches on your special day. $5 advance & $10 at the door. 301-2586425. kentlands@gaithersburgmd.gov. ci.ovationtix.com/36508/production/1205460.

FAMILY

Birdwatching Walk — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Windy Ridge Park, Prospect Road, access through East West Park, Mount Airy. An enlightening bird watching walk where you’ll discover the art of identifying bird species by their unique flight patterns. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, come practice your birdwatching skills and deepen your appreciation for our feathered friends. Hosted by Town of Mount Airy. RSVP by Jan. 4. The event is free and open to the public. Bring your binoculars (if you have them) and water. Also consider bringing a cellphone with the Merlin Bird ID app downloaded. We look forward to seeing you there for a morning filled with discovery and learning! Please RSVP by Jan. 4 by emailing parksmanager@ mountairymd.gov or calling 301-829-1424 ext. 135.  301-829-1424, ext. 135. parksmanager@ mountairymd.gov. www.mountairymd.gov.

Puzzle and Game Swap — 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Myersville Community Library, 8 Harp Place, Myersville. Bring your gently used puzzles and games to the library to exchange with others! Please be sure that all contributions are in good condition and include all pieces.

301-600-8350. rkurtz@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/puzzleand-game-swap-145179.

FILM

Silent Film Series: “The Plastic Age” (1925) — 3 p.m. at Weinberg Center for

the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Hugh Carver is an athletic star and a freshman at Prescott College. He falls in love with Cynthia Day, a popular girl who loves to go to parties. He finds that it is impossible to please her and still keep up with his studies and his athletic training, and soon the two face some difficult decisions.

$7, $5 military, child, 62 and older, students. 301-600-2828. weinbergcenter.org.

Silent Film Series: “Laila” (1929) — 7:30 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A spirited Norwegian Lass is torn between two suitors and two cultures.

$7 adults, $5 military, child, 62 and older and students. 301-600-2828. weinbergcenter.org.

GALLERY

Adult Crafternoon: Color Theory with Watercolor — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Public Library , 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Learn about color theory with a watercolor project. Feel free to bring your own project to work on and enjoy time with other crafters in the community. 18 and older.

eschenkelberg@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ adult-crafternoon-color-theory-149395.

Sunday Jan. 12

ETCETERA

Jane Austen Tea Party and Trivia Challenge — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. A fun afternoon of fellowship and tea in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday! Enjoy some tea and light refreshments while learning more about Jane Austen’s world. We will have teas to sample, goodies to eat, and Jane Austen trivia questions to answer.  301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

Martin Brothers — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Bluegrass music.

HEALTH

Mindfulness Program — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at MIddletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Relief, fulfillment and self-understanding become radically more available when we view mindfulness practice through a broader lens of skill development. Learn how to practice mindfulness skills to improve concentration, sensory clarity and equanimity. This program is presented by Josh White. 18 and older. 301-600-7560. lgrackin@frederickcountymd.gov.

MUSIC & ARTS

Calvary UMC Community Concert Series: Marjory Serrano-Coyer, violinist, Dr. Hsin-Yi Chen, pianist — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. Second St., Frederick. An unforgettable mu-

sical journey called “Tranquil Turbulence: A Musical Odyssey.” Experience the charm and elegance of Salzburg with Mozart’s masterful Sonata No. 26 in B flat major. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant, exotic rhythms and harmonies with a sonata by Venezuelan composer Angel Sauce. Finally, conclude the odyssey with the powerful and expressive Sonata in A major by French composer César Franck. 301-662-1464. jsummers@calvaryumc.org. www.CalvaryUMC.org/concerts.

Tuesday Jan. 14

CLASSES

Sol Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join us for this free yoga class offered by Sol Yoga.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothes. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

FAMILY

Elementary Explorers: LEGO Building Time — 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Calling all fans of LEGO. Join us if you’re a new fan of LEGO or an experienced builder. We will enjoy time building and creating with LEGO bricks. This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10). 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

Wednesday Jan. 15

CLASSES

Chair One Fitness: A Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities — 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Get a seated workout and dance to the music with Deidre Burriss of Chair One Fitness! This program is intended for adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

FAMILY

Lego Information Session — 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Do your children love building with LEGO? Have you wondered about how to foster their love of all things LEGO? Children’s Librarian Monica will share tips and ideas on how to bring LEGO building to a new level! Monica is the mother of two grown sons who loved (and still love!) LEGO. This informational program is intended for adults, however, your children are welcome — LEGO bins will be available for LEGO fans to create with during this presentation. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ heart-health-month-eating-protect-yourheart-117629.

HEALTH

Friends In Frederick Parkinson’s Disease Support Group — noon to 2 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville. The Friends In Frederick Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will begin the new year thinking about Parkinson’s Disease medications with Patricia Cash. Cash received her Doctor of Pharmacy in 1985. She currently works with the Frederick Integrated Health Network to improve outcomes for community dwelling Medicare patients. Lunch will be provided by the support group dining committee beginning at noon. 240-815-0080. john.nicodemus@verizon. net. fifpdsg.org/.

Thursday Jan. 16 CLASSES

Queer Art Social! — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Common Market, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Come paint, draw, create, make and mingle every third Thursday of the month in our Community Room! Bring something you are working on and or start a new project! You do not have to be a visual artist to attend, all forms of creating are welcome! This is a FREE drop-in social gathering! Music, sparkly drinks, tea and limited art supplies will be provided. 301-663-3416. aharmon@ commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classesevents/queer-art-social-4/2025-01-16/.

BYOS: Yoga & Art — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Bring your own supplies and get ready to respond to this session’s featured source of inspiration: artistic mindfulness through yoga. Caroline Orlowski, artist, yoga instructor, and former Delaplaine intern, will lead the group in guided movement and meditation to practice intentionality with art. Bring your own artistic medium of choice (and yoga mat!) Easels are available. No yoga experience necessary. All bodies are welcome! Registration is encouraged.

$10 ($8 members). 301-698-0656. jclark@ delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/programs/.

The Cutting-Edge Science of Wellness: Keys to Self-Care with Dr. Jedidiah Smith — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Common Market, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. The most recent research in Quantum Neurobiology is changing the way we understand trauma and how it effects the human mind and body. It’s also revealing more effective ways of treating trauma.  Join us for a five-week series and in-depth discussion concerning this fascinating research.

$40-$80. 301-663-3416. aharmon@ commonmarket.coop. www.commonmarket.coop/classesevents/the-cutting-edge-science-ofwellness-keys-to-self-care-with-drjedidiah-smith/.

IN DOWNTOWN FREDERICK

January 4

UNTIL 9PM

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and treat yourself to a rejuvenating weekend in charming Downtown Frederick! Join us for First Saturday where you’ll find shopping, dining, gallery openings and special wellness-centered events throughout downtown to unwind, refresh and recharge. Stick around for Sunday Artwalk from 12-4pm on January 5, for self-guided gallery tours. downtownfrederick.org

Photo credit: Bill Adkins