The Love Local Edition
Coretta Scott King once said that the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. It’s no wonder we think Frederick is pretty great—we have the enormous privilege to shine a spotlight on deserving community members who embody heartfelt, unwavering compassion in such tangible ways.
February is our Love Local Edition and there’s so much to love!
It is our joy to link arms with local award-winning artist Yemi Fagbohun, whose artwork is gracing our cover yet again as we anticipate the 3rd Annual African Americans of Excellence (AAOE). Yemi founded this creative, collaborative experience in 2023 to celebrate the rich contributions of African Americans through art and student works—and it has continued to grow in beautiful, dynamic ways. Supported by caring individuals and organizations, the mission is to inspire, educate and promote community healing by fostering dialogue, understanding and unity while honoring cultural achievements. In the pages ahead, you’ll get to learn a bit about this year’s honorees and the widespread impact they’ve made in Frederick and beyond. Join us at the kickoff event on February 5th at the Weinberg Center to experience the power of AAOE and the “kaleidoscope of people” it brings together. For more info and tickets, visit AAOEFrederick.org .
“I’ll be there for you…” Did a familiar theme song just pop in your head? All you Friends fans out there, the fountain photo on the next page was taken for you!
If I can describe one of the key epicenters of genuine care, love and support in Frederick County, it’s the Chamber of Commerce. As a first time business owner whose ink was still drying on the sale when covid hit, I think back to how on earth I survived that. God’s grace hands down but second to that, the Frederick Chamber. I will forever be grateful for their intentionality and effort that has helped open more doors I can count and grow my business to new heights—even in a pandemic. Most of all, they care for me as a person, not just a member. Pictured above is President, CEO and most importantly, dear friend, Rick Weldon. I honor you, Rick, and the ripples of impact in your wake. Thank you and your team for always “being there” for us!
In addition to several heartfelt stories, we’ve curated ways for you to love local all around town—whether celebrating Valentine’s or shaking off winter blues, we’ve got something for you. Enjoy!
Happy February!
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sierra Moore | Sierra.Moore@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography
JenniferVarriale@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Holland, Sierra Moore
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Terry Ali, Esther Davis, Alex Edwards, Janie Jones, Tiffany Kowalsky, Rudy Marsh, Jennifer Varriale
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
AMBER SMITH, PUBLISHER @FREDERICKLIFESTYLE
inside the issue
Original cover art by international, award-winning artist, Yemi Fagbohun, features honorees selected by AARCH Society for the African Americans of Excellence (AAOE) Exhibit 2025: Scott Ambush, Kavonté Duckett, Earl Robbins, Dr. Denise Rollins, Gayon Sampson, Dr. Renee ThomasSpencer and Theresa Williams-Harrison.
“Every
Celebrate love with a giving heart this Valentine’s Day! For every full-price purchase, we’ll donate UP TO 10% to our charity highlight of the month, to extend the circle of love to those who need it most. Shop with us to receive a travel jewelry box with purchases over $250.*
Photo: Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Oikonomia 2024 was an inspiring evening celebrating God’s work through kingdom-driven business leaders in Maryland. Rooted in the New Testament concept of ‘oikonomia,’ meaning stewardship, the event at the Delaplaine Arts Center included fellowship, worship, impactful speakers and a delicious dinner. The highlight was the Maryland BaaM (Business as a Ministry) Awards, honoring Scott Ryser of Yakabod, Marlene Young of the Delaplaine Foundation and William “Bill” Phebus of Metro Bobcat for their exceptional Christian leadership (pictured together with their awards). The night was a testament to faith, encouragement and the shared mission of stewarding God’s blessings in the workplace. To view the stories of these honorees, visit: Oikonomia2024.com
8-14: Our Frederick Lifestyle Christmas Party was a festive celebration filled with gratitude and holiday cheer! We came together at local gem Cugino Forno Napoleon Pizza to honor the amazing partners, collaborators and supporters who make this publication possible. The evening featured mouthwatering pizzas baked to perfection, fresh salads from Cugino Forno, delicious desserts crafted by Sage Cakery and prizes for best dressed! CuginoForno.com | SageCakery.com
PURPLE DONUT STUDIOS
FREDERICK LIFESTYLE
CAPITAL RIVER WEALTH MANAGEMENT
DENTAL ARTS OF FREDERICK
BRIAN D. HALL DDS
CUGINO FORNO
TREE TREKKERS
City of Frederick Partners with MSA and Attain Sports to Revitalize Harry Grove Stadium
The City of Frederick, Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and Attain Sports are set to renovate the iconic Harry Grove Stadium. With a $39 million investment, the upgrades aim to meet MLB standards, enhance community pride, and attract a future Minor League Baseball team. The design phase is expected to finish by 2025, with construction completed by 2026 without disrupting play. MLBDraftLeague.com/Frederick
Your Choice for Classic Cuts in Frederick
Gentlemen’s Choice Barber Shop, a local favorite since 1972, offers classic barbering with a modern touch. Owned by Amanda Blumenauer and Kevin Fogg, Gentlemen’s Choice serves everyone in the family—from kids’ cuts to styling for all. Join in on supporting a Frederick institution that continues to blend tradition and innovation for over 50 years. Discover why Gentlemen’s Choice is more than a name; it’s our community's staple. GentlemensChoiceBarberStylist.com
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A Downtown Frederick Gem
InBloom Jewelry has come into its own as a Downtown Frederick destination for designing, repairing and shopping for one-of-a-kind fine jewelry. While InBloom may have started with a staff of one, it has since grown into a nine person team of talented individuals, all dedicated to serving love through artistry. In 2024, four exciting new hires were made. The InBloom team can’t wait to see what the future brings as the business continues to blossom! InBloomJewelry.com
Still Moving Forward
ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY ALI, ESTHER DAVIS, ALEX EDWARDS, TIFFANY KOWALSKY, RUDY MARSH, JENNIFER VARRIALE
Artwork Created by Yemi Fagbohun
Like many who find a full-fledged career in music, Scott Ambush grew up surrounded by other musicians. His mother sang in a traveling gospel group, and he remembers her love of artists such as Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin. When he was 12 years old, he started playing drums in his first rock band. “Music was always in the house,” he says.
Not long afterward, he shifted to playing bass and had some of his first experiences playing local gigs. His Uncle Harry encouraged an interest in R&B and finally his cousin, a pianist, turned him on to jazz. Jazz is what stuck.
Scott Ambush
Renowned Musician
Ambush also early on shifted focus from a college degree in psychology to pursuing music full-time. Since then, he hasn’t looked back. He spent years in the DC music scene building connections, which led to an eventual opportunity to audition with jazz fusion supergroup Spyro Gyra. He’s been Spyro Gyra’s bass player since 1992, and the band celebrated its 50th anniversary tour in 2024. Highlights, for Ambush, have included being part of 5 Grammy nominations, traveling to over 70 countries, and getting to meet and perform with legends and some of his own favorite artists such as Herbie Hancock. Ambush continues to tour, play and record, but he’s stayed local: “Frederick is a great place to come home to,” he says. A complementary passion Ambush pursues is building bass instruments as a luthier – he says he’s always had an interest in DIY. He looks forward to giving this more of his time as he eventually moves out of full-time performance – another chapter in an inspiring career.
Portrait captured by Terry Ali
Kavonté Duckett
Political Leader
Kavonté Duckett developed a personal commitment to community service from a very young age. His great-grandparents, he says, taught him the value of family and community and he knew he wanted to give back to Frederick specifically, as a Frederick native. At Tuscarora High School, he joined the young men’s leadership organization the Necktie Club and he had the opportunity to serve as the Vice President and later the President of the Student Government at FCC. He remembers developing a good relationship with the board of directors and serving on FCC’s Presidential Search Committee.
His experiences in Student Government gave him the confidence to set his sights higher – at Frederick’s County Council. After an initial unsuccessful run in 2018 – in which he “learned a lot,” he says – he was elected in 2022 as Frederick’s first County Councilor of color and also one of its youngest. At the same time, he was also serving as the Shelter Director for Beyond Shelter Frederick (formerly Frederick’s Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs), a position he held for four years and continued as an assistant at the Rollins Life Celebration Center. Duckett is currently finishing his mortuary degree
and plans to continue serving the community through the Life Celebration Center, where he is now Director of Operations.
Some of his other community engagements include membership at the Elks Lodge, serving as a board member for AARCH, as well as for the historical African American Fairview Cemetery. Government, though, he says, was always what he’d held as an aspiration: “Representation is important and if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” He hopes to continue shaping the conversation and building a better world for his five-year-old son.
Portrait captured by Rudy Marsh of Lytebox Photography
Theresa Williams-Harrison is that rare leader who has committed herself to mentoring others both in high-flying business success and the day-to-day struggles of personal life. A founder and entrepreneur behind multiple successful companies, she has also found herself supporting cancer patients and helping to alleviate loneliness. No matter what she has faced and surmounted, she turns it around and finds a way to help bring others through the same things. “If there’s a need,” she says, “I’m going to see how I can help.”
From 1996 – 2008, Theresa was co-owner and president of Athenyx, LLC, which reached #7 on the Greater Washington
Theresa Williams-Harrison
Business Leader
Technology Fast50 list and was eventually acquired. From there, she founded and now serves as President of George Street Services, Inc. a leading cyber security company that provides digital services, software engineering, IT and management services to the federal government and commercial companies.
She has also founded a nonprofit called Just a Kind Note, International, which engages people to write handwritten notes for the elderly, hospital patients, first responders, and others in need of love and support. She serves unofficially as an “informed listener” and “supporter” for those in the community struggling with cancer – after surviving her own three-year breast cancer battle.
A bestselling author according to USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and Amazon, Williams-Harrison has authored two books, Business Success Secrets and Yes, You ARE Able. She is a passionate advocate and mentor for women and minority business owners. Williams-Harrison balances her own work with numerous other board memberships and community commitments. In everything she does, she seeks to “open her heart and life” and offer perspective on “pushing our limits,” so that we all “can go further than we knew we could go.”
Portrait captured by Alex Edwards of Marie Rose Photography
Earl Robbins
Educator and Advocate
When Earl Robbins and his wife were looking at moving to Frederick in 1976, they asked some friends from DC and Baltimore about the area and if they recommended it. The friends warned against Frederick-it wasn’t known for being welcoming to people of color, they said-but the Robbinses took the leap anyway. Decades later, Robbins has become a pillar of the community and has been a key player in multiple efforts toward positive change.
In addition to building a career with manufacturer Alcoa, Inc., where he retired as the Director of State and Local Government Affairs, he also became active in community organizing efforts. Along with fellow activists such as William O. (Bill) Lee, Warren Dorsey and Chris Tyree, Robbins formed the Political Umbrella Group of Frederick County (PUG) in the late 1980s as “a voice for the Black community in politics.” An involved civic leader, Robbins was appointed to and served as president of the Board of Education, Frederick’s United Way, the Chamber of Commerce and the Hood College Board of Associates.
Much of his other work has centered around building the next generation. With his fraternity, the Frederick Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, he helped found the Necktie Club at Frederick
High School in 1995, which helps primarily young Black men cultivate leadership skills and dress for success (it has since spread to other county high schools). He also was a founding board member of education organization Eliminating Achievement Gaps (EAG).
Maybe the best symbol of his success in community building, though, has been the program he and Kappa Alpha Psi developed to recognize Black honor roll students. “Senior Scholars,” as they call them, are awarded a kente cloth to wear during graduation. “We had to hand the program off to another organization,” Robbins says. “The fraternity couldn’t afford it anymore – there were too many kente cloths to buy.”
Portrait captured by Tiffany Kowalsky Photography
Dr. Denise Rollins credits her sense of purpose in the community to family members who raised her with an attitude toward service. A Frederick native, her father’s grandfather was Frederick’s first Black undertaker, a particularly amazing fact considering that Rollins has found her calling helping the Frederick community heal during times of loss and grief.
She gravitated toward mission work early on, starting her first nonprofit for African American cultural enrichment at the age of 22 and then went on to spend 23 years as an accountant in the corporate world. After her mother, aunt and
Dr. Denise Rollins
Non-Profit Trailblazer
husband all passed within a short period of time, she decided to rebuild her life during the process of healing and serve others who were experiencing deep loss, as well.
While earning a thanatology Master’s degree at Hood College in 2011, she connected with Gary Rollins, director of the Gary L. Rollins Funeral Home. Their shared sense of purpose blossomed into a second marriage for both of them (both had lost previous spouses), and Denise’s nonprofit, Whole Heart Grief and Life Resource Center, found a new home at what became the Rollins Life Celebration Center. Now the two partner to care for the needs of clients in a forward-thinking and holistic way, offering support that goes beyond the funeral service.
In the wider community, Rollins has spearheaded efforts as a board member of the Ausherman Family Foundation to develop a grant program for Black-led nonprofits and she also serves on the board of Frederick Health Hospital. “My father died at this hospital, which didn’t allow Black patients when he was born,” she says, reflecting on Frederick’s changes. “I want to be a part of further progress and be at the table to make a difference.”
Portrait captured by Esther Davis of EA Pixelz Photography
Gayon Sampson
Government Leader
Gayon Sampson first sparked an interest in government while at South Frederick Elementary School, learning about American history. He says he noticed how quickly things were able to shift for African Americans with the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act by the Lyndon Johnson administration. He saw how this legislation “changed the way the country was able to help others,” he says, and how government was a “key forum for progress.” This instilled an early desire to pursue a governmental career.
Sampson has been very successful in that pursuit, holding positions as a policy associate with the Greater Baltimore Committee, a community outreach advisor at Johns Hopkins University’s Office of Government and Community Affairs and also working on Capitol Hill and with the Maryland General Assembly. Finally, however, Sampson has returned to serve the community he grew up in – and where he is an 8th generation native. He has been the Senior Advisor to the Mayor of the City of Frederick since 2018.
Sampson has also received a number of awards and distinctions, including “Towson University Emerging Student
Leader” (where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science), “Black Frederick Rising Star,” the “NAACP Youth Award of Excellence” and the “Eliminating the Achievement Gap Man of Distinction Award.” He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maryland, College Park School of Public Policy.
Today, he takes pride in holding a position of leadership in the same City Hall that his grandfather was once barred from entering. “Government creates space for people to exist, to function, and to be who they want to be,” he says.
Portrait captured by Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography
Looking back on her career, Dr. Renee Thomas-Spencer feels that it’s been marked by a sense of “blessing” and full-circle moments. Thomas-Spencer has known since she was eight years old, she says, that she wanted to be a doctor – she has always had “a spirit of empathy and compassion” – and as she made those dreams a reality, she felt the natural call to women’s health. Thomas-Spencer feels lucky to have established her gynecology practice in her hometown – most people, she says, “tend to stay where they train.” She’s had
Dr. Renee Thomas-Spencer
Medical Professional
the opportunity to care for and deliver babies for friends and family.
Thomas-Spencer also felt blessed that she was able to earn her medical degree from Howard University, where she says she felt supported by like-minded community at a historically Black university. During her junior year, she served as the president of the medical school student body; she loved her experience so much that she chose another historically Black university, Morehouse in Atlanta, to complete her doctor’s residency. Following that, she was able to connect with a friend at Frederick’s Capital Women’s Care practice (then Frederick OBGYN) and found out that they were hiring. She has been with the practice since 2003 and became a managing partner in 2008.
In the community, she serves as a board member for Blessings in a Backpack, is a chartering member of the Western Maryland chapter of Jack and Jill of America and is on the board of trustees at her daughter’s school, Holton-Arms. She reflects on how far she’s come from a childhood where her single mother had to work two jobs and says her goal is to ensure that her own daughter appreciates “just how blessed they are.”
Portrait captured by Tiffany Kowalsky Photography
TRUSTS UNDER $1 MILLION
Frederick County’s Chamber of Commerce Fosters What Makes Frederick Unique
ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ROSARIA FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY
He admits that he might be biased, but Frederick County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Rick Weldon believes he has the best job in Frederick.
Why is that? Because he has the privilege of serving primarily small businesses in a uniquely passionate community.
“We have just under 1000 members,” he says, “and of those, 90% employ fewer than 50 people. We’re truly serving local businesses, nonprofits and new entrepreneurs. Our mission is to be the center of connection, guidance and advocacy for them.”
And while it’s always a rewarding prospect to be serving a local business community, there’s just something different about what happens in Frederick.
What We Sp eci al Have is
“When people from other Chambers visit, they often ask what makes Frederick so vibrant and special,” Weldon says. “I tell them this story: I used to run our United Way during the 2008 recession. It was a very difficult time and we were worried about our charitable gifts. Amazingly, charitable giving in those years did not drop below pre-recession levels. Frederick’s private sector understands the importance of generosity and serving the vulnerable.”
Another surprising statistic Weldon is keen to report is that 501(c)(3) organizations actually make up the largest share of the Chamber’s membership. Frederick’s Chamber of Commerce is flourishing and dynamic in large part because of the community’s strong orientation toward service.
CONNECTING FREDERICK’S CHANGEMAKERS
The scope of the Chamber’s activity is so broad that it’s difficult to know where to start. Still, the core focus of its many programs and events is providing both the technical support and the community connections that local organizations and businesses need to succeed.
“The only way to successfully launch a business or a nonprofit is to connect with others in the community,” Weldon says. “We introduce our members to new clients, vendors and contractors – and we also advocate for their interests at the local and state levels.”
Chamber members attest not only to the business leg-up the Chamber offers, but in some cases, to its “life transforming” potential. Julie Yoder, founder of nonprofit English with Purpose, can trace multiple contracts and not only new business connections but new friendships to her participation in the Chamber. She also won project funding through S.H.E. Pitch, which happens during S.H.E. Week, the Chamber’s annual Women in Business event.
Many of her recent opportunities, she says, “can be traced back to my decision to join the Chamber and actively attend events… [Chamber] staff work tirelessly to promote the needs and interest of business owners in Frederick County and make our community an exceptional place to live and do business.”
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater feels much the same way. She cites the Chamber of Commerce as “an incredible partner” in the county government’s work, and says that Chamber members “work collaboratively to build opportunity and to help develop innovative solutions to the challenges we face.”
A cornerstone of the Chamber’s work in developing these innovative solutions is its Leadership Frederick County program. With 38 years in the running, Weldon says, it’s already seen most of the county’s current business and civic leaders come through its ranks. Leadership Frederick is a nine-month journey featuring
both experiential learning and graduate-level masterclasses that prepare Frederick County professionals to become true community changemakers. Education in the program runs the gamut from government and public safety to healthcare, agriculture, economic development and more – alongside assessments and coaching around leadership itself.
Monica Slate, a Senior Manager at the Frederick National Laboratory of Cancer Research and part of Leadership Frederick County 2024, says that the program allowed her to “forge lasting connections with remarkable individuals who are as passionate about our community as I am.” Chenee Beach, Corporate Administrative Assistant at Service Coordination Inc. and also part of the 2024 class, says that the program “provided [her] with a deeper understanding of Frederick County’s diverse industries, challenges and opportunities” and “challenged [her] to think critically, collaborate effectively and embrace new ways of empowering others.”
IF YOU BUILD IT…
Weldon says that he and his staff have big plans for 2025 and beyond – not only shaping the future of the Chamber of Commerce, but contributing to the vision for Frederick County’s economic climate.
“Our focus in 2025,” Weldon says, “is going to be sustaining the workforce in Frederick County. We need to put serious attention into building future landing spots for our young people and keeping their dreams alive.”
He explains that Frederick – like many communities –is facing a workforce development gap. “The old model doesn’t work,” he says. “We’re not setting our kids up for rewarding careers by tracking everyone toward university and hoping for the best. I would like to see us introduce career counseling even as early as middle school, and provide more apprenticeship and experiential learning options.”
“WE’RE
TRULY SERVING LOCAL BUSINESSES, NONPROFITS AND NEW ENTREPRENEURS. OUR MISSION
IS TO BE THE CENTER
OF CONNECTION, GUIDANCE AND ADVOCACY FOR THEM.”
Frederick’s Career Technology Center (CTC) had to turn away almost 400 students in 2024 because it simply didn’t have the capacity. County Executive Fitzwater convened a Career & Technology Education Master Planning Group and invited Weldon to represent the business community.
The goal is to strengthen the relationship between local education and career readiness, but also, says Weldon, to “help the private sector understand its responsibility” in workforce development terms.
“Workplaces need to evolve,” he says. He adds that there are currently programs through the State of Maryland that will compensate businesses for offering apprenticeship positions.
Another priority in securing Frederick County’s economic future will be continuing to assist with establishing the downtown hotel and conference center. Weldon says the Chamber has been on the front lines of that project for 35 years.
AN OPEN DOOR –IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
Shelby Maly, the Chamber’s Director of Marketing and Communications, wants to remind Chamber members – and prospective members! –that the organization recently moved into its new location featuring more member drop-in space. The Chamber is still located at 118 N. Market Street, but has relocated to the first floor.
“We have a rental conference room and other smaller drop-in workspaces that Chamber members are encouraged to come in and use,” Maly says. “Our office space is now a lot larger and the layout is more supportive of being a member resource.” The spaces are ideal for meetings or even board retreats, and the office also offers a coffee bar and free WiFi.
The idea of being a resource is something both Maly and Weldon underscore. They want members to know that the Chamber is there for them. For instance, Maly says, one of the Chamber’s lesser-recognized but very important initiatives is advocating at State business regulation hearings: “Rick keeps an open door to members so we can communicate their concerns to the delegation, and we bring a group of members to testify in Annapolis each year.”
Communications at the Chamber, Weldon agrees, are key. “All of this relates to our core values. We try to be an example to our members of consistency and service and challenge them to always be asking, as we do: Does your brand reflect who you are?” FrederickChamber.org
KEY CHAMBER COMMITTEES INITIATIVES
• Business Equity Coalition: Unlocks the economic power of diversity
• Generation Connect: Builds community among young professionals
• Leadership Frederick: Experiential learning and masterclasses for prospective County leaders
• Women in Business: Empowers women business owners
• Frederick Nonprofit Alliance: Provides resources to Frederick County nonprofits
• Veterans Success Committee: Supports veteran-owned businesses
Back row: Casey Beins, Kimberley Levine, Abby Casarella
Front row: Shelby Maly, Rick Weldon, Madelyn Wilson
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE
SAVING MORE Than a Life
HOPE, RECOVERY AND UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP
A Life on the Line
On October 22, 2022, Corporal Sara Leishear was going about her typical duties as an assistant supervisor with the Frederick Police Department. Assigned to the Patrol Division and bringing over a decade of experience to her role, she was prepared for a range of high-pressure calls. But on this particular morning, a call came through that would profoundly alter not just her life but that of Dakota, a man facing one of his darkest moments. When the call went out about an unresponsive individual on East Church Street, Sara was only two blocks away. As she reached the apartment building, she could already hear the cries and terrified pleas of family members. Inside, Dakota was unconscious. His mother was distraught and Dakota’s young daughter, too young to fully understand what was happening, stood nearby.
“Seeing someone unresponsive and then seeing them full of life—it’s incredible.” – Sara Leishear
Sara had been trained for this moment. Drawing on her skills from the Police Academy and mandatory yearly refreshers, she quickly took action, followed by CPR. Her training allowed her to act with speed and precision, but in her heart, she knew this moment went beyond any routine protocol. After Dakota’s pulse returned, she stayed with him until he was safely transported, hoping that this would be the breaking point and that Dakota would soon find his way to a different path. She had intervened at a critical moment in Dakota’s life, but what he would make of it was up to him.
Such high-pressure, emotionally charged calls are not uncommon for Sara, but each one leaves its mark. After all, she’s human and even the most resilient officers need time to decompress. Sara believes in leading by example and maintaining her own well-being so she can be there for others.
Dakota’s Journey
For Dakota, that October day was both devastating and transformative. “When I woke up in the hospital, I saw my family’s pain—my mom, my kids. I knew then that I needed help,” he recalls.
The wake-up call pushed him toward rehab, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of his now mother-in-law, Carin Miller. “She’s been a huge help in my life. I cried and was angry at myself for falling so far, but she helped me realize I’d been given another chance.”
Over the next several months, Dakota embraced recovery with determination motivated by his family, particularly his daughter and stepsons. The journey wasn’t easy. Dakota admits he feared failure and change. But with the love of his wife, Lindsay, and a steadfast support system that included his mom and sister Angela, he built his life up again.
A Full Circle Moment
Months later, during a routine call, Sara found herself face-to-face with Dakota again, this time, months sober. Dakota recalls, “She called out my name, and when I turned around, she said, ‘Hey man! I’m the one that saved you.’ I hugged her and cried. It was a feeling I can’t describe—she gave me a second chance.”
For Dakota, Sara isn’t just the officer who saved his life; she’s family. For Sara, witnessing Dakota’s transformation has been profoundly moving. “Seeing someone unresponsive and then seeing them full of life—it’s incredible,” she says. But she’s quick to shift the credit. “I did the work at the moment, but it’s Dakota who has been doing the hard work ever since. I’m so proud of him.”
Turning Pain into Purpose
Today, Dakota is clean, thriving and grateful. He describes a life filled with joy, stability and purpose: “I have an amazing job, a beautiful home and a loving family. I’ve achieved goals I never thought I could reach.”
Sara shares Dakota’s journey as a testament to the strength within the Frederick community and the critical need to break the stigma surrounding addiction. “Recovery is possible,” she affirms. “Dakota is living proof.”
Both Dakota and Sara dedicate themselves to offering encouragement to others struggling with addiction. There are people and resources ready to support you. You’re not alone” Dakota emphasizes.
Sara is now assigned to the Special Operations Division and recently received the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 40 Under 40 Award. However, for Sara, her greatest reward is seeing lives changed. “I cannot lead where I do not go,” she says—a philosophy she embodies every day in her work and in her life.
“Recovery
is possible. Dakota is living proof.”
– Sara Leishear
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with substance abuse, we encourage you to explore these resources:
• Dial 211: For 24/7, 365 support from mental health specialists offering free crisis support.
• Frederick County Mental Health Association: A Walk-in Crisis Care Center with access to free crisis intervention and emotional, mental, family and relationship support.
• Frederick County Mobile Crisis: 240-566-1967: Free 24/7, 365 face-to-face mental health crisis support. The team will come out to your residence and provide de-escalation, mental health assessments, safety and planning.
“You’re
not alone.” – Dakota
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Winter Round Up
Shake Off the Winter Blues with Cozy Escapes for Everyone
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE
February may be chilly and gray, but shake off the winter blues and brighten your days with our Winter Round-Up. Find the magic of connection through unique and rejuvenating experiences right around the corner. Stay warm, stay local and let the last of winter’s charm shine from the comfort of your own cozy retreat.
Defy Gravity with Aerial Yoga Luna Aerial Dance & Performing Arts 4750 Winchester Blvd #7, Frederick LunaAerial.com
Try Kulfi Ice Cream for the First Time KULFI Creamery & Bakery 5241 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick Kulfi-IceCream.com
Play, Drink & Be Social | Frederick Social 50 Citizens Way, Frederick Frederick-Social.com
Take the Mini Golf Challenge Monster Mini Golf 9116 Gaither Rd., Gaithersburg MonsterMiniGolf.com
Sip in a Historic, Restored Church Beans In The Belfry 122 West Potomac St., Brunswick BeansInTheBelfry.com
Hit the Roller Rink Turners Skating Palace 800 Park Rd., Hagerstown TurnersSkatingPalace.com
Try a Personalized, Multi-Course Experience Perfect Little Bites Intimate setting of your home PerfectLittleBites.com
Sip & Swing Away | X Golf Frederick 5205 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick PlayXGolf.com
Jump ‘Til You Drop Urban Air Adventure Park 5830 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick UrbanAir.com
Make Your Own Custom Candle Chappelle & Co. 223 N Market St., Frederick ChappelleAndCo.com
Play All Day with the Kids at an Indoor Park | Me Land Play 5115 Pegasus Ct., (P-R) Frederick | MeLandPlay.com
Try an Infrared Sauna | Unit 8 Wellness 1 Wormans Mill Ct., (Unit 8) Frederick | Unit8Wellness.com
Reach New Heights on an Indoor Ropes Course | Adventure Park USA 11113 W Baldwin, Monrovia | AdventureParkUSA.com
Throw a Celebration. Book a Traveling Mixologist | Eye Drink Eye Drink meets you where you’re at | @eyedrink
Gear Up for Laser Tag Fourth Dimension Fun Center 4725 Arcadia Drive, Frederick 4dFun.com
Try Axe Throwing Dragon Distillery
1341 Hughes Ford Rd. Suite 108, Frederick Dragon-Distillery.com
Make Creative Chaos
Dream Free Art
1341 Hughes Ford Rd. Suite 111, Frederick DreamFreeArt.com
Detox with a Lymphatic Massage
The Body Lab 23 E Patrick St., Frederick TheBodyLabMassage.com
Play with Animals in Need
Frederick County Animal Control 1832 Rosemont Ave, Frederick FrederickCountyMD.gov
Get Lost In Endless Pages C. Burr Artz Public Library 110 E Patrick St., Frederick | FCPL.org
Join in on a Pickleball Game
Frederick YMCA 26 E 9th St., Frederick | FrederickYMCA.org
Explore Maryland Wines
Frederick Wine Trail Visit Frederick.org/Frederick-WineTrail/Wineries
Feel the Magic
Frederick Magic Theater & Lounge 19 North Court St. Suite 100, Frederick FrederickMagic.com
Stay at a Cozy Bed & Breakfast 10 Clarke 10 Clarke Pl, Frederick | 10Clarke.com
e:
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
JANIE JONES
How to Create Festive and Eye Catching Decor for Any Occasion
Valentine’s
Centerpiece
Transform your decor with a unique, homemade and locally loved valentine’s tree centerpiece! It’s versatile, eco-conscious, supports local and is perfect for sparking the creativity of the little ones. Plus, with a little adjusting, it can be easily repurposed for other holidays throughout the year.
STEP 1: GATHER AND PREPARE YOUR MATERIALS
Head outside and collect a few fallen branches. Leave them with their color and charm or for a clean, modern style, paint the branches white. While the branches dry, find a sturdy base. A thrifted jar or a repurposed pot works perfectly to hold your branches in place. Invite the kids to search for the perfect branches during a nature walk or the perfect base at a local shop.
STEP 2: ASSEMBLE THE TREE
Once your branches are ready, place floral foam inside your chosen base. Poke the branches through the foam to keep them in place. Cover the foam with moss or small pebbles.
STEP 3: CREATE HEART ORNAMENTS
Using recycled cardboard or shipping boxes and cut out various sizes of hearts. For added flair, use ribbon around the heart edges and hole punch the ribbon to create a lace-like pattern. Consider adding a family photo, a special note or local photography on each heart. Pick up local postcards or small trinkets representing thing you love in your community.
STEP 4: PERSONALIZE YOUR VALENTINE’S TREE
Once your ornaments are complete, hang them on the branches using string, ribbon or twine. Encourage each family member to contribute their own unique decorations, creating a heartfelt display that reflects your household’s love and creativity.
BONUS
IDEA: MAKE IT A COMMUNITY TREE
Invite friends, neighbors or classmates to contribute their own ornaments with messages or drawings about what they love. Your Valentine’s tree can become a centerpiece for sharing positivity in your home or community.
REPURPOSE
At the end of Valentine’s Day, swap out the hearts for other seasonal decorations. With just a little tweaks, your Valentine’s tree can become a cherished tradition all year long!
KathySchultze.com
Kathy@KathySchultze.com
VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent
FEBRUARY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 5TH
Exclusive Kick-Off of the 3rd Annual African Americans of Excellence (AAOE) Exhibit 2025
Weinberg Center for the Arts | 6:00 PM
The 3rd Annual African Americans of Excellence Exhibit 2025 honors seven African Americans in Frederick County through original art, photography and video by local artists and students. The Kick-Off event features project unveilings, contributor introductions and honoree remarks. Don’t miss this celebration of culture and creativity! Tickets available now at WeinbergCenter.org.
FEBRUARY 8TH
Bootleggers Ball
Union Mills Public House | 340 E. Patrick St. | 8:00 PM
The Bootlegger's Ball is an annual 21+ event that brings the glamour of the roaring twenties to downtown Frederick. Guests can step into a prohibition-era speakeasy, enjoying live music, raffles, delicious appetizers, and specialty cocktails. This costumed celebration promises a night of fun, flair, and unforgettable memories, all while embracing the spirit of the 1920s. CelebrateFrederick.com
FEBRUARY 12TH
Office Space (1999) Brewer's Alley Film Series
New Spire Arts Stages | 15 W Patrick Street | 7:30 PM
The Brewer's Alley Film Series offers an evening of fun, film and flavor in the heart of Frederick. Starting with a 6:30 PM happy hour featuring free tastings, attendees can settle in to enjoy the classic comedy about Peter Gibbons, office drama and a high-stakes embezzlement scheme. It’s a must-attend night for movie lovers! WeinbergCenter.org
