Frederick Faces 2024

2024 frederick fAceS

Featuring some of the most fascinating faces around Frederick County, Maryland

In this fifth edition of Frederick Faces, we are thrilled to unveil the bustling array of FACES that enrich our community.

In every corner of our county, from the charming streets of downtown to the rolling hills of our rural landscapes, businesses both old and new are leaving their mark. They are the backbone of our economy, the creators of jobs, and the purveyors of unique experiences that define Frederick’s identity.

We invite you to take a peek behind the curtain and acquaint yourselves with the individuals who make some of your favorite spots special. Behind your barista's perfect cup of coffee, the smiling shopkeeper greeting you at your favorite store, or the home renovation completed by your contractor with an impeccable eye for detail, there is the potential to encounter a neighbor, mentor, confidant, or cherished new hotspot.

Frederick Faces stands as our sponsored annual publication, proudly exclusive, with each category spotlighting just one distinguished company. So turn the page, delve into the familiar faces you already know, and embark on a journey to uncover the narratives of those still waiting to be discovered.

Warm regards,

Gabby Mongeau

The co-founder of Frederick Dermatology Associates wants the practice to exceed patients’ expectations with every encounter.

“You will never feel like a number,” said Dr. Kathleen Moe, co-founder and lead dermatologist at Frederick’s full-service dermatology office. “Our goal is to exceed expectations, provide superior care, and ensure outstanding results, one patient at a time.”

Offering state-of-the-art, top-notch care in all facets of dermatology is the practice’s goal. Dr. Moe places an emphasis on “achieving and maintaining healthy skin.”

At the Frederick practice, the focus is on innovations in cosmetic, medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology, backed by experience and supervision of board-certified dermatologists. Patients may be treated for medical conditions, such as skin cancer and Mohs surgery; for inflammatory diseases such as acne or psoriasis; or for cosmetic and aesthetic issues.

The office offers a wide range of aesthetic services, ranging from Botox to laser resurfacing and everything in between, including body contouring. In 2024, the practice has added Tixel eye rejuvenation and Accure laser treatments. The latter is achieving clearance of moderate to severe inflammatory acne without antibiotics or Accutane. Patient care is offered in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

“While we practice the science of medicine, the art of medicine, which encompasses the ‘bedside manner,’ is equally important, and this kind of caring attitude extends to all of the team at Frederick Dermatology Associates,” Moe said. A board-certified dermatologist, Moe graduated from Georgetown School of Medicine, then completed her residency at Georgetown University Hospital-Washington Hospital Center. She joined Frederick Dermatology Associates as a founding partner in 2009, and specializes in skin cancer detection, laser surgery, aesthetic dermatology, procedural treatments for acne and acne scarring, non-surgical body shaping and tightening, and cosmeceuticalgrade skin care.

In addition to Moe, the practice includes a team of outstanding physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Dr. Aerlyn Dawn, a fellowship- trained Mohs surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, offers treatments in the office as well. He has extensive experience in Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer as well as reconstructive surgery. They have also recently brought on Dr. Artusio, a Frederick local who specializes in surgical excisions. Finally, Frederick Dermatology Associates has a team of superb aestheticians.

Moe plans to add at least one more board-certified dermatologist to the staff soon. She wants to continue expanding the best care for her community.

HISTORIC SITES

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society

For more than five decades, the all-volunteer Catoctin Furnace Historical Society has worked to commemorate, study and preserve the history of Catoctin Furnace, a Revolutionary era industrial village near Thurmont.

The site operated from 1776 to 1903, until large corporations that produced iron more efficiently put the furnace out of business.

The society was formed in the 1970s with an activist agenda of fighting the Maryland State Highway Administration’s plan to turn Route 15 into a divided highway that heavily impacted both the ruins and ore beds.

“Realizing we had a legacy, the siblings and children of the society’s founders got together to keep it going, and to keep telling the stories of the past 200 years,” said current president Elizabeth Anderson Comer.

Comer said the volunteers work to honor and provide information about the architecture, cultural landscapes, lifeways and foodways of the people who worked and lived in the village in its heyday, including enslaved Africans, free African Americans, European immigrant laborers, and their families.

The society’s efforts ensure that future generations remember and appreciate the history of Catoctin Furnace, including its industrial activities and its inhabitants’ stories.

“My skill set as an archaeologist and historian provided me with the background to imagine and undertake research projects such as

the reanalysis of the remains found in the African American cemetery and the ‘Recovering Identity’ project to find and document African American extant buildings and memory landscapes in northern Frederick County,” she explained.

The Museum of the Ironworker, housed in a restored stone worker dwelling built circa 1820, showcases the story of the Catoctin Iron Furnace through conserved artifacts and interpretive exhibits. An African American Cemetery Interpretive trail links the museum to the furnace ruins, it provides an informative, self-guided walk through the village and to an overlook close to the cemetery. Noteworthy are two forensic facial reconstructions based on excavations from the 1970s highway expansion that uncovered 35 graves at Catoctin Furnace.

The restored 1821 Forgeman’s House, with period furnishings, a modern kitchen, bathroom, heating, and cooling, but no television, is offered for overnight rental. All revenue goes to restoring and maintaining the village’s historic structures.

“The goal is to provide economic development and opportunity for people who live there, and for students from the Victor Cullen Center who learn hands-on skills like building maintenance, carpentry, and blacksmithing,” Comer said.

SMALL TOWN LIVING

City of Brunswick

Mayor Nathan Brown’s hometown is where his heart is.

Born and raised in Brunswick, a “big town, small city,” Mayor Brown’s roots are deep as he makes his home in his grandmother’s house. Like many early homes in Brunswick the house sits near the city’s railroad tracks.

Multiple generations of Brown’s family have lived and worked in the area since the late 1800s. Many of them have worked on the railroad or in retail/restaurants that served these railroad families.

Mayor Brown has worked to make Brunswick “the best version of itself,” serving as its mayor since 2020 and as a city councilman for two years before that.

“He is an exceptional leader. He makes things happen,” said Julie Martorana, the Brunswick city administrator who said she came out of retirement to work with him.

Brown is employed full-time at the National Institute of Health’s National Eye Institute, but also finds time to support programs that help Brunswick’s residents and business owners prosper.

He has worked especially diligently to support efforts to revitalize the city’s historic buildings.

“The mayor has spearheaded the effort to acquire underutilized buildings and put them in the hands of local businesses who have a viable and ambitious vision for them,” said Eric Lindland, who won a bidding process for the Newberry Building, once home to the JJ Newberry 5-10 Cent Store downtown.

“Since purchasing the Newberry in April 2022, the city government, under Mayor Brown’s leadership, has consistently supported our efforts to realize our vision for a full renovation … as we work to maintain [the Newberry’s] core historical features … even as we bring the building up to current commercial standards for safety, accessibility, functionality, and comfort,” Lindland said.

Led by the mayor, the city government and Brunswick Main Street program, “provided us with generous support through an ARPA Building Blocks Grant and their Façade and Interior Improvement Grant,” Lindland added. “The mayor and his team also advocated on our behalf to help make the case [to Frederick County] that the preservation of historic features is part-and-parcel of how the city envisions its downtown revitalization.”

Additional historic buildings have benefitted from the efforts of the mayor, who is “working hard on making the Berlin House an interpretive museum,” Martorana said. Vacant since 2005, the house is among a few extant structures from when Brunswick was known as Berlin.

Main Street program manager Carmen Hilton cited the renovation of the Mommer’s Building, another downtown landmark, as one of Brown’s accomplishments.

Part of the Residents at Railroad Square project, the threestory building once housed the Mommer’s Diner (aka My Sister’s Place, owned by two of the mayor’s aunts). It will be renovated to feature retail space and affordable apartments.

“The Mayor did a great job with the blighted building program,” Martorana added, citing the city’s purchase of the Kaplon Building, which housed a department store that closed in the mid-1960s.

“We now have seven proposals for re-use and development of the building,” Hilton said. “And the mayor made sure the community was involved.”

8 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick • 301-834-7500, ext. 124 • brunswickmainstreet.org

Brunswick

CITY PARKS & RECREATION

The City of Frederick Parks & Recreation Department

A quartet of City of Frederick Parks & Recreation Department experts is on a mission. Their goal is to provide “diverse recreational opportunities and amenities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors” to the city.

For more than 80 years, the department has provided affordable, quality programs for the city’s young and young at heart. It operates five facilities where participants may enjoy sports, fitness classes and other activities.

The William R. Talley Recreation Center, at Second and Bentz streets, is the department’s home base. The recognizable facility features a wide variety of exercise equipment including ellipticals, Concept II rowing machines, stair climbers, and upright bicycles. The center offers annual, semi-annual, and monthly memberships for purchase.

The center, sometimes called the Armory by locals, is inside a historic structure built in 1913 for the Maryland National Guard. Featuring medieval fortifications, the site, within Baker Park, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The parks and recreation department converted the structure to a community and meeting center in 2001.

Superintendent of Recreation Sean Poulin, along with Supervisors of Recreation Catherine Effland, Alex Garipay and Tina Lehman, manage all the programs.

Sean Poulin, has been with the department for over seven years, and oversees the Recreation Division. The Division operates programs, sports, and various recreation opportunities in its 7 recreation sites, 2 pools, fitness center, and across all city park areas. Poulin works on the department’s shared goals and mission, and expanding its program access for all as well as directly overseeing the city’s summer camp offerings.

Effland’s area is marketing and membership; she manages the fitness center, park reservations, program registrations, the reservation desk, and rentals at the Bentz Street facility. With about 11 years on staff, she also oversees the department’s social media and advertising. She recently also took on environmental outreach and education programming.

Garipay is hands-on with adaptive and inclusive programming . She oversees a variety of contracted programs, and she also serves as volunteer coordinator for the nonprofit Celebrate Frederick.

Lehman, who came on board in September 2022, oversees youth and adult sports. Year round, there’s youth soccer, basketball, and tennis, at five recreation centers: Trinity, on New Design Road, and at Lincoln, Butterfly Ridge, and Whittier elementary schools and Gov. Thomas Johnson Middle School.

In the summertime Lehman also oversees the Edward P. Thomas and William R. Diggs pools and swim lessons. She also recruits, hires, and trains swim instructors and pool cash register operators; takes reservations, and schedules part-time staff to work onsite.

To learn more about programs and activities, call 301-600-1450 or visit www. cityoffrederickmd.gov.

121 N. Bentz St., Frederick • 301-600-1450

CityOfFrederickMD.gov

YOUTH ATHLETICS

The Linganore Oakdale Urbana Youth Athletic Association – better known by its acronym LOUYAA – has been guiding young athletes toward excellence, teamwork and personal growth since 1978.

Founded on the principle of fostering youth development through sports, the all-volunteer nonprofit association has promoted character development, teamwork and a passion for athletic achievement for decades.

LOUYAA has a history of providing quality sports programs to the area’s children and teenagers. From its inception, the association has been committed to offering a diverse range of organized sports activities, starting with baseball, basketball, football, and soccer, said board president Tom Welch. The league has expanded to include many more sports such as softball, lacrosse, field hockey, triathlon club, track, wrestling, poms and cheerleading.

Teams are created based on participants’ ages, starting as young as 3 years and going through 12th grade. LOUYAA offers intramural and more competitive travel teams, which require tryouts.

“LOUYAA has evolved tremendously,” Welch said. Last he checked, the organization had close to 6,000 participants.

LOUYAA has a 12-member board of directors, and each sport has its own commissioner who is responsible for managing their budget and ensuring participants have a positive experience, Welch said. Each sport also has numerous coaches, assistant coaches, and other various parent volunteers who devote their time to the organization.

“LOUYAA would not exist without the dedication and selflessness of its volunteers,” Welch said.

Welch grew up in Ijamsville and started playing with the association at age 6. As an adult, he became involved with LOUYAA when his nephew began playing Linganore Youth Football, about eight years ago. In addition to serving on the board, Welch coaches football, basketball and soccer. His own son plays soccer and basketball in LOUYAA.

“The board appreciates everything the community does,” Welch said. “We could not be who we are without our Business Manager Julie, coaches, commissioners, and parent volunteers who devote their time, weekends and weeknights, to ensure we remain successful and meet the evolving needs of our organization.”

Tree Trekkers

The Frederick community is growing and with it comes not only a lot of new land development, but also the desire to protect as much forest as possible. Enter Tree Trekkers! Tree Trekkers’ mission was to create an outdoor family friendly recreational facility while keeping a forest full of trees for future generations to enjoy. The course masterfully incorporates the forest into its design, allowing guests to observe mature tree top canopies and enjoy nature how it was meant to be. Visitors are invited to experience the pure exhilaration of flying through the tree canopy on 16 different high ropes trails with 8 difficulty levels. With over 250+ obstacles and 40+ ziplines there is something fun for everyone!

The good folks at Tree Trekkers invite visitors to explore the park, first via “ground school” where participants are led through a safety briefing and instruction on how to use equipment. They then have time to practice before advancing to the main start platform, where they may proceed to work their way through the various age- and skill-appropriate difficulty levels. The highest platform is some 65 feet above the forest floor. The experience is selfguided, but the friendly and well trained staff are stationed around the park to assist as needed.

This five-year-old family-owned and -operated outdoor aerial adventure and zipline park, is open from March to December. “Our mission has always been to bring family-friendly recreation to rapidly developing Frederick County,” said Ashley Schweinhart, Tree Trekkers’ site and marketing manager.

The intention is threefold. First, get people off the screen and into the green! Tree Trekkers gives people an opportunity to escape from technology, and connect with nature and the outdoors while having a blast getting some exercise. Doing it with family or friends also facilitates connecting with each other.

“Second, we want to preserve the trees for future generations,” Ashley said. “As long as we’re here, there will be 30 acres of protected forest.” The course incorporates the trees into its design, offering guests amazing views of treetop canopies that just can’t be beat.

Working with and supporting other local small businesses is the third intention and an integral part of the Tree Trekkers’ mission. “We host fundraisers for nonprofits and schools, we offer staff appreciation programs, try to shop locally for our own business needs, and have a list of our community partners who we feature on our website,” Schweinhart said.

Bookmark their website and calendar to stay updated on all the various deals and special events such as Climbing for a Cause, Labor Day Luau Party, Homeschool Days, Trek or Treat and even day camps. Plan an unforgettable birthday or graduation party, scout meeting, family or corporate team bonding (Trust fall anyone?), company picnic, or even a special date night! (Can you say surprise engagement among the trees?). The grounds have three pavilions and picnic tables, offering space to gather with friends and family, relax, socialize, or grab a nosh before or after a trek. Both are available on a first-come, firstserved or reservation basis.

So whether you’re a skilled, ready-to-climb daredevil or a curious observer, happy to traverse the ground paths while enjoying the verdant forest with both feet on the ground, a visit to Tree Trekkers park is a must.

9560 Old National Pike, Frederick 301-888-8735 • treetrekkersmd.com

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Spread over 150 acres of lush rolling terrain, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve serves as a haven for 1,600 animals from around the world.

Established with the mission of preserving endangered species and promoting wildlife conservation, the preserve is home to a diverse array of animals, ranging from big cats to exotic birds and rare reptiles. Visitors journey through the park’s habitats, each designed to mimic the natural environments of its inhabitants.

A highlight of the preserve is its collection of big cats, including lions, leopards, and a jaguar, creatures whose grace and power captivate visitors. Through educational presentations and guided tours, visitors can learn about the challenges facing these apex predators in the wild and the importance of efforts to protect their dwindling habitats.

“These amazing animals are our extended family and vital ambassadors for their species,” Hahn said. “We strive to provide the highest level of competent care for its resident wildlife ambassadors and to support the conservation of their wild counterparts in unspoiled habitats.”

In addition to exploring the animal exhibits, visitors can enjoy scenic nature trails, interactive feeding experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and even up-close encounters with some of the park's resident creatures under the guidance of trained staff members.

The preserve “started with a 2-acre snake farm my father Richard Hahn bought in 1966,” said Callan Hahn, who took over as director about a year ago.

“It’s like buying an old house,” he explained. “I’ve been going through and upgrading everything – more modern habitats for the animals and amenities for the humans. We want to broaden the group of people who value the zoo, make community connections.”

Hahn plans an expanded jaguar exhibit and new exhibits for otters and the Himalayan tahr, he said.

In the fall, visitors will be able to drive through the 25-acre safari with their own vehicles, getting an up-close view of animals and opportunities to feed and photograph them.

“When you see those animals close up, people form connections,” Hahn said, adding that about 100,000 people visit the zoo each year.

“Our hope is that some of those visitors help create a better environment and world for the animals,” Hahn said.

Admission fees support the preserve’s ongoing conservation efforts and care for animal residents.

“My family was never in it to make money,” Hahn said. “Every penny we make goes back to the animals.”

The team at Smile Frederick Orthodontics wants to make every patient’s smile beautiful. To that end, orthodontic specialists Dr. Leyla Davoody and Dr. Jordan Cavayero, both certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and members of the American Association of Orthodontics, have 11 staff members to assist them in treating every patient as family.

“The greatest part of our job is the long-lasting relationships we build over the years with each patient and family,” Dr. Cavayero said, adding that the practice uses state-of-the-art technology to treat patients of all ages.

“We offer an array of treatment modalities, such as braces, Invisalign, growth modification appliances and surgical orthodontics, based on the patient's needs and concerns,” Dr. Davoody said.

Dr. Davoody has led the clinic for eight years. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and specialized in orthodontics at the University of Connecticut, where she earned a master’s in dental science and completed clinical research on accelerated tooth movement via the corticision technique.

Dr. Cavayero joined Smile Orthodontics last year and earned his dental degree Doctor of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona. He completed specialty training in orthodontics

and dentofacial orthopedics at the University of Texas Health Center, where he served as chief resident, and earned a master's degree.

Patients can expect either Dr. Cavayero or Dr. Davoody to perform their initial examination. Based on clinical and radiographic findings, they will propose a treatment plan and explain it to the patient, oversee appliance delivery for treatment, monitor the progress of the treatment and answer all the patient’s or parents’ questions about treatment progress.

Two front desk coordinators schedule patients for appointments. A treatment coordinator helps navigate the financial and contract considerations, and the office manager ensures the whole process is smooth, according to Dr. Cavayero, “to ensure a steady flow throughout the office, making the patient experience easy, convenient and Fun!”

Seven assistants obtain diagnostic records, deliver orthodontic appliances, give patients or parents instructions about appliances and oral hygiene during treatment, and answer any questions that arise during appointments.

We're excited to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile while remaining engaged with our community. Drop by and visit us for your complimentary orthodontic consultation!

David Gurzick, a leading voice in business academia, is an expert working at the intersection of business and technology.

Working in multiple roles at Hood College, including as a professor of management science and as chair of the George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business, Gurzick’s goal is “to shape an educational landscape where (artificial intelligence), advanced technologies and data-informed decision making are integral to the study of business,” he said.

Gurzick earned a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University, a master’s from Hood College and a doctorate from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He has taught at Hood for 18 years. “As a child of the Internet, I grew up on AOL and programmed my way through dot com,” he said. Before teaching, he served as director of research at a software development company specializing in natural language processing.

Gurzick said he is working to propel Hood College into the future by championing the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. As such, he contributes to discussions on generative AI via presentations and podcasts, and incorporates it into his cutting-edge curriculum.

Both his doctoral seminar on Digital Strategy and Leadership and his graduate class on Information Management and Technology “prepare students for the rapidly evolving tech-centric business world,” he said.

In his capacity as founder and director of Hood’s School of Business Data Driven Frederick Center, Gurzick leads a team of students and faculty “in creating tools and platforms that amplify the community's ability to leverage analytics and advanced technology.”

The center, which was included in the 2023 Federal Omnibus Appropriations Bill, is housed in a newly renovated state-of-the-art classroom that serves as a centralized repository of information about the region’s health, economy, social welfare, land use and infrastructure. A dynamic local and regional resource for area business leaders, the center will be critical to sustain and grow Frederick's private sector, and enable businesses to build marketing plans, track consumer trends, and target new growth, Gurzick believes.

His focus on technology extends to the biopharma world, where he serves on the Board of Directors of The Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc., and the Caregiver Leadership Council for Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals.

The 2023 Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs National Conference awarded Gurzick the Best of Regions Award for his research contributions to the field of community analytics and data centers and dedication to improving data-driven practices within communities.

HR Answerbox

HR Answerbox offers solutions for any challenge that comes with managing the people who make up the workforce of an organization, business sector or industry.

The company works with “business owners and managers who prioritize their employees, recognizing that investing in people is key to engagement, retention and motivation,” said Managing Director Amanda Haddaway, who launched the business in January 2016.

HR Answerbox offers interactive and engaging training and development programs, in person or online, designed to empower employees, managers and leadership teams with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

A second area of expertise is consulting, in the form of providing guidance, support and solutions in HR management to small business owners and leaders.

Workplace investigations is the third sphere of proficiency. Acting as an unbiased and impartial third party, HR Answerbox investigates employee claims of harassment, discrimination or bullying via interviews with all relevant employees and managers, then analyzes data and produces a detailed report with findings and recommendations.

HR Answerbox recently acquired another company that Haddaway said, “has allowed it to grow exponentially.”

While she previously did all the direct client work for HR Answerbox, the acquisition of the Trainers and Consultants Referral Network has added “more than 200 trainers, consultants,speakers and coaches.”

HR Answerbox’s home office is located in central Frederick County, but its client base, including for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities, extends to the entire metro Washington, D.C. area as well as across the U.S.

Prior to starting HR Answerbox, Haddaway spent 17 years in various HR roles, including as an HR director for a local company. She earned degrees from James Madison University, The George Washington University, and Tulane University Law School.

Among Haddaway’s honors include being cited as the Most Influential Woman in HR Training – USA, by Corp Today Magazine; Gamechanger of the Year, by Gamechangers Global; one of the Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, by Beyond Exclamation Magazine; and one of the 20 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch, by Insights Success.

Photo by Acacia Bowens

FRAME SHOP AND GALLERY

Showcase your favorite pieces for years to come. Great selection, attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship make each framed piece a work of art.

The ArtistAngle Gallery features a gorgeous selection of both frames and matting from top vendors in the industry making options for great design unlimited. “Our recent move to the Imagination Center location on Church St. makes us a one-stop shop for all your printing and framing needs,” says owner Jennifer Elveton.

The ArtistAngle Gallery has recently welcomed full-time framer Ashley Adele. Ashley’s background as a teaching artist and framer has allowed the ArtistAngle Gallery to expand its services to include fine art preservation framing techniques as well as framing for oversized pieces.

“Our frame shop continues to specialize in decorative matting, heirloom framing, sports jerseys, military and first responder memorabilia for both residential and corporate clients. Future plans include a readymade frame line, “ says Jennifer.

Jennifer’s conviction to excellent design, impeccable quality, and personal service have kept clients returning for framing for over 17 years. “We’ve offered competitive pricing ever since we opened our doors,” she said.

Visit the ArtistAngle Gallery for your next project. All work is completed in-house and every client receives detailed, personal attention. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

WHEN DID YOUR BUSINESS OPEN IN FREDERICK?

We opened our doors on April 17, 2015, and made an offer on our forever home on West Patrick Street in October of 2015. Attorney Clark has been working in Trusts and Estates law for twenty years handling estates all over Maryland.

We concentrate exclusively on Estate Planning and Probate matters. We prepare Medical Directives, Financial Powers of Attorney, Last Wills and Testaments, Revocable Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Domestic Partnership Agreements, Business Succession Planning and we help clients navigate through Probate.

WE RECENTLY MOVED TO MARYLAND. DO WE NEED TO UPDATE OUR WILL FROM A DIFFERENT STATE?

Yes! Unfortunately, Trusts and Estates laws are statespecific, and while your documents are probably still valid, certain important provisions that could affect your specific circumstances just won’t be in your out-of-state Estate Planning documents. We prepare lots of Amended and Restated Trusts so you won’t have to retitle your assets again. Additionally, laws are changing annually and hence it is important to have a review with an Estate Planning attorney every three to five years.

ANY LAWYER CAN DO A WILL, RIGHT?

Look for an experienced lawyer who concentrates on Estate Planning and Probate law. Don’t entrust your future estate, however modest it may be, to a lawyer who handles DUIs, divorces, and Wills in the same week.

Experience is equally important. Some lawyers offer free consultations, some charge very little but you typically get what you pay for, and unfortunately, there is no do-over once you are gone or lost mental capacity. Would you entrust an important medical procedure to a generalist doctor or a doctor with little experience? What could be more important than your legacy and your estate? We see a lot of costly situations that could have been avoided with proper planning.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED WITH CREATING A WILL? WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Our job is to make this process as easy and seamless as possible for you. We have helped hundreds of families in Frederick County and know where many people get stuck. We ask all Potential Clients to submit an Estate Planning Questionnaire and consultation payment prior to the consultation so that the consultation time is used productively.

At the consultation, we review your questionnaire and discuss your goals. Within 2 to 4 weeks, you will come in, review and sign the documents, and leave with peace of mind knowing that your family is taken care of.

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

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Edgeworks Knife and Supply Company

Sean Norris has cutting-edge solutions for your fine cutlery, knife and dart needs.

Norris has worked at Edgeworks Knife and Supply for 22 years, including being the owner for 15 years.

“It was primarily just a job while I went to college,” said Norris, a lifelong area resident, who bought the business when the original owner retired.

When he began working at Edgeworks, Norris acknowledges that he had only a mild interest in knives, but in the past two decades, he has acquired extensive knowledge and become increasingly fascinated with them.

Edgeworks “has grown quite a bit” under his stewardship, with an “expanded customer base and inventory,” Norris said. He attributes the boost to more marketing and positive word-of-mouth.

Another contributing factor, he said, was the online store he launched at the start of the pandemic. “The timing was coincidental,” he said. “We had been planning to go live later in the month. It worked out well.”

For people interested in purchasing knives, Norris has quite a bit of good advice.

“The knife should have a shape that suits the task it is intended for. It should be made of quality materials, and comfortable to hold and use,” he said. “It should look nice, and be affordable, too.”

Norris helped create a line of kitchen knives about five years ago called the Downtown Collection. It has been a bestseller since its debut. Norris chose the blade and handle shapes, materials and patterns. The cutting edge of the fishbone-pattern Damascus blade has excellent slicing ability and is easy to sharpen; its handles are made of a durable woven type of fiberglass. The line comes with a lifetime warranty and free in-store sharpening.

Keeping cutlery sharp is important for safety, Norris said. Higher-end companies “spend a lot of time engineering balance points and shapes to maximize efficiency, so not only does it stay sharp longer, but it feels more natural and is easier to use,” he explained. “It cuts better, lasts longer, and is more comfortable.”

Edgeworks offers in-store professional sharpening as well as guidance on self-sharpening.

Norris recommends sharpening “when you think you need it.”

The store also carries a vast array of darts, dart boards and related accessories.

FLAVOR OF THE CARIBBEAN

B-Dubs Island Soul

B-Dubs Island Soul stands out among all the food trucks serving Frederick County for its bold flavors. Since October 2022, this mobile eatery has been captivating taste buds and winning hearts with its Caribbean and Soulfood Cuisine.

The brainchild of Chef Bobby Waters, affectionately known as "B-Dubs" to fans and foodies, this food truck is more than just a place to grab a quick bite. It is a culinary journey that transports you to the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean with every mouthful. The menu is, Chef Bobby promises, “where tastebuds meet paradise.”

From the moment you spot the black truck – adorned on both sides with a colorful island palm tree – you know you’re in for a treat. As you approach, the irresistible aroma of spices and herbs beckons you.

A mix of classic Caribbean and soul food appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, and beverages are on the menu. Whether you crave a fiery kick or comforting warmth, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

What truly sets B-Dubs Island Soul apart is not just the mouthwatering food, but also the sense of community it fosters.

“Food brings people together,” he said. “It’s associated with good memories and celebrations.”

Whether the truck is parked at a local festival, a neighborhood block party, or a downtown street corner, it becomes a hub of activity and conversation, bringing people together over a shared love of good food.

Chef Bobby traces his love of cooking to being “in the kitchen with my mom, my first inspiration,” and to his late father-in-law, who shared his techniques, recipes and spices.

The truck’s signature dishes include the Soul Boat, “a layering of baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, smoked turkey, candied yams, shredded barbecue chicken, topped with hot honey and/or barbecue sauce;” and the Island Boat, “a layering of rice and peas, steamed cabbage, sweet plantains, shredded jerk chicken, topped with our signature jerk aioli sauce.”

The sweet treats are equally tempting. Chef Bobby recommends the “very rich” caramel croissant bread pudding.

Check out the truck’s Facebook page to find weekly locations. Catering for weddings, corporate gatherings, and private parties is available.

443-309-6791 • b-dubsislandsoul.com

FLAVOR OF ITALY

Cucina Massi

Massimo Liberatore understands food, specifically the Italian American cuisine his family has served in their Maryland restaurants for 38 years.

His father, Dante, born in Argentina to Italian immigrants, owns five restaurants that bear the family surname. Massimo says he grew up working wherever needed – busing tables, washing dishes – in Dante’s Eldersburg eatery.

Massimo bought Nido’s, a long-established Italian restaurant in Frederick, in August 2019, renovated the space during the beginning of the pandemic, and opened Cucina Massi at the end of June 2020.

The restaurant, which its owner describes as “a friendly local spot where you can enjoy yourself and feel at home,” has three dining spaces: an indoor dining room with a bar; an outdoor patio with a bar, and an upstairs room for private events. Together, the dining room and patio can accommodate about 75 guests.

Massimo says he is “the creative drive behind his culinary team”

His “unpretentious, approachable” menu features a few family recipes as well as standard fare from various regions of Italy, and some new dishes.

“Consistency is the key word, consistently good,” he says.

The menu includes two soups and four salads; standard Italian fare such as chicken or veal marsala or piccata; chicken, veal and eggplant parmigiana; shrimp scampi, and crabcakes Italiano, as well as lots of pasta and pizza, including a classic white pizza, using “Nido’s famous recipe.”

The most noteworthy dishes, according to the restaurateur, are Pollo Chesapeake (chicken with sautéed shrimp and crabmeat in a sherry cream sauce with sundried tomatoes); Capellini Caprese (angel hair pasta topped with simmered fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, slivers of sausage and fresh basil), and Gnocchi Milanello (sausage, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red peppers, simmered in a sherry cream sauce, and topped with blackened chicken).

“The gnocchi is our newest dish and is quite popular,” he says.

The menu also includes spuntino (snacks or appetizers) such as baby lamb chops, Sicilian risotto balls, meatball sliders, roasted brussels sprout salad, and eggplant rollatini.

Catering options are available for business and corporate luncheons, parties and retreats, wedding receptions, sporting events, funerals, birthday parties and holiday celebrations.

THERAPEUTIC YOGA

Life’sWork Yoga

As founder and owner of Life’sWork Yoga in Frederick, Dr. Kimberlyn Cahill helps clients cultivate a life of inspiration by rediscovering alignment of body and mind through therapeutic yoga. From a foundation of compassion and intention, Kimberlyn supports her clients in building daily habits for living intimately with joy.

“Breathe deeply, move freely, labor lovingly, and live vibrantly” is her mantra, a phrase that epitomizes the mindset, philosophy and practice at Life’sWork.

Life’sWork Yoga specializes in therapeutic yoga, in person and virtual, that “supports relaxation, enhances restoration and safe return to vibrant living.” Instructors are trained in a variety of yoga and mindfulness disciplines that emphasize vinyasa krama, step-bystep progressions that enable students at all levels “to participate in a way that honors their body, energy and needs.” Class size is typically limited to eight students.

Cahill and her team offer Yoga Movement Therapy which she says, “is different and distinct from traditional therapy and even traditional yoga in that, we aspire to build attention to live with and in the now, focus on function rather than aesthetics, and prepare for what’s next with intention and purpose.”

The longtime Frederick resident had been working independently since 2011 and opened her East Church Street practice in July 2020. Her academic accomplishments — a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master’s in educational leadership — gave her credentials as an experienced teacher-trainer and facilitator in the business and academic worlds.

“I’ve studied intensively and extensively what moves people to action and inspiration,” Cahill said.

A 2008 bicycle accident altered the direction of Cahill’s life. She suffered a concussion and severe shoulder damage, and found herself unable to function.

After a year of medical care and about eight months in bed, she says she reconnected with her body, mind, and spirit through yoga.

Yoga became “a place of rest, recuperation, and renewal,” enabling her “to resume and redesign her life with renewed strength and commitment.”

After recovery, Cahill redesigned her life and her work to share the practices of yoga by weaving science and spirit into the practice she calls Thera-Yoga and Inspired Living. Since then, she has acquired numerous certifications and trainings as a yoga therapist and yoga guide, among them Yoga Alliance’s 500 Hour Yoga Training and Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher, and Advanced Kripalu Institute’s 500 Hour Yoga Training; she recently qualified as a registered yoga therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

GOLF

Clustered Spires Golf Club

Golfers looking for a pristine course at an affordable price would be hard pressed to find a better spot than the Clustered Spires Golf Club.

The 185-acre club, owned by the City of Frederick and located about 2 miles outside Downtown Frederick, was the county’s first public golf course. Serving the public for more than 30 years, the club’s name reflects the grouping of five distinct church steeples in the Frederick skyline.

Whether working on lowering their handicap, or perfecting their form, guests will enjoy the club’s location; it’s close to the city while also providing a quiet refuge surrounded on three sides by the Monocacy River.

The facility is open to players of all skill levels. It features an 18-hole course; a three-tier, all-natural turf tee area; a practice bunker; two practice putting greens; hitting mats; as well as a pro shop filled with anything a golfer would need for a day on the greens.

Guests may pay per visit, with discounts offered to city residents as well as seniors, women, juniors and military. Folks arriving after 4 p.m. for twilight hours also receive a lower rate. An annual greens fee is available to those who plan on coming more frequently.

The club offers lessons – a single session or packages with multiple sessions – to golfers who want to hone their skills.

According to Scott Peterson, the club’s general manager and head golf professional, lessons can be a great investment for players, so they learn the correct fundamentals and techniques of the game.

“It makes it more fun down the road,” he noted.

Peterson is self-taught; hard work and practice created his passion for the game. When guiding others to improve their game, he works with the unique attributes each player brings. Leading the facility since 2015, he oversees all golf course operations, camps, clinics, inventory, tournament operations, merchandise, food, and beverages, and a staff of more than 50 employees.

The club also runs a snack bar to refresh golfers before, during or after their day on the greens.

The onsite eatery is a wonderful place to have a cocktail or a beer, a hot dog or a burger and fries, and most of all, to relax and recharge.

8415 Gas House Pike, Frederick 301-600-1295 • clusteredspiresgolf.com

BAKED GOODS

Nikkie Byrd hopes the creations her team makes at Sage Cakery fill their customers with delight.

“I want people not only to love the product they are eating, (but also) the interaction they have with our team, our customer service,” said Byrd, who owns the Urbana shop and café.

After two decades of baking and decorating cakes as a hobby, Byrd opened Sage Cakery in Urbana in May 2019. The Urbana High School alumna chose the location because Urbana is “a growing community with lots of young families that needed a bakery.”

At Sage Cakery, all desserts are baked entirely from scratch, without preservatives or additives. Ingredients are often organic, always nonGMO, and include seasonal fruits from local farms.

“We try really hard to be sustainable and have a positive impact on our environment and our community,” Byrd said. Sage Cakery actively fosters community engagement by sponsoring athletic, drama, and band boosters in local schools, contributing to the vibrant and well-rounded development of students in our community.

Custom cakes and desserts for special occasions — especially weddings — are the bakery’s claim to fame. Customers first meet with a wedding coordinator to sample flavors and collaborate on creating the perfect cake for the event’s aesthetic.

Patrons will find a variety of cakes in the shop daily. Traditional flavors include vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon and chocolate peanut butter. Customer favorites include unique flavors such as blackberry sage, orange ginger, peach coriander, cardamom pear, and rosemary fig.

For special cake orders, Byrd recommends at least two weeks’ notice for pre-designed options; two to four weeks for custom orders, and nine to 18 months for weddings.

Byrd and her crew also create delicious cupcakes, cookies, cake pops and macarons, which are offered in the shop daily. Customers can also find favorites such as s’more bars, raspberry cookie sandwiches, lemon bars and cinnamon buns. Gluten-free and plant-based options are also available daily.

Carry out your treats, or sit outside on Sage Cakery’s patio and relax while enjoying a cup of locally roasted artisan espresso and your sweet treat.

And as a way “to have fun with family and friends, and learn something new,” Sage Cakery offers onsite classes to help folks learn baking from scratch or cupcake and cake decorating.

“I want it to be an overall joyful experience for people to have this bakery in the community,” Byrd said.

Westview Promenade

If you’re in the market for one-stop upscale shopping, dining, personal care and entertainment, Frederick’s Westview Promenade should be your destination.

The 200,000 square-foot open-air shopping center, owned and managed by Hill Management Services, Inc., is conveniently located at the intersection of Route 85 and Crestwood Boulevard, just off Interstate 270.

With ample parking spaces, the pedestrian-friendly center features a wide variety of head-to-toe fashion at Chico’s, Jos. A. Bank, Loft, Francesca’s, White House Black Market, Soma Intimates and Comfort One Shoes.

Dining options range from quick-stop options at McDonald’s, Noodles & Company, Panda Express, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Poke Bowl; to all-day breakfast at IHOP; pick-me-up fare at Chatime, Kulfi Ice Cream & Treats,

and Starbucks; to casual sit-down dining at MOD Pizza, T.G.I. Friday’s, Thai Table, and Matsutake Sushi & Steak; to an upscale experience at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, an American restaurant and steakhouse. Check out the Westview website for grand opening dates for KPot Korean BBQ & Hotpot and Ugly Dumpling!

Pick up necessities at MOM’s Organic Market, where organic produce, sustainable seafood, and natural remedies and cosmetics abound. And visit Olive & Basket, which offers fine food and gifts, including oils, vinegars, dried herbs and mixes.

Several excellent options for relaxing and personal care are also available. At Sola Salons, you’ll find cosmetology professionals including hairstylists and barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians; Nail Trix offers

SHOPPING/DINING/ENTERTAINMENT

full-service nail care and waxing; and Evolve Med Spa’s services include skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and injectable treatments.

Two unique studios will meet your fitness needs. There’s Strive Martial Arts, for Karate, kickboxing, self-defense, core fitness, and jiu-jitsu, and F45 Training, for a functional full-body workout, plus nutrition advice. In addition, X-Golf offers state-of-the-art simulators and an augmented reality putting green for indoor golf.

Want to see a first-run movie? Do it in comfort at one of Regal Westview’s 16 stadium-style theaters. The cinema features an IMAX auditorium, and a 4DX immersive cinematic experience is coming soon.

But that’s not all. Westview Promenade also hosts a Lenscrafters to fill your vision needs; The UPS Store for printing, packaging shipping, mailbox

service, passport photos and notary services; and a convenient PNC Bank location, as well as a Bank of America kiosk.

Take a break at the centrally located fountain, where patrons can soak up the sun, snack, and mingle on temperate days.

Lots of special events are scheduled each season at Westview Promenade. There’s a spring festival on April 20th, from 12pm to 3pm. From May through October, check out the free concert series, scheduled on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30pm .

During late fall and early winter, the area is transformed into a holiday wonderland, welcoming guests to a fall festival in October and for visits from Santa in November and December.

Molly's Meanderings

Walking into Molly’s Meanderings is like walking into your best friend’s closet, filled with stylish clothes and stunning accessories.

Whether you’re looking for a chic outfit for a special event such as a wedding or reunion, or a pair of perfectly fitting jeans, the expert staff at this unique boutique in the heart of Downtown Frederick’s shopping district can help you look and feel your best.

“We are really good at determining what kind of fit is going to work best for you, and what brand is going to work,” said owner Leslie Atanasoff. “Many women hate doing that, and we love to help.”

Molly’s carries a curated collection of clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and scarves. The boutique has long been home to a Brighton jewelry boutique-within-a-boutique, a rarity in the region.

New at Molly’s is E. Newton’s American made, beaded jewelry; it’s tarnish free, both shower and swim proof, and can be worn anywhere with anything, Atanasoff said.

The boutique also features designer Samuel Dong’s bestselling line of bubble dresses and coats.

“His designs flatter every woman’s figure,” Atanasoff said. “You will look like a million bucks in his dresses.”

Oh My Gauze is another in-demand clothing brand carried at the boutique. “The fabric is super easy to wear and care for; lightweight, colorful, wrinkle resistant, fast drying, it’s great for hot and humid weather, and for travel.”

As for jeans, Molly’s has a staff member who is known as the “jeans whisperer.”

“She’ll size you up and find well-fitting jeans without you having to try on a hundred pairs,” Atanasoff said.

Foremost among the options is FDJ (French Dressing Jeans), a company known for being well made, wearable and tailored. Their embellished denim – with metallic or embroidery trim – is very popular, and FDJ also makes fitted jackets and tops for jeans.

The fashion-savvy staff at Molly’s will work with you to select beautiful pieces that foster confidence and make you feel amazing.

“We’d love to help you create your own personal style, even if you feel like you don’t have one,” Atanasoff said.

No matter what you go into Molly’s Meanderings looking for, you’re sure to leave with a bag full of fabulous items to keep for yourself or to give as a gift.

Even before Caiti Elshafey-Smith and Jennifer Barber were teenagers, the sisters had a master plan for their future.

Growing up Caiti and Jennifer recall not always feeling beautiful or comfortable in their own skin, like a lot of girls growing up. As they got a little older, they started becoming drawn to all the beauty this world had to offer and knew they only wanted to add more to their life and others. “Feeling beautiful and being kind and caring became very important to us,” Caiti recalls “We’ve always wanted to create a place where everyone feels comfortable, where the focus is on inner beauty, and outer beauty simply accentuates what’s inside.”

After training in their respective specialties for many years, over 35 years in the industry between the two of them– Caiti a Cosmetologist, and Jennifer as an Esthetician – in 2017 the two decided it was time to live out their dream and The Beauty Company came to life. They started in a small space in Downtown Frederick with just 6 employees. Their business grew quickly during the next two years.

“We learned a lot during those first two years. Not only were we growing quickly with clients, we also had other cosmologists reaching out to work with us. We knew we had to get a larger place of our own.” Jennifer stated.

In 2020, they did a “big buildout” of a 3,000-square-foot space, the future home of The Beauty Company, which opened on Jan. 1, 2021. The

salon quickly grew from just six service providers to 18 service providers, services that include hair, skin care, nails, lashes and bridal services.

Caiti and Jennifer aren’t ready to slow down, they still have big dreams for The Beauty Company. They are currently working on a 3,000 square foot build out at their current location. With the additional capacity, the sisters plan to increase the number of stations from 10 to 20, offer more body services, and create a “quiet spa,” where guests will be able to experience the “epitome of relaxation.”

The salon offers the highest level of service. “There are no rushed appointments at The Beauty Company, whether it’s for a bang trim, an eyebrow wax, or a whole day of services,” Caiti said. “We teach our guests how to care for themselves, how to maintain their look, and feel as good about themselves as possible.”

“We are warm and welcoming, and try to build relationships naturally and organically,” Caiti said. “It starts with our staff; we are a family.” Jennifer added.

“We love Frederick, we have an amazing community that’s full of support for our small business. We can’t wait to show Frederick what new ideas we have for The Beauty Company.”

Common Market Co-op

The Common Market grocery store, café and consumer cooperative is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“Through the cooperative business model and support from our staff, board, owners and shoppers, we have been able to ride the highs and lows of the grocery industry for a half century,” said Susan Schulman, marketing and communications manager.

The Common Market is a consumer cooperative, meaning “those who shop or work here can also own a share of the business,” said chief financial officer Sarah Lebherz. “We believe that a business owned by its customers is in the best position to meet the needs and desires of those customers.”

Lebherz, who has worked for The Common Market for 27 years, “started as a cashier, worked her way up to general manager, and now manages our finances,” Schulman said. “We pride ourselves on creating a workplace where employees can thrive and succeed.”

The Common Market’s storied history winds its way through Frederick County, beginning in 1974 as a buying club operating out of the home of founders Randy and Francy Williams. In 1981, it incorporated as the Frederick County Consumer Cooperative Inc., opened its first storefront, and took the name The Common Market Co-op. “Opening our doors to all with the slogan, Everyone Welcome, Common Market has grown into the full-service natural foods store we are today,” Schulman said.

A 2006 move down Route 85 gave the market four times the space, allowing more room for products and shoppers as well as a café and a community room that offers educational classes.

In 2020, a second store location opened on 7th Street in Frederick, growing local ownership to over 9,000 members.

Common Market features organic produce, a wide selection of local and unique meat and seafood; a hot bar/salad bar; a variety of made-fromscratch baked items, homeopathic wellness items, and the area’s largest bulk department.

“We are dedicated to supporting and uplifting local farms and businesses,” general manager Roman Diaz said. “When consumers shop at Common Market, they are supporting over 200 local farms and businesses. When money is spent locally, about 66 cents of each dollar spent remains in the community.”

Dedicated to sustainability, since 2007, Common Market’s Bring-a-Bag for Change program has encouraged shoppers to reuse bags and reduce waste by making a 5-cent charitable donation for each reusable bag used at checkout, Schuman said. Those proceeds, plus a percentage of sales from a chosen day, go to four nonprofits selected each quarter. To date, Common Market has saved 365,255 bags from the waste stream and donated $231,397 to local charities.

BLACKSMITHING

Ms. Caitlin’s School of Blacksmithing

What started as a hobby for Caitlin Morris has become her vocation.

The story of how Ms. Caitlin went from a curious beginner to owner of Ms. Caitlin’s School of Blacksmithing in Frederick, started with a class at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

“I absolutely fell in love with the craft of blacksmithing: the sunset colors of the hot metal, the permanency of the form once it’s shaped,” she recalled.

After taking those first classes, Ms. Caitlin found a place in Arlington where she could forge for free – if she brought along a friend to ensure safety. With six months of smithing under her belt, she began teaching the craft to each friend who accompanied her.

Six years later, Caitlin opened Ms. Caitlin’s School of Blacksmithing, in 2015.

“Most instructors start teaching when they’ve been blacksmithing long enough that they feel like they’re pretty good,” she said. “But because I started so early, I stayed in touch with the challenges that face beginners.”

Ms. Caitlin derives joy from creating as well as teaching. “My all-time favorite thing to create is other blacksmiths,” she said. “When I’m just playing in the metal myself, I like to make metal work that makes me smile, generally abstract art that feels whimsical.”

Anyone – from the totally uninitiated to experienced smiths – can take classes, Ms. Caitlin said. “I believe everyone can be successful at blacksmithing with the right support and enough time.”

Ms. Caitlin specializes in “teaching beginners, breaking down the skill into pieces that are logical and easy to understand,” Mandorris is also familiar with the knowledge gaps many more experienced blacksmiths face, “which can mean teaching the students to use their bodies differently to move the metal more efficiently.”

In her adult classes, which are 2 to 2.5 hours long, “we do an overview of the project, safety talk and practice our moves in clay before working in the hot metal. Private classes move at the student’s pace. Group classes aim to get the project done.

While many consider blacksmithing “extinct or a useless or irrelevant skill … all about making blades or horseshoes,” Caitlin said, that is not true. This “incredibly diverse” craft produces steel items that “would last several lifetimes. And be recyclable and non-toxic.”

“The skills you learn in blacksmithing are relevant to mental health: mindfulness, guiding your attention, learning from your mistakes, moving your body, making things,” she added. “Blacksmithing is great for sparking the creative impulse.”

The Dapper DJs

The Dapper DJs live up to their name.

Each of the nattily attired, mega-personality masters of music works to create a custom-tailored vibe that ensures an unforgettable celebration. Weddings are their specialty, but they also do corporate events and private parties – a total of 355 amazing occasions in the past year alone!

Alex Sincevich, who founded the company in 2011, has worked to streamline the process for clients to “find their swagger” by allowing them to choose one of 14 debonair DJs, each with a distinctive style and capability to engage with guests and create the best possible party.

Some of the DJs, Sincevich said, “are theater people with tenacity; others are musicians who also play all sorts of instruments. All excel at banter and savoir faire, have a keen sense of music, and are super-duper welcoming to everyone. They create an atmosphere you don’t find with run-of-the-mill, push-play deejays.”

After a chat with potential clients to assess their style and personality, the most compatible DJ is recommended for them. For a wedding, “the couple needs to find a DJ they trust,” Sincevich said. “There must be good chemistry.”

Once matched, the DJ and the couple plan the perfect playlist for their big day, considering personal styles, preferences, and the kind of experience they want for their guests. Sometimes they also develop a “do not play” list to avoid situations like “old love songs from an ex,” Sincevich said. “Music and memories have a strong association, and we need to honor that.”

As he increases the number of DJs he brings onboard, training is key, Sincevich said. Newbies typically start out as assistants who learn on the job. They attend events with more established DJs “to watch and learn,” acting in the capacity of roadies, unloading, loading, setting up, and dismantling lighting and sound equipment.

While many DJs have a music industry background, or have worked in clubs or bars, being a wedding DJ is decidedly different.

“It adds a level of complexity,” Sincevich said, pointing out the necessity of appealing to a wide range of ages, since wedding guests generally include both family and friends. “The most successful wedding DJs know how to respond to their audience,” he said. “They are able to go with the flow of the event.”

EVENT PLANNING

Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood

Dream weddings come true at Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood. Situated among the picturesque Catoctin Mountains, the charming 155-acre property is nestled within more than 18,000 acres of public parks and private preserves.

The Merle Thorpe Jr. Charitable Trust, a private non-profit foundation, owns the property which includes the farm, a barn, a pond and grounds for ThorpeWood, Inc.’s mission of nurturing therapeutic relationships with the natural world and promoting empathy, wonder and restoration.

The staff of ThorpeWood, Inc. maintain the property and run programs that benefit those nonprofits working in the area of mental health.The 4,700-square-foot ThorpeWood Lodge opened in 2000, and Julie Castleman served as its director of events from 2000- 2013, when the events business was renamed Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood.

“ThorpeWood and Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood are separate, but partners,” Castleman said. Castleman has worked alongside a dedicated staff of event coordinators to help bring about 50 weddings per year, plus corporate and nonprofit events, to fruition.

Couples considering a wedding at Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood take a 90-minute tour of the property. “Ninety percent of the people who tour sign up,” Castleman said. “That’s because the ThorpeWood property is unique; there’s nothing else like it.”

The eco-friendly, handicap-accessible Lodge is the property’s centerpiece. Various configurations of its three levels of spaces – including the Tree Room with four visible trees, a stone porch, a patio and a firepit –can accommodate up to 150 guests for cocktails and appetizers, dinner and dancing.

Picturesque outdoor ceremony locales include The Stone Bridge (newly added pavers), the Arboretum (with some 8,000 trees in full bloom in May and June, plus a circle of Dawn Redwoods), The Pine Cathedral (a “magical, fairytale” space with an arch and a deep woods feeling); and The Willow Pond (a great photo spot).

Having successfully guided more than 800 couples through one of the most important days in their lives during her 23-year career, Castleman is ready to step back a bit to spend more time with her family. She will continue to run the business, but has hired a number of new coordinators to learn the ropes over the coming year, with the help of herself and a seasoned coordinator.

Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood works with two exclusive local caterers, and provides a 14-page list of preferred vendors. “We hold the client's hands through the process from the moment the contract is signed,” Castleman said. “We are all-inclusive; we do everything, even decorating when the couple has a time crunch. There is never a need to hire an outside wedding planner.”

COFFEE ROASTERS

Dublin Roasters

Dublin Roasters is much more than a place to get a perfect cup of joe. The 3,700-square-foot former motorcycle warehouse features a café where all matter of handcrafted coffee and tea drinks, apple cider and hot chocolate — plus breakfast, lunch and baked goods are available.

The artisan coffee shop’s comfortable, cool vibe has made it a popular gathering spot for many folks, from telecommuters on their laptops to friends reuniting. There are also meeting rooms that can be reserved by organizations and clubs – for low fees – with or without food and drink.

And there’s a place in the rear of the building where owner and founder Serina Ray lovingly roasts the beans in small batches, ensuring its taste and freshness. It’s always open for visitors to tour and learn about the process.

Roy didn’t even like coffee until she needed the caffeine to stay awake when her daughter was a newborn some 33 years ago. For the longtime Frederick resident, the art of coffee roasting was a relaxing hobby she indulged in between her shifts as an officer with the Frederick Police Department.

She roasted beans at Frederick Coffee Company once a week until 2000, when she bought her own roaster and took a sabbatical from police work to see if she could grow the business.

She named it Dublin as a nod to the street where she lived as well as her heritage.

Within the year, she gave up police work and opened a little store in New Market where she sold beans wholesale. When Dublin got too big for the tiny space, Roy moved the operation to Market Street and opened the café. And the business has flourished ever since.

Currently, Dublin Roasters sources more than 80 varieties of raw coffee beans from small farms in Colombia, India, Ecuador, Vietnam, Brazil, Honduras and Guatemala.

Roy visits and forms relationships with the families who own the farms. Colorful art from these countries as well as the work of local artists adorn the café.

Roy works with a local Rotary Club to raise money to pay for equipment for these partner farms which fosters sustainability and improves the quality of their crops.

“It’s a win-win,” she said. “We both benefit from their great crops.”

As do the legions of Dublin Roasters’ loyal customers.

McClintock Distilling

McClintock Distilling Company stands as a beacon of artisanal craftsmanship in the world of spirits. Since opening to the public in December 2016, the micro distillery has remained committed to combining traditional techniques with innovative processes to create spirits that delight the palate.

Frederick County’s first and only organic distillery is dedicated to sustainability, implementing practices to minimize its environmental footprint. From recycling and composting to using renewable energy sources, McClintock strives to be a responsible steward of the planet while producing world-class spirits.

Founded by Braeden Bumpers and Tyler Hegamyer, Maryland natives who met as college students about 20 years ago, the company draws its inspiration from the state’s rich history of distilling, dating to the 1700s. Maryland rye whiskey was popular during the Civil War. “It was highly regarded, and one of the only ones that was exported,” Bumpers said.

The company’s namesake, McClintock Young, was an inventor in Frederick County in the mid-1800s; among his hundreds of inventions was the automatic cornhusker. “His process of taking the best elements of old machines to create innovative inventions speaks to

the heart of McClintock Distilling,” Bumpers said. “We’re restoring the history and the legacy.”

What sets McClintock apart is an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Every step of the production process is carefully overseen, from using a stone burr mill to grind locally sourced organic, pesticide-free heirloom grains to distilling and aging.

While rooted in tradition, the distillery embraces modern techniques and equipment to refine its processes and create timeless and contemporary spirits. McClintock pushes the boundaries of what is possible, whether experimenting with unique botanicals for gin or exploring innovative aging methods for whiskey.

McClintock’s diverse portfolio of organic spirits includes gin, vodka, whiskey, cordials and liqueurs, and cocktails. They may be purchased on site, mail ordered, or found at stores and restaurants in Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C.

Stop by the distillery for tours, tastings and classes, or visit the Back Bar to try their spirits mixed into delightful cocktails. McClintock even rents out its welcoming space, with exposed brick and industrial accents, for weddings and other private events.

Advanced Behavioral Health

Advanced Behavioral Health is dedicated to supporting every client on their journey to achieve mental health and wellness.

The agency, with locations in Frederick, as well as Baltimore, Westminster, Greenbelt and Gaithersburg, helps families and children facing a spectrum of challenges such as anxiety, social issues, parenting difficulties, marriage counseling, special needs, depression, PTSD, and more.

A compassionate team of clinicians provides treatment through the lenses of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Renowned for its comprehensive approach to treatment, ABH offers psychiatry, medication management, telehealth services and a youth mentoring program in addition to traditional therapy. Each client benefits from a collaborative team effort aimed at helping them reach their full potential.

By actively listening, supporting and guiding clients through life transitions, the clinicians at ABH believe they have the capacity to achieve wellness.

“We prioritize excellence not only in client care, but also as an employer. Whether someone is a therapeutic mentor, practice coordinator, social worker, or intern, we prioritize their well-being and professional growth,” CEO Vera Kurdian said.

The program’s inclusive and robust intern program reflects a commitment to nurturing talent.

“We actively promote work-life balance through competitive salaries, wellness packages, ongoing training opportunities for skill development, and support for certifications,” Kurdian said. “Every day, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both our employees and clients, fostering a community where everyone can thrive.”

AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

Bloom Health NP

Sheila K. Rohe, CRNP, FNP-C wants her patients to BLOOM with good health! As owner and medical director of Bloom Health NP, a luxury medical spa and wellness center in Downtown Frederick, nurse practitioner Sheila K. Rohe aims to give all clients the quality and attention they deserve.

Sheila has both the compassion and the credentials to ensure success in achieving those goals. She’s aware that every patient who prioritizes their health may also want to enhance their aesthetic wellness, so she has a wide variety of services, including medical weight loss with Semaglutide or Tirzepitide, medical-grade skincare and peels with SkinCeuticals, microneedling with PRP (platelet rich plasma), neurotoxin treatment, dermal fillers, and hair restoration with PRP and Nutrafol; Biote bioidentical hormone replacement therapy; and IV therapy.

She is a board-certified nurse practitioner with over 28 years of experience. Sheila is an Iowa native who has lived in Maryland for more than half her life, she loves living in Frederick and has made it her home. Before opening her own practice, Sheila worked as a family nurse practitioner in internal medicine and primary care.

Sheila holds a master’s degree in Leadership in Nursing Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a Post-Master’s Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner from Duquesne University. She is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Professional guidance is available to patients struggling with maintaining a healthy weight. Sheila provides medical weight loss with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections, also known by brand names Wegovy and Zepbound. She administers B-12 “skinny shots'' that can increase energy levels, boost metabolism, and promote fat burning.

Sheila offers aesthetic treatments, including dermal fillers, injectable cosmetic treatments that can restore facial volume for a more youthful appearance. Botox, which helps relax wrinkles for a refreshed look. Microneedling with PRP is a minimally invasive option that stimulates collagen production, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, tightening sagging skin; reduce hyperpigmentation.

Sheila provides Biote, a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, to balance hormones and promote well-being. Among the possible benefits are less depression, better sleep, reductions in hot flashes, increased muscle mass, increased libido, and more energy.

She also offers sick visits via telehealth or in person, as well as concierge primary care. These services are convenient and affordable.

In her commitment to providing comprehensive care and personalized attention, Sheila combines her extensive experience with a passion for promoting both physical and aesthetic wellness. With a diverse range of services tailored to meet individual needs, Sheila ensures that every client receives the highest quality care.

Dorman Home Remodeling has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in transforming houses into dream homes. With a steadfast commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service, the company sets the standard for home remodeling services in Frederick County and beyond.

”There are a lot of remodelers out there,” said Donna Dorman, who manages the business with her husband, CJ Dorman, and oversees operations and marketing. “What’s different about us is that we take care of everything involved in design and build – from guiding customers through the options, creating floor plans and renderings, and managing construction from start to finish. We are with our client every step of the way.”

At Dorman, skilled artisans and craftsmen work on a whole range of remodeling projects — kitchens, bathrooms and additions — to elevate a home’s functionality, comfort and appearance.

“We also redesign a lot of first-floors to achieve the open concept that has become so popular,” Dorman said.

Dorman mentioned that the company relocated to its Frederick site approximately 12 years ago, complete with a showroom. The showroom is currently undergoing remodeling to enhance the customer experience, offering a hands-on opportunity for customers to explore a diverse array

of product samples such as countertops, cabinetry, tiles, and fixtures. “Our goal is to make remodeling a seamless and stress-free experience and to help make the intangible tangible.”

It’s what distinguishes the company from big-box stores and other design/build companies.

“We are approachable and connect with our clients,” she added. “We have the ability, and take the time, to understand our clients vision, and that makes all the difference in the outcome.”

A commitment to efficiency and transparency is part of the package.

“We keep the client informed about status, specific start and end dates, and everything in between,” Dorman said. “We understand we are guests in our client’s home, and their family will be living the product we crafted every day. We take that very seriously.”

The company’s three-year warranty exceeds the industry standard, and enables customers to trust that their investment is protected.

“When you choose a remodeler, you look for a fair price from a company that will be around after the project is completed,” Dorman said.

The Dormans, and most of their team, live in the area: “You’ll run into us at the grocery store. We are part of this community.”

Menocal Family Practice

Dr. Julio J. Menocal started practicing medicine in Frederick in 1985, and soon noticed that patients who were under-insured or had no insurance at all didn’t have a place they could go to for healthcare services.

So in 2006, he decided to start a practice that catered to these patients. Now, more than 17 years later, he continues to devote many hours to caring for all members of the community. Dr. Menocal has continued to be guided by the goal of providing affordable care to patients no matter their situation, whether they have insurance or not.

“Everybody gets the same excellent health care they deserve, regardless of what kind of insurance they have,” says Michelle Restani, provider coordinator and office manager.

“Every commercial insurance patient helps cover the cost of one-and-a-half medical assistance visits,” Dr. Menocal pointed out.

Dr. Menocal’s focus has been to achieve high rates of vaccination for children, and the practice has administered more than 140,000 free vaccines over the years.

The practice has applied to be part of a federal pilot program named; Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. The GUIDE Model will focus on dementia care management and aims to improve quality of life for people living with dementia, reduce strain on their unpaid caregivers, and enable people living with dementia to remain in their homes and communities.

Leadership and staff have expanded as well.

“I couldn’t do it all alone,” Dr. Menocal said. “I needed really talented people to help me.”

As such, Dr James B. Sherwood PhD, a healthcare executive with 25 years of experience, has joined the practice as chief executive officer, and Dr. Howard Haft, MD MMM former Executive Director of the Maryland Primary Care Program and Senior Medical Advisor of the Maryland Department of Health, has also joined the practice.

The practice currently has locations in Frederick, Salisbury, Baltimore and Hagerstown, and has plans for additional offices in more areas throughout Maryland.

Sabor de Cuba

Sabor de Cuba is a culinary gem that transports diners to the vibrant streets of Havana.

The inspiration for the family-owned and -operated restaurant came from owner Irieska Caetano’s “love for food and desire to bring more culinary diversity to Downtown Frederick,” she said. “I felt there was an opportunity to introduce something new and exciting.”

Twelve years later, Sabor de Cuba continues to be “a welcoming space where people can gather, enjoy delicious food, and make lasting memories,” Caetano said. “That’s what makes owning a restaurant so rewarding.”

“Sabor” is Spanish for “flavor” and the menu celebrates authentic Cuban flavors, including dishes that evoke the island’s rich culinary heritage.

From traditional favorites such as Ropa Vieja (flank steak pulled and slowly cooked In a tomatobased sauce with olives and capers) and Picadillo (ground beef slow cooked with potatoes and olives), to mouthwatering seafood dishes, there’s something to tantalize every palate.

Every dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, using the finest ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

“We want the community to know that we take pride in using only the freshest ingredients,” Caetano said.

Among the customer favorites, said Caetano, is Pernil, citrus-marinated pork shank, thinly sliced, with garlic and onion. Also very popular is Bistec de Palomilla, grilled citrus marinated sirloin, thinly sliced topped with sautéed onions. Both are served with white rice, black beans and sweet plantains.

Another standout dish is a classic – the Cubano Sandwich, filled with roast pork, honey ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.

“In addition to our delicious food,” Caetano said, “we have an impressive selection of drinks, including cocktails, wines, bourbon, and nonalcoholic beverages.”

Caetano credits her parents for her strong work ethic. Their lives exemplified “hard work, dedication and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.”

In turn, she said, “I believe this mindset has a positive impact on my staff, inspiring them to go above and beyond in serving our community.”

“Our staff is known for their friendliness and exceptional service, always ready to welcome you with a smile and ensure you have a memorable dining experience,” she added.

For Caetano, “walking into the bustling restaurant filled with people and families, all enjoying their meals and creating memories, is incredibly fulfilling.”

She considers it “a privilege to be chosen from among Frederick’s many excellent dining options. Knowing our guests have selected our restaurant for their special occasions or casual dining experiences is truly an honor.”

EARLY EDUCATION

Creative Children's Center

Just like the population it serves, Creative Children’s Center keeps on growing.

It all started 31 years ago when Linda Bidle began offering daycare services in her Myersville house. Just two years later, realizing the community’s need for childcare, she moved her business into Mount Zion Methodist Church, where it continues to thrive.

Now under the co-direction of Bidle’s son, Brett, and his wife, Jaclyne, who bought the business in 2017, the center continues to flourish. The couple, who serve as president and chief financial officer respectively, opened a second location in Jefferson in 2021. The Myersville center can accommodate 102 children, and Jefferson’s can care for 100.

“Even before COVID, we were looking to expand because we recognized the increasing demand for quality childcare,” Brett Bidle said. “Post-pandemic, the demand increased even more because a lot of programs had reduced capacity or closed.”

CCC does not rest on its laurels. “Our practice is to reinvest capital to enrich our programs,” he said. “We are always improving, pursuing national accreditations, and developing strong educational quality.”

In 2022, the Myersville location was renovated, including updating the parking lot and interior walls and floors in the classrooms, changing all lights to LED bulbs, and totally revamping one of the center’s four playgrounds.

In the next few years, Brett Bidle said, there are plans to expand Myersville’s school-age program.

“And we are actively looking to open a third center,” he said.

CCC’s early childhood educational programs are specifically tailored for each age group, in line with the industry shift to structured education.”

“Our approved curriculum uses modern and traditional techniques that enhance the child's overall ability to learn, develop and grow,” Bidle said. “Our preschool program focuses on kindergarten readiness, preparing your child for the future.”

All of the center’s lead teachers are certified in their age group and most have bachelor’s degrees. Four teachers have also earned master’s degrees in early childhood education.

Teacher retention is high, Bidle said, “many are still here from the time we bought the center.”

CCC is fully accredited by Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland EXCELS, the state’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare and early education programs.

“By participating in Maryland EXCELS, our programs display a commitment to quality and excellence for our growing community,” Bidle said.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Wealth Management Institute, Ltd.

Wealth Management Institute helps clients bring order to the chaos of financial management.

Executive Director Cameron Bell has been guiding individuals, families, and businesses in navigating these complexities for more than 30 years.

An Army veteran with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s in business, Bell started out offering personal financial management seminars at Frederick Community College and Montgomery College in the 1990s.

“We covered everything from soup to nuts – markets, financial services, taxes, budgeting, estate planning, risk management – plus free financial planning,” Bell says. Gradually, factors such as the growth of technology, the maturing of Bell and his clients, and the recession in the aughts (known as the lost decade in the investment business), diminished interest in seminars, so Bell transitioned to a more traditional financial planning and management business.

The company is based in Urbana within a quarter mile of his home.

Bell’s second-in-command is Vice President Tricia Yetter, who is responsible for portfolio management, accounting, billing and overall firm financial operations. Yetter, who holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, previously spent 20 years working in the student loan industry.

Bell’s son Cameron Jr., a college student, helps out on an as-needed basis. Bell and Yetter use their expertise to understand their clients’ unique needs, wants, long-term goals and tolerance for risk, then develop, implement and monitor effective investment strategies designed to achieve these objectives.

Their experience has taught them that financial challenges such as managing debt, understanding Social Security, and saving for college, can be overwhelming. Bell is proud of the reputation he has built.

“I tell the truth in the face of misinformation, and those who push the envelope, or just tell clients what they want to hear,” he said.

“I’m a big believer in financial markets. We live in the greatest economy the world has ever seen, and people can do anything they want – within reason – by rolling up their sleeves and applying sound financial principles,” he said. “There are no quick answers, no quick fixes, but if everyone put away 10% of their earnings every month, they’d be in pretty good shape.”

Bell has become more spiritual through the years.

“I get strength from my relationship with God, and [as such] I believe in helping people, showing them we care, welcoming fellowship. There is a bigger reason for life other than just money.”

Danielle Leonard is unique in her field — the agent-owner of State Farm Insurance’s Frederick office has worked for the same company for her entire 29-year career.

“Not many people can say that these days,” she said.

Leonard, a lifelong Maryland resident, began her career with State Farm as a summer employee while she was still in college. Upon graduating with honors from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, Leonard began working at State Farm full-time.

Through the years, she has variously served as agency intern, auto underwriter, auto underwriting manager, agency field specialist, and agency career track specialist.

Since 2007 she has owned the office.

Leonard said she spent her first two years growing the business via direct mail, sending out thousands of postcards with her photograph each week. Now, “it’s all about your social media presence,” she says.

Leonard’s business embodies the classic State Farm jingle that promises to be there for customers, “like a good neighbor.”

“We are extremely customer-focused,” she said. “We are happy to do a lot of handholding, helping our clients navigate through their various circumstances.”

Leonard takes pride in serving the Frederick community, and is a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, the Frederick County Association of Realtors and the Impact Club of Frederick. She has been on the Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County board since 2018.

“We sponsor and attend their events, invest both time and money in events like the spring and fall Frederick purse auctions, youth activities and bingo at the fire department,” she said.

Licensed in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, Leonard’s team includes seven full-time and two part-time agents that focus on insurance for automobiles, motorcycles and boats, for homeowners and renters, as well as for businesses and life insurance.

The office, located on Frederick’s Golden Mile, is open weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and by appointment.

Pictured from left to right: Grace Debord-Cisneros, Jacqueline Quinn, Jamie Knofczynski, Daniela Zavala, Danielle Leonard, Melissa Pool, Rose Hahn, Luis Morales-Cabrera

Antietam WorldTravelService®

Antietam WorldTravelService® has the expertise to offer clients the insights they need to plan a safe, successful, and memorable vacation whether it is a close-to-home long weekend or bucket list trip of a lifetime – and everything in between.

Antietam, which celebrates 40 years in business this year, is now owned by WorldTravelService®, which has seven offices in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. As a branch of WorldTravelService® the Frederick, MD location is backed by a regional team of professionals and global travel industry connections. This translates to better offers and exclusive travel enhancements for their clients.

“What is distinctive about Antietam WorldTravelService® is a focus on service,” said manager Alexandra Bohn.

“We are with the client from start to finish, including both during and after the trip,” Bohn said.

The Frederick office has four agents. Bohn, born and raised in Germany, was exposed to European cultures from an early age. She is an international specialist, with knowledge of destinations in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

“I love working on complex international itineraries and enjoy the challenge of research. My travel experience allows me to plan dream vacations for my clients,” she said.

Carmen Burdette, specializes in cruise vacations and personally cruised 50 times on various lines. She has traveled extensively in the

Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and Alaska. She holds certifications with River and deep water cruise lines.

Julie Shanholtz has traveled across the U.S with her family, experienced traveling in Europe and Mexico. After travel school, she joined Antietam WorldTravelService® in 1988. Through her years of experience, she has become “a Mexico, Caribbean, leisure and cruise specialist,” she said.

“I enjoy sending clients on all-inclusive vacations to Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. I also like to book cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska and escorted tours all over the world,” Shanholtz added.

Lisa Eader, who has 23 years of travel experience, has spent time throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and South and Central America.

“I love getting to know the culture and sampling the local cuisine, and helping people plan their own trips and make memories for themselves and their families,” she said. “I take pride in getting to know my clients, so I can help them plan the perfect trip.”

As a full-service and fully connected travel agency Antietam WorldTravelService® offers expertise with airline, river, ocean, and expedition cruising; private and escorted tours, hotels, resorts, quick getaways, and bucket list travel.

Travel Better with Antietam WorldTravelService®

Frederick County Parks and Recreation

The Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation oversees a network of 23 parks, two community buildings, 10 recreation centers, a community center, two nature centers, a children’s museum, plus a system of 24 trails with scenic routes.

The County’s parks have something for everyone, including playgrounds, courts for basketball, tennis, pickleball and volleyball, athletic fields, horseshoe pits, dog parks, picnic shelters and community gardens.

“The Division is committed to the highest level of care for our natural and historic resources, while making the park facilities and

the recreational programs available to all,” Division Director Jeremy Kortright said. “We aim to make Frederick County a vibrant, healthy and connected community where everyone can thrive and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation and leisure activities.”

The County has recently made upgrades at many park facilities, including replacing basketball court goals and backboards, resurfacing basketball and tennis courts, and installing new playgrounds and fencing.

The second phase of Old National Pike District Park is under way, creating an accessible playground, walking trails, athletic

facilities, multi-use recreational spaces, restrooms and expanded parking lots. Soon, a skate spot in Middletown Community Park will be constructed.

In addition to our Operating budget allocation, we are fortunate to receive Capital Project grants such as Maryland Program Open Space, which further supplement our resources and allow us to expand and improve upon our offerings. These grants are invaluable in supporting our mission to provide accessible and enriching recreational opportunities for all residents.

We remain committed to maximizing the impact of every dollar we receive. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and

leveraging external funding sources like grants, we strive to continue enhancing the quality of life for our community through Parks and Recreation initiatives.

Kortright, who has a bachelor’s degree in sports management, started out in the Division in 1999 as Recreation Coordinator and assumed the role of Division Director in 2016.

He oversees a team of about 120 staff – administrative, recreation, parks operations, and custodial – “who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of our parks and recreational facilities,” he said.

As Life Engagement Director at Buckingham’s Choice, a premier Acts Retirement-Life Community, Dawn Beall’s days are all about helping people make the most of their retirement on a bucolic, lively Adamstown campus.

“Around 300 residents call Buckingham’s Choice their home, and I have the privilege of working within that home,” Beall said. ”It’s hard to express just how special this community is. We all support each other –residents and team members. There’s an extraordinary sense of compassion and volunteerism that flows throughout this community.”

It's easy to sense the warmth and kindness at Buckingham’s Choice, which offers a variety of maintenance-free living options for active seniors on a campus regularly buzzing with laughter, fun and activity.

“It may sound like a cliché,” she says, “ but it is like a large family.”

Buckingham’s Choice residents are full of energy, secure in knowing care is available, should they ever need it. They can spend their time finding opportunities to celebrate the best of life and make a difference in the greater Frederick community.

Beall’s own passion for volunteerism is reflected in her community. Buckingham’s Choice supports a variety of local organizations, such as SOAR Frederick, Platoon 22, Hayden’s Heroes, and the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Good works can also translate to good times. As life engagement director, Beall has helped organize sporting events, day trips, speaker series, social events, concerts, and plenty more for residents of Buckingham’s Choice. The scenic campus recently added an extensive patio area for relaxation, recreation and wellness.

“Buckingham’s Choice strives to help each individual reach wellbeing (mind, body, and spirit) in a personcentered way,” Beall says. “The resident association in this community is tremendously active, and residents are able to discover almost any area of interest. Frederick is a beautiful and active place. My advice, for anyone who is interested in retiring in the Frederick area, would be to find a community that offers the opportunities that will help you find your personal purpose and enjoyment.”

To learn more, call 888-336-1917 or visit AboutActs. com/FrederickFaces.

Monacacy Valley Dental

Monocacy Valley Dental offers patients the highest quality treatments in all facets of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, whitening, Invisalign and botox, all in a relaxing, comforting environment.

For patients with dental-related anxiety, Monocacy Valley Dental offers a unique approach to helping ease their worry. The office’s English bulldog, Patton, helps calm even the most nervous patients with his gentle and friendly presence.

Dr. Brian Motz has been practicing for 17 years. In 2019, he built a state-of-the-art office in Frederick, to better serve the community. Dr. Motz was named the Best Dentist in Frederick two years in a row, by the readers of The Frederick News Post.

Dr. Motz received an associate degree in biology from Hagerstown Community College, then graduated from Towson University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Dr. Motz earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.

The self-described “lifelong learner” did not stop there.

“Dentistry is a rapidly evolving specialty, and I want to keep up with the latest techniques, protocols, and innovations. This allows me to offer my patients the very best care and treatment options,” he said.

Dr. Motz has honed his expertise in implant surgery and full mouth reconstruction. He has completed more than 1,000 hours of continuing education during this time. Dr. Motz has been awarded two fellowships in implantology, a mastership in implantology and complex oral surgery, and has achieved diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantology.

“Only 5% of dentists in the country have achieved this,” he said. “This allows me to offer a wide range of dental implant treatment options for my patients, without having to refer them to another office.”

Dr. Motz finds his profession fulfilling for many reasons. The most important aspect of his career is the trust that more than 4,000 patients have instilled in him.

“Relationships are the foundation to a successful doctor/patient relationship,” he said. “I enjoy empowering people to take control of their oral health. I love it when I can restore or improve someone’s confidence with a smile makeover. It brings me joy when I can move a patient out of dental pain and increase their quality of life.”

161 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick 301-698-0044 • monocacyvalleydental.com

VETERINARY MEDICINE

Partner Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center

Providing expert care for pets, compassion for their families, and a safe space for team members is what distinguishes Partner Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center from other vets.

In bringing their state-of-the-art veterinary emergency & specialty center to Frederick in October 2023, co-owners and founders Christine Stafford and Katie Brooks mission is to do their part to improve the veterinary landscape and pioneer a transformative approach to team health and happiness, creating a healing environment for their team, pet families, and patients.

Colleagues and friends for 15 years, both led emergency and specialty veterinary businesses with offices in the same building. Stafford, who has 30 years of experience in the field, co-owned the world’s largest veterinary neurology practice, and Brooks, a 30-year veteran, was the CEO of the world’s largest veterinary cardiology practice.

During the pandemic, the two observed increased demand for veterinary care as well as pressure on under-resourced veterinary teams that rendered them unable to deliver care effectively or sustainably.

“There are very few independently owned practices anymore,” Stafford said. “Most have been sold to bottom-line focused corporations.”

Those factors convinced them it was time to start their business, she explained. They began with Frederick, then opened in Richmond, VA two months later. Eventually, the plan is for PVESC to have five sites.

PVESC’s team of emergency doctors, specialists, care advocates, and nursing experts provide the full spectrum of specialty care 24/7, 365 days of the year. Urgent Care sees pets with issues such as allergic reactions, vomiting, or eye and skin irritation. Emergency Care is offered for acute trauma, heatstroke, or weakness. Specialty Care provides internal medicine, neurology, medical oncology, surgery and in-house MRI and CT.

“We use a triage process to ensure we are prioritizing the most critical patients first.,” Stafford said. “It’s much like a human hospital.”

PVESC has grown from 22 to about 220 team members in less than 6 months. “We are fortunate, blessed, that they took a chance on a start-up and are riding this incredible wave with us,” Stafford said.

That’s likely due to the priority PVESC puts on the team’s health and well-being “in an industry plagued by vets and techs leaving in droves,” both because of workload and the pressures of dealing with pet owners’ emotions and financial constraints in making life and death decisions being “a hard weight to bear.”

“We prioritize our teams,” Stafford said, “in a profession where they have long been forgotten.”

PERSONAL INJURY AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Attorneys Matthew Engler and Allyson Bloom from BSG Law proudly represent injured individuals in Frederick and across Western Maryland. Their office specializes in workers’ compensation, negligence, and motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, their firm also handles medical malpractice, social security disability and other complex litigation matters.

The firm started with just three lawyers and a single telephone line in Gaithersburg more than three decades ago. From those humble origins, BSG Law now boasts 27 attorneys in 10 offices across the state. Recently, the firm opened additional offices in Hagerstown and Cumberland to better serve its Western Maryland clients.

Engler and Bloom are proud to represent clients from all walks of life including hundreds of police officers, firefighters and correctional officers, as well as truck drivers, teachers, nurses, and other hard working Marylanders.

“We are proud to serve all of our clients and give them the best possible legal advocacy and representation,” Engler said. Engler joined the firm as an associate attorney in 2016 and became a partner in 2022. A Frederick resident and Maryland native, he graduated from Georgetown University and The George Washington University Law School. Prior to joining the firm, Engler served as a prosecutor in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County for several years.

Bloom, a Frederick native, has been with the firm since 2017. She graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Before joining BSG, she clerked for Judge Mary Kramer in the Howard County Circuit Court. Bloom specializes in workers’ compensation cases for firefighters, teachers and delivery drivers.

“We understand that our clients who get hurt are stressed and anxious about their injuries and the long-lasting impact they may have. They’re worried about whether they can support their families at the same level post-injury, or if they ever will again,” Engler said.

Since personal injury cases can go on for years, the firm gets to know its clients well.

“With time, we form strong bonds with them. We are their partners and their zealous advocates,” he said. “We understand that they need to get back to work safely for themselves and their families.”

The Deibler Home Team — Frederick Mortgage Division HOME MORTGAGES AND REFINANCING

Paul Deibler, The Deibler Home Team’s branch manager and mortgage banker, hopes clients come away confident that his staff provided them with the facts essential to making sound real estate decisions.

The team, Shore United’s Frederick Mortgage Division, handles mostly residential mortgage loans and refinancing.

“Our job is to get (clients) pre-qualified, and get them out shopping, but also give them information they need to make decisions,” Deibler said.

Team members look at a variety of factors, including monthly payment amount, how much money a client will have after closing, as well as a client’s budget. They also offer programs that provide buyers with down payment assistance, construction and renovation loans, and portfolio bank products.

“Those are (factors) we want to review with clients before making offers,” Deibler said.

“There are plenty of loan officers out there that just say ‘You qualify for $400,000. Here is your $400,000 approval. Go shop.”

But “that is not all that is important,” he added. “I want to understand: What budget do you want to stay under?

How much money do you have to put out? What are your goals in the next five to 10 years?

“That will tell me they qualify for a $400,000 house, but maybe they should only be shopping at $300,000, which will put them in a good financial situation now and help them with their long-term goals.

“We try to understand people’s goals along with their qualifications and support them through the process.”

Deibler, who has been in the mortgage business for 20 years, was drawn to the field because of his mother, Bonnie, who has been involved in mortgage lending for 36 years. In his early 20s, Deibler would help her with office tasks on his days off. Today, his team is a family affair: his mom, brother, sister, and brother-in-law all work at the office.

Buying a home is typically the biggest purchase an individual or family will make, and Deibler enjoys assisting clients in achieving this milestone.

“We help people fulfill their dreams — buying their own home, moving into their dream home, refinancing and paying off debt, or putting them in a better financial position,” he said. “There are lots of things I like about my business, but the best part is that I get to help people every single day.”

5291 Corporate Drive, Suite 202, Frederick • 240-651-6948

Nestled in the foothills of the mountain range from which it takes its name, Catoctin Mountain Orchard is a beloved destination for anyone seeking the finest quality fruits and a taste of rural charm.

Established in the mid-20th century by the Black family, the orchard began as a small, family-run operation focused on cultivating fresh fruits using traditional farming methods. Through the years, it has expanded its offerings and facilities while remaining true to its founding principles of quality, sustainability and community engagement.

Robert Black owns the orchard with his sister, Pat Black. His granddaughters, fourth-generation farmers Katlyn and Kylie Robertson help manage the family business.

Allegiance to the family and the orchard is “deep in my blood,” Katlyn said. “We’re following in our great-grandfather’s footsteps. And I’m working hard so I can hand it down to the next generation.”

The orchard is a family-oriented destination for all ages, Katlyn said, pointing to the on-site playground, fresh apple cider and apple cider doughnuts “for everyone to grab and walk through our fields and revel in the simple pleasures of farm life.”

Throughout the growing season, the market has a wide array of fruits – including 25 varieties of apples, as well as pears, plums, peaches, nectarines, berries and cherries. Among the fresh vegetables are kale,

white and sweet potatoes, green peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, broccoli and turnips.

Visitors can pick their own flowers for purchase from a half-acre garden with more than 15 varieties, June through October.

“I want to share this little piece of heaven, and I want people to appreciate what we do,” Katlyn said.

Local jams, jellies and honey are available inside the market alongside fruit pies, and breads that are baked daily. Unbaked pies are ready to bake at home.

Last year, the orchard added a snack/slushie bar, offering fresh fruit smoothies and apple cider slushies.

The orchard offers pick-your-own in both the summer and fall starting with black raspberries, blueberries, sweet and sour cherries and apples in the fall. Catoctin Orchard gives visitors an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about agriculture, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

And community spirit prevails. The orchard donates surplus produce to food banks and shelters, takes part in educational programs for schools and community groups, and collaborates with local businesses and organizations to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.

THE ARTS

Frederick Arts Council

“Frederick is a magical place for the arts,” says Louise Kennelly, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council since 2015. “The creativity here is palpable: you can feel it as you walk down the streets of this artscentered community.”

The Frederick Arts Council is there to support and advance every artist, from beginners to the very accomplished, she says. Last year, FAC gave out more than $500,000 in grants to organizations and individuals at all levels.

It is Kennelly’s conviction that the arts drive both community wellness and the economy.

“The arts enhance connections between neighbors; they transcend differences and bring people out of their silos,” she says.

Before coming to Frederick, Kennelly served as executive director of the DC Collaborative, which worked to equip arts and humanities professionals with the resources, knowledge and network to improve their ability to effectively engage and educate public school students in Washington, D.C.

She earned an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary arts and philosophy, a master of fine arts from the University of North Carolina, and a master of science in journalism from Columbia University.

FAC’s cultural hub is the Art Center, at 5 E. Second St., a newly renovated converted church building that houses resident organizations, public art projects, exhibits and offices on its three

floors. It also serves as an affordable venue for members to host events, exhibits and performances.

FAC also manages operations and programming, spring through fall, of Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St. The open-air amphitheater that repurposed a Revolutionary War-era building hosts more than 150 events presented by a full range of emerging through established performance artists. Open since 2016, it was created by artist Heather Clark, with assistance from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Digital Structures research group.

The FAC Artist Studios and Gallery, at 1-11 N. Market St., provides space for artists to create and exhibit their work. Twenty-five studios are available for rent on a first come, first served basis.

Recent murals created via FAC’s Public Art Initiative include Gera Lozano’s “Healing Bouquet” at 201 S. Market St., and Rafael Blanco’s painting of jazz great and Frederick native Lester Bowie, at 69 S. Market St., both in Frederick. Robert Stuart Cohen is working on creating a digital print on vinyl mural on the exterior of the Red Canary Tattoo building at 1 N. Carroll St., in Thurmont. In terms of investing in the arts, Kennelly says, “a little goes a long way. “When you plant the seeds, it attracts businesses to the community.”

5 E. Second St., Frederick • 301-662-4190 • frederickartscouncil.org

Pulse Publishing

In fall 2002, Pulse Publishing, LLC launched the first issue of The Frederick County Guide, a quarterly newsprint product that would become the initial entry into an eventual catalog of various local community-focused publications.

The Frederick County Guide eventually went glossy and was then joined by Grapevine, a well-received monthly newsprint product that featured MidAtlantic travel articles, local wineries, and stories of historical interests. Years later, Grapevine was reimagined as the glossy, award-winning Eastern Home & Travel, which graced newsstands up and down the East Coast from 2013-2017.

For more than 20 years, publisher and owner Donna Elbert has continued to build Pulse Publishing by adding additional print titles, such as FiND iT Frederick, The FiND iT MAP, Frederick Faces and the newest digital magazine, Frederick Business Quarterly, which launched last fall.

As a Frederick native, Elbert's primary goal has always been to actively support local businesses, tourism, nonprofits and the arts by providing several platforms and services that help elevate those clients. Additional platforms, such as custom print publications, digital products, custom marketing services and social media support, are all a part of Elbert's desire to provide a tight-knit, boutique style experience for each and every client who works with the Pulse Publishing team.

As Pulse Publishing continues to expand and grow, the editorial, marketing and design staff is looking toward the future by continuing to produce awardwinning publications along with further development of digital products and innovative marketing tools to continue to serve and support the needs of Frederick County.

Parent Resource Center/Law For Parents/Advocates In Education

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but when that child has a disability, the village needs to come equipped with very specific resources.

Ashley VanCleef, an education law attorney with a degree in special education, has called Frederick County home for decades. She owns the Parent Resource Center and Law for Parents, two companies focused on helping parents who have children with special needs.

The Center has a brick-and-mortar presence in Frederick’s Everedy Square where it aims to bring parents and community businesses together — using the internet, social media, and live experts — to help parents no matter what challenges their children face.

“Their child may need a certain kind of dentist, because they have autism and struggle with dental care,” says VanCleef, or a hairstylist, a psychologist, a math tutor, a vocal coach. If academic, recreational, physical and mental healthcare professionals specialize in people with special needs, she notes, the Parent Resource Center helps parents connect to these resources.

“We offer events and support groups for families of children with various disabilities, where they can all get together and really share their experiences and gain information,” she says.

The Parent Resources Center stands ready to help parents with a host of issues.

“It’s a one-stop-shop for parents who are educating and raising and being advocates for children and older adults with disabilities,” VanCleef said. “We have parents tell us all the time that they have hope after working with us. That’s truly the most rewarding thing.”

The Center offered a free sensory-friendly Santa event in December, to help children enjoy the holiday without the stress.

“We had a mom who brought in her son who was in middle school for our sensory-friendly Santa picture,” she explains. “It was the first time he’d ever gotten a picture with Santa.”

VanCleef says that heart of the Center is to “connect, support, and empower parents” either through the Parent Resource Coordinator, the In House Partners who are Advocates in Education and Law For Parents, or the various community partners.

“I don’t feel like what I do every day is a job – it’s a mission,” she says. “I’m thrilled to be a part of helping parents in any way I can.”

Pictured: Emily Callinan, Attorney with Law For Parents, Ashley VanCleef, Marissa Del Borrello, Law For Parents Intern, Stephanie Knapp Owner and Paralegal with Advocates in Education, Therese Ragland, Parent Resource Coordinator