Frederick County Guide 2023

The City of Frederick

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The City of Frederick Parks and Recreation Department has provided citizens in the area with quality and affordable programs for over 80 years. Year-round activities include sports, fitness, and leisure for all ages, challenging and educational children’s activities, the William Talley Fitness Center, and an abundance of unique programming.

Frederick County Guide | 2023

Welcome to Frederick!

Frederick is so nice they named it twice. Both the city and county share the same name and often “Frederick” gets used interchangeably to mean the whole region, not just the city that serves as its county seat and cultural and event center.

The City of Frederick is outstanding, with hundreds of great places to eat, grab a drink, see a show, shop and explore. But Frederick County has about a dozen other towns or municipalities that also have a lot to offer.

Inside these pages you’ll find details about all the places that make Frederick so special. And you’ll also find resources to make the most out of living, working or visiting Frederick.

This magazine will serve as a guide to all things Frederick for you throughout 2023, so give it a read, then keep it on your desk and grab it when you need to know something about Frederick, whether it be under the realm of education, wellness, real estate, amusement or anything else.

Molly Fellin Spence, editor

molly@pulsepublishing.net

About the cover Illustration created in commemoration of Frederick's 275th Birthday by Yemi. See all of his artwork at yemiart.com

Rustic Elegance & Historic Charm

Perched atop one of the highest ridgelines in Gettysburg, framed by historic wood and stone architecture and stunning views of historic Gettysburg battlefields and Hunter Lake, The Lodges at Gettysburg is a destination unlike any other in the area.

It’s peaceful here with a timeless tranquility and rustic elegance that settle you into a relaxed state of mind. Beautifully maintained grounds and lodging are surrounded by 63 acres of rolling Gettysburg countryside, the perfect backdrop for family vacations, outside-the-box meetings and romantic weddings with a dash of historic charm.

POLICE

FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911

Frederick County Sheriff’s Office

110 Airport Drive East, Frederick frederickcosheriff.com

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins Republican; term ends December 2022 301-600-1532 | cjenkins@frederickcountymd.gov

The sheriff’s office serves as the primary law enforcement agency in Frederick County, responsible for management and operations of the adult detention center, and civil process service and security within the county courthouse. The office conducts patrol operations and is responsible for the school resource officer program. The sheriff is an elected position, with unlimited four-year terms.

24-hour Information Line: 301-600-1046

Non-Emergency Dispatch: 301-600-2071

Tips Line: 301-600-4131 or fcsotips@frederickcountymd.gov

Community Deputy Program (Myersville, Emmitsburg, Middletown only): 301-600-6488

Fingerprinting: 301-600-4058

Records Requests: 301-600-3929

School Resource Officers: 301-600-7103

To request a patrol check, email your name, phone number, address, reason for the request and any other information that could be helpful to: FCSOPatrolChecks@frederickcountymd.gov

For vacation watch requests, at least one week in advance, email your name, phone number, address and dates requested to: FCSOPatrolChecks@frederickcountymd.gov

Access the online reporting system at: https://www. frederickcosheriff.com/online-reporting

Frederick Police Department

100 W. Patrick St., Frederick 301-600-2101 | cityoffrederickmd.gov/99/ Frederick-Police-Department

Chief of Police Jason Lando jlando@frederickmdpolice.org

The Frederick Police Department is a technologically innovative and progressive police agency, committed to ensuring Frederick City’s exceptional quality of life. The FPD aggressively combats crime through a variety of policing strategies, including data-driven policing, problem-solving, and community policing, working with residents, community groups, and other government entities through a systematic and community-oriented process to prevent and mitigate crime through focused law enforcement and problem-solving.

Non-emergency line: 301-600-2102 Report crime anonymously: 301-600-8477 or fpdcrimetip@ frederickmdpolice.org

www.townofnewmarket.org

Brunswick Police Department

200 East A St., Brunswick 301-834-7500 | brunswickmd.gov/police

Chief of Police Kevin Grunwell chief@brunswickmd.gov

The Brunswick Police Department is a full-service agency committed to providing the residents of Brunswick and visitors with police services.

Non-emergency line: 301-600-2071

Customer service: 301-834-7500

Anonymous crime information: 301-969-0600

Thurmont Police Department

East End Park | 800 E. Main St., Thurmont 301-271-0905

After 4 p.m.: 301-600-2071 thurmont.com/2156/Police-Department

Chief of Police Gregory Eyler

301-271-0905, ext. 103 geyler@frederickcountymd.gov

The Thurmont Police Department is a community-oriented and problem-solving law enforcement agency with a commitment to community policing. The department encourages a working partnership between the police and the residents of the community.

Complaints or compliments may be made in person at police headquarters or via telephone at 301-271-0905, or email to pdroneburg@frederickcountymd.gov.

FIRE and EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)

Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue Services

5370 Public Safety Place, Frederick 301-600-1536 | frederickcountymd. gov/24/Division-of-Fire-Rescue-ServicesDFRS

Director/Fire Chief Thomas E. Coe tcoe@frederickcountymd.gov

The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS) provides critical life safety services to the residents and visitors of Frederick County. DFRS employs 450 uniformed personnel, 16 civilian personnel and partners with hundreds of volunteer responders to serve the 664 square miles of Frederick County.

Ambulance Transport Subscription Club

Frederick County residents are eligible to join the Ambulance Transport Subscription Club to save on out-of-pocket costs. All money collected goes to local ambulance companies.

Membership rates for individuals are $25 per year; for a household, $50 per year; and for seniors (ages 60 and older), $15 per year.

Membership covers basic life support and advanced life support transports by Frederick County EMS. It does not cover helicopter transports and/or private ambulance transports.

To subscribe, call 301-600-6869 or 301-600-1644.

FREDERICK

BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY OF

Throughout the year 2023 Frederick County will mark its 275th anniversary with a year full of events. Last summer County Executive Jan Gardner unveiled a special logo, with a distinct key-shaped image, to appear on road signs promoting the year’s theme, “Explore, Connect and Thrive.”

Celebrations kick off with the traditional New Year’s Eve Key Drop on Carroll Creek, in partnership with Civitan Club of Frederick. Special events featuring local historians, public engagement specialists, business representatives, tourism and recreation experts will commemorate the special anniversary.

“Frederick County loves its rich history, and we want people to get keyed up about our 275th anniversary,” Gardner said. “Our local history has helped to shape our nation. I am confident we will continue to shape a bright future during our next 275 years.”

On June 10, 1748, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to create Frederick County from a portion of Prince George’s County. The legislation took effect in December of that same year.

To mark the passing of the legislation, there will be a family-friendly event on June 10, 2023, at Utica Park. The annual Museums by Candlelight Tour is being timed to coincide with the December enactment of the legislation. A special commemorative book is being published and branded merchandise will be sold at Frederick County Public Libraries branches. To learn more, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/275 to view a calendar of events and stay up to date by texting FC275 to 888777.

1730

Frederick Calvert, 6th Lord Baltimore, offers free land to those who would settle in the Monocacy River Valley.

1745

Daniel Dulany the Elder laid out Frederick Town and invited German settlement.

Dec. 10, 1748

Frederick County is formed from parts of Baltimore County and Prince George’s County.

April 23, 1755

British Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock, Lt. Col. George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin meet at Frederick to plan British assault on Fort Duquesne.

1756

First Courthouse erected in Frederick.

1774

Catoctin Iron Furnace built in Thurmont to produce pig iron.

1786

Matthias Bartgis began newspaper publishing in Frederick.

May 21, 1787

Toll roads connecting Baltimore with Frederick, Westminster, Hanover, and York authorized by General Assembly.

Aug. 5, 1792Jan. 16, 1793 Thomas Johnson (1732-1819) of Frederick County served on the U.S. Supreme Court.

1808

John Dubois established Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg.

1809

Elizabeth Ann Seton adopted modified rule of Sisters of Charity, establishing the order in Emmitsburg.

BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY OF

PLANNING COMMITTEE

What’s the goal of the planning committee, how was it formed, and what work are you doing to celebrate the county’s 275th?

Our key message is, “Exploring together our common connections is key to thriving in our next 275.” As you can see with our logo, we have created the key words, Explore, Connect, and Thrive. This messaging is used throughout our programing and messaging for 2023. Our goal is to create awareness, develop partnerships and promote the county for a year-long anniversary celebration. The Office of the County Executive started forming a group in late 2021 that included key county staff and community partners to establish the 275th Planning Committee. Subcommittees were later created to assist in developing the partnerships and programs and it includes a member of the 275th Planning Committee.

What plans have been made to celebrate the county’s anniversary? When will celebrations start and how can folks participate?

We have developed a website that lists all 275th events and it will be updated to incorporate any additional partner events throughout the year.  We have established partnerships for the kickoff event and the closing event for 2023.  We will commemorate our June 10th anniversary with a jubilee at Utica Park.

We will kick off the anniversary year on New Years Eve at Carroll Creek at the annual Key Drop in partnership with the Civitan Club of Frederick. Our closing event will be Museums by Candlelight in partnership with Frederick Historic Sites Consortium. Throughout 2023, we ask that people explore Frederick County’s great entertainment, parks, our amazing downtown and our charming small towns; Connect with each other and with our past; And see how Frederick County thrives with an innovation-based economy and high-performing schools.

1816 Frederick incorporated. May 23-24, 1822

The first Frederick County Fair began.

1824 Emmitsburg incorporated.

1831 Thurmont incorporated.

1833 Middletown incorporated. 1836 Woodsboro incorporated.

July 9, 1864

Frederick held for ransom by Confederate forces under Lt. Gen. Jubal Early.

Early’s forces defeated Union forces under Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace at the Battle of Monocacy, also known as Battle that Saved Washington.

September 1868

Maryland School for the Deaf opened in Frederick.

1878 New Market incorporated.

1884

George Alfred Townsend, author and war correspondent, began building Gathland near Burkittsville.

1890 Brunswick incorporated. 1892 Walkersville incorporated.

1893 Women’s College of Frederick founded, later becoming Hood College.

1894

Burkittsville incorporated. 1894 Mount Airy incorporated. 1896 War Correspondents’ Memorial Arch, the first monument to war journalists, built by George Alfred Townsend at Gathland. 1904. Myersville incorporated.

We asked planning committee co-chairs Heidi Keeney and Kari Saavedra to share commemoration plans and details on Frederick County’s big birthday.

Why is it important to celebrate the county’s 275th anniversary?

It is an opportunity to bring everyone together to celebrate the diversity of our county and look at how we have grown and build together to thrive into the future.

How has Frederick County changed over its history?

Prior to 1748, the land we now know as Frederick was carved out of Prince George’s County. Some records also mention a part of Baltimore County being included. It is important to remember that before colonial settlement, the Piscataway and Tuscarora people lived in these valleys and along the Potomac and Monocacy rivers. The Piscataway consider this their winter hunting grounds and gathered slate along the river banks. Dozens of their descendants live in this community still today, and we should acknowledge them and their ancestors’ role in our shared history.

From the indigenous people to the German settlers of the 1700s, Frederick County’s roots lie in our rich soil, wooded lands, and abundant waterways. Agriculture remains an important part of our identity today.

On June 10, 1748, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to create Frederick County. That legislation took effect on December 10, 1748. Since that time, our community has played key roles that helped to shape our nation.

In 1765, Frederick County judges refused to enforce the Stamp Act, rebelling against the British Crown eight years before the Boston Tea Party. Ammunition for the Revolutionary War was forged by enslaved workers at the Catoctin Furnace outside Thurmont. In 1809, Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg. She went on to become the first U.S.born saint of the Catholic Church. The words to our

May 24, 1905.

Fashion designer Claire McCardell is born in Frederick.

1942

President Franklin D. Roosevelt visits the presidential retreat in Thurmont, Shangri-la, later renamed Camp David.

1943

U.S. Army Biological Warfare Laboratories established at Camp Detrick.

March 26, 1946

Construction on Frederick Municipal Airport began. The airport opened in April 1946 and was dedicated in May 1949.

1953 Rosemont incorporated.

1956 Camp Detrick renamed as Fort Detrick.

1956

Interstate 70 East connects Frederick and Baltimore.

1957 Frederick Community College is founded.

1957

Interstate 70 South connects Frederick and Washington, D.C. Sept. 25-26, 1959

President Dwight D. Eisenhower meets with Nikita Krushchev, First Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party, at Camp David in Thurmont.

1970

Interstate 70 West opens from Frederick to Hancock.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESERVATIONMARYLAND.ORG

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITYOFFREDERICKMD.GOV

BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY OF

PLANNING COMMITTEE

National Anthem were written during the War of 1812 by

The Maryland General Assembly met in special session in Frederick in 1861, where Confederate sympathizers were arrested. This changed the course of history. With Maryland unable to secede, Washington, D.C., could not be cut off from the Union. In 1886, the first monument to war journalists was built on South Mountain by George Alfred Townsend. Frederick County continued to have an impact in the 20th century and into today, with international peace talks at Camp David, life-saving research at Fort Detrick, and the birth of a fashion designer who boldly added pockets to women’s clothing. Today, there are scientists at work in Frederick County trying to develop a cure for cancer.

There is so much in our history to be proud of.

Who are some notable people who have called the county home during its history?

We are creating a 275th commemorative book, which will be available in 2023, that features some key community members and shares their stories of Frederick County. The book will highlight the following categories: agriculture, business & economy, changing communities, education, foundations (history), government, great outdoors, looking forward, tourism, and transportation.

How would you describe the county to someone who has never been here? Why is it such a special location? Frederick County is a caring community with a historic and vibrant downtown in the City of Frederick and great municipal main streets. We maintain a strong agriculture industry and now support a blend of innovate industries including manufacturing and biotech industry. From our great wineries, breweries and distilleries to our great parks, libraries and unique rich, history, there is something to offer everyone.

June 18-20, 1973

President Richard M. Nixon meets with Leonid Brezhnev, General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party at Camp David in Thurmont.

Sept. 14, 1975

Elizabeth Ann Seton is canonized by Pope Paul VI, making her the first American-born saint in the Catholic church.

COURTESY OFNIXONFOUNDATION.ORG

May 18, 1975

Interstate 70 South renamed Interstate 270. Sept. 5-17, 1978 Camp David Accords negotiated at the Catoctin Mountains camp, between President Jimmy Carter, President Anwar al-Sadat of Egypt, and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel. Signed in Washington, D.C., March 26, 1979.

1989

The minor league baseball team the Frederick Keys is established in Frederick.

July 11-25, 2000

Middle East Peace Summit held at Camp David in Thurmont with President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.

May 18-19, 2012

Annual G8 Summit held at Camp David. The Group of 8 (G8) included the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and Russia. The European Union also participated.

Dec. 1, 2014 Frederick County changed to a charter home rule government and its first County Executive and County Council were sworn in to office.

Frederick lawyer Francis Scott Key.

Frederick County celebrates its 275th birthday.

PHOTO

river, trail & history.

B R U N S W I C K , M D

TOWNS About

Where we live, work and thrive!

BRUNSWICK

The City of Brunswick, nestled on the banks of the Potomac River along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, is known for its many outdoor activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and biking, and as a hub for train enthusiasts. Here you can train spot on a viewing platform by the rails, visit a historic caboose, and tour a vibrant heritage museum highlighting the city’s long history as a railroad and canal town. Once known as German Crossing, then as Berlin, the city was founded in 1787 by Leonard Smith. In April 1890 the city got its official

name as Brunswick, chosen by the B&O Railroad to create a new identity as an important railroad center. That same year the population had doubled due to railroad construction and in 1900, the city’s commerce center was established and the population was listed at 2,471. By the 1960s, railroad operations began to decline until the railyard finally ceased operations in 1980. Brunswick turned into a largely “bedroom community” and today about 40% of the population commuting outside Frederick County for work, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation.

brunswickmd.gov • facebook.com/brunswickmd

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID S. SPENCE, SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHICS

City Stats

Brunswick Community Carnival

Live music and activities including a petting zoo, face painting, food, vendors and a balloon artist, at the Brunswick Volunteer Fire Hall. The carnival is normally held in late June.

Railroad Days

On the first weekend of October the city celebrates its rich railroad history. Visitors can enjoy model train displays, roundtrip train rides, craft and food vendors and musical entertainment over two days, rain or shine.

Veterans Day Parade

One of the oldest and Maryland’s largest parade in observance of Veterans Day. This celebration weaves through downtown Brunswick honoring those who have served in the armed services.

Talk of the Town

In Brunswick the views of the water and mountains are amazing and, literally, you are 15 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. The C&O Canal, the Towpath, and the Potomac River are in our backyard, creating opportunities for outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery for bicycling, a run or a stroll. If you want a smaller city feeling just minutes away from bigger cities, with amazing natural resources at your doorstep – Brunswick is the place for you!

Carmen Hilton Brunswick Main Street manager

PHOTOGRAPH BY MOLLY FELLIN SPENCE

EMMITSBURG

Emmitsburg, nestled at the foot of the Catoctin mountains, was incorporated in the early 1800s. Home to the first American-born saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg is where Seton established the first Catholic school in the U.S., that grew into St. Joseph College. The property is now home to the U.S. Fire Service’s National Fire Academy and the National Fallen Firefighters

Memorial. A short drive away is Mount Saint Mary’s University, a private Catholic university that offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, and special programs as well as master’s programs, and postgraduate certificate programs. The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, which continues to be operated by the Daughters of Charity, is open nearby.

emmitsburg.gov

Farmers Market

Community Heritage Day

Late June: Annual celebration at E. Eugene Myers Community Park featuring a frisbee golf tournament, bike rides and bike rodeo, horseshoe contest, traditional field games, live music, children’s activities and rides, craft and vendor show, parade, music at the bandstand, a beer garden and fireworks. emmitsburgevents.com

Emmitsburg is home to three Cal Ripken Baseball 12U 46/60 baseball championships. The titles were won in consecutive years (2013, 2014, and 2015).

FREDERICK

The City of Frederick was originally laid out in 1745 and called Frederick Town. Historians believe the city was named for Frederick Calvert, the 6th lord baron of Baltimore, though some believe it may have been named for Frederick Louis, the prince of Wales. During the Civil War, Frederick was witness to three Confederate invasions, 38 skirmishes and two

major battles (South Mountain and Monocacy) as hundreds of thousands of soldiers marched through the city. Today, Frederick is the county seat and home to a vibrant downtown business district with numerous boutiques, specialty shops, award-winning restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more.

cityoffrederick.com • downtownfrederick.org

PHOTOGRAPH BY KURT HOLTER

Frederick’s 4th July 4: The largest Independence Day celebration in Frederick County, with two stages of entertainment alongside family-friendly rides, activities, food and fireworks. celebratefrederick.com/events/ fredericks-fourth

National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race

Mid-July: Racers ride antique or modern high wheel bicycles in a criterium (multi-lap) race of along a 0.4-mile route through historic Downtown Frederick to determine the National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race champion. highwheelrace.com

In the Streets

Second Saturday in September: The festival began in 1983 after major renovations closed Market Street for several months. When the dust settled Mayor Ron Young decided to hold a festival for the entire community to encourage reinvestment in downtown. Today, the oneday festival invite attendees to explore historic Downtown Frederick, while offering a sampling of diverse food, entertainment, art and nonprofit resources. celebratefrederick.com/events/in-the-street/

Talk of the Town

Home to a diversity of people, a variety of locally owned businesses, a beautiful streetscape and lots of cultural events, Downtown Frederick has so much to offer for businesses, residents and visitors.

Kara Norman Executive Director, Downtown Frederick Partnership

PHOTOGRAPH BY MOLLY FELLIN SPENCE

MIDDLETOWN

The Town of Middletown was founded in 1767. A young Lt. George Washington surveyed the South Mountain area and commented that the Middletown Valley was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. Andrew Jackson once said that the Middletown Valley was “one of the most favored and delightful spots on the earth.” The Revolutionary and Civil wars passed through Middletown along Main Street, also known as the Old National Pike, turning homes and churches into headquarters and hospitals. Middletown is a Maryland Heritage Area and is

part of the official Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. Main Street Middletown has always been filled with businesses that help to support the surrounding farming community. This is still true today, and the farms in turn support the community with a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, dairy, wine, mead, cider, florals, pumpkins, Christmas trees, and more. Middletown is a beautiful, historic small town that sports more than 200 years of architectural history, and views and sunsets worth stopping to admire.

middletown.md.us • mainstreetmiddletown.org • facebook.com/mainstreetmiddletownmd

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID S. SPENCE, SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHICS

Town Stats

As of 2020 U.S. Census

Claim to FAME

Color Me Spring

End of May: Annual celebration in Middletown Community Park, sponsored by the Middletown Rec Council. Includes craft and food vendors and music.

Independence Day Celebration

Annual celebration of July 4, ending with one of the best fireworks displays in the county, based out of Middletown Park.

Middletown Heritage Festival

Family-friendly activities include Civil War musket firing demonstrations, kids crafts and a pie-eating contest, live music, food and craft vendors along Middletown’s Main Street. middletownheritagefestival.com

Color Me Autumn

End of October: Annual celebration in Middletown Community Park, sponsored by the Middletown Rec Council. Includes craft and food vendors, music, trick or treating, and inflatables.

Christmas in the Valley

First Saturday in December: Festivities include caroling, lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, story time with Mrs. Claus, photos with Frosty, a visit from Santa Claus, and Christmas music at Zion Lutheran Church. After the show enjoy punch and Christmas cookies in the church social hall.

Talk of the Town

The thing that I have come to appreciate the most about Middletown is the easy-going friendliness of everyone you meet and an obvious pride in their community. Folks here truly love their community! They want to get involved, they volunteer, they support the small businesses, they support each other in times of need, and there is a genuine laid-back kindness that is felt everywhere you go in town.

Axilbund Executive Director, Main Street Middletown, MD Inc.

Becky

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BECKY AXILBUND

MOUNT AIRY

Originally known as Parr’s Ridge, the Town of Mount Airy got its name in the 1850s, when a B&O Railroad brakeman whose ears were freezing from the cold air which crosses Parr’s Ridge. He suggested the name Mount Airy would be appropriate, and the townspeople agreed. Today, the town is a nationally accredited

Main Street Maryland Community and holds the State of Maryland’s esteemed Community Legacy designation. Downtown Mount Airy has small-town charm, with quaint old buildings and plenty of community and cultural events, retail establishments, antique and craft collectible shops, cafés and restaurants.

mountairymd.gov • @townofmountairy • facebook.com/TownofMountAiry

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID S. SPENCE, SPENCE PHOTOGRAPHICS

Town Stats

As of 2020 U.S. Census

Talk of the Town

Restaurant Week

Celebrate Mount Airy

Last Saturday of August: Brick and mortar businesses, nonprofits, and community groups from the 21771 set up free vendor spaces.

A Main Street Christmas

First Saturday of December: An old-fashioned Main Street Christmas with a tree lighting and Santa parade.

Mount Airy’s historic downtown reflects old with what is new and hip. The community is welcoming, invested and almost half of all business owners are Mount Airy residents and have been established for over 20 years. There is a reason for that, it’s lovely here. Mount Airy is the Heart of the Four County Community of Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery.

Melissa D. Thorn

Director of Community Development, Economic Development & Main Street Manager

Town of Mount Airy

PHOTOGRAPH BY MOLLY FELLIN SPENCE

NEW MARKET

Known as the Antiques Capital of Maryland, the Town of New Market was incorporated in 1878, but had its beginnings in 1793, when the Smith Tavern, the oldest building in town limits, was constructed. Located on what was originally one of the major east-west routes from Baltimore and Frederick to the west, New Market’s Main Street is built on the Old National Pike, also known as U.S. Route 40 or Maryland Route 144. New Market is a well-maintained

linear town with historical structures that have evolved with the times. The town is propelled by volunteers on the Historic Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, New Market Civic Partnership, the Events Committee, Green Team, Rotary Club, the Philanthropic Lodges, the Grange and the Town Council. It is a place for unique boutiques, vibrant parks and private gardens. Every alley has a little something to share with residents and visitors alike.

townofnewmarket.org • facebook.com/newmarketevents

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NEW MARKET MAIN

As of

2020 U.S.

Talk of the Town

Linganore-New Market Community Show

Early October: Youth and adults enter exhibits for judging, showing off their talents in canning, baking, sewing, needlework, photography and farm and garden products. https://lnmcs.com/

Christmas in New Market

First weekend of December: Kick off the holiday season with a parade down Main Street and free events, including live music, a Christmas market with 30 local merchants, a visit with Santa Claus, a decorated tree auction and lighting of the town Christmas tree.

Winslow F. Burhans III Mayor

THURMONT

The original name of Thurmont was Mechanicstown, and it was incorporated with that name in 1751. It wasn’t until January 1894 that its name was changed to Thurmont by an act of the Maryland General Assembly. The Western Maryland Railroad was a big part of the name change due to its decision to rename the town’s railroad station because of confusion over nearby stops for Mechanicsburg and Mechanicsville.

The original choice for the new name – Blue Mountain City – was rejected by the railroad, and so the second-choice name, Thurmont, prevailed. Presidents started visiting the area after the federal government established the presidential retreat now known as Camp David in 1942 in Catoctin National Park. It was originally named Shangri La by Franklin Roosevelt before Dwight Eisenhower renamed the site.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THURMONT MAINSTREET

Colorfest

Talk of the Town

Thurmont is an amazing small town with a farming and small industry background. We are surrounded by a national park, a state park, and wonderful orchards, vineyards and open farmland. We offer centuries of history, wonderful town parks, great walking and biking trails, quiet neighborhoods, great schools and convenient shopping. If you are looking for a day trip, a weekend getaway or are considering a move, Thurmont should be your first choice.

A. Kinnaird Thurmont Mayor

John

PHOTOGRAPH BY MOLLY FELLIN SPENCE

URBANA

The Urbana area was first settled in 1730. Though not an official city or town, the area known as Urbana has a total area of about 6.6 square miles in southeastern Frederick County, centered at the intersection of Routes 80 and 355. Interstate 270 forms the southwestern edge of the community. In 1999 the area’s population began to grow exponentially with the construction of two developments, the Villages of Urbana and the

Urbana Highlands. In 2006, the Urbana Regional Library and Senior Center opened on Amelung Street. In 2012, Urbana District Park was completed. Comprised of 95 acres, the park includes athletic fields for football, lacrosse, baseball, softball and other sports, as well as walking and biking trails, picnic pavilions and playgrounds. In 2021, the Natelli Family YMCA was opened in Urbana, complete with an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

SPENCE, SPENCE

Urbana Volunteer Firemen’s Community Carnival

Urbana is home to the Landon House, which has a long and interesting history in the region. When it was first built it was used as a silk mill. Later, the structure was rebuilt and used as a schoolhouse for girls. In 1854 it was transformed into the Landon Military Academy run by Robert C. Jones and was the site of the Sabers and Roses ball during the Civil War in 1862. It also served as a field hospital during the war.

WALKERSVILLE

Walkersville is named for John Walker, who bought property in 1814 and farmed the land. He later sold off lots for the town, which was joined in 1880 with nearby Georgetown. Walkersville was incorporated in 1892 and has grown steadily since that time. Fountain Rock Park, a county park at a former rock quarry that was in use from 1872 until 1955, has a

nature center and hiking trails, and Heritage Farm Park, on Devilbiss Bridge Road just outside town, has ballfields and picnic areas and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Two bridges over the Monocacy River near Walkersville are on Biggs Ford and Devilbiss Bridge roads. Both are named for early settlers in the area.

walkersvillemd.gov • facebook.com/WalkersvilleOurTown

BY DAVID S. SPENCE, SPENCE

The Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum is located on and around what was once a secondary line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Housed within an early 20th century commercial building, the museum features a variety of educational exhibits that showcase railroad artifacts and equipment. It gives special emphasis to the Walkersville Southern Railroad and its predecessors, including the Pennsylvania Railroad. Other highlights include an operating HO scale model and a Children’s Corner with a hands-on wooden train shelf layout, books, and games.

BURKITTSVILLE

Burkittsville, established in 1824, is a virtually unchanged example of an American townscape of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when the town was a service center for the rural area around it. Today, Main Street’s buildings are still bordered by fields of crops and dairy farms, but there are no longer any commercial establishments in the town. Burkittsville became closely involved with the Civil War when forces of the Union and Confederate armies engaged in the Battle of Crampton’s Gap, a bloody prelude to the Battle of Antietam. In 1999, the town got its 15 minutes of national fame when it was used as the setting of the horror film “The Blair Witch Project.” burkittsville-md.gov

home to the Hamilton Willard Shafer Farmhouse used as Union headquarters during the Civil War.

ROSEMONT

Rosemont, which has a total area of 0.56 square miles, is a village in southern Frederick County, one mile southeast of Route 340 and one mile north of the Potomac River. The quiet residential community was incorporated in 1953, when a group of residents joined together to strategize how to prevent Southern States Cooperative from building a mill in the community. Fifty-five residents signed a petition for a Circuit Court injunction against the building and operation of the mill, citing problems related to traffic, health, water supply, pollution, and property values. The court issued the injunction, the governor signed a bill for incorporation of the Village of Rosemont. Today, views of rolling farmland and mountains contoured by Harper’s Ferry Gap in West Virginia add to the tranquility of the town. sites.google.com/site/rosemontmd

MYERSVILLE

Myersville, incorporated in 1904, was once a busy community with stores, warehouses, craftsmen, physicians and two banks. The incorporation of the town came just a few years after the incorporation of the Myersville and Catoctin Railway Company in 1898, which brought the railway to town. The history of Myersville in the first half of the 20th century is intertwined with that of the trolley and its extension to Myersville. In 1968 Interstate 70 was extended to run through town, and by 1970, the town population grew by 30%. In 2000, Myersville was named the fastest growing municipality in the state. Today, Myersville is located halfway between Frederick and Hagerstown, with convenient access from Interstate 70 to the south and U.S. Route 40 to the north, yet buffered from both by a mile of local road. The location and beautiful, hilly terrain combined to make the town an attractive location for residential development during the last decades of the 20th century. myersville.org

WOODSBORO

Laid out in 1786, the town now known as Woodsboro was initially named Woodsberry or Woodsberrytown. It later became Woodsborough, before finally settling on Woodsboro. Early history suggests that the Woodsboro area was a hunting and trapping ground for a wandering tribe of Susquehanna Indians. From early times, the settlement was located at a crossroads on the Indian trail running from the Chesapeake Bay to the mountains. When the stagecoach became the primary mode of transportation, the place became an important stop on its itinerary. Today, Woodsboro is still primarily an agricultural area, but an important industry is centered on the three lime quarries that border the town. woodsboro.org

The Legore Bridge, in Woodsboro,was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Frederick County Association of Realtors®

478 Prospect Blvd., Frederick 301-663-0757 fcar.org

UTILITIES

Water & Sewer

Frederick County Water & Sewer Utilities

4520 Metropolitan Court, Frederick Main: 301-600-1825 Billing: 301-600-2354 TDD: 301-600-1672 Emergencies: 301-600-2194

Natural gas

Washington Gas - Frederick Division 1800 N. Market St., Frederick 301-662-2151

Electric Potomac Edison-FirstEnergy 800-686-0011 potomacedison.com

RECYCLING & WASTE

Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling

Landfill, transfer station and recycling drop off

9031 Reichs Ford Road, Frederick 301-600-1848 Facebook.com/FrederickRecycles

Citizens Convenience Center 301-600-1848

A flat-rate, self-service, outdoor area designed for efficient disposal of household wastes. Trash can be dropped off without having to be weighed in at the main facility entrance. The CCC is partitioned off from the main landfill site and is only accessible via an automatic gate located along Recycle Road. Customers who use the CCC will pay a flat rate for disposal of household waste and/or to drop off electronics for recycling. As of November 1, 2022 the rate is $7.92 per transaction.

Yard Waste Dropoff and Mulch Sales A free drop off location for the collection of yard waste (loose or in paper bags) is provided at the 9031 Reichs Ford Road Yard Waste Recycling site. Yard waste processed by the county is converted into mulch or compost for sale.

Smaller/residential loads can be brought to the Recycling Drop Off Site and placed in a yard waste dumpster. Look for the large white “Recycling Drop Off” sign on Reichs Ford Road. (The dumpster is set below ground level, so you can back a vehicle up and unload directly into it.)

Larger/commercial loads should be brought through the main facility entrance, weighed in at the scale house, then directed to the primary yard waste recycling area to be unloaded on the ground.

5 tips from your neighborhood lender

1Maximize your credit score: When purchasing anything nowadays, your credit matters. The higher your credit score, the lower your rate and the more money you keep in your pocket. Make sure to make all payments on time, of course as a first rule. Then do not max out your credit cards. The higher you are in your limit, the higher credit risk you are seen as, and your scores go down. Keep your balances as low as possible. Ideally under 10% of your limit, but if that is too much, try and get under 50%, and then continue to pay down monthly. Check your credit a couple times a year for medical collections. This often gets reported in a billing error with your insurance and if you dispute them, they most likely will be removed.

2

Don’t be afraid to max out your 401k! Most people think all of their money needs to be in their checking and savings and you should not touch your 401k. That is an older school way of thinking and not correct. Your 401k is an investment tool. You can put pretax money in and allow it to grow, but also BORROW against it for down payment on real estate. Then you can pay yourself back, not be penalized and not lose any ground. The top 1% in the world do this with investment accounts/ life insurance accounts and don’t use their cash. Everyone else has been learning and adjusting their strategies and this applies to your 401k account as well!

3

Cash Deposits – while preparing to qualify for a mortgage. Don’t make any large cash deposits into your account. You wont be able to use these funds, even if they are in your bank account. There are specific cases where this is allowed and you need to review with a licensed loan officer before making any larger deposits.

4Review your budget and understand your goals before getting into purchasing a home. Most clients don’t understand what monthly payment they want, they just want to see how much house they can qualify for. But running a successful budget monthly is very important for your household’s long-term wealth and success. Do some homework on your budget and goals and then review that with your loan officer!

Don’t make any major purchases. Sometimes that new car will stop you from buying your new house. Get your largest and most important asset figured out first, then buy that nice new car or take that nice long vacation. I cannot tell you how many clients that go out and purchase a brand new car and the payment stops them from purchasing their dream home. Slow down, think about the big picture first and speak to your loan officer before making any larger purchases.

DEVELOPMENT Economic

The business of working and earning in the region.

WHAT’S NEXT... for Frederick businesses and economic development?

At the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, a number of projects are on the horizon for 2023, including supporting the downtown hotel and conference center, continued East Street and Golden Mile revitalizations, and partnerships with the new Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) facility.

As always, the department works to find creative new workforce development solutions and develop continued support of small businesses and opening doors to new entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.

Recently several staff members in the department celebrated milestone work anniversaries. Director Richard Griffin was honored for 20 years of service, while Mary FordNaill, economic development manager, and Becky Kaler, business development specialist, celebrated 5 years. Team member Donna Goff, celebrated 17 years at the office as well.

The city’s economic development team shared their reflections on their experiences through the years, working behind-the-scenes of Frederick’s business community.

RICHARD GRIFFIN

I cannot think of any place I would rather live, work, and raise a family. Frederick was a diamond in the rough back (in 1998, when I moved here), with empty buildings and lots of potential. Fortunately, due to the work of many, we’ve emerged as a top destination for businesses, visitors, and new residents, and Frederick is being recognized for its high quality of life.

We’ve shifted our economy from canning, tanning, and knitting in days of old to banking, biotech, and brewing today. There has

Words courtesy of the City of Frederick Economic Development Office

How has Frederick changed during the 20 years you’ve been in economic development?

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CITY OF FREDERICK ECONOMIC

also been a shift in communication strategies from paper to digital, which was compounded during COVID and I am fortunate to have a team of social media gurus who get the word out that Frederick is hip and historic.

Another key shift has been in business investment. When I arrived in Frederick the top valued property (and highest taxpayer) was the former Fredericktowne Mall. Today it is AstraZeneca with 750 employees and a more than $1 billion invested here. Frederick is a top tech town with more than 80 biotech companies most of which didn’t exist 20 years ago.

When I arrived in Frederick, Carroll Creek Park was unfinished, having sat for a couple decades without funding or vision. As an urban planner by training, I was immediately drawn to the potential of the park as a revitalization catalyst and sought to revive the plans and obtain funding. Fortunately, elected leaders saw the same potential and together with a broad team of volunteers and paid designers, we turned it into an award-winning urban park which has generated $100 million in private development and hundreds of new jobs. According to Visit Frederick it is the top single destination in downtown and helps as we draw more than 2 million visitors per year. Blending great planning and economic development is amazing.

I am also hugely proud of the role my team and I have played in helping hundreds of small business entrepreneurs over the past two decades. I am particularly proud that DED has helped create and support the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc (FITCI) to incubate and accelerate the growth of tech startups, as well as TechFrederick which brings our tech community together here in Frederick.

MARY FORD-NAILL

It is clear that jobs of the future are changing fast and I hope that Frederick is able to be an innovation leader and keep our young professionals right here. Every job today is a tech job. Technology is changing the way we do business. From logistics and eCommerce to manufacturing and R&D, businesses need a trained workforce. Building workforce pipeline through our public and private schools, community college, and institutions of higher learning is critical to maintaining business investment.

In economic development, we interact with lots of businesses, from all different industry sectors. Frederick has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, biotech, technology, government, educational institutions and more. Generally, the vibe remains strong and new businesses are continuing to crop up around the city. Our proximity to the Washington, D.C./Baltimore corridor helps to somewhat insulate our local business community from significant economic factors. Despite current inflationary pressures, workforce challenges and supply chain issues, most businesses

experienced strong revenue in 2021 and 2022 and they seem to be optimistic for the upcoming year. And, based upon the number of ribbon cuttings and grand openings on our calendar, Frederick remains a great place for opportunity and entrepreneurship.

I remain impressed by this Frederick business community – how they band together when there are challenges and celebrate when there are successes. I’ve seen this firsthand in everything from the craft beverage industry to the tech industry, from manufacturing to biotech. Frederick businesses are stronger together, even resilient, because of collaboration and connectivity. It is the kind of community that continually steps up to support each other!

What economic development accomplishments are you most proud of?

What trends are you seeing now in the city’s economy and community? What’s next for Frederick?

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about Frederick’s economy & business community?

What advice do you have to businesses in the City of Frederick?

Our city, county and state partners work closely to create programs and resources that help to provide a strong foundation for starting or growing a business here. We hear it time and time again - that Frederick is unique and special! People tell us it is not like this in other communities, where every facet of the community is in sync! So, if you are thinking of starting a business here or growing your existing business, make the economic development department your first stop! We’ll get you connected – plugged into resources and programs – so that you can map out your plan to business success!

DONNA GOFF

What is your favorite thing about our community?

I appreciate the small-town feel we still have but at the same time, it feels like a “city”. You are just as likely to run into 10 people you know per day, and meet five new ones. Perfect blend!

What Economic Development projects have you helped work on over the years?

I’ve watched the process for the desire for a downtown hotel grow and gain momentum. Our office has been a part of that project every step of the way. As well, our small staff of three (at the time), started both the Golden Mile Alliance and TechFrederick. Both nonprofits have morphed and grown into what a lot of people know them as now. I anticipate big things from both groups.

How can your role be of assistance to someone in

the Frederick business community?

If you are a business or someone thinking about starting a business, if you have a random question about some service the city government may provide, whether it’s related to business or not, I pride myself on being that person to track down a contact person and solving the issue, problem, or concern.

BECKY KALER

What makes Frederick an attractive place to live and work?

I always say the City of Frederick is a “best of both worlds” kind of place. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s big and little; historic and modern; urban and country; artistic and scientific. It’s the most unique environment and just jam-packed with character.

What do you wish more people knew about the city or Economic Development?

There is so much information available to the public online. The main city website and our departmental website are chock full of fascinating maps, plans for the future, databases, reports, board meetings, resources, business stories, you name it! Let us know what you want to know more about and we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.

What advice do you have to someone looking to start a business in Frederick?

Give us a call! There are just so many resources available to help a business just starting up in our community. We can help make sure the right ones are on your radar. We love helping businesses better understand the road ahead and how to most efficiently navigate the process to opening their doors here in the city.

Get in touch with the office at 301-600-6360 or business@cityoffrederickmd.gov.

EDUCATION

Including public K-12 schools and info on the county’s higher ed options

HIGHER EDUCATION, CLOSE AT HAND

Three Frederick-based colleges offer

When it comes to post-secondary learning opportunities in Frederick County, three is the magic number. Frederick’s trifecta of colleges—Hood College and Frederick Community College, both in Frederick and Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg—covers plenty of ground for students who want to pursue a top-quality education that’s based in a great place to learn, live and launch a career.

and value to county residents

quality

By Chris Slattery

Hood College is a coeducational, independent, liberal arts college just minutes from historic Downtown Frederick. Mount Saint Mary’s University is a private liberal arts Catholic university in historic Emmitsburg, nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, with a satellite campus in Frederick. And Frederick Community College is a centrally located public college distinguished by its quality and affordability, attributes that appeal to local students.

What it all adds up to is this: Within its 667 square miles, Frederick County contains a surprising number of options when it comes to quality, affordable higher education. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer.

At Hood, smaller means closer-knit

“We have a beautiful campus, a dedicated faculty, and great programs that are always on the cutting edge,” noted Laurie Ward, Hood’s public information officer. “A lot of schools could say those things,” she added. “I think what makes Hood different is our location—and our partnerships with the businesses and organizations in the region.”

These, Ward believes, are key to success for Hood’s students, who can choose from the university’s 32 bachelor’s degrees, 25 concentrations, 45 minors, and preprofessional preparation programs in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry and law.

There are also 19 master’s degrees, two doctorates and 10 graduate certificate programs. But even armed with a degree featuring leading-edge content in business, STEM, the humanities and education,

graduates get an extra advantage: strong partnerships between Hood and potential hirers.

“We’ve partnered with Frederick Health, and they now run our health center,” said Ward. “They’ve just created nursing scholarships, so our students can help with the nursing shortage after the pandemic.

“We have Frederick County school system as one of our largest employers — we’re educating teachers. We partner with the Chamber of Commerce, and our doctoral students are now providing sessions for Leadership Frederick programs.”

By maintaining partnerships with the businesses and organizations around it, Hood, which was founded in 1893 as the Women’s

College of Maryland, does more than just cement itself in the Frederick cityscape.

“All of these partnerships, all these ways we entwine with other businesses, mean our students can network to get internships, to get research opportunities, and then to get jobs.”

Which matters more than ever, according to Ward. While she sings the praises of Downtown Frederick as a fantastic college town — an easy walk for students, with Hood student discounts at shops, restaurants, galleries and museums — it’s the university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor that holds the key to postgraduation careers.

“Students want to know what the culture is on campus: if we have their major or the sport they want to play,” Ward said.

“Parents want to know that their students are going to be employable when they graduate.”

And while the employment potential for Hood alumni is high, the campus culture is similarly satisfying for students, whether they’re among the 65% who reside on campus or the 35% who are commuters. (All graduate students are part-time and commute to campus.)

“A lot of our students are student-athletes, and almost all of our students are in co-curricular or extra-curricular activities, whether it’s a club, organization or sport,” said Ward, who noted that Hood boasts a 40% diversity rate and currently welcomes students from 27 states and 15 countries. She added that Hood is happy to be a small college, “purposefully smaller, because we want to keep that closeknit community where you can walk across campus and see your professor in the dining hall, or at one of your games.”

The president of Hood, Andrea Chapdelaine, has an open-door policy, keeps office hours, and attends every event she can, according to Ward. No small task: at Hood there are more than 500 events each year, and 50 clubs to touch base with. It’s a warm-and-welcoming, we’re-in-this-together feeling that filters down to everyone who sets foot on campus.

“I think people come here and fall in love,” Ward said. “Not just with the beauty of the campus, but with the friendliness.”

Mad About the Mount

About 20 miles away from the bustle of Frederick’s downtown is another beautiful campus: Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg.

Donna J. Klinger, executive director of communications, describes the campus as gorgeous, sitting, as it does, at the base of a mountain in the Catoctin Mountains, not far from famed presidential retreat Camp David.

“At Mount St. Mary’s students receive a rigorous education based on the Catholic intellectual tradition and rooted in the liberal arts,” explained Klinger via email. “Enriching leadership and spiritual opportunities also help prepare students for meaningful careers.”

Indeed, Klinger said that 91% of Mount St. Mary’s graduates are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation, and 74% of graduating seniors have completed at least one internship. The university offers more than 80 majors, minors, concentrations and specialty programs for traditional undergraduate students, and more than 25 adult and graduate level programs.

“Among our popular majors are cybersecurity, neuroscience, natural sciences, accounting, criminal justice and communication,” she added.

Whatever their major, students at Mount Saint Mary’s have access to more than 70 clubs, from academic to political, to service, arts or special interest. There are faith-based clubs and organizations, too, because Mount Saint Mary’s — affectionately known as The Mount — is a private Roman Catholic university, founded in 1808 by the Rev. John DuBois, a Paris-born priest who escaped religious persecution and landed on American soil bearing letters of introduction from the Marquis de Lafayette to some of the Founding Fathers. Father DuBois went on to become the Archbishop of New York, but on the modern day Emmitsburg campus, where 71% of the Mount’s students live — 53% of them Catholic — there’s still a dormitory named for him.

"As a Catholic university, Mount St. Mary’s graduates ethical leaders who are inspired by a passion for learning and lead lives of significance in service to God and others,” observed Klinger. “Our core values include a student-centric focus, inclusion, service to God and the community and hospitality.”

When students take a break from studies and service, they have four beautiful mountain trails nearby to provide a refreshing immersion in nature, as well as the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes for meditation, prayer and peaceful reflection. There are also more traditional sources of recreation for students, such as the Knott Arena, with its 3,500seat capacity for basketball games, and the Palmieri Activities Center.

“We offer plenty of spaces in which to study, collaborate and just hang out between classes,” Klinger said. “In addition to our dining hall, students can grab food from Emmit’s Street Eats food truck, the entirely student-run Saxbys café and the Mount Café.”

At Mount St. Mary’s, “Students find a welcoming environment where they will make lifelong friends,” she added.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MOUNT SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE

FCC is a place for everyone

At Frederick Community College, also known as FCC, providing affordable, flexible access to lifelong education that responds to the needs of diverse learners and the community is a top priority.

According to public information officer Caroline Cole, FCC offers more than 110 programs of study through credit courses, continuing education and workforce development.

“Frederick Community College is truly a place for everyone,” Cole said via email. “Programs and courses are built and added with the ever-changing needs of community members in mind.”

Since its founding in 1957, FCC has served more than 200,000 students; it currently has a total enrollment of 5,389 at its location near Downtown Frederick.

Those options include day, evening and weekend courses, as well as in-person, online, and hybrid classes. Like most community colleges, part of FCC’s appeal is affordability and part is flexibility. On the affordability side of the equation, Cole pointed out that Frederick Community College is a public college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and distinguished by its quality and affordability, making it attainable and valuable for local students.

Its flexibility extends to FCC’s commitment to breaking down barriers students face that make it difficult or impossible to attend college.

“One example of this is the services we provide for individuals who are raising children,” according to Cole. “We know the cost of childcare can make attending college extremely difficult or even impossible for student parents. Through grants, we are able to offer many student parents significantly discounted tuition at our on-campus childcare center.”

According to Cole, FCC recognizes the different needs and preferences of students and offers flexible learning formats to meet those needs. The educational opportunities on offer can provide pathways to career and transfer opportunities, job credentials, professional development, and personal enrichment for post-secondary students of all ages.

In addition, FCC offers current high school students access to college courses through its Open Campus and High School-Based Dual Enrollment programs.

“Whether an individual is interested in acquiring immediate job skills, pursuing a degree, or enriching their lives through lifelong learning,” Cole noted, “FCC has many options for them.”

FCC also offers a Parents Lead program, which provides a specialized curriculum, personalized coaching assistance, and a supportive cohort community for parents attending classes and working toward a degree at FCC.

Active students in the program are eligible to receive scholarships to assist with tuition, books and childcare expenses and have priority access to select online and oncampus courses.

“As we all know, obtaining a college degree can help individuals secure better-paying jobs and more financial independence that can positively impact their family for generations,” Cole concluded. “FCC is working to ensure student parents have the support needed to achieve that.”

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

fcps mission

Reach our students with exceptional teaching and caring support, r Challenge them to achieve their potential.

Prepare them for success in a global society.

Fast Facts

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (FCPS) Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson 301-696-6910

Frederick County Board of Education http://fcps.org/boe

Central Office: 191 S. East St., Frederick 301-644-5000 (General Information) • fcps.org

School bus status information: apps.fcps.org/transportation/status Find

Local Schools: fcps.org/student-services/find-your-feeder-area1

Enrollment

2022 enrollment 45,700+ students

Employees 6,764 3,300 teachers, 170 principals or assistant principals, 218 counselors or psychologists, 1,238 instructional assistants, plus bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, office staff, and support/administrative staff.

Graduation

Class of 2020 graduation rate was 92.4%

Demographics

Racial/ethnic composition of student body: 52% White; 20% Hispanic/Latino; 14% Black/African American; 7% Asian; 7% two or more races; and less than 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native and Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian.

Elementary/Middle/High

69 schools, including 38 elementary, 13 middle, 10 high, 4 public charters, an alternative school, a special education school, Frederick County Virtual School and a Career and Technology Center.

Budget

FY2023 operating budget is $822,836,251 with 44% of funding coming from local county government.

Blended Virtual Programs

The Blended Virtual Program is a remote learning option designed for students who desire regular live synchronous instruction and asynchronous opportunities. The program follows the same 180-day FCPS academic calendar year set forth by the Board of Education of Frederick County. Live virtual classes occur daily, Monday through Friday. Students enrolled in the virtual program will still have opportunities to participate in athletic and most extracurricular activities offered in their home school of attendance. 3601 Carriage Hill Drive, Frederick edu.fcps.org/esbvp/

Elementary school: 240-236-8970

Middle school: 240-236-8960

High school: 240-236-8450

Home Instruction/ Homeschooling Parents/guardians may choose to educate their children at home rather than enrolling in a traditional public or private school. Home instruction must be supervised by the FCPS home school office or by a private organization registered with the Maryland State Department of Education.

FCPS Home Instruction Office: 33 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick homeinstruction@fcps.org 301-644-4000

Elementary Schools

Ballenger Creek 5250 Kingsbrook Drive Frederick 240-236-2500 edu.fcps.org/bces

Blue Heron 7100 Eaglehead Drive New Market 240-566-0700 edu.fcps.org/bhes Brunswick 400 Central Ave., Brunswick 240-236-2900 edu.fcps.org/bes

Butterfly Ridge 601 Contender Way, Frederick 240-566-0300 edu.fcps.org/bres/ Carroll Manor 5624 Adamstown Road, Adamstown 240-236-3800 edu.fcps.org/cmes

Centerville 3601 Carriage Hill Drive, Frederick 240-566-0100 edu.fcps.org/ces/

Deer Crossing 10601 Finn Drive, New Market 240-236-5900 edu.fcps.org/dces Emmitsburg 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg 240-236-1750 edu.fcps.org/ees Glade 9525 Glade Road, Walkersville 240-236-2100 edu.fcps.org/ges

Green Valley 11501 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia 240-236-3400 edu.fcps.org/gves

Hillcrest 1285 Hillcrest Drive, Frederick 240-236-3200 edu.fcps.org/hes

Kemptown 3456 Kemptown Church Road, Monrovia 240-236-3500 edu.fcps.org/kes

Lewistown

11119 Hessong Bridge Road, Thurmont 240-236-3750 edu.fcps.org/les Liberty 11820 Liberty Road, Frederick 240-236-1800 edu.fcps.org/lies Lincoln 200 Madison St., Frederick 240-236-2650 edu.fcps.org/lnes

Middletown 201 E. Green St., Middletown 240-236-1100 edu.fcps.org/mes

Middletown Primary 403 Franklin St., Middletown 240-566-0200 edu.fcps.org/mps

Monocacy

7421 Hayward Road, Frederick 240-236-1400 edu.fcps.org/moes

Myersville 429 Main St., Myersville 240-236-1900 edu.fcps.org/myes

New Market 93 W. Main St., New Market 240-236-1300 edu.fcps.org/nmes

New Midway/ Woodsboro New Midway Elementary 12226 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar 240-236-1500 edu.fcps.org/woes

North Frederick 1010 Fairview Ave., Frederick 240-236-2000 edu.fcps.org/nfes

Oakdale 5830 Oakdale School Road, Ijamsville 240-236-3300 edu.fcps.org/oes

Orchard Grove 5898 Hannover Drive, Frederick 240-236-2400 edu.fcps.org/oges

Parkway 300 Carroll Parkway, Frederick 240-236-2600 edu.fcps.org/pes

Spring Ridge 9051 Ridgefield Drive, Frederick 240-236-1600 edu.fcps.org/sres

Sugarloaf 3400 Stone Barn Drive, Frederick 240-566-0500 edu.fcps.org/sues

Thurmont 805 E. Main St., Thurmont 240-236-0900 edu.fcps.org/tes

Thurmont Primary 7989 Rocky Ridge Road, Thurmont 240-236-2800 edu.fcps.org/tps

Tuscarora 6321 Lambert Drive, Frederick 240-566-0000 edu.fcps.org/tues

Twin Ridge 1106 Leafy Hollow Circle, Mount Airy 240-236-2300 edu.fcps.org/tres Urbana 3554 Urbana Pike, Frederick 240-236-2200 edu.fcps.org/ues

Valley 3519 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson 240-236-3000 edu.fcps.org/ves

Walkersville 83 W. Frederick St., Walkersville 240-236-1000 edu.fcps.org/wes

Waverley 201 Waverley Drive, Frederick 240-236-3900 edu.fcps.org/waves

Whittier 2400 Whittier Drive, Frederick 240-236-3100 edu.fcps.org/whes

Wolfsville 12520 Wolfsville Road, Myersville 240-236-2250 edu.fcps.org/wfes

Yellow Springs 8717 Yellow Springs Road, Frederick 240-236-1700 edu.fcps.org/yses

Middle Schools

Ballenger Creek 5525 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick 240-236-5700 edu.fcps.org/bcms

Brunswick 301 Cummings Drive, Brunswick 240-236-5400 edu.fcps.org/bms

Crestwood 7100 Foxcroft Drive, Frederick 240-566-9000 edu.fcps.org/cms

Governor Thomas Johnson 1799 Schifferstadt Blvd., Frederick 240-236-4900 edu.fcps.org/gtjms Middletown 100 Martha Mason St., Middletown 240-236-4200 edu.fcps.org/mms

Monocacy 8009 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick 240-236-4700 edu.fcps.org/moms

New Market 125 W. Main St., New Market 240-236-4600 edu.fcps.org/nmms

Oakdale 5810 Oakdale School Road, Ijamsville 240-236-5500 edu.fcps.org/oms

Thurmont 408 E. Main St., Thurmont 240-236-5100 edu.fcps.org/tms

Urbana 3511 Pontius Court, Ijamsville 240-566-9200 edu.fcps.org/ums

Walkersville 55 W. Frederick St., Walkersville 240-236-4400 edu.fcps.org/wms

West Frederick 515 W. Patrick St., Frederick 240-236-4000 edu.fcps.org/wfms

Windsor Knolls 11150 Windsor Road, Ijamsville 240-236-5000 edu.fcps.org/wkms

High Schools

Brunswick 101 Cummings Drive Brunswick 240-236-8600 edu.fcps.org/bhs

Career & Technology Center 7922 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick 240-236-8500 edu.fcps.org/ctc

Catoctin 14745 Sabillasville Road, Thurmont 240-236-8100 edu.fcps.org/chs

Frederick 650 Carroll Parkway, Frederick 240-236-7000 edu.fcps.org/fhs

Governor Thomas Johnson 1501 N. Market St., Frederick 240-236-8200 edu.fcps.org/gtjhs

Linganore 12013 Old Annapolis Road, Frederick 240-566-9700 edu.fcps.org/lhs

Middletown 200 Schoolhouse Drive, Middletown 240-236-7400 edu.fcps.org/mhs

Oakdale 5850 Eaglehead Drive, Ijamsville 240-566-9400 edu.fcps.org/ohs

Tuscarora 5312 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick 240-236-6400 edu.fcps.org/ths

Urbana 3471 Campus Drive, Ijamsville 240-236-7600 edu.fcps.org/uhs Walkersville 81 W. Frederick St., Walkersville 240-236-7200 edu.fcps.org/whs

Charter Schools

Carroll Creek Montessori 7215 Corporate Court, Frederick 240-566-0600 carrollcreekmontessori.org

Public charter school operated by Monocacy Montessori Communities, Inc. Pre-K-8th grades. Offers Montessori-based learning and Spanish enrichment to all grades.

Frederick Classical Charter 8445 Spires Way, Frederick 240-236-1200

Public charter school for K-8th grades. Offers a classical approach that arranges education into three stages, or the “trivium,” that roughly correspond with a student’s development.

Monocacy Valley Montessori 217 Dill Ave., Frederick 240-236-6100 mvmpcs.org

Public charter school operated by Monocacy Montessori Communities, Inc. Pre-K-8th grades, adding a high school in fall 2023. Offers Montessoribased learning to all grades.

Sabillasville

Environmental Charter 16210-B Sabillasville Road, Sabillasville 240-236-6000 sesclassical.org

Public charter school opened in fall 2022 for grades K-6, offering a classical curriculum with a focus on environmental science and agriculture.

Specialized Schools & Programs

Earth & Space Science Lab

210 Madison St., Frederick 240-236-2694 edu.fcps.org/essl

FCPS STEM center that works with mostly elementary school groups to provide additional science learning. Also conducts community programs at its observatory and planetarium.

Heather Ridge School 1445 Taney Ave., Frederick 240-236-8000 edu.fcps.org/hrs

An educational program that provides an alternative to the traditional school in a structured environment, with additional therapeutic and behavioral staffing.

Outdoor School 7630 Hayward Road, Frederick 240-236-4787 sites.google.com/fcps.org/ outdoorschool/home

Provides outdoors based learning experiences for FCPS students.

Rock Creek School

I 55B W. Frederick St., Walkersville 240-236-8700 edu.fcps.org/rcs

Individualized special education programs for students with severe intellectual, physical, emotional, hearing, visual and learning disabilities, ages 3-21.

SUCCESS Program

250 Madison St., Frederick 240-236-8840 fcps.org/success Secondary transition/ vocational education program designed for students 18-21 years of age with disabilities.

Frederick County Catholic Schools

FREDERICK (TJ) OFFICE

87 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 101, Frederick, MD 21702

HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm; Walk-Ins 8–8:30am Saturday, 9am–noon (by appointment only, no walk-ins) PHONE: 301-694-0606

BALLENGER CREEK OFFICE

6550 Mercantile Drive, Suite 106, Frederick, MD 21703

HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm PHONE: 301-668-6347

MOUNT AIRY OFFICE

1311 South Main Street, Suite 304, Mount Airy, MD 21771

HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm; Walk-ins 8–8:30am PHONE: 301-829-6146

URBANA OFFICE

3500 Campus Drive, Suite 101, Urbana, MD 21704

HOURS: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm; Walk-ins 8–8:30am PHONE: 301-874-6107

WELLNESS

Where to go to keep your mind, body and soul in tip-top shape

Need help?

Dial 2-1-1 for health and human resources services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 211md.org

Connects people to the human service resources they need, such as food pantries, shelter, utility and other financial assistance, mental health and substance abuse treatment, programs, crisis intervention and suicide prevention, job search centers, children and family services, and more.

Frederick Community Action Agency Clinic

Primary health care clinic. Serves adults & children who are lower income, homeless, or enrolled in Medical Assistance.

Medbank Program for prescription medication assistance.

100 S. Market St., Frederick 301-600-1506

TDD 301-662-9164 cityoffrederick.com/fcaa

Mission of Mercy 301-631-2670, ext. 110 amissionofmercy.org

Mobile health care clinic. Provides medical, limited adult dental, and prenatal care at no cost. No eligibility process required. Patient prescriptions also available. Provides care in Frederick and Brunswick on rotating schedule.

Planned Parenthood 170 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 100, Frederick 301-662-7171

plannedparenthood.org

Women’s health care services: birth control/pregnancy testing, HIV/STD testing. Men’s reproductive health services. Accepts Medical Assistance and uninsured for reduced fees if income is limited.

Veterans’ Affairs Maryland 800-865-2441 maryland.va.gov/ Provides medical assistance for Maryland veterans.

Frederick County Department of Aging 301-600-1605

DeptOfAging@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

Offers assistance with enrollment in Medicare.

Medical Transportation Medicaid Transportation 301-600-3124

TransIT-Plus 301-600-1725

FREDERICK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

350 Montevue Lane, Frederick 301-600-1029

https://health. frederickcountymd.gov/ Administration 301-600-5029

Birth certificates, death certificates

Behavioral Health Services 301-600-1755

Adult evaluation & review services (AERS), adult recovery services, harm reduction services, loval behavioral health authority, prevention programs, youth support services

Mental Health Services 301-600-1755

Adult mental health services, child & adolescent mental health services

Community Health Services 301-600-1733

Cancer screening, chronic disease prevention, communicable diseases, HIV care services, immunizations clinic, maternal child health

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program 301-600-2507

Free program that provides health screenings, healthy foods, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding information & support, and referrals to other health care & community agencies for pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, new moms, infants, and children under the age of 5.

Developmental Center 301-600-1611

Audiology, dental clinic, infants & toddlers, respite care, schoolbased services

Environmental Health Services 301-600-1719

Community services & development review, food control, rabies, well & septic

Health Care Connection & Preparedness 301-600-8888

Administrative care coordination/ombudsman program, Maryland Children’s Health Program/Qualified Health Plans, medical assistance transportation, public health preparedness

Office of Planning, Assessment & Communication 301-600-6005

School Health Services 301-600-3312

MEDICAL CENTERS

Frederick Health Hospital 400 W. Seventh St.Frederick

FrederickHealth.org 240-566-3300 TTY: 240-566-3700 Volunteer Services 240-566-3567

Frederick Health Aspen Ridge 163 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite A, Frederick

Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab 240-566-3132

Frederick Health Crestwood 7211 Bank Court, Frederick Breast Surgery, Suite 110 301-418-6611

Sleep Medicine, Suite 200 240-566-7378

Primary Care, Suite 230 240-215-6310

Endocrine & Thyroid, Suite 240 240-215-1454

Imaging, Suite 100 and 101 240-566-3400

Nutrition & Weight Management, Suite 240 240-215-1474

Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, Suite 120 240-566-3132

Laboratory, Suite 130 240-215-1440

ProMotion Fitness, Suite 220 240-215-1470

Frederick Health Liberty 194 Thomas Johnson Drive Frederick Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, Suite B 240-566-3132

Primary Care, Suite A 240-215-6310

Frederick Health Mount Airy

Primary Care

1502 S. Main St., Suite 303 Mount Airy

Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab 240-566-313

Frederick Health Myersville 3000-D Ventrie Ct., Myersville 240-215-6310

Frederick Health Rose Hill 1562 Opossumtown Pike Frederick

Primary Care, Suite 302 240-215-6310

Imaging 240-566-3400 Laboratory 240-566-3101

Frederick Health Thomas Johnson 75 Thomas Johnson Drive Frederick

Hearing Care, Suite A 240-575-2526

Ear, Nose & Throat Care, Suite B 240-575-2526

Frederick Health Toll House 501 W. Seventh St., Frederick

Ear, Nose & Throat Care (Otolaryngology), Suite 102 240-575-2536

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Suite 101 240-566-4373

Surgery, Suite 102 240-566-4373

Primary Care, Suite 104 240-215-6310

Urgent Care, Suite 104 301-698-8374

Care Clinic, Suite 103 301-360-2574

Imaging, Suite 104 240-566-3400

Laboratory, Suite 105 240-566-3410

Hood Student Health & Counseling Services 301-698-8374

Frederick Health Urbana 3430 Worthington Blvd. Frederick Urgent Care 240-566-7300 Primary Care 240-215-6310

Imaging 240-566-3400 Laboratory 301-874-2163

Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab 240-566-3132

Frederick Health Village 1 Frederick Health Way Frederick Home Care 240-566-3568 Hospice 240-566-3030

Frederick Health Walkersville 15 E. Frederick St., Walkersville Primary Care 240-215-6310

James M. Stockman Cancer Institute

Frederick Health Medical Group 1562 Opossumtown Pike Frederick Cancer Surgery 240-575-2526

Support Services 240-566-4100 Chest Surgery 240-566-4373 Urology 240-566-4373

Oncology & Hematology 240-566-4100 Infusion Therapy 240-566-4100

Supportive & Geriatric Care 240-566-3031

Integrative Services 240-566-4100 Radiation Medicine 240-566-4500

Frederick Health Dental Clinic 516 Trail Ave., Frederick 240-566-7005

Frederick Health Hospice –Kline House 7000 Kimmel Road, Mount Airy 240-566-3030

Frederick Health Employer Solutions 490-L Prospect Blvd., Frederick 240-566-3001

Mount Airy Health & Wellness Pavilion 504 E. Ridgeville Blvd., Mount Airy

Frederick Health Medical Group

Endocrine & Thyroid, Suite 120 240-215-1454

Oncology & Hematology, Suite 120 301-662-8477

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 301-663-9573

Urology, Suite 120 301-663-4774

Laboratory, Suite 105 301-829-5800

Primary Care, Suite 120 240-215-6310

THE KIKA METHOD®

• SLEEP BETTER

• INCREASE RANGE OF MOTION

• INCREASE BLOOD FLOW

• DECREASE RISK OF INJURY

• REGAIN FLEXIBILITY AT ANY AGE

• RECOVER FROM EXERCISE FAST

• IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

HAGERSTOWN

13204 Fountain Head Plaza Hagerstown, MD 21742 240.730.2600

BALTIMORE

1001 Pine Heights Avenue Suite 304 Baltimore, MD 21229 667.802.2100

ELKRIDGE 6816 Deerpath Rd Elkridge, MD 21075 240.215.1138

SALISBURY

1346 S Division St Suite 103 Salisbury, MD 21803 410.749.2599

We Offer Comfortable and Affordable Patient Care

We have been providing affordable managed Primary Health Care in the Frederick Community for over 32 years. As a Family Medicine Practice we see patients of all ages from newborns to the graceful aging seniors. We tend to all of your health care needs from childhood vaccinations, school physicals, chronic disease management and the delicate care of elder health.

We are accepting new patients at our Practices and we take most commercial insurance, including Medicare and Maryland Medicaid insurance plans.

We also welcome same-day visits for urgent needs. Contact our office at 240-215-1138 for an appointment at any one of our locations, we look forward to seeing you soon.

FREDERICK OFFICE

1050 Key Parkway Suite 102 Frederick, MD 21702 240.215.1138 - Office 240.215.1140 - Fax www.MenocalFamilyPractice.com

Frederick County 50+ Community Centers https://frederickcountymd. gov/8075/50-Community-Centers

The county’s 50+ Community Centers offer a variety of fitness classes such as strength training, yoga, Zumba, and line dance, in addition to social, recreational, and educational program such as discussion groups, book clubs, film club, drawing class, and health and nutrition programs.

Brunswick Center 12 E. A St., Brunswick 301-834-8115

Emmitsburg Center 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg 301-600-6350

Frederick Center 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick 301-600-3525

Urbana Center 9020 Amelung St., Urbana 301-600-7020

Frederick County Senior Recreation Council https://srcfrederick.org/

A nonprofit volunteer organization operating under the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation, this group of seniors gets together to promote wellness offering activities for mind and body to Frederick County residents who are 50 years and older.

Frederick County Senior Services Division 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick 301-600-1234

https://frederickcountymd.gov/54/ Senior-Services

Medicare Resources/Information 800-633-4227

Medicaid - Medical Assistance Program 301-600-4575

Supporting Older Adults through Resources, Inc. (SOAR) soarfrederick.org

A nonprofit dedicated to serving Frederick County’s 65 and older community whose monthly incomes do not exceed $2,100 through either direct

financial assistance or by accessing other resources on their behalf.

Telephone Reassurance Program fcmha.org/how-we-help/ reassurance 301-663-0011

A regular phone call, a caring listener and a friendly connection for Frederick County Senior Citizens. A trained, caring listener calls at a scheduled time on a regular basis to talk about what’s going on in your life, get you help if you need it, and connect you to the services you need to be as independent as possible. Frederick County residents who are 60 years of age or older and are: living alone and have few regular contacts; couples, at least one of whom is disabled; temporarily homebound following an illness, surgery, or hospital stay; or alone while regular caregivers are out of town are eligible.

Thurmont Senior Center 806 E. Main St., Thurmont 301-271-7911 thurmontseniorcenter.org/

Our one level patio homes are luxuriously spacious and elegant. A variety of floor plans are available and all feature a gourmet kitchen, dining room, a spacious main suite with a walk-in closet and main bath, a guest bedroom and bath, covered front porch, patio and over-sized two-car garage. Optional features include a sunroom, a breakfast nook, a single or double-sided gas fireplace, and much more.

Discover why Homewood at Frederick is the region’s choice for retirement living. Call the Marketing Office to schedule an appointment to tour a patio home.

“No person shall be subject, on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status or disability, to discrimination in the terms or conditions for admission to, treatment or the provision of services in, one of our Communities.”

AMUSEMENTS

Top Things to Do in Frederick County

Orchid

Cellar Meadery and Winery

8546 Pete Wiles Road Middletown 301-473-3568 orchidcellar.com

Orchid Cellar is Maryland’s premier meadery and winery located in the Middletown Valley of Frederick County. Our scenic tasting room offers an intimate introduction to mead. Inset left and background photos courtesy of Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery.

Springfield Manor 11836 Auburn Road Thurmont 301-271-0099 springfieldmanor.com

Come for a taste - stay for the experience! Highly awarded crafted Wine, Beer & Distilled spirits served alongside live music, food, mountain views & fun special events. Amble indoor & outdoor seating. Photo courtesy of Springfield Manor.

Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums

1611 N. Market St. Frederick 301-600-1650 rosehillmuseum.com

The Children’s Museum provides hands-on learning, focusing on providing opportunities to experience life in early America from carding wool, grating spices, playing with toys from the past, and more.

Tree Trekkers

9560 Old National Pike Frederick 301-888-TREK (8735) treetrekkersmd.com

Tree Trekkers is an outdoor aerial adventure and zipline park featuring 15 different trails with 8 difficulty levels. It’s the perfect place for scouts, groups, birthdays, family fun, and more!

Photo courtesy of TreeTrekkers.

12610

Catoctin Furnace Road

DISTRICT Arts

15 N Market St.  Frederick 301-695-4050 districtarts.com

DISTRICT Arts is a contemporary art gallery featuring working artists whose creations evoke the modern world, reflect world influences and diversity, and inspire, challenge, entertain and educate. Photo courtesy of DISTRICT Arts

Thurmont Main Street

Clue IQ

103 S Carroll St.  Frederick 240-803-5649

clueiq.com

Experience the next level of escape rooms at Clue IQ. Find clues, solve puzzles, and complete your mission before time runs out in one of our 6 exciting escape room adventures!

Photo courtesy of Clue IQ.

Furnace ruins; Museum of the Ironworker; African American Cemetery Interpretive Trail; Blacksmith Shop; and Collier’s Log House & gardens. Hiking nearby in Cunningham Falls and Catoctin Mountain Parks. Free seasonal events. Photo courtesy of Catoctin Furnace.

Brunswick Heritage Museum

40 W Potomac St. Brunswick 301-834-7100 brunswickmuseum.org

Experience the story of a town built by the B&O Railroad, including a 1700 square foot HO Scale model railroad depicting the B&O Metropolitan Subdivision beginning at the west end of Brunswick’s rail yard and running eastward to Union Station in Washington D.C.

11 Water St. Thurmont 240-626-9980 thurmontmainstreet.com Thurmont is home to the best hiking in Maryland. Thurmont is unique for hiking because there is a trail for everyone of any ability! Enjoy all levels of hiking at our Catoctin Mountain Park, Cunningham Falls State Park, and the blacked top surfaced Thurmont Trolley Trail that begins on East Main Street. Photo courtesy of Visit Frederick

Top Things to Do in Frederick County

Cucina Massi

111 E Patrick St. Frederick 301-624-1052 cucinamassi.com

Cucina Massi is a true classic Italian restaurant with three dining rooms, an upstairs bar and event space, and patio seating. Located in the heart of Downtown Frederick, Cucina Massi serves up meals and memories that transport guests to Italy. Photo courtesy of Cucina Massi.

La Paz 51 S Market St. Frederick 301-694-8980 lapazmex.com

La Paz has been serving Mexican food in Downtown Frederick since 1978! Stop by for our famous margaritas, fresh salsa, and many other great Mexican and American options. Enjoy creekside dining on our dog-friendly patio. Photo courtesy of La Paz.

The Main Cup

14 W Main St. Middletown 301-371-4433 themaincuprestaurant.com

A Middletown destination, the Main Cup offers a relaxing atmosphere, made-to-order American cuisine, signature cocktails, and excellent service. Dine on our patio, in one of our large dining rooms, or at our 28-seat bar. Reservations are recommended!

Smoketown Brewing Station

223 W Potomac St. Brunswick 301-834-4828 smoketownbrewing.com

Family-owned and operated, Smoketown Brewing Station is the hub of blue-collar craft, a neighborhood fire station transformed into a place where anyone who walks through the door can find a craft brew to love. Photo courtesy of Smoketown Brewing

C&O Canal National

Headquarters Address 142 W. Potomac St. Williamsport nps.gov/choh/index.htm

Bike or walk this pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures using the ample free parking and trailhead at mile marker 55 in the heart of downtown Brunswick. Photo courtesy of Historic Park & Towpath.

Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center 2929 Sumantown Road Middletown 301-600-2051 recreater.com/catoctincreek The Nature Center is an educational facility, with hands-on displays, live animal displays, a playground, trails, and many other amenities available to the public.

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road Thurmont 301-271-4922 catoctinwildlifepreserve.com

Wonderful adventures and over 500 exotic animals await you in this 50-acre park! Go on safari, get eye to eye with our jaguar and feed hundreds of beautiful koi! Find these exciting experiences and much more at the Preserve! Photo courtesy of Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.

Brunswick Campground 40 Canal Road Brunswick rivertrail.com/stay-with-us Located between the Potomac River and the C&O Canal, near Harpers Ferry, WV, this campground offers cabins and 100 scenic campsites for tents and RVs. Photo courtesy of Brunswick Campground.

to Spend Fun Times in Frederick Five ways

Explore Some History. Frederick County is celebrating its 275th anniversary this year, and the region is absolutely steeped in history, with countless historic markers, interesting museums, and tons of history-based events. Start your historic journey by exploring the region with a a road trip down the Historic National Road, which begins in Baltimore and winds its way through Frederick before making its way all the way to Indiana. The Maryland portion measures 170 miles and crosses through seven counties, including Frederick. New Market, Mount Airy, and Middletown grew up along the roadway by offering dining, lodging and shopping facilities to travelers. Get directions at fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2278/directions.

Enjoy a Drink or Three. During the last decade, thanks to the passage of new legislation, the state’s brewing and distilling industries have exploded. And Frederick is no exception. Dozens of talented locals are handcrafting spirits, wines, and brews from locally harvested grains and fruits and sharing them with the community in fun and innovative spaces. A good place to start exploring is the Department of Economic Development’s Homegrown Frederick website, which lists many of the local craft beverage options at homegrownfrederick.com/craft-beverages/.

3

Play something unique. Want to try a new-to-you game? The region has a ton of options. New bocce courts were recently installed at Baker Park in Frederick, and pickleball tournaments are regularly held with the support of local parks and recreation departments. Have a hankering for hatchets? You can learn how to throw them – safely – at Stumpy’s Hatchet House. And did you know Frederick is home to several national championship-winning marble players? The Frederick Knucklers are based in Middletown Park and have multiple playing rings for the game of Ringer.

4

1 2 5

Get outside. The county is home to countless beautiful public parks and open spaces. Whether you’re looking to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, take a bike ride down the C&O Canal or enjoy a picnic near the president’s famed Camp David retreat, you won’t have to leave the county to do it. Search dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands to find info about Gambrill or Cunningham Falls state parks and about the Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail. Go to nps.gov to explore what Catoctin Mountain Park and the C&O Canal areas have to offer.

Try foods from around the world then shop until you drop. Frederick County’s downtowns are home to dozens of amazing restaurant options, from vegan cuisine to ramen to Thai, Mexican and Italian, your options are endless. Once your belly is full, walk off some of those calories by exploring the unique boutiques. In Downtown Frederick that means a stroll down Market and Patrick streets or along East Street, where you can find books, home décor and kitchen goods, fashion, outdoor gear, candies, gourmet foods, kitschy gifts, jewelry, pottery, toys, skincare, plants, and more.

Photos courtesy of (1) New Market Main Street, (2) McClintock Distillery, (3) Stumpy's Hatchet House, (4) Sasha S, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia Commons, (5) Tsunami Ramen and Ec'clectibles

Dynamic Dog Sports is Maryland’s premier dog sports facility offering classes, workshops and private lessons in Agility, Nose Work, Disc, Rally Obedience, Tricks, Puppy Basics, and much more! Located on Lily Pons Road in Adamstown, MD, we have acres of green space with an indoor arena, stable with sprinturf, outdoor ring, and multiple fenced fields.

Tracy Riley and Karen Albert are the owners who have been involved in training and dog sports for years.

Contact us via email: dynamicdogsportsllc@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Dynamic-Dog-SportsLLC-109914897493570/

Sign up for our newsletter where you will be kept up to date on classes, workshops, and other events happening at DDS: https://dynamicdogsports.com/newsletter/

Most cities and towns have at least one dog park or other outdoor public spaces that allow dogs, and Frederick County is no exception.

DOGS DIG FREDERICK

By Ty Unglebower

The City of Frederick’s Dog Park is on the corner of Bentz Street and Carroll Parkway, just across the road from Baker Park’s bandshell. The park is conveniently located, and though it’s a bit small, it has all the amenities, including benches for owners, plenty of running and playing space for dogs, water refill stations and free waste pickup bags. (Note that dogs must be registered with the city to play here. Get all the info at cityoffrederickmd.gov/258/Dog-Park.)

In the summer of 2021, the Public Art Commission hired Jeff Huntington, also known as Jahru, and his wife, Julia Gibb, of Annapolis to paint a huge, 85-foot mural at the dog park, featuring several large dogs playing on a brightly colored backdrop of

trapezoids. It was a beautiful way to brighten up the space and make it a happier place for dogs and their owners.

After a date at the dog park you and your pooch may want to drop by nearby Baker Park — by design, Frederick’s largest public park is an excellent place to give your dog some exercise. Run around, play fetch, or sprawl out for a picnic on the expanse of grass between the bandshell and the carillon. (Dog owners should beware of the many ducks that populate the park, if your pet is a chaser.)

An afternoon at Baker Park free of pets would at any time of the year be a rare day, indeed.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JAHRU

The same could be noted of nearby Carroll Creek Linear Park. It runs about mile in length near the heart of downtown along Carroll Creek, and is another public dog option. It features artwork, bridges, fountains, and benches — a comfortable, open space for dog walking by the water.

Outside the city, Frederick County Parks and Recreation operates three public dog parks:

• Ballenger Creek Dog Park, 5420 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. Four acres with two separate dog areas, walkways and trails. Benches and water available.

• Othello Regional Dog Park, 1901-A Jefferson Pike, Knoxville. One acre, located behind Field 1. Includes an asphalt walkway, benches and waste stations, but no water.

• Urbana Dog Park, 3805 Urbana Pike, Frederick. One acre with one area for all dogs to play. Walkways, benches and waste stations are available.

All three are open daily, from 8 a.m. to sunset, and owners must ensure their dogs have up-to-date vaccinations, with dogs displaying both identification tags and vaccination tags. Find out more about the county’s dog parks at recreater.com/192/ Dog-Parks.

The town of Middletown also operates a public dog park. The Wiles Branch Dog Park has been open since early 2016 and has two separate areas, one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. To use the park, dog owners must register at the municipal center, 31 W. Main St., and pay a $10 annual fee, which admits up to three dogs. Call 301-371-6171 for more information.

Perhaps the best metric to determine a city’s openness to dogs is the private sector. Ask yourself how much literal business can I transact in this city with my fourlegged family member in tow? In Frederick, particularly downtown, the answer is quite a bit, thanks the welcoming policies of dozens of business owners.

A bone-shaped sticker printed with “My Dog is Diggin’ Downtown Frederick” is a common fixture in windows of distilleries, antique shops, music stores and more to indicate patrons may bring well-behaved and leashed doggos inside. Others design their own Dog Welcome signs, but the point is, so many establishments welcome dogs, it would take less time to explore all of those that don’t.

While there are some shops in Frederick that don’t allow pets, several of them still place a metal bowl with fresh water on the sidewalk in front of their shop for thirsty canine passersby to enjoy.

Whether you live in Frederick now, plan to move here, or just want to visit for a few nights, you can rest assured there is plenty to do in Frederick that won’t require you research a kennel for the day.

While there are some shops in Frederick that don’t allow pets, several of them still place a metal bowl with fresh water on the sidewalk in front of their shop for thirsty canine passersby to enjoy.

Providing nationally recognized care.

Among the Top 2% of hospitals in the Nation. Every day, our team goes above and beyond to care for you, your family, and our community. We’re proud to be the only hospital in the Washington, DC region to be named one of Healthgrades® America’s 100 Best Hospitals™ for three years in a row (2020-2022).

Learn more | frederickhealth.org/awardwinningcare