Frederick Magazine - January 2026

Starting 2026 Strong with Estate Planning

A new year means a chance to get organized, set goals, and take care of what matters most. If “Get my Will or Trust done” has been on your to-do list for a while, this is your sign to make it happen. Imagine starting the year with your Estate Planning completed, knowing your family and legacy are protected. That sense of relief and accomplishment could be one of the most meaningful resolutions you keep this year.

We understand that starting your Estate Planning can feel daunting. Many people delay it because they assume it’s complicated, time-consuming. The truth is, you already know most of what you need to know, and we’ll guide you through the rest.

Estate Planning Made Simple

At the Law Office of Lena A. Clark, we’ve spent over two decades helping Maryland families create Wills and Trusts de signed to protect what matters most. Our clients are consistently surprised by how easy, pleasant, and fast the process is once they begin. Most say, “I wish I had done this sooner.”

Our planning process is designed to take the stress and confusion out of Estate Planning. We don’t just prepare documents, we provide the legal strategy behind them. That means you’ll understand exactly how your plan works, how your assets will pass, and what steps will protect your family for years to come.

You’ll leave your signing appointment with peace of mind, not just a pile of paperwork. And that’s something worth celebrating as the year starts.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

The start of a new year is the ideal time to set intentions and take care of important life planning. While many people focus on health or finances, establishing or updating your Estate Plan is one of the smartest and most caring resolutions you can make.

Whether you need a Will, Trust, Financial Power of Attorney, or Advance Medical Directive, getting started now ensures that your wishes are clear and your loved ones are prepared for whatever the year brings.

It’s also a great time to review your existing plan, especially if there have been changes in your family, finances, or Maryland estate laws over the past year.

Planning for the future doesn’t have to wait. With our guidance, you can complete your Estate Plan in just a few weeks, and start the year confident that everything and everyone you care about is protected.

If you need help protecting your money and loved ones, call us at 301-414-8782, or self-schedule your consultation at www. lenaclarklegal.com.

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PUBLISHERS

Shawn Dewees / Joseph Silovich

Editor-in-Chief

Guy Fletcher

Assistant Editor

Nancy Luse

Graphic Designers

Alexandra Barr

Ian Sager

Contributing Writers

Contributing Photographers

Michael DeMattia

Mark Youngblood

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Find It Inside

GREEK TRADITION

For years, Aleko’s Village Café was something of a hidden gem among local diners because it operated as a carryout almost hidden behind a gas station near Middletown. Now, Aleko’s has moved into a full sit-down restaurant, while keeping the same Greek favorites.

BY APRIL BARTEL / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

BABY LOVE

Ever since she was a child, Ashley Marie Fraley had wanted to be a mother. Life had other ideas, throwing a series of hurdles in her way that included infertility and a life-threatening diagnosis. Despite the challenges, she remained committed to her dream of having a baby.

BY LISA GREGORY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK YOUNGBLOOD

AI ON THE JOB

Artificial intelligence might suggest fanciful (or fearful) thoughts of computers and robots taking over the workplace with even greater goals. But the fact is AI is here and is already being used by many local businesses, even if the boss doesn’t know

BY GUY FLETCHER

Let It Snow

Guy Fletcher / Editor-In-Chief / gfletcher@fredmag.com

As someone who seriously dislikes harsh weather, I have to say the past few winters here in Frederick County have been just super for me. Sure, there have been a couple cold snaps lately, but nothing that compares to the teeth-chattering “polar vortex” of 2014 when single-digit temps were in play daily.

And snow? We have gotten off easy in recent years, avoiding mammoth storms like the 2016 “Snowzilla” and 2010’s “Snowmageddon,” both of which dumped at least 30 inches on the county. (By the way, whoever names these storms is earning their keep.) We have also sidestepped the sporadic sub-blizzard variety storms that still pack a wallop with 10 to 15 inches of snow.

In fact, recent winters have been so mild I’ve been reluctant to talk about it

much, out of fear that I would only be tempting fate.

It’s been just so pleasant. So nice.

But …

Well, if I am completely honest, it’s also been kind of boring. Winter days in this part of the world aren’t supposed to be in the 60s, and watching a cold drizzle that should be soft white flakes is kind of a downer.

And, I have to admit, aside from the ubiquitous gray icebergs created

by plows on parking lots, Frederick wears its snow suit well. A fresh layer of powder—whether its coating Baker Park, a Downtown building or a farm field— adds a dash of Hallmark channel charm to an otherwise-dreary time of year. So—why not—bring on the snow, even if it’s just for a very small part of this year. Give us some flakes that will make winter feel like winter again. I will make sure my house is stocked up on the Maryland snow-survival troika of milk, bread and toilet paper.

One caveat: Our production calendar here at Frederick Magazine does not respond well to major weather events that close roads, disrupt services, etc. during the middle of the month, when we are busy completing next month’s magazine. Mother Nature’s cooperation in scheduling storms for the first or last week of the month would be appreciated. If you do find yourself stuck inside waiting for your street to be cleared, this month’s issue of Frederick Magazine offers the perfect cure for cabin fever. Our cover story, “Baby Love,” follows the heartfelt journey of a Frederick couple faced with infertility and a lifethreatening diagnosis. Check out Lisa Gregory’s story starting on page 28.

Other stories this month look into the growing use of artificial intelligence in business, a new player in the local art gallery landscape, Aleko’s Village Café’s new home in Middletown, the evolution of esports at area colleges, and much more.

That’s more than enough content to put you on the road (no pun) toward a blissful spring.

Happy New Year. FM

A Doll’s House

By Amy L. Metzger Hunt / Curator, Heritage Frederick

This large, sturdy toy represents one of the earliest models of lithographed tin dollhouses made in the United States. It was first available through the 1948 Montgomery Ward catalog for $4.75. The two-story house is covered inside and out with brightly colored images of bricks, siding, climbing ivy, carpeting, wallpaper, rugs, furniture and art, providing more than enough space for doll families of the 1950s. The house features windows and doors that open and close and a stylish second-story sun deck.

The house was made by T. Cohn, Inc. of Brooklyn, N.Y. The company, founded in 1900

The dollhouse and other exhibits at Heritage Frederick will be available to view when the museum reopens in March.

by Tobias Cohn, an Australian immigrant to the United States, made many lithographed tin toys, including sand pails. The company also produced plastic playsets of farm toys and animals.

This dollhouse, now part of the Timeless Toys exhibit at Heritage Frederick, was owned by Druilla “Dru” Tresselt. As a daughter of Ernest Frederick and Mary Jane Adams Tresselt, Dru grew up in Thurmont around the family fishery, Hunting Creek, which has its own fascinating history that is highlighted in a new exhibit that explores the county’s past as the goldfish capital of the world.

The First Baptist Church of Brunswick and the rest of the city are covered with a layer of snow on a chilly winter day. FM

Coloring Frederick

By Guy Fletcher

Coloring books have evolved from being used only for childhood fun to an activity anyone of age can enjoy, whether it is creating actual art or simply engaging in a relaxing pastime.

Capitalizing on the trend is Frederick photographer Micheal DeMattia, known for his sweeping aerial images of the county that appear in Frederick Magazine and on social media. DeMattia has transformed many of his photos into line drawings in his new coloring book Color Frederick .

“I’ve seen a ton of Frederick stuff over the years—prints, calendars, puzzles, all of it. But I never really saw

a coloring book that felt like it could be for adults or kids without being cheesy,” DeMattia says. “So, I figured, why not take my own images of Frederick and reimagine them as coloring pages?”

The book features 60 pages of Downtown Frederick landmarks, such as the boats on Carroll Creek, the Weinberg Center for the Arts and the city’s famous church spires. DeMattia worked

with an illustrator to “clean things up” that did not translate well from his photos. High-quality paper makes the pages suitable for colored pencils, markers and other implements.

“What I’m hoping is that people make it their own. Colored pencils, markers, whatever. Clean and realistic, wild and experimental, totally up to them, he says. “I also want to share the best finished pages I see or receive, because it’s honestly cool to see how different everyone’s take can be on the exact same scene.”

Color Frederick is available for $14.99 and can be found in Downtown stores such as Retro-Metro, Curious Iguana and the Visitation Hotel gift shop. It can also be purchased online at www.miked.store.

SPORTS HALL OF FAME WELCOMES SIX

Each year the YMCA of Frederick County recognizes individuals who, through their accomplishments and contributions in athletics, have brought honor to themselves and the county, inducting them into the Alvin G. Quinn Sports Hall of Fame.

Six new inductees are being recognized:

Lucas McCollum is one of the county’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes, distinguished across high school, collegiate, professional, endurance and elite cycling competitions. He was a scholarship athlete as a baseball player at Jacksonville State University and went on to play professionally in the Southeastern Independent League, highlighted by an invitation to Seattle Mariners spring training in 2004. Later, he competed in more than 100 multisport events worldwide, earning honors in Ironman competitions and cycling.

Barbara Taylor has been a force in girls’ softball and youth sports for more than four decades. In 1982, she helped start the Frederick County Girls Fast Pitch Softball League. What began with four teams has grown into a county-wide league with more than 100 teams. She has coached in the county for more than 35 years. Taylor founded and continues to run the Araby softball program and created the Maryland Express travel softball program in 1997.

Jim Dorsch is a volleyball coach whose career has helped reshape the sport locally. As head coach at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, his teams’ achievements included a flawless 14-0 regular season in 2006. Dorsch became head coach at Oakdale in 2010, taking over a fledgling program that captured a state title by 2014, a first for the county, and went on to win a second title in 2017. He also founded the Frederick Volleyball Club in 1998 and served as its director until 2018.

Charles B. Davis Sr ., a distinguished athlete, veteran and community leader, has left an indelible mark on collegiate and semi-professional football. The Frederick High School graduate attended Bowie State College, playing a pivotal role in setting school records during the 1975 season. Davis had a 10-year career with the semi-professional Frederick Falcons. He is also a retired U.S. Marine Corps sergeant major, working to serve veterans, and is a member of the NAACP.

Mike Franklin’s coaching career spans nearly three decades, highlighted by his 25 years as baseball head coach at Catoctin High. He guided more than 60 players to collegiate baseball careers or the professional draft. Under his leadership, Catoctin won state championships in 2013 and 2021. He earned the Maryland Baseball Coach of the Year award in 2021. Franklin also co-coached Middletown High School’s girls’ flag football team to the first-ever county and state championship in 2023.

Vikas Gowda , a Frederick High School graduate, is one of India’s most accomplished track and field athletes and a four-time Olympian. Born in India, Gowda moved to Frederick at age 6. At Frederick High, Gowda won seven Maryland state titles in shot put and discus. He set the state discus record in 2001, a mark that still stands. Gowda represented India in four Olympic Games. He earned a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Wayne A. Main , a lifelong Frederick resident, has spent more than three decades shaping the landscape of youth and high school baseball. At Thomas Johnson, he excelled in baseball, golf and soccer. His coaching began in the Frederick American Little League from 1986 to 2002, leading teams to multiple championships. In 2001, he founded the Frederick Hustlers Baseball program, which he has led ever since. Main was named state High School Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024.

STUDENTS IN ANNAPOLIS

Five Frederick County high school seniors, plus one alternate, have been selected to serve as pages for the Maryland General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session. Serving as a page is a unique opportunity for students to learn firsthand how the legislative process works in Maryland.

The pages include:

Sophia Smith is president of the Brunswick High School SGA and secretary for the Maryland Association of Student Councils. She previously served as Secretary of the Frederick County Association of Student Councils and co-coordinator of its Student Outreach Committee. Sophia founded Brunswick High’s Best Buddies chapter, promoting inclusion for students of all abilities.

Michelle Osae Addo attends Oakdale High School and the FCPS Career and Technology Center, where she studies criminal justice and homeland security. . She serves as the Maryland SkillsUSA state secretary and leads several school organizations, including Oakdale’s Black Student Union. Michelle has interned with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office and is committed to advancing equity in public safety practices.

Isabella Tiger is president of the National Honor Society at Linganore High School. She is a cadet lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol, ranking among the top 2 percent nationwide. Isabella has held several leadership roles, including Cadet Commander and SGA Secretary, and mentors younger cadets.

Vidhyuth Viswanathan is a student at Urbana High School and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He mentors refugee students through the International Rescue Committee and volunteers with the Smithsonian and Alliance Française. He has served as an election judge for the Frederick County Board of Elections and tutors elementary students through Reading Partners.

Thomas Kelley is a student at Walkersville High School and a dedicated multi-sport athlete in wrestling and football. He is active in the National Honor Society, Student Athlete Leadership Council and the Chess Club. Thomas volunteers with Blessings in a Backpack and helps lead youth football camps.

Ocean Eone , a Frederick High School student on a pre-law track, has been selected as an alternate for the page program. He serves as SGA treasurer and president of the African Students Alliance. Ocean mentors middle school students, completing more than 100 hours of service, and volunteers with the American Red Cross

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS EXPANDING

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area has received a $5.6 million grant through the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs to significantly expand its mentoring programs across nine counties over the next four years, including in Frederick. The investment will allow the organization to serve an additional 1,000 young people. The funding addresses a critical mentorship gap in Maryland’s juvenile services pipeline, where hundreds of youths—predominantly boys—are waiting to be matched, organizers say. For Frederick County, it means expanded infrastructure for youth development, deeper school-community partnerships and measurable outcomes in workforce readiness, mental health and violence prevention, organizers say. Plans are to acquire a physical space and hire a second staffer to work exclusively in the county.

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CITY INAUGURAL

The inauguration of the City of Frederick’s 64th administration took place at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. In addition to the formal swearing-in ceremonies for Mayor Michael O’Connor and members of the City Council, the event featured remarks by Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, performances by the Frederick High School show choir and the national anthem performed by Elle Marchelle.

FIRE & OAK OPENS

Tad Dmocchowski celebrates the opening of his new restaurant, Fire & Oak Culinary Tavern, 105 N. Market St., formerly the home of Firestone’s Culinary Tavern. The new restaurant promises modern American flavors, craft drinks and a warm Downtown Frederick vibe.

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual legislative breakfast, giving members the opportunity to hear from the county delegation prior to the start of the 90-day legislative session in Annapolis that begins this month.

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THE ELEGANCE OF JAZZ

The Frederick County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted its signature fundraising event, The Elegance of Jazz—Mardi Gras Royale: Bow Ties & Pearls Edition, an afternoon dedicated to celebration, scholarship and service. This annual brunch raises funds to support the chapter’s scholarship program and community-based public service initiatives, strengthening higher education opportunities for local students.

NEW STEM CENTER

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center recently launched at Lincoln Elementary School with the collaboration of Rowan Digital Infrastructure. The centers, 790 nationwide, give students chances to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities in a dynamic and interactive environment and encourages them to explore activities that spark creativity, teamwork and practical problem-solving.

MONOCACY CENTER GRANTS

The Monocacy Center, which helps provide opportunities for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community, awarded more than $60,000 in grants for requests ranging from help with purchasing specialized equipment, musical instruments, sensory toys, clothing, therapeutic horseback riding, summer camp and college classes.

then

now

2 EAST PATRICK STREET

The clock was ticking. Just about three weeks were left for Frederick couple Jason and Ashley Marie Fraley in their hopes of making a miracle happen. “It was intense,” recalls Jason.

Ashley was diagnosed with uterine cancer and scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy. Prior to the surgery, however, there was a small window of time to harvest her eggs and attempt a single round of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in hopes of having a future baby.

It was a critical moment, one of many in their efforts to have a child—from fertility challenges to a life-threatening medical diagnosis to the gift of surrogacy. It was not an easy journey, one with more than a few roadblocks and detours, but well worth it in the end.

“Our dream came true,” says Ashley.

Even as a young girl, Ashley knew she wanted two things. “From the time I was 4 years old, I wanted to be a singer, and I wanted to a mom,” she says.

The singing part came easy. “I started singing classic country when I was like 7 at family events and local restaurants,” says Ashley, who still performs and works as marketing manager at Showtime Sound, a Frederick-based live event production company.

As she entered her teens, she was performing as an opening act for Martina McBride, the Dixie Chicks and Charlie Daniels. After college, she joined the popular local band Vinyl Rhino with its pop, dance, country, rap and classic

rock repertoire. She left Vinyl Rhino in 2021, “to focus on writing my original songs,” she says.

That endeavor was put on hold. “I wanted to pursue this bigger dream of motherhood,” she says.

It was while performing with Vinyl Rhino that she met Jason, who at the time was an entertainment reporter for WTOP in Washington, D.C., covering red carpet events and interviewing celebrities. At the time Ashley thought Jason was better suited for a friend of hers. “I had just gotten out of a relationship,” she explains.

Jason had other ideas. “I told Ashley that I couldn’t go on a date with her friend because I was more into her,” he says.

The couple, who grew up not far from each other along the border of Carroll and Frederick counties but never met, began dating in October of 2018 and were engaged on Christmas Eve, getting married the following year. “We are soulmates,” says Jason, who left radio and now hosts a podcast, Beyond the Fame, and teaches film history at Hood College.

Ashley and Jason were eager to start a family, but the process proved frustrating and at times heartbreaking. “Every single month is a reminder that you are not pregnant,” says Ashley. “You get your hopes up. It’s just this roller coaster. I would think to myself, ‘I feel faint and my mother said she fainted when she was pregnant.’ You’re looking for symptoms. And then you realize that you’ve got your hopes up for nothing over and over. We were torturing ourselves.”

They decided to look for answers and sought fertility treatment.

“It felt like the responsible thing to do,” says Jason. Adds Ashley, “We didn’t want to waste more time. We wanted to figure it out.”

The C Word

Fertility testing revealed that Ashley had a polyp in her uterus, but she wasn’t too concerned. “I had had polyps before,” she says.

Jason had a different reaction, “I remember thinking, ‘Does my wife have cancer?’’’ he says. Ashley and the fertility specialist reassured him that there was no cause for alarm. But the couple did have a decision to make. “The doctor told us that they could remove it, but it might cause scarring and that might make it harder to get pregnant,” says Ashley. “It might be best to leave it and let it resolve on its own.”

Then COVID-19 shut the world down. Instead of a baby, the couple welcomed a puppy named Liberty into their lives. “I think we were kind of enjoying having a break from [fertility treatment],” says Ashley. “Just enjoying time together,” adds Jason.

During Ashley’s regular visit to her gynecologist in 2021, the doctor inquired about the polyp. “I said, ‘We’re trying to wait and see what happens,’” says Ashley.

A year later at another checkup, the doctor was more concerned. “She said, ‘I know fertility is your goal but also your health is important,’” recalls Ashley. “It had been three years, and I still hadn’t gotten pregnant.”

The polyp was removed and biopsied.

While recovering at home, Ashley was on her

Facing page:

computer when she received a notification from her doctor’s office. She clicked on her patient portal and was alarmed by what she read. “I saw the word carcinoma,” she says. “I knew what that meant.”

Ashley had uterine cancer or more specifically endometrial cancer. She was referred to a physician at Johns Hopkins but could not be seen for two weeks. “The longest two weeks of our lives,” says Jason.

That wait took an emotional toll on the usually fun-loving couple. “I would slip away to a room by myself and cry,” says Jason. “I didn’t want her to see me cry. I had to be strong for her.”

Ashley found herself waking up in the middle of the night and bursting into tears. “Jason would just hold me until I went back to sleep,” she says.

At Johns Hopkins, the physician told Ashley she needed a hysterectomy, a surgery to remove the uterus. She was also referred to fertility specialists in an effort to perform IVF, a procedure in which eggs are harvested and then fertilized by sperm outside of the body. Of course, this needed to happen before her hysterectomy in a matter of weeks.

That began a harried time of hormonal injections and trips to Johns Hopkins to monitor egg development. “They’re trying to get your body to grow and ovulate as many eggs as possible at once when your body is used to only growing and ovulating one per month,” says Ashley. She was hopeful. “I felt like my body was finally doing something right when it had done so many things wrong,” she says.

The process is costly, but the couple received a grant from the Livestrong Foundation’s fertility program, which supports individuals seeking to preserve sperm, eggs or embryos before cancer treatment. They also received financial assistance from the Walgreens’ Heart Beat program that provides free medicine for egg and embryo freezing for women who are diagnosed with cancer.

Ashley recovered from the hysterectomy and is still cancer-free, although she will be closely monitored for several years. And she produced viable eggs that could be fertilized by Jason’s sperm to create an embryo. The hysterectomy, however, meant she was unable to carry her own baby. “That’s the hardest part,” she says, wiping away tears.

Baby’s Time

The couple turned to the idea of surrogacy and decided the money they had been saving for a house would now go toward starting their family. In researching potential surrogates, Ashley found Ashley Greene, who lives in Iowa. Ashley was impressed by her experience as a surrogate and also as someone who worked as an independent consultant in the surrogate industry.

Ashley reached out to Greene and the two women initially met over FaceTime. “Her kids are jumping around during the call and making faces,” says Ashley. “They were hilarious. We thought, ‘Oh, my God, it’s perfect. Such a good vibe. We love them. This is exactly what we want.’”

Greene and her husband Kris have three children of their own and at that point Greene had been a surrogate three times, including a set of twins. Greene was impressed from her first conversation with Ashley. “I just loved her energy,” says Greene. “She was so open and honest and vulnerable. I was like, ‘God, I really want to help these people if I can.’”

As a surrogate, Greene says she feels no ownership of the babies she carries. “No,” she says. “Not at all. I am here to keep the baby safe. I am here to make sure the baby has everything it needs while I’m growing it. Then after I give birth to it, I am more than happy to let the parents parent.”

It is the giving that is important to her. “I may go through discomfort, but the parents get a lifetime with their child,” she says. “That’s one hell of a tradeoff.”

Unfortunately, the first attempt at implantation with Greene resulted in a miscarriage. “A little boy,” says Ashley, softly. But Greene was determined to try again. “She told us, ‘I really want to do this for you guys,’” says Ashley.

A second implantation was done and Greene was once again pregnant. Separated by hundreds of miles, Greene incorporated the Frederick couple into as much of the pregnancy experience as possible. She sent them a teddy bear with a recording of the baby’s heartbeat as well as a bracelet that alerted Ashley and Jason when the baby was kicking.

Ashley and Jason, with Liberty in tow, also traveled to Iowa to visit Greene and her family and of course the bump that was Baby Boo as the couple had begun to call the baby. Meanwhile, the Fraleys’ story started to build a strong following on social media.

Then, at the end of October, with the baby’s expected arrival in mid-November, the couple traveled to Illinois where the baby would be delivered. Greene prefers to deliver surrogate births at a hospital there. “The surrogacy laws are much more progressive there,” Jason says of Illinois.

They wanted to be there before the due date, “because we had been told that surrogate babies tend to come earlier,” says Ashley. “And Ashley [Greene] had delivered her other babies early.”

They were taking no chances and the wait for Baby Boo was on. But the first week came and went with no baby, and then the second week and still no baby. “We were on baby’s time,” says Ashley.

Lullaby Love

Finally, on Nov. 14, Ada Lynn Fraley arrived, weighing seven pounds at birth. The couple who did not want to know the sex of the baby prior to the birth had a little girl. “My heart exploded,” says Ashley. Ada shares her middle name with Greene.

Jason cut the cord. “My hands were shaking,” he says. And Ashley was finally able to gather her muchlonged-for baby into her arms. Ada immediately stopped crying. “She has the mom touch,” says Jason proudly. “I just couldn’t believe it,” says Ashley. “My life’s dream.”

Though she did not carry Ada, Ashley feels that Ada has always been with her.

“A woman is born with all the eggs they will ever have in their body,” she says. “I keep thinking my baby was with me even then. My baby was with me through all my singing, my travels, my challenges. She was with me all along. It took more than I could have ever imagined to bring her into the world, but she was always meant to be.”

Now she is finally here.

Unfortunately, Ada is the last baby Greene can carry. She experienced complications in delivering the placenta as well as postpartum preeclampsia, a rare condition related to high blood pressure. As a result,

she required surgery and blood transfusions, developed sepsis and had to be flown to another hospital for ICU care. Her doctor informed her there could be no more pregnancies.

“That’s the last human I will grow,” says Greene, who is slowly recovering and will continue her work

on the business side of the surrogacy profession. “That’s the last family I can help in this capacity. The last round of peeing on a home pregnancy test and the last of the personal excitement of seeing those positive results.”

Ashley and Jason are keeping in close contact with Greene. The two families have created a strong bond that will no doubt last way beyond the birth of baby Ada. “We will be forever grateful to her,” says Ashley. “She is Ada’s Aunt Ashley.”

Jason, Ashley, Ada and Liberty returned home to Frederick just in time for Thanksgiving. There was much to be thankful for. “We are a family of four now,” says Ashley. And Ashley has written a new song for her baby girl, her little miracle. “It’s called, I’ve Done a Lot of Singing (But Never a Lullaby Til Now),” she says. FM

Creative Opening

Artspiration Expands Opportunities for Artists and Their Works

By Guy Fletcher / Photography by Mark Youngblood

The large painting on the wall, depicting a table set for a meal or a celebration, seems to invite viewers to a party. An actual comfy chair completes the welcoming effect, allowing patrons to take a seat at the table in artist Elaine Qiu’s Spill

“If you just sit here, you feel like you are a part of that image,” says Tammy O’Connor, co-founder of Artspiration, the nonprofit that created Frederick’s newest art gallery.

O’Connor is giving a tour of an 8,000-square-foot space that once served as a surgical center in a professional office building on Toll House Avenue. When O’Connor and co-founder Natasha Valencia moved in last summer, the space did not require much renovation beyond a paint job, which was handled by Valencia’s family. The gallery opened in October.

Now, small rooms where patients once met for medical consultations are studios where artists paint, sculpt and explore other media. The surgical center’s abundant, serpentine hallways proved perfect for displaying well over 100 works of art. Furniture, such as the chair for Spill, was purchased on Facebook Marketplace.

“It just makes sense,” O’Connor says as she walks through the gallery. “We really didn’t have to do anything.”

Artspiration was founded in 2024 out of O’Connor and Valencia’s desire to create more gallery and studio space for artists—a response to a refrain they

Artspiration is a nonprofit organization born out of desire to add more space for artists and their works in Frederick.

heard in public forums. “We knew the biggest need [in the arts community] was for space,” Valencia says.

The vision was to broaden community engagement in the arts by ensuring greater opportunities to participate, create and connect. Beyond simply being a gallery and studio, Artspiration seeks to assist artists with marketing, grant writing and other professional resources.

“We want this to be a hub for artists, all things art,” O’Connor says.

O’Connor, a real estate agent, was quickly attracted to the former surgical center, which sat vacant for years. The location had many advantages, including 24/7 access for artists and ample parking. Valencia took more convincing but eventually came around after the pair looked at many locations. “We get to repurpose a building that has been sitting empty for a really long time,” she says.

Artspiration is a nonprofit organization funded by donations, studio rentals and memberships. Its current show features the works of female artists from throughout the region and will close early this month. That will be followed by the Blue Elephant Art Center taking

advantage of Artspiration’s expansive space to showcase its artists’ works. In February, Black History Month will be celebrated with the Shades of Black show.

Meanwhile, Artspiration is already expanding, adding space this winter for ceramic artists to create and showcase their work. The next phase will be to convert more formal medical space into a small theater for the performing arts. Eventually, O’Connor and Valencia envision the building being used for weddings and other events.

For now, they are just happy to see the response, watching people of different backgrounds and different perspectives coming into the gallery and finding a common bond over art.

“This connection of humans is needed,” O’Connor says.

Artspiration is located at 915 Toll House Ave., suite 101, and is open on weekends: Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday noon-5 p.m., except for the first Saturday of the month when hours are noon-8 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Other times are available by appointment. For more information, go to www.artspirationfrederick.com.

Artwork is displayed throughout a sprawling 8,000-square-foot space— with plans for expansion—that once served as a surgical center near Frederick Health Hospital.

We want this to be a hub for artists, all things art. “ ”

—Tammy O’Connor, co-founder, Artspiration

artsy SPOTLIGHT

‘Painting’ with Wool

Looking for something to break you out of some wintertime cabin fever? At the Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Milana Borovskaia is teaching a trio of classes involving a relaxing technique of layering and blending soft, colorful wool fibers to form a textured image. It’s perfect for all skill levels.

Spend an afternoon exploring your creativity and leave with a unique wool “painting” ready to be displayed, On Jan. 18, the project features a landscape miniature, on Jan. 24 it’s a northern cardinal and on Jan. 31 a rainbow cat. Tuition includes all supplies. www.delaplaine.org

Science and Art Mingle

The Frederick Arts Council, in partnership with the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, is presenting Where Energy Meets Matter: Exploring the Frontiers of Science, which runs through Jan. 20, at Gallery 115 located in the Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St.

Participating artists explore the dynamic interplay of art and science, celebrating the cutting-edge research and innovation happening locally. This exhibition includes work that captures the essence of energy and matter—through explorations of physics, biology and the unseen forces that shape our universe.

“We’re excited to offer this interdisciplinary art show that shines a light on artist/scientists and science/artists,” says Louise Kennelly, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council. “Our world faces a lot of challenges and we’re encouraging collaborative, optimistic approaches that link the worldclass art and the world-class science found here in Frederick, Maryland.”

The show includes many local artists such as Lisa Shierer as well as artists from afar such as mathematician and artist Erik Demaine, recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship and the youngest professor to ever be hired at MIT at age 20.

Some of the world’s consequential advances in science occur in Frederick County, where the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research deploys decisive technology at the Advanced Technology Research Facility and in laboratories on Fort Detrick, among other locations. Interested artists were invited to review project case studies to learn more about the work at the laboratory.

“We are honored to have science conducted at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research serve as inspiration for this collaborative exhibit,” says Ethan Dmitrovsky, laboratory director and president of Leidos Biomedical Research, operator of the laboratory. “Scientists and artists have a lot in common. They share a fascination with the natural world but portray their insights differently.”

In addition to Schierer and Demaine, participating artists include: Susan Aldworth, Shannon Beatty, Karin Birch, Robert Birkenes, Gabriella Boros, Jack Bradshaw, Katherine Burke, Andrea Cavagna and Irene Giardina, Chris Combs, Martin Demaine, David Eby, Luc Fiedler, Laura Gee, Elliott Hamilton, Scott Homolka, Amelia Jones, Seth Kalish, Julia Laug, Beckie Laughlin, Jocelyn Lee, Daniele Lorio, Dana Major, Julie Maynard, Andrea McCluskey, Aynex Mercado, Emily Mooney, Molly Palmer, Andrea Polli, Yoshiko Ratliff, Janet Seifert, Robert Strasser, Jon Sutter, Scott Thorp, Angelo Varisano, Negin Vatanian and Richard Weiblinger. Prints are on loan from the Frederick Book Arts Center. www.frederickartscouncil.org

John Fieseler

Following his college graduation in 1979, John Fieseler left his native New Jersey to work at WFMD-AM radio, where he rose through its leadership roles until 1994. As WFMD celebrates its 90th anniversary, John recounts the station’s early programming, its role in the community and its evolution along with the growth of Frederick County.

Scott: How important was radio in the life of Americans in the mid-1930s?

John: The 1930s saw tremendous growth in radio in America. The new medium suddenly connected rural areas to the rest of the country, helping to unify the nation, exposing folks in far-flung areas to culture and entertainment experiences they otherwise wouldn’t have, and providing immediate reporting of news events.

Scott: Who established WFMD?

John: WFMD was founded by Major Laurence Leonard, a Kentucky native who had already retired from his legal and financial career when he applied for the station’s radio license. The first broadcasts originated from the Francis Scott Key Hotel; its studios there were spacious and contained two pianos.

Scott: What is known about the station’s original programming?

John: The earliest program logs reveal an eclectic schedule ranging from news broadcasts to live music, with features such as Parson’s Kiddie Announcements and the Homemaker Hour mixed in. The station could play music on 78-rpm records and live piano was aired from Studio A, while organ music was

By Scott Grove

broadcast from the Tivoli Theatre across the street. The station would later move to Winchester Hall and then 7th Street before its current location on Grove Hill Road.

Scott: How involved was WFMD in broadcasting local events?

John: Just 10 weeks after the station first went on the air, one of the worst natural disasters in the region occurred with the midMarch 1936 flood of the Potomac River. Station staff hurried to the swollen banks of the river and managed to climb a telephone pole that stood in the floodwaters to connect a line to report from the scene. WFMD microphones would be seen at major events such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1938 speech at the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the 1960 interview of presidential candidate Sen. John F. Kennedy live from the window of Routzahn’s Department Store in Downtown.

Scott: How did you come to WFMD?

John: I was hired to host the Sunday evening oldies show in September 1979. Within weeks, I took multiple fill-in shifts and also began assisting the station’s engineer. Jim Gibbons owned the station, Rick Lewis was the program director and Tommy Grunwell was established as the morning host. Frank Veihmeyer would soon be brought in as general manager.

Scott: What was the station programming at that time?

John: The station aired CBS Radio News at the top of every hour and local news at the bottom. DJs played 45-rpm records the rest

of the time, with a heavy dose of community announcements. From 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. the music was all country. From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. adult contemporary pop music was mixed in. After 10 a.m. it was all adult contemporary. This was branded as “countrypolitan” and based on the thought that farmers were up earliest and wanted to hear country while the “town people” woke up after 7 and wanted the mix. We carried play-by-play of the Orioles, Colts and University of Maryland Terrapins along with local high school sports.

Scott: Was there a change in the programming in response to Frederick’s growth?

John: Even by 1980, as I was working occasional overnight shifts, I could tell by the stream of headlights visible on the interstates that the assumption of who was awake between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. was out of date. The “morning drive” changed from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. Soon came a need for traffic reports. Newcomers to the county were often established listeners to metropolitan stations, so the competition for listeners became greater. The station doubled down on its commitment to community involvement.

Scott: You were at the station for 15 years. In what other capacities did you serve?

John: From 1979 to 1983 I worked as a mid-day and evening DJ, but I also worked in the news department anchoring the late afternoon newscasts and field reporting when needed. In 1984 I became the program director, responsible for the on-air staff and content. I held that role until late

1992 when the format switched to news-talk. Grunwell moved over to WFRE-FM, when it went from easy listening to country, and I took over the morning show on WFMD.

Scott: What are your favorite memories of your years at WFMD?

John: Upon my first visit, I was really impressed by the strong sense of community in Frederick County. As I worked there, station management continued to encourage our involvement in the community and I embraced that effort. I was honored to fly to California to accept one of the inaugural National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Awards for Community Service in 1987 when

the station received industry recognition for these achievements.

John Fieseler grew up in Scotch Plains, N.J., and graduated from Fordham University. From 1997 to 2021 he served as executive director of the Tourism Council of Frederick County. He and his wife, Katie, live in a 230-year-old log farmhouse near Keymar that they restored. He continues to serve on several boards and is active at his church.

Scott Grove is the owner of Grove Public Relations, LLC., a marketing and advertising firm. His work also includes interpretive planning and exhibit design for museums and historic sites. For more info, visit www.scottrgrove.com.

The first [WFMD] broadcasts originated from the Francis Scott Key Hotel; its studios there were spacious and contained two pianos. “ ”

—John Fieseler

After the Fire

The Record Exchange Evolves in New Home

By Eric Looney / Photography by Mark Youngblood

Late one night in August 2022, a threealarm fire hit a building on North Market Street, and Sam Lock, owner of The Record Exchange, wasn’t unprepared for the outcome.

“That was really stressful. I think I was in shock for at least a month, I don’t remember it hardly,” Lock recalls. Fortunately, not only did the Downtown community rally around the business, organizing a robust fundraising campaign, but Lock already had plenty of experience adapting his business.

The Record Exchange was once a part of a family-owned chain of 15 stores in Ohio. In 1993, when Lock moved from England to the United States, he started working at one of the Cleveland-area locations. After becoming manager, Lock was invited, with a few others, to expand the stores across the states. When the Frederick location opened in the early 2000s, one of five in the DMV area, the franchise had changed its name to the far less catchy The CD/Game Exchange.

“We were all CDs,” explains Lock. “We had two record bins at the back and they were all a dollar. Only DJs bought ‘em. … Couldn’t give ‘em away.” Lock would eventually change the name back to The Record Exchange, just in time for the vinyl resurgence.

After the housing crisis and rising rent of ‘08, and after selling the Silver Spring location in 2019, Lock was down to a single store. Only needing to manage one rent payment was a relief

The of roots The Record Exchange extend back to an Ohio chain of stores where current owner Sam Lock (center, right) worked in the 1990s.

when the COVID pandemic hit. Frederick businesses found a unique solution for the challenges of social distancing, transforming into street vendors during the weekends. Just as the store was opening back up to its original hours and starting to stabilize, the fire hit.

The blaze destroyed the building’s second-floor apartments and left The Record Exchange and neighboring boutique shop Tiara Day without a home. It wiped out about 85 percent of the record store’s inventory and part of its decorative audio tape curtain. Due to word of mouth, Lock managed to secure the new location at 410 N. Market St. in only a week. A customer mentioned the problem to the building’s landlord, who was coming off a bad experience with former tenants. But Lock and his wife made a great impression, and the store swiftly reopened.

“I think the [new] store flows better than the old one,” says Lock. “It was more of a kind of train tunnel, the old one. Narrow and long. This one has nice big windows up front so the daylight’s better.”

A budget section sits on an elevated stage in the back, with a little bit of everything, much like the business itself—tapes, CDs, DVDs, records, even the occasional 8-track.

A new vinyl record floor was a main feature, customers loved the parking and an ambitious plan of live music was quickly modified to a DJ spinning records once a month. “That’s more, you know, shopping volume,” explains Lock with a laugh.

With the Silver Spring location closing early last year, the last of The Record Exchange stores continues to adapt. Interest in vinyl is waning and CDs are back in the spotlight. For the first time in 15 years, The Record Exchange has even begun to order new releases on CD.

Something that hasn’t changed, however, is the store’s commitment to being a welcoming space for physical media lovers. “We would not have been able to reopen without the people of Frederick,” Lock enthuses. “There was the financial donation but there was time, people donated records, CDs. … I’ll never never ever forget it.”

We would not have been able to reopen without the people of Frederick. “ ”

—Sam Lock, owner, The Record Exchange

biz bites

BUSINESS

AstraZeneca Expanding

Plans to invest $2 billion to expand AstraZeneca’s manufacturing footprint in Maryland were announced recently by the company and Gov. Wes Moore. The move represents the largest private capital investment in the state in the last decade. It includes a significant expansion of Astra-

Zeneca’s flagship biologics manufacturing facility in Frederick and construction of a new state-of-the-art clinical manufacturing facility in Gaithersburg—supporting 2,600 jobs.

“AstraZeneca’s significant investment and expansion in Maryland underscores

Nanocrine Unveils Medical Breakthrough

Nanocrine, Inc.,

3011 Palatine Drive, a biotechnology startup company specializing in developing innovative solutions in the field of nanomedicine and molecular diagnostics, recently presented its RT-Chip biosensor platform at the American Society for Cell Biology Conference in Philadelphia.

The latest technology enables real-time, cellular-level observation of tumor activity, offering a major leap forward in precision oncology and personalized cancer care. Nanocrine’s RT-Chip allows researchers and clinicians to diagnose cancer faster and with greater precision, track drug responses and immune interactions in real time, accelerate the development of targeted therapies, and advance research in additional areas like neurodegeneration and wound healing. www.nanocrine.com

our state’s global leadership in life sciences and biomanufacturing,” Moore says. “This landmark investment strengthens the U.S. medicine supply chain and accelerates the development of life-saving therapies, while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs for Marylanders.”

The Frederick expansion will nearly double AstraZeneca’s commercial manufacturing capacity and restore their extensive rare disease portfolio within the United States for the first time. The facility will create 200 highly skilled jobs and 900 construction roles and is expected to be operational in 2029. www.astrazeneca.com

FCC Program Awarded

Frederick Community College’s Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI) recently earned recognition for its programs and leadership from industry organizations, including the International Economic Development Council with top honors in the category of secondary institution partnership to HCTI’s Food Business Entrepreneurship program.

Also, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation gave an “exemplary status” recognition to some HCTI programs: associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and Supervision; certificate in Culinary Skills; associate’s degree in Baking and Pastry Arts; and certificate in Baking and Pastry Skills.

Elizabeth DeRose, HTCI director, recently received the 2025 Technology Award from Rational USA, an industrial kitchen equipment manufacturer, and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education. The recognition was for including technology in the culinary program.

DeRose says the program is “thrilled to receive these recognitions for the high standards we ensure in teaching, meaningful extracurricular experiences for students, [the] state-of-the-art facility and highly skilled, knowledgeable and impactful instructors.” www.frederick.edu

on techBUSINESS

By Jeni Lubbert

Take Control of Subscription Creep

Monthly subscriptions were supposed to make life easier. A few dollars for streaming here, a fitness app there and maybe premium cloud storage to keep your photos safe. In many product categories, subscriptions have quietly replaced one-time purchases, and many of us are now paying far more than we realize.

This gradual buildup is called subscription creep. According to some surveys, Americans now spend hundreds of dollars per month on recurring digital services, often without remembering what they signed up for in the first place.

Part of the problem is design. Subscriptions have become friction-free to start and much harder to cancel. App trials convert automatically. A streaming service raises prices by a few dollars. A “free” productivity app unlocks the best features only with a monthly fee. One by one, these charges add up.

So, maybe it’s time for a little digital housekeeping. Start by reviewing your

bank and credit card statements. Look for recurring charges that aren’t immediately familiar. Search email for keywords like “receipt,” “subscription” and “renewal.”

Many app stores, including Apple and Google Play, also list your active subscriptions in their settings.

As you audit your list, ask yourself:

• Do I still use this service regularly?

• Does it meaningfully improve my life or productivity?

• Is there a free or lower-cost alternative?

• Can I switch to an annual plan at a discount?

If your answer to either of the first two questions is no, it may be time to cancel or at least pause. Some services now offer temporary cancellation options that preserve your account and data while you decide.

Technology can also help manage technology. Tools like Truebill/Rocket Money, Mint or built-in banking features on many financial apps identify and track recurring expenses. Even a simple calendar reminder for renewal dates can prevent surprise charges.

One more tip: pay attention to bundles. Many consumers subscribe to multiple services that overlap. For example, an Amazon Prime membership includes streaming, photo storage and shipping perks. Cellular plans increasingly include streaming or security software. Local libraries offer free e-books, audiobooks and digital learning platforms that can replace paid services.

Subscription services are here to stay and many are genuinely useful. But staying aware and intentional keeps them from quietly draining your budget. A few minutes of review at the start of the new year, or even as a monthly habit, will help you recapture those funds.

Jeni Lubbert is a Project Manager at 270net Technologies, a website design and digital marketing firm in Frederick. Contact her at 301-663-6000, ext. 615, or visit www.270net.com.

A local nonprofit has turned to artificial intelligence to match volunteer opportunities with people based on their skills and availability. A doctor’s office is using AI to reduce no-shows by predicting which patients need appointment reminders. A small manufacturer is using AI to manage its maintenance schedule, preventing equipment failure and potentially expensive downtime in the future.

AI is here, and it’s here to stay.

“What I tell clients is, AI is happening. You are not going to stop it. Those who adopt it early are going to be able to lead the way,” says Darren Clark, owner and CEO of Clark Computer Services in Frederick.

The recent growth has been dramatic. A report published last year by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that nearly all small businesses, whether they know it or not, are using some form of AI. It could be as simple as employees using personal ChatGPT

accounts to draft emails or managers consulting Google Gemini for rudimentary market research.

“Whether the upper-level management knows it or not, their employees are already using [AI],” Clark says.

Among those small businesses surveyed in the Chamber of Commerce report, 58 percent said they were engaged in generative AI—technology that creates new, original content like text, images, music, code and videos by learning patterns of existing data—up from 40 percent in 2024 and 23 percent in 2023.

Some local business and technology experts suggest that the community is trailing the national landscape when it comes to using and leveraging AI.

“We’re actually 18 to 24 months behind the wave, in my opinion,” says Rick Weldon, president and CEO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

Daryl Boffman, owner and principal consultant of Boffman Consulting, an Adamstown-based business offering business, technology and AI

services, agrees that the county is playing catch-up with AI. But he adds that all the local ingredients are there for a big push forward: an educated workforce, existing technology businesses, strong biomedical and manufacturing sectors, and a large healthcare presence.

“People are not aware how advanced we are for a county and how ripe we are for this AI revolution. … We’re in a good position to move forward with AI and be a leader,” he says.

Boffman has worked with computer networks for decades and considers himself an early adopter of most things technical, but even he had his doubts when he first heard of the promises offered by AI a few years ago.

“I was a little bit skeptical because technology trends come and go,” he says.

This was no trend.

“It’s not going to go away,” Boffman adds. “There are way too many advancements with AI to go away.”

The Benefits

When considering AI, the technology platforms most people think about are ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Their uses could

AI MYTHS VS. FACTS

By Daryl Boffman, Boffman Consulting

MYTH: AI WILL SOLVE ALL YOUR PROBLEMS.

FACT: AI is a tool, not magic. It’s exceptionally good at specific tasks—pattern recognition, data processing and prediction based on historical data. But it cannot fix broken processes, dysfunctional teams or unclear strategy. “You can’t just use it to avoid work,” says Darren Clark, owner and CEO of Clark Computer Services in Frederick.

MYTH: AI IS ONLY FOR TECH COMPANIES OR BIG CORPORATIONS.

FACT: AI applications are already in many small businesses, nonprofits and community-based local institutions. These organizations don’t have Silicon Valley budgets. They are employing practical, affordable applications, starting as low as $10 to $30 a month, delivering real return on investment.

MYTH: AI WILL REPLACE ALL WORKERS.

FACT: Yes, AI will change jobs, but research shows it’s far more likely to transform roles than eliminate them. AI handles repetitive, rules-based tasks exceptionally well, such as data entry, basic report generation, scheduling and initial customer inquiry routing—tasks that consume time but don’t require human judgment. But AI struggles with complex decision-making involving ethics, creativity, relationship-building, strategic thinking and nuanced communication—the uniquely human skills.

MYTH: AI IS OBJECTIVE AND UNBIASED.

FACT: AI systems are trained on historical data created by humans. If that data reflects human biases—and it almost always does—the AI perpetuates those biases at scale. If your processes are messy, AI makes them messy faster. If your data is inaccurate, AI makes decisions based on inaccurate data faster. You need solid fundamentals first.

MYTH: BUSINESSES NEED TO IMPLEMENT AI IMMEDIATELY OR THEY WILL FALL BEHIND.

FACT: Bad AI implementation is worse than no AI. Rushing in without strategy leads to wasted money, frustrated teams and damaged credibility. Organizations should be thoughtful, strategic and deliberate. Fast followers often outperform first movers because they learn from others’ mistakes.

range from drafting documents and designing marketing materials to more complex operations like financial and data analysis, cybersecurity, and even human resources. Chatbots are responding to customer service inquiries from customers who might think they are chatting with a human.

“When I ask a question of ChatGPT-5, the answer is in my voice, because it knows me,” Weldon says.

The potential benefits from AI are many, including: smarter, faster decision-making; predictive analytics that use historical data to forecast future outcomes; enhanced customer personalization; and increased operational efficiency.

A small business could use AI to manage payroll and employee schedules, handle social media posts, and identify operational bottlenecks and optimize energy usage or shipping routes to lower overhead costs.

Of course, the most tempting benefit most business owners see in AI is cost. In many cases, AI can streamline processes that might have previously taken days to complete and require multiple employees.

Now, for a modest subscription of less than $30, business can get results in seconds and save potentially thousands of dollars a year.

“These tools are easy for employers to get their hands on … and use them in their everyday jobs,” Clark says.

To experts like Clark, the current uses of AI represent the tiniest flecks on the scratch of the surface. The technology already exists that allows AI to clone voices and perform robotics, but the future presents a far wider range of possibilities. Agentic AI systems can autonomously plan, reason and execute complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention. Consider a world in which AI handles tasks without a human prompt and even learns from its past functions.

The Risks

But with technology comes risk, and perhaps the biggest risk associated with AI is human error. AI is only as good as the data it uses, and that if information is incomplete or inaccurate, that leads to AI giving misleading results.

“I think of [AI] as a tool, and you have to use a tool in the right way to get the results you want,” Clark says.

As Boffman puts it, “If you can’t cook and you buy expensive cookware, that’s not going to make you cook better.”

The stakes are high, too, because bad AI can hurt customer relations and very quickly damage a business’ reputation that has taken years to build.

“Your credibility gets wobbly, so your customers go somewhere else for their advice,” Weldon explains.

There are also security risks associated with AI. For example, ChatGTP has the capability to extract information from its clients to improve the overall model—a potentially thorny, even legal, issue if a company were entering proprietary company information or customer data, like credit card information and Social Security numbers, into the AI platform.

“Let’s say you put some sensitive company data in there. ChatGPT now has that data,” says Ryan Stickel, content specialist with IT services provider Innovative, Inc.

Stickel says even the “fun and safe” tools in AI are not without their pitfalls. For example,

asking AI to generate a marketing graphic, like a company logo, might have legal ramifications if the image is found to have originated from artwork created by a human. “There could be a lot of danger in that realm,” he says.

Like any other aspect of a business, AI implementation needs to be strategic. Experts say it starts at the top with company leadership taking charge, noting the leaders in using AI almost always have ownership or top management buying in to the technology.

From there, firm policies need to be put in place that manage the use of AI. A business might want to disable certain AI functions or quarantine sensitive employee and customer data, medical information, and performance reviews from the AI platform. If so, that needs to be put in the corporate policies and employees need to be informed.

After all, AI is here, even for those businesses thinking it is not.

“The businesses without this leadership are still going to have employees using AI,” Stickel says. FM

Screen Time

Colleges, Students Embrace the Growing Playing Field of Esports

By Karen Gardner

Hood College and Mount St. Mary’s University are steeped in traditions that date back to the 19th century, but when it comes to varsity athletics, both have embraced one of the newest sports on college campuses: esports.

That’s right. Competitive computer gaming, once confined to teens and computer whizzes, has gone mainstream.

Mount St. Mary’s fields a team of more than 50 students and growing, while Hood’s team boasts about 20 members.

“Our varsity team typically has four practices a week,” says Michael Hansen, esports head coach at Mount St. Mary’s. His team practices in dedicated space on campus, the 2,200 square-foot esports arena in Purcell Hall, and the team will host the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Esports Finals there April 11-13. Last March, the Mount won the league’s top spot in the game Overwatch.

Just like soccer teams have defenders and baseball teams have outfielders, esports teams have specialists. “Everyone gravitates to specific roles,” Hansen says. He recruits players and works with them to find their best role. “We’ll take a damage player and realize they are a better support player.”

Hood’s team also practices in its esports arena, although some players have their own equipment and practice remotely. Logan Elias, a senior at Hood, first played Halo. He then took up the fighting games Super Smash Bros. and Guilty Gear and joined the Marvel Rivals team. “I’ve never been a person to put myself in one spot, I’m open to new experiences,” he says.

Competitive computer gaming, once confined to teens and computer experts, has gone mainstream and intercollegiate.

Mount St. Mary’s University and Hood College both field teams.

Sara Goldstein, a freshman, is on Hood’s League of Legends team. Sara is one of four women on Hood’s team, a number that coach Spencer Weed hopes to increase. Esports takes pride in their openness to diversity, students say, but the sport is evolving from its roots of traditional male participation.

Hood’s team started around 2019, and Weed became coach in 2021. “We now have multiple games, and most people participate in one game, while a few do more than one,” he says. League of Legends games involve five players each on opposing teams. “You win by working together,” Goldstein says. “It’s very fast-paced and it’s a really high learning curve. Stuff is getting changed every two weeks by the developers of the game.”

She got a taste of being on a team in high school and embraced the idea of playing esports in college. She plays a support role in League of Legends, healing and shielding. “It’s kind of like gluing and meshing together the team so that we have the highest chance of winning.”

Lucas Castelhano, a senior at Hood, was looking for an extracurricular activity when he found esports. “It keeps me organized,” he says. He specializes in fighting games,

which have their roots in 1990s arcade games.

“Esports as a whole is also very community-based,” Weed says. “People join in to find similar-minded people.”

Regular season competitions, which start in the fall and wrap up in the spring, are remote. Playoff games are in person. Unlike other college athletics, esports are not divided among divisions. “It does allow our teams to play colleges across America that are well known,” Weed says. “We get to play colleges like Syracuse or Texas A&M or [the University of] Texas. As a small school, it’s cool to be toe-to-toe with huge universities.”

Esports also give students career-building skills, like teamwork, communication and troubleshooting. “It’s on my resume currently,” Goldstein says.

Regular season competitions, which start in the fall and wrap up in the spring, are remote. Playoff games are in person. Unlike other college athletics, esports are not divided among NCAA divisions.

“ ”

It’s very fastpaced and it’s a really high learning curve. Stuff is getting changed every two weeks by the developers of the game.

—Sara Goldstein, member of the Hood College esports team

FM

James Martinez Solis, a senior, is on two Hood teams—esports and swimming. He plays the fighting game Guilty Gear, a fast-paced game with rounds that last from 20 to 90 seconds. He finished fourth in a recent college tournament playoff game. “I fell in love with the game, the aesthetic, the music, all the depth the game had to offer,” he says. “It’s like solving a puzzle.”

TRENDING

stylin

Frederick’s spires have been overdone, but I think there’s always a new way to feature them. “ ”

—Ellen Byrne

SENDING A BIT OF FREDERICK THROUGH THE MAIL

If your New Year’s resolutions include a vow to send notes to family and friends for no other reason than to say you’re thinking of them, or if you were too busy to send out Christmas cards but still want to wish folks the best in 2026, Frederick artist Ellen Byrne is the person to help make it happen.

An artist “my whole life,” Byrne says art was “something appreciated in my family. My grandfather did it, my mother did it.” Her training was in advertising art, and she served a number of impressive clients over the years including the U.S. Tennis Association and The New York Times, as well as earning top honors from the American Advertising Federation. A three-time winner of Celebrate Frederick and the Delaplaine Arts Center’s holiday poster contest, her art is well-known around town. Recently her three-panel mural commemorating the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton was unveiled at the National Shrine in Emmitsburg.

Lately, she is concentrating on smaller representatives of her talent, including postcards and note cards. “I love doing art here in my hometown,” Byrne says, “There’s just so much here to inspire me.” Her creations offer a bit of whimsy—like the depiction of a gaggle of schoolgirls outside the former Visitation Academy. You can’t help but wonder what they’re talking about.

“I used to work on Church Street and would look down on them when they went on field trips and the like,” she says. “If there’s humor in it, it appeals to people.” So, why not put a stamp on it and brighten someone’s day when they go to their mailbox? www.ellenbyrne.com

tell us

TRENDING

Rick Weldon President and CEO, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

What predictions do you have for the local economy in the new year?

Our local economy is strong, but Frederick County doesn’t operate in an economic bubble. What happens (or, more appropriately, what doesn’t) in Washington, D.C., definitely has an impact. Durable goods pricing impacts consumers here, tariffs have impacted our ag producers, manufacturers and retailers, and the recent month-long shutdown affected hospitality and food services spending.

If we see some cost relief at the grocery stores, that will have an almost immediate beneficial effect, and recent international negotiations for agricultural product sales will, too. The Quantum Frederick data center project has been very controversial, but a well-managed project offers tremendous opportunities, both for future employment and added tax revenue to address our future infrastructure needs.

What does the Chamber of Commerce offer to businesses?

A voice. And one that’s often underutilized but incredibly powerful. When the Chamber speaks, we amplify the influence of over 1,000 member organizations across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Our advocacy is built on trusted relationships with elected

officials and deep knowledge of policy and local operations, helping members shape decisions that impact their businesses and the community. Beyond advocacy, the Chamber connects businesses through targeted networking events and practical training sessions, giving members both the relationships and tools they need to succeed.

Tell us about the importance of networking.

Even the best business idea needs connections to thrive. Many of the most successful small businesses in our membership grew through community networking and the Chamber makes that easy. With over 150 events each year, we offer a variety of networking opportunities, from casual meetups to structured B2B sessions, giving every member a chance to build meaningful relationships, share ideas and create opportunities for growth.

What types of businesses are missing from Frederick County?

The great thing about Frederick County, including our 12 municipalities and unincorporated rural communities, is that if you really want something, it’s very likely you can find it right here.

One of the more exciting things I see is the growing diversity of our business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the county. The exciting part is that the county’s economic development partners and the Chamber are actively supporting underrepresented and aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them bring these new ideas to life and diversify the local economy.

How do you keep all those ribbon-cutting ceremonies fresh and exciting?

We hold several ribbon-cuttings a month, and lately, it seems like several a week! I love ribbon-cuttings, because we get to share the excitement and enthusiasm of the business owner/leader’s dream fulfillment. They’re surrounded by their employees, their families and their friends. They’re celebrating the hard work, frustration and accomplishment of bringing their aspirations to glorious reality.

Each one is unique and special, and if the Chamber team does our job, we can highlight that at the ceremony. I really love the events that are designed to show off the products and services of the members, like sending the attendees up into the trees back when we helped open Tree Trekkers.

Greek Tradition

Aleko’s Village Café Grows Dining Legacy

By April Bartel / Photography by Mark Youngblood

MIDDLETOWN—When Aleko’s Village Café opened its new sit-down taverna on North Church Street last fall, it marked more than just the relaunch of a restaurant; it was a continuation of a legacy that goes back more than 60 years.

For owner Joana Tsinonis, the cozy new space represents both a homecoming and a bold step forward. “I grew up in the restaurant business,” she explains. Her parents started restaurants in Washington, D.C., then in downtown Silver Spring. “About 18 years ago, I opened the carryout in the back of the [Fountaindale Convenience] gas station, and now we have this opportunity to open a full sitdown, right here in Middletown.”

The move transformed the humble, fan-favorite takeout counter into a warm, inviting eatery where friends can gather, surrounded by colorful murals by local artists, intoxicating aromas, imported ingredients and authentic family recipes meant to transport guests to a Greek village. And Tsinonis is passionate about every detail. “When we built this new location, I actually took my architect and designer to Greece,” she insists. “I wanted them to understand how I wanted people to feel when they walk in. It doesn’t have to be fancy or pretentious. It just needs to be good, wholesome food in a warm environment.”

Every dish at Aleko’s carries on the tradition that began when Tsinonis’s father, Aleko, immigrated to the United States in 1950. He eventually opened multiple restaurants in the region with his wife,

A hidden gem among local diners for years when it operated as a carryout tucked behind a gas station, Aleko’s Village Café recently moved into a full sit-down restaurant in Middletown.

Theoni. Their recipes and values are woven through the menu, with precepts like using the finest ingredients available to craft affordable, delicious foods, all served as if you were a guest in their home.

“The gyro and souvlaki, the spanakopita,” lists Tsinonis, “those are original recipes, the way my parents did it for 50 years.” Nearly everything is homemade. “Absolutely,” she emphasizes. “I am the general chef for all of it. Everything: baklava, desserts, everything.” Even the falafel has its own epic origin story. “It took me two years to get that recipe down,” she laughs.

Customer favorites include homemade moussaka, pastitsio, stuffed peppers (both vegetarian and meat), gluten-free options, shrimp dishes and the overflowingly generous specials that rotate daily. All the hummus is homemade, beginning with the beans being soaked in-house. Even the seitan for their vegetarian gyro is crafted from scratch, seasoned with Aleko’s signature spices.

Authenticity is non-negotiable. Aleko’s imports olive oil, feta, Greek

pantry staples, sweet breads and, most notably, organic Greek wines, which are available at the bar and in the marketplace.

The dessert case remains as tempting as ever. In addition to the enticing baklava, Aleko’s now offers an exclusive cheesecake version made in partnership with M.R. Cheesecakes of Frederick. Plus, there’s portokalopita, an orange cake made with fresh orange syrup, dried phyllo dough and cinnamon.

The restaurant offers private event space, seating up to 75 guests, plus a full outdoor deck and a private wine room available throughout the week. “We’re hosting parties because we have the capacity,” she says. This month Aleko’s will begin wine and cheese tastings, intimate pairing events held in the taverna’s candlelit wine room.

For all the growth, the heart of Aleko’s remains unchanged. “We want everyone to come in and feel like they are in a family restaurant,” Tsinonis beams, “someplace inviting, welcoming and serving amazing food.”

The location has changed, but the great Greek dishes are still available at Aleko’s, including an inviting dessert case highlighted by baklava and other sweet treats.

It just needs to be good, wholesome food in a warm environment. “ ”

—Joana Tsinonis

tiny plates ON THE TABLE

BRUNSWICK INDOOR MARKET IN NEW SPOT

The Brunswick Pop-Up! Market is returning for its third indoor season in a new, larger location on the second floor of the American Legion, 18 S. Maple Ave., from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on the second Friday of each month through March. The market is sponsored by Brunswick Main Street and Mid-Maryland Farm Market.

The indoor venue provides a cozy backdrop for winter shopping while continuing to support regional farmers, artisans and small businesses. Visitors can make an evening of it by enjoying Brunswick’s local eateries and Main Street charm before or after they shop.

Vendor offerings vary each month, but may include seasonal fruits and vegetables, local honey, sourdough bread and other baked goods, fresh-squeezed beverages, eggs, pantry staples and grocery items, cakes and specialty treats, imported olives and oils, indoor plants, artwork and handcrafted gifts, and crocheted apparel and décor. Richvale Farm will offer premium beef cuts, tallow moisturizers and freeze-dried pet treats. Most vendors accept card payments and parking is available throughout downtown.

BANANA BREAD WITH APPEAL

Bananas are an everyday fruit, not really attracting much attention, but in the hands of Kennyeh Ntoka, owner of K’s Banana Bread, the ingredient is the star in her bakery creations. Ntoka has been baking since she was 6 years old, growing up in Minnesota. She says the act of baking contributed to her math skills and taught her the science of combining various ingredients to result in something yummy. Better still, baking “is a home comfort feeling. Seeing the finished product gives me joy,” she says.

Working out of Maryland Bakes, a shared commercial kitchen at 1450 W. Patrick St., Ntoka started her business last May when “God dropped the idea right on my head” to provide customers with a delicious product while also helping her family’s finances.

“I like to experiment with fillings and toppings,” she says. “What if I included blueberries or chocolate chips?” Her method is very much hands-on. She mashes the bananas separately using a strong arm and then blends everything in a stand mixer. “Customers have told me about how moist it is,” Ntoka says. Bread can be ordered at www.linktr.ee/ksbananabread. Also follow her on social media.

STARVIN MARVIN CLOSING

After 38 years in the business of providing pizza, subs and other deliciousness to a grateful clientele, the owners of Starvin

Marvin’s Pizzeria & Grille, 6942 Crestwood Blvd., have decided it’s “an end of our era.”

The original restaurant opened in Gaithersburg in 1987. The Frederick location followed in 2009 and was a part of family gatherings, school and corporate events and the pizza eating contest held during Frederick’s July 4th celebration. The restaurant was also a supporter of various Little League teams.

cravings ON THE TABLE

★ Voted “Best of Frederick” $ entrées $10 and under - $$ entrées $10–$20 - $$$ entrées $20 and over

10 Tavern

10 E. Main St., Thurmont. 301-271-7422 Classic all-American cuisine. $

AgAve 137 Tequil A BAr & KiTchen

137 N. Market St, Frederick. 240-439-4367 Best margaritas, tacos and entertainment on Market St. $$

AirwAys inn

310 Aviation Way, Frederick. 301-228-2100 Sandwiches, salads and more. Adjacent to airport. $

H A.K.A. Friscos

4632 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick. 301-698-0018. Upbeat sandwich shop also offering house-roasted meats, salads and potatoes. $$

Aleko’s VillAge CAfé

6 N. Church St. Middletown. 301-371-3500 Greek, vegetarian and vegan specialties, subs and salads. $

Anchor BAr

5605 Spectrum Dr., Frederick. 240-651-5580. Home of the Original Buffalo Wing. $$

AnTrim 1844 smoKehouse resTAurAnT

30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown. 410-756-6812. Open daily for dinner. French-American cuisine. Reservations required. $$$

ATlAnTic grille

3531 John Simmons St., Suite D-05, Urbana. 301-810-5220. American steak and seafood restaurant. $-$$$

H avery’s Maryland Grille 9009 Baltimore Road, Frederick, 301-228-2722. Fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, burgers and wings. $-$$$ ★

AyoKA AFricAn cusine

100 W. Patrick St., Suite M, Frederick. 240-626-1801. Enjoy a taste of authentic African dishes. $$

B. Anderson’s Restaurant

6 Souder Road, Brusnwick. 301-969-0016 Home-cooked, affordable deliciousness. $-$$$

H BeAns & BAgels

49 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-2165 Light breakfasts and lunches. $

BeAns & DreAms

203 E. Main St., C, Middletown. 240-490-7070 Café and coffee shop. $

H BeeF ‘n Buns ‘n PArADise

1448 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-898-2075 Big burgers and great ice cream selections. $

Belles’ sPorTs BAr & grill

1202 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-9623 Great ribs and other American fare. $

BellisArio’s PizzA

934 N. East St., Frederick. 301-662-9233. Sauce and dough made fresh daily. $$

H BenTzTown

6 S. Bentz St., Frederick 301-301-8430. Southern fare. $$-$$$

Big PAPi’s

5711 Industry Lane, Frederick. 240-651-5969 Authentic Mexican dishes. $-$$

H BlAcK hog BBq & BAr

118 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-662-9090 221 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-9600. 3323 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0070. 100 Middletown Pkwy, Middletown. 240-490-8147. Specializing in various styles of barbecue. $$

Bollinger’s resTAurAnT AnD uncle DirTys Brew worKs

210 N. Church St., Thurmont. 301-668-1522. Home-cooked meals, fresh baked pies, cakes and desserts. $$-$$$

BoneFish grill

1305 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-271-3500 Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks and cocktails. $$$

Brewer’s Alley

124 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-631-0089. Contemporary American regional cuisine and microbrewery. $$

BuFFAlo wilD wings

210 Shorebird St., Frederick. 301-662-1333

Chicken wings, sandwiches and other family fare. $

BushwAller’s

209 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-695-6988. Irish fare in an attractive pub setting. $$-$$$

The Buzz cAFé

11801 Fingerboard Road, Suite 3, Monrovia. 301-865-4900. Scratch bakery and café that features breakfast and lunch items as well as custom cakes and goodies. $-$$

cAcique

26 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-695-2756 Fine Spanish and Mexican cuisine. $$-$$$

H cAFé Bueno

255 E. 4th St. 301-620-8858. Authentic Mexican food. Burritos a favorite. $-$$

H cAFé nol A

4 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-6652 Bistro café. Coffee, tea and sandwiches. $

cAll AhAn’s se AFooD BAr & grill 1808 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. 301-698-9596. Fresh seafood. $$

H cAnAPés grAB & go cAFé 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick. 301-663-8220. Offering signature breakfast items, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods and more. $$

cArriAge house inn 200 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-2366. Traditional dishes served in a colonial setting. $$$

cArroll vAlley golF course 121 Sanders Road, Fairfield, Pa. 888-330-4202. American cuisine. $-$$$

cArTerque BArBeque & grilling co 1310 S. Main St., Mount Airy. 301-829-2222. Award-winning barbecue and seafood dishes. $-$$

Casa RiCo

1399 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-663-3107. Mexican fare in a comfortable, pleasant setting. $-$$

CellaR DooR RestauRant

5 E. Church St., Frederick. 301-695-8460 American Casual Cuisine & Cocktail Lounge. $-$$$

Chatime tea

5219 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-378-2530. Bubble tea. $

Chef lin Buffet

417 S. Jefferson St., Frederick. 301-620-0664. Asian cuisine. $-$$

Chili’s GRill & BaR

5100 Pegasus Court, Frederick. 301-662-8130. Fresh Tex & Mex. $$

China GaRDen

506 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-695-5055 Asian cuisine. $-$$

Clay oven RestauRant

1170 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-631-2004 Indian, Nepalese cuisine. $$-$$$

Coal fiRe

7820 Wormans Mill Road, Frederick. 301-631-2625. Coal-fired pizza, sandwiches, salads and dinner entrées. $-$$

Common maRket

927 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-663-3416. Organic fare and vegetarian specialties, takeout. $

the Comus inn at suGaRloaf mountain

23900 Old Hundred Road, Dickerson. 301-349-5100. Fine dining at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. $$$

CRaBapples DeliCatessen

101 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-694-0208. Traditional New York–style deli. $

CuCina Massi

111 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-624-1052. Italian and more. Small plate appetizers to share. $$-$$$

CuGino foRno

1705 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-835-9575 Neapolitan pizza. $$

H the DeRBy RestauRant anD BaR

83 W. Main St., New Market. 301-865-2222 Casual family-friendly spin using locally grown produce and ingredients. Full bar. $$

H DuBlin RoasteRs Coffee

1780 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-772-5274. $-$$

H DutCh’s DauGhteR

581 Himes Ave., Frederick. 301-668-9500 Seafood, steak and poultry specialties. $$$

fajita GRanDe

5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick. 301-698-8989. Mexican cuisine. $-$$

fiRe & oak CulinaRy taveRn

105 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9639

American flavors. Craft beers and a warm vibe. $$

fiReBiRDs WooD fiReD GRill

5201 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 315-850-0077. Steakhouse. $$

fiRehouse suBs

1700 Kingfisher Drive, Frederick. 301-8982027. 5100 Buckeystown Pike, #194, Frederick. 301-668-6301. A variety of hot gourmet sub sandwiches. Dine in, takeout and catering available. $

flaminG GRill & Buffet

1003 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-664-3388 Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine. $-$$

H Fratelli’s italian & seaFood

200 Middletown Parkway, Middletown. 301-371-4000. Made-from-scratch Italian classics, homemade pasta, award-winning crab cakes. $$-$$$

fReDeRiCk Coffee Company & Café

100 N. East St., Frederick. 301-698-0039 Coffee specialties, light fare and weekend entertainment. $

fReDeRiCk soCial

50 Citizens Way, Frederick. 240-629-8525 Brew pub and cafe. $$

fReDeRiCk soups

124 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Homemade comfort food and soups. $-$$

the GaRaGe

440 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 240-344-5340. Wood-fired pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, salads and locally brewed beers. $-$$

GlaDChuk BRos. RestauRant

489 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-662-7750 Hearty international fare. $$$

GloRy Days GRill

1305 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-696-1112 American grill with a sports theme. $-$$$

GoGi Go koRean BBQ

1003 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-9888 Korean barbecue. $$-$$$

GRan azteCa mexiCan fooD BaR & GRill

6956 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-378-2785 Authentic Mexican Cuisine. $$-$$$

hinzi’s kitChen

503 N. East St., Frederick. 301-835-7694 Traditional Pakistani cuisine. $$

hippy ChiCk hummus

237 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-815-7175 Vegan restaurant. $$

hootCh & BanteR

49 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-732-4971. New American, upscale casual cuisine. $$-$$$

iBiza Café

8 W. 4th St., Frederick. The best selections of coffee, teas, sandwiches and locally made pastries in a European-style café. $-$$

H il Forno Pizzeria

1035 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-0422

Wood-burning oven-cooked pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. $$

il Porto

200 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-620-7480

245 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg. 301-590-0735 . Fine Italian food. $-$$

inDian Wok

8415 Woodsboro Pike, #J, Walkersvillle. 301-304-0103. Traditional Indian fare, along with Indo-Chinese food. $$

H isabella’s taverna & taPas bar

44 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-698-8922 Tapas. $$

jB seafooD

308 Main St., Myersville. 301-293-2722

“From the shore to your door.” Seafood, beef, poultry, pork. $$-$$$

jasmin meDiteRRanean GRill

3532-B Urbana Pike, Urbana. 301-363-5877 .Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Dine-in, carryout and catering. $-$$

jeRk it smoke it

2060 Yellow Springs Road, Frederick. 240-831-4157.Authentic Caribbean-American culinary experience. $-$$

jojo’s RestauRant & tap house 16 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5197 American fusion. $$-$$$

jollof on point

452 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 703-473-5788 Authentic Nigerian cuisine. $-$$

k-toWn takeout

325 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-835-7414 Korean dishes and bento boxes. $-$$

kinG’s neW yoRk style pizza & italian RestauRant

8415-G Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville. 301-845-4910. Classic pies, subs, pasta dinners. $-$$

kittiWat thai kitChen

5205 Presidents Court, Frederick. 301-631-0999. Authentic Thai cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily. $-$$$

las tunas

1043 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-629-8008. Authentic Mexican food. $$

H lazy fish

10 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-695-9656 Asian sushi bistro. $-$$$

leDo pizza

490-1 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-663-9800

1293 Riverbend Way, Frederick. 301-694-0050

3303 Worthington Blvd., Urbana. 240-699-0303

Pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches in a casual setting. $-$$

1306

Frederick. 301-732-5193.

Liberty road Seafood & Steak 10524 Liberty Road, Frederick. 301-898-3181 Home of the largest crab in Frederick County. Open all year round. $$$

Long Shot’S

5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick. (inside the Clarion Hotel). 301-694-7500. Starters, salad, sandwhiches, BBQ, full bar. $$ -$$$

LoS amigoS

205 Frederick Road, Thurmont. 301-271-8888. Mexican food with specials through the week. $$

Lucky corner reStaurant

5100 Buckeystown Pike, Suite 174, Frederick. 301-360-5913. Vietnamese grill and noodle restaurant. $$

H madroneS

7810 Worman’s Mill Road #J, Frederick. 240-439-4010. Traditional American steak and seafood. $$-$$$

magoo’S Pub & eatery

1-A W. 2nd St., Frederick. 301-378-2237 Traditional Irish-American favorites. $$-$$$

the main cuP

14 W. Main St., Middletown. 301-371-4433. Casual café and coffeehouse. $-$$$

h manaLù itaLian reStaurant 5227 Presidents Court, Frederick. 240-578-4831. Authentic Italian restaurant serving traditional foods in a warm and cozy atmosphere. $$-$$$

mangia e bevi

Turning Point Center, 8927-J Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 301-874-0338. Italian comfort food at a good value. $-$$$

mariachi reStaurant

5854 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-418-6367. Fine Spanish and Mexican cuisine. $$

matSutake SuShi and Steak

5225 Buckeystown Pike (Westview Promenade), Frederick. 301-631-5060 Hibachi and Japanese cuisine. $-$$$

H may’S

5640 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-662-4233 Home-cooked meals, crabs. $$

H mayta’S Peruvian cuiSine

5010 Buckeytown Pike, Suite 148, Frederick. 301-732-4441. Fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Serving lunch and dinner. Catering available. $-$$$

miyako

1005 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-620-0024 Sushi, noodles, Japanese steak house, specialty cocktails. $$$

mod Pizza

5256 Buckeystown Pike (Westview Promenade), Frederick. 240-877-7967. Custom, artisan-style pizza and salads. $-$$

monocacy croSSing

4424-A Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-846-4204 American comfort food and fine wine. $$-$$$

morgan’S american griLL

11717 Old National Pike, New Market. 301-865-8100. A family-friendly restaurant with big city dining. $$-$$$

H mountain gate famiLy reStaurant

133 Frederick Rd., Thurmont. 301-271-4373 Buffet and menu selections. $

mountain view diner

1300 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-696-1300. All-American diner food. $

new york J&P Pizza

6103 Spring Ridge Pkwy., Frederick. 301-644-1372. Lunch and dinner daily. $$-$$$

H north market PoP ShoP

241 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9070 Trickling Springs Creamery ice cream. 400-plus soda choices. $-$$$

oLd dominion griLL & SuShi

5732 Buckeystown Pike #18-20, Frederick. 301-682-6888. Family restaurant, American, Japanese, Thai, etc. $-$$$

H the orchard

45 N. Market St., Frederick. 301-663-4912. Flavorful healthy fare and vegetarian selections. $$

oScar’S aLehouSe

906 N. East St., Frederick. 301-378-2793

Buzzing bar and grill featuring updated American fare and craft beers on tap. $$-$$$

outback SteakhouSe 1007 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-662-9584. Steak and seafood. $$-$$$

PaSquaLe’S

11670 Old National Pike, New Market. 301-882-7103. Italian restaurant and pizzeria. $$

Patowmack farm 42461 Lovettsville Road, Lovettsville, Va. 540-822-9017. Seasonal organic cuisine. $$$

Peking gourmet

5732 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-846-0001 or 301-846-0002 Peking-style cuisine. $$

the Pham 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Unit 119D 240-651-0987. Vietnamese cuisine. $$

Pho an Loi

440 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 301-378-9099. Specializes in Vietnamese dishes, along with Thai food. $$

Pho 52

701 Motter Ave., Frederick. 240-575-9479. Vietnamese dishes including noodle-based pho. $$

H P.i g.S. bbq reStaurant

2401 Whittier Drive, Frederick. 240-629-8001. BBQ restaurant. $$

PiStarro’S

221 N. East St., Frederick. 301-378-9536. Traditional Naples-style wood-fired pizza, hand-made pastas, beer and Italian wines. $-$$

H PL aza mexico

2481 Merchant St., Frederick. 301-228-9889. 50 Carroll Creek Way #130, Frederick. 240-439-4041

Mexican fare that’s beyond ordinary. $$-$$$

ProSPect Pantry

1 W, Main St. New Market. 240-915-2238 American Fare. $$

PumPernickeL + rye

3538-Urbana Pike, Urbana. 240-397-9600 Market and deli. $-$$

ragin’ reef

506 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-815-5438

A casual seafood restaurant with top quality fresh food, affordable prices, and unmatched service. $-$$$

H The Red hoRse

996 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-663-3030. A Frederick institution for great steaks and seafood. $$$

Red LobsteR

1020 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-846-9474. Fresh seafood. $$

Rice thai bistRo

181-C Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-329-5199. Journey through the vibrant flavors of Thailand. $$

Ricci RestauRant

1021 Mill Pond Road, Frederick. 240-578-4273

Restaurant and wine bar offering tasty Italian dishes, wood-fired pizza and steak. $$

Roasthouse Pub

5700 Urbana Pike, Frederick. 301-418-6098 Craft beer, American fusion bistro. $$

Rosati’s Pizza

911 W. 7th St., Frederick. 301-694-4650

Chicago-style pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. $$

Rube’s cRab shack

17308 N. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. 301-447-4116

All-you-can-eat seafood, dinner menu, lunch, fullservice bar and carryout. $-$$$

saboR de cuba

9 E. Patrick St., Frederick 301-663-1036 Cuban cuisine. $$

santa Rosa RestauRant

107 Baughmans Lane, Frederick. 301-662-9348

Salvadorean and Mexican food. $-$$

saPPoRo ii

5 W. Church St.., Frederick. 240-815-7079. Fine Japanese and Korean dining. $-$$$

schRoyeR’s taveRn

Maryland National Golf Club, 8836 Hollow Road, Middletown. 301-371-0000

Contemporary American cuisine. $$$

7th sisteR

228 N Market St., Frederick 240-332-3186

Menu is built on costal flavors, seasonal ingredients and small creative flourishes that surprise and comfort all at once. $$-$$$

showRoom

882 N. East St., Frederick. 301-835-7628

Modern American diner with menu designed by celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio. $$-$$$

the shuckin’ shack oysteR baR

41 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9876 Seafood, friendly gathering place. $$

H siLveR dineR

5120 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-694-9501. Award-winning burgers, all-day breakfast, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. $-$$$

simPLy asia Pan asian bistRo 120 Frederick Road, Suites B&C, Thurmont. 301-271-2858. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, sushi bar, Asian fusion, dine in, carryout, catering. $-$$

H south mountain cReameRy

50 Citizen’s Way, Ste. 101, Frederick. 301-383-8790. We take your favorite sweet and savory treats to a whole new level. Sweet: sundaes, milkshakes, and more. Savory: Farm-fresh pizzas, made from scratch using fresh, local ingredients. $-$$

south maRket sandwich co

105 S. Market St., Frederick. 240-651-3797

A quaint, gourmet sandwich shop. $$

staRvin maRvin PizzeRia and subs 6942 Crestwood Blvd., Frederick. 301-695-7827 New York–style pizza, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and more. $

sumittRa thai

12 E. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-668-2303

Thai favorites including satay, pad thai and garden rolls. $-$$

suRf house isLand cantina 8925 Fingerboard Road, Urbana. 240-341-7157 Authenic surfer food and drinks. $$

SuShi Nomu

4969 Westview Drive, Frederick. 240-656-1330. Asian sushi. $-$$

suvai biRyani

11791 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-363-8725 Mixing classic recipes with a modern twist. $$

taco baR

1450 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-732-5716. Authentic Mexican fast food. $

Tempo di paSTa

244 E. Church St., Frederick. 240-780-8517. Gourmet Italian dishes. Handmade pasta. $$

taichi bubbLe tea

5866 Ballenger Creek Pike, Frederick. 240-815-7961. Bubble teas, fruit teas, ramen, poke bowls, sushi burritos and rice bowls. $$

taj mahaL baR & GRiLL

1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301-682-2213

Authentic Indian fare featuring home made spices. Serving lunch and dinner. Wine and beer available. $-$$

taPia’s on main

203 E. Main St., Middletown. 240-490-8461

Signature brick-oven pizzas, pastas, paninis, house-crafted cocktails. $$-$$$

texas Roadhouse

5105 Pegasus Court, Frederick. 301-682-7427. Hand-cut steaks, ribs, fresh-baked rolls and cold beer. $$

Thai meric eaTery aNd Bar

1170 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 240-651-0998

Authentic Thai cuisine. $-$$

thai tabLe

5221 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 240-877-7034. Thai + Lao cuisine. $$

the tastinG Room

101 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-379-7772 European cuisine. $$$

thuRmont kountRy kitchen 17 Water St., Thurmont. 301-271-4071

Family owned and operated serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Award winning broasted chicken. $-$$

tin coRneR 700 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-575-9374 Serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. $-$$

tRoPix Pots cuisines baR & GRiLL 490 Prospect Blvd., Frederick. 240-877-4858 Authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine. $$-$$$

uGLy dumPLinG exPRess 5267 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick. 301-732-7705 Known for dumplings with a variety of fillings. $$

uP on maRket bistRo 301 N. Market St., Frederick. 240-831-4847. Charming restaurant/bistro offering full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. Uniqueness and variety with a touch of elegance. $-$$$

vaLLey GRiLL sPoRts baR Hollow Creek Golf Club, 50 Glenbrook Drive, Middletown. 301-371-0400 Contemporary American cuisine. $-$$

H waG’s

24 S. Market St., Frederick. 301-694-8451 Classic hamburgers and fries. $

white Rabbit GastRoPub 18 Market Space, Frederick. 240-651-1952 Craft beer house serving high-end beer and food. $-$$

wiLcom’s inn 11234 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia. 301-798-8686. Iconic local landmark. International steakhouse and sports bar. $-$$

the wine kitchen on the cReek 150 Caroll Creek Way, Ste. 160, Frederick. 301-663-6968. Wine bar with American bistro fare. $$

H zi Pani café bistRo

177A Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick. 301-620-1932. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual dining with full bar. $-$$

Cultural Exploration

Smithsonian Native American Museum Bridges Many Borders

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The building itself is striking, providing its first “Wow!” moment before you even walk in the door. The curvilinear design and limestone material were inspired by wind-and-weather rock formations created over thousands of years. The architecture, landscape and exhibitions were designed in consultation with American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tribes and communities.

Stepping inside the National Museum of the American Indian on a sunny day, a full color rainbow, produced by daylight falling through prisms on the walls, spans the atrium. From there, it’s one stunning surprise after another.

The museum’s name is a bit of a misnomer: the “Museum of Indians of the Americas” might be more accurate because its collections pay tribute to the individuality and diversity of the indigenous peoples of the entire Western Hemisphere—from the tip of South America, through Central America and Mexico, into the continental United States, Canada and finally Alaska, bearing tribal names you might recognize and some you will not.

Each carefully curated exhibit is painstakingly documented to afford visitors a treasure trove of information, while also being visually engaging in its placement and beauty.

In addition to the expected exhibits of headpieces and other clothing, visitors can pore over drawers full of jewelry and ceremonial amulets dating back to the 1700s. Intriguing and fantasy-inspired displays of hunting and fishing weapons in one gallery are juxtaposed in another with more benign tools of domesticity, like cooking, weaving, farming and beading.

To visit the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian is to take a journey through the cultures and histories of Native peoples from throughout the Western Hemisphere.

By Jeanne Blackburn

Captivating displays and dioramas of indigenous peoples include motorized ice fishing vessels for tribes in the far north and Arctic and implements of daily life in the rain forests of Central America and South America.

Each geographical area of concentration features contrasts, like beading designs, types of housing and even food choices. Styles of shelter and their materials vary from one region to another based on availability and climate, as do methods of transportation, from sleds and skids to canoes of various types and sizes. Despite the diversity of Native cultures throughout the Americas, this near-reverence for the land and its creatures is evident everywhere.

This same reverence toward the land influences the various kinds of artwork and deity portrayal in natural materials, as well as the oral histories of the tribes.

Throughout the museum there are interactive exhibits to clarify monumental aspects of these ancient people’s lives, like migration routes and construction of their communities. A large number of photographs have been made available to the museum and are scattered throughout the galleries.

A current exhibit, Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains, celebrates the full expression among Native nations of the Great Plains. The exhibition juxtaposes historical hides, muslins and ledger books with more than 50 contemporary works. Illustrating everything from war deeds and ceremonial events to family life, Native identity and pop culture, the artworks are as diverse as the individuals who created them.

While you’re at the museum, be sure to visit the National Native American Veterans Memorial, located on the grounds. Designed by Marine Corps veteran Harvey Pratt of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma, the memorial features a 12-foot-tall stainless-steel ring resting on a carved stone drum at the center of a circular seating area. The shape of the circle holds special significance to many Native American cultures, recurring in dance, storytelling and prayer. Water for sacred ceremonies flows from the monument and visitors may leave prayer ties, a symbol of spirituality for Native people, on four vertical lances.

Also, try to save time for what is arguably the best food on the National Mall. The Mitsitam Native Foods Café features a selection of regional dishes highlighting indigenous flavors.

The National Museum of the American Indian, at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue, SW, is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except for Christmas Day. For more information, go to americanindian.si.edu.

The museum, located on the south side of the National Mall near the National Air and Space Museum, features stunning Native landscapes with four distinct habitats that showcase indigenous plants.

Unbound: Narrative

Art of the Plains is a current exhibit that celebrates the full expression among Native nations of the Great Plains.

postcards ON THE ROAD

MAINE

Lori

for

NORWAY

fjords—long,

CANADA

you’re here ON THE ROAD

By Jake Wynn

Resolving to Revisit

A new year always invites a bit of reflection, but 2026 feels like a chance to do something more. It’s an opportunity to look closer at the places we pass every day and rediscover what makes Frederick County such an extraordinary place to call home. Visitors come here for our history, our food, our landscapes and our creative spirit. For us locals, the start of a new year is a perfect moment to explore it all with fresh curiosity. Make 2026 the year you dive deeper into your own backyard.

You’ll hear more about America’s 250th anniversary as the months unfold but consider it part of a wider invitation: to experience the stories and places that shaped this region. While visitors flock here for that connection to the past, residents can be first in line to watch the county shine. A full year of programs, tours and events will mark the celebration, and VisitFrederick.org/America250 is where you’ll find everything taking shape.

One of the most important places to experience in 2026 is Monocacy National Battlefield. After a long renovation, the museum at the visitor center is fully reopened and completely transformed. The exhibits have been reimagined from the ground up, offering a richer, more personal look at the 1864 battle that helped save Washington, D.C., during

the Civil War. Displays highlight the human stories behind the conflict, from soldiers on both sides to the civilians who watched their farms and homes swept into war. Rarely seen artifacts, new interpretations and modern storytelling tools give fresh life to this pivotal moment in local and national history.

Downtown Frederick, always evolving, continues to surprise with openings that quickly become part of the fabric of the city. One of the standout additions is True Standard Distilling Company, which opened last year on Carroll Street. Housed in a restored industrial space, the distillery has become a warm gathering spot serving small-batch spirits that embody the personality of Frederick’s craft beverage scene. Despite being a relative newcomer, True Standard already feels like it belongs here—

and should certainly be part of your 2026 exploration.

Just a short walk away, the Frederick Visitor Center offers another reason to rediscover what you think you already know. This past year saw the completion of an overhaul of its exhibits, bringing more interactivity, vibrancy and a comprehensive view of the county’s history and culture. The highlight is a sweeping new mural by local artist Matt Long—an expansive piece that orients visitors to the region while inspiring them to explore farther. If you haven’t visited in a while, or if you’ve never stepped inside this restored building dating back to 1899, make this one of your first stops in the new year. It’s one of the best places to reacquaint yourself with the richness of this region.

That’s really the heart of what 2026 can be: a year to wander, to explore and to say yes to the places that make Frederick special. Visit that shop you always walk past but have never entered. Try that restaurant you’ve been meaning to get to for years. Step into a museum you haven’t visited since childhood. Walk a trail you’ve never hiked. This is the year to deepen your knowledge of your own community and to support the people and businesses who bring it to life.

We live in a place that travelers rave about, a destination people seek out for a long weekend. As locals, we get the gift of experiencing those same things slowly, season by season, in the rhythms of everyday life. Let 2026 be the year you take full advantage of that..

Jake Wynn is the senior marketing and communications manager at Visit Frederick, the designated destination marketing organization for Frederick County. Contact him at 301-600-4023 or jwynn@ fredco-md.net. Learn more about Visit Frederick at visitfrederick.org.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

HOT PICK

Jan. 15

Art at Night: Carroll Street Buildings of Industry

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Join Heritage Frederick Archivist Jody Brumage, McClintock Distillery’s Braeden Bumpers, Twin Bear’s Bakery’s Andrew and Emily Roy, and the Delaplaine for an engaging look into the history of each of their buildings and the industries that shaped the Carroll Street area of Downtown Frederick. This talk will be accompanied by whiskey and bread tastings. 7 p.m.–8 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

We Love Wednesdays Wednesdays in Jan.

Downtown Frederick. Why wait for the weekend? Make Wednesdays wonderful by shopping small, dining local and supporting the heart of the Frederick community. Every Wednesday, discover exclusive deals, discounts and special offers at participating local businesses. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 301-698-8118. www.downtownfrederick.org

Magic Show: Mystery & Mayhem

Saturdays in Jan. Frederick Magic Theater & Lounge, 19 N. Court St., Suite 100. Experience a captivating evening full of preshow sleight-of-hand magic, a complimentary cocktail in the enchanting lounge and a unique stage show featuring a blend of magician-in-residence Jeff Madsen’s comedy magic, mind-reading and escape magic. 7:30 p.m. www.frederickmagic.com

Downtown Frederick Light Walk

Through March 14

Downtown Frederick. Explore five creative lighting installations (Disco Garage, Starlite, Light Drops, Kaleidoscope and Snowfall) on display in downtown locations. See website for location map. www. downtownfred erick.org

Carillon Recital Sundays in Jan. Joseph Dill Baker Carillon in Baker Park, Downtown Frederick. The tower is open for guests to hear John Widmann, City Carillonneur play the 49-bell carillon of bronze bells. 12:30 p.m. www.bakerparkcarillon.org

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Through March 14

Carroll Creek Linear Park, Downtown Frederick.

Carroll Creek is lit up with boats sponsored by local businesses for observers to enjoy. 301-514-1182. www. coloronthecreek.com/sttws

General Grief Support Group

Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22

Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way. A drop-in group designed to provide support to individ uals who have ex perienced the death of a loved one.

Participants can share their stories and express their grief as they work towards healing. Jan. 1 and 15, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; Jan. 8 and 22, 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m. 240566-3030. www.frederickhealthhospice.org

First Day Hikes

Jan. 1, 2

Maryland State Parks. Kick off the New Year outdoors with ranger-led, AllTrails-guided and self-guided hike options for the whole family. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking. See website for hike locations and times. https://dnr. maryland.gov/publiclands/ pages/firstdayhikes.aspx

A Winter Wonderland Whimsical Lights Tour

Jan. 2, 3, 9, 10

Frederick Social, 50 Citizen’s Way. Hop aboard an authentic London Routemaster double-decker bus for a charming and nostalgic journey through the heart of Downtown Frederick. The 45-minute tour winds its way through picturesque streets aglow with twinkling lights and sparkling displays. See web site for tour times. www.marylanddoubledeckers.com/events

Art Matters

Artist Talk

Jan. 3

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Solo exhibition artists Maremi Andreozzi, Anne Boyer and Alfred Groff discuss their history as artists and the works in their exhibitions. 2 p.m. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org

Katana Lippart: Folk & Fable Jan. 3–31

NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St. A month-long solo exhibition by visual artist Katana Lippart titled, “Folk and Fable.” This exhibition features a curated selection of Lippart’s collage work, highlighting key developments in her practice as she examines the people and stories that shape personal and collective memory. An opening reception is scheduled for Jan. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a closing reception is scheduled for Jan. 31 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with an artist talk from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Noon–8 p.m.; Sundays, Noon–4 p.m. 240-367-9770. www. nomagalleryfrederick.com

Creative Outlet

Jan. 3

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Kids and adults are invited to drop-in to get creative together in the family open studio. Each session features a themed activity. This month will feature bilateral drawing with visiting artist Jessie Bunk. No large groups. $2. 3 p.m.−5 p.m. 301-6980656. www.delaplaine.org

Unscripted Jan. 3–31

TAG The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St. A TAG group exhibition. Friday and Saturday, Noon –8 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4 p.m. 301-2289860. www.theart istsgalleryfrederick. com

Frederick County Art Association Members Exhibition Jan. 3–Feb. 1

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. The annual FCAA exhibition features members’ artwork in a variety of media, including paintings, photography, mixed media, drawings, collages, ceramics and sculpture. FCAA’s approximately 100 members range from casual painters to full time professionals. An exhibition opening and meet the artists event is scheduled for Jan. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org

Featured: All Member Show Jan. 3–Feb. 1

Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St. All Member Show featured in January with a First Saturday opening scheduled for Jan. 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon–5 p.m. www. eastsideartistsgallery.com

Maremi Andreozzi Jan. 3–March 1

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of paintings titled, “She is...” Andreozzi’s work is an affirmation through inter pretive painted portraits of lesser known women in history. Painting a contemporary visual likeness and recon ceptualizing their contri butions confirms their place in our narrative and broadens our under -

standing of everyday exceptional people shaping history. An exhibit opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Jan. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org

Alfred Groff

Jan. 3–March 1

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of paint ings titled, “Urban and Industrial Land scapes.” Cities and industrial landscapes are often thought of as cold and mere ly utilitarian. This work challenges that notion by considering the beauty in the forms and colors of urban and industrial environments. An exhibit opening and meet the art ist event is scheduled for Jan. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org 3

Ann Boyer Jan. 3–March 1

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. An exhibition of ceramic and mixed media titled, “Midnight at Kelly Pond.” Boyer explores the idea of a magical pond where creatures live and interact in the deep, dark night, under the light of a crescent moon. Each grouping tells a story with themes such as protection, family, magic, gathering and decay. An exhibit opening and meet the artist event is scheduled for Jan. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 301-698-0656. www. delaplaine.org

Downtown Frederick Artwalk Jan. 4

The Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St. Take a self-guided jaunt downtown and visit local galleries. At the Delaplaine, Ron Ames will showcase impressionistic photography. Noon–4 p.m. 301-698-0656. www.delaplaine.org

2001: A Space Odyssey

Jan. 8

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Released in 1968, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey broke new ground in visual effects, cinematic storytelling and philosophical depth, exploring themes of human evolu tion, artificial intelligence, and the unknown vastness of space. Adapted from a short story by thur C. Clarke, the film continues to captivate audiences with its haunting score, stunning imagery and enigmatic narrative. Presented by Wonder Book. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-600-2828.

Starlight Cinema Thursdays Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29

The Vox House, 228 N. Market St. Enjoy free movie screenings on

Thursdays, presented by SilverVox, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts. See The Boondock Saints on Jan. 8, Mean Girls on Jan. 15, Tombstone on Jan. 22 and Dazed and Confused on Jan. 29. Food and drinks available for purchase from 7th Sister. 7 p.m. www.silvervox.org/ events

The YAAC Show: Salyer McLaughlin Jan. 9

Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St. This bi-weekly, late-night-style talk show celebrates creativity and community, spotlighting local artists, performers and cultural innovators through interviews, performances and engaging conversations. This month’s featured presenter is Salyer McLaughlin. 5:30 p.m. www.frederickmagazine.com/calendar

Macbeth Jan. 9–Feb. 3

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. and ESPLoft, 16 E. Patrick St., 2nd Floor. Endangered Species Theatre Project presents one of Shakespeare’s most gripping tragedies, a tale of ambition, prophecy and the cost of unchecked desire. See website for show times and locations. $. www. esptheatre.org/shows

An Evening with Joe Theismann Jan. 10

Adaptive Winter Formal

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Join legendary NFL quarterback Joe Theismann for an evening of insight and inspiration. Best known for leading Washington to victory in Super Bowl XVII and earning NFL MVP honors, Theismann’s remarkable career was abruptly halted by a life-changing injury. Since then he has become a leading motivational speaker, sharing powerful lessons on leadership, adaptability and mental toughness. 8 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Rock Creek Recreation Center, 55B W. Frederick St., Walkersville. Dance the night away at this winter formal geared towards individuals with disabilities, featuring music, refreshments and a photo booth. One caregiver is welcome with free entry. Register in advance. 6 p.m.–8 p.m. $. 301-600-2936. www.recreater.com

Community Concert Series: Ayreheart Jan. 11

Calvary United Meth odist Church, 131 W.2nd St. Perform ing with lute, vocals, colascione, violin, guitar and percussion, Ayreheart offers a program of Renaissance music and

traditional folk music from the British Isles. This event is free and open to the public. 3 p.m. 301-662-1464. https://calvaryumc.org/concerts

Key City Thrift Expo: Punk Rock Flea Mar ket Jan. 11

The Great Frederick Fair, 797 E. Patrick St., Building 9. Shop among more than 80 vendors offering every thing strange, unusual, loud and totally rad. Noon–5 p.m. $. Tickets available at

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. A night of music and bingo, featuring songs by favorite performers. 8:30 p.m. 301694-4744. www. marylandensemble.org

Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars Jan. 15

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Step into the world of Swan Lake, a story of love, magic and triumph, brought to life through the powerful choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This production features all-new, hand-painted sets and more than 200 custom-designed scenery elements, transforming the stage into a dreamlike landscape, with world-renowned ballet artists. 7 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Agatha Christie’s The Hollow Jan. 16–March 1

The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, 5 Willowdale Drive. An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell, arguably Christie’s finest comic grande dame. See website for show times. $. 301-662-6600. www.wayoffbroadway.com

Jan. 17

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Enjoy a showing of the 1925 silent film, accompanied by the mighty Wurlitzer organ. Three sideshow performers leave their lives of captivity and become “The Unholy Three,” launching an incredible crime wave from their little store. 3 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Enjoy a showing of the 1924 silent film, accompanied by the mighty Wurlitzer organ. A bitter clown endeav ors to rescue the young woman he loves from the lecherous baron who once betrayed him. 7:30 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

How Civil War Medicine Killed

President James Garfield

Jan. 17

National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St. When an as sassin’s bullet struck James Garfield in July 1881, the battle to save the president’s life began. In weeks that followed, doc tors argued over how to treat the stricken executive. In the end, Dr. D. Willard Bliss, a former Civil War surgeon, took control of Garfield’s recovery and controversy has surrounded his role ever since. Historian Jake Wynn will discuss the history of Garfield’s recovery and how antiquated techniques learned by Dr. Bliss during his Civil War experience played a role in James Garfield’s death in September 1881. 2 p.m.–3 p.m. 301-695-1864. www.civilwarmed.org

An Evening with Michelle Swan and Friends

Jan. 17

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St. Experience an evening of heartfelt music with award-winning singer-songwriter Michelle Swan, whose rich, lyrical storytelling has captivated audiences since the early ‘90s. 7:30 p.m. $. 301-6002828. www.weinbergcenter.org

ESSL Special Event Jan. 20

Earth and Space Science Laboratory, 210 Madison St. Explore the Earth and Space Science Laboratory and enjoy a show in the planetarium. Accidental Astronaut at 10 a.m.; Perfect Little Planet at 11 a.m.; Secrets of the Sea at noon; National Parks Adventure at 1 p.m.; and T. Rex at 2 p.m. $. 240-236-2694. https://edu.fcps.org/essl

1964 The Tribute Jan. 23

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. 1964 recreates the electrifying energy of The Beatles’ original live concerts with stunning accuracy, capturing a defining moment in music history. For more than 40 years, this cast of professional musicians has brought the spirit of the Fab Four to life for those who never got to see them live. 8 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Boomtown: The Story of Downtown Frederick Jan. 24

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. Based on a true story about how a small group of rebels in the 1970s led

a revolution in Frederick, Maryland, that would save their town and spark a Renaissance—a boom in creativity of All-American City proportions. Lexie Brown, a young revolutionary college student studying Art History and Archeology in the fall of 2025 sets out to uncover what triggered this resurgence that her grandfather had documented in the local newspaper. What she comes to find is an even greater vision for the future. 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. $. 301600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

The Sicilian Tenors—Journey to Highclere Castle

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St. The Sicilian Tenors return with a brand new live show inspired by their award-winning PBS special, filmed at the iconic Highclere Castle known as the real-life Downton

Pop! Jan. 29–Feb. 8

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. A MET original for ages 0-5. Arlequin is afraid he’ll be stuck playing the role of the pea, but he ends up getting to play the prince. The troupe romps through a series of hilarious princess tests with great slapstick humor! A fairy godmother in this story? Rosetta’s playing the role, whether the troupe likes it or not. See website for show times. $. 301-694-4744.

www.marylandensemble.org

Abbey. Featuring stunning visuals and timeless music, the performance includes beloved songs from the romantic Downton era, along with the Tenors’ signature Italian favorites. 8 p.m. $. 301-600-2828. www.weinbergcenter.org

Beer Then Yoga

Presented by Yogamour Yoga & Heal ing Arts Center, 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. at Monocacy Brewing Compamy, 1781 N. Market St. Join this fun pop-up yoga class that is a fusion of down dog and beer, the perfect way to unwind and relax. Namaste and cheers. www. geni@yogamour.org

MET Comedy Extravaganza Jan. 30, 31

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St. Join the MET for a twonight event and see multiple comedy teams all in one night. Featured teams include: The Comedy Pigs, Oh Crit, That’s What She Said, Off Key: An Improvised Musical and Key City Improv. 8 p.m. $. 301-694-4744. www.marylandensemble.org

1

Book Signing for Isabella Engel Feb. 1

Curious Iquana, 12 N. Market St., 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Meet-and-greet with author Isabella Engel as she promotes her debut novel, Most Eligible. Seeking a story that’ll launch her journalism career, Georgia goes on a reality dating show only to find the host is her dreamy one-night-stand from the year before. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the signing.

Open Mic Night with FAME

First Wednesdays

Sandbox Brewhouse, 880 N. East St., 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Fred erick Acoustic Music Enterprise is bring ing an all-new open mic night to the Sandbox, hosted in the taproom the first Wednesday of the month. Show up and take over the stage. We can’t wait to hear what you have in store for the audience.

EVENTS

Board Game Night

Thursdays

Sandbox Brewhouse, 880 N. East St., 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Every Thursday evening come to Board Game Night to learn a new game from local game Master Michael Suthers, then stay to play. Food truck on site.

Discovery Series: The Imaginaries Feb. 5

New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Husband-wife duo Maggie McClure and Shane Henry bring their signature blend of American roots, rock, and soul to the stage, infused with the warmth of their Oklahoma upbringing. Their undeniable chemistry and timeless sound have earned them fans across the country and beyond. The duo has opened for Judy Collins, John Waite, Sixpence None The Richer, and The Gatlin Brothers With music featured in over 75 films, TV shows, and national ad campaigns, The Imaginaries are a rising force in the Americana scene. As they gear up for their second studio album, their live show promises an evening of rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and compelling musicianship.$

Daddy Daughter Dance: A Night of Stars Feb. 6-7

Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St. Step into a sparkling evening under the stars. Treat your starlet to a night she will never forget full of music, dancing and magical memories. Dress to impress and shine together on the dance floor. Light refreshments will be served. 301-600-2936 $

Frederick Speaker Series: Jeff Corwin Feb. 5

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., 7:30 p.m.Biologist and wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin has been telling stories of wildlife and nature to a global audience through his television series on ABC, NBC, the Travel Channel, Food Network. Disney Channel and Discovery Networks. Currently, he is the producer of Wildlife Nation on ABC. The presentation is part of the Frederick Speaker Series, now in its 13th season. $

Can’t Hardly Wait Feb. 12 SilverVox. 228 N. Market St., 7 p.m., free. Join us for a community screening of the nostalgic throwback, Can’t Hardly Wait, presented by SilverVox, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts. The screening will be at 7th Sister restaurant where food and drinks are available for purchase.

Silent Film Series: Son of the Sheik Feb. 14

Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the golden age of silent film with the final screen performance of Rudolph Valentino. It also stars Frances Marion and George Fawcett. The 1926 classic will be presented with live accompaniment on the mighty Wurlitzer organ. $

Farmer of Linganore

By Jody Brumage / Archivist, Heritage Frederick

Frederick’s pioneer photographer Jacob Byerly produced this image that was recently donated to Heritage Frederick’s archives. The man in the photograph is Maj. Gen. Anthony Kimmel, wearing his militia uniform with his sword and bicorne hat.

Born in Baltimore in 1798, Kimmel volunteered to serve in the militia during the War of 1812 at the age of 16. He helped prepare fortifications and took part in the Battle of North Point during the defense of Baltimore in September 1814. For the rest of his life, Kimmel was an active participant in annual reunions of Baltimore’s “Old Defenders.” He married Sydney Ann James in 1822 and moved to Frederick County, close to her family’s home near New London, and adopted the moniker “Farmer of Linganore.”

Anthony Kimmel took part in welcoming American Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette to Frederick County in 1824.

Kimmel was elected to represent Frederick County in the Maryland State Senate in 1858. As the country devolved into the Civil War, Kimmel held a tenuous middle ground, arguing against secession but defending pro-Confederate legislators who were arrested to prevent the vote for Maryland to leave the Union. Gov. Thomas Hicks commissioned Kimmel as a major general in 1860 and placed him in command of the Fourth Division of the Maryland Militia. Kimmel, who enslaved 14 people at his farm, voiced opposition to the ratification of the Maryland Constitution of 1864 that abolished slavery. Kimmel died on April 25, 1871, at Linganore and was buried in his native Baltimore.