72 HOURS April 16, 2026

FULL-TILT FUN

FREDERICK’S PBS DOCUMENTARY IS NOW ON AMAZON PRIME

“InSpired,” the one-hour PBS documentary from 3 Roads Communications chronicling the history of Frederick, has landed on Amazon Prime. Selected by the Paris and London Film Awards and broadcast more than 10 times on PBS since its October release, the film is now easier than ever to watch and share. Head to frederickinspired.com to find it, and if you’ve already seen it, consider leaving a rating or review.

SPINNERS REOPENS IN HUGE NEW LOCATION

Spinners Pinball Arcade has been quietly building something remarkable since it opened at its former location on Christmas Eve in 2017. Founded by Joe Said, Spinners operates as the public arm of the nonprofit Pinball EDU, and its mission is to use the game to combat social isolation. The arcade is a Certified Autism Center and runs programming that includes autism meetups, summer camps, a Drop and Play daycare alternative, and partnerships with organizations like The Arc of Frederick County, Excel Youth and United Way. Earlier this year, Said and his wife, marketing director Meaghan Prenda, invested more than $350,000 to open a new 24,000-square-foot location at District 40, i.e., the former Frederick Towne Mall on the Golden Mile in Frederick, adding a sensory room, coworking area, party rooms and a back bar to the mix. A weekly 64-person league draws players of all skill levels, and an all-day pass runs $20 for access to 100-plus games. If you haven’t stopped by, it’s time.

NEW DRACULA-THEMED RESTAURANT IN HAGERSTOWN

If you’ve ever wanted to dine in a Transylvanian castle, try Dracula’s Kitchen and Bar, the latest venture from restaurateur Daniel Pribag, who came to the United States from Romania in 2006 with his wife, Nicoleta. The restaurant fully embraces their heritage — moody gothic atmosphere and all. The menu balances familiar American fare with authentic Romanian dishes made from scratch using family recipes passed down from Nicoleta’s grandmother. Think Countess Nicole’s Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls with polenta and sour cream), Mici (skinless sausages) and an oversized Castle Turkey Leg. Even the American menu gets the treatment: chicken wings become “Batwings,” the burger menu features a Bloody Burger dripping with red sauce, and the appetizer list includes Anti-vampire Garlic Bites. Worth the drive.

DONATE YOUR OLD BIKE AND CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE

The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek is hosting a Community Bicycle Collection on April 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at Triangle Motors, 1790 N. Market St. in Frederick. Donated bikes, parts and safety gear go directly to people in the developing world who rely on transportation to reach schools, jobs and healthcare. Best part: broken bikes and loose parts are welcome — they don’t need to be road-ready to make a difference. So clear some garage space while the weather is nice, and do some good while you’re at it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Share your community stories and events with us! Email 72 Hours editor Lauren LaRocca at llarocca@newspost.com.

Dracula’s Kitchen and Bar sinks its teeth into Hagerstown

BY CHRIS SANDS csands@newspost.com

Ever wanted to dine in a Transylvanian castle like Count Dracula? A new restaurant in Washington County is perfect for vampire fanatics, who can eat authentic Romanian dishes and handcrafted cocktails in a moody, gothic atmosphere.

Dracula’s Kitchen and Bar appears to be a normal eatery from the outside, but step inside and you feel transported to a dark, medieval world inspired by the legend of Vlad the Impaler — the 15th-century Wallachian ruler whose brutal reign inspired Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.

Daniel Pribag has owned and operated several restaurants, but Dracula’s Kitchen and Bar in Hagerstown is the first that fully embraces his Romanian heritage. He and his wife, Nicoleta, came to the United States from Romania in 2006.

The menu mixes typical American and

Fairfax VegFest returns to Herndon for a day of vegan food, community and discovery

Fairfax VegFest will return to the headquarters of Northwest Federal Credit Union in Herndon, Virginia, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19, bringing together hundreds of attendees for a celebration of plant-based food, ethical living and community connection.

Maryland-focused dishes with authentic Romanian cuisine — a balance Daniel felt was necessary, as a purely Eastern European menu might struggle to maintain a consistent customer base in the area.

The traditional Romanian items are made from scratch using family recipes passed down from Nicoleta’s grandmother. Key dishes include Countess Nicole’s Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls with polenta and sour cream), Mici (skinless sausages) and an oversized Castle Turkey Leg, with newer additions like Zacusca (a vegetable appetizer) and a large Romanian feast platter.

The Transylvania theme carries into the American dishes, too. You won’t order chicken wings at Dracula’s — you’ll order “Batwings.” The appetizer list includes Anti-vampire Garlic Bites, and the burger menu features a Bloody Burger dripping with a special red sauce. For dessert, split the Profiterole: cream puffs in a glass goblet with whipped cream and chocolate.

The restaurant is designed with a modern look and subtle historical nods to Vlad the Impaler, deliberately avoiding a cheesy, Halloween aesthetic.

The bar currently focuses on familiar drinks to accommodate all guests rather than complex cocktails — bartenders can make a strawberry margarita, or you could order a red beer brewed and dyed red by ThickN-Thin Brewing, a Hagerstown craft brewery. Dracula’s plans to expand its cocktail offerings over time.

IF YOU GO

Hosted by Vegfest Expos in collaboration with GreenFare, Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) and Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU), the event will transform the campus at 200 Spring St. into an outdoor festival featuring food vendors, local businesses, wellness exhibitors and educational outreach.

“This event is about bringing people together in a positive, welcoming environment where they can explore plant-based food and learn how their everyday choices can make a difference,” said Eric C. Lindstrom, executive director of FARM. “You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy Fairfax VegFest — you just have to love good food, good people, and good energy.”

Attendees can expect a full day of vegan food, shopping and discovery; local makers, wellness brands and eco-friendly businesses; opportunities to meet chefs, founders and creators; and raffles, giveaways and activities throughout the day. The event is designed to be welcoming to vegans, vegetarians and the veg-curious alike.

The event will take place in the parking lot and parking garage area provided by NWFCU. A $5 parking fee per car will be collected on site, along with a suggested $5 donation to support future community events. Raffle drawings will be held hourly.

Fairfax VegFest is part of a growing series of Vegfest Expos events held across the region, each designed to showcase the world of plant-based food, ethical products and sustainable living.

The event is open to the public. For vendor information, volunteer opportunities or event updates, follow Fairfax VegFest on social media or visit vegfestexpos.com.

Funny songs to tickle your ‘humorous’ bone

Humor is a funny word. (Wait, let me rephrase that.)

The word actually began its long journey meaning something you’d never expect — it derives from the Latin for bodily fluid. Medieval medicine believed the body contained four primary fluids or “humors,” including blood, phlegm and two types of bile, thought to determine temperament. By the 16th century, the term broadened to mean one’s moods or whims. Finally, by the late 17th century, humor arrived at its modern meaning: amusing or funny.

Humorist and author Larry Wilde, director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, declared April to be National Humor Month in 1976, which made abundant sense since April 1 had long been established as April Fool’s Day. Thereafter, April 19 was officially named Humorous Day — dedicated to having a good time and finding the bright side of even the toughest situation.

Science has confirmed that laughter is the best medicine. It allows us to breathe in more fresh air, boosts our heart rate, lowers blood pressure and stimulates our lungs and respiratory system. You can even burn calories and release physical tension when you laugh. Laughter strengthens relationships, too — it helps couples stay together longer, enhances parent/child bonding and makes friendships stronger.

So what can you do to get some of this good juju on Humorous Day? You could binge-watch a great sitcom — “All in the Family,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Seinfeld,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Honeymooners” or “I Love Lucy.” You could watch stand-up on YouTube from Jack Benny, George Carlin, Johnny Carson, Bill Cosby, Rodney Dangerfield, Jackie Gleason, Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy or Richard Pryor. You could rent a great comedy — the American Film Institute recommends “Animal House,” “Caddyshack,” “Duck Soup,” “Elf,” “Ghostbusters,” “Home Alone,” “M*A*S*H,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Office Space,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Wayne’s World” and “Wedding Crashers.” Or you could catch a live comedy show — The Comedy Pigs at MET, Comedy Fest at the Weinberg or the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour on April 23.

But for me, there’s nothing better than a great humorous song. Writing one is harder than it looks — that’s why so many “novelty” songs are cringeworthy. You typically won’t get belly laughs from funny songs, but you will get heartwarming smiles for as long as you care to listen.

Below, I’ve listed some of my favorites alphabetically. Queue them up on your smart speaker for an hour and a half of Humorous Day listening pleasure. Did I miss any of yours?

A BOY NAMED SUE

Johnny Cash, 1969

Country superstar hit gold by going against type in this live, funny performance.

Funny lyric: “But the meanest thing that my daddy ever did / Was before he left, he went and named me Sue.”

COVER OF THE ROLLING STONE

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, 1972

Satirical romp that mocks the music industry’s obsession with image and fame.

Funny lyric: “I got a freaky old lady name a Cocaine Katy who embroiders on my jeans / I got my poor old gray-haired daddy drivin’ my limousine.”

EAT IT

“Weird Al” Yankovic, 1984

The king of parodies had several but his best one riffs on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”

Funny lyric: “Have some more yogurt / have some more Spam / It doesn’t matter if it’s fresh or canned / Just eat it.”

IF YOU WANNA BE HAPPY

Jimmy Soul, 1963

This No. 1 hit gave dubious advice that marrying an ugly woman is a safe bet.

Funny lyric: “Though her face is ugly, her eyes don’t match / Take it from me, she’s a better catch.”

I’M TOO SEXY

Right Said Fred, 1991

This all-time funniest karaoke-style song pokes fun at bodybuilders.

Funny lyric: “I’m too sexy for my shirt / Too sexy for my shirt / So sexy it hurts.”

IT WASN’T

ME

Shaggy, 2000

This cheating anthem is a humorous guide to lying even when caught red-handed.

Funny lyric: “But she caught me on the counter (It wasn’t me) / I even had her in the shower (It wasn’t me.)”

KING TUT

Steve Martin, 1977

Comedy legend first performed this bizarre song on “Saturday Night Live.”

Funny lyric: “When I die, now don’t think I’m a nut / Don’t want no fancy funeral, just one like ole King Tut.”

MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME

Three Dog Night, 1970

Naive party-goer is shocked, shocked!, by what he sees at his first wild party.

Funny lyric: “The radio is blastin’, someone’s knockin’ at the door / I’m lookin’ at my girlfriend, she’s passed out on the floor.”

MARGARITAVILLE

Jimmy Buffett, 1977

The king of laid-back island rock gets wasted and half-laments a lost love.

Funny lyric: “I don’t know the reason, stayed here all season / With nothing to show but this brand-new tattoo.”

MY DING-A-LING

Chuck Berry, 1972

Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer had his biggest hit with this sly, double-entendre sing-along.

Funny lyric: “I fell so hard, I heard bells ring / But held onto my ding-a-ling-a-ling”

NO NO SONG

Ringo Starr, 1974

Ex-Beatle delivered a cheekily charming and exasperated anti-drug song.

Funny lyric: “And I said, ‘No, no, no, no, I don’t smoke it no more / I’m tired of waking up on the floor.’”

The Canadian pop rockers had several mischievous songs. This one tops the list.

Funny lyric: “Like Harrison Ford, I’m getting frantic / Like Sting, I’m tantric / Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy”

PURPLE PEOPLE EATER

Sheb Wooley, 1958

A perennial Halloween favorite that topped the charts.

Funny lyric: “But that’s not the reason that I came to land / I wanna get a job in a rock-and-roll band.”

THE STREAK

Ray Stevens, 1974

Of the many “streaking” songs of 1974, this one was at the top.

Funny lyric: “And here he come, right out of the cheap seats, dribbling / Didn’t have on nothing but his Keds.”

TELEPHONE MAN

Meri Wilson, 1977

Lighthearted, double-entendre song lampooning getting a phone installed.

Funny lyric: “Hey baby, I’m your telephone man / Show me where you want it and I’ll put it where I can.”

UNEASY RIDER

Charlie Daniels, 1973

A pot-smoking, long-haired hippie somehow escapes intact from a no-nonsense Southern bar.

Funny lyric: “Well they all started laughin’ and I felt kinda sick / And I knew I’d better think of somethin’ pretty quick / So I jes’ reached out an’ kicked ol’ greenteeth right in the knee.”

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

MET’s FUNCompany brings beloved storybook characters to life THEATER

MET’s FUNCompany brings beloved storybook characters to life in ‘Arthur and Friends Make a Musical’

Beloved storybook characters leap from the page to the stage this spring as Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s FUNCompany presents “Arthur and Friends Make a Musical,” running April 18 through May 10 on MET’s Frank Greene Stage 2.

Based on the Arthur book series by Marc Brown, the lively musical follows Arthur and his classmates in Mr. Ratburn’s class as they attempt to put on their very own show. Arthur isn’t sure he’s ready for the spotlight, but with help from his family and friends, he discovers that creativity, collaboration and confidence can turn even the biggest nerves into something magical. Filled with humor, music and heart,

the production offers a joyful theater experience for audiences of all ages.

The production will also be featured as a family-friendly highlight of the Frederick Theatre District Collaborative’s Comedy Festival, giving young audiences and families a chance to participate in the festival’s celebration of laughter and live performance.

“Arthur and Friends Make a Musical” marks FUNCompany’s final production of the FY26 season, continuing Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s long-standing commitment to engaging theater for young audiences and families.

The cast includes Richie Dobson as Arthur, Danielle Carter as DW/ Ulysses, Ivey Hicks as Buster, Cade MacFee as Brain/Dad, Mae PhilippeAuguste as Muffy/Mom, Mallorie Stern as Francine, Bryant Gutknecht

as Mr. Ratburn and Christian Wilson as Swing.

The production is directed by Zack Callis with music direction by Taylor Rieland and choreography by Kiersten Gasemy. The creative team also includes Rebecca Carroll as stage manager, Olivia Pietanza as set designer, Ashley Grove as lighting designer, Alyssa Tyler as costume designer and Sam White as props designer.

Performances run April 18 through May 10 at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Shows are at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets range from $17 to $20 and are available at marylandensemble.org, by phone at 301-694-4744 or in person at the MET Box Office, open Tuesday through Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday noon to 4 p.m. and one hour before showtime.

Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ ®

THE FREDERICK MOM

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of April 17

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

Wands and Wings: Potter and Beyond

6 to 9 p.m. April 17

Downtown Sykesville, 7541 Main St., Sykesville Free

It’s rare to highlight an event outside of Frederick County in this column, but our neighbors in Sykesville are hosting a fun, family-friendly event not to miss! Grab your wands, it’ll be a magical night on Main Street! ‘Wands & Wings: Potter and Beyond’ is a celebration of wizards, dragon trainers, and fantasy lovers of all ages! Visit participating shops to test your Potter knowledge through trivia, find the Fourth Wing Dragons, visit the Isle of Berk, and be entered to win magical prizes. Costumes and cloaks are encouraged! •••

Youth Fishing Rodeo

9 a.m. to noon April 18

Gambrill State Park Rock Run Area, 8002 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick Free

Saturday, consider signing up for a Youth Fishing Rodeo at Gambrill State Park! Youth ages 3 to 15 can learn how to fish at this hands-on experience. It’s fishing fun for kids, with parent supervision required. Some tackle and bait will be provided. Dress for the weather and bring your own snacks and water. Pre-registration is required online.

•••

Junie B. Jones The Musical

10:30 a.m. April 18

Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 5 Willowdale Drive, Frederick

$25/person

An absolutely great musical to check out for our younger audiences (ages 3 and up). So Saturday, try lunch and a kid show! Enjoy the hilarious first grader Junie B. as she navigates her first day of first grade — a funny and heartwarming story. Ticket includes your choice of an all beef hot dog or pizza and chips. Other Junie B. shows will take place at 10:30 a.m. May 2, 9, and 16.

•••

Bluey Meet ‘n Greet & Lunch

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18

and living history volunteers for Junior Ranger Day this Sunday! Kids and their families can visit the Monocacy National Battlefield, participate in hands-on historical-themed activities, and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Guests are invited to “enlist” and learn about both infantry and artillery drills! •••

Intro to Competitive Puzzling

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. April 19

Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick Free

New Midway Vol. Fire Co., 12019

Woodsboro Pike, New Midway

$15/person; ages 2 and under are free

Join the New Midway Vol. Fire Company for a fun-filled wackadoo day! Spend time with Bluey and Bingo (your favorite blue heelers), get a picture with the cute characters, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Check out the crafts and door prizes for the kids! Get tickets online at newmidwayvfcstore.com. •••

Festival of Colors & Spring Holi

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18

Natelli Family Y, 3481 Campus Drive, Ijamsville Free

Join this Holi festival to celebrate the arrival of spring and beautiful cultural appreciation at the YMCA in Urbana. Have fun with other people by throwing colored water and powder at each other, enjoy music, dancing, food, and meet community members and businesses. Free balloon twisting from noon to 2 p.m. RSVP until color supplies last at Tinyurl.com/Frederickholi.

•••

Earth Day Celebration

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18

Baker Park, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick Free

Join the City of Frederick and the

City of Frederick Parks and Recreation’s annual Earth Day Celebration at Baker Park on Saturday. Meet representatives from groups like the City’s Sustainability Department and the Audubon Society as they offer free hands-on activities to help promote green living! Enjoy fun scavenger hunts, giveaways, an interactive fishing demo at 11:30 a.m., guided nature walk at 12:30 p.m., and yoga at 1 p.m. Please consider donating canned goods and non-perishable foods at the event. •••

FCPL Library Visit

10 to 10:30 a.m. April 19

Sophie and Madigan’s Playground, 632 Contender Way, Frederick Free

The weather is back! This Sunday morning, families can visit one of Frederick’s favorite castle playgrounds while enjoying a visit from Frederick County Public Libraries because they’ll be bringing the laughter, rhymes, songs, and lots of movement. Join other kids at Sophie and Madigan’s Playground for this exciting, free event!

Junior Ranger Day

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19

Monocacy National Battlefield, 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick Free

Join National Park Service rangers

For teens ages 13 to 25, meet with an experienced competitive puzzler, and get introduced to the world of speed puzzling, an increasingly popular competitive hobby that combines problem-solving, focus, and a little friendly rivalry. The program will explore what speed puzzling competitions look like, how they are judged, and why puzzles have become a favorite pastime for people of all ages. After the presentation, attendees will have the chance to put their skills to the test in a fun, low-pressure mock speed puzzling competition. No prior experience is required, and all materials will be provided.

•••

Keys Game & Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt

3 p.m. April 19

Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick

$20/kids ages 3-12, children 2 and under are free

Will the Keys stuff its plastic eggs with Cracker Jacks?! Find out at this special Egg Hunt event, as the Frederick Keys are back at Nymeo Field with all the fun for families. Gates open one hour before scheduled game time. Bring a ball and glove to play catch in the outfield and get players’ autographs on the concourse during the first 30 minutes after the gates open. Kids ages 3-12 are invited to run the bases after every Keys home game! Tickets available for non-Egg Hunt participants, too. See tickets options at frederickkeys.com.

Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifth-generation native to Frederick County, and she now proudly raises her own family here. To see more local family friendly things to do, follow her on Instagram @thefrederickmom.

“THE MAGAZINE YOU DEMANDED!” is the allcaps proclamation on the front of the latest magazine on the shelves — technically, the racks in your local comic store — that’s attempting to fill a void in the industry ecosystem. It’s an admirable effort, in part, to provide a central resource for comics fans, and continue the legacy and industry standard set by the sadlynow-defunct “Wizard Magazine.” Many have tried since “Wizard” died (#RIP, 1991-2011). Many have failed.

And in a sort-of eulogy/historical record where “Comics! The Magazine” seems to recognize the temporary nature of the medium, famed indy artist Jim Rugg runs down “A Brief History of Fanzines” as a feature in the issue.

I picked up a copy from my local comic store, Frederick’s own Beyond Comics, and spent a pleasant hour thumbing through pages. The people behind it, publisher Atom! Freeman and editor-in-chief Joseph Keatinge, clearly love this medium. Freeman’s launch statement, about remembering that first trip to a comic shop, feeling overwhelmed, feeling like you belonged, is genuinely affecting. (For the record, I miss you, 1980s Forbidden Planet on London’s Denmark Street.)

There’s the undeniable catnip of an “Absolute Batman” cover and feature inside. A full 50 glossy pages stuffed with price guides, process breakdowns, roundtables, classified section, and a neat little in-the-back feature on an up-and-coming creator — shout out to Drew Rende, a TikTok mutual of mine and exceptionally talented young man.

Lots of fun stuff.

Not a critical word anywhere.

Now, that’s not a ding on the magazine. It’s a publication made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts — a highend fanzine, if you like. And that’s OK.

But this is a rich and complicated industry. And while I’m enthusiastic about it, too, even given all its flaws, why has gushing enthusiasm become the only acceptable media output?

Comics once had outlets that

THE LONG BOX

Fluff over facts

after pushing back against demands that prioritized traffic over editorial standards.

When those institutional spaces close, the critics scatter. Some migrate to reader-supported platforms and do serious work there.

David Harper’s “SKTCHD” is Eisnernominated and entirely subscriberfunded. “The Beat” persists. “The Comics Journal” limps along online, with an annual print edition. Any number of hot takes are available on Substack (mine included). These honorable exceptions matter.

As a fanzine, I hope “Comics! The Magazine” thrives. The direct market needs publications that generate excitement about this unique little side-hustle we call “comics.” Freeman’s instinct that readers want a guide, a companion to the shelf, is probably right. There is nothing wrong with enthusiasm. The medium runs on it.

understood the obligation to provide more than marketing fluff.

“The Comics Journal,” launched in 1976 by Gary Groth, the luminary behind publisher Fantagraphics, built its reputation on the willingness to be unpopular. Groth wanted something like what “Les Cahiers du Cinema” had done for film: a publication that held the industry to aesthetic and ethical account, that ran interviews probing enough to make subjects uncomfortable, that said plainly when a publisher was exploiting its creators or when a celebrated work didn’t deserve the celebration. It made enemies in proportion to its seriousness. That is what accountability journalism does.

Before Groth, in 1961, Jerry “Father of Comics Fandom” Bails built something comparably principled out of considerably less. Operating on mimeograph machines with no budget and no institutional backing, Bails noticed that comics didn’t credit their creators and decided it was a problem worth documenting. His publications gave names to people the industry had rendered invisible and, in doing so, established the foundational journalistic act: creating a record on behalf of an audience that deserved one.

It’s not hard to understand why objective coverage failed. Write critically and publishers stop returning calls. Preview copies dry up. The interview you wanted doesn’t happen. You’re iced out at conventions. In a field this small, with communities this tight, that social cost is real. So the reviews soften. The profile omits the question that needed asking. The weak book gets called uneven, or gets quietly ignored — even worse, celebrated — and the writers tell themselves they’re being fair, collegial, part of a community.

They are part of a community. That’s precisely the problem; it’s industry social climbing with a byline, and it is endemic. The consumers are the ones who ultimately suffer.

The institutional collapse of print accelerated all of this but did not cause it. “ComicsAlliance,” Eisner Award-winning and genuinely feared by publishers, was shut down by AOL in 2013, then sold to Townsquare Media, which shuttered it in 2017. The archives went with it both times. “Comic Book Resources,” acquired by Valnet, Inc., in 2016, was gradually hollowed out until its editor-in-chief and two senior editors were let go in May 2023

But the medium also needs someone willing to tell a major publisher that a book isn’t good and to dig into the why, to find the facts, not whining speculation or punditry. It needs someone willing to step away from the sycophancy and ask often uncomfortable questions about industry decisions and push for answers.

In other words, what’s needed is the thing that journalism actually is: the commitment to a specific hierarchy of obligation: the public first, always, regardless of the professional and social cost.

Enthusiasm and accountability used to coexist in this field. Groth managed it. Bails managed it with a mimeograph machine and no institutional support. Now, the vast output of online punditry is recycled AI pap. It doesn’t have to be.

“Comics! The Magazine” didn’t create the problem. But paging through it, I feel the vague shape of what’s missing. Not the enthusiasm, but perhaps the willingness to risk … something … in service of the reader. Maybe, should the magazine become sufficiently popular and embedded with its audience, that might change. For a new publication, taking a stand so early is understandably risky and unlikely, given where we are today. But I hold out hope.

Visit thelongbox.substack.com, where as an adjunct to this column, I’ll be running down my sources of comic-book news.

Frederick artist Todd Gardner makes the personal universal in

BY JENNIFER LEE

Special to The News-Post

For Todd Gardner, art has been a lifelong passion. Gardner lives and works in downtown Frederick, where he owns the graphic design business Bit N by Design, but has devoted a significant portion of his time to fine art since 2021, when he returned to his first love: painting and photo-based image making.

That work began, simply enough, with walking. Over three years Gardner covered hundreds of miles on foot, taking thousands of photos on his iPhone along the way.

“Walking allows plenty of moments to see things one would never notice if they were driving by in a hurry. You can stop at any moment to observe something and investigate further,” Gardner said.

He had no plan for the photos beyond capturing interesting elements, but the slow wandering became something larger — a commentary on the inner and outer landscapes of human existence.

In “iCommentary: Making Personal Universal” at the Blanche Ames Gallery, running through April 26, Gardner shares 23 new works that search for truth, healing and community in a fragmented world. Using his photographs as collage material, he digitally cut and recombined elements, moving pieces together like a puzzle — sometimes with unexpected results.

“Social media, with its numerous platforms combined with the rapidly expanding adoption of AI has drastically changed our social fabric,” Gardner said. “Social injustice, economic disparity and so many other current crises demand that we address these problems immediately to avoid societal collapse.”

The works address environmental negligence, housing unaffordability, systemic racism, mental health awareness, religious intolerance, lack of immigrant rights, AI dangers, gun violence and book bans.

Gardner spoke about his work and the ideas behind it in an email Q&A with 72 Hours.

MAKING THE WORK

How did the idea for “iCommentary: Making Personal Universal” come about?

I spent a week in New York City visiting old friends, and in between visits I

‘iCommentary’

exhibition

most popular means of communication. In-person meetings have decreased dramatically due to the recent pandemic and technological advancements. While not all bad, so much is lost. Nuance, body language, the shared physical spaces we interact in are much diminished. And we are so often hearing only what we want to hear, instead of the various perspectives which differ from our own.

THE INTERACTIVE ELEMENT

Tell us about the QR codes placed below each piece.

I have always loved museums since childhood. I remember going to so many interactive exhibits where you could push a button and a section of the diorama would light up and on your headphones you would hear a narrator recounting a moment in history. So I wanted to re-create some of that, only with today’s technology, to give the viewer another pathway to understand and connect with my art.

Each piece is personal to me. The viewer doesn’t have to hear the story, but it gives them the option of further inquiry — and perhaps deeper engagement with the work. Everyone will have their own stories that they bring as they view the art.

Why is it important for art to provoke reflection?

had a lot of free time. I walked over 68 miles that week. When I returned, what resulted was the idea for a short film.

I edited a 10-minute short from the nearly one-thousand photos I took. Before the trip, I was feeling very isolated and was seeking more personal connections. I met new people and noticed elements of hope and inspiration everywhere. The film is not just a love letter to New York City, but to the spirit of humanity which guides us to unite in all the ways in which we can.

How are your own personal struggles interwoven into the social commentary in this exhibit?

I struggled with depression and anxiety for approximately four years. The first two and a half years, I thought I didn’t need help. I thought I could fix myself. It didn’t work. But when I finally received professional help, that made the difference. It gave me a toolbox of

IF YOU GO

“iCommentary: Making Personal Universal” runs through April 26 at the Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Admission is free. Learn more at frederickuu. org/arts/blanche_ames_gallery.

practices to heal myself. One of those practices was fine art making. While I was busy creating I was healing, combining visual components, telling stories that connected me to others. I let my visual voice shout out into that collective place where others could perhaps see the larger problems, as well as our common struggle.

What does your view of a fragmented world mean?

We are increasingly siloed via these

When the viewer reflects on an artwork it ceases to be decorative. The work then exists beyond the space it is displayed in. It lives in the mind where endless interpretations are possible. My pieces contain numerous collage elements — many were selected to highlight a lived experience from my early childhood all the way to this past year. These works serve as visual triggers to unlock each viewer’s similar, but still unique, personal narratives. What do you want viewers to walk away with?

I want them to see a bit of themselves in the struggles of others, and to share their personal stories of struggle to help others who may be struggling. The power to push humanity forward rests in the connected hands of kind people working together locally for positive change.

“I was looking for an arts-loving town,” Gardner said, “and I have found it here in downtown Frederick.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

”Shaking Off Those Winter Blues” — through April 18 at Gribs Gallery, 208 Main St., New Windsor. This is a multimedia exhibition featuring works by Carroll County artists. Gribs Gallery is behind the house and opens onto the alley, Manning Drive. Parking in front of the gallery. Gallery hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 443-536-9198.

”Steeped” — through April 22, Mansion Galleries at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Juried exhibition theme marking 40 years of the Mansion’s Afternoon Tea tradition, contemporary artists reflect on the ritual, history and symbolism of tea. 110 works by 78 artists, most from the D.C. region. Painting, ceramics, photography, mixed media and installations. Galleries hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 301-581-5100 or strathmore.org.

”Renewal” — through April 26, Gallery 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. Features evocative works that explore themes of new beginnings, from the delicate blossoming of nature to profound personal change. 4-7 p.m. Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, or by appointment. 240-961-2212, gallery322.com.

“iCommentary: Making Personal Universal” — through April 26 at the Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Work by Todd Gardner. 301-473-7680, bagalleryappointment@gmail.com, frederickuu.org/gallery.

Bettie Awards Exhibition — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View art created by local youth selected as Bettie Award winners. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

”Emerging Perspectives Exhibition” — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. Juried exhibit highlights young adult artists and their creative endeavors. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Delaplaine Faculty Exhibition — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media including painters, metalsmiths, photographers, sculptors and more. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-

The juried “Emerging Perspectives” exhibition runs through April 26 at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick featuring work by young adult artists. Shown here is work by Emily Springer, winner of the 2025 “Emerging Perspectives” show.

0656, delaplaine.org.

John Kachik: “Heroes in America” — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. A collection of contemporary mixed media portraits of individuals from the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics, philanthropy, and service who have made a mark on modern American history. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-6980656, delaplaine.org.

”Photos and Forgings” — through April 26, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Leigh Scott and Mark Cohen, a married couple, are Focal Pointers. As photographers, their objective is to capture scenes that evoke emotions, tell stories, and transport the viewer to special places. They focus mainly on national parks near their home: Antietam, Harpers Ferry and C&O Canal. Artistblacksmith Stephen Dill crafts an eclectic mix of custom ironwork. His hammer work is featured on a diverse array of items, from bottle openers to vases, while his larger designs include botanically inspired sculpture and ornamental yard decor. Stephen works primarily in steel but has experience in forging other metals such as titanium. Gallery hours are

noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsideartistsgallery.com.

Artspiration Frederick Members’ Show — through April 26, Artspiration Frederick, 915 Toll House Ave., Frederick. 100+ pieces of 2D and 3D art on display. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday or by appointment. 657-627-0554 or artspirationfrederick.com.

Thomas Sterner & Mark Hatfield Exhibition — through April 26, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Sterner, a public sculptor and mixed media artist, has been active in the Frederick arts community since 1987 and a NOMA member since 2016. Since 2020, he has created and installed 20 large-scale public works, including “Welcome Tree” at Delaplaine Arts Center, “Water Lily Wave” at Carroll Creek Park, and “Growth” at Frederick Community College. For this exhibition, Sterner will present wooden and stainlesssteel sculptures. Hatfield, a self-taught abstract painter, developed his artistic voice through lived experience and extensive travel, particularly in Italy and France. His work evolved from figurative beginnings into a deeply expressive abstract practice centered on gesture as its truest form. Hatfield’s

paintings are held in significant collections worldwide. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240367-9770, nomagalleryfrederick.com.

”Transmutational Resonance” — through April 29, City Hall, 101 N. Court St., Frederick. A teen group exhibition organized in collaboration with FCPS’s Academy of Fine Arts at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, showcasing a selection of student artwork. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. cityoffrederickmd.gov.

”Language of Abstraction” — through April 30, Vault of Visions Art Gallery, 1 N. Market St., Frederick. Exhibit of work by Ron Ames. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. vovartgallery.com.

Crestwood Gallery Winter Exhibit & “Healthy Horizons Through Students’ Eyes” Competition — through May 8, Frederick Health — Crestwood Building, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original works including oil, watercolor, mixed media and photography from local artists alongside the “Healthy Horizons Through Students’ Eyes” Competition. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-215-1460 or frederickhealth.org/crestwoodart.

Student Arts Showcase — April 23-May 1, Kepler Center, Hagerstown Community College, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown. Artwork from students enrolled in the visual arts studio courses including drawing, photography, painting, digital art, two-dimensional design, ceramics and visual art capstone. Opening reception 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 23, including musical performances from HCC’s Contemporary Music & Choral Ensemble and original readings by creative writing students. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-500-2221 or mayaukey@hagerstowncc.edu.

”Portals & Sanctuaries” — May 1-31, The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St., Frederick. Suzanne Lago Arthur’s solo exhibition through May 31, is inspired primarily by her travels to Spain and Japan (defined as “Portals”) and the domestic interiors of her life (“Sanctuaries”), the latter painted mostly from direct observation which she considers a meditative practice. Many of the oil paintings have been painted in a limited palette which adds to the atmosphere of her work. Artists reception 5-8 p.m. May 2 and 3-4 p.m. May 28. Hours are noon

to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 301-228-9860 or theartistsgalleryfrederick.com.

”Mechanics and Infrastructure” — May 2-15, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. Park of the vineyards Wine and Art Series. An exhibit of artwork by Gillian Collins. This is a unique and beautiful exhibit of paintings of mechanical systems. They are common devices and machines that surround us every day and upon which our modern lives are dependent — yet these things are rarely celebrated and go practically unnoticed. Collins brings a new attention and perspective to everyday hardware components. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 301-602-5733 or linksbridgevineyards.com.

”2 by 2” — May 2 through June 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. This watercolor series, by Scott Ponemone, of couples’ portraits began in 2017, continued through the COVID pandemic, and concluded in 2025 after 86 paintings were completed. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

”The Language of Flowers” — May 2 through June 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Acrylic and mixed media with enbroidery by Ali Wunder. Drawing from her collection of vintage and heirloom textiles, Wunder’s paintings include embroidery, fabric and pattern tissue, which she says are more than embellishment, they are a means of preserving not just beauty but belonging. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

”Invitation” — May 2 through June 28, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Paintings by Lorena Long, inspired by the poem by Mary Oliver, echoing its gentle call to pay attention. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

2026 National Juried Exhibition — May 2 through July 12, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. The Delaplaine’s annual juried show features works by artists from around the region and the nation. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

”Light & Shadows Provide Inspiration” — May 28 through July 28, Washington County Arts Council, 34 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. An exhibit by the Gaithersburg Fine Arts Association. Opening reception 4-6 p.m. May 30. Parking at the A&E parking deck, 25 Renaissance Way, Hagerstown. 11 a.m.7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Tuesday by appointment only. 301-7913132, washingtoncountyarts.com.

Jerry Johnson’s ‘Attachments’ Found objects meet vintage photos

A discarded tool. A tattered book. A rusted length of wire. In the hands of Frederick artist Jerry Johnson, objects like these become something else entirely. Conversation partners with history.

The Bridge Gallery will present “Attachments,” an exhibition of recent assemblages by Johnson, running April 18 through May 17. An opening reception will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. April 18.

The works merge found objects — tools, books, wire — with historic photographs from the 1920s. Cut apart and recombined, the discarded and the archival are visually and figuratively attached, generating new images and new meaning for the viewer.

The approach is one Johnson has been refining for six decades, rooted in a practice that began during his undergraduate studies at Penn State University’s School of Art, where he studied printmaking. There, he started cutting apart his own prints and reassembling them into alternative contexts. That basic exercise, he has said, changed his art making for the next 60 years.

His mentor at Penn State, master

printer Bruce Shobaken, who had studied at the legendary Paris atelier Atelier 17, became a lifelong influence. Johnson went on to graduate school and then accepted a teaching position at a university in North Carolina, where his work continued to evolve.

Seeking new printable surfaces, he began incorporating found objects: fabrics, metal, cardboard, anything flat enough to run through a press. In one now-storied episode, he collected a dozen crushed beer cans from a North Carolina parking lot, flattened further by truck tires, and printed six of them without editing. He titled the work “Sixpac.” It was later acquired by the National Gallery of Art in Washington for its permanent collection.

Johnson was born in Pittsburgh in 1945 and has spent more than 50 years making art through commissioned work for organizations and corporations and through work made for personal growth. At 80, he has long since donated his printing press but continues his search for objects that might offer a new story with, as he puts it, a bit of glue, imagination and an open mind.

“Attachments” runs April 18 through May 17 at the Bridge Gallery, 8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown, W.Va. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call 304-876-2300 or visit bridgegalleryandframing.com.

Endangered Species Theatre Project presents ‘4

Marlene Dietrich once said, “It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.” Becca, Tammy and Kim are those kinds of lifelong friends — bound by humor, heart and the ties that hold through decades.

Endangered Species Theatre Project presents the regional premiere of “4 a.m. Friends,” written by Charlene A. Donaghy and directed by Rikki Howie Lacewell, running April 18 to 28 in Frederick.

Spanning the 1970s to the present, the play follows three women from their teens to their sixties through some of life’s most challenging hurdles — laughing, fighting, supporting and loving each other along the way. The production has been edited by the playwright to incorporate Frederick references from across that span of decades.

“As the director of ‘4 a.m. Friends,’ I was drawn to this story because 4 a.m. is when honesty shows up — when the world is quiet and we’re left with the people and truths that matter most,” Lacewell said. “After seeing a reading in Omaha in January 2025, I was com-

pletely riveted — I saw my friends, my own story, and the kind of conversations we don’t often say out loud. I hope audiences leave feeling seen, connected, and reminded that the people who show up for us at 4 a.m. are the real true friends.”

The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are pay what you will, starting at $0, with general admission seating. Reservations are available at esptheatre.

org or in person immediately before showtime.

Performances April 18 through 21 are at the ESPloft, 16 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Shows are 2 p.m. April 18 and 19, and 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 21. The April 21 performance will be followed by a discussion with the playwright.

Performances April 23 through 28 are at Sky Stage, 59 S. Carroll St., Frederick. All shows sart at 7:30 p.m.

Spinners Pinball Arcade: Fighting social isolation through pinball

BY DYLAN HYMAN

Special to The News-Post

inball’s deepest roots trace back to European lawn and ground billiards games of the 14th and 15th centuries, which later moved indoors and were formalized under the “cue sports” moniker. But what most people recognize as the birth of modern pinball begins with the flipperless, coin-operated “pin games” of the 1930s, designed and manufactured by Chicago-based companies such as Gottlieb and Bally.

Innovations like active bumpers, bells, lights and flippers continued to attract larger audiences across the U.S. over the following decades. The ‘70s introduced solidstate electronics that helped shape the pinball machine as we know it today, while the ‘80s brought fierce competition from home video gaming — until the crash of 1983 forced manufacturers to turn back to their pinball divisions. Full soundtracks and animated displays paved the way for the industry into the ‘90s, but sales declined despite more investment in the technology, including Williams’ “Star Wars Episode I” table, which featured a CRT video display reflected off the glass to create a 3D holographic effect.

He went on to goof on the infamous port of Pac-Man on the Atari 2600, featuring a heavily adapted, “crunchier” version of the gaming icon. “My actual video gaming stopped around college,” he said. “I was more of a PC gamer ... stuff like Doom and Wolfenstein.”

Said attended Purdue University from 1995 to 1999 and recalls the machine that got his pinball journey off to a racing start: “Monster Bash by Williams with all the Universal monsters — sometime around 1998 at the Levee Laundromat. A lot of the tilt-bobs were missing from the games [a mechanism designed to prevent excessive movement during gameplay], so you could move the tables around freely — which is exactly what a 20-year-old man wants, right? I didn’t want to destroy it, but with no tilt, it’s kind of ridiculous. I didn’t really get that there were rules.”

With the rise of home PC and console gaming and the decline of the arcade business, pinball was left with a dwindling player base. The 2000s gave way to an independent manufacturer scene that helped feed the cult interest of a tightly knit pinball community — and since then has steadily grown to meet the demand of the diehards, but never quite enough to cross back into mass public awareness.

Spinners Pinball Arcade stands as the Frederick community’s pinball arcade and the greater DMV’s go-to destination for one of the larger interactive pinball and arcade collections in the area. It operates as the public face of its parent nonprofit, Pinball EDU. At the helm stands founder and Executive Director Joe Said, a veteran of the sport for nearly 30 years.

Tucked away on the back side of the Frederick Towne Mall, next to Warehouse Cinemas, lies an oasis of classic gaming goodness, bells constantly chirping as points tally up in this mechanical jungle. Their new location off historic Route 40 marks an increased commitment to providing an accessible, adaptive community space — rekindling the organic human connection that has been all but lost in our highly divided, digital-first world.

Growing up in Toronto in the ‘80s, Said recalled what got him into gaming initially: “My gaming history goes back to Pong on Odyssey 3000, but we had it all.”

College in the late ‘90s was a magical time for the young pinball apprentice — perhaps the last golden era of the game, where advances like Dot Matrix Displays for higher-quality animation worked in tandem with more frenetic, action-packed gameplay to create memorable tables like “Medieval Madness” from 1997 or the endearing “South Park” licensed game from 1998.

Said described what hooked him so hard on the sport: “It’s the sounds that you’re making the game do. If you’ve ever seen someone really play pinball well, it’s magic.”

To the casual gamer, pinball is just keeping the ball in play as long as you can. For a fanatic like Said, it was a challenge to bend and break the rules in his favor in chase of the high score.

After college, he cofounded a company that made Braille books for the government and universities.

“We had figured out how to translate Braille pretty fast and competed against the other businesses in the space,” he recalled. “The government hired us ... this was a time where it wasn’t automatic.”

He later sold the business in 2009 and, as the universe worked its elusive magic, received a phone call from a friend that would send him down the pinball rabbit hole.

“He asked me to move to Brooklyn for this pinball spot he was going to every day called Satellite Lounge. That was real fun. It was my mid-30s, not knowing what to do with myself. I didn’t need to work, work, work ... if I was to do something, it had to be valid.”

The dive bar has since been rebranded as Jackbar but continued the legacy of the pinball lover’s paradise.

“My friend Jon Ehrlich bought the bar,” Said said. “He is a real pinball guy. If you look it up, it’s become a destination.”

Said quickly became immersed in Brooklyn’s small but feverish pinball scene of the late 2000s. He recalled coming in eighth out of 20 participants in his first tournament, but the fire had been lit — he began seeking out other bars and venues, each with their own unique lineup of machines ready to eat quarters all night long. But just as in the heat of the game, you can never predict where the ball will go.

Internet dating brought Said to Maryland in 2012, where he discovered that pinball operated at a different tempo than New York. Without hesitation, he went to work on realizing his vision of the ideal pinball community. “I’m super passionate about it and had no problem diving into pinball so I ran a lot of tournaments at the beginning. There was a group here that was doing a lot of great things, but I didn’t think it was enough. I started a league in the area over a decade ago that had a hundred people and was around six different locations. One location a day so you could just participate in this monstrous league ... I remember meeting everybody, ‘Oh, you have pinball machines? Can we have a pinball tournament at your house?’ It was a great time.”

Comparing the public pinball scene of the 2010s to now, Said said, “You occasionally would find a brewery or somewhere ... now there are several pinball spots around the area. Even then, I wouldn’t say it came back ... there’s just more places.”

He pulled up an app called Pinball Map while giving a tour of machines across the DC area — nearly 300 machines across 51 public locations, not including Spinners or Baltimore’s offerings. Still, the pinball community as a whole is a relatively small one. Said seemed to personally know just about all the big names in pinball, including the late Lyman Sheats Jr., who programmed many of the iconic tables of the ‘90s for Data East and Williams/ Bally — including Said’s first love, “Monster Bash.”

Gathering a small group of friends and collectors together, he began tossing around the idea of renting a space as a more efficient storage solution, but later saw the potential to combine his background in the accessibility space with his love of pinball to better serve the local community.

“My previous company was working with blind people, so I had that background in accessibility,” he said. “Plus I’m passionate about pinball. I didn’t think anybody would start a pinball place for people that had autism.”

He shared an inspiring story of a young Canadian pinball player named Robert Gagno, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and started playing pinball at 5. “It helped him develop social skills and make friends. He ended up winning the U.S. National Pinball Championship in 2015 and then the Professional and Amateur Pinball Association World Pinball Championship in 2016. If it works for Robert, why not just open up a pinball place for others like him?” (“Wizard Mode” is a 2016 documentary detailing Gagno’s story of overcoming disability through both the game and the community around pinball.)

Once an initial location had been secured off North East Street in a small, unassuming business center, Said carefully transported 17 cabinets he had stored in his own basement — along with donations from a generous handful of donors — to begin laying out what would officially open as Spinners Pinball Arcade on Christmas Eve in 2017.

(See SPINNERS 16)

SPINNERS

(Continued from 15)

“We made a little bit of money, and then I hired one person to help out part-time,” Said recalled. “Then we were open Friday, Saturday and Sunday ... then Thursday for league. I needed more help, but at that point ... why don’t we just open every day, right?”

He continued to find help in the form of volunteers, working four to eight hours a month alongside a rotation of part-time employees who check customers in, assist with questions or accommodations, and help track repairs needed on floor cabinets.

“I run the organization like it’s a forprofit business, which is sometimes a challenge for other nonprofits. I know that we need a value, I know that we need to charge ... you need those other forms of income.”

Even for someone who had success contracting multimillion-dollar deals with the government, Said was humble about the growing pains of transitioning into the hybrid business/ nonprofit world.

“We did it the wrong way, which is blood, sweat and tears — our own

money. We raised a little bit of money raffling off pinball machines and other stuff. Zach Parks, who’s one of the best players in the world right now, donated his Bar Mitzvah money ... it all kept us going.”

Spinners operates in support of Pinball EDU, the 501(c)3 nonprofit that aims to reduce social isolation and build friendship through the game of pinball in a safe, accommodating space for all ages and abilities. The organization was designated a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards in 2018.

“One of the first things we did was organize an autism meetup. Parents would come, the kids would play games, and we’d have a speaker,” he said.

Another big component was a summer camp with the YMCA to help give back to the community, hosting 60 kids a week. The camp aligned directly with the mission. “They’re learning emotional regulation,” he said. “When somebody beats the snot out of you, you’re upset about it, but you can learn from it. Some people don’t learn that.”

Other initiatives have included

Drop and Play for when school is out, a daycare alternative where parents could pay a daily fee to drop their kids off in the morning and let them enjoy the arcade at their own pace until pickup.

Partnering with other local organizations was the real deal for Said, facilitating a space for all members of the growing community to participate in the collective pinball arcade experience.

“We work with a number of other programs in the area like the Arc, Excel Youth and United Way. There are a bunch of schools we give discounts to for coming in ... we want to be as accessible as possible.”

Said shared a story of a SelfAdvocacy meeting held at Spinners.

“Even for people that aren’t disabled, saying to your doctor, ‘Hey, I don’t think you’re hearing me,’ can be difficult. This is about giving somebody the opportunity to speak for themselves.”

Over seven years at their first location, programming blossomed, but a major limiting factor was the narrow parking lot shared with adjacent businesses including the local Habitat for Humanity and the gone-but-not-forgotten Thrift Angel. It

was time to think bigger. They closed in late February 2024 after saving money for three years to begin their biggest chapter to date.

Spinners 2.0 opened earlier this year in January and has been working back up to pace with even more initiatives and programming to meet growing community interest. They have signed a 15-year lease with options and have invested over $350,000 into renovating their new 24,000-square-foot location at 1301 W. Patrick St. in Frederick.

“The landlord did a lot of stuff to help us get this fixed up. We installed new ceiling tiles, a fire alarm system, changed the sprinkler heads, built out rooms, new flooring, all new paint ... even throwing the old garbage away cost $10,000.”

To help afford the move and renovations, Spinners looked to the community for support, generating over $30,000 in donations while the business was closed.

“We are so grateful for the community ... we saved up some money, applied for some grants, took out a couple of loans. I know how to run a for-profit business — you get loans, you DIY, you get it done, you open and you figure it out.”

Said toured the new playground, including areas not possible at the old location: a sensory room for those who need a break from the arcade floor; an enclosed gathering area for PC gaming or mentoring; rooms for birthday parties or small gatherings; a back bar for beer, seltzer and wine; and a coworking space for those who like to spend breaks chasing a high score on 1993’s “Indiana Jones.”

“Perhaps you have a light afternoon but have to stay online for calls. Bring your kid and a laptop, whatever. Maybe you don’t have a kid but you want to meet your friends there for happy hour ... it’s affordable.”

With rising costs across the board, $20 gets you an all-day pass to 100plus games from all eras of gaming.

Behind the scenes is Said’s wife and Spinners’ marketing director, Meaghan Prenda, who handles all outward-facing PR and communication and helps define the programming to continue serving the community at large.

A logistical reality of running a modern-day arcade is machine upkeep and maintenance. While the components themselves are not terribly advanced individually, getting them to work harmoniously takes a staff member knowledgeable enough to lead the orchestra.

“Some things you can’t fix preemptively,” Prenda said. “You literally have to wait for a screw to fall out. We have a pretty sophisticated reporting system with QR codes — we see it as part of our programming around advocacy. Customers will feel bad that they are reporting an issue but they don’t understand how valuable it is.”

Sitting in the back room surrounded by machines in various states of repair or upgrade, Said painted a picture of the elusive figure keeping it all greased up and ready for a hard day’s work: “Jan’s like a mythical creature, kind of came out of nowhere too ... he used to volunteer at the National Pinball Museum, extremely charming. I used to do everything but that wasn’t sustainable as a business owner.”

Quality OEM parts for machines are scarce, donor tables and boards are becoming more valuable, and those who practice the art of pinball maintenance to a sophisticated level of output — like Jan — are few and far between.

One of Spinners’ most popular programs is their weekly 64-person league under the International Flipper Pinball Association, where players of all levels compete for ranking points. To Said, there is more

to the weekly tournament than points. “Our league is a social program. A lot of people show up, some even bring their kids to compete. There’s an interest in us doing a youth league ... we would love to add that to our programming in the near future.”

Spinners presents itself as a nostalgia-packed fun zone for those who want to experience the highlights of pinball’s finest the way they were meant to be played, but the heart and soul of the business lies in its nonprofit programming designed to combat social isolation through good-natured competitive play.

“It breaks a political barrier for sure ... heaven forbid you get so friendly with somebody that you ask them who they voted for. I guarantee that if you took all 64 players in the league and put the most extreme against each other, it would not be pretty! But they don’t know about it, and it’s fine ... this space facilitates neighbors meeting neighbors in a way that’s low key and fun.”

With the new location beginning to break in, he is looking forward to resuming more of the programming that has been on pause. “Pinball brings people together in a positive way, but you have to teach emotional regulation and good sportsmanship. Kids these days have zero opportunity for that ... even some adults. We’re going to have

foosball and air hockey leagues, Super Smash Brothers tournaments, maybe the skee ball league will even come back.” This is all in addition to a smaller class held on some Sundays that helps educate hobbyists about general repair and maintenance. There’s no denying the new location has the space for it all and is sure to become a hot spot for the community — whether it be a school trip, a community event, or something new to do when nobody can decide which of the eight downtown breweries to go to on a Friday night. Spinners also hosts an equal and just as eclectic portion of video game cabinets and retro gaming stations, ranging from Dig Dug to Donkey Kong, Pac-Man to Pump It Up, and even a rare Sega Saturn demo kiosk featuring “Nights into Dreams,” a surreal platformer designed by the people who created Sonic the Hedgehog.

Said dreams big of what Pinball EDU can grow into and provide to other communities. “We do have the idea of franchising this. I think it could be coupled with another charity or established organization.” He is currently mentoring a group in Florida who would like to run a similar business catered to their specific area. “I’d rather help facilitate it because there was a lot of luck that got us to where we are today, let’s pass it forward.”

And in that way, Said is living the mission of his own organization — creating a network of like-minded stewards of the game who care to give back to their communities, uplifting our collective culture one cabinet at a time. With the world seemingly falling apart at the seams whichever way you look, a place like Spinners stands as a refuge: a space as accessible and accommodating as the end user needs it to be in the pursuit of wholesome fun.

After a quick laugh about his favorite new addition to the space — a donated Herman Miller chair tucked behind the front desk — Said genuinely thanked every single person who has stopped in for a visit. “The community has been extremely welcoming. Frederick is our home, and we wanted to invest in Frederick because it deserves a place like this ... I fully mean that. There’s crappy places everywhere.”

So with the ball loaded in the lane, Spinners Pinball Arcade is playing for yet another high score: how many individuals it can positively affect through the game of pinball.

Learn more at spinnerspinball.org.

Dylan Hyman is a freelance music journalist covering the people who feed the growing Frederick music community. In their spare time, they collect hot sauces and tend to their succulents.

CASH

BINGO

April 18, 2026

Faith UCC at Lewistown Fire Department11101 Hessong Bridge Road

Doors Open 4:30 pm Bingo starts 6 pm

Adv Pur $25 (Call 301-788-2427) $30 at door

20 Regular Games, Specials, King Tut, Raffles Food & Bake Table available 301-788-2427

https://faithuccfrederick org/

. St John's Lutheran Church 8619 Blacks Mill Rd, Creagerstown, MD April 25, 2026

DRIVE-THRU DINNER and BAKE

SALE

from 11A-3P featuring St. John's Fried Chicken, Green Beans, Pepper Slaw, Biscuit & Cake for $17

Buckets of chicken: 8pc: $12, 12pc: $17, 16pc: $22

Vegetables: Pint: $5; Quart: $8

Orders: contact Carmi Sayler @ 301401-0633 or text order to: 240-529-7471

Order Deadline: April 19th

12" COLD CUT SUBS

Wolfsville Ruritan April 8th (pick up 3-6pm at Ruritan Park)

Order by 3/29 at RuritanClubMD@aol.com (preferred) or 301-293-2426

LTOM on the side $8 each

BINGO BASH

Sat. May 2, 2026

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Doors Open – 11am; Game Starts – 1pm

Adv Purchase - $25/person (call 240815-1252)

$30 at Door

20 Reg Games, 2 Special Games & a Jackpot Game

Tip Jars, Pull Tabs, Door Prizes

Food available for Purchase Bring non-perishable/ canned food item for the Jefferson Food Bank & receive a FREE special Game Card

4603B Lander Rd. Jefferson, MD 21755

CASH BINGO

April 25, 2026

Fred Co 4-H All Stars at the New Midway Fire Hall New Midway, MD

Doors open 5:30pm Games start at 7:00pm Adv purchase $25 (Cal 301-473-5299) $30 at door

20 Regular Games

2 Specials and a Jackpot Game Food & bake table available

EASTER FLOWERS SPRING

BEDDING PLANTS

Pansies, Calla Lilies, Primroses Big Healthy Plants, Lowest Prices!

2 cubic foot bags of Mulch, Potting & Garden Soil Only at DR Virts

800 Petersville Rd, Brunswick, Md 301-969-6115

Come on down and see me! Cash & Cards

HENRY'S BLACKTOP PAVING, LLC

301-663-1888 • 301-416-7229

henrysblacktoppaving @gmail com Call for FREE est MHIC 3608

JEFFERSON RURITAN SUB SALE

8" - 3 Meat Cold Cuts or Turkey & Provolone Subs

Veggies & mayo on side; $8 each

Pre-order required by May 8, 2026

Call (301) 416-0939 or (571) 888-1002 to order

Pick-up orders Thurs. May 14, 2026, 3 to 6 pm

4603B Lander Rd , Jefferson, MD 21755

QUARTERMANIA AUCTION

Sunday 4/19/26

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Doors Open at Noon/

Bidding begins 1:00 PM

Tickets $5 Advance/$8 at the Door

Extra Paddles $3, For Tickets Call 301371-6404

90+ Great Prizes; Food Available 4603B Lander Road Jefferson, MD 21755

SLIPPERY HAM & TURKEY POT PIE CARRYOUT and country ham sandwiches

Woodsboro Lutheran Church 101 S Main Street Sat, April 25

pickup from 11 am - 2 pm

Quarts $9, sandwiches $5

Baked goods available For orders, leave message @ 301-271-3309 by April 22

WEEKLY BINGO

Every Friday Night

Doors open @ 5 p m , Bingo starts @ 7 p m Bonanza, Early Bird, Regular, Specials, Jackpot! Small Jackpot-$500 Big Jackpot-$1500 Great Food!

Thurmont Event Complex 13716 Strafford Drive Thurmont, Maryland Thurmont Community Ambulance Service, Inc

BARLEY AND WHEAT STRAW

round bales orchard grass hay, revere seed corn, soy beans, grass seeds, 301-606-9221

BALLENGER CROSSING COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, April 18th 8am – 12pm

Community of 364 homes located off Corporate Dr in Frederick, MD

CAMBRIDGE FARMS COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, April 18th 8am – 2pm

Community of 272 homes located off Jefferson Pike and Holter Rd in Jefferson, MD

KINGSBROOK COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, April 18th

8am – 2pm

Community of 579 homes located off Corporate Dr in Frederick, MD

WOODBOURNE MANOR COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, April 18th

8am – 1pm

Community of 198 homes located off Jefferson Pike and Broad Run Rd in Jefferson, MD

PAYING CASH FOR VINTAGE WHISKEY

Bourbon, Rye, Scotch ONLY FULL & SEALED Collections from estates, liquor stores, etc Call/Text Matt @ 2174405752

WE PURCHASE ESTATES

Large or small House calls made seven days a week Buying furniture, art, glassware, pottery, decorative arts, jewelry, gold, silver, coins, etc Vintage preferred Call Tom, anytime, day or night. All calls returned 301-654-8678

Services Services Services

‘Euphoria,’ returning for a

launched a

BY JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer

Few TV shows have served as a launchpad for an array of new talent quite like “Euphoria,” which returns for a third season Sunday on HBO Max.

Premiering in 2019, this is the series that showcased the rising careers of Zendaya, Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney — all of whom have since become bona fide stars.

The dark suburban teen drama has also featured more established figures like Colman Domingo, who has received two best actor Oscar nominations in the last few years, and the late Eric Dane. And it’s given visibility and recognition to other actors: Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow and Barbie Ferreira. Angus Cloud, another of its breakout performers, died in 2023.

Series creator Sam Levinson says it’s a thrill to see many cast members thriving.

“The thing is when you’re casting, every person that walks in, you’re hoping this is the person, this is going to be the character,” he told The Associated Press at the season premiere. “And sometimes when they do, they walk in, they have the talent, they’ve got the passion, the enthusiasm for it, and they inspire you.

“To see them working with such incredible filmmakers like (Christopher) Nolan and (Guillermo) del Toro ... it’s just exciting.”

Here’s a look at how some of the “Euphoria” stars got their starts — and how they’ve been keeping busy since we last saw their characters four years ago.

Zendaya (Rue Bennett)

She soared, quite literally, as a trapeze artist in “The Greatest Showman” in 2017, two years before “Euphoria” premiered. But Zendaya has soared far higher in

third season,

generation of new stars

Patrick Wymore/HBO via AP

This combination of images released by HBO shows cast members, from left, Zendaya, Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney from the series “Euphoria.”

the seven years since she first played Rue Bennett.

The actor began as a Disney Channel star and went on to play MJ in “SpiderMan” movies opposite her eventual partner, Tom Holland. She won her first Emmy in 2020 for “Euphoria” — the youngest to win for lead actress in a drama. The following year, she became the youngest two-time winner.

Then came the “Dune” movies, the sexy, tennis-themed “Challengers” — and more “Spider-Man.”

She’s currently appearing in “The Drama,” a controversial film in which she and Robert Pattinson play a couple whose impending nuptials are thrown into chaos following a dark revelation. There were mixed reviews for the movie, but not for her fashion choices: She teased the movie’s bridal theme on carpets around the world by wearing something old, then something new, then something borrowed — and a spectacular, feathered Schiaparelli couture ball gown

that was, yes, blue.

Jacob Elordi (Nate Jacobs)

Launched by “The Kissing Booth” and shortly thereafter “Euphoria,” Elordi has become nothing less than a monster star — and an Oscar nominee, as the Creature in del Toro’s “Frankenstein, “ But before that, his achievements were already pretty, well, monstrous.

In 2023, Elordi channeled a magnetic Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s biopic “Priscilla.” Then, he made waves — are there waves in a bathtub? — with his memorably rakish appearance as goldenboy rich kid Felix in Emerald Fennell’s salty “Saltburn.”

Other major roles followed, including another TV series, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North,” playing a medical officer forced to work on the Thai-Burma railway during World War II. And then, Fennell’s recent “Wuthering Heights,” where in a smoldering turn as Heathcliff, he somehow managed to pick up co-star Margot Robbie by her corset strings.

Sydney Sweeney (Cassie Howard)

Before her breakout “Euphoria” role, for which she earned an Emmy nod — along with another for “The White Lotus” — Sweeney was perhaps best known for her role as tragic teen Eden Spencer in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” In a story arc bleak even for that show, she was forced to marry an uninterested Nick Blaine, and later punished for falling in love with someone else, leading to a horrific watery demise.

Sweeney played a teenager in a psychiatric ward in “Sharp Objects,” and appeared as a Manson family member in “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood,” the same year she joined the “Euphoria” cast.

In recent years, her career has blossomed, with her most challenging role coming in a movie she produced, “Christy,” playing boxer Christy Martin, a trailblazer for women in the sport who also suffered horrific abuse at the hands of her trainer and husband. The film tanked at the box office but Sweeney received critical praise — and indeed, Oscar buzz — for her immersion in the difficult role.

On the other side of the box office spectrum, Sweeney struck gold with “The Housemaid” — Paul Feig’s psychological thriller that took a satirical look at the depravity of the ultra-rich.

Alexa Demie (Maddy Perez)

Demie — an actor, singer-songwriter, and designer — made her feature debut in the 2017 movie “Brigsby Bear.” She appeared in Jonah Hill’s skate movie “Mid90s” and then “Waves,” a 2019 drama by writer-director Trey Edward Shults.

That same year Demie became a breakout star of “Euphoria,” playing Maddy Perez, who is involved in an abusive relationship with Elordi’s Nate.

In 2020, Demie appeared in Gia Coppola’s “Mainstream,” with Andrew Garfield.

In September 2021, she released the single “Leopard Limo (Archive LL11).” Her previous single, “Girl Like Me,” was released in 2016.

Hunter Schafer (Jules Vaughn)

Schafer started her career as an activist and model, and made her acting debut with “Euphoria.” She followed up in 2023 as Tigris Snow in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”

The following year she appeared in both the science-fiction horror film “Cuckoo” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness.”

This year, she appears in the yet-to-bereleased “Blade Runner 2099” opposite Michelle Yeoh, and later this month in psychological thriller “Mother Mary,” with Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel.

Colman Domingo (Ali Muhammad)

An established actor well before he began playing Ali in “Euphoria,” Domingo soared to two consecutive best actor Oscar nominations in 2023 and 2024, for playing Bayard Rustin in “Rustin” and then a prison inmate in “Sing Sing.” He’s also had a host of other accolades, including an Emmy win for “Euphoria” (2022) and a nomination for “The Four Seasons” (2025).

The actor-director-producer stars as Joe Jackson in the Jackson biopic “Michael” later this month.

Thursday April 16

CLASSES

FAC Artist Talk featuring Rafael Blanco: “Ditching the Studio: The Power of Public Art” — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. The FAC is holding an artist talk featuring artist Rafael Blanco, muralist who painted “Lester Bowie” mural at 69 S. Market St. to explore the power of public art. 301-662-4190. info@frederickartscouncil. org. www.eventbrite.com/e/ditching-the-studio-the-power-of-public-art-with-artist-rafael-blanco-tickets-1985142717306?aff=oddtdtcreator.

ETCETERA

Learn to Ride Transit! — 9:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. at The Literacy Council of Frederick County, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Join us for a Transit presentation directly followed

by the Travel Training and Ride-a-Long. This is a free workshop open to the Frederick community. 18 and older. 301-600-2066. info@frederickliteracy.org. www.frederickliteracy.org/event/learn-toride-transit/.

2026 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Take a deep dive into various topics that have defined Frederick’s history, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and our County’s role in the Revolution. Featuring brand new exhibits: “Cultivating Independence: Frederick in the Revolution,” “Witnessing Revolution,” “All Saints Street: Avenue to the History of Frederick and Its African American Community,” “Growing Gold: A History of Frederick’s Goldfish Industry,” and returning favorites: “Etchison Connections,” “Timeless Toys,” “24 E. Church Street,” “Decorative Arts. See our all new and renovated exhibits, March 7 through Dec. 12!

$10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Frederick Chapter: National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Monthly Meeting — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Golden Corral, 5621 Spectrum Drive, Frederick. The speaker will be Delegate Kenneth P. Kerr, Ed.D. (District 3, Frederick County), who will provide a Maryland General Assembly session update. Please note that when you attend a luncheon, we ask you to buy lunch.

$15-$20. 301-832-5139. ted.hull@comcast. net.

narfechapter409.org/.

Duplicate Bridge Pairs Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration Memorial Hall, 6909 Maryland Ave., Braddock Heights. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club’s ACBL sanctioned duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts. All are welcome. We host Pairs

Games ($8) weekly on Monday (299 Limit and Open) and Thursday (Open). If you need a partner or want to brush up your skills, contact Membership Chair, Maria, at frederick@bridgewebsemail.com or check out our website.

$8. frederick@bridgewebsemail.com. www.bridgewebs.com/frederick/home. html.

Ribbon Cutting — 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Reforge Office, Veteran Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A,, Frederick. You are invited to attend a powerful and meaningful community event as we celebrate the official ribbon cutting of Reforge’s new office in partnership with the Veteran Service Center and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the ribbon cutting, the ceremony will include two special dedications: Memorial Wall Unveiling honoring fallen veterans and Bronze Plaque Dedication recognizing six local police officers who served our community through the Frederick City Police Depart-

ment and Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. 240-446-3916. michele@reforgeunited.org. www.reforgeunited.org.

Ask An Artist (ages 11-18) — 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Curious about a career in the arts? Connect with a wide variety of local artists from the world of digital illustrations to stained glass, to improv and theater, to creative writing and much more. Be inspired by the artists as you learn about their career path and their chosen field in the arts.  301-600-7000. fcpl.org.

GALLERY

Art at Night: Teen Writing Club of the Maryland Writer’s Association — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Join members of the Maryland Writers’ Association Teen Writing Club as they present original ekphrastic work inspired by the Delaplaine’s 2026 Bettie Awards Winners. The members of the teen club have used various forms of technology, from pencil and paper to tablets, to compose their written responses to the artwork.  301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/event/art-at-night-from-tablet-to-technology-an-ekphrasis-event-withthe-teen-writing-club-of-the-maryland-writers-association/.

RECREATION

Frederick Keys vs. Hudson Valley Renegades — 7 p.m. at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick. General admission, reserved seating and field seating tickets. See website for ticket prices. mlb.com/frederick/schedule/2026.

THEATER

“A Doll’s House” — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. A play by Henrik Ibsen. Presented by the Town Run Theater Co., inspired by the 2022 Broadway revival, which stripped the stage of all scenery and props, smashing the boundary between the 19th century and today. The play follows Nora Helmer as she begins to question the roles imposed on her by society and family — setting the stage for one of theater’s most famous exits. $25 standard, $20 seniors students. 304876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix. com/events/251278.

“The Crucible” — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A group of teenage girls creates mass hysteria as they accuse fellow villagers of witchcraft in the rigid Puritan society of Salem, Mass., in 1692. The accused face the choice of maintaining their ideals or conforming in order to survive in this play about the dangers of unchecked fear, the fragility of justice, and the consequences of history.

$15-$36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-crucible/.

Friday

April 17

CLASSES

Brain Boost: From Invisible to In-Demand: LinkedIn for Growth — noon to 1 p.m. at Cowork Frederick, 122 E. Patrick St., Frederick. A free lunch and learn! Keep a full pipeline without sending spammy messages or cringey posts. LinkedIn is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools business owners can use to grow their network, attract aligned clients and partners, and build long-term trust. Learn a triedand-true process to grow your business with LinkedIn. RSVP required. 301-732-5165. heycowork@coworkfrederick.com. coworkfrederick.com/events/brain-boostfrom-invisible-to-in-demand-linkedin-forgrowth/.

ETCETERA

Fellowship Fridays — 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Fridays through Dec. 25. A free hot breakfast each Friday which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, breads, muffins, fruit, juices, and Black Rifle Coffee Company coffee. Breakfast is open to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Military Retirees, Law Enforcement, First Responders, and their families. Breakfast is followed by a non-denominational Bible study at 10:30 a.m. Attendance is not required to enjoy a warm breakfast with others who have served. info@veteranservicescenter.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events/.

2026 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Take a deep dive into various topics that have defined Frederick’s history, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and our County’s role in the Revolution. Featuring brand new exhibits: “Cultivating Independence: Frederick in the Revolution,” “Witnessing Revolution,” “All Saints Street: Avenue to the History of Frederick and Its African American Community,” “Growing Gold: A History of Frederick’s Goldfish Industry,” and returning favorites: “Etchison Connections,” “Timeless Toys,” “24 E. Church Street,” “Decorative Arts. See our all new and renovated exhibits, March 7 through Dec. 12!

$10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Textile Recycling Event — 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Common Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Join us for another massive textiles collection event! We’re aiming to collect ten tons of textiles — that’s more than the weight of an elephant! Help Frederick County reach this goal by donating your unwanted textiles, including clothing, shoes, linens, and more! Your contributions will be diverted from landfills and given a second life through recycling and reuse.

301-663-3416. arobinson@commonmarket. coop.

www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ tons-of-textiles-recycling-event/.

Textile Recycling Event! Both Co-op Locations! — 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Common Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. Join us for another massive textiles collection event! We’re aiming to collect 10 tons of textiles — that’s more than the weight of an elephant! Help Frederick County reach this goal by donating your unwanted textiles, including clothing, shoes, linens, and more! Your contributions will be diverted from landfills and given a second life through recycling and reuse. 301-663-3416. arobinson@commonmarket. coop.

www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ tons-of-textiles-recycling-event/.

The YAAC Show — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. A bi-monthly, live talk show produced by the creative team at the Y Arts Center. An evening of inspiration, entertainment and community connection — powered by the YMCA’s Arts and Humanities initiatives. Every other Friday at 5:30 p.m. $10 at the door, free for YMCA Members. This week’s guests: Erika & Nick May — Revolve & Rewind, To Dye For & The Key City Thrift Expo. Musical guests — Sunniva. $10. 301-663-5131. jslaughter@frederickymca.org. frederickymca.org.

Northside Blues and Rock Band at Monocacy Brewing Co. — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Monocacy Brewing Company, 1781 N. Market St., Frederick. Tunes by artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Bad Company, Van Morrison, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Joe Cocker, Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Neil Young and many more. www.northsidebluesandrock.com.

FAMILY

Frozen: The Musical — 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 05 Willowtree Plaza #A1, Frederick. Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As winter descends, Anna sets off on a journey to find Elsa and bring her home, with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. $75. 301-662-6600. boxoffice@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Various locations in and around Maryland’s Agricultural Reserve, . The Countryside Artisans open their studios and galleries. Find original paintings, prints, glass, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more. Enjoy handcrafted beverages from our winery, brewery, and tea room. Use our map to plan your adventure, see website for studio locations and download the map. 301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail. com.

www.countrysideartisans.com. Artspiration Frederick Members Show

— noon to 5 p.m. at Artspiration Frederick, 915 Toll House Ave., Frederick. First AF Members show. Over 100 hundred pieces (2D & 3D) of art will be on display. Artist reception is 5-7:30 p.m. on April 11. 657-627-0554. toc21702@gmail.com. www.artspriationfrederick.com.

MUSIC & ARTS

Bluegrass Jam — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville. Bluegrass is a music genre popularized by Bill Monroe and his band, the Blue Grass Boys. Acoustic instruments only, open to all levels of musicians and vocalists. Spectators welcome, food and sodas available for purchase. $5 donation at the door supports the Ruritan Club’s projects.  240-931-8305. mtpleasantruritan@gmail. com.

PERFORMER

LIVE Series: Paula Poundstone — 8 p.m. to at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Quick-Witted. Unscripted. Unforgettable. Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. She regularly plays theaters across the country, hosts a weekly comedy podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” and is a regular panelist on NPR’s “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me.” She also voiced the character ‘Forgetter Paula’ in the feature films “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” $40, $35, $30. 301-600-2868. dyoung@ cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/paula-poundstone-2026/.

RECREATION

Frederick Keys vs. Hudson Valley Renegades — 7 p.m. at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick. General admission, reserved seating and field seating tickets. See website for ticket prices. mlb.com/frederick/schedule/2026.

THEATER

“A Doll’s House” — 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. A play by Henrik Ibsen. Presented by the Town Run Theater Co., inspired by the 2022 Broadway revival, which stripped the stage of all scenery and props, smashing the boundary between the 19th century and today. The play follows Nora Helmer as she begins to question the roles imposed on her by society and family — setting the stage for one of theater’s most famous exits. $25 standard, $20 seniors students. 304876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix. com/events/251278.

“The Crucible” — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A group of teenage girls creates mass hysteria as they accuse fellow villagers of witchcraft in the rigid Puritan society of Salem, Mass., in 1692. The accused face the choice of maintaining their ideals or conforming in order to survive in this

play about the dangers of unchecked fear, the fragility of justice, and the consequences of history.

$15-$36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-crucible/. Oh Crit! at MET Comedy Night — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Roll for initiative! Oh Crit performs improv comedy fused with Dungeons & Dragons! Join them as they embark on an adventure of twists and turns, bizarre characters, and occasional epic failure … all with the help from you and the whim of an unforgiving 20-sided die.

$15. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org.

ci.ovationtix.com/35900/production/1250428.

Saturday April 18

CLASSES

Empow(HER) 6th Annual Girls Summit — 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Frederick Community College – Conference Center, Building E, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A powerful, one-day experience designed to uplift, educate, and inspire young ladies in grades 6–12 (ages 12–18). Workshops on education, career exploration, financial literacy, STEAM enrichment, self-care and mental health. Lunch provided. Educ.fcacmd@gmail.com. bit.ly/GirlsSummit2026.

Book Launch: “Somewhere in Nowhere” by Steven Gellman — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Frederick Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Navigating a new school is hard, but what if you’re also worried that there might be an alien in your stomach? Join author Steven Gellman as we celebrate his new coming-of-age novel. This story follows teenager Simon as he’s unexpectedly spending his senior year at a new school with new friends and (maybe) a new crush while also trying to sort out the strange “attacks” he’s experiencing every night. Steven will be in-conversation with Venessa Vida Kelley, bestselling author of “When the Tides Held the Moon.” Following their conversation, Steven will answer questions and sign books. Copies of “Somewhere in Nowhere” will be available for purchase at the event. emani.glee@sparkpointstudio.com. curiousiguana.com/event/steven-gellman/. Line Dancing Workshop and Open Dance to Follow — 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Amvets Post 7, 26 Apples Church Road, Thurmont . Learn original choreography by Carissa Barth Kijowski with Fibe Dance. Beginner to intermediate levels. Line and partner dances will be taught (partner dances can also be done single). Food and drink available for purchase. $25 for workshop and dance; $10 person for open dance only. Fibedancecontact@ gmail.com. fb.me/e/8RKZHk9KO?mibextid=wwXIfr.

Flight Attendants: Being Stewards of Butterflies — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Mt Airy Presbyterian Church, 17455 Old Freder-

ick Road, Mt Airy. Jeff Cagle has traveled throughout the country and beyond studying and photographing butterflies. These delicate wonders, designed for the delight of all ages, will be explored in an Unexpected Perspective Lecture. For all ages. 301-829-5223. mtairypca@gmail.com. www.mtairypca.org/events/event/189/ flight-attendants-being-stewards-of-butterflies/2026-04-18.

ETCETERA

Rotary Club: Community Bicycle Collection — 9 a.m. to noon at Triangle Motors, 1790 N. Market St., Frederick. Turn your old bike into a life-changing gift. Donate used bicycles, bike parts, and safety gear to help people in the developing world get to school, jobs, and critical healthcare services. Broken bikes and parts are welcome — they do not need to be in working condition. www.facebook.com/ events/26118895151052164.

Myersville Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to noon at Municipal Parking Lot, 301 Main St., Myersville. This market shares in the celebration of local products, fresh foods, and community. Saturdays through Oct. 31. myersvillefarmersmarket.com.

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon, Fashion Show, and Silent Auction — 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. at Morningside Inn, 7477 McKaig Road, Frederick. Luncheon, fashion show and silent auction. This event raises funds to support youth development programs that positively impact

local children and families and to provide services to the Homeless Day Center which operates 365 days a year.   $25. 301-662-2311. karen.cochran1946@ gmail.com.

2026 Exhibits at the Museum of Frederick History — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Take a deep dive into various topics that have defined Frederick’s history, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and our County’s role in the Revolution. Featuring brand new exhibits: “Cultivating Independence: Frederick in the Revolution,” “Witnessing Revolution,” “All Saints Street: Avenue to the History of Frederick and Its African American Community,” “Growing Gold: A History of Frederick’s Goldfish Industry,” and returning favorites: “Etchison Connections,” “Timeless Toys,” “24 E. Church Street,” “Decorative Arts. See our all new and renovated exhibits, March 7 through Dec. 12!

$10 adults, $5 seniors and students. Outreach@FrederickHistory.org. frederickhistory.org.

Visit the National Road Museum and Trolley Station Museum — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at National Road Museum, 214 N. Main St., Boonsboro. Explore the history both the Historic National Road and the trolleys of central Maryland through this two-museum experience in Boonsboro! Donations appreciated. 240-769-0898. Director@NationalRdFoundation.org. nationalrdfoundation.org.

Frederick’s Black Heritage Walking Tour

— 10:30 a.m. to noon at Heritage Frederick, 24 E. Church St., Frederick. Visit landmarks and hear stories revealing Frederick’s Black heritage from the early-19th century to the present day. This tour features sites associated with enslavement and segregation and highlights the achievements of a diverse and vibrant Black community in the pursuit of equality and freedom. Tour starts at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 E. Church St. Reservations required. $5, $8, $10, $12. 410-707-1105. Outreach@ FrederickHistory.org. www.cognitoforms.com/HeritageFrederick1/WalkingTourTicketReservation.

Vine & Vendor Spring Market — 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Links Bridge Vineyards , 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont . Sip, stroll, and soak in the spring vibes. Join Dysfunctional Housewives for a charming day at the Wine & Vendor Spring Market, with live music, local artisans, a food truck, tarot readings and permanent jewelry while you browse and unwind. Family-friendly and leashed dogs welcome!

301-606-2806. DysfunctionallySarah@ gmail.com.

facebook.com/events/s/vine-vendorspring-market-at-l/1229048162703060/.

History Program — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Myersville Community Library, 8 Harp Place, Myersville. Join local historian, writer and vice president of the Myersville-Wolfsville Area Historical Society Ann Longmore-Etheridge in an encore presentation of “George Blessing: Hero of Highland.” Learn about local farmer and respected elder George Blessing, his courage in resisting the Confederates, and his rise to local fame in the wake of the Civil War. 301-600-8350. rkurtz@frederickcountymd. gov.

frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/history-program-george-blessing-hero-highland-195318.

Curious Iguana Presents: YA Author Steven Gellman — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Frederick Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Navigating a new school is hard, but what if you’re also worried that there might be an alien in your stomach? Join author Steven Gellman as we celebrate his new comingof-age novel “Somewhere in Nowhere.” This story follows teenager Simon as he’s unexpectedly spending his senior year at a new school with new friends and (maybe) a new crush while also trying to sort out the strange “attacks” he’s experiencing every night. Steven will be in-conversation with Venessa Vida Kelley, bestselling author of “When the Tides Held the Moon.” Following their conversation, Steven will answer questions and sign books. Copies of “Somewhere in Nowhere” will be available for purchase at the event. This event is free and open to the public.  curiousiguanaevents@gmail.com. curiousiguana.com/event/steven-gellman/. The Legwarmers — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Upstairs at Smoketown, 223a W. Potomac St., Brunswick. Upstairs at Smoketown is the newest old venue around, with a new state of the art sound system and brand new full bar. And now they’ve got The Legwarmers! Remember the ‘80s? Sure, we all do ... but The Legwarmers don’t just remember the ‘80s – they relive them. 21 and older.

$25 and up. 301-969-0087. upstairs@ smoketownbrewing.com. www.tickettailor.com/events/upstairsatsmoketown/2060727/r/fnp.

Northside Blues and Rock Band at Steinhardt Brewing Company — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Steinhardt Brewing Company, 340 E. Patrick St., Suite 100-102, Frederick. Tunes by artists such as Eric Clapton, Bad Company, Linda Ronstadt,  Van Morrison, Stevie Ray Vaughn, the Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Joe Cocker, Tom Petty,  Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Neil Young and many more!

northsidebluesandrock.com.

The Wharf Rats Live (Grateful Dead Tribute Band) — 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. Get ready to Jam! You are in store for a full band musical trip. This is a band and night you don’t want to miss out on — they will definitely put a smile on your face and get you moving all night long! Doors open early, band starts at 8 p.m. Beverages and pub food available. $5 advance, $10 at the door. 240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery.com. tinyurl.com/bddttkcu.

FAMILY

“Junie B. Jones The Musical” — 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 05 Willowtree Plaza #A1, Frederick. Theater For Young Audiences (Ages 3 and up). It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. $25. 301-662-6600. boxoffice@wayoffbroadway.com. www.wayoffbroadway.com/. Arthur and Friends Make a Musical! — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Mr. Ratburn’s class is putting on a show — but Arthur’s not so sure he’s ready! With help from his family and friends, Arthur learns that being yourself is the best part of any performance. A fun, feel-good musical for the whole family!

$17-$20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/arthur-and-friendsmake-a-musical/.

Rocket Run 2026 - Find a Model Rocket — 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Old National Pike District Park, 12406 Old National Pike, Mount Airy. A fun youth-centered activity by the NARHAMS model rocket club during its model rocket launch on April 18. Follow the signs to ballfields #6 and #7. NARHAMS will launch 12 small tumble recovery rockets at five second intervals. After the 12th rocket is launched, the participants will go and try to find them. Those finding a rocket launched during this event and returning it to us will get a gift bag of space exploration goodies such as mission patches, pin, decals and more.  ou also get to keep the

rocket.  NARHAMSPresEd@gmail.com. www.youtube.com/@NARHAMSModelRocketCluhb/posts.

Arthur and Friends Make a Musical! — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Mr. Ratburn’s class is putting on a show — but Arthur’s not so sure he’s ready! With help from his family and friends, Arthur learns that being yourself is the best part of any performance. A fun, feel-good musical for the whole family!

$17-$20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/arthur-and-friendsmake-a-musical/.

Saturday Crafternoon: Earth Day Nature Art — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Earth Day is right around the corner! Join us for some nature-inspired watercolor fun. Depending on the weather we may be outside and this activity could get a little messy, so please dress appropriately. Ages 5-12.

301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Explore Frederick’s Oldest House — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Travel back to colonial Frederick. Built in 1758 by German settlers, this sturdy stone farmhouse offers a glimpse of early American life before the American Revolution. Walk through thick-walled but spacious rooms, hear stories of early immigrants, and see how a Frederick County farm family lived more than two and a half centuries ago.

$8 over age 15. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

2026 FCC Clarinet Day Recital — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike • Visual & Performing Arts Center, Frederick. Featuring Dr. Blake Arrington. Join us to celebrate the music with family, friends, and community guests during this special afternoon recital! Learn more and register to attend. 301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. FCC2026ClarinetRecital.eventbrite.com.

Frozen: The Musical — 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 05 Willowtree Plaza #A1, Frederick. Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As winter descends, Anna sets off on a journey to find Elsa and bring her home, with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. $75. 301-662-6600. boxoffice@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

FESTIVALS

Let’s Talk Trash Cleanup Event — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Railyard, 1 N. Main St., Mount Airy. Who is up for some friendly municipal competition that will help make our

Maryland towns cleaner? The Town, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Mount Airy, hosts. Register in the Railyardwith contest clean up hours occurring from 7 to 9 a.m. Participants are welcome to stop by anytime (even after the contest times) and work for whatever time they can. Students can receive service hours for participating in the event. The Rotary Club will be assigning participants places to clean as well as providing snacks, water, gloves and trash bags. There will be an information booth with the water conservation giveaways, information about recycling, reducing trash and the Town’s Love Your Park Week activities plus more! There will also be games such as toss that trash where participants see who can toss a soda can into a recycling bin from the furthest distance. 301-829-1424. nhernandez@mountairymd. gov.

www.mountairymd.gov.

10th Annual Hootenanny Block Party — noon to 10 p.m. at Smoketown Brewing, 223 W. Potomac St., Brunswick. Smoketown Brewing is turning 10! And this year’s Hootenanny is bigger than ever with more local vendors and a expanded layout all the way down into our parking lot to make room. All-day live music, games and challenges. Inside we’ve got tattoo flash art by American Tattoo Studio, new beer releases and a full bar. Brand new this year, the party continues Upstairs in the evening for a ticketed concert with The Legwarmers! (tickets on sale now for the Upstairs concert, the rest of the day is free to attend). See website for details.

301-969-0087. taproom@smoketownbrewing.com.

www.smoketownbrewing.com/hootenanny2.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Various locations in and around Maryland’s Agricultural Reserve, . The Countryside Artisans open their studios and galleries. Find original paintings, prints, glass, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more. Enjoy handcrafted beverages from our winery, brewery, and tea room. Use our map to plan your adventure, see website for studio locations and download the map. 301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail. com.

www.countrysideartisans.com.

Artspiration Frederick Members Show — noon to 5 p.m. at Artspiration Frederick, 915 Toll House Ave., Frederick. First AF Members show. Over 100 hundred pieces (2D & 3D) of art will be on display. Artist reception is 5-7:30 p.m. on April 11. 657-627-0554. toc21702@gmail.com. www.artspriationfrederick.com.

HEALTH

The RealiTea of Menopause — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Coblentz Seminar Room, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Join us for an engaging, free panel discussion where we’ll sip tea, speak candidly, and dive into real conversations about menopause. 478-874-8533. pmh.fcacmd@gmail.com. www.eventbrite.com/e/the-reali-

tea-of-menopause-tickets-1983992504990.

MUSIC & ARTS

2026 FCC Clarinet Day — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike • Visual & Performing Arts Center, Frederick. Calling all clarinetists! Join us for the second annual FCC Clarinet Day featuring U.S. Air Force Concert Band member and Backun artist Dr. Blake Arrington and George Mason University professor Dr. Kathleen Mulcahy. This event is open to clarinetists from sixth grade through adult. We recommend at least two years of experience on clarinet to play in the clarinet choirs. Play in clarinet choirs, attend clarinet workshops, and more. The day will be capped off with a recital by the participant clarinet choirs and Dr. Arrington. Boxed lunch available for purchase.

301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. FCC2026ClarinetDay.eventbrite.com.

Mike Kuster and The Catoctin Cowboys in Concert — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Leesburg, Va. Known for his string of No. 1 independent country hits and high-energy live shows, Mike Kuster brings his signature blend of modern country storytelling and classic honky-tonk spirit to one of Northern Virginia’s favorite craft beer destinations. Backed by The Catoctin Cowboys, expect tight harmonies, driving rhythms, and a mix of fan favorites, crowd-pleasing covers, and original songs that keep the dance floor moving. 301-662-3355. mike@mikekuster.net. mikekuster.net/tour.

Common Ground Downtown Concert Series: Critton Hollow & Benny Bleu/ Dakota Karper — 7:30 p.m. to at Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. American string band Critton Hollow, along with acoustic folk duo Benny Bleu and Dakota Karper. $28 adult, $25 ages 60 and olver or 18 and under. 410-848-7272. carrollartscouncil.org.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. Thirty years ago, a Fender Strat-wielding teenager from Shreveport, La., by the name of Kenny Wayne Shepherd brought the blues back to the mainstream. Now, three decades later, Shepherd is as vital as ever. Ticket pricing online. 21 and older.

hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com.

PERFORMER

“Why Not?” — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Clean stand-up comedy debut with short, original Jesus-loving songs for a joyful, uplifting experience. Why Not? Support a local artist and see what all the hype is about. (Ok, there’s really no hype, but you can create some.) You’ll be able to say, “I saw her when ... “For a taste of what’s to come check out mariajsongs on YouTube, Instagram and Tik Tok.  $25.

RECREATION

Seton Center 5K Run & Walk — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mount St. Mary’s University, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg. The Seton Center is the primary non-profit agency serving people in the area of northern Frederick County. Race is hosted by the Center for Service at MSM. Register online. All ages. $30.68. 301-447-6102. runsignup.com/Race/MD/Emmitsburg/SetonCenter5katMSMU.

Frederick Keys vs. Hudson Valley Renegades — 6 p.m. at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick. General admission, reserved seating and field seating tickets. See website for ticket prices. mlb.com/frederick/schedule/2026.

THEATER

Frederick Playwrights Circle — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick St., Frederick. A safe place for playwrights at all career levels to share and discuss their work. A positive, supportive environment for theatre storytellers seeking community. Meets biweekly. 301-694-4744. fredplaywrights@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/photo/?fbi d=122202507116469500&set= pb.61564085024922.-2207520000.

“4 a.m. Friends” by Charlene A. Donaghy — 2 p.m. to at Endangered Species (theater) Project, 16 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Marlene Dietrich is quoted as saying, “It’s the friends you can call at 4 a.m. that matter.” In this play by Charlene A. Donaghy, Becca, Tammy and Kim are those kinds of lifelong 4 a.m. Friends with humor and heart the ties that bind. A myriad of iconic moments, people, and fashion from the 1970s to the present propel these friends as they laugh, fight, argue, support, and love through some of life’s most challenging hurdles — growing from their teens to their sixties. You know, just like you might do with your 4 a.m. Friends. Admission is pay-what-you-can. 2406981406. daniels@esptheatre.org. www.esptheatre.org/shows.

“A Doll’s House” — 7 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. at Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W. German St., Shepherdstown, W.Va. A play by Henrik Ibsen. Presented by the Town Run Theater Co., inspired by the 2022 Broadway revival, which stripped the stage of all scenery and props, smashing the boundary between the 19th century and today. The play follows Nora Helmer as she begins to question the roles imposed on her by society and family — setting the stage for one of theater’s most famous exits. $25 standard, $20 seniors students. 304876-3704. Contact@OperaHouseLive.com. shepherdstownoperahouse.thundertix. com/events/251278.

“Hadestown Teen Edition” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Barbara Ingram School for the Arts presents their 15th annual spring musical. Adapted for young performers, this version of the Tony and Grammy award-winning musical features the same book, music and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell but with content adjustments suitable for a teen audience. The story follows the intertwining myths of Orpheus and

Meet Bob & Freddie. When it comes to local businesses, businesspeople and organizations in Frederick, they know best. Here is a personal interview with a 2025 Best of the Best winner or finalist about why they love what they do, helping those they serve and working in Frederick.

A&S Construction, LLC

2025 WINNER FOR BEST MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS 2025 FINALIST FOR BEST ROOFING COMPANY

Frederick, Maryland

301.703.2157

ansconstruction.net Facebook.com/aandsconstruction

BOB HISTORY

2025 – Winner, Minority-Owned Business

2021-2025 – Finalist, Roofing Company

WHAT

SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART?

A&S Construction celebrated its 5th anniversary on January 22, 2026. Over these five years, our company has expanded its scope from its initial focus on roofing to a comprehensive suite of services including siding, windows, doors, gutters, patios, decks and bathrooms. This growth has allowed the business to serve both residential and commercial clients throughout Maryland.

WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS

APART?

Several core principles and certifications distinguish our business in the competitive construction market:

The “HRRT” Principles: Our business operates on the core values of Heart, Honesty, Responsibility, Reliability, and Trust. This “heart-first” philosophy ensures that every project is handled with a level of care that goes beyond simple labor.

Quality over Price: Our business model prioritizes professional expertise and premium service quality rather than competing solely on the lowest price, ensuring long-term value for clients.

Meticulous Communication: Clients experience a high-touch process that includes multiple points of contact, from initial appointment settings to arrival notifications on the day of service.

Woman & Minority-Owned Certification: As a certified womanowned business, A&S Construction brings a unique and often underrepresented perspective to the trades, actively working to lift other women in the industry.

Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, in a jazz-infused folk opera about love, industry and hope.

$10 and up. 301-790-3500. boxoffice@ mdtheatre.org. www.mdtheatre.org/bisfa#hadestown.

“The Crucible” — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A group of teenage girls creates mass hysteria as they accuse fellow villagers of witchcraft in the rigid Puritan society of Salem, Mass., in 1692. The accused face the choice of maintaining their ideals or conforming in order to survive in this play about the dangers of unchecked fear, the fragility of justice, and the consequences of history.

$15-$36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/the-crucible/.

Sunday April 19

CLASSES

Companion Planting: Boosting Your Garden’s Health — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Learn more about the benefits of companion planting from Master Gardener Mike Harrington. He will explain how different plant species may benefit each other when grown in close proximity by attracting beneficial insects, deterring disease and increasing crop yields. Bring your ideas and share your questions with our Master Gardener! 18 and older. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ placeholder-benefits-companion-planting-189411.

Revolutionary Times in Burkittsville: Roots of Liberty and the Fight for Equality in a Rural Maryland Town — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 107 W. Main St., Middletown. The historic village of Burkittsville was founded on a crossroads that has linked it to the broader story of the United States for over 250 years. As our country marks its semiquincentennial anniversary in 2026, South Mountain Heritage Society is opening a special exhibition exploring the role Burkittsville and the surrounding communities of the lower Middletown Valley have played in the founding of our nation and the evolution of its founding principles through the era of the American Civil War. The exhibition highlights local individuals in both the 18th and 19th centuries whose lives uniquely reflect the American pursuit of life, liberty and happiness amid the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. In this program, Jody Brumage will give an overview of the exhibit and discuss some of the unique stories and artifacts of revolutionary times in the Burkittsville area. 301-371-6410. fboesch@erols.com. mtownvalleyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Sons of the American Revolution Speaker Series — 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Library, Programming Room, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Of all the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, only one was Roman Catholic, and among the wealthiest men in colonial America. He was Charles Carroll

of Carrollton, Frederick County’s own Signer. Hear the talk “Charles Carroll of Carrollton,” presented by John George. 301-473-8976. mmoore46@verizon.net. mdssar.org/calendar.

ETCETERA

Coffee & Classics — 9 a.m. to noon at Mechanics On Wheelz, 10601 Old National Pike, New Market. Classic car cruise-in limited to vehicles 1990 & older on black top. Coffee, donuts, music, corn hole, third Sunday of the month. 240-801-3600. tmfo48@verizon.net. www.mechanicsonwheelz.com.

One Vast Hospital: Downtown Frederick Walking Tour — noon to 1 p.m. at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Downtown Frederick history is hidden around every corner. Explore downtown Frederick’s storied past with signature walking tours from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Every Saturday and Sunday from April through September, walking tours of Frederick’s hospital sites will be available at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and noon on Sundays. Walking tours last for an hour to an hour and a half.

$15. 301-695-1864. melissa.winn@civilwarmed.org. civilwarmed.org/walking.

Duplicate Bridge Team Games — noon to 4 p.m. at YMCA of Frederick County, 1000 N. Market St., Frederick. Bridge is also a team event! Frederick Bridge Club offers the only ACBL sanctioned team games in the area on the first and third Sundays of the month. Please contact the director, Jim Cartlidge, at 302-606-2894 or jacartlidge@comcast.net to reserve a table for your team or to join a team. $10. 301-606-2894. jacartlidge@comcast.net. jacartlidge@comcast.net.

Holocaust Remembrance Day Program — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Beth Sholom Congregation, 1011 N. Market St., Frederick. Join Beth Sholom and Kol Ami congregations for the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. Speakers will include Holocaust survivor Dr. Eugene Bergman and Frederick government leaders.  solomonjt2003@yahoo.com. www.bethsholomfrederick.org/.

FAMILY

Frozen: The Musical — 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 05 Willowtree Plaza #A1, Frederick. Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As winter descends, Anna sets off on a journey to find Elsa and bring her home, with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. $75. 301-662-6600. boxoffice@wayoffbroadway.com. wayoffbroadway.com.

Intro to Competitive Puzzling (Ages 13-25) — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Experienced competitive puzzler Ashlin Davis introduces participants to the world of speed puzzling, an increasingly popular competitive hobby that combines problem-solving, focus and a little friendly rivalry. The program will

explore what speed puzzling competitions look like, how they are judged, and why puzzles have become a favorite pastime for people of all ages. Ashlin will also discuss the cognitive and mental health benefits of puzzling.  301-600-7000. fcpl.org.

Arthur and Friends Make a Musical! — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Mr. Ratburn’s class is putting on a show — but Arthur’s not so sure he’s ready! With help from his family and friends, Arthur learns that being yourself is the best part of any performance. A fun, feelgood musical for the whole family! $17-$20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/arthur-and-friendsmake-a-musical/.

Love Your Park Week -- Art in the Park — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Watkins Park , 615 Center St., Mount Airy. Want to create art outdoors while listening to the birds chirping and feeling nature’s breeze? Come out to Art in the Park at the Watkins Park Play Place Playground Pavilion. The event will focus on the work of Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. Registration is required by calling 301-8291424, ext 135, or emailing parksmanager@ mountairymd.gov. 301-829-1424. nhernandez@mountairymd. gov. www.mountairymd.gov.

Explore Frederick’s Oldest House — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, 1110 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Travel

back to colonial Frederick. Built in 1758 by German settlers, this sturdy stone farmhouse offers a glimpse of early American life before the American Revolution. Walk through thick-walled but spacious rooms, hear stories of early immigrants, and see how a Frederick County farm family lived more than two and a half centuries ago.

$8 over age 15. 301-456-4912. boycerensberger@gmail.com. fredericklandmarks.org.

FESTIVALS

Tapescape 2026: VHS and Vinyl Convention — noon to 5 p.m. at Wacohu Grange Hall , 16412 National Pike , Hagerstown . It’s a physical media mega mart and a vintage market beyond belief! The best place to find VHS, Betamax, laserdiscs, DVDs, vinyl records, audio cassettes, CDs, rare books, and old school video games! A physical media collector’s haven, featuring a wide selection of horror, wrestling, and just plain weird VHS! Plus, tons of records, tapes, and CDs of underground metal and avant garde music you won’t find anywhere else! Not to mention all of the horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and strange books that will be on sale! A literal litany of rare physical media gems all in one place! Featuring vendors galore such as Wonder Book and Crucial Blast Records. Free admission! All ages! fb.me/e/4SeQW97By?mibextid=wwXIfr.

GALLERY

Countryside Artisans Spring Studio Tour — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Various locations in and around Maryland’s Agricultural Reserve, .

The Countryside Artisans open their studios and galleries. Find original paintings, prints, glass, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more. Enjoy handcrafted beverages from our winery, brewery, and tea room. Use our map to plan your adventure, see website for studio locations and download the map. 301-337-1745. sugarloafquilting@gmail.com. www.countrysideartisans.com.

Artspiration Frederick Members Show — noon to 5 p.m. at Artspiration Frederick, 915 Toll House Ave., Frederick. First AF Members show. Over 100 hundred pieces (2D & 3D) of art will be on display. Artist reception is 5-7:30 p.m. on April 11. 657-627-0554. toc21702@gmail.com. www.artspriationfrederick.com.

MUSIC & ARTS

Mike Kuster at Linganore Winecellars — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy. Solo acoustic performance. Mike Kuster brings his rich storytelling and heartfelt songwriting to life with just his voice and guitar in this intimate, unplugged setting. Expect a blend of his original material — from contemplative ballads to foot-stomping acoustic numbers — delivered with sincerity, charm, and the kind of connection only a seasoned solo performer can create. 301-662-3355. mike@mikekuster.net. mikekuster.net/tour.

Mount Vernon Virtuosi — 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Chapel at United Lutheran Seminary, 147 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, Pa. Made up of exceptional young musicians

just moving from studies to projessional careers, this group has amazed audiences in home-town Baltimore, and will do the same in Gettysburg! 717-339-1334. info@musicgettysburg.org. www.musicgettysburg.org/. Folkemer Festival — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Chapel at United Lutheran Seminary, 147 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, Pa. After decades of musical leadership in Gettysburg, Stephen P. Folkemer is retiring as the founding director of the Schola Cantorum of Gettysburg. That group, with some special guests, will honor him with a concert of his own compositions. 717-339-1334. info@musicgettysburg.org. www.musicgettysburg.org/.

THEATER

“4 a.m. Friends” by Charlene A. Donaghy — 2 p.m. to at Endangered Species (theater) Project, 16 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Marlene Dietrich is quoted as saying, “It’s the friends you can call at 4 a.m. that matter.” In this play by Charlene A. Donaghy, Becca, Tammy and Kim are those kinds of lifelong 4 a.m. Friends with humor and heart the ties that bind. A myriad of iconic moments, people, and fashion from the 1970s to the present propel these friends as they laugh, fight, argue, support, and love through some of life’s most challenging hurdles — growing from their teens to their sixties. You know, just like you might do with your 4 a.m. Friends. Admission is pay-what-you-can. 2406981406. daniels@esptheatre.org. www.esptheatre.org/shows.