Docudrama explores how arts and inclusion shaped downtown Frederick’s revival
Docudrama explores how arts and inclusion shaped downtown Frederick’s revival
HOW DEFIANCE BUILT FREDERICK
Frederick’s transformation from mid-century decline to arts destination didn’t happen because someone wrote a strategic plan and followed it methodically. It happened because people chose murals over bare walls, preservation over demolition, and public art funding that other cities might consider frivolous. “Boomtown: The Story of Downtown Frederick” premieres Jan. 24 at the Weinberg Center with a bold thesis: creativity in Frederick wasn’t decorative but catalytic. Writer-director Salyer McLaughlin frames revitalization as a series of acts rooted in what he sees as Frederick’s rebellious streak, one he traces back hundreds of years. The docudrama blends historical reenactments with a present-day narrative following a young woman unpacking her late father’s photography, connecting past decisions to current debates about growth, affordability and what makes Frederick distinct.
WHEN PUNK MET PERSISTENCE
Before streaming made discovery instantaneous and social media turned every garage into a potential stage, Frederick’s underground musicians were doing something radical: creating original music with zero institutional support and even less guarantee anyone would show up. On Jan. 24 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., the C. Burr Artz Library will host a panel exploring the city’s 1980s underground scene. Stop by to hear the fascinating origin story of how musicians playing basements and private parties helped establish the creative DNA that makes up Frederick’s current downtown arts scene. That evening, one of those bands, the Voodoo Love Gods, will debut new material at Olde Mother Brewing.
WHAT BELONGS ON A NATURE TRAIL?
Public art conversations often reveal competing visions of what shared space should look like, and Frederick County Government with the Frederick Arts Council is leaning into that tension. They will host a presentation and discussion about potential public art on the Ballenger Creek Linear Trail from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the C. Burr Artz Library Community Room, and you are invited. The proposal raises questions about access, identity, and whether nature trails need human-made beauty or benefit from its absence. The session will cover FAC’s Public Art Master Plan, the art selection process, global examples of trail-based installations and feedback from a recent survey gauging community attitudes. Cities do become identified with their public art, for better or worse, and this discussion represents a chance to shape that outcome rather than react to it later. Registration is free via Eventbrite.
6 DJS, $0 COVER, 1 DANCE FLOOR
Electronic music momentum will fill the room at Frederick Social on Jan. 23, as Deepntact and Brain Dead Live bring together MX Messi, DJ So Alien, Jjaro, Bandeanie, M3 and Brooce for an evening. Dylan Zingg of Brain Dead Live describes the curatorial logic: start smooth with Brooce and M3, deepen with Bandeanie and Jjaro, finish with high-energy chaos from DJ So Alien and MX Messi. The roster pulls from Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Hanover, even Indianapolis, reflecting how Frederick’s scene is becoming regionally networked.
HORSE-DRAWN NOSTALGIA
Sometimes the appeal of a winter event lies precisely in its refusal to reinvent itself. IceFest in downtown Chambersburg, which runs Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, returns with Benchfield Farms providing horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides past hand-carved ice sculptures. Rides depart from The Grant Street Loft at 227 Grant Street, with pricing at $12 per person for wagon rides and $36 per carriage (seating four). The schedule accommodates evening explorers and Sunday afternoon families. Children 3 and under ride free on laps, though anyone under 18 needs adult accompaniment. Reserve through Eventbrite or contact the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 717-552-2977 (limited day-of availability might exist for the spontaneous among you).
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.
Veridian Capital Partners
BOB HISTORY
2024 Winner, Financial Planning Company
2023 Winner, Financial Planner 2023 Finalist, Financial Planning Company
WHAT SETS YOUR BUSINESS APART?
We believe our client-first approach sets us apart. We nurture and cultivate strong relationships with our clients by taking the time to hear what they want, what they value, and where they hope to go. That understanding allows us to provide honest guidance and create a plan that fits our client’s life, so they can move forward with confidence.
As a local, independent, fiduciary firm with global capabilities, we have the freedom to provide our clients with a wide range of investment and insurance options tailored to their goals. We’re not limited by third-party requirements, which means every recommendation is made with one goal in mind—what’s best for our client.
Our knowledge and commitment to exceptional service have helped us build long-standing relationships and what we see as a trusted place in the community. On a regular basis our advisors celebrate twenty-plus-year partnerships with many
of their clients—a reflection of the longlasting relationships we routinely create.
WHAT MAKES FREDERICK COUNTY A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS?
Frederick County really is a special place to run a business. Our founding partners have been steeped in the Frederick community for many decades, supporting local organizations through Rotary and other volunteer efforts—both individually and as a business. It’s a tight knit, supportive community where people genuinely look out for one another.
As a local business, we’re thankful to benefit from a skilled and growing workforce, along with an environment that truly welcomes entrepreneurs. You can see it everywhere—from long standing family run shops in Downtown Frederick to newer favorites like local cafés and boutique storefronts thriving because the community rallies behind them.
It’s the kind of place where relationships matter, growth is encouraged, and businesses can settle in and feel right at home.
Tucked away on Waverley Drive, Falafel Kabob Mediterranean Grill offers variations of hearty meals in a casual atmosphere.
The quaint restaurant is perfect for lunch in the middle of a work day or for a quick dinner option with its diverse food options and fast service.
From shawarma wraps to hummus or baba ganoush dips served with pita bread, the restaurant fulfills a person’s craving for fresh Mediterranean food.
Owners Ali Asghar and Ali Safyan opened the restaurant two years ago. Asghar said Falafel Kabob is unique because of its taste and hospitality.
All of the food is made in-house, he said.
The chicken shawarma wrap is stuffed with juicy chicken, lettuce, hummus, tabbouleh — a parsley salad — cucumber, tomato, pickled cabbage, ezme — a tomato salad, pickles, tahini sauce and garlic sauce.
Customers can also order lamb, gyro or falafel wraps or bowls, or customize their own.
They can choose a base of rice, greens or fries and a protein. They can then add unlimited toppings, which include diced tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, pickled onions, feta cheese and more. The bowl or wrap can then be topped with dressing or sauce.
The store also offers lamb or chicken shawarma-topped fries as a side dish.
The restaurant’s baklava is a popular dessert item, Asghar said.
The other dessert options are knafeh, rice pudding and chocolate or pistachio cake.
Asghar said their food delivery has reached people as far as Leesburg.
This is the first restaurant Asghar has owned after two decades in customer service.
Serving the community is his favorite part about running the restaurant, he said.
Staff photos by Marwa Barakat
BY S.D. PRICE
Special to The News-Post
Brain Dead Live x Deepntact host six-DJ lineup at Frederick Social
Frederick’s electronic music scene doesn’t always announce itself loudly, but it has a way of revealing momentum through consistency. On Jan. 23, that momentum takes shape at Frederick Social as Deepntact and Brain Dead Live come together for a six-DJ lineup built around movement, energy and collaboration.
The event marks the second partnership between the two collectives following a November pairing. According to Brain Dead Live representative Dylan Zingg, the idea came together naturally as both groups looked for another opportunity to work together and build on that initial success.
“We had a great time on our first collab and had been looking for our next opportunity,” Zingg said. “For this one, a Frederick DJ named Jjaro was actually the instigator. He’s been a big supporter of Brain Dead Live from the start, and we wanted to put together something special.”
Zingg brought the idea to Deepntact, who suggested Frederick Social, a venue that has steadily carved out a reputation as a reliable home for warm and inclusive events. The room’s open layout and dance-friendly atmosphere have made it a natural fit for showcases that prioritize flow over formality.
The night’s lineup includes MX Messi, DJ So Alien, Jjaro, Bandeanie, M3 and Brooce and was curated with intention rather than sheer variety. According to Zingg, the goal was to build a night that evolves rather than peaks too early.
“With all our DJ shows, we try to orchestrate a progression of energy throughout the night,” he said. “We’ll start things off a little more smooth and groovy with Brooce and M3, transition into deeper sounds with Bandeanie and Jjaro, and then finish with a high-energy, heart-pounding spectacle from DJ So Alien and MX Messi.”
That progression mirrors the range of styles represented throughout the night. House, techno, hyperpop and Baltimore Club influences are all expected to surface, though Zingg notes that energy, not genre,
DEEPNTACT X BRAIN DEAD LIVE DJ SHOWCASE
When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. the night of Jan. 23 Where: Frederick Social, 50 Citizen’s Way, Frederick Cost: Free
Lineup: MX Messi, DJ So Alien, Jjaro, Bandeanie, M3, Brooce
Zingg hopes the night challenges preconceived ideas about what a local electronic showcase can look like.
is the guiding principle.
The roster also reflects the increasingly regional scope of Frederick’s electronic music community. DJs are traveling in from Baltimore, Gaithersburg, Hanover and even Indianapolis to join local artists on the bill.
“We really love mixing out-oftowners with some of our local favorites,” Zingg said. “It helps raise the bar and keeps things fresh.”
For attendees less familiar with Frederick’s DJ scene, Zingg says the night is designed to be immersive but welcoming.
“Expect sounds that are on the cutting edge of electronic dance music,” he said. “All of these DJs are huge fans of the artform and have the historic knowledge to back it up. They pull from decades of tradition built around bringing people to -
gether in a dark room with a good sound system to experience collective release and euphoria on the dance floor.”
That sense of collective experience is central to why nights like this feel increasingly visible in Frederick. While electronic music has long existed within the city, it has often lived on the margins. Zingg sees a shift taking place, one driven by collaboration rather than competition.
“What’s exciting about this event is seeing two separate organizers working toward a common goal,” he said. “You’re also seeing Frederick Social step up as a venue that’s welcoming to these kinds of shows. Even the lineup reflects that evolution, bringing artists from different cities and states together with some of Frederick’s best.”
For first-time DJ showgoers,
“I hope people leave with an overwhelming sense of quality from a production standpoint,” he said. “For someone attending their first DJ show, I hope they experience that feeling of collective consciousness that happens when you’re moving to the beat in unison with a room full of people you’re meeting for the first time.”
While both Deepntact and Brain Dead Live are focused on the upcoming event, Zingg suggests that future collaborations are likely.
“We take it one event at a time,” he said, “but I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of these collaboration events in the future.”
For anyone undecided, the pitch remains straightforward: “It’s free entry and guaranteed to be something totally unique,” Zingg said. “This isn’t a friends-only or cliquey environment. Everyone is welcome, whether you come alone or with your crew.”
S.D. Price is a Frederick-based writer better known as hip-hop recording artist Demetrius.
Courtesy photos
Brain Dead Live and Deepntact will host a six-DJ lineup at Frederick Social.
‘It
happened here’ Panel will recall Frederick’s underground music scene of the ’80s
BY GEORGIA BRAUN Special to The News-Post
Musicians, artists and historians will gather at the C. Burr Artz Public Library on Jan. 24 to revisit a chapter of Frederick’s cultural history that unfolded largely outside of traditional venues: the city’s underground music scene of the 1980s.
The panel, scheduled for 2 to 3:30 p.m., will explore a period when local musicians created original music with little institutional support, often organizing their own shows, documenting themselves and building an audience from scratch. Long before streaming platforms or social media, Frederick’s underground artists relied on word of mouth, homemade recordings and rented spaces to share their work.
Among the panelists is Andrew Roff, former drummer and current guitarist for the Voodoo Love Gods, a prominent Frederick-based punk band that emerged during the city’s underground movement.
“For us, the underground scene meant bands that played original music. We weren’t cover bands,” Roff said. “You might do a cover or two, but the majority of what you played was your own material — and there weren’t many bands doing that back then.”
That distinction often kept underground bands out of traditional clubs, Roff said, where owners preferred predictable cover acts that guaranteed steady crowds. As a result, musicians developed a do-ityourself approach to performing.
“A lot of times we played private parties, people’s basements, or we’d rent halls like the Knights of Columbus on Seventh Street,” Roff said. “We’d bring all our own equipment, set everything up, charge a few dollars to get in, and hope enough people showed up to cover the cost.”
Those improvised shows helped foster a tight-knit community, one built largely outside of formal arts infrastructure.
“There was no internet,” Roff said. “MTV was really the only way to hear new music, and not everyone even had cable. If you wanted to find something different, you went to record stores or relied on friends sharing tapes.”
According to Don Ramirez,
panelist and cofounder of the YouTube channel Seven Arts Archive, that era laid the groundwork for Frederick’s present-day arts identity. Ramirez, who has spent years documenting the city’s creative past alongside his partner Nicholas Antonetti, said the underground scene of the 1980s represented a turning point.
“I’ve always been incredibly passionate about that 1980s generation of musicians and artists in Frederick County,” Ramirez said. “I truly believe that was the genesis of how art became such an integral part of the downtown.”
At the time, Ramirez said, downtown Frederick offered few, if any, spaces dedicated to the arts.
“In the ’80s and even into the early ’90s, especially on Market Street, there were no spaces dedicated to the arts at all,” he said. “It was hard for bands to get to play or do anything downtown.”
Other panelists will include members of the Skeptics, another Frederick-based band from the era, as well as Rick Knoll, founder of Bona Fide Records. Knoll recorded and released music by many Frederick underground bands at a time when opportunities to document original local music were limited.
“I think the unsung hero in all of this is Rick Knoll,” Ramirez said. “The fact that those recordings even exist
Courtesy photos
The Clay People.
The Voodoo Love Gods are a Frederick-based punk band that emerged during the city’s underground movement in the 1980s. Following the panel, they will debut new material during a free show at Olde Mother Brewing.
Frederick-based band The Skeptics perform.
The band Gelatin Skeleton perform.
Beatlemania at the Weinberg Center
1964 The Tribute captures the essence of The Beatles with authentic instruments, vintage costumes, and pitchperfect harmonies that transport audiences back to the height of Beatlemania.
Experience one of the most acclaimed Beatles tribute bands at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick at 8 p.m. Jan. 23.
1964 replicates the sound, look and feel of a real Beatles performance. For over 40 years, this cast of professional musicians has brought the spirit of the Fab Four to life for those who never got to see them live, or for audience members seeking to relive one of their iconic live shows. They are a perennial favorite on the Weinberg stage.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at weinbergcenter.org, by calling the box office at 301600-2828, or in person at the Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick.
discover the romance of the north
CELEBRATE THE OPENING WEEKEND
FEBRUARY 7TH & 8TH
UNDERGROUND
(Continued from 6)
is amazing. When we were putting together earlier projects, we relied heavily on those records.”
The idea for the panel originated with Emily Spangler, an adult services librarian with Frederick County Public Libraries, who was interested in creating a program focused on Frederick’s local music history.
“I thought it would be interesting to do an adult program focused on Frederick’s local music scene, past or present,” Spangler said. “That led me to wonder if Frederick had a thriving underground music movement in the 1980s.”
After researching the topic and discovering earlier documentation efforts, Spangler reached out to Ramirez to help shape the event.
“One of the core goals of this panel is helping people feel connected to this moment in local history,” she said. “Some people were there and remember it, and others maybe weren’t aware of it at all.”
The library has also curated a display of records from Frederick bands of the era, offering attendees a tangible connection to the music being discussed.
For Roff, the opportunity to revisit that history is about more than nostalgia.
“Back then, you really had to make your own community,” he said.
Ramirez agreed, noting that the artists of the 1980s helped establish the creative culture that continues to draw people to downtown Frederick today. “Those generations in the ’80s and ’90s are what made downtown cool,” he said.
And that legacy, Roff added, deserves to be remembered — and recognized as distinctly local.
“This music history didn’t happen somewhere else,” he said. “It happened here.”
Following the panel, the Voodoo Love Gods will debut new material during a free show that night from 6 to 9 p.m. at Olde Mother Brewing, joined by longtime local band Hellgramites and DJ Drew Starr, who will spin tracks from Frederick’s 1980s music scene.
Georgia Rae Braun is a freelance writer and musician from Virginia, now residing in Frederick. She can be found onstage sharing her love for American roots and blues music or in a copy of news outlets covering the culture that drives the creative underbelly of community.
1964 will return to Frederick.
Courtesy photo
THE FREDERICK MOM
The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of Jan. 23
Activities to do with the kids this weekend, courtesy of The Frederick Mom.
Movie Marathon: Lord of the Rings
Jan. 23, 24, 25
Warehouse Cinemas, 1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick
$15/adult; $14/child, senior, military
This weekend only, Warehouse Cinemas is running the “Lord of the Rings” movies! The epic trilogy returns to the big screen in this order: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (PG-13) has two showings on Jan. 23; “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (PG-13) has two showings on Jan. 24; “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (PG-13) has two showings on Jan. 25. Experience Middle-earth like never before ... but hurry — tickets are extremely limited! Purchase at frederick.warehousecinemas.com.
•••
Country Skate Night
8 to 10 p.m. Jan. 23
Skate Frederick, 1288 Riverbend Way, Frederick
$8/admission + $4/skate rental
Dust off your boots for a good ol’ Country Night on ice! Round up your family for a fun evening of ice skating under colorful lights with DJ Big Panda playing country hits. There will be a snack bar, photo booth and props. The first 100 guests will receive a free cowboy accessory, too!
•••
Brown Bear Storytime & Craft
9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 24
Walkersville Rec Center, 83 W. Frederick St., Walkersville
$15/individual
Join Frederick County Parks and Rec for a morning of fun centered around “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See,” by Eric Carle. Families can enjoy reading the book and grabbing a snack and a related craft. Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years old. This is a drop-off class; participants must be able to use the restroom independently. Bring a nut-free snack. Register at recreater.com (#38078).
•••
ARCH Story Time
10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 24
Young aspiring poets, listen up! This is your chance to meet author Cordelia Jensen, who wrote the middle grade novel “Lilac and the Switchback” with fellow author and moderator Laura Shovan. Cordelia will answer questions and sign copies of her books. Copies of “Lilac and the Switchback” will be available for purchase at the event.
•••
Bears & Cubs Nature Walks
4 p.m. Jan. 24
Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center, 8511 Fountain Rock Ct., Walkersville
$8 per parent and child pair
Explore the outdoors hand-in-hand! This parent-child nature walk is perfect for little ones. Discover patterns, sounds, animal signs and more as you stroll the park trails. Recommended for kids 1 to 4 years old and their parent. Register at recreater.com (#36271). The Bears & Cubs program is offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m. through March 21. •••
R.E.A.D. with WAGS
2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 25
Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont Free
Bring your kids to the library in Thurmont for a fun way to practice reading: in front of a furry new friend. Service dogs will be present and ready for storytime this Sunday afternoon. Children can build courage reading a book of their choice to Reading Education Assistance Dogs.
Queer Family Movie Night
5 p.m. Jan. 25
African American Heritage Center, 125 E. All Saints St., Frederick Free Kids 4 to 8 and their families are welcome to the AARCH for an exciting children’s story time celebrating African American authors, culture and history. Following the book, kids can check out a fun, hands-on activity to bring the story to life. Free to attend; donations are greatly appreciated.
•••
Teen Winter Watercolor Workshop
10 a.m. to noon Jan. 24
Scott Key Community Center, 1050
Rocky Springs Road, Frederick $8/person
Dive into the world of watercolor in this creative workshop designed just for teens! Learn techniques like blending, color layering and brush control while painting a winter-themed landscape. Recommended for ages 13 to 18 years old. Register at recreater. com (#38096).
•••
Author Meet & Greet
2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 24
Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St, Frederick Free
The Frederick Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick Free
You are invited to join The Frederick Center for a Queer Family Movie Night featuring a surprise title that will be rated PG-13. During this free event, the non-profit will have popcorn and some light concessions for a “donate what you can” cost. Stop in and enjoy a show on the big screen.
Tiffany Mahaney is at least a fifthgeneration 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.
TIFFANY MAHANEY
Dawn Josè
Elyse Josè, 4, of Middletown, enjoys a winter walk through the trails at Fountain Rock Nature Park.
The next Bears and Cubs nature walk is Saturday at 4 p.m.
THEATER Cherishing memories Urbana High School theater department marks 30 years
BY ERIN JONES
Special to The News-Post
The theater and film department of Urbana High School resides in the F-wing of the building. That may have started out as a technical designation like any other area of the school, but for the many students who have partaken of the theater magic there, the F stands for “family.”
A hallway backstage contains a patchwork mural commemorating each production there and the names of participants who have contributed to the legacy of the theater department. After 30 years of performances, the names are vast, and many have gone on to grace other stages, from touring companies to Broadway.
The 30th Anniversary Gala Cabaret, starting at 7 p.m. Jan. 24, will bring back many of those names — an F-wing family reunion of sorts. The theme of the evening is “Cherish the Memories” and will feature a mixture of current and former students. Every song in the performance will have been performed on the stage previously, some reprising performances decades old.
“My current students get to meet and see the individuals that also paved the way for them … and also understand what this department and what this legacy means to people,” said Stephen Ward, current director of the theater and film department at the school.
Ward is in his 18th year as a faculty member, and he has been in his current role since 2017.
Academically the department offers a robust curriculum, with classes in theater, acting, technical theater and film studies. On the performance docket, the department also produces two to three main stage productions each year, typically a fall play and a spring musical. They also hold cabaret events to showcase studentdirected one act plays, as well as other opportunities throughout the year.
“Mamma Mia” is the spring musical, running April 23 to 25, with around 130 students involved in roles including cast, crew and pit orchestra. This performance will have the added distinction of several faculty and administration members participating as well.
“I am grateful that I’ve had an administration that really believes in the
arts,” Ward said. “I’m going to have my principal up on that stage for ‘Mama Mia’ and several of my admin, and I think that that is truly a special thing for my students, to know that admin and staff members believe in the arts and they’re willing to take part in it.”
While the established theater department is celebrating its 30th year, Urbana High School is in its 31st. That first year, the fledgling school was housed in Walkersville B Building. While a formal theater department had not been established yet, English teacher Eric Reickel and a foreign language teacher, the late Mark Kavanaugh, produced “12 Angry Jurors.”
The following year, the theater department was formed under the leadership of Stephanie Weigelt, who now teaches dance and musical theater at the Academy of Fine Arts at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School.
“I don’t believe that this program — the health of this program, the strength of this program or the notoriety of this program — would be where it was if it wasn’t for the tireless efforts of Stephanie Weigelt,” Ward said.
Ward joined the faculty of Urbana High School as an English teacher and assistant director in 2007, when Mary Lennon was head of the theater department.
“Mary Lennon took a chance on this bright-eyed, eager college student, who wanted to be involved in theater because theater has been a part of my life since I was a child,” Ward said. “She took a chance on me to join this family, and if it wasn’t for her, I probably would not be here. I owe so much to her. When she left at the end of spring of 2016, she really believed that this department would be in good hands with me.”
Lennon left to pursue her Master
of Fine Arts and now teaches in Pennsylvania. Ward and Lennon remain close, sharing ideas and resources.
The first show the department produced under Ward’s direction was “Grease,” a musical that was beloved to him since his Brunswick High School days.
Ward has since built up the school’s involvement in the International Thespian Honors Society Program and seeks to cultivate a variety of opportunities for students to be involved. Having so many programs and opportunities within the theater department helps alleviate some of the pressure and sting that can come with auditioning. If one opportunity doesn’t work out as hoped, there will always be another path to get involved or another chance to try again.
Creating a place of belonging and inclusivity is a value the theater department holds in high importance.
Staff photo by Katina Zentz
Stephen Ward, the Urbana High School drama director, speaks to theater students at the Urbana High School auditorium on Dec. 15.
High School theater department is celebrating its 30th year.
“Theater has throughout history accepted everyone,” Ward said. “So does this department. I really enforce accepting each other and working together. This is a place for everyone.”
Ward said students have told him how impactful it’s been to find a place where they belong, especially when they may have struggled to feel accepted and connected in other spaces.
The department is also a place of honing skills beyond acting or technical training. The theater experience is one that shapes and equips students in deeply formative ways.
“The journey and the rehearsal process is also more important at times than the end product,” Ward said. “It’s not the end product that determines success … it’s the process of getting there and how they meet a common goal. It’s a place where I encourage students to explore, develop, find their imagination, their talents, their confidence in themselves, and creativity without feeling judged. I believe that theater is meant to educate and entertain through the process of putting on productions.”
One of the many alumni who can attest to the lasting effects of Urbana High School Theater is Chris Sparks, class of 2009.
As a freshman, he took theater classes with Mary Lennon right away, and by the time he was a senior, a student service learning semester
enabled him to be the TA in that same class.
Sparks participated in one show each semester of high school. Senior year he played Harold Hill in “The Music Man,” a role he will be reviving alongside co-star Felicia Lobo in the Cabaret.
Classmates and co-stars from those years have remained close. Sparks is now the godfather to the child of a best friend he met in theater.
“There is a magic to the F-wing at Urbana High School,” Sparks said. “The magic comes from a place where all of us found our voice. We learned how to tell stories. We learned how to use our imaginations and invite others to come along. I fundamentally believe that learning how to tell a story and how to improvise on your feet are skills that I use every single day of my life.”
Sparks, who lives in Frederick, is the owner and founder of Surelocked in Escape Games, an escape room business formerly located 5 Market Street and in the process of moving to 13 East Patrick Street. His business card, however, lists his official title as “Game Overlord.”
The rooms are run by costumed, in-character game masters who are professional entertainers who come from theater backgrounds. From conceptualizing a room to storytelling, acting and set design, Sparks traces back these skills to ones he learned in theater at Urbana High School.
“It’s a privilege to be able to
(See THEATER 16)
Michael Liebergot
Urbana
Michael Liebergot
Urbana High School performs “Little Shop of Horrors” in April 2024.
‘BOOMTOWN’ Docudrama explores how arts and inclusion shaped
BY ROCCO GEPPI
Special to The News-Post
“Boomtown,” a docudrama grounded in fact and conveyed in historical fiction, expands its examination of downtown Frederick’s revitalization by turning decisively toward the arts, civic identity and the power of collective action. While the first half of the two-part film, released one year ago, focused on the city’s economic recovery from mid20th-century decline and the aftermath of the 1976 flood, the final “Boomtown” combines those early tenants with how creativity, cultural investment and inclusion elevated Frederick into a nationally recognized arts destination.
Written and directed by Salyer McLaughlin, “Boomtown” reflects a longheld belief that Frederick’s resurgence cannot be explained by economics alone. Salyer’s approach frames the city’s transformation as the product of defiance, imagination and courage — traits he views as woven into Frederick’s character since its earliest days. The film presents revitalization not as a single turning point but as a series of decisions made by individuals who chose preservation over demolition, art over abandonment, and community over convenience.
“Going back to pre-Revolutionary days, one of the precursors to the war was these 12 judges here in Frederick who resigned that they would not pay the British anymore tax money,” Salyer said. “This was before the Boston Tea Party. This is what some claim led to the Revolutionary War, and it started right here in Frederick.”
One narrative of the film moves backward through the late 20th century, recreating moments when artists, business owners and civic leaders reshaped downtown Frederick through public art, historic preservation and cultural risktaking. The other unfolds in the present day, following a young woman who returns to Frederick to understand the story her late father documented as chief of photography of the Frederick newspaper. Through her perspective, the film connects past to present and positions history as something actively interpreted rather than passively inherited.
Salyer’s creative lens emphasizes how art altered Frederick’s trajectory. The film portrays murals, performance
“Boomtown” tells the story of a young multi-racial woman named Lexie Brown who arrives in Frederick during the fall of 2025.
IF YOU GO
“Boomtown: The Story of Downtown Frederick” will premiere on Jan. 24 at the Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick, with two screenings: 6:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets start at $18 and are available at weinbergcenter.org/ performances/boomtown. Call 301-600-2828 for more information.
“Boomtown” is a docudrama that connects Frederick’s past to its present — and its future. Covering a transformative period from the late 1960s to today, the film explores how creativity,
spaces and adaptive reuse of historic buildings as forces that changed how people experienced downtown. In his telling, public art was not an accessory to redevelopment but a catalyst — a signal that Frederick valued expression, experimentation and authenticity.
“The public artwork, and the funding of public art — spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to paint on the sides of buildings — that was a big part of Frederick’s evolution,” Salyer said. “When other people weren’t painting on buildings, we were.”
Scenes highlighting painted bridges, building-sized murals and early arts funding underscore his view that creativity
photo
collaboration and civic leadership helped turn a declining downtown into the vibrant cultural destination Frederick is known for today. Through historical reenactments, archival materials and present-day storytelling, “Boomtown” honors the trailblazers, artists, activists, entrepreneurs and everyday citizens whose efforts sparked the cultural and economic renaissance that reshaped Frederick’s identity. The film also draws a direct line to the present, showing how those decisions continue to influence the city’s growth and future.
reshaped both the physical landscape and the community’s sense of possibility.
That perspective is reinforced by producer Rhonda McLaughlin, whose personal history in Frederick informs the film’s grounding in lived experience. Having lived downtown for decades and operated a design and construction business at Patrick and Market streets, she brings a practitioner’s understanding of how incremental decisions affect neighborhoods. Her influence is evident in the film’s attention to architectural detail, streetscape changes and the practical realities of revitalization.
“I really don’t think it’s easy to find the same kind of community, the same kind
of history, the same kind of architecture, the same kind of natural beauty, the mountains,” Rhonda said. “And being an hour away from D.C. or Baltimore, two big cities right there, if you’ve got to get your city fill, it’s not far at all.”
Rhonda’s role as production designer shapes the film’s visual authenticity. Period-specific sets, wardrobes and props recreate Frederick across multiple eras, reflecting her insistence that the city’s story be told accurately and respectfully. Many of the objects seen onscreen were sourced through community members who lent personal items, reinforcing her belief that Frederick’s revival was — and remains — rooted in collective ownership.
Courtesy
shaped downtown Frederick’s revival
Both filmmakers view community participation as central to the story they are telling. The film reflects their conviction that leadership in Frederick extended beyond elected officials to include artists, entrepreneurs, preservationists and volunteers. “Boomtown” depicts how a relatively small number of committed individuals initiated changes that ultimately attracted broader support, creating momentum that reshaped downtown.
Diversity and inclusion play a prominent role in the film. Salyer’s narrative places civil rights-era moments alongside later cultural milestones, presenting Frederick as a place that grappled with racial and social change while gradually broadening access to opportunity and representation. The film frames these developments as integral to revitalization, not separate from it, emphasizing that creative growth and social progress moved together.
Rather than relying on interviews, “Boomtown” communicates through dramatized scenes, visual metaphor and music. This storytelling choice reflects Salyer’s belief that emotional engagement is essential to understanding history. By placing viewers inside recreated moments, the film seeks to make past decisions feel immediate and consequential, particularly for younger audiences who know Frederick only in its current form.
The collaborative scale of the production mirrors the communal effort depicted onscreen. More than 400 people contributed to the film, including volunteers, donors, artists and institutions. For Rhonda, that level of participation reinforces the same lesson the film conveys: Frederick’s success was never the result of a single vision but of sustained investment by people who cared deeply about their city.
“Boomtown” also situates Frederick’s modern renaissance within a longer historical arc. The film references acts of civic defiance and independence dating back to the 18th century, connecting those moments to contemporary debates over artistic freedom, public funding and democratic expression. His interpretation presents creativity as a recurring response to challenge, positioning art as both reflection and resistance.
The present-day storyline allows the film to address what comes next. Through the perspective of a younger generation seeking context, “Boomtown” raises questions about stewardship and
responsibility. The filmmakers’ point of view suggests that understanding how Frederick arrived at this moment is essential to preserving what makes it distinct, particularly as growth, rising real estate costs and outside attention reshape the city once again.
Salyer said his film is different from others that have been made about Frederick; he believes it will appeal to a younger generation. The music is contemporary, as are the ideas in it, he said.
The success of the McLaughlins’ first portion of the film established a receptive audience. Its sold-out theatrical screenings at Warehouse Cinemas in Frederick demonstrated strong local interest in seeing Frederick’s story told with cinematic scope. “Boomtown” builds on that momentum, offering a deeper exploration of the cultural forces behind the city’s transformation and a more explicit focus on the arts as a driver of identity.
Rather than presenting Frederick as a finished product, the film portrays it as being in an ongoing transformation. That perspective reflects both filmmakers’ lived connection to the city, one shaped by decades of residence, work and creative investment. In their telling, Frederick’s revitalization is not a model to be replicated mechanically but a reminder that places change when people commit to them over time.
“I hope that the people who are here already feel a great sense of pride in the community that they live in, and that they really cherish what we have here,” Rhonda said. “And for those who don’t live here, I hope that they see that it’s really something special and that they want to visit or live here.”
“Boomtown” ultimately frames downtown Frederick’s revival as a story of intention. Through its blend of history and dramatization, the film documents how creativity, inclusion and perseverance converged to redefine a city — and why those same values remain necessary to sustain it.
Rocco Geppi is a freelance writer, having earned his professional journalist credentials in his late teens, and has made a career out of his passion. He enjoys connecting with people, bringing communities together, and highlighting what makes the people and the community uniquely invaluable.
An actor portrays George Delaplaine in “Boomtown.”
A First Saturday event depicted in “Boomtown.”
An actor portrays artist William Cochran creating the Community Bridge in “Boomtown.”
An actor portrays Ron Young in “Boomtown.”
”The Unquiet Mind” — through Jan. 31, Vault of Visions Art Gallery, 1 N. Market St., Frederick. Debuting in the heart of winter, a season when many contend with seasonal affective disorder or heightened emotional strain, “The Unquiet Mind” by Michelle Ramos offers a timely and resonant exploration of mental well-being. 240315-5483 or vovartgallery.com.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Monday by appointment. 240-315-5483 or vovartgallery.com.
Frederick County Arts Association Exhibit — through Feb. 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. The annual FCAA exhibition features members’ artworks in a variety of media, including paintings, photography, mixed media, drawings, collages, ceramics and sculpture. FCAA’s approximately 100 members range from casual painters to full-time professionals. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301698-0656, delaplaine.org.
“The Elephant in the Room” — through Feb. 1 at Artspiration, 915 Toll House Ave., Frederick. 657-627-0554, toc21702@gmail.com.
”Where Energy Meets Matter: Exploring the Frontiers of Science” — through Feb. 20, Y Arts Center, 115 E. Church St., Frederick. Participating artists explore the dynamic interplay of art and science, celebrating the cutting-edge research and innovation happening at the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and throughout Frederick. This exhibition includes work that captures the essence of energy and matter — through explorations of physics, biology and the unseen forces that shape our universe. Call 301-662-4190 or email info@frederickartscouncil.org for viewing hours.
”She is ...” — through March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Maremi Andreozzi’s work is an affirmation through interpretive painted portraits of lesser known women in history. Painting a contemporary visual likeness and reconceptualizing their contributions confirms their place in our narrative and broadens our understanding of everyday exceptional people shaping history. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org. ”Urban and Industrial Landscapes” — through March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Paintings by Alfred Groff. Cities and in-
Alfred Groff presents work in the solo exhibition “Urban and Industrial Landscapes” through March 1 at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick. Shown here is one of his paintings.
dustrial landscapes are often thought of as cold and merely utilitarian. This work challenges that notion by considering the beauty in the forms and colors of urban and industrial environments. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.
”Midnight at Kelly Pond” — through March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Ceramic and mixed media by Anne Boyer. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.
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 photog-
presents her newest collection of acrylic paintings celebrating memories from her childhood in the ‘90s to ‘00s. Artist talk 3 p.m. Feb. 14. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Monday by appointment. 240-315-5483, vovgallery.com.
”Leaves Revisited” — Feb. 7 to March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Leaves take center stage in the fiber works of this exhibition by Dominie Nash. It is a continuation of Nash’s Big Leaf series, which considers the form and variety of leaves as an endless source of inspiration. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
”Tet[R]ad: Cultivating Community Discourses” — Feb. 7 to March 1, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media by David Modler, Samuel Peck and Michael Dodson. This installation is part of ongoing arts-based social and studio practices focused on engaging communities in collective art making. Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to participate with the artists in visual journals, collaborative drawings, and other potential creative mischief. Art Matters artists talk 2 p.m. Feb. 7. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656 or delaplaine.org.
raphy from local artists alongside the “Healthy Horizons Through Students’ Eyes” Competition. Hours are 8 a.m.6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240215-1460 or frederickhealth.org/crestwoodart.
“The Past is Always Present” — Jan. 15 to March 24 at Washington County Arts Council, 36 S Potomac St., Hagerstown. Curated by Eileen Berger of Just Lookin’ Art Gallery. The exhibition showcases the creativity of 14 African-American artists, featuring an array of original paintings, mixed media and assemblage works. Opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 16, and artist Russel Lewis will speak. 301-7913132.
”Be Kind, Rewind” — Feb. 1-28, Vault of Visions Art Gallery, 1 N. Market St., Frederick. Frederick artist Billi French
”Fusion and Focus: Reflections of Our Shared World” — Feb. 7-28, Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Fused glass artist Steven Gibson and photographer Mary Paul Barnaby combine their work in a mix of fused glass and photography that captures moments of beauty and wonder in our shared world. Playing with light and reflection in their pieces, they create a dynamic and ever-changing experience for the viewer. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. eastsidearts313@gmail.com.
Art-Hop: Black Art-Hop Hystoria — A Pop Up Exhibition by Taurean Washington — 5-7 p.m. Feb. 22, Frederick Social, 50 Citizen’s Way, Frederick. One of Maryland’s best emerging talent displays his work inspired by and commemorating Black History month. There will be visually engaging work along with complimentary food that reflect the African-American experience. Artist talk at 6 p.m. Teens and older. 301-465-1087 or tcw1@hood. edu.
Courtesy photo
Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ comes to New Spire Arts and the ESP Loft
BY JENNIFER LEE
Special to The News-Post
In the heart of downtown Frederick, “Macbeth” takes the stage. First performed in 1606 and one of William Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies, “Macbeth” has been brought to life by the Endangered Species theatre Project this month, with performances at New Spire Arts and the ESP Loft through Feb. 3.
The play plunges audiences into a dark world of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. When three mysterious witches foretell that Macbeth will become king, a deadly chain of events is set in motion, blurring the line between destiny and choice. Set against a foreboding backdrop of war and witchcraft, “Macbeth” explores the corrupting power of unchecked ambition and the psychological unraveling of a man consumed by power. The play ultimately asks audiences to decide whether Macbeth is a pawn of fate or the author of his own downfall.
Directed by Christine Mosere, with stage manager Alex-Marie Meyerriecks, Dan Franko as Macbeth and Sasha Carrera as Lady Macbeth, “Macbeth” is ideal for fans of dramatic theater, classic literature and suspenseful storytelling.
“I’ve always been drawn to the raw urgency and relentless momentum of Macbeth. The play crackles with speed, tension and moral intensity, and I wanted to explore that energy onstage,” Mosere said.
Franko was the winner of the Garden State Film Festival award for a noir short titled “The Recursion Theorem.” He has worked in the Maryland film scene for the past 20 years, with appearances on “The Wire,” “Veep” and roles in independent films such as “The Night Watchmen.”
Reflecting on the continued relevance of Shakespeare’s work, Franko said, “This experience has been equal parts exciting, terrifying and exhausting … and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to play this role and speak these iconic words — and that I get to do it here in my home town with people who I’ve been friends and co-collaborators with for years on film and stage.”
In addition to a cast and crew of local artists and professionals, Franko will also share the stage with
his son, Jack Franko, who is making his theatrical debut in “Macbeth” as Fleance, Young Siward and the Messenger.
Sasha Carrera, known for her feature film “Spinsters,” which was filmed in downtown Frederick last summer with the backdrop of JoJo’s Restaurant & Tap House on East Patrick Street, will again grace the stage with her presence.
“It feels so brave to be doing this play that’s sort of a cautionary tale against greed in the midst of what’s going on in the world around us — and even braver to be taking on these
iconic characters and making them real, relatable, complex people — at least that’s what I hope we are doing,” Carrera said.
Rain Pryor, director, writer and actor, who previously directed ESP’s productions of “Becky’s New Car” and “Topdog/Underdog” and co-starred in “Spinsters” alongside Carrera, will return to Frederick to play King Duncan.
The Endangered Species theatre Project’s mission is to “bring enjoyment and understanding through live theater that proactively focuses on diverse representation.”
ESPtheatre works to fulfill that mission by giving voice to forgotten plays and playwrights, producing work that increases representation of women over age 40 and other historically excluded artists and creating meaningful connections between people of all generations.
“Macbeth” has a runtime of approximately two hours with a 10-minute intermission. Performances at New Spire Arts, located at 15 W. Patrick St. in Frederick, will take place Jan. 23 to 25. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for New Spire Arts performances are available online at weinbergcenter. org for $25.
“Macbeth” will also have a limited run at the ESP Loft, located at 16 East Patrick St., second floor, in Frederick, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3. Weekend performances will be held at 3 p.m. and weekday performances at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the ESP Loft run are available online at ESPtheatre. org on a pay-what-you-will basis, with general admission seating.
At both venues, tickets will also be available for purchase in person one hour before each performance.
Courtesy photos
Way Off Broadway kicks off season with Agatha Christie’s ‘The Hollow’
Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater will kick off its season with Agatha Christie’s “The Hollow,” onstage through March 1.
An unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader explodes into murder one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell, arguably Christie’s finest comic grande dame. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the center of the trouble. Assembled in one place are his dull but devoted wife, Gerda, his mistress and prominent sculptor, Henrietta, and his former lover and Hollywood film star, Veronica. Also visiting are Edward and Midge, whose romantic assertions are likewise thrown into the mix. As the list of romantic associations grows, so
does the list of potential suspects when someone is found dead. Nearly everyone has a motive, but only one of them did the deed.
Performances are preceded by dinner featuring dinner rolls, a plated salad, dinner, dessert and coffee, tea and iced tea. A full service cash bar is available. Bar tab and gratuity not included. Children under age 5 are not admitted.
The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater is located at 5 Willowdale Drive. Since 1990, WOB has been entertaining the greater Frederick area. Under new ownership this year, WOB is excited and eager to entertain you.
Ticket prices vary by performance type. Tickets can be purchased at wayoffbroadway. com or by calling 301-662-6600.
In the F-wing at Urbana High School, a hallway backstage at contains a patchwork mural commemorating each theater production.
THEATER
(Continued from 11)
incorporate the theater arts into daily life,” Sparks said.
Preparing for the Cabaret has brought about the opportunity to reconnect with alumni from across the years and, in the words of the Cabaret’s theme, cherish the memories.
“I am grateful beyond words for the person that the F-wing made me into,” Sparks said. “And I am excited beyond words for the next generation of shows to hit that stage. They’re going to be spectacular.”
As the department marks the passing of three decades of theater magic and looks to the future, Ward acknowledges the difficulties that many theater programs face in keeping programs funded.
One of the initiatives Ward implemented was the Drama Boosters, a collective of volunteers who help oversee the logistics of everything from concessions to fundraising. Even parents whose students have matriculated have returned to give back to the department that meant so much to their children.
“They believe in the arts,” Ward said. “I am so eternally grateful to them. I’m eternally grateful to anyone that helps contribute to the department and its success.”
High school theater programs are typically self-funded, and Ward said ticket sales typically cover only about half of the operating budget. The Boosters solicit corporate sponsors and help with fundraisers.
A recent campaign to raise $30,000
to upgrade the lights in the theater was met in just two months. Donations included an anonymous beneficiary who matched $10,000 in donations.
While the high school celebrates three decades of success, Ward’s heartfelt plea to the larger community is to support all high school theater programs.
“Support Brunswick, Tuscarora, Middletown, Frederick, Catoctin, Walkersville, Linganore, TJ High School, Oakdale High School, Urbana High School Theater,” he said. “Whether or not you have a student in a high school theater program, go — I urge you — support high school theater. Whether it’s theater, band, dance, choir, students learn so much about themselves and who they are through these arts programs.
“If you’ve always considered checking out a high school production, do it before it’s too late, because you never know when that program could get cut,” Ward continued. “I salute every single one of my theater colleagues who, day in and day out, do the absolute very best that they can with the budget and funding that they have to provide arts in the county.”
Erin Jones is a freelance writer, former humanities teacher and owner of Galvanize & Grow Copywriting. She holds a BA in English from Hood College and an MA in English from the Bread Loaf School of English, through which she studied literature at Middlebury College and Oxford University. Learn more at erinjoneswriter.com, or follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter.
Courtesy photo
LIGHT IN A DARK BOX
Could this be the end of the movie theater as we know it?
As has been reported for about a month now, Warner Bros. is very interested in Netflix’s deal to buy it, giving the streaming service the keys to one of the top film studios of all time. And that doesn’t even touch on the fact that Netflix will have access to all of Warner Bros.’ other assets, like HBO Max and the Discovery Channel.
The whole purchase is far from a done deal, with Paramount trying everything it can to purchase Warner Bros. for itself, though Warners Bros. is basically quoting the poetess JoJo as it keeps telling Paramount, “Get out (leave) right now!”
When first reading about the possible acquisition by Netflix, I naturally thought of how this will affect the distribution of Warner Bros.’ films and whether they’ll even be shown in theaters anymore. Though Netflix has said it’d give the films theatrical releases before putting them on streaming, can anyone really trust the word of a multibillion-dollar company? (The answer is no.) So, soon, Netflix could potentially be rewriting the rules of how major films are released to the public.
As a longtime movie fanatic of a certain age, I grew up going to the theater to see the newest film every weekend, especially considering that in those days, it could be a full six months to a year before the film was available to rent from a video store (and even then it could take weeks to get a copy of it). Much has changed since then, obviously — most notably that I got bangs, and they really suit my face well — but I still love going to the theater for a big new release, even if the general public’s habit may not have stayed quite the same.
Since the pandemic, the average American’s viewing of films has largely become more localized to their living rooms, with trips to the theater becoming more a special occasion over a particularly noteworthy new film rather than a regular occurrence. There are myriad reasons for this — continuously high prices for not only movie tickets but also concessions, the wealth of streaming material available from the umpteen services and the fact that nearly all films are generally available to watch from home approximate-
A 2010 installation of “The
ly two minutes after they’ve been released in theaters.
Because everything, everywhere changes. That’s just the general truth about media — from how we get our music and TV to where we read our news — and the old model of the moviegoing experience has constantly evolved, even from before I was born. And as much as I hate to see these changes from my youth happen, I know that it’s necessary, and often for the better.
I can cling on to the last vestiges of nostalgic movie theater memories I have as long as I want, but if things don’t grow and evolve, they can become stagnant and dull. I mean, thank goodness we no longer have to tape our favorite new movies off of pay-perview or record our favorite songs off the radio.
So if Netflix does indeed buy Warner Bros. and slowly gets rid of the movie theater release method, who knows if that means other movie stu-
dios will follow suit. But even if they don’t, I have a feeling movie theaters will continue to change; whether they vanish altogether sometime in the not-too-distant future, I couldn’t say, but I can see a world where only a select number of movies get theatrical releases while the rest are available only on streaming. (To be fair, a film like “Avatar 3” is much more suited for movie theater viewing than, say, an introspective Scandinavian drama set entirely in a dimly lit convent.)
Then again, I could be completely wrong, and Netflix might be planning to completely revitalize the theatergoing experience with its acquisition. And if it is, well, I have some ideas to make its efforts really pay off.
First off, all the movie trailers we have to watch before the feature presentation are just too much. Two or three trailers, that’s fine, sure, but we’re now forced to watch about a dozen, which is crazy. So just like you give home viewers the option of skipping a TV show’s opening credits, why don’t
you give theater audiences the option of skipping the trailers? Worried we won’t all want to hit the skip button? Just play a preview for a Sydney Sweeney movie and we’ll all be clamoring for that button.
Secondly, and this is a sure-fire win — put an episode of HBO Max’s gay hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry” in theaters. Netflix, I’m telling you, people will be SEATED in every theater around the country. There will be lines around the block full of rabid Hollanov fans. You think the “Stranger Things” finale that played in theaters got a lot of business? Just wait until you show the “Heated Rivalry” episode where the two spend time alone together in the cottage. Fans won’t want to leave when it’s over and will pay you again just to replay it. And make sure you put it in IMAX!
Michael Hunley is a copy editor at POLITICO’s E&E News in D.C. He previously worked as a copy editor for The Frederick News-Post. Contact him at mr85mt@gmail.com.
Todd-White Photography/Museum of Modern Art, Paula Cooper Gallery and White Cube
Clock”
MICHAEL HUNLEY
Local Mentions
BINGO - TUESDAY AFTERNOONSFREDERICK ELKS
Every Tuesday - 289 Willowdale Dr
Doors open 11:00 - Bingo begins at 12:30
Also pull tabs and tip jars
Food available for purchase
Cash only - ATM available on site
Payouts increase with attendance - so invite a friend!
3 at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Fred , incls: 2 vaults, 2 openings & closings, valued at $14,300, asking $9,000 Buyer is responsible for transfer of fees ($250 Call/ text 301-305-9239, billmartin6470@gmail com
Wanted to Buy
LIQUOR COLLECTOR
Searching for SEALED / UNOPENED liquor bottles, older the better! Payment in CASH! Christopher Text/Call 443-244-2084
Pets & Supplies
CHIPOO & TOY POODLE PUPPIES
Adorable very small male chipoo puppy, choc & tan long coat 7 mo old, two toy poodle females,one small Apricot almost 1 yr old & one Red 6 mo old All up to date on shots, d-wormed and micro-chipped Family raised, they are trained to use a wee pad Chipoo male-$850 00, Toy poodle females $950 00 each They come with a written health guarantee Please serious inquiries only 301-241-4159
GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPIES
Ready now! Shots, wormed, vet checked 3 year health guarantee Parents on premises $1250 plus 240-620-2013 • www victoriaspups com
NOW HIRING SHORT ORDER COOKS & WAITRESSES Days, Nights and Weekends; Needs to know toast. Call 301-662-5333, Redmens Club #19
Thursday Jan. 22
CLASSES
Veteran Affairs S.A.V.E. training — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Veteran Services Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Designed to provide essential training for individuals working with veterans, service members, and their family members. This course primarily focuses on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and understanding the unique challenges faced by veterans. No registration necessary. 240-651-8889. info@veteranservicescenter. org.
ETCETERA
Curious Iguana Presents: Author Richard Bell — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, come join a fascinating look into the past with author Richard Bell as he discusses his new book “The American Revolution and the Fate of the World.” Following his talk, Richard will answer questions and sign books. Books will be available for purchase at the event. curiousiguanaevents@gmail.com. curiousiguana.com/event/richard-bell/.
Lab Dog: Local Author Talk & Beagle Meet and Greet — 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join local author Melanie D.G. Kaplan and the vice president of animal research issues for Humane World for Animals, Katie Conlee, for an evening exploring the world of research animals and the beagle who changed Melanie’s life. Through short readings, a discussion, and a visit from beagles bred for research, Kaplan and Conlee will share what they know about empathy, science and the bond between humans and animals. For teens and older.
301-600-7000.
FAMILY
Musical Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Music, movement, and stories for the whole family. Designed for ages 0 and up with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/musical-storytime-187894.
Family Fun: Art Night — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Roll up your sleeves and let your imagination run wild as we exper-
iment with different art forms. Age group: Elementary. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.
FILM
Movie Night: Pollution in the Potomac — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at New Spire Arts Stages, 15 West Patrick St., Frederick. Enjoy a the World’s Most Scenic River Journeys episode on the Potomac followed by presentations on PFAS pollution by the Potomac Riverkeepers. 301-417-4371. info@icprb.org.
MUSIC
Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older. 301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.
THEATER
“The Prom” — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. MET’s Teen Ensemble presents. Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue ... and themselves. This production contains mature language which may not be suitable to some viewers. $20. 3016944744. contact@marylandensemble.org.
Friday Jan. 23
CLASSES
Partner & Contra Lessons and Dancing — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at AmVets Post 7, 26 Apples Church Road, Thurmont. Grab your partner and come learn how to Partner & Contra dance with instructors Carissa Barth Kijowski and Brandon Kijowski! This is a great class to attend if you are beginners! Fridays in January. $15. 202-758-4179. Fibedancecontact@gmail.com.
ETCETERA
Go Team Therapy Dogs: An Adaptive Adult Program — 11 a.m. to noon at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Join us as we welcome the Go Team Therapy Dogs back to the Brunswick
Library! We invite all adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers to join us for this fun, sensory event. 18 and older.
Mike Kuster and The Catoctin Cowboys — 8 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery Riverside, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. A night of high-energy country music! An evening filled with heartfelt originals, toe-tappin’ honky-tonk, and the top-notch musicianship that’s made Mike one of the region’s most exciting country artists with a string of awards and number one singles on independent radio charts. Rockwell’s great beer + great live music = the perfect winter weekend kickoff! Tickets available online — and you can also purchase tickets at the door! 21 and older.
Country Night — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Skate Frederick, 1288 Riverbend Way, Frederick. Dust off your boots for a good ol’ Country Night on ice with DJ Big Panda playing classic country hits, snack bar, photo booth + brops! First 100 guests will receive a FREE cowboy accessory! All ages. $8 admission + $4 skate rental. 301-6627362. marketing@skatefrederick.com. skatefrederick.com/home/country-nightwith-dj-big-panda/.
FAMILY
Preschool Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories, and fun for preschoolers and their grownups. Designed for ages 3-5 with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/preschool-storytime-187933.
Get Ready for Kindergarten — 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 East Moser Road, Thurmont. Have fun exploring literacy, science, mathematics, and art through play-based activities that integrate essential school skills. Designed for ages 3-5 with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ get-ready-kindergarten-187947.
Kids Only: Clay Winter Dioramas — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Hot Fired Arts, 1003
Seventh St., Suite D, Frederick. For kids 5 to 12, this 90-minute drop-off clay class is for you! Make little winter themed dioramas or scenes with clay. It’s fun plus kids will practice eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills, and strengthening ideas into reality. Hot Fired Arts will provide all the supplies needed then will fire the pieces in the kiln for each student. Pottery pieces will be available for pick up in 2 weeks to ensure dryness. Register online.
$32 per child. hotfiredarts.com.
FILM
Mountainfilm on Tour — 7:30 p.m. at Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, Pa. Using the power of film, art and ideas, the festival brings together a community of filmmakers and change makers, showcasing documentary films that celebrate adventure, activism, social justice, environment and indomitable spirit. Held in Telluride, Colorado, every May, the Majestic Theater staff specially curates an evening of the best adventure shorts of the festival for our audiences. $15 in advance / $20 at door
$15 advance, $20 at the door. 717-3378200. www.gettysburgmajestic.org.
MUSIC
The ABBA Reunion Tribute Show — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. From “Mamma Mia” to “Dancing Queen,” all of the greatest hits are performed with unrivaled authenticity from both an audio and visual perspective with an amazing jaw-dropping finale re-creation taking you back to where it all began in 1974! $44 and up. 301-790-3500. boxoffice@ mdtheatre.org.
www.mdtheatre.org/abba-reunion-tribute.
1964 The Tribute — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. With meticulous attention to detail, 1964 replicates the sound, look and feel of a real Beatles performance, transporting audiences back to the height of Beatlemania. For over 40 years, this cast of professional musicians has brought the spirit of the Fab Four to life for those who never had the chance to see them live. A perennial favorite on the Weinberg stage, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to feel the magic of a Beatles show for the first time or relive it. $35, $30, $25. 301-6002828. dyoung@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/1964-the-tribute-2026/.
Frederick Social Goes CLUB — 8 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. at Frederick Social, 50 Citizen’s Way, Frederick. Brain Dead Live and DEEPNTACT team up yet again for some dancefloor debauchery. What’s the occasion? Oh just the 30th birthday of local maestro Jjaro! braindead.live/calendar/frederick-social-goes-club.
Live Music at the Cocktail Lab — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Every Friday in the Cocktail Lab we’ll be servin’ up our deliciously wild concoctions and some sweet tunes to get your weekend started off right. 21 and older.
301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling. com.
tenthwarddistilling.com.
Blightbeast, Weed Coughin, Disciples of Violent Entities — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Cafe Nola, 4 E. Patrick St., Frederick. An evening of excellent heavy metal. Blightbeast is making our first venture to Western Maryland. With Frederick locals Weed Coughin and Baltimore homies Disciples of Violent Entities. 21+ only.
$5. 301-514-5836. blightbeastofficial@ gmail.com.
RECREATION
Linganore at Oakdale girls high school basketball game — 7 p.m. at Oakdale High School, 5850 Eaglehead Drive, Ijamsville. Two adjacent rivals meet on the hardwoods in what could be a preview of the CMC county girls basketball championship in February. 240-566-9400. fredcosports.com.
THEATER
“The Prom” — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. MET’s Teen Ensemble presents. Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue ... and themselves. This production contains mature language which may not be suitable to some viewers. $20. 3016944744. contact@marylandensemble.org.
ci.ovationtix.com/35900/production/1255779.
“Macbeth” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes … In one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies, “Macbeth” plunges audiences into a dark world of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. When three mysterious witches foretell that Macbeth will become king, a deadly chain of events is set in motion, blurring the line between destiny and choice. Admission: Pay-what-you-will. contact@esptheatre.org. endangeredspecies.my.salesforce-sites. com/ticket/#/events/a0SRo000006IdfNMAS.
Saturday Jan. 24
CLASSES
Succession Gardening — 10 a.m. to noon
at Edward F. Fry Memorial Library at Point of Rocks, 1635 Ballenger Creek Pike, Point of Rocks. Learn the technique of succession gardening with Frederick County Master Gardener Megan Rice to ensure a steady, staggered supply of plants and vegetables throughout the growing season. 18 and older.
Teen Winter Watercolor Workshop — 10 a.m. to noon at Scott Key Community Center, 1050 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick. Dive into the world of watercolor in this creative workshop designed just for teens! Learn techniques like blending, color layering, and brush control while painting a winter-themed landscape. Recommended for ages 13 to 18 years old. Register at recreater.com (#38096). $8 person. recreater.com.
ETCETERA
Spring Enrollment Day at FCC — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frederick Community College , 7932 Opossumtown Pike (Jefferson Hall), Frederick. Spring 2026 classes are starting soon and Frederick Community College is here to help you get ready! Visit us to finalize your enrollment, pick up textbooks, connect with student support services, and more. We are making it easy to take care of everything in one convenient visit. 301-624-2772. assist@frederick.edu. calendar.frederick.edu/event/spring-semester-enrollment-day-at-fcc.
History Program: “George Blessing, Hero of Highland” — 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 this encore presentation. 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/possible-mwahs-encore-program-181859.
Curious Iguana Presents: Middle-Grade Author Cordelia Jensen — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Calling all young poets: this one is for you! Author Cordelia Jensen discusses her new middle grade novel “Lilac and the Switchback,” with fellow author Laura Shovan. This story (written entirely in verse!) follows Lilac, a girl feeling like the “extra” kid in her aunt and uncle’s soon-tobe fuller house; however, after receiving a check from her estranged father, Lilac wonders if it’s worth the risk to find him. Following the conversation, Cordelia will answer questions and sign books. Copies will be available for purchase at the event. curiousiguanaevents@gmail.com. curiousiguana.com/event/cordelia-jensen/.
FAMILY
“Brown Bear” Storytime and Craft — 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Walkersville Rec Center, 83 W. Frederick St., Walkersville.
Join Frederick County Parks and Rec for a morning of fun centered around “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See” by Eric Carle. Families will enjoy reading the book, a snack and a related craft. Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years old. This is a drop-off class; participants must be able to use the restroom independently. Please send a nut free snack. Register at recreater.com (#38078). $15 person. recreater.com.
AARCH Storytime — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at African American Heritage Center, 125 E. All Saints St., Frederick. Kids 4 to 8 and their families are welcome to the AARCH for an exciting children’s story time celebrating African American authors, culture and history. Following the book, kids can check out a fun, hands-on activity to bring the story to life. Free to attend; donations are greatly appreciated. aarchsociety.org.
Winter STEM with “The Snow Thief” — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Squirrel has never seen snow before. Will he like it? Come find out! Join us for a fun telling of “The Snow Thief” by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater. Then participate in wintry hands-on STEM activities. Age Group: Elementary. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.
Bears & Cubs Nature Walks — 4 p.m. at Fountain Rock Park & Nature Center, 8511 Nature Center Place, Walkersville. Explore the outdoors hand-in-hand! This parent-child nature walk is perfect for little ones. Discover patterns, sounds, animal signs, and more as you all stroll the park trails. Recommended for kids 1 to 4 years old and their parent. Register at recreater. com (#36271). The Bears & Cubs program is offered on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m. through March 21. $8 parent/child pair. recreater.com.
FILM
“Gallipoli” Screening & WWI Panel Discussion — 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Middletown Branch Library, 31 E. Green St., Middletown. Jan 9, 2026, marks the 110th anniversary of the end of World War One’s Gallipoli campaign: a disas-
trous failure for the Allies but a stunning victory for the crumbling Ottoman Empire. Learn more through Peter Weir’s “Gallipoli” (1981) about this defining moment in Australia’s national identity. After the film, military historian Dr. Scott Hileman will discuss the campaign’s impact on world events like the Armenian Genocide. Microbiologist Dr. Mark Chee will discuss how Britain’s involvement of its colonies in the war eventually helps the 1918 influenza spread across the empire upon which the sun never set. 301-600-7560.
“The Prom” — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. MET’s Teen Ensemble presents. Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue ... and themselves. This production contains mature language which may not be suitable to some viewers. $20. 3016944744. contact@marylandensemble.org. ci.ovationtix.com/35900/production/1255779.
“Macbeth” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes … In one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies, “Macbeth” plunges audiences into a dark world of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. When three mysterious witches foretell that Macbeth will become king, a deadly chain of events is set in motion, blurring the line between destiny and choice. Admission: Pay-what-you-will. contact@esptheatre.org. endangeredspecies.my.salesforce-sites. com/ticket/#/events/a0SRo000006IdfNMAS.
Sunday Jan. 25
CLASSES
Indoor Gardening — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Winter doesn’t
have to mean putting your green thumb on hold — bring the garden inside! Whether you’re new to plant care or you’re already a houseplant pro, this is the perfect time to learn how to propagate your favorite plants and keep the green growing year-round. 21 and older.
301-600-8200. www.frederickcountymd.gov.
ETCETERA
Calling all Brunners! — 12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Frederick Eagles Aerie #1067, 207 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Frederick Sister Cities Association cordially invites you, and all interested parties, to our first meeting of the new year. Food available for purchase. 240-646-4640. Lmurbanowicz@gmail.com. fredericksistercitiesassociation.weebly. com/.
Great Comets in History — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Learn about noteworthy comets of the last 1,000 years and how they have influenced history and culture, from local amateur astronomer Scott Carr. 18 and older.
Antietam Station Open House — noon to 4 p.m. at Hagerstown Model RR Museum Inc. at Antietam Station, 17230 Sharpsburg Pike, Sharpsburg. The Hagerstown Model RR Museum will open the historic Antietam Train Station to the public every Sunday in January. Admission is free and the station is handicap accessible. Several operating model train layouts and displays of local railroad history. 301-964-0469. bblairwilliamson@aol.com. www.antietamstation.com.
R.E.A.D. with WAGS — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Bring your kids to the library in Thurmont for a fun way to practice reading — in front of a furry new friend. Service dogs will be present and ready for storytime this Sunday afternoon. Children can build courage reading a book of their choice to Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.). fcpl.org.
FILM
Queer Family Movie Night — 5 p.m. at The Frederick Center, 5 E. Second St., Frederick. Featuring a surprise title that will be rated PG-13. During this free event, the nonprofit will have popcorn and some light concessions for a “donate what you can” cost. Stop in with your youth and enjoy a show on the big screen. 301-383-8787. thefrederickcenter.org.
THEATER
“The Prom” — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. MET’s Teen Ensemble presents. Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town
prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue ... and themselves. This production contains mature language which may not be suitable to some viewers. $20. 3016944744. contact@marylandensemble.org. ci.ovationtix.com/35900/production/1255779.
“Macbeth” — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at New Spire Arts, 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick. By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes … In one of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedies, “Macbeth” plunges audiences into a dark world of ambition, prophecy and betrayal. When three mysterious witches foretell that Macbeth will become king, a deadly chain of events is set in motion, blurring the line between destiny and choice. Admission: Pay-whatyou-will. contact@esptheatre.org. endangeredspecies.my.salesforce-sites. com/ticket/#/events/a0SRo000006IdfNMAS.
Monday Jan. 26 CLASSES
Homebodies and High Flyers — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg. For ages 6-12. The Carroll Garden Club, in partnership with CCPL’s Finksburg Branch, will provide participants with the opportunity to make the cold days and the long nights of winter a little more bearable for our feathered friends. Learn why some birds, like the homebodies, will stay behind in the cold winter months and why others, like the high flyers, will migrate to a warmer climate.
Sol Yoga — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join us for this free yoga class offered by Sol Yoga. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.
How to Build a 1500+ SAT Score Strategy (ages 11-18) — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join the experts from C2 Education for a presentation on strategies for achieving a 1500+ SAT Score. 301-600-7000.
FAMILY
Family Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Enjoy music, stories, and more! Designed for ages up to 5 with a caregiver. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.
Baby Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories, and play for babies and their grownups. Designed for ages 0-24 months with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov.
Little Adventurers — 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Children learn and explore through hands-on activities using science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts at the library. Caregivers are encouraged to connect with children and participate in the activities!
Sphero Mania — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead. For ages 8 - 13. We will be breaking out the mini remotecontrolled Sphero robots. We will be doing programming with them, as well as running them through races and obstacle courses.
LEGO Builders Club — 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carroll County Public Library, Mount Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy. For ages 6+. Want to practice your building skills? Join us for a LEGO program where you tackle a new design challenge each time! We supply the bricks, and you supply the creativity! 410-386-4470. ask@carr.org. ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/legobuilders-club-268864.
Tuesday Jan. 27 CLASSES
Self-Care Through Resilience — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Myersville Community Library, 8 Harp Place, Myersville . A guided discussion centered around self-care by building resilience. Travis Walter of the Mental Health Association will discuss seven factors of resilience and how to incorporate them into your everyday life. This will include an emphasis on engaging self-care and building positive connections. 18 and older. 301-600-8350. rkurtz@frederickcountymd. gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/selfcare-title-tbd-183986.
FAMILY
Musical Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Music, movement, and stories for the whole family. Designed for ages 0 and up with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@ frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/ musical-storytime-187894.
Young Homesteaders: Growing Microgreens (Ages 9-13) — 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join Anna Glenn from the University of Maryland Extension for Young Homesteaders, a hands-on session where youth ages
9–13 will learn the basics of sustainable living. Microgreens: Learn how to pack a whole bunch of nutrients into a small growing space. Geared for ages 9-13. 301-600-6329.
www.fcpl.org.
Independent Schools Admissions Fair with Light Refreshments — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Families can meet representatives from several outstanding independent schools in the region. Learn about each school’s unique programs, community, and admissions process — all in one convenient evening. Participating schools include The Banner School, Barnesville School, Springdale Preparatory School, Friends Meeting School and Lucy School, Light refreshments.
301-381-2191. dan.buck@lucyschool.org.
Engineering Challenge (Ages 9-18) — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Calling all future engineers and those who enjoy STEM challenges. Apply engineering principles to brainstorm, design and build structures, solve problems and test your skills. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.
Wednesday Jan. 28
CLASSES
Free Gentle Yoga at the Co-op — 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Common Market Co-op, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. This class is the perfect intro for a new student or an experienced yogi that is wanting to fill their cup with an accessible and supportive yoga practice. There will be plenty of modifications offered to meet various levels so that ALL can enjoy the benefits of yoga. The practice will include low impact movement, seated postures and plenty of stretching. Students will become comfortable using props like blocks, straps and even the occasional chair. These classes allow the student to leave with lots of tools to support a yoga practice in any class setting as well as a home practice. Classes are donation based. 301-663-3416. arobinson@commonmarket. coop.
FAMILY
Toddler Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Songs, stories, and fun for toddlers and their grownups. Designed for 2 year olds with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/toddler-storytime-187907.
Tween Perler Bead Art (Ages 9-13) — 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. A casual craft session where tweens can make Perler Bead Art with a variety of patterns available. Perler beads are plastic fuse beads that you place on a grid and melt together. Participants will leave with a finished piece of Perler Beard art. 301-600-6329. www.fcpl.org.
Thursday Jan. 29
CLASSES
Free DIY Zine-Making, with Oscar Ruth — 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fox Haven Farm & Retreat Center, 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson. Zines are potent tools of self-expression. All it takes to transform a single sheet of paper into an 8-page mini magazine is a few folds and a single cut. What you put in the zine is your decision! It could be a story, poem, or spell that’s been percolating within you, or it could emerge through a collage process. Your finished zine can be photocopied after the event and shared with friends, keeping the spirit of DIY publishing alive. Family friendly. 240-490-5484. alecks@foxhavenfarm.org. foxhavenfarm.org.
ESL High Beginner’s/Low Intermediate Conversation Classes — 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. For adults who want to practice their English to a conversation class hosted by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Students will practice their speaking and listening skills with conversations guided by an instructor from the Literacy Council. Registration is required by the Literacy Council of Frederick County. Register at https://tinyurl.com/42wsztha. Age 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.
FAMILY
Tiny Stages: “Pop!” — 10 a.m. to 10:45
a.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A FUN Company Tiny Stages Production. Bubbles, balloons and popcorn come to life in this joyful, immersive show filled with music, puppets and playful surprises. A gentle, sensory adventure where every POP! brings a new delight. Geared for ages up to 5. Pay-whatyou-can. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/tiny-stages-pop/.
Musical Storytime — 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Thurmont Regional Library, 76 E. Moser Road, Thurmont. Music, movement, and stories for the whole family. Designed for ages 0 and up with a caregiver. 301-600-7200. bbrannen@frederickcountymd.gov. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/musical-storytime-187894.
Family Fun: STEM Night — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. STEM related stations will be set up for hands on fun and experimentation. Age group: Elementary. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.
MUSIC
Live Jazz at the Cocktail Lab — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tenth Ward Distilling Co., 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Get swanky with us every Thursday night for live jazz and your favorite craft cocktails. 21 and older. 301-360-5888. monica@tenthwarddistilling.com. tenthwarddistilling.com.
POLITICS
Frederick County Government with the Frederick Arts Council Presentation and Discussion for Potential Public Art on the Ballenger Creek Linear Trail — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Discussion points include an overview of the FAC’s Public Art Master Plan and vision for public art across the county, a summary of the art selection and evaluation process, and an exploration of inspiring examples of public art from across the world along nature trails, as well as review of feedback from a recent survey about attitudes regarding public art on the trail. Register online. tinyurl.com/w6fm3jy6.
Friday Jan. 30 CLASSES
Mental Health First Aid Course — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veteran Services Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd.,, Suite A, Frederick. If you are a veteran or an individual working with veterans in our community this is the training for you. Designed to give people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to recognize and respond to the warning signs of specific illnesses. dwilliams@everymind.org.
Brain Boost: Protect Your Business
Meet the Experts
When You’re the Whole Team — noon to 1 p.m. at Cowork Frederick, 122 E. Patrick St., Frederick. A free lunch and learn for the Frederick Business Community! Build simple systems that keep your business running even when you can’t. Learn about owner resilience, digital protection, workflow backups, and practical ways to stay prepared, adaptable and stress-free. Pre-registration required. 301-372-5165. heycowork@coworkfrederick.com. coworkfrederick.com.
Partner & Contra Lessons and Dancing — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at AmVets Post 7, 26 Apples Church Road, Thurmont. Grab your partner and come learn how to Partner & Contra dance with instructors Carissa Barth Kijowski and Brandon Kijowski! This is a great class to attend if you are beginners! Fridays in January. $15. 202-758-4179. Fibedancecontact@ gmail.com.
ETCETERA
Healing Happens in Community Annual Gala — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Walkersville Social Hall, 79 W. Frederick St., Walkersville. On Our Own of Frederick County’s 6th Annual Gala. This special evening will bring together peers, community organizations, advocates and supporters for a night of fellowship, food, music and a silent auction, all in support of the ongoing mission to strengthen individuals, families and our community. $75 per ticket or $600 per table. 240-629-8015. jackie@onourownfrederick.org. onourownfrederick.org.
