72 HOURS March 12, 2026

OUR Past Persists

FAC WANTS YOUR FLOWERS

The Frederick Arts Council is seeking artist proposals for “Black-Eyed Susans: Fifty Years of Creativity in Bloom,” a large-scale temporary installation marking FAC’s 50th anniversary. The concept draws inspiration from the famous ceramic poppy installation at the Tower of London: individually crafted Black-Eyed Susans installed across outdoor locations throughout Frederick County and on display through December. Each artist is asked to design a single flower roughly 18 inches tall, suitable for outdoor use, with a plan for producing them in batches. Materials can range from metal and ceramics to fiber and recycled goods. Kinetic and light-responsive elements are welcome. The total project budget is $12,000, and flowers will be sold for around $80 each after the installation concludes. Applications are due March 20 via SlideRoom at frederickartscouncil.slideroom.com. Local artists are especially encouraged to apply.

ERIK LARSON IS COMING TO TOWN

Erik Larson swore he’d never write a Civil War book. “Who needs the grief?” he once said, imagining hordes of artillery-toting buffs descending on his book tour. (A friend of his actually had a reader show up with a fully loaded Civil War-era cannon. True story.) And yet, here we are: Larson’s “The Demon of Unrest” is a No. 1 New York Times bestseller, and he’ll be in Frederick on March 18 for a talk and book signing at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, hosted by Curious Iguana. The book traces the months leading up to the bombardment of Fort Sumter through a cast of characters that includes scheming senators, a sharp-tongued diarist named Mary Chesnut and a very compelling Abraham Lincoln. Larson credits the pandemic for finally nudging him toward the subject — he was stuck on Long Island, reading old war records, and couldn’t stop. Tickets are available at curiousiguana.com, though at last check, few remained.

NEW SHOP OPENS IN FREDERICK

Downtown Frederick is getting a little more colorful — and a little more outspoken — with the arrival of Wavelength Wear, a casual apparel brand opening its doors at 122 N. East St. The queer-owned business describes itself as proudly progressive, selling T-shirts, tote bags and other essentials carrying bold messages on causes its founders consider worth amplifying. A ribbon cutting is set for 11 a.m. March 12, hosted by Downtown Frederick Partnership. If you want to browse before you commit to the commute, check out wavelengthshop.com.

STRIPMALL BALLADS IN HAGERSTOWN

Brunswick-based singer-songwriter Phillips Saylor Wisor, aka Stripmall Ballads, has been quietly building one of the most evocative catalogs in American folk music, and his newest release might be the best argument yet for paying attention. “Everybody Wins,” released Feb. 10, is a bruised and beautiful record set among floodplains, broken-down mill towns and satellite parking lots — populated with characters who are surviving, if just barely. Alt-country stalwart John R. Miller and his band The Engine Lights anchor the album, with guests Lydia Loveless, Willy Tea Taylor and Bob Sumner rounding out the roster. Wisor will bring the album to life at Hub City Vinyl in Hagerstown on March 12 from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are at liveathubcityvinyl.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY COMES EARLY

Can’t wait until the 17th? The City of Gaithersburg and its partners at Rio are hosting the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14 at 10 a.m. along Grand Corner Avenue. Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, fire trucks, school groups and assorted characters will all make the march. This year’s grand marshal is Dorthy Winder, a city retiree who spent nearly 15 years organizing the parade itself. After the parade, stick around for the Shamrock Stroll, with specials, music and activities throughout Rio. Parking is free in three garages along Washingtonian Boulevard.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Share your community stories and events with us! Email llarocca@newspost.com.

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.

Revocable Living Trusts: A Valuable Estate Planning Tool for Everyone

Introduction

When it comes to Estate Planning, many people mistakenly believe that revocable living trusts are only for the wealthy. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Revocable living trusts offer a versatile and powerful way to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensure a smooth transition of wealth to your loved ones after your passing, regardless of your financial status. The revocable living trusts are not just for the rich, and here is why.

Probate Avoidance

One of the most significant advantages of a revocable living trust is that it allows assets to bypass the probate process. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is settled and distributed under court supervision. It can be time-consuming, costly, and subject to public scrutiny. However, a revocable living trust allows your assets to pass directly to your designated beneficiaries without going through probate. This is beneficial for individuals with modest estates as it streamlines the asset transfer process, saving time and expenses.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Another compelling reason for establishing a revocable living trust is privacy. Unlike Wills, which become public records when they go through probate, trust documents remain private. This means that the details of your estate, including the distribution of assets, beneficiaries, and the terms of the trust, are kept confidential. For many individuals, regardless of their wealth, maintaining privacy is essential, and a revocable living trust can help achieve that goal.

Incapacity Planning

Estate Planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away; it also involves preparing for the possibility of incapacity during your lifetime. A revocable living trust provides a mechanism for managing your assets if you become unable to do so yourself. You can appoint a successor trustee who will step in and manage your assets according to your wishes if you become incapacitated. This can be especially valuable for anyone, regardless of their financial status, who wants to ensure their affairs are handled smoothly in the event of a medical crisis.

Family and Beneficiary Protection

Revocable living trusts offer a level of protection for your beneficiaries that a simple will cannot provide. You can set up specific provisions to protect inheritances for your loved ones. For example, if you have minor children or beneficiaries who struggle with financial responsibility, you can create provisions in the trust that distribute assets at specific ages or under certain conditions … continued next month.

Please call us at 301-414-8726 or self-schedule at www.lenaclarklegal.com if you would like to help protect your assets and loved ones in the event of death or disability.

Taco Bar Frederick brings fresh, steaming Mexican platters to W. Patrick Street

BY ESTHER FRANCES efrances@newspost.com

Taco Bar Frederick brings Mexican flavors to West Patrick Street with fresh, steaming platters of tacos.

The restaurant’s modern vibe offers a contemporary dining room for a quick or drawn-out meal.

At a recent visit, I chose Combo #12, which consists of three tacos and a drink and costs $17. The al pastor taco includes a savory and sweet combination of pork, pineapple and onions in a corn tortilla. The bright, tangy pineapples and thinly sliced onions cut through the seasoned pork to bring a medley of flavors to a single bite. The chicken taco, which has shredded meat, and the steak taco both include heaps of juicy meat inside of corn tortillas.

IF YOU GO

Taco Bar Frederick is at 1450 W. Patrick St., Frederick. For info, call 301-732-5716.

Other items on the menu are burritos, quesadillas and tostadas, which can also come included in combination orders.

Customers can visit the toppings bar — hence the name of the establishment — for salsa and vegetables like pickled onions, jalapeños and tomatoes to finish off their tacos. Fresh cilantro is available, too.

Taco Bar’s mission statement is to “provide the community with authentic Mexican fast food,” according to its website.

“We want all our customers to be involved in an experience that welcomes them to be part of the Mexican culture,” the website says.

There is also a Taco Bar location in Gaithersburg, which has operated for nearly 25 years, and a sister restaurant in Hagerstown called Takito.

Three tacos from Taco Bar Frederick, from left: al pastor, steak and chicken.

‘We

presume too much about each other’

The ‘Klan Whisperer’ returns to Frederick:

Daryl Davis to speak at

New Spire Arts

BY SHUAN BUTCHER

Special to The News-Post

Most people, when they discover they’re sitting at a bar with a member of the Ku Klux Klan, find a reason to leave.

Daryl Davis did not.

It was the early 1980s at the Silver Dollar Lounge, a truck stop bar in Frederick with a reputation, Davis recalls, of “not being welcoming to Black people.” He was there because he had a gig. A classically trained musician with a degree in music and a full-time career on the road, Davis had joined a country band and was the only Black man in it. During a break after the first set, a white man approached him.

“He loved my piano playing,” Davis said. “He told me he had never heard a black guy play like that and invited me back to his table.” Over drinks, the man made a confession: It was the first time he had ever shared a drink with a Black person. Davis asked why, and the man said he was a member of the Klan, even producing his membership card.

They exchanged numbers and kept in touch. Rather than retreating, Davis leaned in, because the encounter crystallized a question that had haunted him since childhood: “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?”

Davis will be in Frederick on March 14 at New Spire Arts to talk about his experiences and what he’s discovered over the years. The show sold out within the past week.

Davis grew up as the child of U.S. diplomats and was raised largely abroad.

“I grew up in the American Embassy, traveling the world at the age of 3 with my parents,” he said during a recent interview ahead of his show. “My dad worked in the State Department. His job was to foster better relations with other countries.”

By adulthood, Davis had visited 65 countries across six continents.

That global childhood shaped his worldview, but it did not shield him from American racism. When he was 10 years old — the only Black Boy Scout in a parade in Massachusetts — spectators threw rocks and bottles at him.

“When I got home, my mom and dad sat me down and explained what racism was,” Davis said. “It didn’t make sense to me. How can someone who had never seen me, had never spoken

Daryl Davis will speak in Frederick on March 14. The talk has already sold out.

to me, or knew nothing about me want to enact harm on me? That has always stayed with me. So I’ve always sought to understand why people hate others. Where does this belief come from? I know you were not born with it.”

After that first encounter at the Silver Dollar Lounge, Davis continued the conversation. He eventually requested a meeting with the Klan leader from Maryland and later wrote a book about the experience. The results are striking: More than 200 Klan members have left the organization after conversations with him.

Davis is careful to frame what he does — and does not do.

“I never converted anybody,” he said plainly. “Over 200 have converted themselves after having a conversation with me.”

The distinction matters to him. His approach is not performance or persuasion; it is genuine curiosity, rooted in five principles he believes are universal.

“I’ve always concluded that every single person I have met is a human being. And every person wants these five basic core values in their lives: Everyone wants to be loved. We all want to be respected. Everyone wants to be heard. We all want to be treated fairly and truthfully. And we want the

same things for our family.

“If we can learn to apply these five core values when we find ourselves in an adversarial situation,” he went on. “I guarantee that your navigation will be much more smooth, more positive and more productive.”

Davis does not see his work as unique to race relations. He believes the same framework applies everywhere, from abortion debates to foreign policy.

“My methods can apply to any situation — abortion, nuclear weapons, deploying ICE in our cities, Russia and Ukraine, you name it. We have become a cancel culture. If you don’t believe as I believe, then we can’t even talk. We need to get back to where it’s OK to disagree, but let’s talk about it.”

He is impatient with the idea that dialogue is only possible in safe or comfortable circumstances.

“If I can go to a Klan rally and talk with people, then you can go to your family’s holiday dinner and talk with someone who voted differently or who you disagree with. You have to understand the why. It is knowing rather than presuming. We presume too much about each other.”

Davis acknowledges that no single group holds a monopoly on racism or bigotry.

photo

Away from the headlines about his conversations with Klan members, Davis is first and foremost a musician. He has played in all 50 states and around the world, served as both bandleader and sideman, and spent 32 years performing alongside rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry. He has also appeared in episodes of “The Wire,” which was filmed in Baltimore. He is a full-time performer who also happens to be one of the most unusual diplomats in America.

The parallels between his two vocations are not lost on him.

“The job of the bandleader is to foster harmony between all the voices or instruments and to control the dissonance. After I get off the stage, I want harmony all around me.”

It is a fitting metaphor for a man who has spent his life doing exactly that — walking into the most discordant rooms imaginable and asking a simple question. Not demanding an answer or offering a lecture. Just asking. And then listening.

“We are all here together,” he said, “and we have to address things civilly.”

Shuan Butcher is a writer, nonprofit professional, event planner and avid traveler. He writes from Frederick.

MUSIC

Joined in Joy Spires Brass Band and Frederick Chorale plan collaborative concert

BY JILL GARTZ

Special to The News-Post

Spreading joy throughout the community drives the first collaboration between the Spires Brass Band and the Frederick Chorale. The program centers on the theme of joy, highlighted by selections such as “Make a Joyful Noise,” based on Psalm 98. Each piece reflects a spirit of celebration, creating an uplifting musical experience for performers and audiences.

“It’s going to be a joyful celebration of music in Frederick,” said Heidi Ackerman, music director and conductor of the Frederick Chorale, adding that the concert highlights the city’s sense of community. “This collaboration really highlights that feeling that we are very connected across Frederick.” She hopes audiences leave proud of the music created locally.

Performances will take place at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Frederick Community College at 7:30 p.m. March 14 and 3 p.m. March 15. Tickets are available at spiresbrassband.org and frederickchorale.org.

The theme “Joined in Joy” was coined by Ackerman and Brian Hinkley, music director and conductor of the Spires Brass Band.

“One of the things that we’re bringing together is the performance of some great works that would otherwise be very difficult to put together,” Hinkley said.

One of those works is “Magnificat,” by Kevin Memley. Hinkley said the 20 - minute piece was originally written for a smaller brass choir and required adaptation for a larger brass band.

“This is going to be a tremendous piece,” Hinkley said. “Pieces like this don’t get performed unless you do collaborations like this one. We can’t think of other groups as competitors; we have to support each other.”

Marvin Wilke Jr., president of the Spires Brass Band board of directors, said organizers hope the collaboration energizes audiences. “We want this collaboration to be entertaining, energetic, inspiring and exciting, and make people have

IF YOU GO

Joined in Joy, presented by Spires Brass Band & The Frederick Chorale

When: 7:30 p.m. March 14 and 3 p.m.

March 15

Where: JBK Theater, Frederick Community College

Tickets: $5 student, $25 adult at spiresbrassband.org or frederickchorale.org

a really good time,” he said. “Music is non-political and non-adversarial.

Music is joyful and uplifting.”

The collaboration began after Ackerman appeared as a guest at the Spires Brass Band holiday concert

in 2024. Wilke recalled strong chemistry between Ackerman and Hinkley, which sparked the idea for a joint performance. “Everything just clicked and fell into place,” Wilke said.

“This entire concert is going to be a showcase of the music and the breadth of talent that Frederick has to offer,” Ackerman said. “I think the audience will leave being energized by the music and very proud of their community members.”

Sarah Nainan-Newhard, president of the Frederick Chorale, also welcomed the partnership. “It’s an opportunity to bring those communities together,” she said, noting the collaboration allows the

groups to share audiences. “I hope that for the time the audience can spend with us, we can wash away any concerns of the world, of this country, and bring two different parties together and see what they can do when they work in collaboration.”

The Spires Brass Band is a traditional British-style brass ensemble founded in 1993 by founding music director John Slezak. The group performs traditional and contemporary brass band repertoire and provides musicians an opportunity to develop and share their talents. Its name references the “Clustered Spires of Frederick,” celebrated in John Greenleaf

Cécilia: Traditional music and step dancing at New Spire Arts

With support from the Québec Government Office in New York, Cécilia brings their traditional Celtic and Québécois music to New Spire Arts in Frederick at 7:30 p.m. March 13.

Widely recognized as three of Canada’s finest musicians, Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy and Louis Schryer find immense pleasure in playing together. While honoring their heritage as Cécilia, the trio brings the best of many musical worlds together in their explorations of traditional music and French-Canadian step dancing. Each of their pieces is skillfully arranged and highlighted with influences from contemporary, classical, jazz and swing styles. Their recent debut album Accent is an impressive offering, full of vibrant rhythms and melodies that all resonate with a unique

will perform in Frederick.

warmth and richness of expression. Tickets start at $30 and are available at weinbergcenter. org, by calling the box office at 301-600-2828, or in person at the Weinberg Center, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. New Spire Arts is at 15 W. Patrick St., Frederick.

Whittier’s poem “Barbara Fritchie.” Today the band includes musicians ranging in age from teenagers to octogenarians.

The Frederick Chorale formed in 1977 to give local singers an opportunity to study and perform major choral works. The auditioned ensemble has appeared at numerous cultural and civic events and has performed throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as internationally. Appearances include performances at the White House and on the “Today Show.”

Looking ahead, the Spires Brass Band hopes to strengthen its national reputation.

“We are looking at opportunities to represent Frederick on a national level again,” Wilke said. “We have tremendous support from the members of our band to go back and participate on a national level.”

Since its founding, the band has earned five championships at the annual North American Brass Band Association competitions.

The band will also present a local concert titled “Happy Birthday, America” on May 30 in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. “There’s so much good music that, unfortunately, a lot of people don’t hear anymore, because they’re listening to rap, country, tribute bands or hip hop,” Wilke said. “They need to hear more music that is truly Americana.”

Meanwhile, the Frederick Chorale is preparing its annual spring concert, “Dreams of the Emerald Isle,” which will be held at Frederick Presbyterian Church on June 7. Ackerman said the program will feature Americana and Irish music.

The chorale is also preparing for a summer tour in Ireland from June 22 to 29 with performances in Dublin, Galway and Kilkenny.

Jill Gartz is a freelance journalist, radio news anchor and blog writer. She has a lengthy background in radio news and now owns her own business, Write4U!MtAiry. Gartz also enjoys hiking and reading. She can be reached through write4umtairy.com.

Stripmall Ballads will perform at Hub City Vinyl in support of new album

Brunswick-based artist Phillips Saylor Wisor, who records as Stripmall Ballads, has released a new album titled “Everybody Wins,” a collection of stark and lyrical songs rooted in the landscapes of small-town and working-class America.

Wisor will bring the album to life at Hub City Vinyl in Hagerstown on March 12 during a live performance from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available through liveathubcityvinyl.com.

Set among crumbling mill towns, floodplains, boxcars and satellite parking lots, the record offers a portrait of overlooked communities and the people who inhabit them. Wisor’s writing focuses on memory, hardship and resilience, building stories that balance grit with moments of quiet beauty.

Wisor collaborated on the album with alt-country musician John R. Miller and his band The Engine Lights, whose musicianship provides the foundation for the record. Guest performers Lydia Loveless, Willy Tea Taylor and Bob Sumner also contribute vocals and instrumentation.

Songs such as “Rabbits” and “Like and Share” highlight Wisor’s approach to storytelling, blending personal reflection with commentary on contemporary culture. The album moves between reflective ballads and stripped-down folk arrangements that emphasize Wisor’s voice and lyrics.

“Everybody Wins” is available for streaming through Samply.

Learn more about the artist at stripmallballads. com.

Ed Williams

Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials celebrate new release at Hub City Vinyl

Blues Hall of Famers Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials will celebrate the Feb. 27 release of their 10th Alligator Records album, “Slideways,” with a performance in Hagerstown on March 18.

The show begins at 8 p.m. at Live at Hub City Vinyl, 28 E. Baltimore St., Hagerstown.

For nearly 40 years, slide guitarist and vocalist Lil’ Ed Williams has led The Blues Imperials — bassist (and Ed’s half-brother) James “Pookie” Young, guitarist Mike Garrett and drummer Kelly Littleton — delivering high-energy Chicago blues to audiences around the world. Williams follows in the tradition of influential slide guitarists including J.B. Hutto, Elmore James and Hound Dog

Taylor.

“Slideways,” produced by Williams and Alligator Records founder and president Bruce Iglauer, features 13 tracks, including 12 written or co-written by Williams. Eight songs feature keyboardist Ben Levin. The album mixes slide guitar boogies, shuffles and slow blues built around everyday characters and situations.

Williams said the recording pushed the band creatively.

“Bruce challenged us. He pulled things out of me I didn’t expect, and I’m glad he did. Pookie worked his butt off and played great. Mike always plays something cool. He lays the flavor down the way I like it. And Kelly, he’s a wildman. He makes me

stomp my foot even harder than normal.”

The band’s long-running lineup and energetic live performances have earned widespread praise. Guitar World described the group as “a snarling boogie-blues machine,” while The Boston Globe wrote that Williams plays “positively scorching guitar.”

With the release of “Slideways,” Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials continue a career that has spanned nearly four decades.

“I love my guys to the point of no return,” Williams said. “They always surprise me.”

Tickets are $28. More information is available at liveathubcityvinyl.com.

March marks the annual celebration of Youth Art Month (YAM), a national initiative that emphasizes the value of visual arts education for students in grades K-12. This year, YAM 2026 focuses on the theme “The World Needs Art,” a message embodied by a new local exhibition showcasing the talent and creativity of Frederick County high school students.

Frederick Health’s Crestwood Women’s Center Art Gallery presents “Healthy Horizons: Frederick County through Students’ Eyes,” an exhibition curated by local student and Have A HeARTS organization founder Sia Lakshmi Sampson. The exhibition runs through May 8.

“This exhibit is an opportunity for young artists to get their work out there, to escape their comfort zone, and let others into the beautiful worlds cultivated in their minds,” Sampson explained. “I also wanted to give patients a pop of color in the dull experience of medical treatment, to hopefully provide some joy where it may be hard to find elsewhere.”

Sampson merged her passions for medicine and visual arts to create this display of original artwork from ninth-12th graders across Frederick County, illustrating a range of individual perspectives on the exhibition theme of health and wellness.

The exhibition is the result of an art competition that received 49 submissions from young artists. Nine entries were selected for the exhibit, representing five Frederick County high schools: Catoctin High School, Frederick High School, Linganore High School, Oakdale High School and Urbana High School. The selected artworks demonstrate a wide range of mediums including acrylic paint, acrylic paint markers and inking pens, photography, pen and pencil and colored pencils.

One student artist, Dorothy W. of Linganore High School, was awarded a $300 cash prize from the Have A HeARTS organization for a submission that best captured the exhibit’s health and wellness theme. Her winning artwork, “Frederick County Home Birth,” depicts a jubilant family welcoming a new member as the mother completes a home water birth. The cash award further highlights Have A HeARTS’ commitment to fostering artistic expression and recognizing contributions to community service.

The Women’s Center Art Gallery at Crestwood, located within a multidisciplinary outpatient medical facility, acknowledges the impact art can have on healing and well-being. By providing a platform for these young artists, the gallery aims to create a visually uplifting environment for patients and the wider community.

For more information about the gallery, call 240-215-1460.

THE FREDERICK MOM

The Frederick Mom’s recommendations for the weekend of March 13

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

Create a Leprechaun Trap

2 to 3 p.m. March 13

C. Burr Artz Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick Free

This Friday afternoon, Frederick’s beloved downtown library is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day event, promising to get your kids in the lucky spirit. Elementary school aged children are invited to design and create a trap to catch that pesky Leprechaun! All materials and boxes will be provided, while supplies last.

•••

Black Out The Barn

7 to 9:30 p.m. March 13

Woodsboro Bank Arena, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick

$18/general admission, $10/child Frederick’s very own professional basketball team is back on the court, taking on the Baltimore Rhythm this Friday night. It’s a perfect, fun event for the entire family. Get your tickets to cheer on the Flying Cows. And don’t forget — it’s “Black Out the Barn” night, so arrive wearing black to make one unified color in the stands. Concessions available for purchase and free parking. goflyingcows.com.

•••

PJs and Prizes

9 to 11:30 a.m. March 14

Basal Therapies, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick Free

Join Basal Therapies, a pediatric therapy center in Frederick, for a comfy Saturday morning full of fun! Their PJs and Prizes event is back with a Leprechaun Luau theme. Children ages 2 to 10 years old will enjoy sensory-based activities, games, open playtime in the Play Lab and gym. Come in your favorite pajamas or loungewear and enter to win fabulous giveaways — from gift cards to exclusive experiences!

•••

STEM Adventures

10 a.m. to noon March 14

Kiddie Academy of Urbana, 3401

Catoctin Creek Nature Center. Frederick County Parks and Rec is hosting a fun event for kids ages 4 to 7 to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day! Children will learn about a leprechaun’s likes and dislikes, then apply their knowledge to create a trap from recyclable materials, making their very own clever leprechaun trap. Register at bit.ly/FCPRLeprechaunTrap.

How To Festival

1 to 4 p.m. March 15

C. Burr Artz Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick Free

One of my favorite events of the year, the How To Festival is back and on its fourth year! At the How To Fest, all ages can arrive and learn a new skill or discover a new hobby. From learning guitar to sewing to pickleball. Talk with local business owners about their craft or gather information from local organizations willing to share their inside secrets. loom.ly/Ch7V1Cw.

MAVFC Easter Egg Hunt

1:30 p.m. March 15

Urbana Pike, Frederick Free

Don’t miss STEM Adventures, coming to Kiddie Academy of Urbana on Saturday. This free, hands-on event is an opportunity for your young child to explore engaging STEM activities that spark curiosity and build confidence. Secure your spot at kiddieacademy.com/academies/ urbana/event/stem-adventures. •••

Maple Syrup Festival

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14, 15, 21 and 22

William Houck Lake Area, Cunningham Falls State Park, 14274

William Houck Drive, Thurmont

$5/person donation, children in car seats are free

The annual Maple Syrup Festival is a true Frederick County tradition! The next two weekends, families can watch live maple sugaring demonstrations of the traditional sap-to-syrup process featured at the Boiling Shed, meet Park Rangers, hop on a fun hayride, shop souvenirs and maple products, enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast (additional cost) and visit the William Houck Nature Center. No tickets

or pre-registration needed. A $5 per person will be collected at the entrance upon arrival. Visitors may expect long lines to enter the park.

•••

Easter Bunny at Airport

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 15

Frederick Municipal Airport, 296 Bucheimer Road, Frederick

$9/family

Someone special is flying into FDK! Bring the kids for a visit and photos with the Easter Bunny at Frederick’s Municipal Airport! Other activities include a flight simulator (child ride), drone cage, ride-on toy airplanes, STEM demos and more. Reserve your spot to meet the Bunny at sugarloaf99s.org/product/ easter-bunny-visit-2026-tickets. Only one ticket needed per family. Proceeds benefit the Sugarloaf Ninety-Nines Aviation Scholarship Fund. This is an indoor event. •••

Leprechaun Trap

Noon to 1 p.m. March 15

Catoctin Creek Nature Center, 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown $8/child

Spend Sunday afternoon at

Mt. Airy Carnival Grounds, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy Free

Get in the Easter mood, because the Mt. Airy Vol. Fire Co. will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at its carnival grounds on Sunday. Bring a basket and show up ready to find all the plastic, pastel-colored eggs. The egg hunt is free, but consider making a donation to MAVFC. •••

Shamrock Stampede

3 to 5:30 p.m. March 15

Woodsboro Bank Arena, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick

$18/general admission, $10/child

This Sunday, take the family to Frederick’s Flying Cows basketball team! They’ll be taking on the New York Phoenix. This Shamrock Stampede-themed game will be a “Green Out” meaning spectators are encouraged to wear green. Grab your tickets and cheer on the team. goflyingcows.com

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.

ART WCMFA welcomes ‘Scandinavian Home’ exhibition

BY ERIN JONES

Special to The News-Post

At first glance, the chair seemed an intricate yet faded cast-off. When he stumbled across the piece of furniture at an estate sale in Lemont Pennsylvania, David Werner was drawn to its Norse-looking carvings. The retired ophthalmologist and collector of Scandinavian art took the chair home. With some polishing and detailing, he and his wife Susan revitalized the piece and added it to their home collection.

Later, on a trip to Paris, as the couple enjoyed the artistic treasures of the Musée D’Orsay, David stopped short at what he beheld.

“Oh my God,” he called to Susan in disbelief, “That’s our chair.”

As it turns out, the chair they had happened upon in a small Pennsylvania town was a work by Lars Kinsarvik, a late 19th-, early 20th-century Norwegian woodcarver who worked in a period of National Romanticism. His ornate carvings harken back to the iconography of Norway’s history and legend, incorporating nods to Vikings and trolls. The chair that occupied a place in the Werners’ home was once displayed at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair.

That chair, and much more of the Werners’ treasured collection, is now on display at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. “Scandinavian Home: Art and Identity, 1880-1920,” which will run through May 17, originated in the Frick Museum in Pittsburgh. WCMFA is the second stop on the exhibition’s national tour.

WCMFA executive director Sarah Hall previously worked at the Frick, and worked with the Werners as the exhibition took shape.

“I was involved in the very early days of planning this and have had the good fortune to have been to David and Susan Werner’s home and seen the work and walk through and listen to them talk about their collection,” she said.

Hall, who began work at WCMFA in 2020, appreciated the serendipitous connection to the museum’s founders that the opportunity offered the museum. WCMFA founders William Henry Singer Jr. and wife Anna Brugh

Gerhard Munthe (Norwegian,1849-1929) “The Suitors,” 1906. Wool and linen tapestry.

IF YOU GO

“The Scandinavian Home: Art and Identity, 1880-1920” exhibition is on view at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, through May 17. See wcmfa.org for details.

Singer built a home in Olden, Norway, where he captured his enchantment with Norwegian landscape in his paintings.

The concept of a Scandinavian home is fitting, given its origination in the Werners’ home. However, the theme of “home” runs deeper.

“The exhibition uses the idea of

COINCIDING EVENTS:

Scandinavian Embroidery Workshop — March 12

Yoga Inspired by Scandinavia — April 2

Author Talk with The Friday Night Club: Author Talk with Alyson Richman & Sofia Lundberg — May 1

home as an extended metaphor for homeland and region, as well as personal space and the way one constructs where you live and how that shapes who you are,” Hall said.

While the term “Scandinavian” unifies the show, the curators were careful to designate the country of origin for the individual artists and

artworks. That way, visitors can see and appreciate the distinctions in work of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

The art of this time period represents a time of burgeoning national pride for each of these countries, as well as a resurgence of interest in folklore, traditional crafting methods, and history.

For example, the first room features brightly colored tapestries made by Norwegian artist Gerhard Munthe. In both the medieval style and depiction of folklore, the tapestries reflect Norwegian Revival style and its renewed interest in the art and stories of the past.

The show holds a mixture of mediums, from paintings to ceramics to tapestries and ornately decorated

household objects, each piece a reflection of the ideals and values of a specific time and place.

“Art and art objects are a product of thought. Nothing happens accidentally,” said Agnita M. Stine Schreiber curator Linda Johnson.

Visitors had the opportunity to see some traditional crafting techniques on display during opening weekend in February, thanks to With Hands and Hearts

Antietam Fiber Artists, The Weavers’ Roundtable and the Hagerstown Chapter of Embroiders’ Guild of America. Cannon Coffee also supplied beverages for the practice of fika, a Swedish coffee break ritual.

Ultimately, “Scandinavian Home” has some valuable lessons for those willing to pause and take it in.

“Sometimes we get too busy and caught up in the day-to-day to stop and think about that coffee break or

how much better you can feel if you try to make a little time for creativity in your life,” Hall said. “I think the overall beauty [of the art] and the idea of incorporating it into your life is wonderful.”

The concept of hygge, a Danish value of warmth, coziness and light used to bolster the spirit in a long dark of winter, has become popular as an aesthetic and certainly makes an appearance in the “Scandinavian Home” exhibition as well.

The idea of home, in a broader sense, also celebrates the homeland of each Scandinavian country, as reflected in the depictions of the outdoors. One room reflects Vitalism, a trend that celebrates health, beauty and vigor, particularly in the context of nature and sunlight.

Elsewhere, landscapes reflect the grandeur of the countries’ natural scenery. Particularly evident

is the uniqueness of the light in Scandinavian countries, with the brilliance of the northern light or the pastel shades of blue and pink reflected off the snow when daylight is scarce and the sunset closely follows the sunrise.

Throughout the show, benches serve as spaces to pause, sit, and take in the works.

“We want people to come here and relax,” Halls said. “Museums are often really great places for psychological refreshment and renewal. Museums themselves are great places for that atmosphere of refreshment and revitalization.”

Erin Jones is a freelance arts and culture journalist, narrative strategist and literary collaborator. Learn more at erinjoneswriter.com, follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter, or subscribe to her newsletter at erinjoneswriter.substack.com.

Landscapes of Maryland

Featuring Frederick County through March 13, Links Bridge Vineyards, 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont. An exhibit of artwork by Phil LeVee, a selection of original paintings inspired by the farms, rural fields, rolling hills and landscapes of Frederick County. Also included are iconic Maryland Main Street and Chesapeake Bay scenes. LeVee paints in several styles from a graphic realist style to abstract and various combinations of those two. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 301-602-5733, linksbridgevineyards.com.

“The Past is Always Present” — through 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. 301-7913132.

”Return” — through March 29, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Exhibit of paintings by Anne Manley created between 2023 and 2026, reflecting the artist’s exploration of how beauty shifts and resonates across scale, from intimate works to large-scale pieces. Artist talk 2 p.m. March 15. 240-3679770 or nomagalleryfrederick. com.

”SYNERGY” Annual Associate Member Show — through March 29, GALLERY 322, 322 N. Market St., Frederick. Featuring Jane Knibhton, Karen WinstonLevin, Deborah Lovelace Richardson and Carol Cowie bring four personal visions of the natural world together as one. Artist demonstrations every Sunday from 1:302:30 p.m. 301-509-8212, gallery322.com.

”TAG Roadtrip” to Artspiration Frederick — through March 29, Gallery 915 at Artspiration Frederick, 915 Toll House Ave., Suite 101, Frederick. 18 area artists join the roadtrip exhibit. Artists reception

5-8 p.m. March 14. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7:30 p.m. second Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. 657-627-0554 or artspirationfrederick.com.

Frederick County Public School Faculty Show — through March 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Work in a variety of media. A salute to those who make Youth Art Month possible, this exhibition showcases the creative talents of FCPS educators. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Frederick County Public Schools Youth Art Month — through March 29, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Work in a variety of media, features hundreds of 2-D and 3-D artworks created by students from each public school in the county. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

”Be Kind, Rewind” — through March 30, Vault of Visions Art Gallery, 1 N. Market St., Frederick. Frederick artist Billi French presents her newest collection of acrylic paintings celebrating memories from her childhood in the ‘90s to ‘00s. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 240-315-5483, vovgallery.com.

”All My Lands” — through March 31, TAG/The Artists Gallery, 501 N. Market St., Frederick. Mariam Memarsadeghi’s solo art exhibition offers abstract colorist works that draw intuitively from landscape and spacescape. Artist talk 5 p.m. March 14. 301-696-8187, mariamabstract.com.

”The Cure For Light” — through April 1, Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Across time and throughout many culture’s stories there is the recurring theme of the necessity of blindness for wisdom. Corey Frey’s latest exhibition uses

“Landscapes of Maryland Featuring Frederick County” is on view at Links Bridge Vineyards in Thurmont through March 29, showcasing work by Phil LeVee. Shown here, “Needwood Farms Sunrise,” acrylic on canvas, by LeVee.

this idea thematically and conceptually throughout his work. Gallery hours: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Friday; and 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Saturday. 301846-2400 or wpoindexter@ frederick.edu.

”Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community” — through April 10, Annapolis Treasury Building, 80 Calvert St., Annapolis. Participating artists across Frederick County celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the Frederick Arts Council by exploring their interpretation and contribution to Frederick’s arts scene. Artists reception 5-7 p.m. March 17. Free, but register at eventbrite.com/e/ 1981967063841/?aff=oddtdt creator.

the D.C. region. Painting, ceramics, photography, mixed media and installations. Opening reception 7 p.m. March 19. Galleries hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 301-581-5100 or strathmore.org

“iCommentary: Making Personal Universal” — through April 26 at the Blanche Ames Gallery, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Work by Todd Gardner. 301-473-7680, bagalleryappointment@gmail. com, frederickuu.org/gallery. Bettie Awards Exhibition — through April 26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. View art created by local youth selected as Bettie Award winners. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

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

”Steeped” — through April 22, Mansion Galleries at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Juried exhibition theme marking 40 years of the Mansion’s Afternoon Tea tradition, contemporary artists reflect on the ritual, history and symbolism of tea. 110 works by 78 artists, most from

Crestwood Gallery Winter Exhibit & “Healthy Horizons Through Students’ Eyes” Competition — through May 8, Frederick Health — Crestwood Building, 7211 Bank Court, Frederick. Original works including oil, watercolor, mixed media and photography from local artists alongside the “Healthy Horizons Through Students’ Eyes” Competition. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 240-2151460 or frederickhealth.org/ crestwoodart.

Thomas Sterner & Mark Hatfield Exhibition — April 3-26, NOMA Gallery, 437 N. Market St., Frederick. Sterner, a public sculptor and mixed media artist, has been active in the Frederick arts community since 1987 and a NOMA member since 2016. Since 2020, he has created and installed 20 largescale public works, including “Welcome Tree” at Delaplaine Arts Center, “Water Lily Wave” at Carroll Creek Park, and “Growth” at Frederick Community College. For this exhibition, Sterner will present wooden and stainless-steel sculptures. Hatfield, a self-

‘Kindred Spirits’

Artists in the Tenth Street Studio Building celebrate Frederic Church at 200 through art, community and connection

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts invites visitors to step into the creative heart of 19thcentury American art with “Kindred Spirits: Artists in the Tenth Street Studio Building,” which opened March 7. Presented as part of the international Frederic Church 200 celebration, the exhibition marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederic Edwin Church, one of America’s most influential landscape painters, while offering a fresh perspective on the artistic community that shaped his legacy.

A year-long celebration organized by Olana, the New York State Historic Site, encompasses Church’s home and studio in the Hudson Valley, and this special installation joins dozens of events planned by museums worldwide exploring the artist’s enduring impact. While many projects and exhibitions focus on Church’s monumental paintings, “Kindred Spirits” tells a broader story — one centered on collaboration, mentorship and the vibrant network of artists who lived and worked alongside him.

Built around key works in the museum’s collection, the installation uses the museum’s early Church painting “Scene on the Catskill Creek” as the nucleus for a group of works illustrating the importance of the Tenth Street Studio Building and the connections between

‘Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community’ exhibition opens at Annapolis Treasury Building

The Frederick Arts Council presents “Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community,” an exhibition at the Annapolis Treasury Building featuring more than 50 Frederick artists. The exhibition runs Feb. 9 through April 10, hosted by the Office of the Comptroller.

Participating artists from across Frederick County celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the Frederick Arts Council by exploring their interpretation of and contribution to Frederick’s arts scene.

St., Annapolis. A virtual representation of the exhibition can be found at frederickartscouncil.org.

artists. (The installation’s title is borrowed from a famous 1849 painting by Asher Brown Durand in the collection of the Crystal Bridges Art Museum in Benton, Arkansas.)

Rather than presenting Church as a solitary genius, “Kindred Spirits” reveals him as a catalyst for connection. Artists shared studios, split rent, advised one another professionally and traveled together across continents in search of inspiration. Church shared a second-floor studio with Martin Johnson Heade (represented in the museum’s collection by his painting “Gertrude of Wyoming”) for more than a decade, while friendships formed within the building led to artistic expeditions to South America, Europe and the Middle East. These shared experiences shaped

not only individual careers but the visual identity of American landscape painting itself.

At the center of this story is the Tenth Street Studio Building, completed in 1857 in New York City at a time when artists struggled to find suitable working spaces. Painters often labored in cramped attic rooms with poor light and little professional visibility. Recognizing both the artistic and commercial needs of a growing creative class, developer James Boorman Johnston and architect Richard Morris Hunt designed a revolutionary solution: the nation’s first purpose-built studio building dedicated entirely to artists.

The multistory structure was more than practical workspace; it was a bold

(See ARTISTS 25)

“We’re delighted to be celebrating this significant milestone of the Frederick Arts Council with a showcase of artists that make a significant impact on the community,” said Louise Kennelly, executive director of the Frederick Arts Council. “The FAC will continue to support artists through this celebration initiative with an array of opportunities to showcase the impact of the arts. We are so grateful to all who have participated and are continuing to make our community immensely vibrant. As we reflect on the past 50 years, we are even more inspired to be thinking of the future. We thank Comptroller Brooke Lierman for being so supportive of the arts.”

A reception will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. March 17, providing an opportunity for creative conversation with artists and arts supporters. Light food and beverages will be available. The event is free, but guests are asked to register on Eventbrite.

The Annapolis Treasury Building is at 80 Calvert

Participating artists: Esperanza Alzona, Melissa Avera-Cook, Marc Bolea, Goodloe Byron, Gary Carver, Noah Chiles, Colleen Clapp, John Connors, Cheryl Dapsauski, Patricia Dobbin, Thomas Dorsz, Joseph Craig English, Yemi Fagbohun, Suzanne Feldman, Luc Fiedler, Valarie Frank, Todd Gardner, Sarah Hempel-Irani, Thomas Hornyak, Juliet Hossain, Margaret Huddy, Beckie Laughlin, Alexis Dominique Limpiado, Matt Long, Christina Lund, Christopher Madden, Sheryl Massaro, Julie Maynard, Christine Mayo, Andrea McCluskey, Jan McIntyreCreager, Carol Meisner, Antonio Tobias Mendez, Aynex Mercado, Christine Merry, Lee Newman, Ludmilla Oliver, Liana Owad, Karen Peacock, Donna Quesada, Lori Rounds, Ann Schaefer, Ellen Olson Schippert, Lisa Sheirer, Janet Siefert, Yuganti Shirodkar, Helen Smith, Dan Stouffer, Christine Stovall, Michelle Venable, Richard Weiblinger, Harriet Wise, Homer Yost and Ronald Young.

Erik Larson brings Erik Larson brings

BY ERIN JONES

Special to The News-Post

Erik Larson was on the record years ago when he said he would never write a book the Civil War.

“Who needs the grief, right? There are so many Civil War buffs,” Larson had said.

He’d imagined himself on a book tour, approached by zealous scholars of the era eager to correct some detail — the dimensions of a musket, for example. After all, a friend and fellow author, the late Tony Horwitz, was once surprised by an eager reader who brought a fully loaded Civil War era cannon to a book tour appearance. The anecdote served as a cautionary tale indeed for those who undertake writing historical books.

But everything changed in 2020. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic cut short Larson’s book tour for “The Splendid and the Vile,” and retreated to eastern Long Island. Suddenly the author found himself with a lot more time on his hands.

Meanwhile, the political discord polarization of the nation worsened, causing whispers and worries about a modern civil war to flicker across public discourse.

The circumstances were ripe spark intrigue as to how the Civil started, and to discover what led the now famous firing on Fort Sumter.

Larson discovered an online repository of documents called “The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Record of the Union and Confederate Armies” and began to read the first volume. Impressed with all the records contained, he found a publisher who bound the volumes in hard copy form. In a to the uniqueness of the year, he remembers disinfecting the book upon its delivery.

“I was enthralled because this collection of documents is beautifully curated and in chronological order. You’ve got all these details, all these documents. You have a letter and response, a telegram, a response, report and a response, and so forth, all leading up to the bombardment of Fort Sumter. It was like half my was done, because it was good stuff,” Larson recalled.

Larson quickly realized there so much more to the story than he had never known. He determined

brings the ‘Demon of Unrest’ to Frederick brings the ‘Demon of Unrest’ to Frederick

record he book on There Larson book scholars musket, and Horwitz, loaded tour served those 2020. pandemic he Island. himself hands. and worsened, about across to Civil War led to Sumter.

“The Compilation Union began Impressed he the nod he book this beautifully order. these and a response, a forth, bombardment my job stuff,” was he determined that

this would serve as the basis for his next book, for better or worse.

“The story, the details were just so overwhelmingly interesting and inherently suspenseful,” Larson said.

The resulting historical nonfiction book, “The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War” was published in 2024 by Crown Publishing Group, is now a No. 1 New York Times Best Seller.

Larson will be in Frederick on March 18 for an author talk and book signing at the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ. The ticketed event is hosted by Curious Iguana.

Larson is a six-time New York Times Bestselling author, known for his gripping storytelling and vivid recounting of historic events and figures.

For Larson, inviting his readers into a compelling retelling of history begins with first immersing himself into the primary source documents of the era. This involves a meticulous system of tracking details and making them findable again. Just as with crafting a novel, a story arc emerges, as does the cast of characters.

In the case of the “Demon of Unrest,” the vast compilation of correspondence and diaries at his disposal painted vivid pictures of

some lesser known figures. He found Senators James Henry Hammond and Edmund Ruffin to be “vile” human beings, a useful discovery in creating a compelling story (“Who doesn’t like a satisfying villain?” Larson said.).

A favorite of the characters to emerge was diarist Mary Chesnut, whose diary provided an honest and spirited look into the events leading up to the war from a woman’s perspective.

“I loved her contemporary voice and her willingness to gossip about her peers,” Larson said. “I’m sure there are a number of writers who, in writing about the start of the Civil War, would have left her out completely, but I felt she was going to be in this book no matter what.”

look into the brutal realities of slavery in Southern life. He remembers finding records of a mortgage that was secured by using enslaved people as capital.

“Slavery was the fundamental underpinning of Southern society,” he said. “The idea that the North might contemplate taking slavery away was deeply terrifying on an existential level for Southerners because slavery was the underpinning of their entire culture.”

IF YOU GO

Erik Larson will speak at 6:30 p.m. March 18 at the Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, 15 W. Church St., Frederick. The ticketed event is hosted by Curious Iguana. At the time of printing, few tickets remained. For tickets and more information, go to curiousiguana.com/event/ erik-larson-the-demon-ofunrest.

The research process also gave Larson a chance to experience a fuller version of better known historic figures like Abraham Lincoln. Larson admits a reluctance to deal with a figure as revered as Lincoln, instead seeking to build his own assessment of the president.

“I really came to like Lincoln,” Larson said. “I went in like, hey, show me what you got. And he did. What I came to really like about him was his sense of honor, his dignity and his warmth — and also his sense of humor. He was a very funny man in his way, and I really appreciated that. He was a very compelling character.”

The city of Charleston, South Carolina, functioned almost like a character in itself, something Larson experienced firsthand as he spent time in the city and studied its historical records.

“It’s an incredibly beautiful little city. Very lovely. It was obviously a key element in this run up to the Civil War. I really wanted to know as much as I possibly could about what life really was like in Charleston at that time.”

While very little remains of the Fort Sumter of the Civil War, visiting the location was valuable for Larson to get a perspective of how isolated the fort was for Major Robert Anderson, stationed there with federal troops as a Confederate threat loomed.

Spending time in the records of Charleston also gave Larson a stark

The revelation illustrates how deeply rooted the impasse was for the two sides entering the conflict.

While contemporary observations may have served as a catalyst for his curiosity on the events leading to Fort Sumter, Larson said he never writes a book with the intent that it will shed light on contemporary problems. However, there are times when the story felt more current than old.

“These forces are at afoot in the land right now but very different than in the Civil War area,” he said. “But there is a lot of discord and it’s dangerous. I think it grows more dangerous by the day.”

As for how history will be preserved in a digital age, Larson feels that the abundance of documentation in media like video, emails and even social media will provide ample primary sources for future historians.

“There will always be history. People will always try to hide their bad deeds and it never works. Eventually it comes to light in one form or another and so life will continue.”

While Larson’s stories typically come alive in the pages of a book, March 18 will bring attendees the opportunity to hear from the author face-to-face and even to ask questions. And of course, any CivilWar era artillery should be left at home.

Erin Jones is a freelance arts and culture journalist, narrative strategist and literary collaborator. Learn more at erinjoneswriter.com, follow her on Instagram @ErinJonesWriter, or subscribe to her newsletter at erinjoneswriter.substack.com.

Everyday Poetry

AI tells us that Lent and Ramadan this year started on the same day, an event that happens every generation or so. AI is wrong, but close, with Ramadan having started the evening of Feb. 17 and Lent on the 18th.

“Ramadan” is from the Arabic “ramida,” referring to a burning heat or dryness. “Lent” is from the Old English “lencten,” referring to spring. To followers, fasting is a major part of both observances, and has similar objectives — atoning for misbehaviors and negative thoughts toward others, increasing empathy for those less fortunate and, most importantly perhaps, drawing closer to the Divine.

There are countless places in the world where Muslims and Christians actually share fasting insights and experiences, evening meals and visiting, charitable works, etc., usually among local communities, where people think with intention rather than spleens, so to speak.

Being local, these collaborations tend to start small (the best things often do) — sometimes as small as a seed you barely can see but that can grow into something that keeps us alive. If it takes root, one seed can yield infinitely more.

We’ve been schmoozing about seeds during Lenten sermons and study at my church, and it got me thinking about exactly what a seed is. My mind gets boggled when I think about how a huge

James Rada Jr. releases ‘Secrets of the Western Maryland Railway’

How wild was “Wild Mary”? Rail fans affectionately called the Western Maryland Railway “Wild Mary.” Although no one is sure of the origin of this nickname, it is believed to have developed from the small railroad’s scrappy spirit as traversed the mountainous terrain, steep grades, sharp curves and dramatic scenery of Western Maryland.

oak can come from an acorn, or how some olives and yews on Earth now have been alive for a few thousand years. They started small but were given a chance.

Sheryl Massaro is a Frederick poet and oil painter. She has authored three books of poetry, all available from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, Frederick’s Vault of Visions Gallery and, with her art, from sherylmassaro.com. Her art is available at Vault of Visions and Visitation Hotel in Frederick, and at Locals Farm Market in Poolesville. Her poetry is in lower case as a nod to equality, no letter being more important than another. Most of her poems now have four words per line, which seems to be their comfort zone.

Unlike most railroads that were built by a specific company, the Western Maryland Railways’ largest growth came as a result of it taking over dozens of smaller railroads, each with its own stories that became part of the Western Maryland Railway story. Although the Western Maryland Railway was eventually taken over itself by a larger railroad, people still fondly remember “Wild Mary.”

James Rada Jr.’s newest book tells many of the forgotten stories of the Western Maryland Railway that help show why it is still fondly remembered today.

“Secrets of the Western Maryland Railway: Little-Known Stories & Hidden History About ‘Wild Mary’” is the latest book in Rada’s Secrets series.

“These are stories that caught my attention in one way or another,” Rada said. “They aren’t well-known — I call them hidden history — but they are the stories that can be the most interesting.”

Secrets of the Western Maryland Railway contains 40 stories and nearly 60 pictures about the construction, labor issues, wrecks and other stories from the railroad.

Among the stories:

• The trick that the Western Maryland Railroad used to get into Pennsylvania without a charter.

• Abraham Lincoln’s adventures riding the railroad in both life and death.

• How the Western Maryland Railway helped make one of the largest archeological discovers in the U.S.

• How the railroad had the power to change the name of towns it serviced.

• The worst accident on the Western Maryland Railway.

These are just some of the stories included in “Secrets of the Western Maryland Railway” — the types of stories that you won’t read about in history textbooks.

“People often ask me where I find the stories,” said Rada. “I spend a lot of time looking through books on the topic I’m researching, poring through old newspaper, and searching the internet.”

“Secrets of the Western Maryland Railway” is the 10th book in his Secrets series. Other local titles include “Secrets of Catoctin Mountain,” “Secrets of the C&O Canal” and “Secrets of Frederick County.” He has also written 10 other nonfiction history books and 12 historical fiction novels.

Rada Jr. is an Amazon.combestselling author who has written about history for 25 years and still finds it fascinating and new.

“History is not boring,” he said. “It’s full of love, adventure, comedy and mysteries that still aren’t solved to this day. It’s those types of stories I like to write.”

For more information about his books, visit jamesrada.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026 • 7:30 PM SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2026 • 3:00 PM

SATURDAY MARCH 21 7:30P.M.

KUSSMAUL THEATER FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

For tickets and information, visit fredericksymphony.org or call 301-685-3585. Featuring soloists from the FCPS Academy for the Fine Arts, Shostakovich’s iconic Fifth Symphony, and more.

American Conservation Film Festival spraks dialogue on key environmental issues

BY SCOTT HARRIS

Special to The News-Post

What do sloths, red wolves, data centers and krill have in common? They’re all film subjects at the American Conservation Film Festival, which takes place March 13 to 15 in Shepherdstown.

These are just some of the area of exploration among the 26 short films on offer at this year’s festival.

“The films transport audiences to wild places and showcase people who are working to preserve the natural world,” said festival director Hilary Lo. “This festival really has something for everyone. Those who have spent their lives in conservation will discover new topics. For those who simply enjoy gorgeous nature footage and stories about conservation heroes, we’ve got you covered too.”

According to Lo, the festival accepted less than 10% of the hundreds of submissions it received for this year’s event. The festival selection committees consider factors like pacing, production value, score and narration.

Some of the festival’s key themes will likely be familiar to residents in the area, while others shine a spotlight on remote locations, where conservation takes on a host of different forms.

“This year, we look at the pros and cons of tech on sustainability,” Lo said. “We’re transported from the forests of West Virginia to Costa Rican jungles to the snowy Himalayan mountains. We follow conservationists working to bring back otters, jaguars, bison, sloths, red wolves and so much more. We’re introduced to brave, young environmental activists in Cambodia, lion guardians of the Maasi in Kenya, reindeer researchers in Svalbard, and even dogs that track threatened species in order to protect them.”

The overarching goal, Lo said, is to stimulate thought and discussion. The event will feature Q&As with filmmakers and conservation experts, but the films themselves are designed to drive the conversation.

“There’s something about sitting in a dark theater with a couple hundred people taking in the same story about the natural world on the big screen that induces wonder,” Lo said. “After the lights come up, people are so moved that they stand around talking in the theater until it’s time for the next show.

“The Rewilders” is a short documentary that follows pioneering conservationists on three continents.

IF YOU GO

The American Conservation Film Festival takes place March 13 to 15 in Shepherdstown, W.Va. For more information on the American Conservation Film Festival, go to conservationfilmfest.org. Full Festival Passes are sold out, but a limited number of tickets remain, with single tickets available for $15.

We have to remind people to move to the lobby while they continue to chat.”

The film titles speak to the diversity of the festival’s subject matter. There’s “Cone People,” an 11-minute film on seed collectors. “The Data Center Tipping Point” explores the energyintensive behemoths powering the AI revolution. In “Red Wolf in Time Out,” an 11-year-old girl narrates a fourminute film about the titular, critically endangered species. “Fighting the Krill Collapse” follows a dedicated crew of environmentalists on the high seas, fighting to protect the tiny crustaceans that are being harvested at unprecedented rates but are still a key food source for whales and other wildlife.

In addition to the films, the festival also features an exhibition hall and a Student Day for middle and high school students.

photos In “Sloth Detectives,” an award-winning zoologist, her tree-climbing best friend, and their sloth-sniffing rescue dog conduct the first-ever sloth census in Costa Rica, tracking scat, measuring stress hormones, and documenting rarely seen behaviors to protect vulnerable populations.

Katie Schuler, who along with Joceyln Stokes runs the PBS docuseries “In Her Nature,” directed “Sloth Detectives,” a 38-minute entrant in this year’s festival. A self-avowed fine artist and “nature nerd,” Schuler said their goal was to highlight an overlooked species.

“‘Sloth Detectives’ blends science with joyful adventure,” Schuler said.

In it, an award-winning zoologist, her tree-climbing best friend, and their sloth-sniffing rescue dog conduct the first-ever sloth census in Costa Rica, tracking scat, measuring stress hormones, and documenting rarely seen behaviors to protect vulnerable populations.

This year’s festival will set a new bar for future festivals. The reason? For the first time, the festival contains more female filmmakers than male.

“When I started at ACFF 11 years ago, 5 to 10% of wildlife filmmakers were female, and the film subjects were usually male as well,” Lo said. “But 2026 is the first year that female filmmakers will outnumber male filmmakers with films at ACFF. We’ll be highlighting this milestone on Saturday and Sunday with screenings and discussions around female filmmakers bringing us stories of female conservationists.”

The team behind “In Her Nature” and

“Sloth Detectives” are just one example. “The episode is women-led at every level, from the scientists in the canopy to our all-female crew behind the camera,” Schuler said. “We also show the grit of filming in remote jungle conditions and the camaraderie that forms when women unite around a shared mission.”

Schuler said “In Her Nature” spotlights “remarkable women in conservation, scientists, adventurers and researchers reshaping how we protect the natural world, from jungle canopies to genetic labs and remote field sites, these women lead with grit, intelligence and heart.”

Schuler was effusive in praising the festival, which she said “holds a special place for me. There is a genuine warmth and community-driven energy where filmmakers and audiences feel equally embraced. In a post-pandemic world, gathering in a theater matters. We stream so much alone. Conservation, however, is collective. Watching a film and sharing laughter, silence, and curiosity reminds us that we care about these issues together.”

Scott Harris is a writer based in Frederick. In his spare time, he writes science fiction and tries to grow houseplants.

Local Mentions Local Mentions

2ND ANNUAL FISH FRY

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Friday March 27, 2026

Fried Fish, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Applesauce Roll/$15 per platter

Dine in or Carry-out

5:00– 7:00 pm

4603B Lander Rd, Jefferson, MD

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Sat. April 4, 2026 – 7-10:30 am Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Country Ham, Hominy, Pudding, Sausage Gravy Coffee, Milk & Juice

$14 per adult, Children

6-10 yrs $7; Under 6 yrs Free Eat In or Carry Out; Plus Bake Table Easter Bunny Present for Pictures

Easter Egg Hunt – 12-1pm, Ages 12 yrs and under 4603B Lander Rd , Jefferson, MD 21755

CASH BINGO

sponsored by Woodsboro Lutheran Church

Saturday, March 28th at Woodsboro American Legion, 101 W Elizabeth Street; Doors open @ noon, games at 1:30 pm $30 for 22 games; includes two specials @ $150, And $500 jackpot King Tuts, bingo balls, holder jars, door prizes, food and bake table available For reservations, call Peggy @301-514-7164

QUARTERMANIA AUCTION

Sunday 4/19/26

Jefferson Ruritan Club

Doors Open at Noon/ Bidding begins 1:00 PM

Tickets $5 Advance/$8 at the Door

Extra Paddles $3, For Tickets Call 301371-6404

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

Local Mentions Services

CASH BINGO

Sunday, March 15

Woodsboro American Legion Auxiliary

Doors open 12 pm, games @ 1:00 pm

$40 for 25 games, includes 3 specials @ $150 and 2 jackpots @ $500; Reserve early and receive free special game-call Peggy at 301-514-7164; King tuts, bingo balls, holder jars and door prizes; Food, drinks, baked goods available

Donate canned food item for local food bank and receive free special game Proceeds benefit scholarships, veterans, and youth

CHILDREN’S EASTER BINGO

Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Company

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Doors Open At 11:30AM Games Start At 1:00 PM

$7 00 per person

Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 or under Bingo Prizes for Children 12 or Under Call Jo Ann for Info 240-446-0451

Reservations Recommended First Come First Admitted Until Maximum Capacity is Reached At the Fire Hall 2 South 3rd Street, Woodsboro, MD Food and beverages available for purchase NO Outside food or drinks allowed

UUCF USED BOOK SALE

Saturday, March 21, 2026 (9am-4pm) Sunday, March 22, 2026 (9am-2:30pm)

Paperbacks $1 (or 5 for $4) Puzzles $2

Hardcovers $3 (or 4 for $10) Vinyl Records $2 UU Congregation, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick, MD Proceeds Support Social Justice Projects frederickuu org/booksale

ST. JOSEPH 5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Run Run Reg : $25 5K Reg : $50

St Joseph on Carrollton Manor 5843 Manor Woods Rd Frederick, MD

Proceeds go toward the restoration of the historic church and the St Joseph food bank

WEEKLY BINGO

Every Friday Night

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

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

TURKEY, FRIED OYSTER AND

COUNTRY HAM DINNER

Sat , March 28 12 noon – 5 pm

Menu includes mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, sauerkraut, cranberry sauce, dressing, cole slaw, rolls and drinks

Adults $35 Children 6-12 $12

Services Services Services Services

SERVICES

Thursday March 12

CLASSES

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.

ETCETERA

Bites & Bevs — Frederick Restaurant Week — at Downtown restaurants and breweries, Frederick. During Week 1, March 2-8, restaurants will offer special prix fixed menus featuring new concepts. During Week 2, Collab Week, March 9-15, food and beverage establishments will join forces to present fun and unique offerings that put Downtown Frederick’s culinary and craft beverage scene in the spotlight! Visit downtownfrederick.org/bitsandbevs to see participating restaurants in each week. 301-698-8118. downtownfrederick.org.

Virtual Volunteer Information Session (VIS) — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Literacy Council of Frederick County, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Learn all about the volunteer options offered by the Literacy Council. 18 and older, pre-registration required. 301-600-2066. info@frederickliteracy.org.

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

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

Duplicate Bridge Pairs Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration Memorial Hall, 6909 Maryland Ave., Braddock Heights. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club’s ACBL sanctioned duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts. All are welcome. We host Pairs Games ($8) weekly on Monday (299 Limit and Open) and Thursday (Open). $8. frederick@bridgewebsemail.com. www.bridgewebs.com/frederick/home.html.

Writing Workshop — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Dive into creative writing with this workshop led by Author Niki Gjoni. All materials provided while supplies last. (Additional workshops April 9 — “The Missing Post Office” and on May 14 — “Say That Again.”) For grades 6-12.  301-600-7000. fcpl.org.

Frederick Filmmaker Meet Up — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Vanish, 1009 W Patrick St., Frederick. Monthly networking group meeting on the second Thursday of each month at locations in the Frederick area. Join the community to chat about your current and upcoming projects, scout talent for your team, and enjoy food and drink available for purchase from Vanish. Enter through 1065 W. Patrick St. fallingsquares@gmail.com.

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.

Family Fun: R.E.A.D. with WAGS for Hope — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Practice your reading skills with patient and adorable Reading Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) from WAGS for Hope! For children grade K-5. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

Community Art Night — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Join us for an evening of fun, as we celebrate Youth Art Month! Participate in a variety of hands-on art projects. View art displays, courtesy of Emmitsburg Elementary School, Art Adventures participants, and other community members. All ages. 301-600-6329. cdillman@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

“Peter Rabbit and the Secret Garden Gate” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A MET original. Step into a world of wonder, whimsy, and woodland mischief in this bold new re-imagining of Beatrix Potter’s beloved tale! “Peter Rabbit & The Secret Garden Gate” invites young audiences on a thrilling journey beyond the hedge, where gardens grow secrets, animals talk back, and even the smallest rabbit can change the world.

$17-$20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/ peter-rabbit-and-the-secret-garden-gate.

FILM

Wonder book Classic Film Series: “The Night of the Hunter” (1955) — 7:30 p.m. to at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. This film is a haunting American thriller that blends Southern Gothic atmosphere with expressionist style. Directed by Charles Laughton in his sole directorial effort, the film has since become a cult classic for its stark black-and-white cinematography and chilling performance by Robert Mitchum as a murderous preacher. A tale of innocence threatened by evil, the film explores themes of faith, greed and survival during the Great Depression, and is widely regarded as one of the most visually daring and influential films of its time. $7. 301-600-2868. dyoung@cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/the-night-of-thehunter-1955-movie/.

MUSIC

Dirk Quinn Band + Improvisation Workshop — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Carroll Com-

munity College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster. Dirk Quinn is the guitarist for the jazz-funk outfit that coincidentally bears his name. Based out of Philadelphia, the group travels extensively, boasting well over a decade of relentless performing. Alongside longtime members Rory Flynn (bass) and Cody Munzert (keys). He will give a free workshop at 3 p.m. March 12 at PNC Rehearsal Hall (Room T404). 410-386-8184. lslappy@carrollcc.edu. www.carrollcc.edu.

Jimmy Fortune in Concert — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Fortune toured, sang and performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years. He joined them first as a temporary replacement for Lew DeWitt, after DeWitt heard him singing at a ski resort and recommended him. Following an audition in Nashville, Jimmy was contacted by The Statler Brothers and performed his first show with them on Jan. 28, 1982, in Savannah, Ga. Tickets start at $49. 301-790-3500. boxoffice@mdtheatre.org. www.mdtheatre.org/jimmy-fortune.

Dirk Quinn Band + Improvisation Workshop — 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster. Dirk Quinn is the guitarist for the jazz-funk outfit that coincidentally bears his name. Based out of Philadelphia, the group travels extensively, boasting well over a decade of relentless performing. Alongside longtime members Rory Flynn (bass) and Cody Munzert (keys). He will give a free workshop at 3 p.m. March 12 at PNC Rehearsal Hall (Room T404). 410-386-8184. lslappy@carrollcc.edu. www.carrollcc.edu.

POLITICS

Historic Preservation Commission Hearing — 6 p.m. to at Municipal Annex Building, 140 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 301600-1831. cmartinkosky@cityoffrederickmd. gov. cityoffrederickmd.gov.

THEATER

“Small Mouth Sounds” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Six strangers find themselves at a silent retreat in the woods, each seeking connection while struggling with their own, silent, inner demons. Both awkwardly hilarious and strangely compassionate, “Small Mouth Sounds” asks how we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us. ASL interpreted performance Feb. 20. Performances through March 15. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/small-mouthsounds/.

Friday March 13

CLASSES

Annual Art Symposium: The Business of Art — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Building an artmaking business can be quite a challenge. How do you promote your artwork? Where can you find sources of funding? How do you protect your intellectual property? And how can you work efficiently both on creating artwork and managing a business? Explore where the creative and business worlds overlap. $50 members, $75 nonmembers. 301-698-0656. jclark@ delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/event/2026symposium/.

FCC Health Meets Food: Community Adult Beginner Series — 8 a.m. to noon at The Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. Join Frederick Community College’s Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute in this new community education class and get ready to cook healthy and delicious recipes, create healthy meals, eat on a budget, and plan for future culinary adventures! Discover cooking techniques based on Mediterranean Diet principles and prepare different recipes each week. Taught by HCTI with curriculum from the American College of Culinary Medicine. Pre-registration required, ages 16 and older.  240-629-7912. HCTI@frederick.edu. frederick.augusoft.net/info/landing/HCTICommunityEducation.

ETCETERA

Bites & Bevs — Frederick Restaurant Week — at Downtown restaurants and breweries, Frederick. During Week 1, March 2-8, restaurants will offer special prix fixed menus featuring new concepts. During Week 2, Collab Week, March 9-15, food and beverage establishments will join forces to present fun and unique offerings that put Downtown Frederick’s culinary and craft beverage scene in the spotlight! Visit downtownfrederick.org/bitsandbevs to see participating restaurants in each week. 301-698-8118. downtownfrederick.org.

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

info@veteranservicescenter.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events.

Memory Cafe — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Memory Cafe (ages 18 and older) is a safe and relaxed place where people with early-stage memory loss, their families, and friends can come together for social engagement. Anyone affected by early-stage memory loss is welcome to attend. Lunch is provided for free at each cafe. This program is provided in partnership with the Department of Aging and Independence and the Alzheimer’s Association. Pre-registration is required, register at least two days prior to cafe. To register, call 301-600-6022 or email

CaregiverSupport@FrederickCountyMD.gov. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/memory-cafe-180552.

Celebrate Becoming an Outdoors-woman Program Fundraiser — 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy. Sponsored by Friends of BOW. Funds raised through the event’s auctions and raffles go directly to funding workshops on outdoor skills for women — from fishing, archery and hunting to camping, mountain biking and hiking, and more! Ticket includes meal, open bar of Linganore wine and Red Shedman beer. Registration closes March 2, https://tinyurl. com/2azks4c7. $70. tinyurl.com/2azks4c7.

Bottle Shock Live in Concert — 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at rockwell brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. Doors open early, show starts at 7:30 p.m. You definitely don’t want to miss this band. These guys will put you straight in a great mood! A Top 40 pop/rock cover band that is known for a vibrant mix of dance favorites, funk and disco. All ticket sales go directly to the band. 18 and older.

$5. 240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery. com.

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.

Create a Leprechaun Trap — 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Elementary schoolaged children are invited to design and create a trap to catch that pesky Leprechaun! All materials and boxes will be provided, while supplies last.

301-600-1630. fcpl.org.

Black Out The Barn Basketball Game — 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Woodsboro Bank Arena, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Frederick’s very own professional basketball team is back on the court, taking on the Baltimore Rhythm. It’s a perfect, fun event for the entire family. Get your tickets to cheer on the Flying Cows. And don’t forget — it’s “Black Out the Barn” night, so arrive wearing black to make one unified color in the stands. Concessions available for purchase and free parking. $18 general, $10 per child. goflyingcows.com.

“Peter Rabbit and the Secret Garden Gate” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A MET original. Step into a world of wonder, whimsy, and woodland mischief in this bold new re-imagining of Beatrix Potter’s beloved tale! “Peter Rabbit & The Secret Garden Gate” invites young audiences on a thrilling journey beyond the hedge, where gardens grow secrets, animals talk back, and even the smallest rabbit can change the world.

$17-$20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/peter-rabbit-andthe-secret-garden-gate/.

MUSIC

Irish Happy Hour with Across the Pond — 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St ., Chambersburg, Pa. Celebrating the biggest holiday in March: St Patrick’s Day! With live music from Across the Pond, this will be the Celtic-jamboree you won’t want to miss! Featuring delicious Irish foods, Irish drinks, and much more! Purchase a table of 8 (must be reserved in advance) and invite your friends for a fun night! TABLES ONLY; no individual tickets available. 18 and older.

$150 for table of 8. 7172630202. vperry@ thecapitoltheatre.org. www.thecapitoltheatre.org/. Bluegrass Jam — 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville. Bluegrass is a music genre popularized by Bill Monroe and his band, the Blue Grass Boys. Acoustic instruments only, open to all levels of musicians and vocalists. Spectators welcome, food and sodas available for purchase. $5 donation at the door supports the Ruritan Club’s projects.  240-931-8305. mtpleasantruritan@gmail. com.

Faculty Recital: Clarinet + Clarinet = Clarinet! — 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Fred-

erick Community College Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Is it a bad idea to give a recital on Friday the 13th? Now is your chance to find out. FCC clarinet faculty Meredith Gersten and Dr. Mike Gersten join faculty pianist Dr. John Wickelgren for an eclectic evening of music for clarinet and bass clarinet. They’ll feature music by living composers as well as some classics, including a Felix Mendelssohn work written in exchange for steamed dumplings and sweet cheese strudel. Tickets are free, but reservation strongly encouraged. A $15 tax-deductible donation per person to the FCC Music Program encouraged. 301-846-2566. mgersten@frederick.edu. FCC2026FacultyRecitalClarinet.eventbrite. com.

THEATER

“Small Mouth Sounds” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Six strangers find themselves at a silent retreat in the woods, each seeking connection while struggling with their own, silent, inner demons. Both awkwardly hilarious and strangely compassionate, “Small Mouth Sounds” asks how we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us. ASL interpreted performance Feb. 20. Performances through March 15. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/small-mouthsounds/.

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” — 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at Performing Arts Factory, 244B S. Jefferson St., Frederick. Based on the 1955 Pulitzer Prize winning drama by Tennessee Williams, and set in the steamy Mississippi Delta of the 1950s, this show embodies themes of lust, greed, and jealousy, that remain relevant today.

$28 adults, $24 seniors and students, group rates $21. 240-457-8624. myriadesign@ gmail.com. othervoicestheatre.org.

That’s What She Said at MET Comedy Night — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. An all-female improv team. Specializing in long form improv, these ladies spin you a hilarious story. They start with inspiration from the women in your life and then they blend in funny stories of their own.

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

Saturday March 14

CLASSES

Fearless & Favored Women’s Conference — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walkersville Fire Hall, 79 W. Frederick St., Walkersville. Embracing faith in the face of failure, fear and forgiveness for a remarkable life. Join us for a gathering of women where you can connect with vendors, savor delicious bites and treats, and unwind as you listen to inspiring testimonies from our panel, sharing their testimonies from trials to triumph. Please note that due to the nature of some stories, this event is recommended for girls ages 16 and up.

$50. 301-246-0545. info@her-table.org. www.her-table.org/eventMarchconference.

Build Your Own Mushrooms Workshop

— 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Judd Homestead, 8955 Indian Springs Road, Frederick. You can grow delicious and nutritious culinary and medicinal mushrooms in your own landscape. Also, explore the diverse edible landscapes and food forests at the Judd Homestead, tour the Judd’s circular straw bale home to learn about natural building. Pre-registration required.

$75. 301-663-3416. arobinson@commonmarket.coop.

www.commonmarket.coop/classes-events/ grow-your-own-mushrooms-workshop-offsite-3/.

Rhythm of Belonging: Song Circle — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sol Yoga Earth Room, 256 West Patrick St., Frederick. Join Amanda Lucia in song and heart coherence, where music becomes a bridge for belonging. Together, we’ll explore medicine songs for Earth and collective liberation, guiding us into deeper connection with ourselves and one another. Through vocal toning, call-andresponse and improv layering, our voices will weave into a living, breathing tapestry.

$20-$40. amandaluciaart@gmail.com. linktr.ee/amandaluciaart.

ETCETERA

Bites & Bevs — Frederick Restaurant Week — at Downtown restaurants and breweries, Frederick. During Week 1, March 2-8, restaurants will offer special prix fixed menus featuring new concepts. During Week 2, Collab Week, March 9-15, food and beverage establishments will join forces to present fun

and unique offerings that put Downtown Frederick’s culinary and craft beverage scene in the spotlight! Visit downtownfrederick.org/bitsandbevs to see participating restaurants in each week. 301-698-8118. downtownfrederick.org.

Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser and Bake Sale — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 199 North Place, Frederick. Annual Youth Group fundraiser! Get ready for a fun-filled day of pickleball and delicious treats as we raise money to send our youth to camp this summer! Grab a partner or sign up solo, and let’s hit the courts for a friendly competition! All skill levels are welcome. Bake sale includes homemade goodies from cookies to cakes, there’s something for everyone. Pickleball sign-up: www.playtimescheduler.com. $25 suggested donation. 301-674-9073. s76howard@gmail.com. www.playtimescheduler.com/.

Quilting / Sewing Yard Sale — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clover Hill Clubhouse, 8122 Glendale Drive, Frederick. Books! Patterns! Thread! Notions! Rulers! Fabric, Fabric, Fabric! Clustered Spires Quilt Guild received many generous donations from our members and the community. Come early and shop all while supporting a local nonprofit. Please note that entry to the clubhouse requires climbing stairs; this location is not wheelchair accessible. Csqg@clusteredspiresquiltguild.org. www.clusteredspiresquiltguild.org.

“No Frills” Craft Day — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

at Brook Hill United Methodist Church, 8946 Indian Springs Road, Frederick. Bring whatever craft you would like to work on and join us for the day! You can bring your snacks, lunch and drinks. A refrigerator and microwave are available on site. The organizer, Shelley Freeze, is a scrapbook consultant, so some scrapbook supplies will be available for purchase. This is a fundraiser for the church, so your registration fee, goes towards missions in the community. Pre-register, 18 and older.

$25. 301-712-6759. shelleysscrapshack@ gmail.com.

www.shelleysscrapshack.com.

Annual Kegs & Eggs St Patrick’s Party — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockwell Brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. Are you ready to get lucky? Doors open at 10 a.m. — let’s get the party started early! King’s Island Boys live in concert, drink specials, giveaways, great crowd and more! No cover! All ages.

240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery.com.

Explore Volunteer Opportunities — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National Road Museum, 214 N. Main St., Boonsboro. Visit the museum and learn about the many opportunities to support the efforts of the National Road Heritage Foundation! Members of the museum leadership team will discuss the organization, and meet with volunteers who believe in our mission. No obligation to join, however interested individuals can sign up on the spot. 240-769-0898. Director@ NationalRdFoundation.org. nationalrdfoundation.org/event/volunteering-fair/.

Hagerstown Chapter, EGA Frederick Satellite Info & Stitch-in! — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. The Hagerstown Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America wants to expand into Frederick County! Please join us to discuss options for creating a Frederick satellite & for some stitching. 301-600-1613. darlene.11590@gmail.com.

An Afternoon with Puerto Rican Volleyball Legend Ariel Rodriguez — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Ariel Rodriguez, a legendary volleyball player for Los Patriotas de Lares and the Puerto Rican National Team, recently inducted into the Puerto Rican Volleyball Hall of Fame! Ariel will share stories from championship victories in Lares, representing Puerto Rico on the international stage, and reflecting on his career.  301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar. com.

Meet the Author: “Sundown Girls!” by L.S. Stratton — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Calling all young thriller readers! Stratton will discuss her new YA release, “Sundown Girls!” This thrilling story follows Naomi, a young teen who moves to a small town in Virginia with her family, only to find that the trauma of the past doesn’t stay hidden forever. Stratton will discuss her work with local author Charlene Thomas, then answer questions and sign books. Copies of “Sundown Girls” will be available for purchase. 301-600-7000.

Clutch the Future Purse Auction — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hood College, Coblentz Hall, 650 Blazer Trail, Frederick. When you attend this fundraising event hosted by Woman to Woman Mentoring, you’re doing more than bidding on beautiful purses and luxury experiences — you’re investing directly in the future of young women. It all supports Woman to Woman Mentoring, its mission, and the programs that empower women with the guidance, confidence and community they need to thrive.

$85. 240-608-2856. info@womantowomanmentoring.org. www.clutchthefuture.com.

UUCF Open Mic/Coffee House — 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Showcase your talent in a welcoming venue! Musicians, singers, storytellers and poets are all welcome! BYOB. Donations accepted but not required. 301-252-4960. carrollg007@gmail.com. www.frederickuu.org.

FAMILY

STEM Adventures — 10 a.m. to noon at Kiddie Academy of Urbana, 3401 Urbana Pike, Frederick. This free, hands on event is an opportunity for your young child to explore engaging STEM activities that spark curiosity and build confidence. Secure your spot at kiddieacademy.com/academies/urbana/ event/stem-adventures.

Revolutionary Homestead: Winter — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Conococheague Institute, 12995 Bain Road, Mercersburg, Pa. Revolutionary Homestead highlights how everyday lives were affected during one of the most formative periods in our history. Experience life as a frontier family in 1776 through engaging living history demonstrations and presentations. Learn about daily life during the American Revolution, including the crafts, culture, and chores that shaped the era. 717-328-2800. visit@cimlg.org. cimlg.org/.

Open House at Train Station/Museum — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Train Station, 6 Creagrtstown Road, Woodsboro. Learn about Woodsboro’s interesting past. View artifacts and photographs in our restored train station. Have fun interactions with local experts. 301-520-7154. rickbontz@yahoo.com. woodsborohistoricalsociety.org.

Curious Iguana Presents: YA Author L.S. Stratton — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Calling all young thriller readers! Curious Iguana is excited to welcome bestselling author L.S. Stratton to discuss her new YA release, “Sundown Girls”! This thrilling story follows Naomi, a young teen who moves to a small town in Virginia with her family, only to find that the trauma of the past doesn’t stay hidden forever. Stratton will discuss her work with local author Charlene Thomas, then answer questions and sign books. Copies of “Sundown Girls” will be available for purchase at the event. curiousiguanaevents@gmail.com. curiousiguana.com/event/stratton/.

Musical Instrument Bingo! — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Celebrate Music in

Our Schools Month! Discover the instrument families, while playing bingo with your own family, and earn some musical prizes! Age Groups: Elementary, all ages. 301-600-6329. MDeHart@frederickcountymd.gov. www.fcpl.org.

LIVE Series: Teelin Irish: Step Dance — 7 p.m. to at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Step Dance is a dynamic Irish fusion performance that combines the power of traditional Irish dance with the energy of live music. Featuring the award-winning Teelin Irish Dance Co., this production showcases both traditional steps and innovative choreography that have captivated audiences for years.

$35, $30, $25. 301-600-2868. dyoung@ cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbergcenter.org/shows/teelin-irishdance-step-dance/.

“Peter Rabbit and the Secret Garden Gate” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. A MET original. Step into a world of wonder, whimsy, and woodland mischief in this bold new re-imagining of Beatrix Potter’s beloved tale! “Peter Rabbit & The Secret Garden Gate” invites young audiences on a thrilling journey beyond the hedge, where gardens grow secrets, animals talk back, and even the smallest rabbit can change the world.

$17-$20. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/peter-rabbit-andthe-secret-garden-gate/.

FESTIVALS

HCC Alumni Association’s Annual Flower and Garden Show — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hagerstown Community College, ARCC Building, 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown. Continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 15. More than 130 exhibitors and vendors including nurseries, lawn and garden equipment, pottery, statuary, landscaping, tree services water ponds, wild bird products and much more. Seminars and demonstrations. Food available for purchase, garden-themed kids’ activities.

$5 adults, free ages under 12. 240-5002346. lsstewart@hagerstowncc.edu. hagerstowncc.edu.

GALLERY

March Madness Art Sale — noon to 5 p.m. at Eastside Artists’ Gallery, 313 E. Patrick St., Frederick. It’s a little wild, a little wonderful, and full of pieces just waiting to find their perfect home. From bold statement makers to sweet little treasures, this is your chance to scoop up art you adore at delightfully irresistible prices. 10% off everything in the gallery. Weekends through March. eastsidearts313@gmail.com. eastsideartistsgallery.com.

MUSIC

Celtic Harp — 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Enjoy the beautiful music of the Celtic harp. Harper Jim Dronenberg will play Irish music while sharing information with us about the Celtic harp and its music. 18 and older.

301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

Dawn of the 20th Century: Debussy, Beach & Sibelius — 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Step into the dawn of the 20th century, a time of innovation and artistic exploration. This program brings to life the dynamic sounds of a new era. $40. 301-797-4000. nlushbaugh@marylandsymphony.org.

“Joined in Joy” Concert presented by Spires Brass Band and The Frederick Chorale — 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at JB Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Also on March 15 at 3 p.m. Experience a musical event of pure enjoyment with beautiful music, moving vocals, and soaring brass lines as these two award-winning groups collaborate for the first time. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of these two groups together at last.Ticket on Eventbrite, or available at door 45 minutes prior to concert.    $25 adult, $5 student. Info@SpiresBrassBand.org. www.SpiresBrassBand.org.

Skillet w/ Special Guests The Protest — 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, W.Va. Skillet is one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century. The two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated, Pandora Billionaires Club members, and multi-platinum rockers have an undying spirit that has humbly asserted and affirmed them as one of this generation’s most successful rock acts. Ticket info online. www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/ entertainment.

PERFORMER

The Last Hurrah presents “Being Human” at MET Comedy Night — 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Rich and AJ are bringing new life to an old MET Comedy night favorite. They will host a surreal and strange talk show about what it means to be human, with the help of very special guests!  $15. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org.

ci.ovationtix.com/35900/production/1250434.

THEATER

Murder at Club Babalu — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 5 Willowtree Plaza #A1, Frederick. A Way Off Broadway special event! Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel find themselves in yet another sticky situation! Play armchair sleuth as your favorite ‘50s TV foursome take over the stage in a hilarious and exciting “mystery.” Preceded by dinner with a full cash bar available. 18 and older. One show only! $71. 301-662-6600. boxoffice@wayoffbroadway.com. www.wayoffbroadway.com/.

“Small Mouth Sounds” — 7:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Six strangers find themselves at a silent retreat in the woods, each seeking connection while struggling with their own, silent, inner demons. Both

awkwardly hilarious and strangely compassionate, “Small Mouth Sounds” asks how we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us. ASL interpreted performance Feb. 20. Performances through March 15. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/small-mouthsounds/.

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” — 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at Performing Arts Factory, 244B S. Jefferson St., Frederick. Based on the 1955 Pulitzer Prize winning drama by Tennessee Williams, and set in the steamy Mississippi Delta of the 1950s, this show embodies themes of lust, greed, and jealousy, that remain relevant today.

$28 adults, $24 seniors and students, group rates $21. 240-457-8624. myriadesign@ gmail.com.

othervoicestheatre.org.

Sunday March 15

CLASSES

Positive Childhood Experiences — 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 106 W. Church St., Frederick. Travis Walter, director of Crisis Services for the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, and a clinical social worker, will be the fourth speaker in our Lenten Rice Bowl Speaker Series. Travis will speak about the importance of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) to combat Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and promote resiliency in our young people today, helping them achieve their highest level of mental and emotional wellness. 18 and older.

609-781-4792. cabrogers624@gmail.com.

Understanding Your Long Term Care — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join the members from Assisting Hands for an educational program that explores the importance and ins and outs of Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance. They assist participants in better understanding their policies and to avoid common mistakes that can lead to denied claims or unused benefits. The presentation also highlights the critical role of having a Power of Attorney (POA) in place, as this person is often responsible for initiating claims when policyholders are most vulnerable. Following the session, attendees can schedule one-on-one policy reviews and receive a clear, easy-to-read report to ensure they and their families are prepared to access their coverage when it’s needed most. 18 and older. 301-600-7000.

Spring Cuisine: Buying, Foraging and Cooking Locally — 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Are you curious about where to find local vegetables? Join Danielle Disney from Moon Valley Farms in a discussion about growing food locally and how to incorporate natives like ramps and mushrooms into your spring cooking. 18 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

Flip Your Lawn To Attract Birds and Pollinators — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Explore how you can make a positive difference for birds, butterflies and other pollinators in your neighborhood by up-

grading a portion of your lawn from grass to native plants. Edamarie Mattei and Kris Colby of Backyard Bounty will share ideas about plant selection to transform your yard into a pollinator paradise. 18 and older. 301-600-7250. frederick.librarycalendar.com.

ETCETERA

Bites & Bevs — Frederick Restaurant Week — at Downtown restaurants and breweries, Frederick. During Week 1, March 2-8, restaurants will offer special prix fixed menus featuring new concepts. During Week 2, Collab Week, March 9-15, food and beverage establishments will join forces to present fun and unique offerings that put Downtown Frederick’s culinary and craft beverage scene in the spotlight! Visit downtownfrederick.org/ bitsandbevs to see participating restaurants in each week. 301-698-8118. downtownfrederick.org.

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

Frederick Sister Cities Association — 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Common Market Community Room, 927 W. Seventh St., Frederick. All are welcome to attend our monthly meeting. If you have German roots, are interested in Frederick’s German heritage, or are descended from founding families the Brunners or Schleys, please consider joining our group. 240-626-4640. Lmurbanowicz@ gmail.com.

fredericksistercitiesassociation.weebly. com/about-us.html.

Telebillies — 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cactus Flats, 10026 Hansonville Road, Frederick. Country music.

FAMILY

The Easter Bunny Is Hopping Into Frederick Airport — 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Frederick Municipal Airport NACC, 296 Bucheimer Road, Frederick. The Easter Bunny is making a special landing at Frederick Airport! Bring the family for a fun-filled morning with springtime activities and photo opportunities. webmaster@mid-atlantic99s.org. sugarloaf99s.org/product/easter-bunny-visit-2026-tickets/.

Meet the Easter Bunny at the Airport — 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Frederick Municipal Airport, 296 Bucheimer Road, Frederick. Someone special is flying into FDK! Bring the kids for a visit and photos with the Easter Bunny! Other activities include a flight simulator (child ride), drone cage, ride-on toy airplanes, STEM demos, and more. Only one ticket needed per family. Proceeds benefit the Sugarloaf Ninety-Nines Aviation Scholarship Fund. This is an indoor event. $9 per family.

EXHIBITS

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taught abstract painter, developed his artistic voice through lived experience and extensive travel, particularly in Italy and France. His work evolved from figurative beginnings into a deeply expressive abstract practice centered on gesture as its truest form. Hatfield’s paintings are held in significant collections worldwide. Opening reception 5-8 p.m. April 4. Gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 240-367-9770, nomagalleryfrederick. com.

”Emerging Perspectives Exhibition” — April 4-26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media. Juried exhibit highlights young adult artists and their

ARTISTS

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experiment in elevating the status of American art. Designed according to principles taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the building’s red brick façade and refined architectural details signaled professionalism and ambition. Inside were more than twenty studios of varying sizes, along with a grand exhibition gallery where artists could present their work to collectors, critics and the public. Contemporary observers celebrated the building as evidence of a growing cultural respect for art in America.

New York had become the center of the nation’s art world, and the Tenth Street Studio Building quickly emerged as its creative nucleus. Wealthy patrons attended receptions, critics visited studios and curious audiences experienced art in immersive settings unlike anything previously available in the United States. Artists not only painted there — they built careers, forged friendships and shaped the future of American culture.

Church was among the building’s most influential tenants. His success attracted an extraordinary community that included, in addition to Heade, Albert Bierstadt, Sanford Robinson Gifford and later Winslow Homer. Together, these artists transformed the building into what might be called the headquarters of the Hudson River School.

Visitors will also discover how artists at Tenth Street pioneered new ways of presenting art. Studios doubled as theatrical exhibition spaces, where dramatic lighting, elaborate frames and carefully staged interiors transformed viewing paintings into cultural events.

creative endeavors. Meet the artists 3-5 p.m. April 4.Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

Delaplaine Faculty Exhibition —

April 4-26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Works in a variety of media including painters, metalsmiths, photographers, sculptors and more. Meet the artists 3-5 p.m.

April 4. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

John Kachik: “Heroes in America” — April 4-26, Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. A collection of contemporary mixed media portraits of individuals from the worlds of entertainment, sports, politics, philanthropy, and service who have made a mark on modern American

history. Meet the artist 3-5 p.m. April 4. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 301-698-0656, delaplaine.org.

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

On view as part of “Kindred Spirits” in Hagerstown.

These “Great Picture Exhibitions” drew crowds that lined city streets, turning artists into public figures and redefining how audiences engaged with art.

The collaboration with Olana deepens this story. While Olana represents the culmination of Church’s artistic vision — a 250-acre designed landscape uniting art, architecture and environment — “Kindred Spirits” explores the earlier collaborative world that made such ambition possible. The installation considers how Church’s greatest achievement may not have been a single painting but the artistic

community he inspired.

As part of the global Frederic Church 200 initiative, the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts connects local audiences to an international celebration of creativity, exploration and environmental awareness. More importantly, it invites visitors to experience art as Church himself understood it: not as an isolated endeavor but as a shared pursuit shaped by dialogue, friendship and collective imagination.

The exhibition is on view at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown.

Make a Leprechaun Trap — noon to 1 p.m. at Catoctin Creek Nature Center, 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown. Frederick County Parks and Rec. is hosting a fun event for kids ages 4 to 7 to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day! Children will learn about a leprechaun’s likes and dislikes, then apply their knowledge to create a trap from recyclable materials, making their very own clever leprechaun trap. Register at https://bit.ly/ FCPRLeprechaunTrap.

$8 per child.

How To Festival — 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick. All ages can learn a new skill or discover a new hobby. From learning guitar to sewing to pickleball. Talk with local business owners about their craft or gather information from local organizations willing to share their inside secrets. https://loom.ly/ Ch7V1Cw. fcpl.org.

MAVFC Easter Egg Hunt — 1:30 p.m. to at Mount Airy Carnival Grounds, 1008 Twin Arch Road, Mount Airy. Bring a basket and show up ready to find all the plastic, pastel-colored eggs. The egg hunt is free, but consider making a donation to MAVFC.

FILM

Silent Film Series Double Feature: “Coney Island” (1917), “The Cook” (1918) — 3 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. at Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Celebrate the golden age of silent comedy with this special double feature. Enjoy the hilarious antics of Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle and Buster Keaton on the big screen — accompanied by a live Mighty Wurlitzer organ performance. Two short films, one unforgettable afternoon of slapstick and cinematic history. $15. 301-600-2868. dyoung@cityoffrederickmd.gov.

weinbergcenter.org/shows/coney-islandthe-cook-double-header/.

MUSIC

ELVIS in Concert —Tribute — 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater, 5 Willowtree Plaza #A1, Frederick. Way Off Broadway special event! Jeff Krick Jr. is one of America’s most successful and endearing “Elvis Tribute Artists.” Jeff has headlined cruise ships, numerous Elvis and music festivals, and has also performed as “The King” in Hawaii and Las Vegas. RSVP required. $71. 301-662-6600. boxoffice@wayoffbroadway.com. www.wayoffbroadway.com/.

Dawn of the 20th Century: Debussy, Beach & Sibelius — 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Step into the dawn of the 20th century, a time of innovation and artistic exploration. This program brings to life the dynamic sounds of a new era. $40. 301-797-4000. nlushbaugh@marylandsymphony.org.

Calvary UMC 2025-2026 Community Concert Series: Peter Dubois, Organist — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. Second St., Frederick. Concert organist Peter DuBois, director of music/organist emeritus at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, N.Y., and host/ producer of the nationally syndicated public radio program “With Heart and Voice” (www.

withheartandvoice.org) heard on more than 125 public radio stations across the U.S. 301-662-1464. jsummers@calvaryumc.org. www.CalvaryUMC.org/concerts.

“Joined in Joy” Concert presented by Spires Brass Band and The Frederick Chorale — 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at JB Kussmaul Theater, Frederick Community College, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Also on March 15 at 3 p.m. Experience a musical event of pure enjoyment with beautiful music, moving vocals, and soaring brass lines as these two award-winning groups collaborate for the first time. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of these two groups together at last.Ticket on Eventbrite, or available at door 45 minutes prior to concert.    $25 adult, $5 student. Info@SpiresBrassBand.org. www.SpiresBrassBand.org.

U.S .Army Chorus — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Chapel at United Lutheran Seminary, 147 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, Pa. Patriotic concert. 717-339-1334. info@musicgettysburg.org. www.musicgettysburg.org.

RECREATION

Shamrock Stampede Basketball Game — 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Woodsboro Bank Arena, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick. Frederick’s Flying Cows basketball team will be taking on the New York Phoenix. This Shamrock Stampede-themed game will be a “Green Out” meaning spectators are encouraged to wear green. Grab your tickets and cheer on the team.

$18 general, $10 child. goflyingcows.com.

THEATER

“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” — 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Performing Arts Factory, 244B S. Jefferson St., Frederick. Based on the 1955 Pulitzer Prize winning drama by Tennessee Williams, and set in the steamy Mississippi Delta of the 1950s, this show embodies themes of lust, greed, and jealousy, that remain relevant today.

$28 adults, $24 seniors and students, group rates $21. 240-457-8624. myriadesign@ gmail.com. othervoicestheatre.org.

“Small Mouth Sounds” — 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Six strangers find themselves at a silent retreat in the woods, each seeking connection while struggling with their own, silent, inner demons. Both awkwardly hilarious and strangely compassionate, “Small Mouth Sounds” asks how we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us. ASL interpreted performance Feb. 20. Performances through March 15. $36. 301-694-4744. contact@marylandensemble.org. marylandensemble.org/small-mouthsounds/.

Monday March 16

CLASSES

2026 Frederick School of Religion — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of Frederick (UUCF) , 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Convenes for its 42nd year. The School is an ecumenical teaching organization that provides a ‘Learning for Life’ experience. Courses will cover a broad range of topics appealing to diverse faith groups. The courses take place on Monday and Tuesday afternoons and evenings from March 16 through April 21. For ages 21 and older. $35 each course. 240-651-1865. ml.blessing@comcast.net. www.frederickschoolofreligion.org. World War II in Cartoons and Magazines — 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Join us for an evening of World War II era cartoons, comics and magazines, and learn how American superheroes, cartoon soldiers, and even Dr. Seuss joined the fight. 301-600-7000.

ETCETERA

Rise N’ Rally — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Start Mondays off strong with coffee and breakfast; sponsored by Black Rifle Coffee Co. — Fueling Active Duty, Veterans, LEOs, & First Responders. “Grab & Go” or stay and hang out with other Military, LEOs, & First Responders. katie@reforgeunited.org. www.reforgeunited.org/vsc.

Duplicate Bridge Pairs Games — noon to 4 p.m. at Church of the Transfiguration Memorial Hall, 6909 Maryland Ave., Braddock Heights. Looking for a competitive mind sport? Frederick Bridge Club’s ACBL sanctioned duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and meet other bridge enthusiasts. All are welcome. We host Pairs Games ($8) weekly on Monday (299 Limit and Open) and Thursday (Open). If you need a partner or want to brush up your skills, contact Membership Chair, Maria, at frederick@bridgewebsemail.com or check out our website. $8. frederick@bridgewebsemail.com. www.bridgewebs.com/frederick/home.html.

Thurmont Ministerium Lenten Series — 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thurmont Church of the Brethren, 14 N. Altamont Ave., Thurmont. Lenten Service. Topic: “Through Jesus failure, doubt and worry don’t have the final say.” 301-712-5356. thurmontfoodbank@ gmail.com. thurmontministerium.org.

FAMILY

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. frederick.librarycalendar.com/event/baby-storytime-190574.

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.

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

Tuesday March 17 CLASSES

Military & Veteran Resume 101 Class — 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Start the new year with a resume refresh! The NEW Military, Veteran, and First Responder focused “Resume 101” class at the Veteran Services Center! Classes facilitated by seasoned Strategic Resume Writers and former Transition Assistance Program (TAP) counselors. After each class, if your questions aren’t answered or you want more personalized resume attention, you can schedule one on one meetings with the VSC Career Coaches! Register today, seats will be filling fast! nina.willson@gimv.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events/. Cooking & Eating on a Budget: University of MD Extension Program — 11 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Senior Center, 300A S. Seton Ave., Unit 8, Emmitsburg. Seniors: Explore tips and tricks to stretch your food dollars to make healthy and affordable food choices. Presenter is Joi Vogin, MS LDN, Frederick County Cooperative Extension Service educator. Free, but pre-registration required. 301-600-6350. virtualseniorcenter@frederickcountymd.gov. frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50-Community-Centers.

ETCETERA

Winterwear Collection for Ukraine Soldiers At The Front — 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Emmitsburg Town Offices and EOPCC, 5 S. Seton Ave. and 121-123 W. Main St., Emmitsburg. Continues through March. Needed are men’s and women’s insulated shoe insoles, winterweight jackets, pants and socks, and new underwear plus tinned or enveloped meat, tuna and sweets, tourniquets and bandages, basic hygiene supplies. Sponsored by Emmitsburg-Lutsk, Ukraine Sister Cities Committee. 301-447-2690. cathybodin34@gmail.com. St Patrick’s Day Party with That Raucous Crew — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at rockwell brewery, 8411 Broadband Drive, Frederick. That Raucous Crew Irish Band is back! Stop in and raise a proper pint among friends! Slainte! No cover. 18 and older. 240-575-9755. info@rockwellbrewery.com.

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.

St. Patrick’s Day Craft — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Dancing Bear Toys and Games, 15 E. Patrick St., Frederick. We will make tissue paper shamrocks. Free and open to all (while supplies last)! Intended for children of all ages. Parent/guardian supervision is required.

301-631-9300. info@dbeartoys.com. dbeartoys.com/event/st-patricks-day-craft/.

Greetings Adventurers! Role Playing Games Club (ages 11-18) — 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Dive into the world of Table-Top Role Playing Games! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new recruit, you’ve got a spot at our table. Pull up a chair as we fight monsters on bikes or perform a daring heist while being a hungry bear. For teens in grades 6-12. 301-600-7000.

Let’s Plant Seeds (Ages 9-18) — 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Learn the process for starting seeds indoors, how to transplant seedlings and the journey a seed will take until it’s ready to plant in the garden. Plant flower, vegetable and herb seeds and make pollinator pods.  301-600-6329.

TStevens@FrederickCountyMD.gov. www. fcpl.org.

Wednesday March 18

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.

ETCETERA

Drumming: Feel the Beat — An Adult Adaptive Program — 11 a.m. to noon at Emmitsburg Branch Library, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg. Let the rhythm move you! Join us for an interactive drum session where you’ll feel the beat, learn about drums, and become part of the music. All adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers are invited to this program. 18 and older.

301-600-6329. TStevens@FrederickCountyMD.gov. www.fcpl.org.

March Girls Nite Out with Sass Magazine — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Frederick Social, 50 Citizens Way, Frederick. Celebrating the release of our newest issue with an evening

of connection, community and fun. Mix and mingle with smart and savvy women, meet the ladies behind Sass Magazine, and enjoy a night built for networking and celebration! Popup vendors, browse our merch table, and connect with other fabulous women in our community — all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Lite fare and a print copy of our latest LOVE issue included with your ticket. Cash/card bar available. 21 and older, RSVP required. $25. 301-992-1594. shaylynn@sassmagazine.com. sassmagazine.com/event/2026-march-girlsnite-out-with-sass-magazine/.

Curious Iguana Presents: Bestselling Author Erik Larson — 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Evangelical Reformed Church United Church of Christ, 15 W. Church St., Frederick. New York Times bestselling author Erik Larson will discuss his bestseller, “The Demon of Unrest.” Following his talk, Erik will answer questions and sign books. Copies of “The Demon of Unrest” and additional backlist titles will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets are required for this event. $25-$40. curiousiguanaevents@gmail.com. tinyurl.com/29pusrnb.

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.

Thursday March 19 CLASSES

Senior Cafe: Estate Planning — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. The place to come for coffee, conversation, friendship and fun events! Take control of your financial future with guidance from Attorney Sean O’Keefe. Whether you’re just starting to think about long-term planning or looking to refine an existing strategy, come learn some of the essential steps to building a secure, well structured plan for your life, and your loved ones. 21 and older. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

Military & Veteran Resume 101 Class — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Veterans Service Center, 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick. Start the new year with a resume refresh! The NEW Military, Veteran, and First Responder focused “Resume 101” class at the Veteran Services Center! Classes facilitated by seasoned Strategic Resume Writers and former Transition Assistance Program (TAP) counselors. After each class, if your questions aren’t answered or you want more personalized resume attention, you can schedule one on one meetings with the VSC Career Coaches! Register today, seats will be filling fast! nina.willson@gimv.org. veteranservicescenter.org/events.

120+ fibery vendors

Kids Zone from 11am-2pm

Local Food Trucks

Wine, beer and spirit tastings

Plant Sale from 8am-1pm by the Frederick County Master Gardeners Find